For the most part, things were going well after the news that in fifty to a hundred years all life on Earth would end. Denial is a powerful drug. The majority of people just went on with their day. There is this thing called hunger which causes most to earn a living wage in order to buy food. Aliens were the future, but an empty stomach is NOW.

For others not suffering from the dreaded condition, it was just a massive media stunt or a conspiracy manipulated by the illuminati. Contributing these occurrences to humanity was logical, since humans were known to exist. Some people wouldn't believe until they met their very own alien, since special effects and deep fakes could make anything believable on social media.

For countries with an aging population, those particular individuals had no fear of aliens causing their deaths. Some who only had twenty or thirty years on Earth left to live knew that they would never see alien genocide come to fruition anyway.

Most, however, were not all. Some individuals only had bitterness and anger to fuel them. For those people, one thought permeated through their minds: 'If everyone is going to die anyway, then before I go I wanna see the light fade from my enemies' eyes!'

__________________________________________

*Gabriel*

Well, that's not good! Gabriel reflected off of the GNN - Golem Network News - ping. We were prepared for most countries to go on high alert and ready their military, but it looks like a few bad apples are deciding to go on the offensive! And it's been about four hours since our big reveal! And one of them has nukes!

If Gabe had been a human, he might have been shocked that it was just ONE country that was way too eager to deploy their nukes. Not a single country that had developed such terrifying weapons had the name of "Bunnytopia." Countries that had built them probably had other countries in mind during the development process.

Shockingly, to most humans anyway, the Middle East wasn't the main issue. Whether one was an Arab, Christian, or Jew, Angels were a symbol of holiness. Specifically in the Middle East Angels descended from the sky in full view of major population centers. That these same Angels declared that the old enemies should be forgiven of their transgressions because there was now only one enemy, one that was the enemy of all humans, held sway for most. Sadly, not all. Some scars still ran too deep, but for the most part the impression that the arrival of Angels had caused most to stay their hand in order to fully process their new world.

This was done intentionally by the ancient alien, who even though couldn't fully grasp the intricacies of the human psyche, knew enough to tweak his strategy for that particular region.

No, rather, chaos brought about certain... opportunities for malignant factions.

Gabriel entered the golem gestalt to plead with their creator, the ancient alien. The golems were creations made from the materials of the Earth, designed mostly from organic compounds to best emulate those that they would interact with while also adding an extra layer of deception to their origin. While certain alterations were made to make them extremely durable and overpowered, both mentally and physically, the basis for the design was truthfully of terran origin.

The human brain was actually the first hurdle to overcome. The ancient alien used the structure, both of neurons and the overall composition (Brain Stem, Cerebellum, and Cerebrum with the corresponding lobes) and cranked the utility up by over an order of magnitude with well known quantum processing cheats. The ancient alien was entirely different from these beings such that if he had used his own cognitive processing the golems would have then come across as unrelatable to humans.

The ancient alien only shared sight and smell as his main senses with humans, although both were radically different in both spectrum as well as diagnostically. He also had a tremor sense as well as a gravimetric sense. The mind is influenced by how it perceives the world around it. He needed to create a system that could properly interact with humanity while also maintaining a connection to himself. It also was a test of sorts. If the human brain suffered from psychosis with a simple upgrade, then the race was not worth the effort to warn.

Luckily for humanity, the upgrade seemed stable enough while also paying proper homage to it's VERY humble origins. Also, the creator realized that the "Boots on the Ground" may have some insight into humanity that he lacked, which proved to be vital for the continued existence of said species.

At first the ancient alien wanted to remain steadfast in not involving himself into purely human matters. "If they nuke themselves, then they've proven that they are too volatile for the galaxy! AND then I am under no more obligation to lend any assistance. Less work for me."

The Golem Gestalt responded telepathically through their quantum relays: "Less work for The Merciless Horde as well. Once they realize that humanity did themselves in they will divert their resources to another planet. To another civilization. Giving humanity more time may save two species with one ancient alien's very minor effort. Also, remember why you started this. How will the loss of humanity affect YOU?"

"I... You... Arg! You are basing part of your argument on a sunk cost fallacy!"

"And...?"

The alien could only emote menacingly through the link, before conceding. Still, there were a few kinks to iron out. "But, I already drew the line! I ain't playing savior! It's been hours and I'm already redrawing the line. Where does that end!?"

"You're not saving them from The Horde, but you are also not damning them by the METHOD in which you chose to reveal this information to them."

The alien didn't have any eyebrows to raise, but the corresponding emotion was present. "Oh, is that so? Yeah, you're right. Making golems was a stupid idea! I should've just sent out a mass email instead... Or maybe a mass post on social media?"

"We are not amused. You chose expediency over a more... delicate approach."

"Are you saying that I was wrong to do so?"

"We cannot answer that. What we are instead trying to convey is that a few powerful individuals in their society are reacting hastily to an unprecedented event. Those very few individuals should not have final say in the continuation of their species. The powerful have come to the quick conclusion that they might actually be powerless. For their own ego, they attempt to regain their sense of power in one fatalistic action."

"Very well." The alien relented. "But now the question is: What is the best way to intervene?"

The Golem Gestalt thought amongst themselves. "Well, first off we golems need to act with more liberty."

"Escalation in order to deescalate the situation? That doesn't sound right to me!"

"It is the human way, however. Bullies are cowards when confronted with bigger bullies. In fact, what we said about their ego and sense of power applies here as well. A statement of power is required to show everyone just how far the power has shifted."

"There will be repercussions."

"Yes, but it is highly unlikely to be worse than the alternative of doing nothing."

"All right. The order for non-violence is rescinded. Now, what are you going to do?" The ancient alien shivered from the resulting bloodthirsty glee expressed throughout the entirety of the golem's gestalt.

"Well, our two roles shall meld into one!" It was at that point that the ancient alien gave more credence to the thought that the aliens that were even more ancient than he was might actually had found some way to survive and... influence Earth.

The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

They weren't perfect, but they were also not to be messed with...

_________________________________________

*Agent Jones*

The agent was not having a good day. In fact, it was one of the worst days of his life. They arrived late and missed the alien. Then, the studio exec on sight had a backbone and the old battle-axe made sure to clearly and concisely eviscerate them for their shutdown.

The studio could NOT be held accountable for an outside force appropriating the station and blocking all notices sent to the station to cease and desist. IF the station HAD received the shutdown orders, THEN they would have happily complied but they TOO were victimized by the Angel! And by forcing them to shutdown NOW, after the fact, was only exacerbating the victimization!

At that point, Agent Jones had received a call from the boss of his boss, who had proceeded to berate him for his unsuccessful capture of the individual of unknown origins.

I am going to be the fall guy for this! I just know it!

THEN the excrement REALLY hit the fan. The Angels had created a "greatest hits" compilation of all of the unsuccessful attempts made by governments and corporations to "restrain" them, including EXACTLY where and WHY those orders had been given. His superiors were part of the compilation.

It has only been a little over four hours since this whole mess has started! Good news is that I am no longer the fall guy! The terrible news is that us peons tend to get "liquidated" when shadowy orders by our superiors become illuminated. Dead men can not testify. The political ramifications alone are horrifying. There are some very globally powerful people who have been exposed in the harshest of lights! And to anyone with half of a functioning brain cell that is paying attention to this, it reveals the extra-terrestrial nature of this incident. There is absolutely NO WAY that so many different nations and corporations would have suffered such a catastrophic intelligence leak at the same time without a significant technological disadvantage. Also, it appears as if every single major player has had their dirty laundry aired out for the entire world to see. No one has been left out. This...this is BAD.

"Can this day get any worse!?" The agent knew that he was invoking Murphy and his demonic Law, but the threat of death made him nihilistic.

A laugh erupted from an unseen source, which slowly started to resolve into the winged individual calling himself Gabriel. Agent Jones wasn't the only agent to draw his sidearm, but luckily no one had been spooked enough to fire.

'No, no, no, no, no, No, NO!!! WHY ARE YOU HERE!!!' Agent Jones wanted to scream at the top of his lungs. He had no desire to mess with an alien (which he based on the severity of the intelligence coup among other things) and yet he knew that if he didn't follow through on his questionably illegal orders that it would lead to a fatal consequence.

I'm dead. Before, it was a foregone conclusion. Now... NOW it is a dead certainty. Either the alien is going to kill me or my superiors will! There is NO reason for him to come back here OR to show himself unless something utterly horrific has occurred! Agent Jones knew deep in his gut that the laugh by the alien meant nothing good.

Gabriel LOOKED at Agent Jones. It was a look that Agent Jones had seen before, one that brokered no argument.

"Re-holster your guns." Well, looks like my superiors will get the joy of erasing me and my men. 'Cause they ain't here right now, and HE is! I don't know what an extra half hour of life will bring me but shockingly I want to find out! The stress had finally broken a part of Agent Jones' psyche. He'd believed in a rigid structure, even in his thoughts, but that had burst like a dam in a flood.

Agent Jones motioned to his men before complying. "Agents. Do as he says."

"Good." Gabriel nodded to the agents in a sign of respect.

"Oh, by the way..." The alien snapped his fingers and everything came back on, especially the lights and the cameras. "We're back on air!"

"Now, about the day getting worse..." Agent Jones realized at that point that he would happily trade pants with the old news anchor as long as he wouldn't have to hear more from the alien...

__________________________________________

*Gabriel*

"First off, I came back to this studio in order to keep as many people abreast of the current situation as possible. Second, we've already informed major governments on what is happening and on what our response will be. We were asked by those governments not to inform their populace, which we have disregarded in totality.

"Why? Because every single human being needs to become responsible for the future of your race. It's easy to blame governments or a few powerful individuals for evil actions. Frankly, it's lazy, and it will kill you quicker than Those That Destroy can kill. THAT ends today.

"Everyone is going to be needed in order to pull off your survival. You are ALL going to need to work together. I think that there is a quote from an American Revolutionary: "If we don't hang together than we shall all hang separately." Benjamin Franklin? Anyway, that applies now more than it ever did. Also, in today's world, if you choose to do nothing, Tyranny will destroy you all."

Gabe gazed at the assembled individuals. Most had no idea what he was referencing towards, but Agent Jones seemed to have an inkling. Part of this was Gabriel trying to synchronize the action as close to his reporting as possible.

"Right at this very moment, hardliners in the Pakistan military have gained control of 4 nuclear warheads and... have just... NOW launched them towards India."

Silence and horror pervaded the studio. No one wanted to believe that everything was about to crash down on them. A select few were also relieved that they weren't in India right now, mainly because their minds traveled straight to "how this will affect me" mode.

"Wait, India!? Not Israel?" Sophia, who had been hanging in the background, asked.

"India and Pakistan used to be a single country until England decided to forcibly partition them into two countries on the basis of religion. Muslims and Hindus don't get along very well. Or, well, they don't after that fiasco anyway. Since that partition they've engaged in war multiple times, not to mention the countless skirmishes and accusations of state sponsored terror." Salvitore offered.

Everyone turned to look at him. "What!? The Mumbai attacks in 2008 were big news! I covered that and interviewed several experts on the nations 'disagreements.'

"So big shot angel, are ya gonna do anything about it?" Sal directed towards Gabriel.

"We already have. Those nukes were deactivated, surreptitiously, before they were even launched. We, of course, warned India slightly before everyone else. Part of that warning was also that if they responded with any launches of their own, or really ANY militaristic action, they would suffer consequences just as dire as what those in the Pakistan will shortly experience."

"Why even let them launch those nukes at all!?" Salvitore pushed. Sophia could tell that Sal had entered what she liked to refer as his "dog with a bone" phase. Once he sunk his teeth in a subject, he would gnaw at it until ALL relevance was removed.

"As a visual case study. This attack must be recognized by everyone and never repeated. Some may have doubts of what we are capable of accomplishing. This will give those doubters more actionable intelligence.

"Right now, the United States and many other countries are tracking those ballistic missiles. They were also warned shortly before we went on the air, by the way. And in three, two, one... now they have disappeared from all sensors deployed by those nations.

"Investigations will be made showing that those missiles were launched but there will be NO wreckage found, leading to an extra-terrestrial conclusion. We will release recordings verifying the sequence of events and the details regarding this travesty within the next five minutes."

"Why the delay? Why not reveal everything right now?" Mr. May gnawed further.

"Because, not everything has been resolved yet." Gabriel answered stoically.

The old news anchor didn't even speak. All he had to do was raise his left eyebrow imperiously.

"Actions have consequences, which are being delivered as we speak."

Sal threw up his hands. "And WHAT does THAT mean!?"

________________________________________

*Ajmal Rehman Mir*

"What HAPPENED!? Why isn't India a radioactive wasteland right NOW!? Where did the nuke GO!?" Ajmal shouted at the top of his lungs to everyone gathered for the big "No more India" party he was hosting.

Sure, 4 nukes weren't going to totally eradicate the country, but it was going to cause untold devastation! So why can't I celebrate my crowning achievement!? I put this all together! I placed my men in the military and in the government! It was by MY voice that set this into motion! I spent TWENTY plus years of my life in the Pakistani government putting everything into place! I had dreams of witnessing the COMPLETE destruction of India, but that would've taken ANOTHER twenty years! If these alien fake angels hadn't shown up and ruined everything! I HAD to act NOW, before nukes became obsolete! Before anyone else acted! And even now...

Before Ajmal could finish his inner monologue, he and everyone within his 'party' fell dead. Back around 1985 research was conducted on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS. Basically, a rapidly changing magnetic field properly controlled can cause a transient disruption of the brain. Researchers used this to shut off (temporarily) specific sections of the brain, allowing those researchers to gain insight into which parts of the brain are necessary for certain brain functions to be performed.

This researched was used by the ancient alien to create the basics of the golem brain, which also led to the development of the weaponization of a way to permanently disrupt the entirety of the brain. Combined with the golems stealth ability it could look like the targets died from an unknown cause, like a puppet with it's strings cut. Twenty-three members of the Pakistani Parliment and four hundred and seventy-eight high ranking officials in the Pakistani military, among other terrorist assets, perished via this method within moments of each other. only fourteen of those people were located at the 'party.' There were over 200 separate locations in Pakistan in which this occured, many of which had non-responsible individuals witnessing and later reporting on these unexplained deaths to interested parties.