The Genesis Illusion

Chapter 32

"The sun rises bright in the morning," a voice on the phone said.

Recognizing the code words Bright Sun fumbled with her mobile phone before answering, "Colonel, do you have something to report?"

"Yes, I have been watching your daughter and her fiancé as you ordered," Colonel Chow responded with military precision. He had hacked into the meeting room computer from the adjacent computer room to listen in on conversations. "This morning I listened in on their interview with a prisoner they are holding in the warehouse meeting room. An armed guard is sitting outside the door."

"Prisoner? Do you know who it is?"

"Yes, he was using an alias but his real name is Paul Jacobs."

Paul? But he's dead. "Go on, tell me what you heard."

"They were discussing how to stop the launch of the Genesis mission."

"What did my daughter say about that?"

"She said it must be stopped. Sam Howe and Jacobs agreed, but they haven't found a way."

"Thank you Colonel, please continue your surveillance and report at once if they move."

"One more thing. Jacobs disclosed that he had developed an antidote for the obedience persuasion substance. He said his partner was in a mobile laboratory near the Arcadia warehouse and would release it if he was killed or captured." I knew it. In Singapore he saw what it could do. I doubt he has mass-produced it though.

Bright Sun paced around the Arcadia headquarters compound in solitary contemplation. She eventually called the three disciples to join her on the terrace to discuss her options. No one can be allowed to stop my conquest to create my new kingdom. These conspirators are traitors.

Mr. Lim, Ian Carlson and Mrs. Wong joined Bright Sun on the terrace. "I received information that my daughter, her fiancé along with our nemesis, Paul Jacobs, have joined to try to stop the Genesis mission. I can't allow this. We are so close and my kingdom waits."

"This is treason," Mr. Lim proclaimed as the others nodded in agreement. "Those who plot against you must die. Their treachery cannot continue."

All of them stared out, looking over the courtyard, in despair knowing what this meant. "We are in agreement then?" Bright Sun looked to her friends for assurance but their uncommitted expressions left her alone to make this decision. Without hesitation she proclaimed, "The conspirators are guilty of the high crime of treason against Arcadia."

The four then stood on the veranda this time looking down at the missile launcher positioned in the courtyard. Two soldiers casually visited at one side of the weapon in the otherwise deserted common area. Guards stationed along the second story balcony strolled back and forth unaware their leaders were standing nearby.

"Your daughter, Bright Sun. Oh gifted one, there must be another way?" Ms. Wong cried, begging for mercy. "Maybe we could capture and imprison her instead?"

"No, we must remove the cancer. I cannot allow dissidents within my leadership. They are all together now. It is an opportunity that may not come again. I can, with one blow, destroy the evil conspirator's nest. My decision is final."

"We have another problem," Bright Sun moved on quickly from her decision seemingly without remorse. "I am told that Paul Jacobs has developed an antidote to the obedience persuasion substance. He has a partner that will distribute it upon his death or capture. This would have a devastating impact on our expansion plan. As you know, we counted on having at least a year to educate our subjects so they would defend Arcadia against a counterattack."

"Within our mercenary corps we have cyber experts," Carlson stepped up to offer his advice. "I'll have them find Jacobs' partner's location. Mobile communications tracking can locate him."

"Begin the search immediately," Bright Sun barked. "Find him before he can distribute the antidote."

Carlson walked a short distance from the others to talk on his mobile phone. Returning, he motioned that he gave the order. The four leaders of Arcadia slowly descended the regal staircase leading from the terrace down to the courtyard. Behind them the huge banner displaying the Arcadia symbol covered the entire building facade. Reaching the missile launcher in the center of the courtyard they halted their reluctant march.

Bright Sun stopped in front of Major Gou who was standing at his post with another soldier. Reaching in the pocket of her regal robe she withdrew her clenched fist. Holding it in front of her mouth palm up she blew a puff of air into Gou's face. Startled he still remained in his ridged military pose.

Bright Sun commanded, "I order you to fire this missile at the Arcadia chapter warehouse in Bangkok. There are three traitors in the meeting room at the rear of the building. Are you sure you can pinpoint this target?"

"Yes, your highness," Major Gou snapped to attention as he answered. "I will need to contact Colonel Chow so I can get his precise mobile phone location. That will be the exact coordinates for the strike."

"Tell him you want to confirm the three traitors haven't moved. Don't tell him about your orders to launch the missile."

Gou stood still, his eyes darting from side to side searching for an answer. Bright Sun waited for him to acknowledge compliance with her instructions. "As you wish," Major Gou at last snapped back.

"How long will it take you to make the necessary setting adjustments?"

"Only a few minutes. It will take fifteen minutes for the missile to reach the target."

"What about the Colonel?" Ms. Wong asked the obvious. "He will certainly be killed along with the others."

"It is a sacrifice I am sure he would make. Arcadia must prevail and I must be its ruler."

After a few minutes Major Gou gestured for them to move back. He glared at his mobile smartphone cupped in his hand. Using it as a remote launch control panel, he made entries as he stumbled walking toward the four standing a safe distance away. The Major waited before launching the missile, staring at Bright Sun for the final order. Ms. Wong wailed in agony burying her face in her hands when Bright Sun, with no outward sign of emotion, nodded her approval.

The engine's roar caused them to cover their ears, too late to save them from the momentary pain. As the missile flew out over the verdant jungle Bright Sun and the others stood bowing their heads, as if at a funeral, they all knew it was the end for Andromeda who they loved as their own.