Code 13 by Don Brown Page A

technology and cost-efficient computer systems allow his company to provide the aircraft to the Navy for “pennies on the dollar in comparison to the original cost of the first-generation drone aircraft. It was a matter of time before technological improvement allowed us to build these drones cheaper than the cost of the average car.”
    â€œ ‘According to one Pentagon official, who asked not to be identified, the drones will provide surveillance within the coastal areas of the United States, which includes the areas just inland from the coast, and will contain a dual capability of stopping and preventing terror attacks against the homeland. The drones will share vital information with the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration about illegal drug smuggling into the country.’ ”
    Vinnie looked down at Phil, his eyes peering over his reading glasses. “That ain’t good, boss. All them drones could make it difficult on our maritime fleet bringing the stuff in from Colombia.”
    â€œNo kiddin’ it ain’t good. You know, I underestimate you sometimes, Vinnie.”
    Vinnie laid the paper down on Phil’s desk. “Man. We’re gonna have to go up on our prices.”
    â€œWhat do you mean ‘go up on our prices’?”
    The buffoon’s eyes sparkled as if he’d just discovered the Pythagorean theorem or something. “You know what I mean, boss. I’m talking increased prices for tip money to keep our operation going. You know, like we do with TSA and DEA and border patrol. Simple, boss. We just raise the price on the streets and we’re good to go. Seems simple enough. Like a value-added tax or somethin’.”
    â€œOn second thought, I take it back about underestimating you.”
    â€œWhat do ya mean, boss? We’ve got all kinds of federal agents on the take. Won’t be the first time the government’s come up with a dumb idea. Won’t be the last.”
    â€œSit down, Vinnie.”
    â€œSure, boss.”
    â€œLook, Einstein,” Phil said as his bug-eyed protégé put his skinny backside in the wooden chair on the other side of the desk. “I know we got all kinds of feds on the take.”
    â€œNot just feds.” Vinnie smirked. “State and local cops too. That’s my baby, ya know.”
    â€œYeah, yeah, I know. Your job is coordinating payments to make sure law enforcement stays on the take. I hate to compliment you, but you ain’t done such a bad job of it.
    â€œBut, Vinnie.” Phil stopped to strike up a cigarette, which he switched to because he suddenly needed a stronger nicotine kick than the cigars would give him, then inhaled a quick, satisfying drag. “We ain’t talkin’ about the FBI or the TSA here. We’re talkin’ about the U.S. military. And there ain’t no way we can bribe the U.S. military. You can’t even get to ’em, let alone bribe ’em. The military, they’re a different breed. They ain’t like these federal bureaucrats or these federal agents. You can’t get to ’em.”
    Phil narrowed his eyes and sucked more nicotine into his lungs. “The military, I’m tellin’ ya, Vinnie. I tried once with an Army colonel years ago. They’re the only ones who still believe in this God-and-country and Constitution stuff. Sometimes they get out of the military, and occasionally you might get to one who became disillusioned or something like that. But when they wear that uniform, most of ’em believe in God-and-country, and you can’t turn their heads. No matter how much money you wave at ’em.”
    A confused look crossed Vinnie’s face. “You’re saying it’s too expensive to get some officers on the take?”
    â€œWhat I’m saying is they can’t be bought. And even if we could buy off some naval officer here or there, there are too many of ’em. It