The Genesis Illusion

Chapter 14

Bright Sun sat at the head of the large table positioned in the center of the elaborately decorated dining hall. Along each side of the table Andromeda and her three aging loyal supporters, Zhang Tao Lim, Ian Carlson, and Ling Wong, joined the banquet. Servants scurried about wearing colorful uniforms typical of Burmese traditional dress.

"This may be our last dinner together for a while," Bright Sun said speaking to the group. "There are still many preparations before our independence day. I want to thank you for your unwavering support over these years. We've had difficult times but now we are ready to reveal our new Atlantis. The country of Arcadia already exists in this area and we have many supporters in our Chapters around the world. We will begin our conquest here but that is not our final goal. As Arcadia grows our skeptics and even our enemies will dwindle and fade away."

"I think we should reflect on our past to appreciate our future. When we first came here, we had little. Even though we brought enough to sustain us, we took many years to rebuild our funding source relocated to Laos. Once again that enterprise is running well and producing more than enough to finance our ambitious goals."

"You can all be confident we are doing what is best for our prospective citizens. Even though many of them may not appreciate or understand what these changes mean, they will thank us eventually for what we have done."

"I am fortunate to have such an incredible daughter. Our unbreakable bond ensures the future of Arcadia. I want all of us to remember the sacrifice of my Uncle Lee, who gave his life for our freedom. His devotion to our cause deserves our recognition as the first martyr of Arcadia." All of them silently raised their glasses signaling their agreement and recognizing his selfless contribution.

The concussion from a thunderous explosion toppled water glasses on the table and shook the chandelier overhead causing the jewel-like cut glass pieces to chime. Bright Sun halted her speech diving under the table with the others. Bright Sun shouted into her phone, "Security? What's...? Activate the EMP."

Everyone hugged the floor under the table waiting for a sign it was safe to come out. It was almost fifteen minutes before a guard holding a handgun rushed into the dining room, and announced, "The EMP is active so no more shells can enter the compound."

Bright Sun stood up at the side of the table asking him, "Do you know where it came from?"

"No, we're not sure. Perhaps from a boat? Our security camera recordings haven't pickup any intruders. We are searching the compound to make sure."

"Government agents?"

"We'll find out but there haven't been any follow-up shots. It must be a warning shot. I'll report again when we know more."

Bright Sun spoke to her dinner guests who were all shaken by the surprising interruption, "As we have seen, disbelievers will try to stop our advance. Using my methods we'll overcome these opponents without bloodshed. Join me in a toast to Arcadia."

Again they all raised their glasses this time chanting homage to Bright Sun and Arcadia. Ann joined in knowing this was not the time or place for dissent. She had already voiced her uneasiness with her mother's tactics.

The launch clock continued its relentless march ever so closer to the date with destiny. Nothing was standing in the way. Nothing could halt Bright Sun's commitment and unwavering confidence. The uncertainty accompanying conquest now lay naked in front of them.