Between paths
[June 23. New York, United States of America]
That’s a lot of flags, Alt points out as she looks out the window of the minivan. Focus, Tab exclaims from the passenger seat. Both with notebooks on their laptops and the vehicle’s engine still running, they immediately resume their typing and scrolling through the screens.
I guess more than 200 flags is indeed a lot of flags. A female voice points out from the shadows behind the cockpit seats. Are you girls done yet? i don’t want to miss the old man’s speech.
Almost done, Alt replies as she leans over her screen with a worried look on her face. Tab turns to look at her partner’s screen and then they both exchange silent glances for a couple of seconds.
It’s ready, we’ve entered your fake ID into the system. Tab hurries to say, you’ll need to get to the press area. Show your credentials to the guards to clear the way, Alt adds, but once you get there avoid letting your so-called colleagues see their channel logo on your jacket.
The back door of the minivan opens and a pale blonde woman wearing a formal jacket and carrying a press microphone in her hand steps out. She takes long strides down the sidewalk and disappears behind the threshold of the United Nations General Assembly building.
Ouroboros’ voice resounds in the great hall for the first time, conveying a message that transcends borders and differences. It speaks of the imbalance that plagues the world, where prosperity coexists with abject poverty. A journalist who seems to be arriving late joins the ranks of the press just as the old man calls attention to the old ways.
…knowledge that have weathered the test of time. Let us learn from their deep connection to the natural world, their reverence for the earth, and their harmonious ways of living.
As we embark on this journey together, let us remember that the solutions we seek are not distant dreams but tangible realities within our grasp. Through collaboration, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to justice, we can pave the way for a future in which every individual can thrive, irrespective of their geographic location or socioeconomic backgro-
The sage’s speech is interrupted for a second by something that distracts him as he looks towards the press area. The newcomer looks back at him and nods, Ouroboros looks away and continues with his speech.
… I know you are not used to seeing people like me in this place, but I have gladly accepted your invitation to speak today on behalf of many peoples around the globe. Peoples who have had to endure centuries of abuse since the colonization of their lands and who today instead of revenge, retribution or laws of historical compensation only expect understanding and integration of their knowledge…
The rest of the meeting goes smoothly. Once the assembly is over, when it is all about shaking hands and saying goodbye to those close to them, Ouroboros makes a sign with his head to the press girl who had arrived late and they both discreetly leave to meet again in the corridors leading to the exit.
They walk together and without saying a word, they head for the garden. Once they are alone and can speak without being overheard, it is the old man who begins to speak. I didn’t know you were a journalist, are you coming to interview me? The woman smiles as she taps her microphone. Unfortunately this one doesn’t work so we’ll have to leave the tabloid questions for another time. Ouroboros smiles, you have your mother’s humor, Elena.
And also her will to fight, Davre replied.
Ouroboros sits down on the grass and gestures to invite the young mindbender to do the same.
I need your help, father. The other Factions are up to something big, we have implanted modular leeches at access points to the enemy’s communication channels and we know they will act soon. We must strike now.
The old man frowns as he speaks, you know I have no problem with you, Kutuzov or any of the mouths leading an offensive, as long as we have better reasons than a couple of leaked messages to do so.
Casemira wants to wait, Elena replies. And you should listen to her, the prophet raises his voice, she’s a great strategist. If she claims that doing nothing is the move, maybe it is.
Mouths are divided, the Enlightneds are neither for nor against. I thought I could count on your support.
You will always have my support, little one, but I think on this occasion I agree with General Kutuzov’s granddaughter. Sometimes the right thing to do is to contemplate.
