[18th December 2010]
[RNAD Coulport, Long Loch, Argyll, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland]
Jason David Wynn-Jones knew, intellectually at the very least, that his new position counted as significant promotion. The increase in his pay grade and security clearance were strong indicators of that fact, but one could also feel it as an elevation based upon desperation on the government's part rather than merit. Or even an exile of sorts considering the meeting here in the frigid winter winds that snapped and snarled over land far above their heads. Not that the bunker they were meeting in was suffering any of that winter cold, but it was rather dreary having to descend deep into the bowels of the earth much like in the bad days of the Cold War.
He'd seen far too much of such bunkers in the last month and a half between the Upheaval and following alien body-snatcher invasion; one would almost feel as if they would turn into a Morlock with all this time underground. Of course the other aspect that took away from the joy of achieving a more senior position was that it had involved a great deal of creating an infrastructure while also pretending such plans had long existed. SHIELD, or his nation's version of it, had been a fiction placed out before the public only a month ago to assuage their fears, and then joy, at the revelation of magic and...such powerful beings as seen by all.
A good decision in truth, one he could agree with objectively as it had ensured a calm and stoic public throughout both world crises, but it had led to the unfortunate situation of that fiction very rapidly having to becoming a hard truth. Emergency legislation and ad-hoc committees drawn from various departments, plus with the Irish and Doctor Fate, then had resulted in the current hastily drawn together structure after a mere five weeks of organisational existence. Rather impressive, and horrifying as well, for what was effectively an international organisation shared between nations not normally inclined towards such close cooperation on these matters.
And now there was the more bureaucratic situation to be resolved alongside the other pressing issues of their allies requiring details, as well as cooperating in regards the Justice League. Best to be clear then on his position upon the current internal matter "I do believe these cases are rather rock solid in their evidence, and the paperwork has been, and will be, very much prepared with great care. We are best avoiding any suspicion of undue influence upon the judicial process here, as it could taint the precedent we are attempting to set as the foundation of coming legislation"
"While we accept it is internal matters strictly speaking, we would also request that keeping the process open and public. Our own legislation has a similar basis..." because we copied it heavily from your drafts Jason noted silently as the Irishwoman spoke "...and these two trials will enable effective examples to deal with supernatural methods of crime, whether murder or simply petty crimes, and we would wish to avoid any issues when it is, inevitably, brought before the Supreme Court..."
In truth support for transparent rule of law within the position was largely overwhelming, though it was best to assuage the concerns raised by the representatives assigned by the Royal Navy and Metropolitan Police. The simple urge for revenge was likely at the heart of that, and for the Navy the press for greater protections over military facilities and harsher penalties for those involved in 'hostile magics' against the State. Understandable, as even where they now met would require significant investment to ensure security; many officers reacting poorly to the sudden realisation of vulnerabilities in their bases.
Such sentiments had translated into a desire to ensure matters would be dealt with as if in a crisis, when in truth getting out of crisis mode was the demand of both governments. He himself could agree with that position; if only for the fact the gag orders and censorship of the past two-three weeks could not be maintained indefinitely. Something to be mentioned now that decision was made to maintain distance from the trials, but ensure preparation of holding facilities for 'minor danger' magicians once they were convicted.
"Now, while managing those cases are going to be a focus I do believe more significant matter is the fact we will be seeing a return to more aggressive media scrutiny now that the crisis has passed, and the shock to the alien delegations to the United Nations fades. Our monitoring of the situation has indicated, or at least suggested, that over the coming month without another major crisis we are going to see a return to a focus on SHIELD, magic in general, and of course legislation and these cases. Only the necessity for public order in wartime situations has delayed this, so one must query where we stand on the matter?"
Mr. Howard from the Prime Minister's Office had a shared glance with one of the Irish delegation, Mrs. McDonald, and motioned at her to speak, instructions to open to specific pages of their assigned folders been given as she did so "...due to this we believe a series of simple primers, and interviews with more respectable appearing professionals from amongst the arcane communities within our nations that we have approved, is the initial starting point for our media campaign. Then we shall go with a roll out of more detailed material come the new year, over the Christmas period our objective has been to frame some child friendly, but educational, cartoons and other programming to be slotted into the schedules of both RTE and BBC, Sky services as well through increased advertising and government debates in the New Year to be shown upon Sky News. The objective will be to lay a general foundation of awareness, and create a pool of support for dealing with any malefactors that may come to light in the coming months"
She paused, moving pages "...and if we turn to page 241 we a proposal for similar with our colleagues across the water in America. Canada primarily with reuse of material for distribution here, but there will be some degree of cooperation with the United States government as they wish to lower public concerns. That is assuming political instability over there does not derail these tentative agreements with the US State Department and intelligence services over the holidays..."
It was a growing concern, one voiced by many of the actual magicians they had recruited, that they would see a surge of people attempting, and failing, to perform magic now that it's practical applications had become known to the public consciousness. Tracking of internet searches had revealed such interests were trending drastically in the time since the Upheaval had ended, but the general agreement was that most of this was dross and even simple manifestations would require some effort. Unfortunately some, mostly foolish, members of the general public would apply such efforts as indicated by the surge in purchases of such things as Tarot cards, Ouija Boards, and supposed 'magical protections' over the past fortnight.
'Yes, thankfully regulating such things are someone else's department' he reminded himself as the multi-million pound media campaign was laid before the seventeen people and one Lord of Order sitting at the large round table. Appointing Doctor Fate, or Nabu as was his official name apparently, to the Head of SHIELD [or SHIELDs as there were two separate but linked ad-hoc bodies at the moment in two nations currently] should alleviate some of the political pressure.
With his record of service during World War Two, neutrality between Ireland and the United Kingdom, and associations with members of the Justice League with that neutrality it seemed the best approach to maintain public, and international, confidence in their nascent organisation. It also addressed the fact the Irish could provide the more experienced personnel right otherwise...and several of those weren't the right material to inspire public confidence sadly. Skilled yes, but this would require both skill and the aura of authority to maintain the illusion till it became reality.
"Next item on the agenda; training and education for the minors involved in the incident on the fifth of November and how we are to..."
--
[18th December 2010]
[Dimensionally Shifted Area[Glastonbury Tol, Somerset, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland]
{It is illogical to continue this attempt to resist the process Ranakar} Ganthet communicated {the pressure build up continues, and we shall only damage ourselves in continuing the effort}
{The Battery is attempting to form a Ring Ganthet, allowing such would be exceedingly dangerous}
{One will not argue, but the process cannot effectively halted; we would be merely risking significant damage to ourselves till the pressure overwhelms our Will. Or potentially, more dangerously for all, occurs a situation of the Battery manifesting its Entity in response. Consensus was reached that should this situation occur then there would be no other option than to attempt a guided release, or to ensure whatever Lantern of the Red Light that emerges will do so with training} he responded as they hovered around the uncomfortable presence of the Red Central Battery as the savants of the two local system sentient species continued to monitor its power with their primitive devices.
{...}
{All of us were aware of this outcome, and it is to contain the damage of events that are occurring from their worst potentials now, not seeking unachievable ideal outcomes}
{It is too uncontrollable}
{Indeed, but our kin have taken note. Soon a Zamoran or a Controller will arrive to investigate now that Thanagar has spread word of these events to other worlds. Not to forget the interest of the Reach that is upon this sector}
{Yes, it one of the great concerns is it not?}
{Truth, and what is hidden here cannot be allowed to fall into their hands and attempt to understand, and harness, forces beyond their keen. Magic, the Meta-gene, and now an Extra-dimensional incursion point}
{Utilising the Red Light remains a dangerous course of action. Rash}
{Agreed, too rapid a decision, but action must be taken or see further degeneration}
{Understood, begin}
{Begin} Ganthet agreed as they dropped their suppression of the pressure from the Red Light...the pain easing, and then the pulse and burn of the great Red artefact with almost invisible trim of Green and Gold...
SCANNING: WILL DETECTED*
SCANNING: WILL DETECTED*
SCANNING: USER DETECTED*
{Ah, there was one nearby it seemed} he communicated to Ranakar, ignoring the started squawks and howls of surprise from the Humans and handful of Martians allowed access. Instead both he and his fellow fly alongside the Red Lantern Ring, searching ahead as the device so disturbingly like their own fly forward at great speed towards its future wielder. But not too fast he noted, the target being localised to this planet...no, not even continental mass but the island as it slowed, turning and twisting towards its destination.
WILL DETECTED/ WILL DETECTED / WILL DETECTED / WILL DETECTED / USER DETECTED *
{It appears to be our assigned territory} Ranakar communicated urgently as the familiar feel of their servants within the Lantern Corps neared. Visiting their damaged comrade recently returned; unforrunate that Lantern Omoto would never see service again, whatever this 'Mind Flayer' creature had done had critically undermined her Will. Indeed all efforts to heal her had merely served to drive her further into her mind, rousing strong emotions only allowing some degree of interaction. Based on analysis the creatures designated Illithid as such would have to eliminated wherever they appeared in the future; the Corpse would soon be notified upon such monsters that fed upon the Green Light of Will.
"Sirs?" and startled noises greeted them as they surged into the room in pursuit of their crimson quarry through the dark night sky of this world. Both he and Ranakar ignored them as they hovered and observed as the Red Light artefact hovered above the bed of the injured and almost empty eyed form of ex-Lantern Omoto. He motioned at Lanterns Stewart and Arisia to stop their summoning of constructs of Will as the Red Ring pulsed, hovering above the female staring at it...
Laira Omoto of Jayd, there is Great Rage at Injustice in your Heart*
...before flying to her finger as her hand held out as she had been trained when calling her Lantern Ring. Eyes hollow and filled with suppressed hate and rage...
Welcome to the Red Lantern Corps Torchbearer!*
Will Damage Detected. HATE! Purging. Purging. Be Whole Again*
{Ah...this may represent a concern} Ranakar to him as Lantern Omoto pulled back her head and roared as her body became infused with Red Light. Hovering...then taking a deep breath, eyes closing as their own Lanterns surged to stand before them and the potential danger. Unconcerned he and Ranakar merely strengthened their defences, watching as the Red Lantern opened its crimson tinted eyes, letting out a deep breath as she turned to look around her, and then down at herself.
"Well, this is...different?"
--