Seero

The U.S. faces an unusual crisis. It must respond to terrorist’s demands, or one of its allies will suffer crippling damage. Alternative actions have been considered but rejected as too dangerous or misguided. There is only one trusted person who might provide the needed wisdom and foresight to avoid this calamity. It wouldn’t be the first time that World Leaders have turned to this woman for guidance. That is SeerO.

What is this terrorist threat exactly - and who or what is SeerO? Answers to these questions require some background.

Seven years ago, the dominant companies in the U.S. offering products, services and information by computer or phone - Google, Amazon and Apple - were forced to split up by a liberal government. These actions were taken to stop alleged monopolistic practices.

A new company, Rextrak, was formed to acquire business spin-offs of these disassembled conglomerates. Not for the first time in business history, Rextrak itself soon became the dominant monopolist of all business activities previously deemed illegal. Recently hired to head up this Goliath-sized company as CEO was Ezra Fisher, known as a trailblazer for having breathed life into several under-performing Fortune 500 companies. He wasn’t particularly a numbers guy or a technology whiz, though more than competent in these areas. Rather, Ezra was renowned in the business world for being a visionary. The Board of Directors believed there was a need to shape Rextrak into a powerhouse that would retain its ubiquitous market dominance far into the future.

Aside from his business successes, Ezra was a hot item in the media. Tall, with longish dark hair and rugged features, he was often pictured climbing challenging mountains or surfing in exotic places. And always accompanied by beautiful women.

The three former top companies had their own Artificial Intelligence created female voices for computer interactions: Google Assistant; Alexa; Siri. One way or another, these voice assistants reached over 50% of the world’s computer users.

Ezra had a grander idea. He believed it essential to create a single representative voice for Rextrak. This wouldn’t be just a spokesperson such as Charlton Heston promoting the NRA or Ronald Reagan speaking for General Electric. He envisioned instead finding a unique individual whose appearance and voice could serve to both symbolize, humanize and… in a way become Rextrak - for both its advertising image and for all of its voice assisted services. The trademark protected name of “SeerO” had been chosen for this contemplated character to infer sensitivity, wisdom and some air of mystery.

A nationwide search was conducted for an intelligent, attractive woman with a particularly distinctive voice. Eighty percent of the time a caller would be computer profiled in advance. So, SeerO’s voice would be moderated to be the most compelling for the identified kind of caller –

somewhat slower and reassuring for a senior; youthful and hip for a young person; a slightly sexy edge for guys, southern accent, and the like.

Interviews were conducted nationwide. A good prospect was found. Sandra Cummings was a single twenty-four-year old graduate of UCLA, living in Los Angeles. Seemingly a girl-next-door type pretty blonde, she was currently employed as assistant editor of a small publishing company. As a part time job, she had also done voiceover roles for various foreign films. Her natural voice was sweet without being cloying and was definitely unlike any other - a rare quality found in certain actors such as Cher, Morgan Freeman, or Lauren Bacall. Their voices were somehow captivating. A background check did not uncover any disabling facts about Sandra. She displayed a pleasant personality and modest feminine manner. There would seem to be no risk to Rextrak of a prima donna here. Sandra gave assurance that there was no complicating romantic interest in her life.

Following completion of the screening, she was prepared by the Marketing Department to appear as perhaps the very ethereal vision Ezra was seeking. Her natural golden looks were accentuated by a diaphanous outfit as might be designed for a Hollywood-portrayed earth goddess. She smiled at Ezra enigmatically and confidently. Her striking voice was the clincher. He was instantly attracted to her as he believed others would be as well. She was chosen on the spot to be the One… SeerO.

Ezra later explained the prerequisites for the role she would play. “Sandra, there could not be a greater opportunity for you, but it comes with strict demands. You must agree to always be SeerO to our public. You will always dress and be styled in this fashion looking different enough from your real self. Information regarding your personal life must be kept strictly confidential. Given all that, are you ready to be this mythical person… with a handsome salary, of course?”

“I would be honored and thrilled to be the voice and image of Rextrak. I appreciate your confidence in me, Mr. Fisher.”

“Oh please, Sandra, or should I better say SeerO, there will be no formalities between us. I’m just Ezra to you.”

-

SeerO began her role. It wasn’t easy work, but was fun and exhilarating. She was thrilled to hear her voice artificially multiplied by the millions. Questions to Rextrak’s omniscient search engine were answered by SeerO’s AI manipulated voice. She appeared in all ads and was cooperative with the company in every possible way. In her first year, the added benefit to Rextrak of incorporating SeerO into its ads and computer communications was confirmed by polling. It was discovered that people felt not just a functional, but also a personal, connection with this character. SeerO began to receive messages directed to her individually. Rextrak considered this as positive evidence of humanizing its corporate identity. Staff was set up to handle such communications and nurture her social media presence.

Not content with SeerO being limited to English-speaking countries, Sandra’s essential voice was converted into a multitude of other languages. The number of her Facebook followers

exploded to some seventy-five million, on a level with the most popular celebrities. Ezra, management, and shareholders of Rextra were exceptionally pleased with their marketing golden girl.

Ezra invented business reasons for having private meetings with Sandra. This evolved into regular secretive trysts, with intense romantic feelings… at least on his part. He relished the experience of penetrating her SeerO façade, which he had himself imagined, to obtain intimacy with the Sandra beneath. Unlike his many other romantic experiences, Ezra didn’t feel in control of the situation.

-

Before proceeding further, the reader needs to know the real Sandra. She was not, in fact, the sunny, well-dispositioned girl that Ezra and his staff believed her to be.

After Sandra’s father disappeared when she was just a bright eight-year old, Sandra and her mother at times had to live on the streets. The one objective then was survival. Sandra was encouraged to use her adorably innocent appearance to encourage donations from strangers. It was a lesson that stuck. Later on, even after her Mother had remarried and a stable home was provided, she continued to use her looks and perceptive talents to get her way. Change a B+ to an A, the teacher could be influenced. Be caught shoplifting, convince the security guard it was just a mistake. Win the heart of the dreamboat in high school… easy… just to later drop him. For she had no hankering for romance. Even as a teenager she didn’t have conventional interests, tastes, or morals for that matter. She was at her core a selfish taker in dramatic contrast to her angelic looks and gentle voice.

-

In the final few months of the contract with Rextrak, Sandra met with Colin Janus, Senior V.P. of Marketing. Ezra had chosen not to attend.

Colin began, “We’ve had two great years together, Sandra. SeerO has had a positive impact on our business internationally. It is time for us to enter into a new contract. We will be providing you a higher salary that equals that of company Vice Presidents. How about that as a show of confidence? The contract would also address some enhancements to the SeerO marketing model.”

“I’m listening,” said Sandra, but with a new tone of decisiveness and perhaps resistance.

“We would in no way wish to diminish the role of SeerO. However, research indicates that there are some limits to the appeal of your character. Specifically, there are information and product areas for which a male voice might be more persuasive to callers and consumers. We would seek your help in shaping this parallel character to be most effective. Can we count on your support for this?” He looked optimistically at Sandra for her response.

She didn’t hesitate. “No.”

“Is that no to the compensation increase, or no to the SeerO male counterpart?”

“Both,” she crisply replied.

Taken aback, Colin attempted a more nuanced approach. “Of course, the male character would be only used selectively. You would remain the enduring image and voice of the Company.”

“I wouldn’t accept this. It’s a dumb idea. A female voice, my voice, is the best choice for the Company image, search and product inquiries. I must ask: Did Ezra sign off on these plans?”

Colin responded, “Yes, he did, though with reluctance. Listen, there are a number of other such changes specified in our new contract. However, if this is an indication of your attitude about the continuing arrangement, perhaps we’d be wasting our time discussing this. We can find another SeerO, you know. You are very replaceable.”

Sandra answered firmly. “You’re wrong about that. I have my finger on the pulse of SeerO’s many devoted friends and followers around the world. She is Rextrak to millions of customers and users. Additionally, however, she has developed her own identity which has an independence from Rextrak. Go on – attempt a replacement. News and social media will have a field day describing how Rextrak canned their revered SeerO. I can readily engage in new alliances with competitors. There is no point in talking further unless I am present as a respected partner. Good day, Colin.” She got up and left.

Colin reported this back to Ezra. “What kind of Frankenstein have we created?”

Two days later another meeting was held. Attending were Ezra, Colin and the Rextrak’s General Counsel. Sandra also brought a champion, attorney Gerry Ryan – a friend from early school days who had become a well-known and combative plaintiff’s counsel.

Ezra began in a genial manner. “Let’s hope the presence of our attorneys will serve to expedite rather than aggravate our reaching agreement. As a gesture of good faith, I’ve agreed that the idea for a male version of SeerO will be tabled unless and until such time as we might influence your buy-in to the idea.”

Sandra smiled. “A nice and appreciated gesture, Ezra. At a heated moment in the last meeting I was advised that the presented new contract would have to be accepted by me… or else. In response to this, I have an ultimatum for Rextrak. Unless you agree to my new terms, I will part from the Company. There would be numerous other opportunities available to me.”

Rextrak’s General Counsel answered sullenly. “We’re willing to hear you out.”

Turning to her attorney, Sandra asked, “Gerry, give them the basics, will you?”

He began. “There would be some departures from the expiring contract. Sandra, as SeerO, would remain as the sole person to act as spokesperson and voice assistant for Rextrak. Next, with the SeerO identity having taken on a separate reality beyond its association with Rextrak, she wants a license to also use the name for her own purposes. This would be strictly limited to non-profit activities compatible with retaining the positive SeerO image. Finally, she expects to have her importance to the Company acknowledged - to be treated more as a partner than a subservient employee.”

Ezra interjected. “That was never our intention. We’ve always had the greatest respect for you, Sandra.”

She smiled wryly. “Dear Ezra, I seek equality, not paternalism. Proceed Gerry, please.”

Gerry continued. “As recognition of her contribution, she would receive an increase in pay to $2,000,000 per year. This represents less than one-half of 1% of current annual income now generated by the Rextrak businesses represented by SeerO. There would be an expectation that this amount would be adjusted over time using this same measure.”

The General Counsel burst out: “The nerve! Do you really believe you can blackmail the company into paying this outrageous amount? Why, that would be almost as much as Ezra receives as our CEO. Listen, young lady, Rextrak is one of the most dominant companies in the world. You are nothing but a voice for hire - a marketing device that can be discarded. What has given you the preposterous idea that you can dictate terms to us?”

Gerry angrily rose from his seat to respond, “Why, you pompous ass…”

He was cut off by Sandra raising her hand and speaking unemotionally. “It’s a question of leverage, Counsel. I have it. Finally, I’ve provided that the contract would be terminable at any time by either party. This is because it is premised on the understanding that Rextrak and myself as SeerO will continue to need each other for our mutual benefit. You’d best confer with Ezra and Colin here before you bluster on.”

Ezra spoke up. “There is no reason for unpleasantness. We will review and discuss this submitted contract. Then we can meet again to negotiate final terms.”

Sandra rose from her seat. “Ezra, Colin, we’ve enjoyed a productive relationship up to now. I like and respect you both. However, my proposed terms are not negotiable. You can take it or leave it.”

Colin had a parting question. “What happened to that sweet girl we were so fond of?”

Sandra answered icily, “You didn’t know her. I honored the two-year contract and acted the person the company needed me to be. This is who I am. Let’s make this arrangement pay off for all of us. C’mon Gerry, they need some time to confer.” Sandra and Gerry left the room.

Rextrak management ultimately, though begrudgingly, concluded that the terms posed by Sandra would be acceptable. After all, if her involvement ceased to be productive, Rextrak could end the arrangement. Ezra recognized the irony that Rextrak had given life to this female warrior who had become such a boon to their business. All things considered, though, she was their warrior. No competitor had such a marketing weapon.

Other consequences followed Sandra’s new assertiveness. She declined further clandestine meetings with Ezra. He urged her to reconsider, declaring his loving feelings. He was about to even propose that they enter a committed relationship when she shushed him.

“Ezra, you dreamed up SeerO and created this marvelous life for me. We’ve had invigorating times together.”

He uttered a wry laugh. “Sandra, I get the strong sense that you have used me.”

Responded Sandra, “And vice versa. Still, your business has boomed, and you’ve become even richer because of me.”

In the following several years, SeerO’s voice and image continued to pay huge dividends for Rextrak. Sandra prospered proportionately.

-

Dear Reader, you already know that this does not end the story. For Sandra had even greater ambitions. SeerO had become the overwhelmingly accepted computer voice and a remarkably respected individual. Callers looked to her for answers, for facts, for the truth. She was trusted, as no other person in this time of fake news and political division. So, Sandra mused, why not have the honored and wise SeerO just herself give advice, offer opinions, provide predictions? The prospects of such an ambitious extension were enhanced because SeerO was not thought of, exactly, as a regular person with a personal history and inevitable flaws. She was considered instead by her millions of followers and admirers as a kind of Truth-Teller and Predictor.

Needing a sounding board for this ambitious scheme, she turned to Gerry.

He offered this. “I get what you’d like to do. No doubt your faithful supporters could be influenced to buy into this enlightened and almost deified character. But it raises two questions. Are you going to fund this new venture yourself? And if not, then how, considering that it has to be a non-profit activity?”

“That’s easily answered, I believe. Anyone seeking advice or predictions would be encouraged, but not officially required to make a voluntary contribution – a gift. You’ve told me about how non-profits can retain this status even while actually using funds for a multitude of personal needs – home, travel, art works, etcetera.”

“Sandra, you’re way ahead of me and quite right on all counts. Here’s the second question though: You’re going to be giving opinions and making projections. Won’t the credibility of SeerO take a hit every time she is mistaken? Wouldn’t it be like handicappers selling their predictions of winning horse races? With bad picks, customers don’t return.”

“Ah, yes Gerry, that’s where ancient history and modern religion provide answers. You’ll be surprised to hear that my model for this entire idea is Pythia, considered the oracle of the God Apollo in 1400 BC. From her location at Delphi, Greece, her prophecies were sought by kings and generals alike as guides for their difficult decisions.”

Gerry looked skeptical. “So how did she remain believable when some of her divinations inevitably proved to be completely wrong?”

“Well, my friend, that’s the beautiful con. Her answers were famously ambiguous and capable of multiple meanings. When resolving a dispute, each side could find in her words an answer that favored them.”

“I suppose politicians today often try to do the same thing when trying to satisfy voters on both sides of an issue.”

“Well, sure. However, SeerO will receive the benefit of any doubt because of her perceived honesty, goodness and wisdom.”

“Uhhh…excuse me, my clever Sandra. We’ve been long time friends. So, I know your personal history is seriously blemished. I know you have at times been dishonest, mean, and vindictive. Maybe even criminal for all I know. You may look and sound in every respect like America’s sweetheart, but your past indicates the opposite is the case. Don’t take offense please.”

“Gerry, what you say is absolutely true. In fact, I’ve done so many worse things that you don’t know about. However, the many transgressions have made me tougher, adaptable, and capable of accomplishing anything I aim for in this world.”

-

As a preliminary step toward the goal of being accepted as the wise solver of problems, Sandra started the Ask SeerO radio show.

To Marla, wondering whether having a child would remedy a struggling marriage:

“Children can be a blessing. But just as a bandage will not by itself cure a bullet wound, a dear child’s presence won’t convert a loveless marriage.”

To Victor, a baker asking if he should refuse to bake cakes with offensive messages:

“It’s your choice to make. Consider though that you are not sharing these beliefs, just preparing a treat. Would a carpenter refuse to make repairs to the house of a segregationist? Probably not. Just doing his job.”

To Janet, a married woman contemplating an affair:

“Think of it in practical terms. It would probably be transitory. Would the fleeting stimulation be worth the possibility of breaking up your family? Tamper down the arousal and weigh the risk.”

It might appear as just another version of the Dear Abby type of show that had appeared in newspapers and entertained readers for generations. This was different. SeerO was not thought of as just another psychologist doling out advice. She was increasingly believed to be some sort of earth goddess dispensing wisdom. The show was quickly a hit with an exploding number of listeners and substantial donations pouring in.

The next step was the creation of learned articles on a range of important subjects, to be included in respected publications. Sharon proceeded to do this by co-authoring numerous articles and several books on subjects including world affairs, science, technology and more. Experts would be well-compensated to do the writing and confirm that it was a joint effort. Before long she had established a reputation as an expert on a range of important topics.

-

It became time for the last giant step: seeking world renown as the modern equivalent of the Oracle at Delphi. Sandra appraised SeerO’s current status as this: Trusted due to her being Rextrak’s Google-like source of facts; Popular with her many millions of adoring fans – exceeding the following of even Oprah Winfrey; Insightful as a result of her counseling callers on the radio show; Wise due to her published works.

She at last felt ready to launch The SeerO Consult, making herself available on a very selective basis for consultation with the world’s political and business leaders. Her services were expensive, though payments were feigned to be voluntary contributions. SeerO might be called upon to give counsel regarding social issues, dispute resolutions, or matters of State. Of greatest value would be her predictions regarding the future consequences of an action being considered.

The SeerO Consult was soon a tool widely used internationally. All sessions were strictly confidential, so few examples can be disclosed. Just know that some of the thornier conflicts of our time were addressed in these consultations: prospects for a promising vaccine; a major city in the U.S. contemplating bankruptcy; peace in the Middle East.

-

Knowing the history just recited, we can finally return to the national crisis referred to at the outset of this story. A conference call was set up with the U.S.’s President, Secretary of Defense, and Secretary of State.

The threat could not be plainer. A terrorist group has succeeded in obtaining an atomic bomb. Their demand is for all U.S troops to promptly withdraw from the Middle East or… in a perverse twist… they will unleash it on a U.S. ally. This time the threat is for real – they are not bluffing. An 80% risk assessment has been made that they have a missile with a range inadequate to threaten the U.S., but fully capable of reaching a major allied country - England, Israel, Germany, France.

The Secretary of Defense declared the status. “No perfect solution is possible. Even if their demands were met in exchange for their agreement to hand over the bomb, they could not be trusted to do this. They are fanatical and resolute in the pursuit of their cause.”

The President addressed SeerO, “We’ve talked this to death and remain stumped how to handle the situation. As a final resort, we look to you, as a detached source of wisdom and foresight.”

After hearing the preliminary remarks, SeerO spoke in her cryptic manner: “I understand that underlying the actions of these terrorists is a seething anger toward the West. The greatest remedy for anger is delay. Where a course of action is clear, delay is both foolish and hazardous, where it is obscured, delay might provide both wisdom and safety. Distraction can be a killer of the most determined plans. Perhaps the terrorists might be influenced to take their eyes off their bombing by attention given to lesser things.”

The Secretary of State chimed in, “Stalling any calamitous action is certainly a preferred approach. It’s a good tactic in hostage situations – which, on a grand scale, I suppose we’re facing. But an explanation must always be given for the delay.”

SeerO responded, “That is true, with the best excuse being one that would feed the intents and fantasies of this terrorist group. What is their core motivation?

The President stated with assurance, “It would have to be removing all Western presence and cultural influences from their lands.”

“Given that, could we not propose something radically different that seems responsive to their mission? Defy their expectations by offering an incentive which not only seizes them, but which they would seize.”

The Secretary of State was motivated by these words. “That gives me an idea. Maybe our proposal could be to hold a world forum allowing the terrorists to express their aspirations and grievances? It might buy precious time to defuse the crisis at least in the short term.”

The President interjected, “That approach might just work. SeerO, I had reservations about consulting with you. However, your insights have been constructive and useful for how to deal with this confrontation. Thank you.”

“My honor to be of service, Mr. President.”

And damned if just such a world forum did in fact occur. The terrorist group welcomed the propaganda opportunity. It was considered by the U.S. to be a small price to pay for dodging the bomb threat.

-

Would that memorable encounter place the enigmatic SeerO on the pinnacle with the Oracle of Delphi? Hardly. As the continuing voice for Rextrak and with her faithful independent following, Sandra’s ambitions had been almost limitless, but she was not delusional. She truly had accomplished everything humanly possible. She had become unspeakably rich, famous, and powerful. Only one concern remained. She was now thirty-eight. What happens if she loses her voice? Must this one-person empire vanish upon her death? She needed to find a back-up associate who might conceivably become her successor.

Then one day when Sandra was visiting a pub, she came across one Dani Fuller performing as lead singer of a local band. With her blond hair, figure and voice closely approximating Sandra’s were they the same age, they could have been twins. An appointment was scheduled to talk about a unique opportunity for Dani.

When they did meet, Sandra knew she had found just the right person. Though Dani enjoyed singing, it wasn’t her career of choice. She was a well-educated and highly motivated woman in her mid-twenties. With her troubled and painful early life, she reminded Sandra so much of herself. The opportunity to be a back-up to SeerO and perhaps ultimately even replace her was described. A handsome salary was offered. Impossible to refuse. To best facilitate this arrangement, Dani soon moved in with Sandra and this seamlessly evolved into sharing a life. Dani had a warm personality and became an affectionate friend. For the first time ever, Sandra didn’t feel entirely alone. Before long they became intimate in every sense of the word.

Dani was an aggressive advocate for Sandra, urging an ever-higher reach of ambition. “Sandra, you’ve proved that there are no limits. Why continue to state only truths and facts? Why just make ambiguous pronouncements and predictions when a clear answer can’t be discerned? You are powerful enough to create your own truths… shaping the world to conform with and accept what you privately believe.”

Though she was allowed by Rextrak to make a substitution, Sandra considered it only right to seek management’s blessing for Dani’s role. They both met with Ezra and Colin. Ezra greeted her warmly, showing no bitterness regarding their past.

Both men were duly impressed with Dani. “Amazing. She is another you.” They saw her as a valuable insurance policy for a SeerO continued representation of Rextrak, in the event something should happen to Sandra. Her high compensation was no longer resented, but rather just accepted as a cost of doing business. After all, how lucky for Rextrak that SeerO remained as their corporate voice and image, enhanced by her achieved separate international fame and reputation?

Soon, Sandra began delegating some of her Rextrak assignments to Dani. From the outset, Dani had been presented to the public as SeerA, the similarly gifted Sister of SeerO. It was accepted without question. Dani received a handsome salary from Sandra for the performed work, though but a token of SeerO’s compensation. After some time it became clear to Dani that she was a personal and loved partner of Sandra, but not a business partner. This was resented… a lot.

Sandra relished her exalted status as SeerO. Could it possibly go any higher, as Dani had persistently urged? As so often happens, she was destined to suffer the fate of the Mighty who fall from their heights. The quality of SeerO so revered by the public was their perception that she was always truthful, unbiased, and never wrong. One day though, she felt suddenly empowered during an in-depth media interview to express her own personally held beliefs. She declared bluntly that Jesus would never return to earth; and that the TV comedian Ronald Sump, relying upon his cult following, could not win the Democratic bid for President of the U.S. Wow, what an explosion that caused almost immediately! SeerO in this one stroke had destroyed the reputation developed over so many years.

The SeerO Consult and Ask Seero were quickly discontinued. As the ultimate blow, with her image so tarnished, in the week following the debacle, Rextrak terminated Sandra’s contract. She had lost all leverage, which had been based upon her reputation and popularity. To limit any negative impact of this action, the Marketing Department devised a clever scenario: SeerO with diminished powers has stepped aside and her identically inspired Sister SeerA has taken her place! It worked flawlessly. Of course, this had been orchestrated in advance by a discussion between Ezra and Dani. She needed little convincing and accepted new terms for employment as SeerA, which were quite agreeable – if far less magnanimous than SeerO had compelled.

The final meeting between the pseudo-sisters was not hostile as one might have expected. Had Dani intentionally fed Sandra’s ego to the bursting point, resulting in her downfall? Couldn’t rule it out. Even if so, Sandra recognized that had their positions been reversed, she would have done exactly the same thing. Their romantic relationship was also ending, but she had finally experienced love and believed she might find it again. The SeerO character was no more, but some of those portrayed and pretended personal qualities seemed to have been internalized by Sandra – the compassion, the truth-telling, the understanding of others. Sandra was now a different person who predicted for herself a simpler life.

By John Baldwin

From: United States