The God Experiment

Chapter No.55. Realization.

Chapter No.55. Realization.

Of course, the actions to save Margaret caused a stir that spilled over to the UN. The Saudis pulled their diplomats and expelled US diplomats. President Hollis was angry and made his feelings known in a TV covered address to the world. He stood behind a podium in the White House media room with no reporters present. Evidently, he didn't want to answer any questions.

"I made a request that the superheroes locate and rescue Margaret Wilson from captivity after she was unjustly convicted of espionage by the Saudi government. I am appalled by how they treated her. They scourged her and kept her naked and chained in a cell with no amenities. This is a violation of International law and a disgusting method of punishment. Now, I am being castigated for employing the superheroes for a mission like this. I am not in charge of them. They are above all laws and regulations because they cannot be killed or contained. Despite that, they are dedicated to doing what is just and right. This latest incident has revealed that the Saudi government is violating the Barbara Furst Treaty, which forbids treating women as if they are objects. I will not condone or permit any such treatment and I know that the superheroes agree with me. The United States is prepared to do whatever it takes to preserve woman's rights here and in any nation we have dealings with. Thank you."

Robert turned from the TV to his wife and son. "It looks like we're being put in the middle of a long-standing conflict."

"I'm not surprised," Janet said. "This is one of those issues that separates many countries because of misguided cultural practices or religious beliefs."

"We'll just have to be more vigilant," Robert said.

Both Janet and James realized that.

An uneventful week later, Robert suddenly sensed that something was very wrong. "I don't believe that they would try something this egregious."

"What?" Janet asked.

"I sense that they've parked a truck with a tactical nuclear device near Margaret's apartment."

"Yes," Janet said, frowning. "I assume that you deactivated it."

"Yes, but I think we should inform the president."

Suddenly, James and Sylvia appeared already attired in their superhero outfits. The superheroes appeared in the Oval Office, startling the president.

"I assume this is serious," President Hollis said.

"We sensed that Saudi agents have parked a truck containing a tactical nuclear device in front of Margaret's apartment building. We deactivated it."

The president shook his head. "Those fools. This is paramount to a declaration of war."

"We believe you should verify and document the device before you accuse them. In the meantime, we will trace the perpetrators and arrest them, although, it's possible we might have to terminate them."

The president stared at Robert for a moment before replying. "I understand."

The superheroes teleported to the location of the truck. They summoned Sparky to sniff out the truck for scents of the individuals who were in the truck. After several minutes of sniffing, Sparky announced his success with a bark. With their wonder dog at point, the superheroes began a search for those who were responsible for this crime.

The FBI, along with CIA and nuclear weapons experts descended on the scene of the crime and began a very careful investigation. This activity attracted a lot of attention, including the Capitol police, who were told to remain ready to prevent any intrusion of the crime scene.

In the meantime, the superheroes were in the process of hunting for the individuals who committed the crime. They located them at Dulles International preparing to depart in a private jet. When the criminals saw the superheroes, they began shooting at them with no effect. James sensed that they had their escape jet packed with explosives. He deactivated the detonators, allowing the superheroes to capture them.

After all of the investigative operations were complete and the criminal agents thoroughly questioned, President Hillis asked the Congress to enact a declaration of hostilities against the Saudi government. He also requested the UN to call for a censure.

The ultimate result of all of this was an overthrow of the Saudi regime.

President Hollis decided to give another address to the nation.

"I am here to inform you that our country avoided a very nasty attack that could have killed hundreds of thousands not to mention the destruction of much of our government infrastructure. The reason we survived this calamity is because of the superheroes. Without them, our country could have been decimated. They are the only reason we exist today and were able to survive a global apocalypse. They are dedicated to preventing our demise and they do it without asking for anything in return. They claim they are doing these good deeds in God's name. The only thing I can say is that we are thankful for God's blessing. Thank you."

"Well," Robert said after watching the President's address. "Looks like we're getting a proper recognition."

"I doubt that will quell the attempts to destroy us," James said. "It seems that the rest of the world doesn't want to be saved."

"I think it's because they have a different idea of God," Janet said. "They see an avenging God, not the loving God we know."

"The problem is that we really don't know all that much about God," Sylvia said. "All we know is that he exists and that he's trying to find out if we deserve being saved."

"All we can do is keep up our efforts to prevent any possible calamity," James said.

"I think it's a bit more complicated than that," Robert said. "This situation with Margaret demonstrates that there's a serious human rights crisis and that we can't solve it ourselves."

"Who would help us?" Janet asked.

"I suppose it's the Vestal Virgins, but we're not sure what they will do," Robert replied.

The landline phone rang, and Robert answered it. After a brief conversation he hung it up. "Looks like we have another crisis to avert."

"Now what?" Janet asked after a sigh.

"I don't know, but I sense it has something to do with it."

"Maybe someone attacked a government system," James said.

"The president didn't say. We'll have to go there to find out."

They teleported there but what they heard surprised them.