Galactic Taboo

CHAPTER 9 - THE PANEL

Upon disembarking at Davos Station, the Beacons of the Real halted, awestruck by the unexpected scene before them. Far from the complacency and denial they had witnessed elsewhere, Davos stood as an impregnable fortress. Heavily armed guards patrolled meticulously, drones buzzed overhead, and K-9 units meticulously inspected luggage. Yet, what truly captivated them was the sophisticated anti-Teddykin technology in place.

"Look at that," Sophia murmured, her gaze fixed on a translucent dome that seemed to encapsulate the complex. "It's an electromagnetic barrier. I've read secret files about such tech, but to see it active..."

Ahmed scanned the area, his eyes darting from biological scanners to laser traps, "It's more than active. It's as if they're gearing up for an actual alien invasion."

Lena, arms folded, felt a surge of indignation, "It's outrageous. The world's been lulled into seeing Teddykins as benign, while here, they're fortified like it's the end of days. All because they have the information and the resources."

Upon verifying their credentials, they entered the grand foyer. Sophia's eyes landed on a medical imaging machine, isolated behind a glass wall. It was a futuristic marvel, part MRI, part space-age capsule, both intimidating and awe-inspiring. Participants would recline in its ergonomic seat, the device then enveloping them in a cocoon of humming vibrations and shifting lights.

Security personnel scrutinized the data unfurling on the monitors, a comprehensive analysis of each attendee's body, checking for any signs of the mysterious illness linked to the Teddykin experiments.

This procedure was obligatory, a strict prerequisite to accessing the Forum's inner sanctum. Each time the machine released someone, the room rippled with either a collective sigh of relief or a tense murmur, contingent on the results.

Observing this stringent protocol, the Beacons grasped the gravity with which the Davos organizers viewed the Teddykin threat — a concern reserved, it seemed, for their own circle.

"They're privy to everything," Sophia uttered, aghast. "The extent of the Teddykin experiments, while people suffer and the world remains in denial."

Ahmed rested a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "That's precisely why we're here. To bring this hidden knowledge to light, to compel action for the greater good."

The Beacons exchanged solemn looks, the chasm between the Davos elite and the rest of humanity never more palpable or perilous. Yet, it was a divide they were resolute in bridging, prepared to confront whatever truths lay ahead.

Fortified with this newfound determination, they navigated the security checks with their fabricated identities, acutely aware that the stakes had escalated. Having cleared all inspections, Sophia, Lena, and Ahmed stepped into the vast conference hall. The room buzzed with muted conversations, experts in tailored suits, and journalists poised with open notebooks. Giant screens loomed, setting the stage for the impending discourse. Seated at the back, the Beacons exchanged nervous but steadfast glances. The moment of reckoning had arrived.

As the moderator initiated the session, the first speaker, a distinguished professor from a prominent American university, stepped forward. His presentation began with a detailed exposition of the Teddykins' experimentation methods, echoing the revelations the Beacons of the Real had previously shared on social networks. Diagrams and graphs unfurled across the screens, each more intricate than the last. Sophia's lips tightened; these elite knew far more than they had let on.

Another expert, representing a leading pharmaceutical corporation, took the podium. He delved into the symptoms and repercussions of the post-experimental condition, as well as ongoing efforts to formulate a cure. Ahmed felt a swell of indignation within him; they had faced ridicule and gaslighting for disclosing similar facts, yet here, the same truths were openly discussed in Davos.

Lena feverishly jotted down notes, capturing each subtle admission, each veiled revelation. Despite their validations, one question loomed: Why was this critical information confined to this global summit? Why was it withheld from the broader public, from those directly afflicted by the Teddykins' actions?

Speaker after speaker presented meticulous analyses and precise data, yet the Teddykins' ultimate objectives remained unaddressed. The Beacons realized that even this assembly of the powerful and learned didn't possess all the answers. As the conference concluded, a collective sense of outrage and resolve enveloped them. The insights they gained here only bolstered their determination to alert the populace to the dangers lurking behind the Teddykins' experiments. Rising from their seats, they exited the hall, still reeling from the revelations.

Ahmed suggested a brief respite for strategizing, and they made their way to the restroom, seeking a quiet space to converse. Inside, they stumbled upon an assembly of elegantly dressed individuals – among them, two renowned billionaires and several university professors – engaged in a hushed yet animated discussion.

Sophia, Lena, and Ahmed exchanged glances. This unexpected encounter presented an opportunity. They positioned themselves discreetly in a corner, feigning nonchalance while eavesdropping intently.

One of the billionaires exhaled, "The issue is, these Teddykins aren't inclined to negotiate. We have the means to contain them, but it's not a permanent solution."

A professor concurred, "And we can't keep this under wraps indefinitely. There are leaks, rumors... like those Beacons of the Real on social media."

Ahmed's pulse quickened. This was their moment:

"Excuse me for butting in," he interjected, drawing their attention. "I overheard your conversation about the Teddykins. We possess information that could be of interest to you."

The gathered billionaires and professors regarded the Beacons of the Real with initial surprise, which quickly morphed into keen interest. After a brief verification of identities and a discreet exchange of information, the Beacons were beckoned to divulge their insights.

Sophia stepped forward, her voice firm, "We've been striving to make this information public, to bring the truth to light. Despite our efforts on social media, our voices go unheard. We lack the grand titles and platforms that lend weight to words. But your statements, as figures of influence and power, would be heeded."

One of the billionaires, deep in contemplation, nodded, "I see your point, but we'll need something in return. We've attempted negotiations with the Teddykins. They're far more intelligent than us, fluent in our languages. However, following a series of blunders, including one of our own firing a weapon, we've lost their trust. They're no longer receptive to us, but they might consider dialogue with someone they deem... less intimidating."

Lena grasped the implication, "You're suggesting we approach them?"

"Precisely," the professor confirmed. "If you can persuade the Teddykins to leave Earth, we commit to disclosing everything we know publicly and to distributing the cures we've developed to all those affected. It's in the interest of everyone."

The Beacons exchanged glances, each reflecting the gravity of the situation. The risk was immense, yet here lay the long-sought chance to shatter the silence, to alleviate the suffering of the afflicted.

"We agree," Sophia stated resolutely.

"It's a deal, then!" the billionaire declared, extending his hand to formalize their pact.

In that moment, amidst the unlikely setting of a restroom, surrounded by some of the planet's most brilliant and influential individuals, the Beacons sensed a pivotal shift in their destiny. Their infiltration had taken an unforeseen twist, propelling them to the epicenter of a quest that could very well determine the fate of humanity.