The Genesis Illusion

Chapter 23

Sam's apartment was less than a block from the Arcadia chapter warehouse. On the seventh floor of the modern building the two-bedroom unit included every luxury. Central air-conditioning, cable TV, and high-speed internet were just a few of the amenities. An indoor/outdoor swimming pool, exercise gym, and a massage spa shared in the building completed the list of services. The latest kitchen appliances stood sadly idle because eating out was so cheap and delicious. Contemporary western furniture filled the apartment, and on the bed was the latest memory foam mattress. Arcadia paid Sam very well.

Even though he had gotten little sleep, because of his early morning confrontation at the Arcadia office, Sam got up early. His body ached from the struggle with his attacker. After making a pot of coffee, he relaxed in his living room mindful of his head wound. It must be Bright Sun. She's trying to protect Ann. What was Mike doing in the building last night? Must have been trying to find out more about the New Year's event. He took a big risk to save me.

Sam reflected on his responsibility to speak his mind about his concerns while he lounged in his living room sipping coffee. He worried about his doubts being interpreted as criticism or even sedition. Sounds of Ann getting out of bed caused him to tense. He needed to tell her about his misgivings but feared how she might react? After a few moments Ann waltzed out wearing a light silk dressing robe that fluttered as she sauntered around the room.

"Good morning," Ann said. "You had quite a night?"

"I'm feeling better now," Sam said. "I wasn't thinking straight after the attack."

"What were you doing at the office that late?"

"I couldn't sleep, so I went there to get the installation instructions for the EMP generator. I thought I'd study them before we went ahead with the installation." Don't tell her about Mike. "After taking them from the safe I was almost to the door when someone jumped me. He had a scary knife, I grabbed it and we fought on the floor. I'm not sure exactly what happened next. He must have slammed my head into the floor and I passed out. When I came to he had gone."

"You're lucky to be alive. Could be a government agent?" Whirling around glaring into Sam's eyes, she ordered, "You need a body guard. I'll get one of our soldiers to protect you."

"Thanks, another attempt might be successful." Sam was convinced that Bright Sun was behind the attack but he didn't want to start that argument again.

Ann left the living room to get a cup of coffee from the pot Paul had made. She came back into the living room holding the cup with both hands and sat next to Sam on the couch. Leaning slowly forward she gave him a tender morning kiss.

"You look pretty tired. How's your head?"

"This'll wake me up at least for a little while." He nodded his head and smiled. He took a sip from his coffee cup while gathering strength to tell Ann about his worries and Mike's ideas. "You know I'm concerned about the expansion plan. I'm more worried about it now than ever. There's no doubt many people will be in danger if we go ahead. I don't see the necessity. Your fabulous inventions and your mother's superior intelligence should focus on improving people's lives. Creating a new country and taking territory potentially resulting in many casualties is unnecessary."

"Now Sam, we've been over this before many times. You're just getting cold feet at the last minute. It's understandable. You and I both took part in the takeover of Cheik. You saw how effective my mother's plan was. There were no casualties or even injuries. Just a quiet, peaceful, take over."

"Yes, I know, but for how long? You used a drug to squelch any resistance. And I have to admit the EMP generator worked on the unsophisticated light weapons from the small military force."

"And it'll work against the larger better equipped army. You're just worried for no reason."

"But what happens when the drug wears off and the government sends its big guns to reclaim its territory? The population will certainly be in danger. At least some of them will join in the government response. Innocent people may die even if you use the drug again."

"Maybe, but as my mother has pointed out, casualties are an unfortunate consequence when corrupt governments are confronted."

"But it's not necessary. We don't need their land."

"My mother is the smartest person I have ever met. Her assessment is that she is the only one that can lead the world for the good of all people. I don't want anyone to die, and from what we saw at Cheik I'm convinced we can complete our plan without casualties. It's for everyone's good. My mother knows what's best. The people don't know it yet but they will. They'll be better off when she is their supreme leader."

Sam wasn't getting anywhere with his argument. He had to present an alternative. "I met this very smart fellow, Mike who came here from the Sydney chapter. He told me about his similar concerns. Apparently, Bright Sun's insistence about taking over territory to complete her vision of Arcadia is confounding many followers. He described an approach used by a research institution he directs. They share inventions developed by the institute for the good of all people. He suggested Arcadia could use a similar approach."

Ann took another sip of coffee and had a worried look on her face but didn't say anything. "He said you and your mother could share your innovations with the world on the condition that countries agree to peaceful coexistence. Anyone breaking this pledge would lose access to future advancements and possibly even being subjected to your obedience drug."

"That sounds very nice. World peace. That is exactly what Arcadia will achieve with my mother as its leader. My mother has worked her entire life for this moment. The conquest plan is now underway and she will become supreme leader. I support her one hundred percent and you must too. This Mike is an insurgent. I must silence him. We cannot have doubters among us now."

Oh shit. This is what I was afraid of. She's reacting to a perceived threat. "He's not a threat. He was just sharing a peaceful alternative with me. There is no..."

"I can't allow anyone to question the plan. I'm sorry, but I must issue an order to have him apprehended and detained."

Sam's great risk had backfired. I've got to warn Mike. He's in danger and it's my fault. He had confided a possible alternative to Ann. But instead of considering the option, she reacted as her mother would, to silence opposition. Sam knew he wouldn't be able to sway Ann now.