Meanwhile, back at the Diamond Tower:

​     A young man ran into the auditorium.

​     He, too, was bald. His scalp looked polished.

​     "I believe in you!" he yelled at the top of his lungs. "I am with you one thousand percent!"

​     "Kevin!" This from the American council member. "Go back downstairs!"

​     "I won't! Can't you see, Father? Can't you see that he's right? Destroy it all! Obliterate it all!"

​     Now it was the American's turn to sit upright in his chair. He said into the button-sized com-unit he had in his lapel, "What is my son doing here, Albert? Why isn't he downstairs with you?"

​     "He's turned into a tough little muffin, sir. All those martial arts classes..."

​     "Come get him, please."

​     "He's quick, sir. He..."

​     "There are four of you! Come get my son now!"

​     Young, shiny bald Kevin got a crazy look in his eyes as he asked. "Why aren't you seeing it, Father? It's so obvious. Look around you. If something's not dying, it's already dead."

     "Kevin..."

​     "Look into the eyes of anyone on this planet today! Do you see any life anywhere?"

​    Albert and his three associates ran into the auditorium. Kevin fought them off.

​     "Don't make us Taser you," Albert said.

​     As Albert said that, one of his people got Kevin from behind to pin his arms. As they dragged Kevin from the room, he yelled, "Whoever you are, know that I am with you! Contact me! I will follow anywhere you lead! I promise you! Do you hear me? I promise you!"

​     "Okay, that was unpleasant," Valtair said.

​                                                   CONTINUE