Fragment: Stahl meets McElligott

-1-



The atmosphere of confusion and hostility could almost be seen, as it hung like an invisible shadow over the heads of the assembled men and women. Invisible yes, but just as darkening and foreboding.

The man that had just stepped through the tall double doors was the last one. He felt completley out of place and out of his depth. He tucked the white hat under his arm and, as he walked somewhat stiffly to the last chair.

An older man wearing the uniform of a british naval officer said. “You must have taken the wrong door, marine. We are already under guard. However while you there soldier go fetch me a glass of water.”

The man in the uniform of a United States Marine officer with the rank of captain. He had a fresh looking scar from under his left eye, all the way to his mouth. The Uniform was immaculate, from the mirror shine polished shoes to the white blonde hair. Trimmed to a regulation high and tight buzz cut.

He had a strong jawline and piercing gray eyes and a blue band held the highest honor the United Stars could bestow, the Medal of Honor. His chest told everyone, who could read the many colored ribbons, a story of hardship and heroism.

The man in the British Admirals uniform could read some of it and knew the prominently worn medal very well. He generally accepted other military, but deep down respected no other service than the British Navy.

“I am here by summons of the Guardian, Sir. There is a water fountain outside in the hallway.”

The old man had a scottish accent. “I am Admiral Obrook McElligott, and I expect you to follow simple instructions when given, Captain.”

The marine ignored the abrasive man and sat down.

A beared man with dark skin, wearing a red tight wound turban got up, tapped the microphone in front of him. “Now that we are all complete, please let us get started. I am Parambir Singh, like you I was chosen by the Guardian. I was chosen to be the Coordinator .”

The turban wearing man slowly moved his head and it seemed he looked at each of the two hundred people before him.

He then continued. “I can not comprehent what happened. I do not understand the scope of what we have been asked to do and I am certain there is no one in this room that does. Yet we must find a beginning as the very existence of all humanity is at stake.

The marine Captain remembered how it all started.

