Book of Life

Part One: The Conception

#1 (Oslo)

“There are some embarrassing photographs of my daughter,… They are showing up on the internet.”
The father appeared on the verge of breakdown as he confided his dilemma.
“She made the photographs for a man she thought she loved. A man she thought she wanted in her future.”
The father was United States Senator Edwin Turner, a three-termer who would soon become the upper chamber’s majority leader. He was among a group of celebrities and political leaders who had traveled to Oslo City Hall for the presentation of the Nobel Peace Prize.
As they waited for the presentation to begin, VIP guests were served cordials and hors d’oeuvres at a private reception in a lobby just outside the auditorium hosting the ceremony. The subtle smell of pleasant wine tannins and artichokes in warm olive oil filled the air. High ascending walls were chased by tall slender canvases.
The ornate marble floors created a soft hum from echoed conversations that ensured the privacy of the senator’s own with celebrity entrepreneur Doran Nastov, who in minutes would become the next recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
“She sent the photographs to the man in a text,... She was just being a silly, love-struck girl. That was some time ago. Now, she has realized that he is not the right man for her,... But, he refuses to accept that,… He has posted some of the photos on the internet,… and he says that unless she resumes their relationship, he will post more.”
Nastov nodded.
“Senator, I am very sorry to hear this. How do you think I can help?”
Along with the sensitive nature of his concern, the senator appeared to know the precariousness of his situation. For any politician, soliciting a personal favor from an influential individual carried risk. But it was especially so when that individual was Doran Nastov. This was due to an ongoing debate that contemplated if Nastov, owing to his wealth, fame, tech innovations, and prominence on social media, was currently the most powerful individual in the world. On this day, Nastov received two resounding affirmations of that notion. First, he was in Oslo to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, and second, a United States senator stood before him, tearfully begging for his assistance.
“Mr. Nastov,…”
“Please Senator, call me Doran.”
“Alright,… Doran. I’m bringing this matter to you because everyone agrees that you know more about the internet than anyone, and as today attests, you are known for helping people... I don’t understand the internet and I’m not sure what to ask. But possibly there is something you can do. I am sorry to bring this to you on your big day. But she is my daughter. I had to ask.”
“Of course,” assured Nastov. “You are her father. You should do everything you can to help her. These photographs,…” Nastov inquired. “They are?…”
The senator’s eyes scanned their immediate surroundings, checking to confirm the privacy of their conversation. Composing himself, he detailed, “She is naked,… doing some regrettable things, for which she is deeply sorry. So far, the man has only posted photographs that do not show her face. But he is threatening to post others that do! She knows she made a mistake. The price she will pay if this man carries out his threats is too great for anyone. Especially someone with their whole life ahead of them,… and she is planning on running for Congress.”
The senator removed an envelope from inside his coat. “This is all the information I have about the man.”
Nastov accepted the envelope but appeared uninterested in its contents. As the senator continued to labor, Nastov placed an empathetic hand on his shoulder.
“Senator,” Nastov spoke with an assuring tone. “Calm yourself. I can help.”
A group of well-wishers started to approach before Nastov rebuffed them with a raised hand and a smile. He then motioned for the senator to resume their discussion.
“The man of which you speak,” continued Nastov. “I can place a virus in the man’s devices, destroying all his files. And I can block the photos from the internet.”
The eyes and face of a distraught father brightened. He appeared to recompose as he wiped tears from the corners of his eyes and breathed sighs of relief.
“Thank you, Doran. Thank you!”
“And,“ the senator added, “Perhaps as you destroy the files on his devices, you could use your power to discover things about the despicable young man. Things you could share with me so that I can arrange for him to be taught a lesson.”
Nastov stared back with a look of disdain, then shook his head. His reply was a firm, “No.”
“Senator, your daughter posed for those photos willingly. She too has responsibility in this matter. We must all be accountable for our actions.”
Nastov asked, “Did you know she and the man made a video too?”
The senator went ashen as Nastov took out his phone and began to scroll. A moment later, he held the phone at an angle that would prevent onlookers but allow the senator to see the screen, should he choose to do so.
A video began. It showed a naked young woman lying on a bed. Scarves had been used to blindfold her and tie her hands to the headboard. She appeared intoxicated and aroused, giggling as a hand entered the image. Fingers traced upward from her hip before circling her breast. Moments later, the fingers slid under her blindfold and began to lift.
“Hey, stop!” she shouted as the clip ended before showing her face.
Nastov pushed a button to end the video as he shook his head.
“This is a sick era in which we live. In the past, a woman’s rite of passage was when she lost her virginity. Today, it is when she loses the rights to her nude image.”
The look of pain and despair returned to the face of the distraught father.