12:15 p.m. Exeter—England.
Trudging his way through sodden, frost-stiffened grass and half hidden iced-over cowpats, David Collins smirked with satisfaction, for he was now only yards from the low wire mesh fence separating him from his target. A dirty plastic swing and – oddly out of place – a half deflated paddling pool, confirmed he was in the right place.
“What the hell is one of those still doing out in December?” He mumbled to himself, “Jeez, is the kid a budding Arctic explorer or something?”
While the Drake family had beefed up security at the front of the property, he had been correct in the assumption that they wouldn’t bother with the rear. And why would they? The cul-de-sac opened out onto several miles of pristine British moorland, and at this time of year, nobody in their right frame of mind would willingly subject themselves to the misery of muddy fields in winter.
David amused himself by how well he fitted his own dire estimation.
Farting around in the cold when I could be tucked up in front of a roaring fire? I’m the one who needs his head examined…Mind you; the people I represent aren’t exactly nobodies to be trifled with.
That sentiment only reinforced why he couldn’t delay for much longer. Yeung would want results, and David was here to get them. Heavily shielded, a Taser tucked snugly in one pocket and a dart gun in the other; he was determined to come away with answers.
No more Mr. Nice Guy.
Wading knee-deep in the tangle of thorns and thistles bordering the edge of the heath, David reached out for the railing and hauled himself up, all the time casting about to ensure nobody was watching, or close enough to hear the links creaking under his weight.
He dropped to the ground. Staying low, he ignored the fog of his breath and surveyed the scene once more.
Other toys lay strewn like shrapnel around a poorly kept garden—a bike, a ball, a cowboy hat replete with belt and empty holsters, some cars, and a full troop of “Action Man” figures dressed in jungle fatigues. Abandoned to the elements, the soldiers lay like rime coated casualties along either side of an overgrown concrete path leading up to the back door, which David noticed had been conveniently left ajar to vent steam from the kitchen.
Outstanding!
Removing both the dart gun and Taser from his pockets, he started along the pathway, quickening his pace as he drew nearer. Burst in, stun them, read the shit out of their memories and then out through the front door with my face covered until I’m out of camera shot. Then I’ll be home free.
A rear window hung open. David could hear Samantha Drake shouting to Joshua, telling him to shut up so she could hear what the Guardian Angel man was saying on the TV.
Guardian Angel? So they actually turned up then? He thought, genuinely surprised.
Surprised he may have been. That was nowhere near as shocking as what came next.
One second, David was creeping surreptitiously along, his excitement mounting at the thought of the imminent success of his mission, and the next, he came up short as a distinctive thrumming noise barely gave him the time he needed to prevent walking his throat onto the end of a vicious looking shaft of concentrated golden light.
He froze, staring along and over the length of that shaft into the magnetic gray eyes of the woman who held it, rock steady. Searching the depths of her visage, David found no sign of compromise that might give him an opening to salvage this unexpected wreck of a situation. Unless lethal competence could be in any way construed as the perfect first date?
At six feet tall, and with a physique that looked as if a goddess had somehow been molded into liquid marble and poured into her black uniform, David knew instantly what kind of creature had figured him out. I’m screwed!
An invisible pressure held him still and rich honeyed tones bloomed within his mind: Hello, David, my name is Victoria. Do I have your attention now?
The reality of David’s situation hadn’t fully dawned on him. His attention darted about, flicking from the tip of the glittering blade to the living deity, then to the house before returning to the blade again. Goddam it, they’ll hear the commotion and everyone will start screaming blue murder and –?
Don’t worry about the people in the house, the same voice spoke again: they’re blissfully unaware of our presence and we’re nice and safe within your chameleon shield. She sniggered, the action seeming cold and predatory under the circumstances: I asked you a question, David. Do I have your attention?
“Are you kidding!” he hissed, too numb to express himself politely.
He peered more intently into the face of his adversary. Her dark flowing hair was tied back but still cascaded over one shoulder, accentuating her features and highlighting just how beautiful she was. But those eyes. It was like radioactive isotopes had been bound in smoke and set on fire. They petrified him, especially as they visibly smoldered with a barely restrained dominion that caused his teeth to ache.
Daaavid?
“Huh?”Taking a deep breath, David answered more fully, “I’m sorry, yes, you have my full and undivided attention…Victoria?”
Better. Victoria sheathed her plasma baton, and David found he could move again. She carried on speaking telepathically as if they were discussing nothing more pressing than the time of the next bus into town: We believe you may represent a group of predatory spiderlings who have made several uninvited propositions to fellow Guardians recently in the vain attempt to offer them employment?
While every one of our members is free to do as they wish, you should be aware that we are extremely dedicated to the cause we serve, and none of us appreciate the manner of your intrusions. Neither do we understand the reasons behind such overtures. Still, we feel they must be of a somewhat shadier nature than we would normally prefer, otherwise, there would have been no need of subterfuge.
I represent the hierarchy of the Guardians, so I’d like you to pass on a little message for me. Will you do that?
“Like I have any choice?”
Ah, we understand each other. Let your masters know that it would be foolish to confuse our restraint for weakness. Just because we choose to act with patience does not mean that patience is limitless. Do you understand?
“Yes, I understand.”
I hope so, because we do not expect to have to suffer any more of your charades. Not under any circumstances. Is that also understood?
“It is.”
Oh, David, not to labor the point, but that includes circumstances like this where we have to step in to pluck innocent flies from the machinations of your web.
“I’ll make sure that point is reiterated, word for word.”
I’m glad to hear it. When you do, you might also emphasize to those you serve that Joshua Drake is off limits. I can’t underline enough how highly we regard this little boy. He’s too important to become a pawn in some imaginary power struggle that might prevent him from fulfilling his destiny. If your people are shortsighted enough to make another ill-advised move against him, not only will those who issue the edict rue the day they crossed us, but those attempting to carry out the order will find themselves on the receiving end of a visit from someone like me who can ensure they live out the rest of their days trapped in a waking nightmare. Am I making myself crystal clear?
For a fleeting instant, the Guardian’s presence seemed to permeate David’s soul as if it were nothing more tangible than wet mist. “Ye…yes, Ma’am”
Be advised, I am fully capable of mind-reaming you where you stand and leaving your skull empty of information or coherence. I won’t. Instead I will extend you and your organization something you have failed to extend to us…the simple courtesy to make a choice.
It is clear you must be gifted in some way. The world needs people like you – like us – now more than ever. Seriously think about the path you are on and the example you are setting. If you don’t, the price it incurs might be something you are unwilling to pay. Have I made my point, David Collins?
“Without a doubt, yes you have.”
And with that, David experienced a moment’s disorientation and found himself standing on the sidewalk more than a mile away, right next to his hired car.
What the f…?
Shaking like a leaf, and glad to be free of one of the most terrifying people he had ever met, David took out his scroll phone and steeled himself for the ordeal ahead.
Christ, is this asshole-from-hell weekend ever going to stop spiraling? The boss is not going to like this one bit. But what could I do, she cut through my shields like they were nonexistent. I was like an insect in the presence of a titan…And they have light sabers?
Swallowing down a different kind of trepidation, he placed the call.
Well, I can only report things as they happened. Yeung is going to have to appreciate we’re dealing with an entirely different magnitude of authority here. If we don’t watch what we’re doing, they could be the end of us.
An afterimage of a hauntingly spectral beauty sent a shiver down his spine.
At least I met one and lived without having my brains scrambled…just. That only reminded him of the televised event taking place less than two hundred miles from where he currently stood. Hey, I wonder how that thing in London is going?
*
BBC World News Headquarters—London—England
Vladimir Arihkin’s eyes had glazed over as he deliberated his reply. An age seemed to pass before he blinked and refocused once more on the environs within the studio.
“Sorry about that,” he conceded. “I was just checking to make sure it’s okay for me to explain a few things in more depth.”
“So do you have something to tell us?” repeated Sophia.
A wan smile crossed Vladimir’s thin lips. “Let’s be honest. We’ve asked you to take an awful lot on faith, haven’t we?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, we turn up out of the blue, leaping about all over the place, saving people and leaving all sorts of mysterious messages in our wake. Then, when we say our very first public hello, we make all sorts of predictions of a brighter future, if you do what we say, yes?”
“I’m with you so far,” stressed Sophia, “but what are you getting at?”
If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
The Guardian cocked his head, as if reflecting on how best to answer. “Let me put it this way. What do you imagine would happen if we were able to demonstrate the truth of the matters I’ve raised this afternoon?”
“That would go a long way in boosting public confidence, of course.” Sophia responded, her manner revealing a spark of excitement as she recognized something bigger-than-big might be brewing.
Robert was equally captivated, “In fact, it would do a whole lot more than just boost public confidence, Vladimir. It would show we could trust you, as well as lend weight to your assertions regarding an improved long-term global outlook. That’s something politicians have promised for years and failed quite spectacularly to deliver. If you can claim to do better and actually prove it, well, bring it on, please!”
The Lord Conciliator inhaled deeply. “Very well. As a matter of fact I do have something to say, and without being rude to you both, I need to address the viewers if I’m going to do this properly. Robert, am I right in saying your mobile teams are already in place, and ready to respond, internationally, to anything that might develop?”
“Yes—why?”
“Because I’d like to make use of them, if I may, to help expedite what’s going to happen in the next few minutes.”
Without further comment, the Guardian ambassador picked out a video camera and turned to face it squarely.
At that precise moment, agents within an unspecified number of covert facilities around the world found themselves contending with a collectively unique cold shiver. Irrepressible, it wriggled and it wormed and refused to go away, causing quite a few of the more astute individuals to sit up and take notice.
Likewise, a similar icicle of doom was worrying another group of talented people, though for very different reasons, as their particular faction was using the occasion to gather intelligence on those they now thought of as their opposition.
So deep-rooted did that communal feeling of unease become, that it spawned an impulsive burst of e-mails, phone calls, and video m-links, generating energy emissions sufficient to run a small city.
Back at the studio, the lights dimmed again as the chosen camera zoomed in for a full profile close-up. One bright beam isolated Vladimir Arihkin within a cone of luminescence, adding an ominous undercurrent to the increasingly tense atmosphere. His once friendly demeanor now showed the steely resolve of someone in control, someone about to deliver a stern ultimatum.
“Citizens of the earth,” he began, “we came to you today as friends, ready to open a dialogue, and prepared to work with you toward goals that will have far reaching implications for the good of this planet and for future generations to come. We can only achieve those objectives if we work together. To do that, you need to have confidence in our integrity.
“You will have followed this discussion closely so far, I’m sure, and I have no doubt you will listen to it again and dissect it in minute detail once it has ended. While that is commendable, we Guardians feel that the only way to establish trust from the outset is to give you an opportunity to observe the truth of our concerns firsthand.
“As you will be aware, since the revelation of our existence, certain initiatives have been implemented by a range of governments to uncover people who might possess paranormal aptitudes like ours. Some of those schemes, as referred to earlier, have been conducted in plain sight within your educational establishments, your places of work, and even in the privacy of your own homes when you voluntarily took part in those fun, fact-finding quizzes appearing in the newspapers or on your most popular websites.
“What the majority of you won’t know is that those tests incorporated an incredible amount of underhand – and quite frankly – illegal snooping. Literally millions of you had your movements, conversations, texts, and e-mails monitored in a focused drive to identify people who have measurable psi abilities…”
A subdued murmur permeated the set in response to the Lord Conciliator’s disclosure. Addressing the change in mood, Vladimir continued, “Now, that’s quite an allegation to make isn’t it?”
He paused, and for the second time that evening, removed his glasses so the audience had the opportunity to study his expressions and read the sincerity so evident on his face. “To verify the accuracy of my statement – and prove our veracity in this matter – a selection of classified documents will shortly be delivered to the heads of state of those nations who we discovered stepping beyond the line of reason. You will be relieved to know that in most instances, your leaders were totally unaware of the practices promoted in secret by their intelligence services. Others had the foresight to take note of the final prism-message delivered by us, and discreetly extended open invitations to our officers to visit their establishments in order to promote an atmosphere of mutual collaboration. Sadly, this wasn’t the case with everybody.
“Therefore, sanitized copies of those dossiers will be delivered to all mainstream media companies globally. We ask you to scrutinize those files closely. Although certain details will have been omitted to protect the privacy of those victims subjected to illegal activity, you will nevertheless find them most informative.
“Now, as for those who continue to ignore our intimations…?”
The Lord Conciliator’s eyes ignited, as if the embers of a hearth had just been stoked to life. “Be advised, there are certain groups, particularly those in Russia, China, North Korea, Japan, Switzerland, France, Argentina, Israel, and the United States who continue to function, with little or no regard being given to simple decency or human rights. Some of you may wonder, who are we to interfere on matters pertaining to citizens within sovereign borders? A fair and valid point. So consider this…
“At some of the disasters we prevented over the past several months, you witnessed a mere glimpse of our potential, a fraction of what we can do, and nothing more.
“I referred to a straightforward fact earlier this evening in that we appear to have reached a pivotal time in the human narrative. A startling percentage of the populace is being born with the capacity for higher mind function. Indeed, the Guardians serving among you today are only in a position to help you now because they were discovered by others with capabilities like theirs, and invited into a wonderful family of likeminded soul-mariners who – instead of living a life of self-centered luxury, financed by abusing their powers – were motivated by a superior vision to put their talents to use, serving others.
“Tell me, who would you prefer to guide potential candidates? Experts like the teachers within the Guardian Academy, who have demonstrated their reliability for many, many years, or those within your own lands who seem hell-bent on riding roughshod over your basic rights? Who would you rather be in a position to influence such fledgling super minds? Someone with a genuine desire to serve the greater good or close-minded puppets who are really nothing more than representatives of the state?
“Would you feel comfy knowing that people with psi abilities were being manipulated in such a way? Intimidated, and forced by threat of violence to be good little soldiers? How secure would you feel knowing there were entities out there who were capable of taking advantage of you in all sorts of ways that you were powerless to prevent or resist?
“You see, gifted human beings can be a great blessing to society, or a deadly cancer. How they turn out is largely down to the individual themselves. Some will have immense moral fiber and personal discipline, as you can appreciate. But as those wiser among you know, environment and conditioning can also be a determining factor. To help you understand exactly what we mean, we – the Guardians – intend to take direct action, shortly, against those who have been acting against your best interests…”
Vladimir sat back slightly, and as the studio returned to a natural level of illumination, a collective gasp resounded round the set.
Standing directly behind him, on the far side of the couch, six figures dressed entirely in black waited; hoods forward, their heads bowed. Responding to an unheard command, each removed a silver-gray cylindrical object from within the folds of their cloaks. Moving in perfect unison, they swept their arms up and over, causing twin beams of coherent green light to sprout from openings at either end of the tubes like spring blades.
As one, they slammed the butt-end of those glimmering shafts into the floor then fell still, motionless sentinels sent to guard against the darkness. The set, on the other hand, shook and everyone listened as a deep resonating boom reverberated off along the corridors.
Without blinking, Vladimir Arihkin gestured to his colleagues. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce you to a cadre of Grand Master Guardians, the team leaders of today’s operation. You will have noticed they were able to teleport into the studio completely undetected, unlike me, who created a bit of a show in keeping with the spirit of the event. This should indicate that if we have to, we can execute an instantaneous tactical insertion into any venue we desire without drawing the slightest attention. Heed the demonstration for what it is. No one who breaks the law, no one who commits crimes against humanity will remain beyond our reach for long.”
He turned to the operations manager. “Katy, as well as helping me stuff my face, I understand you’re coordinating the network for us today and keeping the various newsrooms around the world up to speed?”
“Er, ye-yes that’s right.” Katy stammered in reply.
“Don’t be nervous, my dear. I was wondering if you would be so kind as to ensure your mobile reporters in the places I’m about to list are listening carefully. If you don’t have anyone available in any specific location, let me know, and we can improvise with someone else, okay?”
“Certainly.”
Standing, the Guardian Lord walked around to where his colleagues paraded in silence. After a brief pause, he commenced speaking slowly: “Russia; China; Japan; Switzerland; Israel, and the United States of America.”
As he said the name of each respective country, one of the Grand Masters stepped forward and swept back their hood, revealing the fact that they all seemed to be in their early thirties and in excellent shape. Every one of them exuded an aura of quiet competence, strength and ability.
Catching Katy’s attention again, Vladimir checked, “Can you confirm your news crews are ready?”
“Yes, they heard and are all on standby, but you should be aware we couldn’t get permission for an independent team in China. They have to have a representative of the People’s Party with them at all times. And we don’t have anyone in Russia. They completely shut us out.”
“That’s no problem, the People’s Party representative will be most welcome to go along, and...” He lingered, midsentence and his eyes lost focus. “Do you have any correspondents in Norway or Sweden, or anywhere like that who are watching, who might be prepared to assist us at short notice?”
“Yes, we do...in Norway I think.”
“Excellent. Please advise them to expect this Grand Master and her team in a few minutes.” Vladimir indicated an exceptionally athletic pale woman with smoldering hazel eyes, and a blonde bobbed haircut. Stepping forward, she made a point of looking directly into the camera and waved to ensure she would be identified. As she raised her hand, two silver bands on her sleeve became clearly visible.
“Will do,” Katy replied. “Jon, Nils, did you see that? Make sure you’re...” Her voice faded as she wandered off toward the back of the set, issuing instructions as she went.
The Lord Conciliator waited until everything had settled then addressed the public once more. In a deliberate voice, he said, “People of the world, I am talking at a measured pace now, to ensure that my words are fully understood. As I speak, Guardian technicians are implementing a voiceover sub routine into the signal to ensure my exact words are accurately translated into the tongues and dialects of the people manning each of the target facilities.
“In a few moments, the Grand Masters will rejoin their Guardian compatriots, at which point they will journey to those cities containing the waiting BBC news crews. After they have introduced themselves and briefed their civilian counterparts, the combined Guardian-BBC contingent will teleport directly to their respective locales where people are being held against their will. While there, they will effect the release of all those wanting to leave. Should any express a desire to remain with their captors, their wishes will be respected. But, be under no illusions; we will know without a shadow of a doubt if anyone is being coerced, directly or indirectly, through family or friends.”
Vladimir’s eyes shone brighter, their radiance becoming almost painfully intense before he made an effort to reduce their luminosity to a gentle glow.
“To the people currently manning those facilities, I wish to emphasize that we will extend the courtesy of arriving outside your respective workplaces. Once on site, we will approach any representative you may have on hand and request your co-operation to enter peaceably. If you exercise good judgment, matters will progress smoothly, and your governments will no doubt be viewed more favorably by the world. Note – every effort will be made to give you the option of a nonaggressive response. I suggest you take it. Know that if you are unwise enough to attempt a show of force, the plasma batons my friends carry are capable of harnessing energies you are unfamiliar with. Together with the Grand Masters’ powers, they are more than capable of incapacitating any resistance you might offer.”
The image panned out again to show the Lord Conciliator standing next to his colleagues. Spinning crisply on the spot, he saluted them, whereupon they sheathed their staffs and vanished.
Smiling to his hosts, Vladimir extinguished the fire of his gaze, strolled back round to his seat and sat down. “More tea, anyone, it should still be quite hot?”
“Er, no thank you,” Robert mumbled.
Sophia declined with a wave of her hand. “What happens now?”
“Well, now we wait a few minutes so that appropriate introductions can be made, then we’ll join in and see if commonsense prevails…or not, as the case may be.”
“So we’ll definitely be in on the action?” Sophia still seemed surprised.
“Yes, of course, that’s why we joined up with your colleagues on the ground. Guardian Command wants an independent third party to capture what takes place live on air, so the truth can’t be denied. We can follow along with what takes place here in the comfort of the studio. Any preferences?”
“May I make a suggestion?” Robert asked.
“Please do,” Vladimir replied.
“A lot is bound to happen if we try to go to six different venues at once. If it’s all being recorded anyway, why not stick to just one location now – so it doesn’t overwhelm the viewers – then we can show the highlights after, or perhaps serialize each location in turn throughout the coming week.”
“That’s an excellent idea, Robert. So where would you like see?”
Robert turned to his co-host. “Lady’s choice, Sophia?”
Sophia considered her options. “Well, I know you said the feed will be translated, but I think it would be the safest bet to go to an English speaking location. I guess that restricts us to America.”
The Guardian Lord cocked his head slightly to one side, obviously communicating with someone mentally. It didn’t take long. A few seconds later, he looked back to his hosts. “Ready when you are, then. Would you like to make the announcement, or shall I?”
Both presenters reeled backward in their seats, their hands held high in surrender.
“Chickens!” Vladimir grinned and turned to the cameras. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to join the combined Guardian-BBC task force as they begin their operation to free a number of people held against their will in the USA. Please, try not to be upset at what you might witness. These events will be happening live, and staff currently on duty at the establishment you will see are bound to find themselves experiencing a certain amount of stress from the instant we arrive. Don’t be surprised if they act out of character.”
Vladimir’s gaze fell to the tray of refreshments and his eyebrows flared in delight. Helping himself to more tea and biscuits, he sat back without a care in the world, while events unfolded that would forever go down in history.