"I'm not going to slander anyone, but imagine someone you normally trust. Someone who has put themselves in a position of power. They are most likely goblins.""People of power?" Jay asked."Think about anyone in a position of power and trust. They are most likely goblins or working for them," Ben said."That sounds paranoid."Ben shrugged. "Think what you like, but it will all come out eventually.""Okay. We're ready to take calls. Our first caller is Dani Walsh. She's a professor at Philly College. That name sounds familiar. Hey Dani, you're on the air.""Hello Jay. Thank you for having me. I want to get right into things," Dani said."First tell me why I know your name," Jay said."Because I just put a book out about how conspiracy theories are critical thinking gone wrong."Ben had heard of her and had purchased her book. It was always good to know what the opposition was doing. In this case, this wasn't her fault. Unless she was a goblin, she'd been brainwashed like the rest of th
Dani didn't see what had been wrong about it. She was known as a debunker of conspiracy theories. Her class on it was always full."Let me be frank.""Okay. Go ahead."Dani had no idea where she was going with this. She hadn't done it on her time at the college. She'd been at her own home."I don't like the idea of the debate."Dani studied her boss for a moment, attempting to see beyond the words. She couldn't come up with anything. "Why not?""Well, I've talked to some of the trustees and they agree with me.""Agree with what? You haven't said why you don't like it."This was frustrating. This woman had risen to power and there had been questions about how. Dani had never let the gossip influence how she dealt with her boss. A lot of women were accused of sleeping their way to the top. The fact that it still was used as an excuse in the twenty-first century was sad."We think this debate will shine a negative light on Philly College.""Are you telling me I can't do the debate?""I ca
So not only were they on two sides of an issue, they were destined to be together. How ironic. It made Ben smile. He wasn't one to back down from a challenge. He could be subtle and patient. They were his best traits. As a sniper in the army, he'd had to wait for the right moment to strike.Dating was the same way, and knowing Dani was his only shot, and the most important one, he would make sure he didn't pull the trigger until he was certain the bullet would hit the mark.He sat down at the table, leaving a chair in between them. The doors opened, then Ben heard a terrible squawking. He knew that sound. Goblins. They were attacking. The men at the door tried to stop the rush of people as goblins swooped from the rafters. Why hadn't he smelled them?Ben didn't even think. His instincts took over as they never had in the past. He changed into a gargoyle and grabbed Dani by the shoulders. He gripped her without digging his talons into her. He shot fireballs from his wings as he flew to
"Because there are people here to protect you," Ben said."From what?""Goblins of course."He turned and, after he took a few steps, she followed him. It was the only way to get off the roof. If she could have found another way, she would have. Ben held open the door for her and she reluctantly went into the stairwell."Where are we?""A building owned by a friend. More importantly, the headquarters of Foley Security.""What do they do?""All sorts of security, but they are supernaturals."She stopped on the steps. "There are more of you?""Yes, Dani. A lot. I know this is all a shock to you.""I want to go home, Ben.""You can't.""Why not?""Because you are probably in danger."***Ben didn't know exactly what to do with Dani. He couldn't let her leave. He didn't really know if she was in danger, but he would never forgive himself if he didn't keep her safe. It was his job. She was his fairy. He'd waited his whole life to embrace this role.And the irony of her attitude was not lost
This was the first time the goblins were touching Ben's life and he didn't know why. He probably could use a drink. He went back to the conference room, following Sean, who poured some Irish whiskey into two shot glasses. He slid one to Ben and one to Dani. She sipped this one. Ben downed his but held onto the glass. He didn't want to be completely wrecked for this conversation."Okay. So, you're all gargoyles?" Dani asked, looking at each one of them pointedly.They all nodded. The she downed the rest of her shot. "Well, interesting to know that my life's work has been for nothing. I'm not even sure I want to know what other conspiracy theories are true.""All of them lass. All of them."***The whiskey had seared its way down Dani's throat. She didn't want to flinch in front of the men, but she did gasp this time. Maybe she should slow down. Being plastered would not help the situation. Whatever that situation was. She couldn't even wrap her brain around, well, anything.She rubbed a
"I believe something is going on and I best pay attention," Dani said.A breeze had kicked up. The city had quieted down as much as it ever did."We'll need the details of the signing so we can set up security.""Do you really think they'll try something?" she asked."Well, look at it this way. You were one of the most visible people unknowingly helping them with their narrative. Now, you are amongst their enemies. You already have a huge platform and could open many eyes to what is going on. They will want to stop you."She rubbed her eyes. "How can I sign this book when I'm not sure it's true anymore."He put a hand on her arm, and where he touched buzzed a little. Why was he having this effect on her?"You have to do this because your new message is not quite ready."She sighed. He had a good point. "Let's go see if that food is ready."***Ben couldn't believe what he was seeing. Tex, the Foley agency's tech guru, had pictures up on both of his screens. Comparing the two events, Be
Dani pasted on a smile and held up her purple markers. "I'm ready."The woman nodded then left."Do you just sign your name, or do you say something?""It depends on if the person chats. Some just want the signature and others want to connect. If they connect, I will write a quick phrase."He nodded. "What do you need me to do?""Just hand me books. Open them to this page."She showed him what she needed."Okay.""I don't know how busy I will be," she said.It was only the second signing she'd ever done. The debate would have gotten her name in front of people. She doubted that anyone remembered what happened. Or that the event had taken place. Maybe her students would attend."I'm fine either way, Dani. I'm here for you."She didn't know how to take that, but it made her a little uncomfortable. Not in a creepy way; it was just that she was used to being on her own. Her parents had died when she was in college, so she'd been doing things for herself for a long time. It was probably her
No censorship. Users needed to wade through detritus and have good discernment to get the necessary information. This wasn't a Google search where the alleged best results are on top. Anyone venturing into the Chans had to use logic and not emotion."I don't spend any time there, but Tex does.""Yes, I can see Tex doing that. He can probably back me up on this. I spend time there and I think they are ripe for this knowledge. Their minds are opening.""A great awakening as such," Donal said."What do you think?" Ben asked.If Donal didn't want him to proceed, he probably wouldn't, but Ben couldn't see any other way to stop the goblins."Well, I think we need to talk to everyone else. Even our wives. It affects all of us."Ben nodded. "Yes, I can't do this alone.""No. We have to band together. We either do this as a group or not at all. I can see why we have to, but it means our lives will be turned upside down. There will be finger pointing. People will be suspicious of others.""My Yo