The Genesis Illusion

Chapter 27

Bright Sun, Lim, Carlson, and Wong floated like omniscient visions on the veranda of the Arcadia headquarters. They strained to see beyond the tropical landscape extending to the horizon knowing it would soon become their realm. They joyfully and arrogantly anticipated their conquest to establish Bright Sun as the leader of the new world.

The headquarters now felt like a military compound with armed guards, lookout towers, and conversion of part of the residence to a communication and control center. Positioned in the courtyard guarding the front of the main entrance the missile launcher captured in the takeover of Cheik menacingly pointed into the eastward sky as a symbol of defiance and strength. Obedience persuasion cannons and an EMP generator also occupied strategic positions around the courtyard.

On the residence veranda technicians prepared for a live video broadcast. A lectern supporting many microphones, fronted by a professional video camera drew its operator's attention. Bright Sun stepped behind the wooden console and spoke, "This is Bright Sun, your leader of the new nation of Arcadia. It is the eve of our independence day and you have become one of its pioneer citizens. I pledge to endow you with the fantastic benefits that only I and my daughter, Andromeda, can give. Plentiful food and advanced healthcare for you and your families are my gifts."

"Under my leadership you will receive these benefits for your support and willingness to work for the welfare of all. No more will you toil for a government that takes from you but provides little. In the next few days you will see our country appear on the world map. This will cause disruption and worry among those that do not understand your frustration and the futility of your lives. You will not be forgotten as the world reacts to our freedom since the reason I am doing this only for you."

"I have a message to anyone within the boundaries of what will be Arcadia. Follow me and you will be rewarded, oppose me and you will become a citizen in training, learning to be a valuable member of the Arcadia nation. The choice is yours. Most of you who are listening to this message have already made your choice, to become one of my honored subjects. Welcome to Arcadia where a good life awaits."

Applause erupted as Bright Sun lifted her head away from the microphone and stepped out of the view of the video camera. She nodded her head in a regal gesture to the small audience assembled in the courtyard acknowledging their adoration. The three disciples; Lim, Carlson and Wong, approached her, lovingly smiling with approval and offering their embrace.

Sitting back down in front of a computer webcam on a table nearby Bright Sun listened to Mr. Lim, who said, "Now you need to alert our chapters in the target area you have authorized the launch of the Genesis mission."

Bright Sun leaned forward so that her face filled the screen. Then she activated the secure web broadcast, "This is Bright Sun, I hereby authorize the launch of the Genesis mission on New Year's Day. This mission will establish the country of Arcadia. Indeed, parts of the plan have already occurred to prepare for our major thrust."

"A few words of caution, understand that those who oppose us may try to stop our advance by broadcasting false messages. Do not respond to these messages. I repeat, do not follow any contrary instructions. Anticipating this possibility, I have created secure abort codes that are the only way to stop the mission. I am the only one that can release the codes. As a contingency, my daughter, Andromeda, will receive the codes if I am incapacitated. I am sure you will understand the need for this precaution."

"Now we begin our conquest. This is the supreme leader of Arcadia, Bright Sun, welcoming you to a better life."

Bright Sun turned to her three devotees who were radiating their approval. She rose from the computer station with an air of confidence and power reserved for a king. Her feet almost floated above the stone floor that did not seem worthy of her touch. Decades of preparation and sacrifice led to this, the day when she ascended to the seat of ultimate power.

The four originators of the Arcadia movement strolled leisurely onto the veranda looking eastward toward their new Kingdom. Bright Sun stepped to the edge grasping the railing, "We have come very far together and now the day is near, fulfilling my vision when I start my journey to become the leader of the world. Millions will follow us, at first it may not be voluntary, but over time they will realize this is best for them and they'll become loyal citizens of Arcadia. We shouldn't underestimate our opponents who will undoubtedly try to unseat me and destroy our new country. They will test our resolve and that of our followers. Many will die on both sides. Their sacrifice is necessary for us to change this world. I am confident, however, that we will prevail and Arcadia will not only exist but will expand, eventually creating a world-dominating nation under my rule."

The four exchanged embraces knowing their mission of independence was unstoppable. Their euphoria of anticipated victory erased any trace of trepidation for the consequences of their conquest.