Knowledge of human nature is the begining and end of
political education.
- Henry Adams
Chapter Four
Mixed Feelings
Monday
1200 hours
Jane groaned inwardly at the flashing cameras and the obnoxious questions from the press.
She wondered why couldn't they just leave her the hell alone so she can just go on with her life. She felt like a lab rat trying to find the cheese at the end of the maze. So many questions and so many wrong answers. One slip and she could end up having that reputation for the rest of her life, it was the press after all. She almost felt like punching a few of them for asking personal questions that were clearly none of their damn business.
Jane! How does it feel to destroy the Phantoms and end mankind's suffering?
Jane! What made you decide to join the Deep Eyes squadron at such a young age?
Jane! Would you consider yourself a feminine or masculine role model for the 21st century?
Jane! Are you romantically involved with any of the Deep Eyes?
Jane was getting restless and she quickly glanced over towards Ryan and Neil to see how they were handling the situation. Ryan seemed to be handling himself well, smiling at the cameras and giving thoughtful responses, while the press lapped up the information like panting dogs. They loved him, that's for sure, and what's not to like? Ryan was a friendly guy, no questions there.
Neil, on the other hand, was clearly showing signs of impatience by drumming his fingers on the table and shaking his leg up and down; a nervous habit that she tried to break by stomping on his foot.
This wasn't like him, she thought. She was expecting him to show off his intellect and be the center of attention. Instead he was acting like he was going through a nervous breakdown. Neil was acting strange that's for sure, but on the other hand, why the hell did she care about the little prick any ways? I don't care about him....do I? She had to wonder.......thinking about whether or not she should forgive him for making that comment yesterday. Looking back at Neil she finally thought to herself, no, absolutely not. After all, if he was going to make stupid remarks like that he might as well forget about being friends. Whoa, wait a minute.........friends? Since when were they friends? She curiously glanced back at him as he continued to drum his fingers on the desk.
Neil sensed he was being watched and he looked up to find Jane staring at him, but as soon as they made eye contact, she quickly glanced off to the side pretending she didn't see him. Hurt, Neil sadly looked elsewhere.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Dr. Ross! Is it true you were able to use the wave theory to neutralize the Phantoms?"
'Yes, Dr. Sid and I were able to construct a bio-etheric wave pattern that is the exact opposite from the Phantoms wave pattern, enabling us to cancel the Phantoms out."
I was careful with my words, making sure not to say the 'S' word, for I knew that society was not ready to hear of beliefs based on Buddhism when so many different religions still populated the world today. The word of God is one of them and and is still the most powerful.
"Dr. Ross! Do you have any explanation why the New York barrier failed?"
I was at a loss for words because the New York barrier failure made no since. Why would the barrier suddenly fail out of the blue? This question still remained a mystery to the Council and Dr. Sid. However I had a sinking suspicion it had something to do with General Hein. He had the power to shut down the main control room after all, but the only problem was that all of the suspects were killed by the Phantoms shortly after the so-called failure. That means no eye witnesses.
Carefully I stated, "At this time, we have no explanation why the New York barrier failed, but we are currently looking into the matter."
"Oh I believe you do have an explanation doctor."
Shocked, I saw General Hein step forth from the crowd.
"In fact my good doctor, I believe you should start now."
Note: The quote at the top of each chapter does not have any significance to the passages you just read. Instead the quote is actually a hidden message for things to come in the next chapter! See if you can guess what's going to happen next!
