The truth finally emerged during a televised hearing Robert helped organize. Former bank employees testified about the “Flag Quotas” they were forced to meet. The “Senior Protection” was actually a veiled attempt to stabilize bank liquidity at the expense of retirees.
The software updates weren’t just for security; they were legal traps. By clicking “Agree,” seniors were unknowingly opting into a system that stripped them of their 4th Amendment rights. The backlash was immediate and fierce.
Martha watched from the gallery as the CEO of her bank was grilled by senators. He claimed it was all a “series of unfortunate technical glitches.” No one in the room believed him, and the stocks began to plummet in real-time.
New legislation was drafted overnight to close the loophole. But for many, the damage was already done. Credit scores were ruined, and trust in the financial system had been completely incinerated.
Robert looked at Martha and smiled for the first time in weeks. “We did it,” he said. But he cautioned that the banks would find a new way to gatekeep the gold. The only real defense was constant, informed vigilance.
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