Prologue
Sydney, Australia
May, 2011
The evening was going well enough. Dinner was an exquisite 5 - course meal. Artemis' father is off somewhere socializing with other business tycoons. He himself just ended a long conversation about gold stocks with the president of the World Bank.
"How's that for socializing, Butler?" he asked his manservant.
"If only the rest of your age group were bank presidents knowledgeable of gold statistics." replied Butler.
Butler's guard was lesser than usual. The whole event was attended by the most powerful people in the world: billionaires, presidents, prime ministers and monarchs. If you bombed the place, all the world's systems might collapse. So naturally, everyone brought their own army of security. Artemis has to try very hard to get himself killed here.
"Monsieur Fowl?"
Artemis turned around and found himself face to face with Minerva Paradizo. Her emerald eyes were highlighted in a dark red velvet evening gown that seemed made the girl look like a godess. How had Minerva gotten an invite? His father was invited as the president of Fowl Industries and wasn't even allowed to bring Angeline, much to the woman's dismay. Arty was able to come only because he too was invited, and that was surprising enough.
"Minerva. I didn't expect you." Artemis said.
Before Minerva could reply, a man ascended the stage in front. Edward Zabini. He was the Italian representative from United Nations, also the Secretary – General of UN this year. The lights dimmed and focused on the podium as the guests took their seats. The highlight of the occasion: the unveiling of the implementation of a world wide AIDs vaccination. The Italian started greeting the audience and thanking them for their attendance.
"…I'm afraid we've gathered all of you here in Australia under false pretenses in the case your invitations be intercepted…" the speaker began to say.
Artemis' curiosity rose. What would be so important to gather all the heads of all countries, all powerful corporations and all prominent organizations, other than the eradication of some pandemic? Perhaps they have finally discovered the decline of Global Warming, thanks to his Ice Cube.
"We need cooperation between all nations, and cooperation between the government and the private sector to make everything we envision possible. There will be no long introductions and flowery speeches tonight, so I will go straight to the point. We are all here to save human kind from a threat. Our race is at war..."
There was a dramatic pause. The audience held its breath. Warning bells started ringing in Artemis' mind.
"…against these."
The wall behind him gave way for a pod. Inside it was a creature, its arms and legs bound and its mouth taped.
The creature's ears were pointed.
A cacophony of confusion erupted. Artemis was frozen in his seat, mind churning. The fairy imprisoned was a sprite. Only his lower right wing remained, and it looked badly torn. He must alert the LEP, now. Unfortunately, all cellular phones, laptops and iPads were surrendered upon entering, including Artemis' fairy-wired phone. No need to overpanic though. The man was demanding the funds of every nation and every major corporation. No one would agree to that. He said goodbye to Minerva and went towards the door. As he moved, he listened to Zabini.
What the man was saying brought Artemis to a full stop. They know a lot. In fact they know everything, right down to where Spud's Spud Emporium was and how extra spicy curry is illegal. They blamed the fairies for every disaster that happened, from pollution to the tsunami in Japan. The human race must attack and obliterate the People before they use up all of Earth's resources.
"…The rest of the world will be notified tomorrow, 3:00 pm EST. The private and government sector are expected to put 50% of their monthly funds into this cause. All the military power of each country will be exhausted on this effort. We must unite against this enemy. International laws for precaution has already been ratified and signed by more than 200 countries. Anyone who protests against the proposed war, show sympathy and any connection with a fairy will be shot dead on the spot or captured for questioning. These are necessary measures…"
The speaker moved on into the superiority of fairies. Artemis, followed by Butler, was halfway to the exit when something terrible happened.
"Despite the fairies' superiorities, some humans have already outsmarted them. Two humans, to be exact. They will lead us into salvation. Ladies and gentlemen, Artemis Fowl the Second and Minerva Paradizo."
The spotlight turned and focused on Artemis, the other on Minerva. His face was calm but his mind was reeling. He met Minerva's eyes. Unlike him, Minerva's face was frozen in horror. Suddenly, she stood up.
"No. No! These fairies are peaceful, sentient beings! We have no right to – " Minerva started.
Butler squeezed Artemis' shoulder and pointed to one of the balconies. The boy's gaze followed his bodyguard's and landed on the gun man aiming at Minerva. Anyone who protests against the proposed war, show sympathy and any connection with a fairy will be shot dead on the spot or captured for questioning. Artemis had to shut Minerva up. This was no place to exercise democracy. The UN itself, which was an organization for peace, is suggesting war and totalitarian government systems with no regard for human rights.
"Please excuse Mademoiselle Paradizo. She is in shock." Fowl's voice carried to the entire room, demanding all the attention. "Both of us will do everything we can to eradicate this species. We must plan our defenses if ever these fairies fire the first attack. If we are to convene by tomorrow, we can -"
A gun shot went off, and people were screaming, then suddenly, silence. Artemis stared in horror as Minerva's blood trickled down, the exact color of her dress. The bullet went right through the heart; she was definitely dead. Butler immediately put himself between the gun man and Artemis.
"I admire your determination, Master Fowl, although, there is no need to wait for their first attack." Edward Zabini continued, as if nothing happened. He raised a square device and pushed the big red button in the middle. Quite cinematic, but it's the perfect touch.
"1,000,000 men of the various militaries are on its way to Haven as we speak, and twice that number is on the way to Atlantis."