unanimously passed the Airwar Act. Any non-U.N./ASC attack or contact with airwars was determined to be an act of terrorism and punishable by death. There were a few weak protests from the United States press. Later that evening, ASC verified the presence of airwars in southern Florida, and the press capitulated.
On day five, virtually all countries had confirmed airwar sightings. World count of full-sized airwars reached ten thousand. Global citizen pressure demanded ASC try weapons of mass destruction on airwars.
A tall handsome man in his fifties named Otis Glavin appeared on television. His dark hair with some gray in the temples along with his steel blue eyes and deep voice conferred an air of authority. He was the spokesperson for ASC. Glavin read a one-sentence press release on the early morning news. “Due to the congregation of airwars near inhabited areas, it’s unrealistic for ASC to support the use of large destructive weapons on airwars.”
In response to the ASC position, early afternoon riots began breaking out in capital cities around the world. Spokesperson Glavin reappeared on the early evening news.
“ASC has reconsidered, with trepidation, to proceed with an experimental destruction of an airwar tonight.”
Less than an hour later a thermobaric bomb obliterated an airwar hovering over Lake Cobly in the southern United States. Not a single juvenile was seen following the blast, nor were any of the citizens of the small nearby town, which was also annihilated by the explosion.
The media leveled criticisms that only cryptic warnings were given to residents before the blast, but Glavin responded that warnings were given and went unheeded.
Later the same night, a small nuclear blast outside Tel Aviv of undetermined origin destroyed three airwars, but a change in winds pushed the radioactive cloud into the city, making it uninhabitable.
Glavin read a final press release late that evening. “Due to extreme collateral damage, ASC has passed Airwar Resolution III. Weapons of mass destruction are to be placed under ’observational control’ by ASC officials and are heretofore banned from further use on airwars.”
Besides the criticisms leveled at the thermobaric bomb test, the media continued to create other problems for ASC with non-approved sensationalized headlines such as “Psychics detect telepathic communication among airwars. Scientist warns: alien super intelligent species bent on destroying mankind. Airwars: angels of God sent to punish sinners.” Each new story caused greater panic and demands for more action by ASC.
On the morning of day six ASC began railing against media-produced misinformation. Glavin gave a seven a.m. statement.
“Half-truths, lies, speculation, and debate are clearly dangerous in times of crisis. Only ASC is qualified to provide accurate information. Therefore, ASC is now demanding worldwide passage of the Airwar Sedition Bill.”
The Airwar Sedition Bill essentially said non-ASC approved mention of airwars on radio or television would result in the revocation of the station’s FCC license to broadcast. Printed columns regarding airwars without the ASC logo resulted in the jailing of the managing editor of the newspaper.
That evening, while watching the news, John became livid as he saw the sedition bill pass Congress with an override of a presidential veto. “I can’t believe what I’m seeing, Cassandra.”
“John, people are afraid.”
“It’s not right—makes me want to join a militia—and down a few airwars with them.”
“Don’t think of saying that in public,” said Cassandra with concern, “Militias release thousands of juveniles every time they attack an airwar. That’s why ASC is demanding global gun confiscation.”
John pounded his fist into his hand, “That’s a bunch of crapola too.”
“Well, the press is hailing it as a step in the right direction,” said Cassandra. She walked over and started massaging John’s shoulders.
John pulled away. “Our press should be reviewing our Constitution. They sometimes forget it’s a linked chain that restrains the beast of government. You let even one link break and the beast goes berserk.”
“Currently,” said Cassandra, “I’m more afraid of airwars than the government. Complain all you want to me, but keep in mind members of the press have voiced your opinion and are now in jail.”
The evening news continued with much fanfare. ASC demonstrated that regions with the least resistance to ASC directives had fewer airwar-related fatalities. This was followed by the approval of the “Save the Village” initiative. Although defending one’s self might temporarily rescue an individual or family, the subsequent release of thousands of juveniles was worse for society as a whole.
Spokesman Glavin explained the “Save the Village” law in a press conference as John watched fuming. “I’m pleased to report anyone seen acting in personal self-interest will be detained and searched by local authorities. If deemed in the best interest of society, these terrorists will be immediately sacrificed to an airwar. A trial isn’t needed; only the approval of an ASC official. This new policy can only help in our battle against airwars,” he said with a smile.
A reporter stood and shouted, “Mr. Glavin, what about the fourth and sixth amendments of our bill of rights?”
Glavin pointed at the man and three young men wearing grey arm bands escorted the reporter roughly from the press conference.
Glavin looked at the shocked reporters and said, “Oh, it’s another amendment whine. Like every fine whine, it needs cooling. Fortunately, we have a nice whine cellar for these whines called the federal penitentiary. This whine will be joining the others directly.” He pointed at the reporter being dragged out the exit. “In closing, I’d like to finish with fabulous news of our first major victory against the airwars. ASC studies show the rate of increase in worldwide deaths from airwars is decreasing. Excellent! Most excellent.”
Cassandra looked at John and said, “Doesn’t that mean the death rate is still in creasing?”
John answered by clicking the news off.
CHAPTER 4
SENATOR SNIVALING
It had been one week since the first televised airwar attack. John was with Cassandra, sitting on his couch in his condominium. He was trying to catch up on dictations from the emergency room where he’d been working for the last several days. The television was on, but he turned the sound down. Cassandra came into the room carrying a People magazine. The cover displayed a giant airwar with tentacles wrapped around photos of celebrities who had perished in airwar attacks.
“John, do you want me to turn the sound up?” asked Cassandra.
“Why bother?” said John, looking up from a chart, “Nothing but the airwar crisis has been on for the last week. I’m sick of seeing the ASC logo in the corner of the screen.”
“Well, they just flashed a number on the screen. It said we topped 100,000 deaths in the United States from airwars,” said Cassandra.
“Feels like I’ve seen half of them in the ER this week,” John said, flipping the last chart on a large pile.
“I thought you liked listening to the science updates.”
“Yeah,
