BBC World News Studio
As the stark interior of the Angel Project disappeared, the simulcast was interrupted for those few seconds it took to transfer the signal back to Broadcasting House in London.
Footage resumed, showing Robert King deep in conversation with the Lord Conciliator, Vladimir Arihkin. Realizing they were back on air, Sophia Davies scooted forward in her seat, looked off-screen briefly, nodded once and then pitched the camera.
“Welcome back to the studio,” Sophia began, “after what can only be described as an extraordinary glimpse into the world of shadows and espionage, dealings that seem to highlight what’s been taking place right under our noses. We need time to absorb the impact of what we saw, so I’m afraid this will only be a brief visit. In a moment, I’ve been informed the Guardians will break the link, allowing you to return to your local stations where you’ll have an opportunity to catch up on the headlines from your part of the globe.
“However, we ask that you prepare to tune in again live at three o’clock sharp, where we’ll be discussing the implications of the incursion at Langley – and I’m told – possibly one of two of the other venues where direct action was necessary. There’s bound to be lots to talk about, so don’t be late. See you then.”
The BBC News theme began its lead-in and the picture faded, releasing billions of onlookers to the drudgery of everyday drivel, weather and advertizing, mundanity that made the time until the magic hour stretch into a never-ending eternity.
Mind you, the telecommunications industry wasn’t complaining. During that interval, their lines were jammed by the multitudes, all eager to discuss what they’d just been granted unprecedented access to.
*
Upon their eventual return to the BBC studio, viewers were surprised to see the third couch was now occupied by two guests, the presenters and Guardian Lord having been joined by the young woman reporter from the American incident, Cathy West, and Alpha – or Uncle Corbin – as he would later come to be known.
Sat side by side, each portrayed a contrast of emotions; for while Alpha was calm and composed, it was evident Cathy was still hyped from events surrounding the rescue itself.
Robert opened the questioning. “Corbin, how do you feel the operation went today?”
“I feel today’s exercise was a success for several reasons,” the Guardian replied. “Firstly, we set out to free individuals who had been held against their will, in clear violation of the principles of freedom and entitlement adopted universally by most civilized countries around the planet. Now, I know some may argue that State or national interests were involved that somehow justifies in some way the measures the CIA took, but, if I may be direct? The law is the law, people are people. Everyone deserves to be treated by the same standards and with the same level of regard. When ordinary folk are going about their daily business, they merit the protection of their duly elected administration, whether or not they are gifted. So, in that respect, we achieved the goal we set out to accomplish: the liberation of those being held illegally.
“Please don’t misunderstand our intent. We really do esteem the constitution of government and seek to uphold it in every way we can. When regulations are reasonably and fairly applied, they provide a framework for society to live by and thrive in. Everyone needs a sound set of ethics to guide them. But those principles should also serve as a protection. If you have autonomous federal agencies thinking they can bend the rules or validate their hard-line stance, just because it suits a certain agenda...well, imagine the nonsense that would flourish. Pathetic! The law would become a millstone around the necks of those it was designed to defend, and a convenient tool for those who are prone to abusing power.
“That’s another reason why I feel that today was such a triumph. It demonstrated that the same standards apply to you regardless of what color your skin is, what tongue you speak, whether you’re rich or poor. You deserve the best, and we – the Guardians – want to set our collective family on the path to achieving that ideal.”
“I can relate to what you’re saying, Corbin,” Sophia agreed. “But witnessing the level of violence your presence caused, do you think the world will perceive what you did as reasonable?”
“Good question. I don’t presume to speak on behalf of the world, but I’m sure they’ll make their opinion known over the coming week. Personally speaking, I feel good about what I did today. Apart from one young man – Robin – who was clearly incapable of making rational decisions without an appropriate carer to speak for him, none of the hostages we rescued wanted to be there. The mere fact the CIA reacted violently has nothing to do with the rightness or wrongness of what we did.”
“I hope you don’t mind?” Cathy looked a little embarrassed to attract attention her way, but was nevertheless determined to speak. “I know I’m just a small cog in a big wheel, but I was there today with the Guardian Team, and although my footage will no doubt be the subject of a televised report later, I just wanted you to know how I felt.”
“No, not at all,” Robert responded, “it will be good to have a different perspective.”
“Well, I’m a reporter, as everyone knows, and a relatively new one at that. What you mustn’t forget is that I’m also a woman, an ordinary member of Joe Public who found herself in the middle of an extraordinary situation. So, how can I say this? Although we understandably surprised everyone at Langley, I was still absolutely horrified when they started shooting at us. I mean, really, why they did that is beyond me.” Indicating the team leader, she continued, “From the moment we arrived, Corbin openly communicated with them, asking for their assistance, trying not to damage things. And how did they react? They opened fire and kept blasting away with everything they had. Stun guns, gas grenades, pistols, rifles. Did you see the amount of bullets Bravo’s shield caught? It was obvious they had something to hide...and this is supposed to be one of the most civilized countries on the earth. I’m sorry, but that was disgusting. Mind, you can see now why they were so keen to stop us. Children and old people? The mentally vulnerable? And all of them kept in special cells deep underground. Talk about over the top.”
“So how do you think the viewing public will respond?” Robert inquired.
“I think they’ll support what happened because people aren’t stupid. They saw how violently the Guardians were opposed, and how restrained their response was. Can you imagine what would have happened if Corbin’s team had responded in kind? And we all saw the pedigree of the hardened fiends who had been imprisoned—I mean, please, a little girl of five? If this is the way America reacted, I’d hate to imagine how bad it was in the more radically motivated regimes. And where does it stop? What if criminals get their own psychics or have abilities themselves? Or terrorists?” An idea came to her. “That’s a thought. Can I ask if any of the other groups met with aggressive resistance today?”
As Robert and Sophia looked toward the control booth for direction, the Lord Conciliator replied. “We already know the answer to that question, Cathy. While four of the six venues were most accommodating, two – the facilities in America, as you know, and a larger one in Russia – reacted with what could have amounted to deadly force. We had –?”
Robert cut in. “Do excuse me butting in here, Vladimir. We’ve just this minute received an unedited copy of that incursion. Would you like to see a short excerpt?”
Those present nodded their assent.
Turning to the audience, Robert explained, “In just a moment we’ll be watching some of the highlights recorded by our Norwegian correspondent, Warren Shaw and his cameraman, Lewis Ferguson when they accompanied the Guardian squad attempting to enter an FSB compound just south of Leningrad Zoo Park, in St. Petersburg, Russia. I’m told the complex sits on a small island where the Neva, Mal, and Reka-Bol Neva Rivers converge, so access was rather limited.
“Bear in mind, the footage is raw, so some viewers might find the contents disturbing. Parental discretion is advised.”
A few seconds later, the clip was loaded and ready to go. A frozen image appeared – showing the female Grand Master with a bob hairstyle from earlier in the day – which looked to have been captured from about ten yards behind and to her right. Two of her colleagues stood slightly apart and on either side of her, facing outward, their postures making it plain they were in the middle of a battle. All three brandished their plasma staffs defensively, their glowing green blades as bright as phosphorous beacons.
The caption beneath the image repeated the details Robert had just provided, along with the time of the recording. 12:07:35 GMT – 15:07:35 MSK.
Everyone jumped as the track came to life and the sound of heavy and sustained gunfire filled the studio. A man’s voice – identified via a scrolling legend across the top of the screen as the team’s Bravo – was heard, saying, “Remember, as things heat up, stay close to me to ensure you remain within my protective bubble and let Alpha do her job.”
Lewis Ferguson panned his videocam left and right as they advanced, revealing the Guardian-BBC contingent to be in the middle of a wide granite viaduct spanning the depths of a frigid stretch of water that glittered fiercely in the afternoon sun.
On the far side, about one hundred yards away, the terminus of the bridge was festooned in a staggered series of concrete median traffic barriers and razor wire. Bright flashes betrayed those positions manned by soldiers who were busily engaged in trying to hold the unwanted interlopers at bay. Beyond them, a pair of T-90Fs squatted on open waste ground.
As the most modern tanks in the Russian army, the T-90s were known to be armed with heavy machineguns and primary smoothbore weapons that fired the very latest Dual Headed, Kinetic Energy, Armor Penetrating High Explosive Rounds.
Without warning, a puff of smoke issued from the nozzle of the main gun of one of the T-90’s and the entire vehicle shuddered as it recoiled. A split second later, a deafening concussion drown out the sound of everything else and Alpha was engulfed within a fireball. Yellow and orange flames bloomed in an expanding pyrotechnic flower, revealing the extent of her invisible shield.
The blast caused her to take a step back. Recovering quickly, Alpha extended her left fist and grimaced in a manner reminiscent of someone lifting a heavy load. Warren’s following shout of alarm caused everyone to concentrate on the barrel of the tank itself which had begun to twist upward as if it was no more substantial than molten wax. It continued bending until it reached a ninety degree angle.
Once the gun was out of action, Alpha must have transferred her efforts to the engine compartment, for the T-90 tipped onto its side, then onto its turret, keeping pace with the speed and motion of Alpha’s hand, clearly visible, as a pale contrast against the dark sleeve of her uniform.
The tank finally came to rest on its roof, where its fifty ton bulk drove the muzzle of the barrel deep into the ground, effectively pinning it in place like an upended beetle—minus the wriggling legs.
Alpha nodded to her two companions, Charlie and Delta. Working in tandem, they began to gesture in short choppy movements. Before people realized what was happening, a similar fate had befallen the second T-90.
Their task was far from over. Skipping away from each other, both Guardians continued to gesticulate, and were rewarded for their efforts when a huge quantity of guns, rifles, and handheld rocket launchers appeared on the flagstones between them.
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The unexpected silence was spellbinding.
Walking up to the weapons, Alpha stared toward the soldiers on the opposite side of the bridge, and made a show of shaking her head, slowly and deliberately. Then she pointed toward the stockpile. A lucent blue-white beam sprang from her fingertips, liquefying the arsenal so quickly that the ammunition never had a chance to explode.
Taking care to step around the sizzling pool of molten slag, she motioned her team forward again. They had only managed to cover five or six yards before a section of castellated stonework thirty yards in front of them erupted skyward.
The faint pattering of debris striking the shield around the BBC News crew could be heard above the irregular thump and occasional splash of larger clods falling to earth or into the river.
Whump!
The distinctive resonance of something heavy striking the ground nearby made Warren Shaw jump and cry out in alarm.
Delta shouted and jabbed his staff upward. Following the line of the blade, Lewis Ferguson tracked his camera onto a particularly nasty looking hunk of metal railing and masonry. Sailing serenely through the air toward a deeper part of the Neva River, it abruptly changed course as if swiped by an invisible bat and, with increasing velocity, came crashing down on them. A similar chunk followed an instant later. Then another.
It didn’t take long to spot how each one seemed to be falling on their position with uncanny precision.
Bravo could be heard reassuring them. “Don’t worry, relax, it’s nothing I can’t handle. Alpha’s just spotted the source of our mysterious rock throwers and sadly it appears to be a couple of people we came here to help...” He hesitated, the faraway cast in his eyes indicating he must be receiving information telepathically. “Yes, two young men, strongly gifted in telekinesis are diverting those larger pieces down on us.”
He broke off as a particularly hefty pile of rubble bounced off his screen, then resumed his narrative, “Hang on, Alpha is fluent in Russian and is attempting to communicate with them now.”
There was another pause as a tongue of flame curved out from the doorway of the main building on the opposite shore, only to spatter harmlessly off Alpha’s defenses.
“Aha, looks like one of them has some degree of elemental ability to compensate for his lack of good judgment.”
“Lack of good judgment?” Warren Shaw sounded confused.
“Yes, it was a big mistake to direct their anger at Alpha. Keep recording, I have a feeling you’ll like this.”
“We’ll like what?”
Suddenly, two burly individuals sporting mean looking crew cuts and crisp new uniforms materialized just in front of the Guardian commander, having been teleported away from their secret vantage point against their will. Both hid their surprise well and dropped into fighting crouches.
That’s as far as Alpha let them get. Slamming her plasma staff into the floor, the audience at home was treated to a now familiar report and an expanding wall of rippling green energy.
The shockwave shook the bridge to its foundations and lifted both guys off their feet. As the sonic boom died away, they crashed to the floor, unconscious, and an uneasy hush descended once more.
Alpha resumed her march without looking back, while the team doctor – Charlie – stooped to check on the two men. It didn’t take long. After a moment, she smiled, patted them both on the cheek and encased them within a cocoon of glowing ruby light.
Then she moved to catch up with Alpha and Delta, but not before glancing across at Bravo, who started laughing quietly to himself.
Warren was moved to ask, “What’s so funny?”
Indicating his colleague, Bravo replied, “Charlie was thinking, ‘Boys! When will they ever learn?’ They’re both out cold with no real harm done, other than a bad headache and a severe case of embarrassment when they wake up and realize that they aren’t the biggest fish in the pond.”
“So what’s that red thing?”
“We call them Dream Webs. It keeps a person unconscious and prevents them from hurting themselves or anyone else. Just as well, there’s a way to go yet...C’mon.”
And with that, they continued on toward the gap where the walkway had been blown apart. A few seconds later the gunfire started again.
Bravo sighed. “Ah well, it looks like someone’s brought some more guns to play with. You and Lewis had better...”
The footage stopped. When the onscreen picture returned to the London studio, the mood had become far more serious.
Sophia Davies was the first to speak.
“I must confess, the level of violence we saw there is not like anything I’ve really experienced so...so intently before, and it made me feel quite uncomfortable.”
The Lord Conciliator nodded. “I don’t blame you, Sophia. Thankfully, such hostilities appear to have been confined to Langley and St. Petersburg. Keep in mind we visited a total of six locations today and only five people of the forty we liberated expressed a wish to stay with their captors. Two of those five were the young men at the Russian faculty who were incapacitated by our team. It pains me to think that gifted human beings – people we were hoping would be eager to take the lead in guiding mankind into the future – are already being turned into mindless machines, blindly following the dictates of their masters.”
“Yes, it’s lucky no one was really hurt today!” Robert exclaimed.
“Well, there was one – Mister Harris, the director in charge of the Angel Project who succumbed to the onset of a stroke during the insertion phase of the operation at Langley – but I have it on good authority we were able to treat him in time and he should make a full recovery. However, that was an isolated case, and once you’ve collated and analyzed the footage from all six sites, I’m hoping you will recognize the fact that you can indeed trust us. We will not squander your confidence in the way that bureaucrats do.”
“If I may interject?” Corbin requested.
Both the Guardian Lord and Sophia nodded, so Corbin continued. “This touches on my previous answer as to why I felt today was such a success. I think the fact that thirty-five potential recruits have been added to our ranks is one of the greatest victories we’ve ever had. Now, it remains to be seen whether all of them turn out to be suitable candidates, but it’s a testimony to their character that at least they volunteered.
“Even if only half of them make it, consider the impact that will have on the standard of service we’ll be able to provide in the years ahead. It won’t be stretching the realms of the imagination to say that at sometime in the future, one or two people will look back to the events of November first, 2035 and be very glad of the fact that x-amount of additional helping hands were given the chance to join the cause. The implications are huge!”
Sophia nodded vigorously. “So, it’s fair to say, today’s exploits have already produced tangible results?”
“Most certainly, and in more ways than one. For example, let’s consider this from the opposite side of the coin. Two of the gifted individuals we encountered today resorted to the use of deadly force. Doesn’t that validate the Lord Conciliator’s warning regarding the potential for danger this current fiasco is fomenting?”
“That’s a very good point,” Sophia agreed, “as people like that would be very difficult to control or subdue by normal methods should they go on a rampage.”
Corbin held up his hands in a placating gesture. “Not to say that everyone who declines an invitation to join us will automatically become a menace, of course – far from it. But there’s no doubt now, is there, that some have already been induced to serve the political aspirations of their governments. The seeds of anarchy have already been sown. Only a fool would ignore it.”
Sophia grasped the gist of the Grand Master’s argument immediately, “Yes, because if other likeminded regimes jumped on the bandwagon, they’d all be rushing to produce their own super soldiers...or assassins, or spies! How would you stop them? It’s not like the police or the army would be able to do anything against such might.”
“A worrying conundrum, isn’t it?” Corbin murmured, “Especially as we’ve seen just how far along the Russian’s have progressed their own program, and how swift they are to employ it when they feel threatened.”
Vladimir Arihkin joined in, “That’s why we are endeavoring to collect as much documentation on each nation’s agenda as we can. Everyone still thinks of this as a psi-race. It’s not, nor is it a contest. What’s happening is a natural evolution of humankind as a whole toward the next level of consciousness. Very exciting, eh, and something that concerns you all. As soon as we’ve evaluated the extent of that information, we’ll make sure it’s disseminated to everyone, equally, so nobody falls behind.”
“So you’re still determined to put every country under the microscope.” Robert stated, flatly.
“Certainly,” Vladimir replied, “how else can we reveal the full extent of the problem and make appropriate recommendations.”
“Which are?” Robert pressed.
“Though it’s early days, we have already confirmed the existence of – as Sophia termed them – super soldiers. As such, we need to ensure that whatever judicial bodies exist at the moment keep pace with the changes unfolding about them. Legislation has to be updated to recognize the reality of metapsychic capabilities and the fact that such power can be – and is being – misused. It would be prudent to start formulating an outline, now, to ensure international law is in place to provide a forum for the protection, schooling and guidance of those who are gifted. As we’ve plainly seen, psi-etiquette doesn’t come naturally to everyone.”
“Psi-etiquette, what’s that?”
“It’s the term we Guardians use emphasize the proper and accepted standard of behavior expected of those who are psychically operant.” The Lord Conciliator lowered his voice. “This is why we’re so keen to help. We have years of experience in such matters, and not to be rude, but you don’t. Yes, we recognize the human race stands at the crossroads of change...but you’re facing unfamiliar territory. I think an old bible adage about raising children might help here. Proverbs twenty-two states, ‘train up a boy according to the way for him; even when he grows old, he will not turn aside from it.’ Now, apply that principle to yourselves. For all your achievements, you are still babes when it comes to understanding what life is like with telepaths forming an increasing percentage of the population. We aren’t, and hope to help you discern the best course to take as you find your feet.”
Both Robert and Sophia seemed overwhelmed at the scope of the changes that lie ahead.
“Well, you’ve certainly given us a lot to think about, Vladimir,” Robert mumbled. “I honestly don’t know how long we might need to take it all in.”
“I can appreciate that,” Vladimir replied warmly, “which is why we promise, no more surprises...at least, not for the time being at any rate. You’ve taken the first step by coming to an appreciation of the dangers you face. Now it’s down to you. But don’t worry, as your perspective transforms, the way forward will gain a momentum all of its own.”
“The way forward? Are you alluding to the law and order issue you mentioned previously?”
“That will come up, Robert, but not yet. Before we reach that stage, we hope to have expanded your horizons in the fields of education, science, medicine, and so on. Once you’ve seen the benefits of mutual cooperation, it should help lay the foundation for the eventual expansion into your legal systems. As I mentioned, you’ve taken the first step. Now you need time to adjust before the next one. The Overlord is keen that humanity maintains a proper balance from the outset.”
“Overlord?” Sophia’s face lit up at the unfamiliar expression.
“Yes, I alluded to him earlier, though not by title. He’s...well, he’s what you might refer to as our founder and supreme commander, though he hates the use of such terms.”
“And when will we get to meet this Overlord?” Sophia gushed.
The two Guardians exchanged an unusual look. Vladimir smiled and replied, “We honestly can’t answer that. Not to be difficult, Sophia, but he’s quite a mysterious and solitary figure, even among our circles. He’s been working so hard and for so long that he tends to think and act at on an entirely different level. That’s why he’s ensured there are high ranking Guardians like myself who can speak on his behalf. Perhaps you’ll see what I mean one day, perhaps not.”
“That sounds like something else we’d definitely look forward...one moment?” Sophia was distracted by something off set. Touching her earpiece, she peered toward the control booth. Seconds later, Robert followed suit. Whatever was said caused both presenters to frown and glance at their watches. Their expressions changed to one of mutual resignation and disappointment.
Turning back to their guests, Robert explained. “I’m so sorry, but we have to round things off due to contractual and scheduling constrains.”
He leaned forward to shake their hands. “On behalf of all of us here at Broadcasting House and of course, those viewers who were able to join us, can I say ‘Thank you very much’ for choosing the BBC as a platform to announce your presence to the world. I know I’m not alone in saying we look forward to examining the contents of the documents you seized from each of the venues today, so who knows, maybe we’ll be seeing you again in the near distant future?”
“I’m sure we’ll all speak again soon,” Vladimir replied. Both Guardians climbed to their feet. “And may I also add that I’ve enjoyed being here...The custard creams were most delightful.” He grinned. “Robert, Sophia.”
The Lord Conciliator winked at his colleague, and they both vanished from sight, thankfully remembering to take Cathy West along with them.
Robert sighed and looked briefly to his co-presenter. “I think it’s going to be a time of adjustment for all of us in the weeks and months ahead, especially with people who can appear and vanish,” he snapped his fingers, “just like that. What do you think, Sophia?”
“It will take some getting used to, that’s for sure,” she replied.
Then suddenly businesslike, she addressed the camera, “So, join us again at six o’clock tonight where we’ll be reviewing the global initiative taken by the Guardian Angels. By then, we hope to have assessed public reaction to these unprecedented events, and if all goes well, Richard Williams, the British Prime Minister will be here to share his views. That’s it for now, have a very good afternoon.”
For a final time that day, the picture flicked over to the BBC logo, a familiar tune graced the airwaves, and the dawn of a new age truly began.
*
During the next forty-eight hours, the world’s leaders personally experienced the reality of Sophia Davies and Robert King’s final comments. True to their word, the Guardians ensured each Head of State was given their very own wakeup call – appearing out of thin air in front of him or her – to brief them on the events of December 1st, and provide them with their own copies of some very sensitive documentation.
It didn’t make a difference where those leaders were, what they were doing, or who with. Neither did it matter what security measures were in place around them.
The day after the last visit was completed; every single major news agency around the globe received their promised copies of those same files. Sanitized as they were, they still made eye popping reading.
December 4th unfolded to the glaring revelations of secrets being laid bare, and the rank and file couldn’t get enough of it. The term “read all about it” was true for once, as just about everyone could do exactly that!