December 1st—10:30 a.m. Exeter—England
David Collins, an I.T. technician employed by the Ministry of Defence at Whitehall, London, chafed at the way his fortunes had changed over the last few days.
This coming weekend was supposed to have been a game changer, as he had originally intended to travel to Kent with his – getting serious – girlfriend, Lindsey, to meet her parents. Of course, such well laid plans invariably guaranteed his brief respite from work would be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
Little did he know at the time…?
Forced to work late on Friday, David had been threading his way through the rear-end of rush-hour traffic to pick Lindsey up from her South Kensington apartment, when his scroll phone intercepted a message directed to his home number.
The caller had been none other than the Council’s founder, Lei Yeung, who proceeded to crush David’s romantic aspirations outright. Forced into cancelling the weekend away entirely, David had immediately diverted to Paddington Station, and less than an hour later, found himself crammed aboard one of the last commuter expresses out of London, sweating its jam-packed way toward rolling hills of Devon, and Exeter in particular.
He had been tasked to find one Joshua Drake, a little boy who by all accounts, was the very first person to receive the open attention of the Guardian Angels. Yeung wanted to know why that was the case ahead of Saturday’s planned extravaganza, and David had no one but himself to blame for being handpicked for the job.
David was blessed with a psychic shielding capability you see, that allowed him to approach people totally undetected. While his ability didn’t render him invisible to electronic devices, it did mean he could interact with whoever he wanted before choosing to simply cancel his existence from their minds.
A useful tool, especially when employed in tandem with his other talent, for David was also a reader: he could chronicle a person’s life from their memories just by touching them. And such was his dexterity that he could identify and quantify whatever extrasensory capability his target possessed – whether that individual realized they were psychic or not.
He was cunning and he was evasive, and just the edge at times like this when the Council wanted to learn something that might give them an advantage.
Of course, none of this mattered to the aforementioned Lindsey, who persisted in demonstrating her utter contempt for her beleaguered beau by refusing all his calls in the meantime. So, far from enjoying the comfortable weekend he’d had planned in the sumptuous home belonging to Lindsey’s parents – who were reportedly very affluent – David had been forced to endure the charms of one of Exeter’s seedier hotels.
Not that he’d had much time to test for woodworm or bedbugs. Instead, David found himself camped in the environs of Exeter’s main police station, brushing past officers entering and leaving via the main doors, and striving to follow up on the original reports of the Joshua Drake incident on his scroll phone. Anything really that would help him narrow down an address, snatch the information Yeung required, and speed the moment he could rush back home and try and salvage whatever was left of his ruined love life.
Then, at 2:00 a.m. Saturday morning, he’d struck gold after bumping into one of the original investigators of the case who also had occasion to conduct a number of home visits on the Drakes themselves.
Armed with what he’d learned – and a military grade Taser – David had made directly to the Beacon Heath area of the city in a hired car, where he began his preparations.
Initially, he’d parked near the end of the small cul-de-sac in which the Drakes’ home was situated. Extending his shield to encompass the vehicle, David then turned the heater full on and sat back to wait, unobserved by neighbors or late night passers-by.
Listening to music and basking in seventy degrees of toasty warmth helped pass the time. Regardless, bad luck continued to plague David from on high. The Drakes had been away all week visiting the boy’s grandparents, and when they returned at 4:00 a.m. later that morning, not only did they catch David by surprise, but they managed to get indoors before he could reach them.
Deciding that nothing would be gained by a direct confrontation, David had determined to return at a time when neighbors would be less inclined to pay attention to strangers making odd calls.
His judgment had proven sound, and for once, things seemed to be going his way. The Drakes were located at the very end of the road itself. Driving to the terminus, David rounded the circle and scoured the windows of adjacent properties like a priest searching for signs of demonic possession on the faces of wayward Goths.
Finding nothing that troubled him, he pulled slowly to the curb, and donned the finishing touches that would render him invisible to onlookers: a band aid over his nose to divert attention away from his facial features; a trilby hat to conceal his hair; thick-rimmed glasses to trigger an old “Harry Potter recollection” instead of useful facts, and an extra coat to make him appear heavier than he actually was.
Suitably attired, he took a final glance at the clock and alighted from the vehicle, running through his plan one last time in his head.
Right, its ten thirty-two. This is an in and out job, so there’s no need to complicate things. I’ll walk up to the door, introduce myself, show my ID for Danny Hollings of Social Services, and simply ask to carry out a quick visual check on Joshua’s current state of health. That’ll be my cue to smile and apologize, reassure them that I don’t want to be there, then reluctantly remind them his experience is bound to have created some degree of trauma we need to monitor from time to time. Apologize again. Keep smiling. And when Josh comes to the door…“Shit!” he cursed under his breath.
As he’d been walking, David had continued to scan the foreground for last minute hitches. He’d just found one. A hide-a-way covert surveillance camera, tucked up beneath the guttering of the main aspect of the house, inside an opaque shell.
So much for getting in and out undetected.
Looks like Joshua’s mother got fed up with the army of press camping outside their door for weeks on end after the boy’s salvation. What was it the papers said…? Oh yeah, she had to take out a series of court orders to prevent further unwarranted intrusions into their lives by the mainstream media and a number of private investigators…and it looks like she added security too. Peachy.
It was too late to turn back now.
Let’s hope my official approach cuts me some slack. I didn’t think I’d need to make a bloody appointment for a surprise welfare visit. Oh well, here it goes.
David lingered on the step to wave up at the CCTV bubble and grin in what he hoped was a winning fashion. Then he pressed a gloved finger to the bell and stepped back to present a nonthreatening attitude.
At first, everything remained quiet.
After waiting a few minutes, David tried again, this time, maintaining the shrill assault until it was answered by muffled nondescript sounds of activity from inside.
Finally, the bolts snapped back and the door cracked open to the jingling rush of a tightening security chain. A tired face peeped out.
Bingo! Samantha Drake.
“What do you want?” Joshua’s mother demanded.
Showing the ID, David smiled as he went into his routine, remembering to turn his back to the camera as much as possible. “Oh, hi, Miss Drake, or may I call you Samantha? I’m here to see Joshua. Don’t worry, it’s just to check how he is and make sure he’s settled down after all the drama.”
“Who are you again?”
“I’m Danny Hollings with Social Services, Child Welfare. Please don’t be worried, it’s a quick visit. We’re filing the concluding report on the incident and I’ve been asked to drop by to ensure he’s fully back to normal.”
Narrowing her eyes, the suspicion obvious on her face, Samantha replied, “They told me the case was already closed, so why are you here?”
“Like I said, it’s so we can actually finalize the dossier. It ended up becoming quite extensive, you see. But not anymore. You won’t see me again after this, I promise.”
“Where’s Sandra and why didn’t you call before to let me know you were coming?”
“Sorry, that’s my fault. I just transferred here from Plymouth last week and forgot to bring your number with me. Sandra got tied up with another case. Look, I can see this is obviously annoying you, so I’ll tell you what. Why don’t I just wait here while you bring Joshua to the door? I’ll give him the onceover, and then be out of your way, okay?”
Samantha Drake still wasn’t convinced. “You can wait there alright. I’ve got Sandra’s number so I’m going to go and run things by her before we do anything else.”
“Okay, but please don’t be long, it’s freezing out here.” For good effect, David stamped his feet and blew into his cupped hands.
No sooner had the door closed, however, than David was gone, striding briskly from the house and into the street where he employed his chameleon shield over a wider arc to ensure no one witnessed his departure.
So much for trying to be nice! I guess I’m going to have to play things harder. I’ll come back later when they’re not expecting it and just take what I need.
*
December 1st—11:55 a.m. London—England
Expectations mounted at the BBC News Centre in London as 12:00 noon approached. Preparations over the past week meant that every BBC news correspondent across the planet was on standby, just in case. Favors, both robust and restrained, had been called in and all modes of transport – ranging from private jets and helicopters, down to bobcats and motorbikes – made available, should news teams, anywhere, need to go mobile at a moment’s notice.
The newsroom itself had also been rearranged. While the main desk dominated the center as usual, it was now positioned toward the rear of the set, leaving space for both formal and informal interview areas left and right. The BBC was keen to send their hoped for visitors a message: “We have lots of room, don’t be shy.”
Since 9:00 a.m. that morning, a special report had been aired, synchronizing with other major telecasts in different countries around the globe, highlighting the exploits of the Guardian Angels over the past several months. Various experts were on hand, providing advice and offering opinions on a wide assortment of related topics, such as the possible agenda motivating mankind’s new benefactors. Speculation was rife as to the range of the Guardian Angels’ psychic powers, and what impact their technology might have on the world’s economy.
The overall impression created by those messages left by the Guardian Angels was also the topic of much debate, especially as the latter ones hinted on matters of law and order. A lively discussion had just ended via satellite link, with one of Australia’s top public figures, Commissioner Gordon McMenamin of the Queensland Police Service. The Commissioner had been citing the now infamous rescue at Coolangatta, on the Gold coast, Australia, several months previously, whereby a family had not only been rescued by the Guardian Angels, but the perpetrators of a related crime had been apprehended and left for local authorities to deal with.
Many of the law enforcement agencies in Australia were still trying to decipher the Guardian Angels’ intentions pertaining to the matter. A hot potato in view of the fact that the two criminals responsible for the theft of a motor boat which caused the Coolangatta incident – Tom McAllister and Michael Thompson – had been the bane of both the Queensland and New South Wales Police for some years. So notorious were they that they had even made their unwelcome presence felt in Victoria from time to time.
Both were compulsive thieves specializing in the acquisition of boats and marine equipment, and already well on the road to a lifetime spent leapfrogging successive jail sentences with bouts of protracted skullduggery. Commissioner McMenamin had gone into great detail describing the overwhelming compulsion both men felt to tell the truth and confess to previously unreported crime, an act totally out of character for them. Inspired, the Commissioner stated that if this was a taste of what was to come, he would be giving his wholehearted support to their newfound friends and encouraged everyone else to do the same.
Now, with just over two minutes to go, the overseeing floor manager drew everyone’s attention to the time and directed teams, everywhere, to stand by. Floor crews around the world rushed to conclude last minute tests, while technicians completed their final sound and signal checks.
Screens focused on the digital countdown, while the two anchors chosen for the occasion, Robert King and Sophia Davies, received the finishing touches to their make-up.
As the clock hit the one minute mark, the intro music commenced its rhythmic overture, and the “Special BBC World News Broadcast” along with its presenters, was announced to more than two billion expectant people.
Robert King’s face remained impassive as he was counted in, animating only at the last instant to say, “Good day, you’re joining us live here at the BBC, where we await the final few seconds to a deadline the human race has been anticipating with bated breath.”
Sophia Davies then made her own opening statement. “Yes, the waiting is almost over, and we’re about to discover if we’re going to receive another statement from the Guardian Angels, or perhaps something better, something even more astounding…”
She paused, and the wall panel behind them flipped to the red and white BBC Logo, showing the timer still descending. When it hit, 00:00:20, she added, “We’re not sure what we’re letting ourselves in for, but rest assured, our teams around the globe are on standby, to provide as full as coverage as possible.”
Robert glanced slightly off screen. Clearing his throat, he stressed, “We have just ten seconds to go; now five seconds until our audience discovers the reason why all the…?”
His voice faded as everything dimmed abruptly. Power wasn’t lost entirely, but it was obvious electrical circuits within the studio itself had been affected.
“One moment please, we appear to be having some difficulties,” he murmured.
In the background, the operations manager, Katy Greene, was frantically shouting into her microphone for her assistant, Amy Smith, seated up in the director’s booth. “Amy, what’s the problem, why aren’t the backups kicking in? Are we still transmitting?”
Amy’s Scottish brogue sounded over the earpiece. “Och, we’re transmitting alright. Whatever this glitch is, it only seems to be screwing with the lights.”
“Well, get it sorted, I’ve got the world watching here and I can’t have us…?” Shaken roughly by her shoulder, Katy was unable to keep her line of thought. Spinning round, she confronted the culprit – a cameraman – and almost leaped down his throat, “What!”
Her posturing seemed a wasted effort, for the cameraman was staring over Katy’s shoulder and gesticulating wildly toward the informal interview area, where three large couches had been arranged in a box shape surrounding a large coffee table. “Look, look at that!” he squeaked, loud enough to draw the female anchor’s attention.
Spotting the ruckus, Sophia Davies chimed up. “We appear to have a development unfolding right here in front of us, ladies and gentlemen. Can we get the cameras on it, please, so everyone can see?”
Veiled threats stitched the air as Katy Greene ensured her team reacted promptly, “You heard her. Do it. Do it now, don’t worry about capturing any floor crew.”
By the scant illumination left within the studio, a small ball of plasma – no larger than a tea saucer – could be seen, hovering over the coffee table like a wraith. Glowering and sizzling through a multicolored borealis, it spun on its axis, casting eerie shadows throughout the rest of the set.
Ribbons of pulsing light washed into it, condensing in concentric waves. As they did so, the orb glowed more brilliantly, swelling in size and changing color, first to silver blue then scintillant white. Both presenters were struck dumb and watched in silence as the eerie display unfurled in front of them amid a blinding exhibition of flickering contrasts.
The disc started to ripple, sending out an efflux of potent gravity waves. After a few seconds it floated down to a position in front of the table where it continued to grow until large enough to envelop a person.
A dark stain appeared in the exact center of the animated mass. Acting in the manner of an inkblot on paper, it distended, swallowing the streamers whole and leaving nothing behind except for a well of utter blackness surrounded by a crackling corona of energy.
Without warning, a person stepped down out of the space in-between, causing the void to collapse in on itself. As it did so, power levels returned to normal.
The abrupt return of glaring arc lights only added to the shock. Nonetheless, everyone – those in the studio and those glued to their screens around the world – knew instantly what stood before them.
Dressed from head to toe in black, the figure wore a cloak with its hood drawn so far forward so as to make his or her features indistinguishable. The stranger’s hands were cross-linked in the posture of a monk at ease. But this was no monk; it was a Guardian Angel in the flesh.
The first to regain his composure, Robert broke the silence with a timely jibe to the camera, at his co-presenter’s expense. “Well, everyone, it looks like Sophia got her wish and something much more astounding did happen. It’s taken us a little by surprise, but hopefully we can make our guest feel much more welcome now…?” Turning to the special envoy, he said, “Hello, welcome to the BBC, and of course to the rest of the viewing public.”
The robed figure slowly lifted its arms and tugged back the hood to reveal the smiling bespectacled face of a quite unremarkable middle-aged man.
That he was sturdily built was beyond question. Apart from that, his neatly trimmed gray hair, mustache and beard, and silver wireframe glasses perched on the end of a rudderlike nose made him look more like a university professor than one of humanity’s legendary benefactors.
He must have sensed the anticlimax. Shrugging, he opened his hands wide and in an almost apologetic manner, chuckled. “I’m not what you expected, am I?”
His rich, deep, accented voice contained a hint of self-mockery and was clearly audible without the need of a microphone. He gestured to one of the couches. “May I sit down? Perhaps we’d all feel more comfortable if we relaxed and chatted over here.”
Both Robert and Sophia almost fell over themselves in their haste to reach the informal interview area. As they tried not to make too much of an exhibition of themselves, Katy Greene stepped forward, hesitantly, and offered the Guardian Angel a button mic. “Do you even need one of these?”
The emissary smiled amiably. “If it makes you more comfortable, my dear, I shall gladly wear it, although you will have to help me put it on. I’ve never had to use one before, and it looks a bit fiddly.”
Trying to maintain her deportment, Katy’s fingers trembled like the legs of a newborn fawn, and it wasn’t until her third attempt that she managed to affix the pin.
“Fiddly for you, too, eh?” The older man’s humor seemed to put her at ease. As she began to step back, he asked, “May I be so bold as to ask for a cup of tea? I feel I may be doing a lot of talking in a minute, and will need a little pick-me-up to help.”
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
“Of...of course, do you like biscuits?” Katy stammered.
The Guardian Angel’s face lit up. “Why, thank you very much, I must confess I’m more than fond of custard creams if you have them?” He patted his stomach. “Perhaps too fond—I have to be careful now. I can’t burn off the calories like I could in my younger days.”
Katy couldn’t help but grin and before she had even reached the edge of the set, she heard good old reliable Amy yelling, “Leave it to me, I’m on it.”
Both Robert and Sophia had finally taken their seats, having originally opted for the sofa positioned directly opposite the Guardian Angel. Thankfully, his disarming manner and repeated assurances that he wouldn’t bite had vouchsafed a more intimate arrangement, and they had scooted around to sit much closer to him. And a good thing too, for despite the uniqueness of the occasion, people couldn’t help but relax in the presence of this ordinary, extremely chatty, approachable man. Soon, everyone had settled down, ready for the interview to commence.
Sophia began. “First of all, on behalf of the BBC and indeed the rest of the world, can we say, thank you so much for coming. We weren’t sure what was going to happen today, but it’s lovely to get to meet one of you at last outside of a disaster or emergency. Do excuse me, but we’ve been calling you Guardian Angels—what do you prefer?”
The Guardian Angel removed his spectacles with one hand and raised his opposite arm free of his cloak to reveal a wide scarlet band with a thin central golden stripe near to the end of his sleeve. “Officially, I’m the Lord Conciliator Vladimir Arihkin, chief go-between and spokesman for the Guardians, but that’s quite a morsel to get your mouth around, isn’t it? I prefer Vladimir. It’s my name, after all, and sounds much less formal, eh?”
Robert laughed out loud. “Vladimir it is, then!” He introduced himself, and then indicated his co-presenter. “Robert, Sophia. If you don’t mind my saying, your name and accent sound Russian?”
“That’s because they are,” Vladimir replied. “I was born and raised in Moscow, ooh, some years ago now. I’ve not been back for a while, though, and don’t miss the cold at all.”
“Do you still have family there?” Sophia asked, taking back the conversation.
“Yes, certainly. But as I say, I haven’t been home in a long time.”
“So, the world has dubbed you Guardian Angels, but what is it you call yourselves?”
“We prefer to use the term Guardians. It sums up what we do, nicely, while reminding us of our limitations. Believe me; we are under no illusions about being angels. We just thought it time to properly introduce ourselves and hopefully open some doors to facilitate a closer relationship with you all in the future.”
“So that’s why you’re here today?” Sophia stressed, “In the interests of friendship?”
“Yes, to say ‘hello’ and to reassure people that we’re here to help. We also ask for your patience and understanding as we plan our initial approach to your leaders and prepare a framework for future co-operation. I suppose you could say we’re especially eager to lay out some ground rules that will allow us to do our job properly as we try to implement the changes this will bring.”
“Changes?” interjected Robert.
“How else will society adapt to the introduction of – in the words of some in your media – Super beings who defy the laws of time, physics and nature? One minute, you’re going about your business, dealing with the stresses and challenges of everyday life on your own, and then, all of a sudden, ‘tah-dah’, we turn up doing all sorts of things that seem extraordinary.”
“And you think this will mean a period of transition?” Robert persisted.
“Of course it will, Robert. The world is, like it or not, a very different place now we’re actively involved with it. That’s why we deliberated so long before making ourselves known to you.”
“So you’ve planned this for some time, then?” Sophia sounded surprised.
“For quite a while now, Sophia, yes. But as I hope you can appreciate. With an occasion this big, one that would have such huge ramifications across the whole continuum of humanity, the timing of it took a great deal of forethought and, quite frankly, involved a high degree of risk.”
“Risk? What do you mean by that, Vladimir?”
The Guardian sucked on the inside of his cheek. “Let me put it this way. It’s like trying to decide when to rescue people from a sinking ship. If you go in too quickly, you’ll be unprepared. While you might end up managing to rescue some of the passengers, all the good you’ve done comes crashing down when you realize too late that you don’t have enough lifeboats available for everyone. Many end up dying because you jumped in too soon. But, if you show restraint from the outset, if you make sure you have sufficient lifeboats and enough properly trained crew to operate them first, then, although you may lose a few passengers initially, you end up saving virtually everyone once you do chip in.”
Robert added, “So you’re saying that although you wanted to help sooner, you were forced to wait until your resources matched your desire?”
“Precisely. There have always been tragedies and natural disasters. History is full of incidents where good people have been lost to catastrophe. We’ve had to watch that terrible loss of life, knowing that if only we’d been ready, we could have done a lot to alleviate so much suffering. But we couldn’t. If we’d tried sooner, we’d have unwittingly created a storm of contention, having neither the infrastructure in place, nor indeed the range of abilities we now have.”
“That must have been difficult,” Robert commented dryly.
The Lord Conciliator grimaced, his reply laced with sadness. “You’ll never know, my friend, you’ll never know. In his wisdom, the one who leads and directs us made sure everything was in place before we introduced ourselves to a world in desperate need. He saw to it that all of us were fully trained, properly equipped, and correctly motivated. He ensured that proper infrastructure I mentioned was up and running. And thank goodness for that, for it enables us to respond, very quickly, at any time to any place in the world…You see, to him, every soul is precious and deserving of the best quality care we can give.”
“And you can guarantee that level of commitment?” Sophia gasped.
The Guardian twitched his eyebrows. “It is a stretch, I admit, especially in these early days, but part of the reason I am here today is to assure the world of our confidence in being able to offer a full global response to severe natural disasters or dire emergencies, as and when they arise. Obviously, we will only do so for as long as we are welcome and are free to operate as required to maintain proper levels of safety. And on that point I must stress, we’re not here to help little Maksyuta down out of a tree or babushka into her flat. Neither can we be everywhere at once. But we’ll do our best to be there when you really need us. And soon, we hope to offer much more than…aha, what’s this?”
They were interrupted briefly by Amy bringing tea and an assortment of biscuits and cookies for everyone. After placing the tray in the middle of the table and pointing out the custard creams, she raced off toward the safety of the control booth.
Vladimir Arihkin’s face beamed with pleasure at the prospect of indulging himself. Indicating that his hosts should follow suit, he scooped up a handful of the sugary delights on offer and began dunking them unceremoniously into his steaming hot drink.
What people thought of that particular practice was revealed an instant later by the volume of snickering and tittering echoing back and forth across the studio floor. Ignoring them all, the chief spokesperson for the Guardians continued to munch his way through his triple-layered treats until he noticed Robert King was chewing over something distinctly less flavorsome.
“What’s on your mind, Robert?” he mumbled, around a mouthful of biscuit.
“I noticed that little hint you gave us just before Amy brought out the refreshments,” Robert began, “you said the Guardians were hoping to offer a wider range of services than they do at present?”
“You are quite correct. As I mentioned, we had to wait before revealing ourselves to ensure that our strategic assets were sufficient to meet the demands that would be expected of them. Now we’ve done so, we look forward to improving our functionality. To do that, we need to secure your cooperation in extending our capacity beyond mere emergency cover. Such a mutual dependency will integrate us more fully into your society, you see.”
“How so?”
“By helping us bring our human resources up to speed.”
“Human resources up to…?” Robert was caught flatfooted for only a second. “Oh, I see. You’re saying you need more people?”
“We certainly do. And that’s where you come in. Our studies have revealed a dramatic increase of those being born in recent years with the genetic potential for higher extrasensory mental function, or psi-function. That’s our term for folks who have the capability of utilizing genuine, measurable psychic aptitude. Thankfully we have the means to distinguish the potential for such phenomenon, and can accurately measure the strength and range of those abilities when they externalize. We don’t catch everyone, but we do our best to locate as many as possible so their talents can be fully enhanced by our specialized training methods.”
Sophia asked the question on everyone’s lips. “So how do we actually help?”
“The more people let us know of gifted ones in their families, the more opportunities we will have to prepare future Protectors and Guardians, using the specialized facilities within our academy where –?”
Sophia’s face couldn’t hide her surprise. “Sorry to interrupt you, Vladimir, but you have a what? An academy? And what are Protectors?”
“Yes, we have an academy, Sophia, a very special one,” the Lord Conciliator replied, “and Protector is the title bestowed upon our candidates when they graduate after five long years of training. Think of it as an active, but probationary rank, where the newly qualified Guardian-to-be is given further on-the-job training and experience. After a few years – if they continue to mature – they are entitled to wear the black uniforms that have become quite infamous recently and subject of all the ‘Jedi’ references that seem to have stuck like glue.”
“So where is this university of the mind? What kind of students do you look for? Just how many of you are there out there?”
Raising his hands in a placating gesture, the Guardian shook his head. “I’m very sorry, Sophia, but that information is still quite sensitive. One day we will reveal more about ourselves, but for the moment we still have to remain somewhat off the radar.”
Robert studied his guest thoughtfully. “It must have been very difficult to keep such a thing hidden all this time.”
“More than you know, Robert. Not only has it placed our candidates and their families under a great deal of pressure, but it put a good few off too, I can tell you. Hopefully, such hurdles will become a thing of the past as we move more freely among you and citizens get to discover how they can join us. I really do look forward to the time when we have a hybridized unilateral structure in place to keep society safe.”
“Hybridized unilateral structure?”
Vladimir nodded. “Yes, it’s our vision of the way forward. How can I explain it briefly? Let me see...
“Our technology is far in advance of what’s currently available on your markets or under development in China, the USA and Japan, I think you’d agree. Well, we anticipate being able to steer your brightest and best toward some revolutionary leaps in clean energy solutions, or using construction and transport methods that compliment and harmonize with the environment instead of harming it. Healthcare is another area we can help you to make great strides. How about improving your screening techniques for certain diseases or genetic abnormalities and enhancing your treatment regimens for such things? Then there’s a definite case for unifying your emergency services and tightening the way you handle crises or manage trauma victims.”
“So you’re going to solve or eradicate many of the problems we now face?”
“No, I didn’t say that, Robert. What we’re going to do is point you in the right direction so that your scientists discover the most advantageous way of doing things for themselves. There’s that old saying about the starving man that rings true in this instance: ‘Give a man a fish, and he will feed himself for a day, teach a man how to fish, and he will feed both his family and himself indefinitely!’ That’s what we intend to do. Help you progress at your own accelerated pace so you fully understand the groundbreaking strides you’ll be taking. Each step forward will act as a springboard for even greater innovation.”
“Ah, so you’ll speed up the means, by which we gradually learn to target, reduce and – in due time – eliminate problems for ourselves?”
The Guardian nodded again, more vigorously this time and leaned back in his chair. “That’s the hope. And by working along with us, you’ll be laying the foundations for the hybridized unilateral structure I mentioned. For example, think of your emergency responders being better equipped and trained to deal with a wider range of disasters. What about manufacturing itself? If you were capable of building aircraft that rarely succumb to faults, or structures that could withstand earthquakes or tornados, it would reduce the potential for calamity arising in the first place, right?”
“Right…with prevention being better than cure?”
“Exactly. And with you in a superior position to look after yourselves, it leaves us free to handle the really serious stuff and grants a greater leeway for the Guardians to expand in other, more critical areas…so long as we get the blessing of your governments of course. Hopefully once they’ve grasped the greater implications, I’m sure they’ll come on board without too much fuss.”
Sophia seemed eager to interpose. “This all sounds very nice, Vladimir, but we’re talking about having to deal with politicians. There are bound to be problems…it’s in their blood. They explode if they’re not arguing with someone.”
The Lord Conciliator couldn’t prevent the bark of mirth that escaped his lips. Replacing his spectacles on the tip of his nose, he replied, “An accurate observation, Sophia, and well deserved…” then he paused to tap each of his lenses with one finger, “You’ll note these are not rose tinted? Good, let’s be realistic about this, shall we?
“You know as well as I do the world is full of all sorts of characters, from all sorts of different backgrounds, yes? By and large, most people can be described as good, while a minority is labeled bad. However, whether good or bad, what unites most citizens is their tendency to be fiercely protective of their own individual little bits of the planet. When you look at this hunk of rock from above, you see an absolute jewel in space. Despite what mankind has done to it, the earth is still breathtaking, and has the potential to be even more beautiful as the centuries go by. It’s not until you start looking in books that you see all those dotted lines appearing everywhere. Humanity has been intent on carving out chunks of it for himself for thousands of years now, and then jealously guarding his bit of soil against all sorts of danger, some of it real, most of it imaginary. Do you seriously think such a possessive mindset will disappear overnight just because we’ve turned up?”
“So you’re already expecting some to dig their heels in at the offer of change because they won’t be able to view you as anything but a threat?”
“Intuitively put, Sophia, and poignantly accurate. It’s a sad fact that, despite our best assertions to the contrary, there will always be those who question what we do. That’s why we chose to reveal our presence in so many places at once. Accidents and disasters happen, irrespective of who you are or where you might live. By demonstrating we’re here to support everyone, we hope we’ve sent a clear message emphasizing that lives matter. Lives, not dotted lines on a map.”
“That’s reassuring to know, Vladimir, and the viewing public is bound to have noted the truth of your statement. After all, your actions over the past several months have spoken loudly in support of your words. Even so, suspicions are bound to linger, especially in those regimes noted for their – how can I say – tighter borders?”
“Yes, they are, Sophia, which is why I, as Lord Conciliator of the Guardians, have been assigned to act as a mediator.
“I appreciate the transition phase will present difficulties, so I won’t be working alone. Over the coming months, I will introduce you to my team. We are the ones who will strive to allay any fears you might have and answer the questions your appointed representatives will no doubt fire our way. Of course, once we’ve liaised with your world leaders, a proper means of bringing those queries to the table will have to be formulated to ensure the most pressing matters are dealt with first.
“It’s bound to be lively, but we look forward to enlightening even the most obstinate dictatorships; look…we’re here, and we’re here to stay. All we honestly want to do is help and we extend an open invitation to the newly emerging ones out there to join us on an epic campaign for mankind’s betterment, a…?”
Sophia was like a terrier with a bone. “And if people won’t buy what you’re selling?”
“If certain individuals or groups persist in being paranoid, refusing our offer and denying our full integration into their little clubs, then we will accept their wishes. Nothing is forced, except the consequences of their actions, for while others forge ahead, they will be left behind.”
“So you’re here for the long haul, then?”
The Guardian leaned forward and braced his hands on his knees. “Of course we are. We’re not about to offer you the world, save a few lives and then disappear, leaving you high and dry. But neither will we impose ourselves unduly. The support we offer is extended to all. Everyone deserves the same standard and quality of care. Our people are all volunteers, from every country you can think of. They have a vested interest in you. That’s why we offer our services unilaterally, we’re all involved. Regardless, if your leaders refuse our help, you’re the ones who will have to take it up with them, because we won’t labor the issue.”
“You won’t?”
“No.”
This time, it was Sophia’s turn to hunch forward in her seat. “And you’re categorically stating, here and now, that you have no hidden agenda, no hidden master plan or grand reveal to get one over on us?”
Looking over the top of his glasses, the Lord Conciliator smiled. His eyes, however, conveyed nothing but steel. “An excellent question, Sophia, expressing what some might consider a legitimate concern. We thought such an issue may arise, and as such I have been authorized to answer it directly.”
“Oh really?”
“Really. Let me put this as succinctly – and as gently – as I can…
“We are a very special, very powerful group of people. Serving others is what drives us; motivates us to improve ourselves. We want to guide you, to share our wisdom with you so that we – you and us as a collective – can achieve our full potential. There’s a magnificent prize waiting to be claimed out there, but to get a hold of it, you have to make a choice.”
Though low, Sophia’s tone was as keen as a razor’s edge. “What choice?”
“You have to stand up and be counted. Remember, more people are breaking through into psychic operancy than ever before…” As he spoke, Vladimir laced his fingers together and clasped his hands tight. “Your future is our future. We need to unite to achieve it. Prospective Guardians are being born all around the planet at this very moment. Have you ever stopped to consider who it is that’s been saving you lately? It’s not Martians.”
Both presenters appeared too stunned to respond, so Vladimir continued.
“And here are another few gems to help you appreciate why there’s no hidden agenda. Though your choice will determine our immediate course, we don’t need your technology, your weapons, or your earthly resources. We are so far ahead of you that – not to be rude – it would be like asking the Starship Enterprise to infiltrate enemy space to steal the secret of fire from cavemen. Why would we need to? The very idea would so preposterous it would never ever happen.
“Also, if any politicians watching this are apprehensive about the military and industrial integrity of their respective nations, rest assured, you have no secrets from us. When we make contact with your leaders, we intend to demonstrate the veracity of my declaration here today by presenting documentation to each head of state regarding those practices, operations and policies within their own countries that might prove embarrassing if they ever got out. Obviously, we don’t wish to cause unnecessary alarm, so rest assured. What we divulge will be for their eyes only and relating solely to their own skeletons.
“However, this little exercise carries with it a much more serious objective than showing we mean business. It will confirm once and for all that there are no clandestine activates that we can’t uncover, no dossiers we can’t find, no plan to invade a neighboring country we won’t expose. In fact, if one realm ever considered such a course – especially against someone under our protection – then they would find their capacity to cause harm to others drastically curtailed.”
“Seriously?” Roberts jaw almost hit the table, “that’s going to knock a few noses out of joint.”
“Robert, extrasensory talents do not discriminate between skin color, language, or race. They are neutral to a person’s standing in society. They are here, now, and you are not prepared or equipped to deal with those people or help them reach their true potential. We are. To do that effectively, we need to work in earnest to remove the barriers that divide humankind. Many of those barriers exist because of suspicion and prejudice. We need to tear such things down – and quickly – so that the hybridized unilateral structure can give you an early taste of the golden age to be ushered in.”
“A golden age?”
“Some might call it that. Imagine a global society – ooh, say, a hundred years from now – where no one ever need fear war or poverty, major disasters or freak acts of nature again. Think of a planet free of pollution or industrial scarring. A place where disease no longer exists and organized crime is a thing of the past.”
“Crime too?” Robert spluttered, his disbelief evident.
The Lord Conciliator gestured into the air, “It’s a way off yet and everyone needs to be behind the initiative driving for change, but yes. One day we hope to turn the dream into a reality.”
Robert whistled, “That will be an awfully difficult thing to do, Vladimir.”
“Your reservations are entirely warranted. Think of all the different kinds of judicial systems we have around the world. It’s the twenty-first century. We think of ourselves as modern and enlightened. And yet, some of those systems are plainly barbaric, while others are far too lenient to serve any real good. In a few extremes, gangs and corruption run rampant.
“People need stability, common ground and universal guidelines. All those conflicting laws and regulations need to be standardized and amalgamated into one pure codex, a unified standard for all. We hope the hybridized unilateral structure will provide the framework for such a reality to manifest.”
“That sounds …incredible. To think that type of accord would even be possible.”
“Well, it’s a long way off yet, as I say, and we still have to consider the practicalities involved.”
“Practicalities?”
“The law and order model would be a vast entity, Robert, so things like logistics and manpower are bound to be an issue. Once agreements were in place, however, I’d imagine already existing organizations like the FBI, DGSI, FSB or National Crime Squads would be complimented by contingents of Guardian Inquisitors. Then, once the impact of our methods had been accurately measured, it wouldn’t take long for the inauguration of brand new paranormal departments to strengthen and enhance the overall structure of the scheme.”
“That sounds fascinating, Vladimir. But tell me. What are Inquisitors?”
“They are our version of policemen, highly trained operatives who can use their specialized psychic powers to examine crime scenes and a whole variety of incidents. As you can imagine, their skills quickly help them determine the factual truth of events, not only by extracting information from people’s minds, but from the supportive forensic evidence provided by our superior technology.”
Robert shook his head, emphatically. “Absolutely incredible, Vladimir! People wouldn’t be able to lie. It’s like that example earlier today from Commissioner McMenamin in Australia, where those criminals were what…compelled to tell the truth?”
“That’s right, Robert, although that incident does highlight the way in which laws would need to change if we do go on to become fully involved in such issues.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, the statute books would need to include clauses or specific Acts covering the legality of obtaining statements by telepathic means, and of witness and prisoner cross-examination under oath.”
“Ah, I see—because it would be easy for your Inquisitors to allege someone was guilty, but we wouldn’t know for sure unless there was some way to verify it.”
“You see the dilemma? That’s why we’re currently developing a mechanical form of thought verification. Once it’s ready, it’ll be able to confirm the validity of those extrasensory findings submitted as evidence.”
“Sounds like a mind-field to me,” Robert quipped.
“An apt expression, though.” The Guardian chuckled. “It’s going to be a long haul, I think, but one that will be worth it in the end, especially when you consider the other side of the coin.”
“What other side?” Sophia asked.
“Not everyone who develops an extra sensory capacity is a member of the Guardians, Sophia. There are an unknown number of people out there who decided to go their own way or simply slipped through the net.”
“And do you think they’re a threat?”
Vladimir blew out through his cheeks. “How can I possibly answer that? We’re talking about normal everyday folks who just so happen to be gifted with abilities that set them apart. Sometimes that can make them wary and withdrawn, at others, scared and unsure. And just as you make personal decisions every day to abide by the law or be a fine upstanding member of the community, so do they.
“The big difference for them is that they live a very difficult life at the moment, in fear of discovery by a society that won’t understand what they can do, or those who might try and exploit them.”
“Exploit them?” Sophia repeated, sitting straighter in her seat.
“Of course. I imagine you’re both aware of the almost universal initiatives still running in schools, colleges and selected workplaces, supposedly to see if anyone out there is a potential Guardian Angel?”
“Yes, they’re quite widespread, especially online and in the media”.
“You’re a reporter, Sophia. You know what some of these governments and their nonexistent departments are like. What do you honestly think would happen to anyone they discovered with psi abilities? It’s a matter we Guardians have had our eye on for a couple of months now, and I have to admit, we don’t like what we’re seeing.”
Following the inference behind their guest’s statement perfectly, Sophia’s intuition kicked in. “Do you have something you need to tell us, Vladimir?”
The world held its breath. And as billions of people waited for the Lord Conciliator of the Guardians to reply, a totally different atmosphere shrouded the studio.