Assassins Inc. - Part Five

 

Book Five: The Climax

Mircea had just guided Teodor’s family back into the SUV after a dinner party on the other side of town. The family sat in near silence with the sounds of Swan Lake barely audible in the background. 

“Mircea, here, listen to this,” Amelia, the teenage daughter said to him, holding out an earbud. “My favorite artist just released a new song and it’s really good. I think you’ll like it.”

With a smile, Mircea slid the earbud into his ear and listened to a surprisingly gifted singer, a young man, he thought. The song finished and he returned the earbud. “That was nice,” he said. “The message somewhat surprises me. Usually these types of songs are about romance but this one, this was different.”

“Yeah, I know, right,” Amelia said. “This guy is from South Korea and typically his songs are romantic but he seems to be changing lately. This one is all about loving everyone and stopping war. It’s got over a million streams already.”

Mircea reached over and tipped the screen of her phone towards himself and read the name. “Yimyum, hmm, interesting name,” he said. “His message is almost exactly the same as your father and I have been discussing. I have to say that Yimyum is right.”

“Well, that’s pretty cool,” she said. “I think the world is changing. I think we’re moving away from so much hatred and war and violence.”

“That’s really good, Amelia,” he said. “I have to agree with you. I think things will get better over time. It’s kind of like we’re coming out of a valley and we’re seeing more and more.”

He climbed out of the SUV as it pulled up in front of their home and scanned the area. He opened the front door and then the doors to the vehicle and directed the family inside. “Have a good evening everyone,” he said. “I’ll be in the main security office if anyone needs anything.”

Symeon and Melvin sat in front of possibly the largest TV he had ever seen, watching a rugby match between Scotland and Wales. He had to hold his tongue and not comment on what he considered to be absolutely silliness and a waste of time, as grown men chased one another around a field in competition over a ball. 

“Have you given any more thought to my idea about wireless DC?” Symeon asked Melvin. “We both know that this would solve many of the problems the entire world is facing today.”

“You know, Symeon,” Melvin said. “I’ve been the CEO of Terminator Electronics for over a dozen years and honestly, I feel somewhat embarrassed for not seeing this as the best path. So, yes, I think you’re right. I was going to wait until after the game to tell you but I have a meeting set up with the UN to discuss how I plan to implement this.”

“The UN?” Symeon answered. “That’s fabulous. That will address most of the Western world but what about everyone else?”

“I’m thinking that if we can get a working model in place on a smaller scale,” he answered, “that interest should explode as people see the endless possibilities. I think the biggest struggle is going to be against the traditional power models already in place. Oil, coal, nuclear, and the green efforts aren’t going to like losing their revenue. With wireless DC in place, no one makes money, except for the companies that build the batteries.”

“I don’t think you need to worry about the others,” he said. “With your influence in so many fields. Once you make the science well known and the solution obvious, there will be no turning back. I know enough people to make any pushback seem like the panicked response of people only hungry for money and control. Tell me more about the UN.”

“Of all nations,” he started, “I am meeting with the representative from Albania. He seemed genuinely excited about the idea of providing help like this to so many people. His perspective seems so different from all the others there. Honestly, the way this guy talks sounds a lot like you.”

“Me? Really? That’s interesting,” he said. “If it’s possible, I’d like to come along for the meeting.”

        “Yeah, for sure,” Melvin answered. “I can make that happen.”

         Alexei stood on the balcony on the 45th floor, overlooking the city of Seoul. The air was cold and reminded him of his forest back in northern Russia. The sound of the glass door behind him opening up prompted him to turn around.

        “Alexei, there you are,” Yimyum said. “I wanted to tell you about my new single.”

        “Yes, please do,” he said. “I assume it’s doing well like I predicted.”

        “It is,” he answered. “Even with the change in lyrics, it’s already reached over a million streams, just on one platform. With that kind of success, I need more wisdom from you. You seem to be thinking what people need, even if they don’t know it. This really looks like a turning point in my career.”

        “Of course, let’s get some dinner, somewhere quiet,” he said. “We can talk over a meal. That makes for a good time. Oh, and don’t let your manager talk you out of the direction you are going. I’m certain we both understand that, like you said, you’ve turned a corner and are heading for great success. I’m glad that I have been able to help you.”

        “Oh, one other thing,” Yimyum said, “We’ve started planning for my next tour. It will probably be another six months out yet. I need to get a few more singles out and finalize the next album. I’m feeling really good about this.”

        Jose returned to “The Inbetween” with his tablet in hand. “Jahwn, Joshua, do you have a minute?” he asked.

        “Yes, absolutely,” they answered. “From what we’ve been seeing and hearing, it sounds like the plan is going really well.”

        “It is,” he answered, skimming through his tablet. “This is going to take a long time and a lot of people are not very happy with Melvin, Teodor, and Yimyum. Symeon, Alexei, and Mircea have chosen well and are making very good progress. Even without knowing about one another’s specific work, the three paths are merging and impacting one another in a great way.”

        “You are doing well, Jose,” Jahwn said. “This will take centuries to complete so make sure these men have progeny or successors in place who will continue their work. This will be an enormous fight and their opposition won’t simply stop opposing them. As their cultures embrace them, their cultures will begin to change. Continue the good fight. I promise we will win this.”