The Genesis Illusion

Chapter 24

"General Kim, could you go over the battle plan for me?" Ann said with authority. "I want to make sure we all understand." All the Bangkok chapter leaders assembled at Ann's request occupied the chairs around the table in the meeting room. A chair remained vacant next to Ann's opposite the General. Leaders of the chapters in Vientiane, Laos and Phnom Penh, Cambodia were also in attendance.

General Kim was an officer in the Singapore Army before joining the Arcadia security force. He received his training both in Singapore and as a guest at the US military Academy at West Point. His fifteen years of service for Singapore was distinguished by rapid promotions and medals for his accomplishments. Strategy and military tactics were his strengths. He was not accustomed to being summoned by young female civilians, he barely knew, who had not earned his respect.

"I hope you will excuse me," General Kim said in a stern condescending tone. "I have reviewed the mission plan with your mother, Bright Sun and her associates several times. Perhaps it would be better for you to discuss this with her."

Ann knew the general would be reluctant to respond to her demand. Prepared for the military advisers' bullying tactics she reacted assertively. "No, general it is better for me to hear it directly from you. Proceed with the briefing."

She glared directly into the General's eyes. The military veteran carefully considered his next statement. He had not risen through the ranks as rapidly as he did because he was stupid or lacked tact. "Very well, we will do this once again."

The door to the meeting room burst open and Sam entered saying, "Sorry I'm late. I hope you haven't started yet."

"No, we were just about to hear from the general," Ann replied visibly annoyed by his late arrival. "Please join us."

Sam took the vacant seat at the table. Sensing the tension he dissolved into his seat. The general opened a briefcase he had on the floor near his chair and pulled out a thick document plopping it with a thud on the table directly in front of him.

"This mission plan was approved by Bright Sun," the General said sarcastically.

"All right, that's enough," Ann shouted rising from her seat. "Step outside, General."

Stunned by Ann's forceful reaction the general hesitated before responding. "That is not necessary," the General said, in a calm controlled response. "Please let's continue." Ann's anger subsided, and she returned to her chair. Everyone around the table remained silent. Some even avoided eye contact by looking down at the table.

The composed General continued, "The mission plan was prepared by me and my staff of military experts. As you know, Operation Genesis is the code for this mission. It involves the takeover of Bangkok and all the territory between the present Arcadia headquarters in Myanmar and the eastern city limits. Bangkok, I'm sure you know, is a cosmopolitan city of over fourteen million residents in the greater metropolitan area. It houses the headquarters of the Thai Army, the Air Force, and is the seat of government for Thailand. Taking this area will expand Arcadia making it a country on a par with its neighbors of Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar."

Again taking control Ann interrupted, "Thank you general, we are all very familiar with these basic facts. Please describe the mission specifics."

The general glowered at Ann, but swallowed hard before saying, "Yes, well, the method we'll use is the same as we successfully used for Cheik. The obedience persuasion substance, spread by the ion dispersion cannons, will ensure the population and any military within its range are compliant Arcadia citizens. We'll move the canons as quickly as possible advancing through the city in two lines, one from West to East and a second from South to North. Hundreds of neighborhood containment teams will follow the cannon movements through the city to inform and control citizens. We estimate the mission will take approximately eight hours to complete. At the same time we will activate the EMP shield around the perimeter and move the generators to a more central location as the obedience persuasion substance takes hold. This will protect us and the new citizens from attack."

"Thank you, general, that's very clear. What is your plan to hold all of this area when the government forces counter attack?" Ann had a concern about this that Sam reinforced.

"We will continue to use the ionization dispersal cannons until the population fully supports us. Bright Sun assures me that the substance is effective for about one month and we can re-apply if necessary. We also have approximately five-thousand volunteers to canvas the area. They will conduct community information sessions for the population to instruct them about Arcadia citizenship. We have no massive army, as you know and no Air Force, we are relying totally on technology. Our EMP generators will deflect any incoming weapons and the obedience persuasion substance will ensure the population's compliance. It is probable that the Thai Air Force will respond. However, the EMP will deflect any ordinance they drop or weapons they fire. The government or other advanced military in the area such as the United States or China may launch guided missiles, but the EMP will return any of these to their origin thus destroying any additional launch capabilities."

"You sound very confident, general. Are you sure that none of these weapons will get through?"

"There are always unknowns in war. It is possible that weapons may elude our defenses either because they are out of range or they use a technology that can resist the EMP. In that case, injuries could occur among some civilians and perhaps several of our representatives. We estimate this possibility as remote, particularly since the diversion plan occupying the major world powers is already showing its effectiveness."

"Have you considered the probability that an antidote will be developed to counteract the obedience substance?"

"Yes, Bright Sun's assessment is that it will take a year for even the most advanced laboratory to discover a practical antidote and distribute it to a massive population. Our community education program will enlist broad support for Arcadia. By the time a countermeasure is developed and manufactured in mass quantities, the population will have become loyal citizens. Former government military officers then enlisted in the Arcadia army, will use the captured weapons and aircraft from the takeover to repel any attempted counterattack."

"Thank you, general. Does anyone have any questions?" Sam looked at Ann, who wore a leaders face, he had many questions but they would need to wait for another time. He knew nothing would change now. The general handed the plan folder to Ann. "There are many more details in here."

"You can be sure I will read it carefully." Ann maintained eye contact with the general as she accepted the document.

"My field generals will operate under Bright Sun's direction. Locally, Ms. Andromeda and the Bangkok Arcadia chapter manager, Sam Howe, will oversee the mission."

"Thank you, that's all for now. You may return to your post to assure your staff that all is ready according to the plan." The General had already begun his departure not waiting for her permission. He didn't even acknowledge Ann's directive.

Ann and Sam, adhering to protocol, shook General Kim's hand as he departed the meeting. Everyone else stayed for a few moments chatting nervously as there were only two days until the birth of Arcadia.