The Genesis Illusion

Chapter 25

What am I doing here? Who are these people? Suke didn't move while contemplating her situation.

About fifty people occupied folding chairs inside the partially full meeting room. An aisle formed down the middle of the room leading to a podium with a microphone where a speaker dressed in a business suit stood. The short Asian man exuded confidence before the audience. On the wall behind the speaker hung a large white cloth embellished with an orange circle with three yellow rays emanating out and below the circle. Flanking the speaker on both sides two similarly dressed men stood near each wall intently scanning the audience.

The man at the podium spoke, "You are all from countries other than Singapore. You live here, work here, or visit here to escape your country at least for a time. No matter which country you are from your government has failed you. The corrupt leaders fill their pockets with your sweat, and your sacrifice. You may survive and even progress a little, but their system of oppression keeps you in your place so they can benefit from your toil. What do you receive for your labor? Do you have access to advanced healthcare? Do you enjoy safety and security? Do you and your children have good schools? Do you even have reliable electricity and clean water to drink? The vast majority of you do not have many of these essentials."

"This is what Arcadia offers. It will be a new civilization that exists for the good of all the people. Arcadia has the most advanced technology. Even more advanced than the leading countries in the world. It has protection and safety for all its residents. It has reliable electricity and clean water. The schools will be the envy of the world. The Arcadians will enjoy unprecedented creativity, the arts, and inventions that others will covet. Become Arcadian and bring your families and friends. Join its cause to make everyone's life better. The Arcadians will pay taxes, fight Arcadians battles, and work for its factories, but in return loyal citizens will receive fantastic benefits. Citizens will prosper from the Arcadian way."

The speaker continued then handed off the podium microphone to each of the other speaker's that initially stood on either side of the stage. Suke felt more awake and looked around the room. I remember coming here from the MRT station, walking with several strangers. I don't see anyone here I recognize. Who are these speakers and what is Arcadia?

Suke noticed that others in the audience were looking around not paying attention to what the speakers were saying. She thought she should leave and return to her apartment. Apparently others were having the same thoughts since she could see several people stand and walk toward the exit at the rear of the room. The latest speaker motioned to someone at the rear of the room. Then several ushers moved to block the exit. The people who walked that direction stopped at the now guarded closed door. The people at the front, trying to exit, argued with the ushers but there was no violence. Suke was in line to exit but she was about three or four people from the front. She could hear the protests.

"Why are we being held here in this room? I don't want to be here. Let me out."

From one side of the room several waiters appeared carrying large trays of clear plastic glasses filled halfway with an orange liquid. The speaker with the microphone announced that anyone was free to leave, but they should take one glass and have refreshment before they do. Everyone, including Suke, obediently took a glass. After a few moments the ushers asked everyone to take their seat. Yes, I'll take my seat. I'm not sure why. But I must sit down.

Paul told me to call him if this ever happened again. Suke dialed Paul's number as she sat again listening to a speaker talk about Arcadia. But he didn't answer, so she left a text message. I'm not sure where I am. A Hotel? I'm in another of those meetings I told you about. Suke didn't leave but instead activated her smartphone Location App Paul gave her.

The meeting continued with everyone now seated and listening attentively.