Serialize This -- Chapter 6
In which the Action gets rolling
One of the motivations driving artists is a compulsion to record insights from one’s own life experience in a way that profits others. Engineers, architects, sculptors and authors — we’re all expressing what we know in a medium having potential to outlive us.
The work does not have to become famous — all it must do is exist.
That said, I do not oppose becoming famous.
Chapter 6
Arlington, Virginia
While President Carmen Benequista napped in the Oval Office, a senior NSA official joined a discussion panel on a morning news show from his home in a gated community west of Washington DC.
The arrival of AMV Bharamin in orbit was, he said, a red flag event, its mission a sinister ploy to establish dominance at the edge of space.
Glaring into a webcam, he shook a finger at network TV’s dwindling audience. “The Jivadis are ruthless invaders, intent on enslaving all humanity, frightening everyone with lies about cosmic catastrophe, accusations of corruption within our most hallowed institutions, and anything else they can think of to make you go along.”
At the same moment, Parity Services, a Jivada-based security company, sent out a warning that the tone and volume of anti-Jivada propaganda had escalated to a level at which subscribers should retreat to safe harbor.
The man used the rest of his turn ranting about former subordinate Brandon Lopez, a ‘traitor’ and ‘alien collaborator’, during which the six-foot-tall size-two fighting maroli known as ‘Banger’ performed a Saraf Drive jump into an open area between sofa and China cabinet.
The offender rose from his chair, fumbling for a remote
Banger whacked a collarbone with a beavertail sap. He said, “Here; let me help you with that.”
The man fell back into his chair, shouting at the top of his lungs. An alarm horn sounded. A dog barked.
Injury was delivered to kneecaps, thighs, wrists and ankles. The news show’s ratings soared. Banger took the victim’s phone.
And without saying another word, he flashed away.