Clawback 1: Momma
Bear’s Claws
Once upon a time, a band of Angels Raptured to their Heaven
all of the sinless children of Earth; and they also took all 144,000 of the Pure
Saints Sealed Unto The Lord. The Angels broadcast on the water-hole band of the
radio spectrum, from their colony in the Van Allen belt, to take credit for their
deed. They promised more visitations soon.
The next day a quorum of ten learned and powerful men
convened. The Chairman began by asking a Scientist for his findings.
The
Scientist spoke of electromagnetic emissions, and microwave signatures, and
plasma solitons. When pressed for a summary, he said, “The aliens are basically
ball lightning.”
A General growled, “Vulnerabilities?”
The Scientist said, “Electromagnetic pulse, maybe. And
maybe they can be held in a Faraday cage. Further study is needed.”
A Spymaster said, “The Pure Saints collaboratist cult left
behind battle-plan scriptures; these specify time and place of the enemy’s next
attack. That’ll be our chance to catch a specimen to study.” He and the
Scientist nodded to each other.
A Weaponeer said, “By tomorrow my company can arm fighter
jets with Faraday dragnets and chemical EMP bombs. We can deploy a fleet of
nuclear EMP rockets two days later.”
The Chairman said, “Good. Prepare the ambush, trap a
specimen, interrogate it, get those nukes ready, and deliver our ultimatum.”
A Diplomat said, “We can contact them on the water-hole radio
frequency. What are our terms?”
The Chairman roared, “Return
our children or else!”
The Diplomat gulped while the other men bellowed, clapped
and pounded the table. He said, “… and the collaborators as well?”
The Chairman said, “Yes, for trial and execution.”
“And by ‘or else’ you mean…?”
“Extermination, of course!”
The
Spymaster quietly shook his head. The Diplomat was a bachelor, he didn’t talk
to his wife last night, he wouldn’t understand.
Moral: Don’t get between
Momma Bear and her cubs.
