Powder Burns by Isobel Starling

Author:Isobel Starling
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Decent Fellows Press

CHAPTER 24

MISSION STATEMENT

Declan didn’t get a chance to deliver the report that had weighed like a millstone around his neck for the past eight weeks. He was supposed to take to the podium after Georgios Xenelis; however, as Sam and Declan settled into their seats in the auditorium Declan received a text message from Agent Findlay:

Xenelis’ report was wiped from laptop. We have no working data.

Declan showed Sam the text and they both shared a wary glance. James will not be happy.

Fireworks began as Georgios Xenelis took to the stage. The Greek official wore shades to cover the burns around his eyes and he walked unsteadily with the support of his PA. He stared out at the auditorium filled with scientists, lobbyist, members of the OPEC nations, and reporters all keen to hear his report’s findings.

Sam and Declan now knew that the report was no longer to be found on Xenelis laptop. However, man began to read from a printed document. The words he narrated were not from any official report.

“We are the Eco Revolutionaries—A worldwide collective of environmental activists. Our leaders have betrayed us. With greater uncertainty in the geopolitical landscape, the production of energy has become a playground for institutional investors who care little for the future of the planet as long as they make a killing now.

The pressure Energy Corporations are putting on our natural resources is unsustainable. The pollution of our oceans is unsustainable. We will work as one to prevent the Corpocracy from raping our world of its precious resources.

The time for discourse has long-passed and now we need consistent direct action. We will not stop our work until the Energy Industry changes its ways and looks for greener alternatives. A global revolution is about to begin—"

There were boos, jeers, and catcalls from members of the audience. Xenelis’ assistant, looked on, ashen-faced. He stepped out on the stage and manhandled his employer away from the podium before he could say anymore. Xenelis’ security detail appeared, crowding him as if he was a target for a sniper and they led him off-stage.

Petraeus took to the podium and in an exasperated, shaky voice said,

“I’m afraid Mr. Xenelis was taken ill and will not be delivering his report today. I apologize for this late change in the program, but I must assure you that what Mr. Xenelis read is not part of the report by the International Environmental Committee; there was… a technical error. We will need to adjourn−apologies, apologies,” He simpered and then rushed from the glare of the cameras and calls of outrage from the crowd.

Sam and Declan watched the spectacle from the back of the auditorium and bore witness to the confused, agitated delegates and members of the press rising and making their way to the many exits. The first to make a swift exit was none other than Darius Clarke and he wore a smug, shit-eating grin.

****

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