Best Intentions

“Let’s go back inside, ladies and gentlemen, to continue with the session,” said Bhan Jae-Sun.

Everyone filed back inside and the Secretary-General waited until everyone had retaken their seats.

“Well, this has certainly not been a typical meeting of the assembly,” said the Secretary-General. “It is pointless to continue this discussion until the Security Council has had a chance to review the material that Mr. Richards has left for us. Let’s table our discussions and adjourn the General Assembly, at least until we have more information upon which to base our decisions.”

He picked up the case left by Mark and continued, “I believe that the Security Council should be convened right away.” No one had any objections to that idea.

The Secretary-General adjourned the assembly and joined the other members in the Security Council chambers. As they took their chairs, many members of the assembly filed in to take seats around the periphery of the chamber so they could sit in on the discussions.

Lisa Smith, the American delegate and the current president of the council, called the meeting to order.

The Secretary-General handed the case over to her. “Members of the Security Council,” she said. “We all heard what Mark Richards had to say. I know many of you have opinions regarding his demands but since he left us this material, perhaps we should have a look at it before any further discussions.”

Opening the case, Ms. Smith laid out the contents so everyone could get a look at them.

A folded pile of cloth turned out to be a jumpsuit made from a stiff black material. The attached boots, gloves and helmet were made from the same material. Looking at the helmet, she noted it was also somewhat flexible though thicker and had a mirrored faceplate. The next item was a wide wristband made of woven metal. Designed to attach to the forearms of the suit, it had several small projections. Another tiny hologram projector similar to the one Mark had used during his presentation came out of the case. One small transparent pocket inside the lid of the case held a number of computer flash drive memory modules. Placing the projector on the table automatically activated the mechanism. A miniature of Mark’s image appeared over the table and the presentation started.

“Hello everyone,” said the image. “I’d like to explain the contents of this case to you.” Mark’s image disappeared and an image of the full suit appeared in his place, rotating slowly. His voice continued. “The jumpsuit is a prototype for a UN Peacekeeper uniform. The material is not cloth as it appears, but a microscopic chain mail armor that is tough and extremely difficult to damage. According to CJ’s calculations, someone wearing one of these suits will be able to withstand the impact of a 50 caliber armor-piercing bullet without injury. The material is adapted from Se’Tharian spacesuit technology and was designed to protect against high velocity micrometeorite impacts. Please subject this sample to whatever testing you feel is necessary. CJ can fabricate as many of these suits as necessary for UN peacekeeping troops.”

As Mark’s explanation of the suit went on, the sample was passed around the table for the members to examine. The members found it hard to accept Mark’s claims, as the material was so light.

“The helmet contains circuitry for communications as well as light and voice amplification. The suit can be sealed against chemical or biological weaponry and is radiation proof.”

Mark’s image reappeared holding the bracelet. “The wrist device enclosed is another prototype. This completely non-lethal defensive device is affixed to the forearms of the suit. It fires a directed combination sonic and electromagnetic frequencies that disrupt the electrical activity of the brain. That is, it produces instant unconsciousness at a distance with no lasting side effects. A single peacekeeper equipped with one of these suits and a pair of the synapse disruptors could subdue dozens, possibly hundreds of enemy troops single handedly; and do it without killing anyone and without collateral damage. Transport craft and mobile medical facilities can be placed at your disposal to move Peacekeeping troops and medics anywhere in the world in less than one hour. All the technical specifications are in each of the computer memory modules enclosed in this case. I have also included information on the solar energy array and the receiving facilities that will need to be built to utilize this power supply.”

As Mark’s voice spoke, holograms of the transports and mobile medical facilities were projected in the air over the table, culminating with a diagram of the huge solar array.

“Detailed information files regarding environmental damage are also included. The data are broken down by country and the specific effects we have had on the land, sea, and air. This material is accurate. You will find it differs from every published study on pollution and environmental effects. We have become adept at convincing ourselves things aren’t that bad and we can fix them tomorrow, but it just isn’t true. At some point it will be too late. The Earth will go on, but as a species our time will be done. The human race needs what Se’Tharian technology can do for it, and you know what I want. Please contact me when you make a decision.”

The hologram shut off and there was a moment of complete silence around the table.

Lisa Smith was the first to break the silence. “We will of course need to have this material tested before we discuss any resolutions.”

The Secretary-General, seated to her right, picked up a memory chip. “If this material is what Mr. Richards says it is, we may have a real opportunity to change the course of human history.”

Lisa Smith didn’t appreciate his comment. She could also tell that China would back Mark Richards. “Well, let’s get this material to a testing facility before making any decisions.”

The data chips were handed out among the Security Council members. The debate over where the material testing should be conducted became heated--showing the old national rivalries. Eventually everyone relented and it was decided that it should be done in the United States.

A courier was used to transport the suit to the U.S. Army Ballistic Research Laboratory at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland, and the stunner was sent to the U.S. Army Armament Research Development and Engineering Center in New Jersey. The other members of the Security Council did insist on sending observers to the testing sites.

The technicians at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds were dubious about the claims made of the light jumpsuit they were given for testing. How could a material so thin and flexible withstand the kinetic energy of even a 22-caliber bullet, let alone an armor piercing 50-caliber round? It seemed preposterous to them.

A humanoid test mannequin wore the suit for the tests. Multiple pressure sensors and gee-load indicators would give them a good idea what they were dealing with. They started with the 22-caliber, which was fired from 10 meters into the center of the suits chest area.

The pressure sensors did not even register an impact and the suit did not show any marks so they thought that the bullet had somehow missed the target. A check of the video from the high-speed cameras told a different story, as did the flattened piece of lead that had once been a bullet.

Larger caliber weapons were tried one after another with the same results. When they reached the 50-caliber, the chest sensor did register an impact of 2 pounds, the same as a light poke in the chest with a single finger. The suit was completely undamaged even though 15 rounds had been fired at the exact same spot. Bullets were fired between the fingers, armpits and neck, those should have been the most vulnerable areas but the results were the same. Even 20-millimeter anti-aircraft cannons were not able to penetrate the material, though the impacts did register enough force to knock a man down.

They next tried to damage the helmet visor. Bullets just skidded off to the sides without marking the mirror finish at all.

“This is impossible,” said one technician who grabbed a small hammer and struck at the visor in frustration.

He was nearly knocked out as the hammer bounced off and hit him in the head, leaving a bruise as a badge of embarrassment.

“Is our volunteer ready?” the technician asked. “Ok Sergeant, you look like you are the right size for this suit. Put it on, please.”

Suited up he gave them a thumbs up and headed outside. A hail of gunfire struck him on the outdoor live fire course. Several different calibers of weapons both automatic and single action coming from all directions hit him. He just kept walking without showing the slightest reaction to the impacts. When the test was over, the Sergeant reported that the suit was light, comfortable and it would be perfect for combat situations.

Tool steel punches and needles could not get through the miniature chain links either.

Microscopic examination could barely even make out the linked rings of material and diamond saws couldn’t cut it.

It took three pounds of C-4 explosive placed inside one leg of the suit to rupture its integrity. Scientists examining the edges of the ruptures torn in the material said it would take years of study to even understand how it had been assembled.

One thing was certain, a soldier wearing one of these suits would be for all intents, invulnerable on the battlefield, and the military wanted them.

Testing on the synapse disruptor at the military facility in New Jersey proceeded similarly. The device was fired at small animals that fell over unconscious, but woke up fine after approximately ten minutes. Even repeated exposure did not cause any lasting ill effects.

A corporal volunteered for a human test of the disruptive and was wired up to electro-enceplograph sensors.

He was seated so he wouldn’t fall over, but slumped down unconscious just like the animal test subjects when the beam was turned on him. When the corporal awoke minutes later, he said that he felt fine. A review of the EEG showed that he had become instantly unconscious when the beam had hit him, but all readings after he awoke were identical to those taken just before the test. Further testing showed the device’s effective range at just over one point five kilometers and the beam passed through building walls or armored vehicles. The scientists speculated that the device operated in the infrasonic frequency range.

They tried to take the device apart to learn how it worked, but after forcing the casing open they discovered the internal workings had dissolved into a black gel-like substance. The technological secrets were not going to be easy to obtain.

Each member of the Security Council had sent the copies of the memory modules back to their governments. These were passed off to the leading scientists for review along with the test results on the peacekeeper suits and the disruptor weapons.

Dr. Harmon Berger, Director of the Office of Science and Technology for The White House plugged the module into a secure and isolated computer with no network access, just in case it contained any invasive programs. A short menu came up with the sections. He immediately clicked on Defense Tech.

Vice President Foster wanted any and all the information on the antimatter explosives used to destroy the Apophis asteroid, and any other weapons systems. Personally, it was the gravity generators that interested Dr. Berger personally and would have given his left arm to be allowed to examine one. He called up the menu, but no specifications on either system were included. The generators were referred to as ‘inducers’ for some reason he could not fathom. Disappointed, but not surprised after the reception Mark Richards had received at the White House. Specifications on the peacekeeper suit gave vague descriptions of the material being a microscopic chainmail but once again, nothing regarding the material or fabrication methods. The vice president would not be pleased.

He shrugged and moved on to the information on the Se’Tharian medical technology. Descriptions of the Medibots were fantastic. Imagine machines small and skillful enough to repair a single cell damaged by injury or disease. The mobile hospitals, built along the lines of oversized tractor-trailers could provide beds for twenty patients at a time and each bed was equipped with a supply of the Medibots.

Energy technology was the next section Dr. Berger accessed. This system was nothing like any that humans had contemplated and the energy output was staggering. Far more energy would be produced by this system then was currently used on Earth.

According to Mark Richards, the satellite system had already been constructed and generating power. The system just needed the satellite distribution network and ground receiving stations. There was also a design and material specifications for a quite simple battery that could be produced in any necessary size. These could be charged in minutes and recharged over and over almost indefinitely. “So much for the arguments against electric cars!” he thought.

Last but not least, Dr. Berger accessed the report section on world pollution. This was by far the largest file included. He was appalled by what he read. Much of the data showed that the Earth was on the brink of disaster. Even the secret reports he had seen on environmental conditions had not been this dire.

“We’re killing our world, and ourselves,” he thought. He could find no other way to interpret the data.

In their own countries, the leading scientists were going over the same information to provide their leaders with advice on whether it was feasible to pursue the course of action that Mark Richards wanted.

The scientists and advisors to the country’s leaders were unanimous in their conclusions. The technology offered could save human life on Earth. They emphasized to their superiors that it was badly needed.

It was a forgone conclusion that there was no choice but to accept Mark Richards’s terms. There was just too much at stake to refuse.

The General Assembly was called back into session two weeks later to go over the results of the tests and review all the other data. The time of decision was at hand.

The Secretary-General silenced all of the individual discussions going on around the council chamber and called the session to order. “Ladies and gentleman,” said Bhan Jae-Sun. “We have an important decision to make here today. I believe that it should be made as citizens of the world and not just representatives of our respective nations. We have been given a rare opportunity to fulfill our primary mandate, to bring peace and security to all the peoples of the world. The value of access to the advanced technology to clean up the environment, heal the sick, and provide energy to all the people of the world can’t be measured.”

An angry shout came from the Ambassador from Saudi Arabia who had leaped to his feet waving a fist in the air. “Yes, by letting this Mark Richards dictate his terms and morality to us all! He is not even a follower of any religion!”

“Mr. Ambassador, you are out of order. Please sit down. We have a lot to discuss today.”

“My government has instructed me to tell you that we will not have any part in giving away our sovereignty to that infidel!” With that statement, the delegation from Saudi Arabia rose together and left the chamber.

The Secretary-General let out an audible sigh and continued. “Before we begin, does anyone else wish to leave?” He waited a few moments to see if anyone would follow the Saudis. “Well then, let us proceed.”

“As you know, top scientists and technicians from many countries have analyzed the data that Mark Richards left us during his visit and have conferred with each other. The conclusions are as irrefutable as the results of the tests done on the peacekeeper suit and the disruptor device.”

He leaned forward, sweeping the assembly with his gaze and making eye contact with all the delegates.

“The world needs what he has. He has already prevented a major disaster in China and we have all been told what is in his report on the environment. Our apathy and greed has brought the planet to the brink. If it continues....” he just shook his head. “Does anyone wish to refute the environmental data?” When no one spoke he continued. “No, I did not think so.”

“Mr. Secretary-General,” said the American delegate Lisa Smith. “We accept that the information given by Mr. Richards is correct, however, it’s the dire predictions with which we have a problem. We are not convinced that he hasn’t exaggerated somewhat to force a decision in his favor by this august body.”

“I have a feeling Miss Smith, that if Mark Richards wanted to force us to his wishes he could, and we would not be having this discussion now. A rumor has come to my attention that President Stone has had dealings with Mark Richards prior to his addressing us. Would you like to comment on that?”

“Mr. Secretary-General, as far as I know that rumor is false,” she said.

“Then let me ask you a question,” he said. “Does the American government propose that we turn down Mark Richards’s help?”

“No, Mr. Secretary-General, we just wish to proceed with caution, we still have no clear idea of his motivations.”

“You and the American government are entitled to an opinion, but I do not believe that it is shared by the majority of the delegates.” He gave a significant look towards the ambassador from The Peoples Republic of China, who nodded back. “We must face the fact that unless all nations completely change the ways we generate power and produce the goods our citizens demand there is no way we will be able to correct our mistakes without aid. To state it even more clearly, without the advanced technology at Mark Richards’s disposal this world does not have much time left. I, for one, would not want to leave our problems to future generations.”

When the Secretary-General mentioned the rumors, murmurs of quick discussions could be heard going on around the room.

“Is Mark Richards asking anything more of us than we should have asked of ourselves? We just have not been able to change our ways enough to do it. This is not only the push that we need, but also a free pass as the trillions of dollars that a major cleanup of the environment would cost will in fact cost nothing! I think it is time we cast our votes on the proposal as a whole.”

When the ballots were counted, the vast majority of the one hundred and ninety-two countries were in favor of the proposal with most of the oil producing Middle Eastern countries as well as some African regions opposed.

It had been previously decided to have an open vote so that there would be no future accusations of any impropriety.

“The motion passes,” announced the Secretary-General once every vote had been cast. “This is a historic day for our world. I am sorry that it was not a unanimous vote and I apologize to our Middle Eastern brothers, but the greater good must be served. I hope in time you will come to realize this is true. I will contact Mark Richards now and ask him to join us.”

The Secretary-General used the communications device that had been left with him.

“Hello Mr. Richards, this is Bhan Jae-Sun.”

“Yes, Mr. Secretary-General, what can I do for you?”

“The reason for my call is to invite you back to visit us again. We would like to inform you of the outcome of our vote on your proposals. Would you be able to come here now?”

“Of course, Mr. Secretary-General, it should only take me twenty minutes or so.”

“Thank you Mr. Richards, we will be expecting your arrival.”

“I’ll see you soon, Mr. Secretary-General.”

“Well CJ, it took them long enough to go over the material that you provided. What do you think the answer will be?”

“Mark, it would make no sense for them to turn down what you have offered them. It is likely that they have seen the logic of the arguments you presented and will accede to your terms.”

“I sure hope that you are correct, CJ. I’m not sure what to do if they balk.”

People had been gathering around Dag Hammarskjöld plaza in front of the United Nations main building since the arrival of the delegates that morning and there was a sizable crowd by the time Mark’s transport touched down.

With a quick wave to the crowd he was ushered back into the main assembly hall once again and took his place at the podium.

“Hello again, it’s good to be back. So before we discuss anything else, Mr. Secretary-General, have you had enough time to review the material that I left and given thought to my proposals?”

“Thank you for coming back, Mr. Richards. Yes, we have discussed your offer of material support and the General Assembly has passed the motion.”

A round of applause swept the chamber as most delegates rose to their feet. Mark smiled at the enthusiasm.

“Mr. Richards, the Security Council will pass a resolution today condemning dictatorships. We will end the many ongoing conflicts around the world. With your assistance and support this organization will live up to the ideals upon which it was founded.”

“That is excellent news, Mr. Secretary-General,” Mark replied. “This means a lot to me. Cooperation is the key to the future. I hope that this will be the beginning of a new age for humanity, one of peace and prosperity for everyone. After we get the world in order that is. That is going to take some work.”

“Yes, Mr. Richards. We will need time to train the troops in the use of the new equipment that you will provide. Additional troops have been promised by all member state militaries to facilitate the mission so we will truly have an international force. We hope to be able to field a peacekeeper force of one million within the year. Will providing equipment and transportation for that many pose any problems for you?”

“No, that shouldn’t be difficult at all. I will have CJ begin to fabricate the material needed for the suits right away. Everything will be ready when you are.”

“That is excellent, Mr. Richards, thank you, and thank you for motivating us to take this first step towards world peace.”

“No thanks are necessary, Mr. Secretary-General. I’m just glad to be able to be a part of it.” Mark faced the assembled delegates. “There is another matter, let’s call it a reward for making the right decision. I told you about the advanced Se’Tharian medical technology that CJ possesses, but I didn’t tell you everything.”

Mark held up another case, much smaller than the other that he had brought along with him this time.

“In this case I have the formula and samples of a booster drug that was developed by the Se’Tharian people. According to CJ’s analysis of our medical databases, it enhances immune response to aid against disease or infection. It isn’t a cure-all, and it won’t put the drug companies out of business, but it will help, especially in areas where sanitation and medicine is the exception and not the rule.”

“That is an amazing gift, Mr. Richards. You are sure that this compound will work on humans, has it been tested?”

Mark raised his arms out to the sides. “Yes it has, on me. It was administered more than a year ago. Like I said, I held this back as a reward for all of you making the right decision and I am happy to present it to you, Mr. Secretary-General, for production and distribution around the world. You can have whatever tests done on it that you like.”

Mark handed the case over to the Secretary-General and shook his hand to a round of thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the membership.

Bhan Jae-Sun was speechless for several moments. “Thank you, Mr. Richards, on behalf of the membership and indeed the entire world, I thank you.”

“I’d like to have construction of the energy receiving stations around the world begun as soon as possible. As stated in my report, the solar power satellite has been completed and the broadcast relays will be finished and put into Earth orbit soon. Each country will have to provide land in designated areas for several power receiving stations. These can be constructed by engineering teams from each country after CJ’s machines place the energy storage cores in the ground and lay the foundations.”

“Why don’t you construct the receiving stations like you did the building here in New York?” asked the United States Ambassador.

“I feel that it’s important that you all participate. I’m not going to just do everything for everyone. I want to help, not make people dependent on me. Each individual country should construct the actual facilities. CJ will provide the plans and material requirements, as well as the induction machinery to be installed.”

“So each country will have its own source of energy?” the representative from Japan asked.

“That is correct, Mr. Ambassador. The power broadcast satellite network will orbit the Earth and the ground stations will draw power from them. The energy will be stored in the cores and distributed via superconducting cables to the various cities and communities around each country where it will be channeled into the normal power grids.”

The United States Ambassador asked, “Why is an energy storage system needed if the power is received by the stations as electricity ready to go?”

“That’s true, Madam Ambassador, the power can be distributed as soon as the inductors receive it, but the storage cores provide energy reserves in case of unforeseen emergencies. They can hold enough power in reserve for six months use. It’s just a precaution.”

The Russian representative had to put in his two cents. “So you expect us to give you complete control over the electrical energy supply for the entire planet.”

With a sigh Mark shook his head and replied, “That’s not true Mr. Ambassador, I’m taking responsibility for the world’s energy supply. It’s just one more burden that I don’t need, but someone has to do it. None of you are doing it, at least not in a way that is good for the Earth. I had hoped that you might come to trust my motives. Haven’t I stated my goals clearly enough for you? I don’t have any hidden agenda. I’m not demanding that you tear down the existing power plants, just mothball them if it makes you feel more secure. You can always reactivate them if you don’t like receiving free electricity.”

Looking around the assembly hall at the diplomats he continued.

“Any country is free to turn down my help if they choose. I believe in free will and I’m not trying to take control, though turning me down will make it hard to compete with the countries that accept my help. It’s your individual choices to make.”

“There is not much of a choice, Mr. Richards. Unless we were to all turn you down.”

“Have you forgotten about the Chernobyl disaster in your country, Mr. Ambassador, Three Mile Island in the United States, or the millions of tons of pollutants pumped into the atmosphere by oil and coal burning power plants all over the world? Not to mention the environmental damage done by oil spills in man’s ever continuing search for energy resources. Even using nuclear power has costs to our world besides the potential for disaster that every reactor represents. What about all the radioactive waste from the power producing nuclear reactors? That stuff will remain deadly for hundreds of thousands of years and no one has come up with a safe method or location to store it for that length of time.”

Mark couldn’t help himself and had to smile at that last part of his statement. “Well, at least that isn’t much of a problem for anyone anymore,” he said looking around the room.

“What do you mean, Mr. Richards?” asked the Secretary-General.

“I’m sure at least some of the ambassadors present have heard by now that the spent nuclear fuel rods and contaminated equipment held in the storage pools used as interim containment are not radioactive anymore.”

Looking around the room the Secretary-General could see nods of agreement from several of the delegates.

“Oui, that is true Mr. Secretary-General,” the Ambassador from France stated. “Our nuclear technicians have been puzzled at the lack of radiation emissions from the waste stored at our nuclear facilities. Our scientists had no explanation for the phenomenon until Mr. Richard’s statement. As you may know, France currently produces more than seventy five percent of our electricity from nuclear power plants. Although we recycle as much of the spent fuel as possible, containment and storage of the high-level radioactive waste products has become a problem that had been approaching critical levels. That is until the sudden drop in the radioactivity in the material.” The Ambassador looked at Mark. “We suspected Mr. Richards might have had some involvement, but were not certain. “Merci, Mr. Richards, on behalf of the French people.”

Most of the other nations using nuclear power also noted that the deadly stores of radioactive byproducts in their countries had been neutralized. The United States Ambassador had remained silent throughout, a fact that was not missed by Mark or the Secretary-General.

“Well I’m glad everyone is pleased with the results. This is just another not so small gift to the world courtesy of CJ’s technology.” Mark looked around at everyone who had just thanked him. “So, we’ve set the clock back on all your accumulated nuclear waste. I guess that means anyone who doesn’t trust me can start piling up the waste all over again.”

“Mr. Richards, you have to understand that one man having as much power as you do tend to make people nervous,” the Secretary-General commented.

“I’m not a politician,” Mark said. “I don’t want to rule the world or any part of it. I just want to help people. Why would I be here asking for you to do what the United Nations was created for? I do speak my mind unlike most politicians and would appreciate it if you all did as well.”

The United States Ambassador took that as an opportunity to voice a question. “Why won’t you allow scientists to study the ship and technology?”

“Miss Smith, I have read plenty of science fiction stories. You’d be surprised at the wisdom you can pick up from some of the authors. A reoccurring theme in many of the stories is; when a civilization that is divided receives technology far in advance of its own capabilities, disaster follows.”

“So you base these actions on science fiction stories?”

“Not at all, my choices are based on my own judgment, but don’t be so quick to dismiss all sci-fi. You can pick up good advice anywhere, if you pay attention. Look people, I’ve spent over a year trying to help the people of the world without anyone knowing about it. I have my own starship and a computer that will do whatever I want. I could be off exploring the rest of the Solar System instead of dealing with the problems that your various governments have all helped to create. We can stand here all day debating, but to put it simply, if you don’t want my help just say so and I’ll leave. But if you do want to ensure the future of humanity, it’s going to be on my terms.”

“We do, Mr. Richards. For the sake of the world’s people we don’t have much choice, but you have to understand that it’s hard to accept such generosity without wondering if there will be a price. You said that yourself.”

“I understand, Mr. Secretary-General, but don’t forget that CJ and his ship aren’t from this world. The concepts you’ve just expressed are completely foreign to him. He was built to serve, and since he can no longer serve his people, he’s going to help us. As for myself; anything I want or need CJ can provide for me.” Mark pointed over his shoulder. “Do you all remember that block of Platinum sitting outside in the plaza? CJ’s technology could make me the richest most powerful man on Earth, but I decided to try to improve life for everyone. I know that it’s hard to believe, but not everyone is out for himself. Look, it’s getting late. I’m going back to the ship to make arrangements for the power stations and Peacekeeper materials to be produced.”

Mark received a round of applause as he walked from the auditorium and headed for the exit.

As Mark was leaving, a commotion from the street drew his attention. A man had grabbed a woman in the crowd and now held her tight against him. His arm, wrapped around her chest held a large knife against her throat. People backing away and a few turned to run.

“Everyone stay where you are!” he yelled opening his coat with his other hand. “I have a bomb and will detonate it if anyone moves! I want Mark Richards! If he is not brought here in one minute I will slit this woman’s throat and blow up everyone else around me!”

Pulling the woman roughly to the side, the explosive device strapped to his chest was plainly visible. He held the detonator in his other hand.

Mark headed through the crowd, ignoring the attempts to keep him from confronting the crazed man.

“Mark,” CJ’s voice came through the communications link. “You should not involve yourself in this hazardous situation.”

“Sorry CJ, I need to see what’s happening.”

Mark broke through the front row of people about four meters from the man.

“Hey, are you looking for me?” Mark said. “Well here I am,” he said holding his arms out to the sides. “Why don’t you let the woman go?” He noticed that the man was out of line of sight of his transport craft.

“So, you are the great Mark Richards, the man who wants to abolish religion and rule the world!” He showed no sign of releasing his hostage.

“You have it wrong, friend,” Mark said holding up his hands to show that he was unarmed. “I’m just trying to help everyone, that’s all. What do you have against that?”

“You want to turn everyone from God’s path! This cannot be allowed. Before you die, I give you a chance to ask for Allah’s forgiveness.”

“Look, just calm down let the woman go and talk to me please. You have my word that no one will harm you.”

“It’s too late for that,” the fanatic yelled. He sliced across the woman’s throat. Blood spurted as he raised the detonator, preparing to set off the bomb.

A beam of brilliant ruby light a meter in diameter speared down from the sky, engulfing the terrorist. The man and his bomb simply evaporated as the light ate deep into the sidewalk. The beam winked out just as abruptly.

The whole thing was over in less than a second. Mark just stood there, staring at the remaining half of the unidentified woman’s body and the man’s left arm still clutching the detonator. That was all that remained, just lying there up against the hole bored deep into the pavement.

After a moment or two, most of the people in the crowd screamed and ran from the scene.

“Mark, please return to the ship, the area is not secure.” CJ said as up in orbit five thousand kilometers overhead a small laser port in one module iris closed.

Mark turned and walked towards the transport, too stunned at the turn of events to notice the few remaining people backing away from him as he passed.

****

Watching on a security monitor, a shocked Lisa Smith turned to the Ambassador from the United Kingdom. “He may claim that he doesn’t want power, but Mr. Richards seems to have plenty of it just the same.”