October 31, 2001 • 5:30 AM
Phillip Staunton, Rochelle Little Bird
Recorded by Grace Windsor
Phillip packs a small briefcase and hands it to Rochelle. I ask what he was doing, "The Associated Securities Speculation Quotations and Arbitrage Queue, or ASSQAQ has decided to hold a promotional bell-ringing ceremony to celebrate the SBA hitting $2 trillion net worth. They want me to ring the bell to symbolize us small-time banks being the backbone of the SBA. CEO Betty Lowery and her father, SBA President, Deamon Lowery, will all be there."
I get confused, because of what I have witnessed these last two days, that the SBA is succeeding. I speak up, "Didn't you guys just liquidate over 500 jobs?" Phillip fixes his hair and looks at me, "That's why we're celebrating, less on payroll, more profit for us." I nod along, internally horrified by what I am hearing.
"Are we just about ready, Ro?" Phillip asks Rochelle, she grabs his speech, "Proofread and ready to read." She hands him the speech, he grabs it, crumples it up, and throws it in the trash. "I don't need a script, silly," he snorts. "Then why did you have me proofread and rewrite it?" She asks, "All about specs, ro ro."
"Don't call me that."
"I apologize."
The two stand in silence before walking out of the office.
"Remember that we have to pick up Betty for the ceremony," Rochelle reminds Phillip. He nods and we get into the elevator.
Phillip, Rochelle, and I pile into Phillip's rusted minivan and begin our travel to Silverton City. I look out the window and see the suburbs of Ridge City, if you can even call it that, trailer homes and brick slums are what these economic victims call home. Views as we pass by are mostly just the Allegheny National Forest, morning fog travels through the trees. A beautiful contrast to the brutalisim and downtrodden atmosphere of Ridge. We enter the state of New Sark and into the turnpike, as I see the skyline of Downtown Mohican. I look off to my left and see the looming Statue of Oligarchy, hoisting her flame up high. Once a radiant symbol of hope, its bright bronze hue has oxidized into a noxious green, an eerie reflection of America's insatiable avarice... or whatever. We pass through the industrial Sark City and cross the George Washington Bridge. Finally, we are in Silverton City, The Big Pomegranate. We stop for a quick bite and drink at a Fuckin' Donuts, watch Phillip pathetically flirt with a barista, and make our way to the Trenton Financial District. As we approach, a crowd of protesters and a crowd of finance workers getting to work are separated by Stock Street. In the aftermath of the attacks, banks claimed emergency powers and 'market volatility policies' to freeze credit, recall auto loans, and foreclose on homes before they could lose more value. It was a panic to save themselves from the worst recession since 1981.
Phillip parks his minivan as we wait for Ms. Lowery.
To pass the time I look at the protest signs from across the street.
'Fuck you for profiting off of our DISASTER!'
'Terrorist Bomb, You Foreclose. Who is the real enemy?'
'WE THE PEOPLE are STRUGGLING. HELP US!!!'
A man yells at an officer who turns and shoves the man down. The officer then sprays the man with pepper spray. I point this out, Rochelle looks and rolls down her window.
"What are you doing?" Phillip asks.
"Calling this pig out!" Rochelle responds.
Phillip rolls up her window and locks the windows. He stares at the protesters, "Sometimes, it's better to protest in silence." He then smiles at Rochelle and then at me in the backseat. Betty eventually reaches us, covering her face with a paper fan. She gets in and demands Phillip to drive us to Chrono Square. Phillip agrees and quickly pulls out.
We drive past abandoned and foreclosed apartment buildings, families living on the street, alcoholics blowing the last of their money, all a product of the recession. After an hour we finally enter the Chrono Square district, many LED and neon advertising screens shine down on the crowded intersection. After pulling up to the glossy ASSQAQ Building, we get out and see a cheering and celebrating crowd of executives and high-profile business suits. Around half an hour later, we meet up with the SBA's president, Daemon Lowery. He, Phillip, and Betty all go onto stage for the ceremony. I find my spot in the journalists and news section. The following is a recording of Phillip's speech.
"My fellow Americans, Silvertonians we are here to celebrate me and my branch's very very large contribution to helping the SBA get to $2 trillion! It took 50 something years. Right... Daemon and Betty"
I turn to see Deamon staring down as Betty mouths "Stop." Phillip then turns back to the large audience as people stare at him in silence. He clears his throat begins to cough loudly and violently. His coughs echoing throughout the crowd, causing microphone feedback. Most of us in the crowd plug our ears at the high-pitched screeching.
"Sorry, all. Give me a second."
He stands up straight and continues his speech.
"I have worked hard to make sure my employees grind out your financial work. I am going to be frank with all of you, these are times of high tension. We have never been more divided as a country, we have never been so divided as people. After that awful and, to be honest, very rude attacks in the Trenton Financial District, we must remember this: We are all on the same earth, we are all the same kingdom and genus... different classifications but that doesn't matter. We must come together and remember who really holds our country together," he slowly points to himself, "Us financial workers. So show us some love SILVERTON CITY!" Phillip yells and holds up both of his hands, making double peace signs as the entire crowd stares at him, confused. Betty claps her hands and some people follow. Phillip rings to ASSQAQ bell, now people cheer as photos flash and news reporters speak on the event. On one end of Mohican, severe dissatisfaction, in the middle of Mohican, extreme satisfaction. Different groups, different classes.
Different people.
________________________
Milton Young Documentaries received approval to send a journalist crew to the Ridge City Bank in Ridge City, Silverton. Six weeks after 9/11, us journalists document a full work week at the crumbling financial centre. This is what happens In Da Bank.
_________________________
7:12 AM
Ridge City Bank workers speaking to clients
Recorded by Henry Scott
"Mr. Glendale, your home was foreclosed on a month ago. Yes, the tent you're living in does now belong to the bank. We do have to also repossess your chihuahua. You should've thought of this before misusing OUR money."
"I hear you, I hear you. But listen, now is not the time to pull your money out. Things will stabilize," he crosses his fingers.
7:15 AM
Phillip Staunton, Pratt Jacobson
Recorded by Grace Windsor
I see Phillip and Pratt walking into the office, I grab my microphone and notes and approach the two, eager to ask questions. Pratt stops and stares at me, Phillip turns around to him, "You alright bud?" Pratt points to me, "I don't like reporters, I've seen enough of them during my trial." Phillip puts his hand on Pratt's shoulder, "Just journalists. They said something about documenting a crumbling bank branch. It's NOT crumbling." Phillip stares past my eyes and right into my soul as we stand in silence. He turns his head to Pratt, his neck cracking loudly, "Just ignore them, they already have permission to record and document everything you do or say." Pratt nods and the two awkwardly pass right by me. They are stopped by Clair as she holds a cake. "Mr. Staunton, we have a problem," she mumbles and holds the cake to Phillip. He and Pratt both look down at the cake. "Sorry for the STI?" Phillip reads off of the cake. "It was the only one they had under $10. What would you want me to do?" Clair asks. Phillip scratches the nonexistent hairs of his chin, "Use a bank call card and scrape the lettering off." Clair nods and grabs a call card off a display on her desk and walks into the conference room. Phillip turns to Pratt, "Surprise by the way. That is for your little party this afternoon... so... 'Thank you Phillip for this warming introduction' you're welcome. I like to make sure all of my staff feel appreciated." "Mr. Staunton, I have to take my husband to work. Our car just got repossessed and he works about 20 minute away," a female worker asks as she walks up to us. "Do you really want to take time out of YOUR schedule to offer a rude to some man? Because... you know? Feminism. The patriarchy causes anarchy, as I always say..." Phillip smirks at me as Pratt and the worker both stand in silence. She speaks up, "No, I do have to take him. We have a mortgage to pay off." "Alright then, take it out of the time you have for your lunch break." Phillip walks to his office, Pratt quickly speeds off after him, tripping over his feet.
7:20 AM
Pratt Jacobson
Interview by Henry Scott
"Imagine hitting rock bottom, staying there to reflect, and then being given another shot at life. That's what I feel is going on. Who hires criminals to work at a bank? I suppose the SBA really isn't that powerful anymore. I'm pretty sure they have this building publicly traded on the ASSQAQ market."
7:22 AM
Phillip Staunton
Interview by Henry Scott
"Yes, we sure do. Hell, I got my own two feet publicly traded." He giggles and looks at me, expecting me to laugh with him. "That was a joke there. Not a... um, foot guy. Though, I do respect the grind."
7:25 AM
Betty Lowery, Ferdinand Bellsford, Lori Pathouson, Clair Benedict
Recorded by Grace Windsor
CEO Betty Lowery and her little entourage of corporate rot walk to the bank's receptionist. She puts her purse on the reception desk, "Clair, that pie you made last week. Absolutely amazing." Clair stares into space her bloodshot eyes sunken with dark circles. Her hair and face show a disheveled woman, her clothing and makeup show a professional woman barely mentally scraping by. "Why did he have to die?" she asks. The three in power uncomfortably stand in silence, Betty speaks up. "Is Phillip and the new hire in?" Clair slowly turns to Betty, "The new hire? I don't trust him." Betty places her hand on Clair's, "Well, don't judge if you don't know the person." Clair yanks her hand away, "LOOK AT ME...look at me." She breathes in hard, "I know bad news when I see it, he might just bomb this office." Betty looks at me then leans in on Clair's desk, "Clair. I think you need to take some time off. It'll be paid, just please, for the love of God, get some help." Clair shakes her head, "My husband-" "Died," Betty cuts her off, "I know but you are drunk... at work, Clair." We all stare at the two as Clair drunkenly breathes hard, "Get blown, Shylock." Betty sighs, "Again. You're drunk." Clair begins to tear up, "I-I'm so sorry, Betty." Betty rubs her shoulder, "It's going to be alright, Clair." Clair wipes her tears, "Will it?" Betty laughs and stands back up, "Not for a long LONG while. Wallace, can you deal with this?" The security guard, Wallace Wallace, walks over and helps Clair up,
"Come on, Mrs. Benedict."
"There is no 'Mrs.' anymore, asshole"
"Right, forgot about that."
Betty yells out to the two as they walk out, "Paid time off, remember, Clair. I want to see a therapist's number on your profile before you come back."
Wallace walks her as she stumbles around, she turns to look at the three and yells back, "It's because the journalists are watching all of you, isn't it? You smug sanctimonious little pieces of shit!"
The two walk out of the bank, I turn to look at Betty, Lori, and Ferdinand. Lori walks up to me and demands that I erase a majority of what I had just witnessed. Used to this, I just throw her my notebook and she reviews it quickly. After she gets done with my notes, I hear her pager going off. She looks and turns to Betty and Ferdinand, "Betty, Phil just paged me, they are both waiting in the conference room." She nods and the three walk off. I take a look at my notebook to see that Lori put her cigarette butt on the page, the ash smeared all over my notes.
7:37 AM
The meeting of Pratt
Recorded by Henry Scott
The three walk into Phillip's office as he and Pratt both stand up. Lori extends her hand out to Pratt, "Hiya, Mr. Jacobson?" Pratt shakes her hand, "Hello, I am assuming that you are Betty?" Lori lets out a loud cackle, all of us staring at her. She laughs loudly for a few before immediately stopping, "Oh no, I'm Lori Pathouson. I am the HR representative for the SBA." We all stare before Pratt speaks up, "Oh, forgive me. I am no good with names." Betty walks over and shakes hands with Pratt, "Betty Lowery, you better get good at them." The two continue to awkwardly shake hands. Ferdinand walks over and shakes Pratt's hand, "Ferdinand Bellsford." Pratt smiles, "And what is it you do?"
"Oh... plenty"
"Like what?"
"Director of finance and assistant CEO."
Betty cuts in, "Assistant TO the CEO." "Whatever," Ferdinand rolls his eyes, and sits down, "Let's take a gander at your resume."
8:08 AM
Betty Lowery
Interview by Sarah Mason
"My father didn't like seeing me in overalls and working at some farm in St. Mark's. So he made me a white collar instead. Now I am the CEO of the northeastern branches of the Silverton Bank Association. The least profitable branches are for me to direct...so yes, to answer your question, yes, I am relatively happy here."
8:10 AM
The interview with Pratt
Recorded by Henry Scott
All of us sit in silence, as the three higher-ups scan through paperwork, Pratt fiddles with his thumbs, Phillip looks around and speaks up, "How was the traffic-" He is cut off by Betty speaking up, "Mr. Jacobson, you spent 10 years in the Whitney County Correctional Facility Mental Health Wing, why should we hire you after knowing this information?" Pratt sits and thinks,
"When you are left in a ward for half of your life, you know nothing but serenity. I am a changed man, I have my degree in accounting, the highest in my class."
"Of all that, why should I hire you out of the 20 or so people who gave me that exact response?"
"I don't complain, I do what I can to make it through. Do you know the company Apple? Guess who was their best accountant?"
"What? No way."
"My uncle"
"Oh."
"He taught me all I need to know. And I have learned plenty."
They sit in silence, Ferdinand speaks up, "Do you have any experience in banking?" "Oh yeah, I interned at J.P. Morgan."
"Hey! That is a swear word around here," Phillip exclaims. Betty nods, "And what was your reason for leaving that... cesspool?" "I was locked up," Pratt bluntly states.
Betty is about to make her rebuttal but gives up, "...Well...works out I guess, let's get this paperwork going."
8:50 AM
Ridge City Bank Workers speaking to clients
Recorded by: Sarah Mason
"The market will find its footing, GIVE IT TIME!...sorry for yelling."
"We don't discriminate against the color of your skin unless you're broke." The worker laughs and looks up at me, but neither I nor the person on that phone laughs. "Yeah, we can get you an account set up."
"Epstein Island they call it. Purely exclusive, the best money can get."
9:08 AM
Lori Pathouson
Interview by Grace Windsor
I am able to get Lori to sit down for an interview. My first question for her was, "Why would you hire a felon to work at your bank?" She squints at me and answers, "Desperation makes you take the easiest route. Whether taking the fat guy to prom or hiring the cheapest employee. We all do what we must to keep rolling."
I think of a follow-up, "Then why not hire another temp worker?"
She half smiles at me and breathes in through her teeth, "A temp worker will require a sign-on bonus, benefits, actual time and energy to interview, and $20 an hour. With him, we only need 30 minutes and a $8 an hour promise. No further questions."
9:27 AM
Betty Lowery, Lori Pathouson, Pratt Jacobson
Recorded by Henry Scott
Betty, Lori, and Pratt walk out of Phillip's office. "Accounting will be a good fit for you in my company," Betty tells Pratt. He nods, "Yeah, that's what Phillip said." She nods and we look to Phillip's office. Looking through his large window and see him yelling on the phone, I couldn't hear him but my co-reporter, Sarah, overheard this conversation.
"Down 6.2%? What is the market even good for? We've put in our money, give it back!"
Phillip looks out of his office window and sees us three focused on him. He shuts the blinds violently causing them to fall. He yells more as other office workers look at him. Betty turns her head back to Pratt, "Anyways, Accounting will be the best for you. And at 8 an hour, which is above the minimum wage for Silverton." Pratt smiles, "Accounting is my passion."
"Passion? Who has a passion for accounting?"
Lori cuts in, "Autistic individuals, statistically. There was an experiment done that-"
Betty cuts her off, "Alright, got it, experimental neurodivergents, got it."
"That's not what I was going to say."
Lori and Betty stare at each other, "Go pull my car around front, please."
9:37 AM
Lori Pathouson
Interview by Henry Scott
"The Silverton Bank Association is...the Walmart of banks. You got JP Morgan and Chase, Wells Fargo, Capital One, then you have the SBA... we do penny stocks."
9:48 AM
Betty walks out with Pratt
Recorded by Grace Windsor
The two walk out and sit on the bench outside of the bank. "Lori just went to get some gas," Betty explains to Pratt, he nods. "Now, Mr. Jacobson, you could be a great asset to my company." Pratt smiles, "Thank you, I feel gracious. Um, do you know anything about the SBA's stability? On CUM News it has been stated that we could be facing hot water." Betty furrows her eyebrows and changes the topic, "I will fax Phillip a complete outline of your work schedule. You fill out the insurance, bank for deposit, tax forms, extra ex-con paperwork." Pratt nods, ...Um. Thank you for this opportunity, ma'am!" He gets up to walk back inside.
Betty stops him, "Hold on, did you just say 'ma'am'? How old do you think I look?"
Pratt stands in silence, "Um... thirty ni-" Betty cuts him off, "Thirty, yeah?"
Pratt quickly nods in agreement. Ferdinand walks out of the bank and over to Pratt and Betty, "Betty, we need to get back to Trenton Financial, there is... something going on with Millhaven Bank." Betty nods and pages Lori. "Mr. Jacobson, I look forward to seeing you working in my bank," she smiles and shakes hands with Pratt. "I do as well. Have a great day, ma'am."
"What?"
"Have a great day, Betty."
"Right."
10:04 AM
Phillip Staunton
Recorded by Henry Scott
Pratt walks back into the bank office and heads for Phillip's office. A repairman fixes the blinds that Phillip broke, he speaks on the phone with maintenance. "$30 to replace these things, are you all serious?" The other line speaks. "I call bullshit, Mr. Bastian, I've got investors that can buy AND sell you!" The other line speaks, a little more loud. Phillip stares down and messes with his necktie, "I didn't know about your ancestral background mate, that was not meant to be racist, I apologize, buddy."
10:14 AM
Rochelle Little Bird, Hunter Gardner, Gerald Scott
Recorded by Sarah Mason
"Hunter, why are last month's columns not acting right?" Rochelle asks, handing the paper over to Hunter. "Corporate embezzling, come on, this has been going on the last two days. I am doing the best $38 an hour can do. I can't keep making up accounts for this." Gerald stops writing and looks at Hunter, "You said 38?" Hunter nods, "Yeah, and with a $2,000 sign-on bonus." "What the hell? I am only being paid $20 an hour and I am a whole rank above you!" Gerald states angrily. Before Hunter can respond, Relationship Manager, Darren Ward, walks over to the desk clump, "Hey yall, let's make sure we are not discussing payment in the workplace." Rochelle turns to him, "And who are you?" "Darren Ward, I'm team leader...and a mandated reporter." Rochelle shrugs her shoulders, "And?" Darren leans back on the wall behind him, "I'll tell Phillip." Rochelle, Hunter, and Gerald stare at Darren, confused. He claps his hands condescendingly, "Alright, back to work." He walks away.
10:27 AM
Overheard worker talking to client
Recorded by a microphone that was accidentally left on
He talks mockingly, "Remember how I told you not to buy Terro Oil stock? Remember how I said it was an obvious Ponzi Scheme?... You are never going to believe what just happened."
10:29 AM
Pratt Jacobson
Interview by Grace Windsor
"It's weird, one day you leave in 1992 and the next thing you know, it's 2001. And now I am about to work at a bank...makes you question the logistics of it. Imagine if a felon could run for and win office? Oh, that would be hysterical."
10:35 AM
Pratt meets back up with Phillip
Recorded by Grace Windsor
Pratt walks into Phillip's office and Phillip stands to shake his hand. "You did good, buddy," he compliments. Pratt smiles, "Thank you, sir!"
"Yeah, couldn't have done it without me, right?"
Pratt looks confused then fixes his face, "Y-yeah, sure."
Phillip smiles, "Proud of you. Out of prison and into the banking workplace."
The fixer who is working on the blinds turns back to the two, "You hired a con to work at the bank."
Phillip turns to him, "Ain't you a con, Jerry?"
"Yes. But I ain't working in a banking office. Sounds highly irresponsible to hire someone of that caliber to work in such a secretive and secure environment. It's even more concerning seeing these journalists recording conversations and events around here also. As an investor, I am considering pulling my money."
Phillip and Pratt stare at him for a bit, "How long are you going to be, bud?" Phillip asks.
10:40 AM
Betty Lowery
Recorded by Sarah Mason
I sit outside with Betty and Ferdinand as they wait for Lori to arrive. Betty's Nokia begins to ring, she excuses herself and walks away. I sit with Ferdinand but I overhear Betty.
"How many banks would that be? Alright, how many will lose their jobs? 206? ...Well ...liquidate all those branches. And mark it up as... um... redundancies." I get up and walk over to ask her what was that. She turns to me, "Ridge City just became our best branch." I try to keep pressing but Lori pulls up. Betty says her goodbyes and gets into her black 2000 Cataract Escalate. Ferdinand waves me goodbye and quickly gets into the SUV as well. The three quickly drive off, tires screeching, as people on the sidewalks run away in fear at the noise.
This leaves me filled with questions but with the Bank Association now limiting the time we document, I will have to figure it out tomorrow.