December 10th
Earl Foster stared across his desk at the man sat opposite him.
Deep in thought, Vladimir Arihkin waded through a thick sheaf of newspapers, surveys and incident logs, engrossed in the bleak picture that seemed to be emerging in the wake of the missile attacks of the week before.
Watching him, the Lord Marshal was relieved that he wasn’t the one tasked to figure out an appropriate response to an increasingly hostile public at large.
They had the World Wide Web to thank for that, of course, as conspiracy theorists had been eager to pounce on exaggerated casualty and damage reports issuing from each site, and equally as swift to use social media to paint as disparaging a picture as possible.
The fact that Guardian commanders on the ground that day declined to comment had only added fuel to the fire and many news agencies were quick to seize on this lack of cooperation as indicative of an organization that had not only failed in its duty, but one that had something to hide.
In the twenty-four hours following what the media had dubbed the “Guardian Busted Incident,” headlines dominating most of the front pages displayed similar sentiments. “Guardians Standing on Shaky Ground, Fallen Angels, Bombed Out!, Nuke kids On the Block Crash and Burn,” and “Will They Be Able to Handle the Fallout?” were just a few examples of the image-tarnishing propaganda of offer.
That triggered an aggressively focused internet poll, which – due to its subtle wording and catchy slogans – went viral in less than twenty-four hours.
An unfortunate consequence of such emotive drum-beating soon became evident: demonstrators began interrupting relief efforts at the scenes of a number of subsequent disasters. A hotbed of contention, and nowhere more so than at those situations where protestors had to be firmly ushered to safety against their will, to allow Guardian responders to go about their business.
Such woeful tidings were old news now, and while the Lord Marshal had every confidence in his colleague’s ability to devise a solution, he’d have preferred such a solution to have been signed, sealed and delivered – stamped “approved” – and on his desk, yesterday.
After an epoch-spanning silence, Earl’s impatience got the better of him. “So Vladimir, what do you think? Is there any ray of sunshine in there we can use to pierce the veil of pessimism?”
The Lord Conciliator leaned back from the table, removed his spectacles and massaged the bridge of his nose with the heel of his hand. “To be bluntly honest, Earl, we did exactly what we were meant to do. This downbeat attitude is just the kneejerk reaction of a frightened community reacting to a cowardly attack. They feel angry. Helpless. And they’re lashing out at the easiest target…us.”
“Yes, I appreciate that, but have you seen the context of what some of our more vocal critics are forcing through?” Earl countered, snatching up one document in particular and brandishing it in his colleague’s face. “Especially this call for a global referendum they’re pushing for in the New Year? It’s already had over a billion replies, and those frightened people you refer to may stir up too much negative feeling against us and choke the Unification Process before it’s even had a chance to breathe. You know the way Adam is; he won’t force change, not even for their own good. They’ve got to want it.”
The Lord Conciliator raised a placating hand toward his friend. “Earl, relax. Let me do the job Adam chose me for and we can worry about them telling us to go to hell later, okay?”
I suppose he’s right. “So then, how do you propose we deal with this?”
“Well, we’re planning to hold a straightforward news conference later today at BBC Broadcasting House in London, where we’ll offer our official response to the attack.”
“Who’s going to handle that?”
Vladimir grinned and flashed his eyebrows. “I think this is the perfect time for our censors to meet Deputy Conciliator Joseph West, don’t you? As he’s not transcended, he is just the man to remind everyone that as powerful as we are, we’re still only human – like them – and that we have to learn from our mistakes.
“Oh, and don’t worry, it will be a straight forward announcement, with very little opportunity for questions and answers. The in-depth interviews can come later if we manage to battle through the opening rounds and start to win back their confidence. As he delivers that statement, Joseph will clarify our responsibilities and reemphasize our role as an institution. I think it will be important to stress from the outset that while we’re here to watch out for them and are very good at what we do, we can’t be everywhere at once.”
“Everywhere at once! Are you kidding?” Earl snapped. “I’m sure they know our shortcomings only too well.”
“Aah, but that’s just the point. They don’t. Not truly. We have to highlight certain details to them; otherwise they won’t appreciate just how alert we were that day!”
“What? You think anyone will concede we we’re alert to the danger?”
“By the time Joseph has finished, oh yes. I’ll be briefing him to reveal quite a few details the general populace is not yet aware of. You know as well as I do how much forethought went into the events of that day, Earl. People need to understand that the Land Buster strikes were part of a larger, much more devious plan.
“Carlsbad, for example, was a catastrophe waiting to happen, something that could have rendered Central America uninhabitable for decades and caused hundreds of thousands of victims to fall foul to all sorts of cancers and genetic defects. Atrocious! And yet, our perpetrator fomented this disaster-in-the-making merely to throw us off track. What a callous disregard of life.
“Forensic Inquisitors have now established beyond doubt that the signal to activate the ghost protocols hidden within the missiles’ guidance systems were not sent by Espasito until things were well out of control in Oklahoma and Texas. He must have been watching the events on TV, and timed his move so it began at the worst possible moment.”
Vladimir shuffled forward in his seat and tapped his glasses on the edge of the desk. “While we won’t be naming names today, once the world realizes exactly what we were up against and just how malicious and premeditated Espasito’s actions were in going to all that effort to dump us into a no-win situation, I’m sure they will acknowledge we didn’t fall down on the job…” he snorted, “Der’mo (Shit).” If they had any sense, they’ll realize it was a bloody miracle we managed to catch what we did.”
Earl had to concede; He makes a damned good point. “Will that be enough to get people back on side do you think?”
The Lord Conciliator shook his head. “Some, but not all. We have to remember, though we’ve devoted ourselves to their care, humanity is about as dependable as a storm tossed sea. That’s why I’ll be instructing Joseph to save the best for last.”
“Go on?”
“I’ll say one thing for Victoria; she’s been a busy, busy queen bee.” Vladimir lowered his voice and beckoned Earl to move closer. “Did you know, our anarchist employed cohorts from as far afield as the United States, Japan and China to infiltrate the top secret military facility where they manufacture the command hardware for the B91-11s? Not only did that band of brigands steal five sets of guidance chips, but they moved them to a sterile location in the interim. After being doctored, they then had to go to the trouble of replacing them in said facility without detection. All this took place in the week prior to the attack.”
“Oh really? An awfully risky business, moving about like that.”
“Isn’t it, though? Particularly as they then had to make sure someone was on hand to include those five missiles in the forthcoming tests. What this proves – very nicely – is that our little tragedy was long in the planning and precise in its execution. Those concerned had to work to a strict timetable to ensure they went undiscovered…until now. Victoria tells me that all twenty-five persons involved in the theft and sabotage phases of the operation should be in custody by this time tomorrow…well, all except for one.”
Earl was surprised. “Are you saying someone actually eluded us?”
“Technically, yes. A Major in the U.S. Air Force Science Division. From what we’ve determined so far, he liked to play away from home and spent a fortune on prostitutes. Unluckily for him, the girls in question belonged to a mob stable. Once they discovered the nature of his work, they put pressure on him to cooperate – or else. He caved, and allowed their business associates from Chicago overnight access to the Tennessee control center, where they planted a number of booby-traps in the ventilation and security systems.”
“So how did he get away?”
“When the Inquisitor squads went to the test center to carry out their latest round of interviews, yesterday, it appears our major was expecting trouble. The moment they walked into his office, he mumbled ‘I’m sorry!’ and bit down on some kind of suicide capsule.”
“I’ll be damned! I take it there were no healers in the group then?”
“Not with the skill level required to counter cyanide, no. However, one of the contingent, Guardian David Williams, is a top notch forensic reader, and was able to telepathically skim the full sordid details regarding the major’s part in the affair before brain activity ceased. His testimony has since been verified by the new Wave Reader – which we have allowed Federal Agents to thoroughly test by the way – and they are more than satisfied in the authenticity of his evaluation.”
“How did they take to our esoteric lie detector?”
“Oh, they love it. At least we’ll never have to worry about the support of our friends in law enforcement. It’s a pity we couldn’t have gotten the Wave Readers into mass production sooner...
“Still, that gave us the breakthrough we needed regarding the mob connection. In turn, we’ve followed up on further leads gained from covert scans and have been pointed in another, most fruitful direction – though that one is still under development.”
Earl nodded and sat back in his chair, eyes still locked on his friend. “So I’ve heard. Tell me, have we established a link with the individual Victoria warned off in Britain?”
“Not directly. It looks as if he may walk in the same circles, but from what the Inquisitors have uncovered so far, our villain was working to his own agenda. If he does belong to the same group, this lunacy was completely unsanctioned. We’ve seen clear signs they were going to great lengths to distance themselves from him before all this blew up.”
Now that is interesting…And ripe with possibilities. “Do you think they’re sending us a message?”
Vladimir shook his head. “Hard to say, but no doubt we shall see.”
“So, when do we let the self-appointed jury know the mastermind behind this blatant act of terrorism was gifted, and that we’ve rounded up virtually all of his cronies?”
“That will be my job when I take to the stage next week. Victoria tells me she will have completed her investigations by then – with Andrew’s assistance – and she intends to nab Espasito the day before my televised interview.
“He’ll be my trump card, and to be honest, I have the feeling I’ll be glad to have something in reserve. Although the meeting is being chaired by the new BBC Guardian Correspondent, Cathy West – who’s on our side, remember – she’s keen to ensure nobody can accuse her of bias. She very kindly emailed my department earlier this week giving us fair warning that she intends to ask some probing and direct questions.
“Thankfully we’re in regular contact, so I should be well prepared. Cathy will steer the dialogue so I can end with the revelation that the missiles were doctored by a criminal possessing psychic powers. That’s when I’ll expose Luigi Espasito as the culprit, adding that his guilt is beyond doubt, thanks to the verification provided by the Wave Reader.”
Ha! There is a ray of sunshine after all. “So they’re accepting Victoria’s affidavit regarding Espasito’s involvement and his international links?”
“Certainly, the Wave Reader confirmed the truth and accuracy of her deposition, satisfying all codes of criminal procedure. The FBI is more than happy to recognize the findings and have been in direct contact with their counterparts in Italy and France to ensure we have no jurisdictional problems hauling him in. And before you ask, yes, Espasito’s rights to anonymity will be waved so the whole world gets to see who the real enemy is.”
Earl breathed a little easier at the news. “Glad to hear it. I only wish there was more of the same to brighten my day.”
“Then I’ll be happy to oblige,” Vladimir responded. “I mentioned earlier that Victoria’s been keeping herself busy. She’s also been getting the miles under her belt. In view of the fact that some of our miscreants are foreign nationals, Victoria submitted to a further series of Wave Reader tests under the supervision of the Public Prosecutors Office in Japan and the Supreme People’s Court in China. Both nations were, and I quote, ‘blown away’ by what they saw and have offered their full support to the legislative process. Not only that, but they’ve put in some early orders for Wave Readers of their own. Once again, we find ourselves something of a hit among the law enforcement community.”
“Let’s hope the public reacts in a similar way after your interview, then, Vladimir. We really do need to start countering the accusations raised by these polls”
The Lord Conciliator stood and hunched over to place his fists on the desk. “Let’s be honest for a second or two, Earl. You know as well as I do that this day was going to come. Not if, but when. There was no avoiding it. Doing what we do means that people will expect the impossible from us. It was only a matter of time before one brain-dead lunatic or another tried something like this. Well now they have. The honeymoon is over and reality sucks. Happily, we’ve got broad shoulders so we should be able to handle the flack.”
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
“Maybe so, but the anti-brigade isn’t going to like it, no matter what we say or do,” Earl reminded him, inclining his gaze toward the volume of newspapers spread across the table.
“I know, Earl, I know. But this issue is something that has to be handled correctly. The touchy feely relationship may be over, but that’s a good thing. The more we make inroads into their society, the more they need to experience the other side of us, the side that will soon be putting away some nasty individuals. And if Espasito is the tip of a psychic criminal iceberg, it’s vital they see how skilled and how resolute we are in bringing such felons to justice…no exceptions, no stone unturned.”
The inference hung heavy in the air between them.
Standing tall, the Lord Conciliator gathered his documentation together and without another word, quietly exited the office, leaving a worried Lord Marshal to stew over the contents of their discussion.
“So many unexpected pitfalls to contend with,” Earl muttered, “and all we wanted to do was help.”
Something Vladimir had mentioned near the end of their conversation struck a nerve. “Jesus, if this is the honeymoon period, what will the divorce be like?”
Putting that gloomy thought to the back of his mind, Earl scooted his chair to one side and opened the deep bottom drawer of a nearby filing cabinet. An unopened bottle of Johnny Walkers Blue Label twenty-five year old scotch whiskey stood proudly to attention amid a protective cordon of crystal tumblers.
I was saving this to toast our success into the New Year.
His fingers flexed, undecided, hovering above the cap for just a moment before slamming the door soundly shut.
No need to drown my sorrows just yet. I think I’ll wait and see if Victoria can deliver on her promises first.
*
December 14th
Reveling in success, Luigi Espasito hunkered down in his favorite leather chair within the study of his family’s estate in Brolo, Sicily, and allowed his scrutiny to peruse the screens filling an alcove along the far wall, where live newsfeeds from around the world dominated.
A mere ten days previously, his outrage at discovering most of his missiles had been miraculously destroyed by his personal gremlins made flesh, had quickly been replaced by a deep and abiding sense of relief and satisfaction as reports began flooding in:
The new royal yacht, Queen Elizabeth IV, sunk; La Palma quarantined indefinitely while Guardians assessed the damage to the local strata and coastline off the southern tip of the island; Port Tawfik closed for the foreseeable future while further safety and radiological checks were completed; international shipping through one of the busiest trade routes on the planet brought to a standstill.
Personally, Luigi couldn’t believe there hadn’t been a higher loss of life or more wide scale destruction. Still, having had time to reflect, he now appreciated he had achieved what he set out to do. The Guardians had been knocked off their shining pedestal and exposed as the frauds they were. And of course, the collateral damage caused to the environment, trade, and commerce would keep the knife twisting in their guts for a long time to come.
And talking of twisting the knife, look how their popularity continues to suffer in the polls! An image of Lei Yeung hovered in the ether. Oh, I am going to have so much fun ramming this down his throat at the Council’s New Year’s meeting.
Safe in the belief he was beyond accountability, Luigi decided to toast his ongoing accomplishments. Finding his glass empty, he rang the bell to summon one of the staff and settled back, gloating, while he waited for his top up to arrive.
When the door to the study opened a few minutes later and Gianni, the handyman, came in with his favorite Black Pearl Louis XIII cognac on a silver tray, he insisted the aged servant remain with him and drink to his success. “Come, Gianni, stay, celebrate with me. Good times should be shared with trusted acquaintances.”
The gesture wasn’t lost on Gianni. At fifty-five thousand dollars a bottle, Black Pearl was one of the most expensive cognacs in the world, and he moved quickly to pour a generous helping into two glasses. As he handed one to his boss, Gianni paused to savor the bouquet of blended flowers, fruits and spices of the aromatic liquid. “You’re looking particularly pleased with yourself today, young Sir.” His voice rumbled up from the bottom of his boots. “The occasion must obviously warrant such a celebration?”
“It certainly does, Gianni,” Luigi replied without looking away from the monitors, “I’ve received the very best of news and can hardly contain my glee.”
The elderly housekeeper tossed down his drink in one and shuffled to stand deferentially behind his employer. Together, they listened in mute astonishment as more details rolled in, highlighting the misery caused to those caught in the Land Buster debacle.
After more than ten minutes had passed, Gianni coughed politely and offered an observation. “So much anguish and despair. It doesn’t look to me like there’s much to be happy about, Sir. Surely such heartbreaking scenes don’t please you, do they?”
Silly old fool, Luigi thought, fondly, not in the least offended by the tone of the comment. “Aah, Gianni, sometimes, when you need to make a statement, you have to do so in a way that grabs your enemy’s attention. You must ensure they not only respect you, but fear you. I’m particularly pleased today because these news bulletins indicate I’ve done just that. Do you understand?”
When no reply was forthcoming, Luigi naturally assumed the geriatric housekeeper must have been unable to hear his question. A peculiar throbbing sensation started to niggle at his teeth and sinuses. His nose began to stream. Then he was struck by the onset of a migraine. Good grief, am I coming down with a winter bug?
Still waiting for a reply, Luigi turned in his seat, “I said…? Jesus Christ!”
Luigi caught sight of Gianni’s demeanor and his throat constricted, forcing him to gasp for breath. Gone was the familiar droop-lidded, semi-vacant stare his longtime employee always seemed to wear, 24 – 7. In its place, Luigi found himself skewered upon the most piercing gaze he had ever seen, a gaze fuelled by a raging inner furnace.
The shock made him drop his glass onto the rug, spilling about three thousand dollars worth of the deep amber nectar.
Transfixed Luigi watched as Gianni’s form straightened, grew, and bulked out. It wasn’t until the years fell away from Gianni’s face, that Luigi realized without a doubt that he was going to fully shoulder the burdens his choices had wrought.
A final ripple ran the length of Gianni’s body and Luigi’s nightmares stood forth, manifest in black and wreathed in stygian potency. Leaping to his feet, Luigi responded, his own fire rising within him, clamoring for release.
With a roar, he gave it liberty: Die!
A searing wave of heat encompassed his adversary within a flaming corona, only to sputter and expire an instant later.
What? How in the…?
Smiling cruelly, the Guardian stepped forward, making the barest of gestures with his finger as he did so. Luigi felt himself lifted into the air by an unseen force and held motionless, an obedient puppet awaiting the commands of his master.
“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Andrew, Guardian Lord of Shadow Operations.” He nodded toward the media center and its bevy of sensationalized reports. “Did you seriously think you’d get away with something so outrageous?”
Luigi glared back, bold and rebellious, fighting vainly to overcome his shock and surprised by his lack of access to his pyrotechnic skills. “Do what you want, asshole, at least mankind will see you as the frauds I knew you were!”
“Do what I want? I’d love to, but unfortunately my boss won’t let me.”
Luigi wriggled impotently as his captor strolled closer. Now only inches away, the Shadow Lord said, “And as for exposing us as frauds? Well, I really don’t know why you would think that. We never said or intimated we could be everywhere at once. All we are trying to do is help people avoid misfortune as much as possible…something you clearly have no concept of.”
Andrew gestured for a second time at the clustered TVs as several fresh updates came in, “So, once everyone – and I do mean every single citizen on the planet – finds out that all this occurred because some sick, twisted psycho with an over-inflated ego wanted to prove a point? Tell me. How do you think they’ll react Luigi? Who will be the pariahs? Us, or the fuckwit and his cronies who thought it all up and ensured to make it a reality?”
The point was well made and rocked Luigi to the core. He began struggling even harder, trying to strike the Guardian; to spit in his face; kick him in the groin; anything to help vent the wrath building inside.
Helpless, he could only stew as the Guardian moved so close he was able to whisper in his ear. “And when they find out about your abilities? Phew! Can you even begin to imagine how they’ll react to that? You worthless, spineless, pathetic excuse for a human being. God, I wish they’d let me play with you before we throw you to the wolves.”
“Fuck off, moron,” Luigi hissed, defiantly, “You don’t scare me.”
“Scare you?” Andrew’s smile took on a mocking aspect. “You misunderstand me, Luigi, that’s not my job. Such joy belongs to her!”
The Guardian pointed behind Luigi at the same moment he let go with his telekinesis. Luigi only dropped a short distance; nevertheless, he crumpled to the floor, where, once again he became aware of the strange pulsing sensation across his teeth and scalp. This time, however, it was much more pronounced than before.
Scrabbling around on all fours, Luigi was met with a vision of such barely contained fury that he immediately soiled his pants.
Andrew chuckled and squatted beside him. “Allow me to introduce you to the head of our investigations branch. This is Victoria, the Lord Inquisitor, and she’s very pleased to meet you…as you can imagine.”
Like a demented sorceress, Victoria hovered within the recess housing the ranked TV screens. Wreathed in a visible aura, she blew the circuits of all the electrical equipment in the office and made the hairs on Luigi’s arms and head stand on end. Her eyes, so similar to those of the Shadow Lord, glowed nebulous, intensifying in luminosity from grey, through silver, to white hot. Luigi shielded his face and cowered behind the chair, slipping and sliding in his own excrement.
What a fool I am. He thought.
In reply to his realization, Andrew crooned, “Yes Luigi, what a murderous, cowardly cretin of a man you are. I think the whole world will agree when they find out, eh?”
The cocky bastard’s right. Not only have I made a fool of myself, but I’ve endangered the Council. And I know the consequences of that only too well. I have only one option left.
Deep within Luigi’s skull, at the point where the brain stem flowed into the spinal cord, sat his own personal ticket to the morgue, an ingeniously crafted piece of psychoactive nano-technology designed to immolate his entire cerebrum: the Lazarus Shell.
Unaware of its existence, the Shadow Lord continued, “As I was saying, Luigi. You have no real reason to be scared of me. Pity I can’t say that about her.” And with that he vanished, leaving a panic stricken fool with nowhere to go.
The Lord Inquisitor advanced and icy talons bored into Luigi’s skull, peeling his mind open like a fruit, revealing the secrets waiting there, ripe for harvest.
I can’t allow this. Closing his eyes, Luigi activated the Lazarus Shell and welcomed death as a means to recover some semblance of honor. “Fuck you and everyone like you!”
*
Excerpt from UK Edition of the global periodical “Weekly Observer.”
December 20
MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT!
BY: CURRENT AFFAIRS EDITOR, SALLY FRANKS.
WITH ONLY THIRTEEN DAYS TO GO UNTIL THE RESULTS OF THE POLL THAT COULD CHANGE OUR LIVES FOREVER, I WOULD URGE ALL NORMAL PEOPLE, EVERYWHERE, TO MAKE SURE YOU DON’T FORGET TO VOTE. WE MAKE UP THE MAJORITY OF MANKIND AND MUST DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO ENSURE OUR VOICE IS HEARD.
USING THE BASIS OF FRIENDSHIP, THE GUARDIANS HAVE ATTEMPTED TO INSINUATE THEIR WAY INTO SOCIETY BY EMPLOYING AN AGE OLD CON—THAT OF A TROJAN HORSE. ALL ALONG, THEY’VE BEEN INTIMATING WE NEED THEIR HELP AND GUIDANCE FOR “A BETTER FUTURE.” WHEEDLING THEIR WAY INTO OUR HEARTS AND MINDS, THEY’VE FOOLED US INTO THINKING THAT, WITHOUT THE CHANGES THEY ADVOCATE, WE HAVE NO HOPE!
NEVERTHELESS, RECENT EVENTS HAVE SHOWN US THAT NOT ALL OF THEM, AND ESPECIALLY NOT THOSE WHO REPRESENT THE MOST POWERFUL ECHELONS, ARE EVEN HUMAN. SO, WHAT’S THE REAL REASON BEHIND THIS “IRON FIST IN VELVET GLOVE” APPROACH TO THE HAND OF FRIENDSHIP?
WHY WOULD THOSE WHO ARE CLEARLY NOT PART OF HUMANITY WANT TO HELP US WHEN THEY COULD SO EASILY DOMINATE US?
THAT’S FOOD FOR THOUGHT ISN’T IT? IS THAT WHAT THEY HAVE IN MIND WHEN THEY OFFER ALL THESE CHANGES IN THE YEARS AHEAD? A SUBJUGATED WORLD FARM FULL OF WILLING, BLEATING SHEEP, READY TO DO THEIR MASTERS’ BIDDING?
IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS ABOUT SUCH A SCENARIO JUST ASK YOURSELVES THESE SIMPLE QUESTIONS. WHY IS IT THAT A GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS WHO CAN SWALLOW DOWN A BLACK HOLE—THE MOST DESTRUCTIVE FORCE KNOWN TO EXIST—WITHOUT BREAKING INTO A SWEAT, BE UNABLE TO STOP A FEW MISSILES? CAN’T THEY FLIT ABOUT, TELEPORTING IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE, ALL OVER THE PLANET? IF SO, WHY COULDN’T THEY GET TO MORE THAN SEVERAL PLACES AT THE SAME TIME? ARE SOME PEOPLE NOT AS IMPORTANT TO THEM AS OTHERS, AND IF SO WHY?
WE ALL SAW THE INTERVIEW EARLIER THIS WEEK WHERE THEY ATTEMPTED TO JUSTIFY THEIR CRIMINAL LAPSE OF CARE WITH ALL SORTS OF EXCUSES DESIGNED TO DIVERT OUR ATTENTION. SO THE PERSONS THEY SAY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS ACT OF MASS TERRORISM ARE NOW IN CUSTODY. ALL THAT IS, EXCEPT FOR THE PSYCHIC CRIMINAL MASTERMIND BEHIND THE AFFAIR WHO CONVENIENTLY COMMITTED SUICIDE!
DOESN’T IT STRIKE YOU AS ODD THAT THESE GUARDIAN ANGELS SUDDENLY BECAME VERY COMPETENT WHEN THEY FELT IT NECESSARY TO UPHOLD THEIR NAME? TO PROTECT THEIR REPUTATION AND THE POLICIES THEY SPONSOR?
YES, WHEN IT SUITS THEM, IT WOULD APPEAR THEY CAN BE BOTH CAPABLE AND RESOURCEFUL. WHEN THEY CAN’T BE BOTHERED, WE DIE!
THANK GOODNESS PROVIDENCE HAS SMILED UPON US AND EXPOSED THEM FOR WHAT THEY MIGHT BE BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. A DEADLY CANCER FESTERING IN OUR MIDST!
JANUARY 2ND 2036 IS ONLY THIRTEEN SHORT DAYS AWAY. YOUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES AND GOVERNMENTS NEED TO KNOW HOW YOU – THE VOTING PUBLIC, THEIR PEOPLE, YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS – FEEL WHILE THERE’S STILL TIME.
SO GET OUT AND MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT TOO.
*
Excerpt from the UK National Newspaper “The Daily Chronicle.”
December 23
DOES THIS MEAN THE HONEYMOON IS OVER?
BY: INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT, JULIAN FORBES.
“TIME AND UNFORESEEN OCCURRENCE BEFALLS US ALL.” (ECCLESIASTES 9:11)
AMID THE FUROR FOLLOWING THE MONSTER TORNADO AND ATTACKS OF DECEMBER 4TH, I FIND MYSELF QUESTIONING THE INTEGRITY OF ALL THOSE WOULD-BE “DO-GOODERS” WHO SAY THEY SPEAK FOR THE ORDINARY PERSON, AND WHO SHOUT LOUDLY THAT WE SHOULD BE APPORTIONING BLAME AND LAYING IT SQUARELY AT THE FEET OF THE GUARDIANS. THE SIMPLE TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS – NOTWITHSTANDING THE AWFUL AND TRAGIC EVENTS OF THE DAY IN WHICH SO MANY PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIVES – THE GUARDIANS WERE NOT TO BLAME. WE WERE!
IN THEIR OPENING TELEVISED INTERVIEW, WATCHED BY BILLIONS OF VIEWERS WORLDWIDE, THE GUARDIANS PLAINLY STATED THEY WERE UNDER NO ILLUSIONS ABOUT THEIR LIMITATIONS OR BEING HAILED AS GODLIKE SAVIORS. THEY SPECIFICALLY ASKED FOR OUR PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING WHILE THEY STRETCHED THEIR RESOURCES TO THE LIMIT IN OFFERING A GLOBAL SERVICE AGAINST EMERGENCIES AND NATURAL DISASTER. AND SURE ENOUGH, THAT PROTECTION WAS AFFORDED US IN A NUMBER OF VERY PRACTICAL AND SOMETIMES STARTLING WAYS. AND YET, EVERY DAY WE CONTINUED TO LOSE LOVED ONES TO OLD AGE, DISEASE, ACCIDENT, AND SHEER BAD LUCK. WHY? THE ANSWER WAS REVEALED TO US WHEN A WISE MAN WAS ONCE INSPIRED TO WRITE, “TIME AND UNFORESEEN OCCURRENCE BEFALLS US ALL.”
THAT SIMPLE FACT CONTINUES TO UNITE US IN GRIEF THOUSANDS OF YEARS LATER, DESPITE THE ADDITION OF TECHNOLOGY, ADVANCES IN MEDICINE, AND NEW FRIENDS WITH SEEMINGLY LIMITLESS POWERS.
AND YET, DURING THIS HONEYMOON PERIOD, NOT ONCE DID WE SEEK TO LAY THE BLAME FOR THESE CONTINUED TRAGEDIES OF EVERYDAY LIFE AT THE DOOR OF OUR NEW FRIENDS. WHY? BECAUSE WE WERE HAPPY TO BECOME COMPLACENT!
WHY DID IT TAKE THE EVENTS OF DECEMBER 4TH TO MAKE US REALIZE THAT LIFE IS STILL A FRAGILE, TENUOUS THING? THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS, THAT DAY WAS THE CULMINATION OF THE BITTER HATRED OF A TWISTED MAN, NOW KNOWN TO BE ONE LUIGI ESPASITO. AN APPOINTED MAFIA CRIME BOSS FROM SICILY, ESPASITO WAS – UNFORTUNATELY FOR US – NOT ONLY GIFTED WITH PSYCHIC POWERS OF HIS OWN, BUT ALSO BLESSED WITH THE TIME, RESOURCES, AND INFLUENCE TO SET IN MOTION A SERIES OF EVENTS THAT, HAD HE BEEN SUCCESSFUL, WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN THE DEATHS OF MILLIONS OF PEOPLE. NOT CONTENT TO SIMPLY LAUNCH A SURPRISE TERRORIST ATTACK ON SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST CRUCIAL ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, AND MILITARY TARGETS, ESPASITO WENT TO A GREAT DEAL OF TROUBLE TO ARRANGE THE PERFECT DIVERSION. A NUCLEAR MELTDOWN THAT HAD BECOME ALMOST UNSTOPPABLE PRIOR TO THE INTERVENTION OF THE GUARDIANS, WHOSE PROMPT ACTIONS NOT ONLY SAVED THE LIVES OF MILLIONS MORE, BUT WHO ALSO AVERTED AN ECOLOGICAL DISASTER OF BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS.
I’M SURE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO IS GLAD THEY WERE THERE THAT DAY DESPITE THE LATER TRAGIC OUTCOME. EVEN THE MOST POWERFUL BEINGS CAN’T BE IN TWO PLACES AT ONCE, SO WHY ARE WE EXPECTING THE IMPOSSIBLE FROM THOSE WHO WERE CLEARLY ONLY DOING THEIR BEST?
DOES THIS MEAN THAT THE HONEYMOON IS OVER?
THERE ARE THOSE WHO SAY IT IS, AND THEY ARE EXTREMELY VOCAL IN THEIR PROTESTATIONS. THEY SAY WE SHOULD SEND THE GUARDIANS PACKING AND ASK THAT WE MAKE THIS CLEAR WITH OUR VOICES AND BY OUR VOTING IN THE GLOBAL BALLOT THEY’VE CONVENIENTLY INSTIGATED, A BALLOT IN WHICH NEARLY THREE BILLION HAVE EXPRESSED THEIR VIEWS SO FAR.
I ASK YOU, DO WE REALLY WANT THAT? ARE WE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING THE POSSIBILITY OF A WORLD WITHOUT THE GUARDIANS? HAVE WE ALREADY FORGOTTEN THE LIBERATING EVENTS OF DECEMBER 1ST THAT BROUGHT UNIVERSAL PRAISE FOR THEIR ACTIONS?
ONLY THE RESULTS OF THE NEW YEAR WILL SAY FOR SURE.
I KNOW HOW I’LL BE VOTING! IF ANYTHING, THIS INCIDENT HAS HIGHLIGHTED HOW DIFFICULT OUR PATH IS, AND HOW WE NEED SOMEONE TO HOLD OUR HANDS AS WE WALK TOWARD AN EVER GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE, MEDICINE, OUR ENVIRONMENT, AND DON’T FORGET, OURSELVES. WE SHOULD ALL BE VERY GRATEFUL THAT THE GUARDIANS ARE WILLING TO TAKE THOSE STEPS WITH US, AS EXEMPLIFIED BY THE PROPOSED PSYCHIC LAW AND ORDER BILL.
THAT OUR CONTINUED SECURITY WOULD BE SAFEGUARDED BY THIS LEGISLATION, AND SUPPORTIVE TECHNOLOGY BEING PROVIDED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN TANDEM WITH IT, GOES WITHOUT SAYING. THE SKILFUL EASE BY WHICH THE COWARDS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS DISGUSTING CRIME WERE BROUGHT INTO CUSTODY IS TESTIMONY TO THAT FACT.
IT IS MY SINCERE HOPE THAT ALL COUNTRIES INVOLVED UNITE, TO BRING SPEEDY JUSTICE TO THOSE FOUND GUILTY, AND SHOW OVERWHELMING SUPPORT TO OUR PHILANTHROPIC NEW FRIENDS WHO CONTINUE TO PUT OUR WELLBEING BEYOND THEIR OWN.