Brian Saves the World, Maybe

Angelina Griffin

Angelina Griffin sat at her desk, eyes closed, listening. A voice spoke of the importance of her responsibilities, and the great reward that awaits those who are faithful. She began hearing the voice decades ago; telling her she had been chosen, and that she had obtained favor. She hadn't trusted the voice at first, but the speaker had proven itself. It had promised her power and had followed through. The voice had told her this was merely the firstfruits of what was to come. Before the conversation ended, she assured the voice that she would not fail.

She opened her eyes and placed her hands in front of her on the desk. The voice believed her to be a faithful servant, blindly following every command she was given. It seemed to think she was a fool; that she wasn't aware she was viewed merely as a pawn. She smiled coldly. Angelina had long ago learned the trick of shielding certain thoughts from the voice.

She felt under her desk with her right hand. There was a faint click, as a secret compartment opened. She removed a crystal jar, and held it up for a moment, gazing at the pure white substance pooled at the bottom. The jar was nearly empty. It had been given to her almost 60 years earlier, a token of the favor she had obtained. She opened the jar, and placing a tiny dab of the substance on each index finger, she gently applied it to her temples in slow, circular motions.

There was a knock at the door. Angelina calmly replaced the lid and returned the jar to its compartment.

"Come."

A man entered. "Ma'am, I just received word. It has been set in motion."

"Thank you, Edmund. You may go."

The door closed. Angelina stood up from her desk, and paced to the window, her reflection belying the features of a woman in her twenties. Angelina's office overlooked the Hudson River, but it wasn't the river that held her interest. She looked beyond, to the spread of buildings that made up the New York City skyline. She thought of what it represented: industry; success; power. She chuckled inwardly, and returned to her desk.