The World Governing Body In Homer's Odyssey
As if reading her mind, Somerled assured her, “You did everything possible to warn them. After all, there are overwhelming, unstoppable forces on Earth driven by an insatiable greed for money and power, which can turn any truth into a lie. Both of you had no voice on Earth, and neither do we. Even if we send a letter with Captain Spero and Chief Steward Pars, it takes a month for the Odyssey to reach Earth. I fear that it could be too late by then for the majority of the population. Earth neither values Gnaritus nor sees us as equals, so I have no confidence in them taking the letter seriously. Then again, we must believe in the remote possibility of the World Governing Body acting on our message and saving at least a part of the population
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from this viral vector.” Even though he tried to end on an optimistic note, Surina had a sinking feeling that the World Governing Body would ignore the letter. They could only hope now that their worst fears would turn out to be unfounded. “Will there be any point in making an announcement about the risks of this viral vector or discussing it with anyone on Gnaritus?” Stefan asked, morosely. After a brief discussion with the other council members, Somerled responded, “It is best for now not to alarm other Gnaritusonians especially since we are powerless to affect the outcome. The fate of the Earth lies in its hands, ultimately. Nonetheless, I am fearful that the Anthropocene Epoch on Earth could be coming to an end.” All of a sudden, Surina said, “Would it be useful to talk to the two space tourists outside? Philip is the son of John Jones-May, the Chief Executive Officer of the World Governing Body. Perhaps, he could give his father our message if we can convince him to raise the alarm about the Stinguard viral vector when he returns to Earth. Although I am not that optimistic, it’s worth a try.” With so few options available to them, the council members agreed to explore all avenues even though they lacked confidence in Philip Jones-May consenting to carry their message. Over the intercom, Somerled directed the attendant to bring in the space tourists. When they entered in a state of vexation, they planted themselves at the opposite end of the table, creating a gulf between themselves and the council members. Dispensing with the formality of any introductions, Philip abruptly declared with a peeved expression on his face, “Can the Odyssey leave sooner than in ten days because we need to go home? Everything is so uncomfortable here that it’s even impossible to get a good night’s rest!” “Unfortunately, the crucial repairs of the Odyssey prevent a sooner departure,” Cinead informed Philip and Anne, much to their dismay. Somerled then availed them of Surina’s grave research findings. Although he implored Philip to make a personal plea to his father on their behalf to halt the distribution of the viral vector, it fell on deaf ears. As he spoke, Philip and Anne sniggered in disdain. “My father would never make such a gross error in judgment,” Philip proclaimed with indignation while glaring at them across the table with his nostrils flaring. “I know that world-renowned experts on Earth authenticated the science behind the viral vector. My dad is an astute judge of character, and he always said Rod Stinguard is a selfless, honorable man, who will save humanity from the terrible scourge of cancer. All of your suppositions are utterly ludicrous and nonsensical! Anne, let’s get out of here and stop wasting our time.” With that, they stormed out of the room without bothering to close the door behind them. The level of hostility shown by the space tourists caught Surina by surprise. For a while, the five council members remained silent before Somerled concluded the meeting by saying; “We will talk with Captain Spero and Chief Steward Pars tomorrow.” Taking a cue from the finality in his voice, Surina and Stefan dragged themselves out of the General Assembly Hall with heavy hearts. Just as they entered the bright sunshine from the shaded portico, Stefan stopped in mid-stride as if seized by a new inspiration and announced, “There is one more thing to do! We must tell Alfonso about the dangers of the viral vector so that he can redouble his efforts in bringing down the firewall! The World Governing Body may not be receptive to us, but I feel sure that at least some of the general public on Earth would be if only we could reach them.”
“Yes!” Surina exclaimed, racing to the edge of Mohawk Park to catch an air cab straight to Alfonso’s house.
Still wearing his blue gingham apron, Alfonso opened the door and took them directly to the kitchen where he was in the midst of preparing lunch. He appeared somewhat puzzled to see them at that hour. He was alone as his parents were shopping. Seeing the sense of urgency on their faces, Alfonso left the chicken stew to simmer on the stove. First, they made him promise not to divulge details of their conversation to anyone else. While sitting on the edge of his chair at the kitchen table, he listened intently to their startling revelations about the Stinguard viral vector, which left him for once at a loss for words.
“How sad it all is!” Alfonso finally managed to say in a wobbly voice.
“Strange, we were the lucky ones, who got away just in the nick of time. I wish this guy Stinguard would come to his proper senses! He sounds like a twisted man. Other than seeing Gnaritus as a dumping ground for human detritus, the World Governing Body severed all ties with us! Who could even imagine how warped their thinking is? While the Gnaritusonians are aspiring for cosmic consciousness and the developmental singularity, the World Governing Body on Earth is aiming for the gutter. How can anything good happen when their only goal is to make even more money and sweep aside anyone standing in their way? At least we are safe on Gnaritus!”
“How close are you to bringing down the firewall?” Stefan asked, hoping for at least a single piece of good news that day. “If we could reach the general public, I am sure that at least some of them would heed our warning about the Stinguard viral …show more content…
vector.”
Alfonso replied in a hesitant voice, “I’m glad you told me about how imperative it is because I plan now to spend much more time on this than before.
So far, I have found layers of filters that seem to evolve and become even more resistant each time I attempt to bypass them. They designed this diabolical firewall with malicious intent. However, when I worked for the Rochester Manninghouse Corporation, I found these same filters censoring and monitoring communication on Earth as well. During my meeting earlier today with the five council members, they told me of the many computer engineers, who attempted to disable these filters without success. Somerled Knightly bluntly said there is no one I can enlist for help because none of the computer engineers here are interested in this anymore. The general feeling is that since Earth wants nothing to do with Gnaritus, why bother trying to open the communication channels. All in all, bringing down this firewall will take a long time for me to figure out.”
“I know you’re trying your best Alfonso,” Surina said quietly. “We are counting on you. It’s unfair to say that you may well be the Earth’s last hope as well. So don’t feel too pressured. Instead, Earth’s fate lies in its hands
alone.”
They tried to cheer up by eating the hearty stew but still went home with a sense of dread. Surina felt drained and exhausted by the morning’s events. Nevertheless, she was glad to meet with the council members and explore every option available to halt the distribution of the Stinguard viral vector. Moreover, at least someone else now shared the grim knowledge that she had carried by herself for so long all the way from Earth. The cloudless sky outside was resplendent with the three suns shining their benevolent rays on that peaceful, restful Sunday. The laughter of the toddlers riding on the carousel filled Seneca Square. On the playground swings, jubilant children urged their parents to push them higher. Under the shade of the gazebo, chess masters engaged in an intricate battle of wills. In the distance, an enthusiastic instructor cheered on a group of agile elderly residents performing brisk calisthenics. Surina agreed with Somerled Knightly. Indeed, they would accomplish nothing by shattering this idyll under the suns of Gnaritus with an announcement about the dangers of the viral vector. In reality, they had no control over any events on Earth. Even though Dr. Ailbeart Ross authenticated her research, Surina’s heart yearned for a miracle on Earth despite the odds. The sun never sets on Gnaritus. Was the sun about to set on the Age of Humans on Earth?
from this viral vector.” Even though he tried to end on an optimistic note, Surina had a sinking feeling that the World Governing Body would ignore the letter. They could only hope now that their worst fears would turn out to be unfounded. “Will there be any point in making an announcement about the risks of this viral vector or discussing it with anyone on Gnaritus?” Stefan asked, morosely. After a brief discussion with the other council members, Somerled responded, “It is best for now not to alarm other Gnaritusonians especially since we are powerless to affect the outcome. The fate of the Earth lies in its hands, ultimately. Nonetheless, I am fearful that the Anthropocene Epoch on Earth could be coming to an end.” All of a sudden, Surina said, “Would it be useful to talk to the two space tourists outside? Philip is the son of John Jones-May, the Chief Executive Officer of the World Governing Body. Perhaps, he could give his father our message if we can convince him to raise the alarm about the Stinguard viral vector when he returns to Earth. Although I am not that optimistic, it’s worth a try.” With so few options available to them, the council members agreed to explore all avenues even though they lacked confidence in Philip Jones-May consenting to carry their message. Over the intercom, Somerled directed the attendant to bring in the space tourists. When they entered in a state of vexation, they planted themselves at the opposite end of the table, creating a gulf between themselves and the council members. Dispensing with the formality of any introductions, Philip abruptly declared with a peeved expression on his face, “Can the Odyssey leave sooner than in ten days because we need to go home? Everything is so uncomfortable here that it’s even impossible to get a good night’s rest!” “Unfortunately, the crucial repairs of the Odyssey prevent a sooner departure,” Cinead informed Philip and Anne, much to their dismay. Somerled then availed them of Surina’s grave research findings. Although he implored Philip to make a personal plea to his father on their behalf to halt the distribution of the viral vector, it fell on deaf ears. As he spoke, Philip and Anne sniggered in disdain. “My father would never make such a gross error in judgment,” Philip proclaimed with indignation while glaring at them across the table with his nostrils flaring. “I know that world-renowned experts on Earth authenticated the science behind the viral vector. My dad is an astute judge of character, and he always said Rod Stinguard is a selfless, honorable man, who will save humanity from the terrible scourge of cancer. All of your suppositions are utterly ludicrous and nonsensical! Anne, let’s get out of here and stop wasting our time.” With that, they stormed out of the room without bothering to close the door behind them. The level of hostility shown by the space tourists caught Surina by surprise. For a while, the five council members remained silent before Somerled concluded the meeting by saying; “We will talk with Captain Spero and Chief Steward Pars tomorrow.” Taking a cue from the finality in his voice, Surina and Stefan dragged themselves out of the General Assembly Hall with heavy hearts. Just as they entered the bright sunshine from the shaded portico, Stefan stopped in mid-stride as if seized by a new inspiration and announced, “There is one more thing to do! We must tell Alfonso about the dangers of the viral vector so that he can redouble his efforts in bringing down the firewall! The World Governing Body may not be receptive to us, but I feel sure that at least some of the general public on Earth would be if only we could reach them.”
“Yes!” Surina exclaimed, racing to the edge of Mohawk Park to catch an air cab straight to Alfonso’s house.
Still wearing his blue gingham apron, Alfonso opened the door and took them directly to the kitchen where he was in the midst of preparing lunch. He appeared somewhat puzzled to see them at that hour. He was alone as his parents were shopping. Seeing the sense of urgency on their faces, Alfonso left the chicken stew to simmer on the stove. First, they made him promise not to divulge details of their conversation to anyone else. While sitting on the edge of his chair at the kitchen table, he listened intently to their startling revelations about the Stinguard viral vector, which left him for once at a loss for words.
“How sad it all is!” Alfonso finally managed to say in a wobbly voice.
“Strange, we were the lucky ones, who got away just in the nick of time. I wish this guy Stinguard would come to his proper senses! He sounds like a twisted man. Other than seeing Gnaritus as a dumping ground for human detritus, the World Governing Body severed all ties with us! Who could even imagine how warped their thinking is? While the Gnaritusonians are aspiring for cosmic consciousness and the developmental singularity, the World Governing Body on Earth is aiming for the gutter. How can anything good happen when their only goal is to make even more money and sweep aside anyone standing in their way? At least we are safe on Gnaritus!”
“How close are you to bringing down the firewall?” Stefan asked, hoping for at least a single piece of good news that day. “If we could reach the general public, I am sure that at least some of them would heed our warning about the Stinguard viral …show more content…
vector.”
Alfonso replied in a hesitant voice, “I’m glad you told me about how imperative it is because I plan now to spend much more time on this than before.
So far, I have found layers of filters that seem to evolve and become even more resistant each time I attempt to bypass them. They designed this diabolical firewall with malicious intent. However, when I worked for the Rochester Manninghouse Corporation, I found these same filters censoring and monitoring communication on Earth as well. During my meeting earlier today with the five council members, they told me of the many computer engineers, who attempted to disable these filters without success. Somerled Knightly bluntly said there is no one I can enlist for help because none of the computer engineers here are interested in this anymore. The general feeling is that since Earth wants nothing to do with Gnaritus, why bother trying to open the communication channels. All in all, bringing down this firewall will take a long time for me to figure out.”
“I know you’re trying your best Alfonso,” Surina said quietly. “We are counting on you. It’s unfair to say that you may well be the Earth’s last hope as well. So don’t feel too pressured. Instead, Earth’s fate lies in its hands
alone.”
They tried to cheer up by eating the hearty stew but still went home with a sense of dread. Surina felt drained and exhausted by the morning’s events. Nevertheless, she was glad to meet with the council members and explore every option available to halt the distribution of the Stinguard viral vector. Moreover, at least someone else now shared the grim knowledge that she had carried by herself for so long all the way from Earth. The cloudless sky outside was resplendent with the three suns shining their benevolent rays on that peaceful, restful Sunday. The laughter of the toddlers riding on the carousel filled Seneca Square. On the playground swings, jubilant children urged their parents to push them higher. Under the shade of the gazebo, chess masters engaged in an intricate battle of wills. In the distance, an enthusiastic instructor cheered on a group of agile elderly residents performing brisk calisthenics. Surina agreed with Somerled Knightly. Indeed, they would accomplish nothing by shattering this idyll under the suns of Gnaritus with an announcement about the dangers of the viral vector. In reality, they had no control over any events on Earth. Even though Dr. Ailbeart Ross authenticated her research, Surina’s heart yearned for a miracle on Earth despite the odds. The sun never sets on Gnaritus. Was the sun about to set on the Age of Humans on Earth?