HOW INFERNO FAILED

HOW INFERNO FAILED Even as Professor Robert Langdon, along with the W.H.O., and thousands, of independent researchers, were trying to understand WHAT, if ANYTHING, could be done, about an insane geneticists plan, to strerilize 75% of the worlds population, for the purpose of "thinning the herd", while reducing the strain, on planetary resources, the one thing, which the academic world just could not understand, was how the public reacted, once word was released, of the madmans agenda. In the madmans "perfect world", the public was projected to just go about their lives, blissfully un-aware that many of them were, now, sterile. Fewer children would be born and, according to computer projections, between this, death, and disease, as well as natural disasters, claiming substantial numbers of lives, with each event, the academic world had projected a 33% reduction, in the strain, on planetary reesources, in as little as 50 years. These academics also projected a total, of 66% reduction, in the strain, on planetary resources, within 100 years. If projections proved accurate, within 150-200 years, human population would decreased, to the projected number, of 200, to 500 billion people, world wide. Even longer range projections provided an ever better outlook, for the planet. This since, even infants, born sterile, would never reproduce, resulting in a further reduction, in both population, and drain, on planetary resources. If projections held true, then Earth could, easily, repair itself, and provide for the remaining population. What the academics just could not comprehend, or project for, was public reaction, to this in-voluntary sterilization. While the mad man had calculated a gradual, population, reduction, neither he, nor the academic world, could comprehend how, or why, the "common man", just did not "Go, quietly, into the night". Even though the academics had been extremely cautious, about releasing information, the general public's imagination was "fired up", just as the public had become terrified by a radio broadcast, of the radio play "The War of the Worlds". In some cities, the local population turned, on the academic world, blaming ALL Ph.d's, for the mad mans actions. As a result, of this public rage, atleast three universities were burned, to the ground. Staff members would be tortured, then slain, after admitting that staff had no conception, of how to reverse the sterrilization process. In still other cities, though, the situation was even worse. Friends, and neighbors, turned, on one another, in the irrational thought that each vcitims death would ensure a longer life, for survivors. When Sienna Brooks witnessed the growing destruction, and the out of control genocide, which a fearful population had wrought upon itself, Sienna Brooks had insisted "This was never projected! This should not be happening. Our projections showed that mankind would be disciplined, and measured, in our response, to INFERNO". When Professor Robert Langdon would say "Well, guess what. Your projections did not take into account human nature" Sienna Brooks just could not believe her eyes, as the media reported that as many as 500,000 people joined suicide cults, preferring to take their own lives, rather than risking INFERNO taking their lives. When the W.H.O. had interrogated Sienna Brooks, asking HOW the young woman could take part, in such an extreme, terrorist, plot? Sienna had defended her position, say that the issue, at hand, was not INFERNO. It was global over-population. As Sienna would tell her interrogators "Look, the good doctor, and myself, elisted the aid, and advice, of MANY other academics, prior to coming to the final solution. We ran the numbers, HUNDREDS of times. This was not some "Lets just see what will happen" game. None of the current events was projected. The numbers all maintained that mankind was projected to return to our roots, within 300 years. None of the current events make rational sense." When a W.H.O. director would ask "What does not make sense? That people are panicking, in opposition to in-voluntary sterrillization?" Sienna Brooks would remain FIRM, saying "And, we are NOT killing our brothers, and sisters, everyday, in the Middle East?" Then added "Are we not, as a species, killing this planet, inch by inch, with over-population?" When the W.H.O. director would say There are OTHER ways" Sienna Brooks stood her ground "WE are killing this planet, with over-population! If we expect to leave anything, for future generations, mankind MUST be DEALT with NOW!" To Sienna Brooks fury, the W.H.O. conversed with the American Medical Association, along with other health groups. As a result, of these discussions, Sienna Brooks would have her license, to practice medicine, revoked. Sienna Brooks was to be completely banned, from the practice of medicine (Or, whattever she was, actually, practicing). While Sienna Brooks would be allowed to contribute, towards the work, of reversing INFERNO, the world court would issue a judgement, that Sienna ONLY be allowed to consult, from within a maximum security prison cell. Still, the director, of the W.H.O., however, would call this action "Too little, too late". This, especially after a suicide bomber would drive into a city and, using spray nozzles, mounted to the sides, of a pick up truck, to "dust" a city. From official reports, the driver had shown no concern, even over th fact that he, himself, might die. This was made obvious that the corpse would, later, be found, without an air filter nearby. Acxcording to a note, found at his place, the mans only concern had been trying to save his family's lives, by exterminating these other, "extra" people. The mans hope had been that the five million, resulting deaths, caused by the spray, would cause INFERNO to spare his own family. The gas the man used, was so lethal, that not even hazmatt siuts would work, near the point, of contamination for over a week. When Sienna Brooks was shown the note, she breathed a sigh, of relief, saying "Atleast SOME-one understands the magnitude, of the problem". When interrogated about "How is bio-terrorism considered "understanding" the problem?" Sienna remained defiant, saying "Atleast this person was willing to take ACTION! How many other people are just sitting back, HOPING for an imagined solution?" As a result of her actions, Sienna Brooks trial would become a "Crimes Against Humanity"-style war-crimes trial. The W.H.O. had pushed for this, especially after five, third world, nations governments were compelled to bomb their own, major, cities, even as FEAR caused people to kill, and be killed, like stampeding cattle, as word of INFERNO spread. While Sienna Brooks was pleased, that the population was coming down, even faster than predicted, what Sienna, as an educated academic, just could not understand, was the lack of LOGIC, behind the publics actions. The public was butchering one another, on a "wholesale" basis, as if in some sort of effort to AVOID the effects of INFERNO. The computer projections had, never, anticipated this. Even the scientific community had not predicted this outcome. Every simulation, which academics could run, ALL pointed to a calm, leisurely, response, to the infection. Not one, single, projection, from any where, in the world, predicted that many nations would be called upon to implement Martial Law. It was when Sienna Brooks would not waiver, from her position, that INFERNO had been mandatory, to save the planet from mankind, that Professor Robert Langdon found his own skills being called upon, again. The United States government had called upon Robert Langdon, to host a series, of speaking engagements. During each of these engagements, Professor Langdon would explain that, even in past disasters, there had been survivors. As Robert Langdon would explain: "Without survivors, HOW would we have the knowledge, which is of aid, today? If no one had survived the Black Death, would we, even, be alive, to question the effects, of INFERNO? We KNOW that people survived past disasters, since this is how we know about Atlantis, Babylon, and Troy. In fact, the reason why we know, about the Tower of Babel, is due to the stories, told by the survivors." Although, during this time, Robert Langdon was listed, by the university, as being "On Sabatical", while working the lecture circuit, the feds decided to credit the Symbologist with the rating of "working vacation". This is how Professor Robert Langdon found himself back in the middle, of yet ANOTHER mystery. While lecturing outside the United States, Robert Langdon preferred personalizing his lectures, to the history of his hosts native lands. Robert Langdon felt that this personalization added "substance" to his presentations. In the current situation, however, Robert Langdon understood that he needed to be cautious, with his words, as a result of the fact that the current crisis was NOT "God's work", like a tornado would be. No, this situation had been created, by a human, and with deliberate intent. Still, with all the effort he could muster, the symbologist would create his latest lecture, showing how previous civilizations had not only left writing, on tablets, but, also, how some groups, in order to preserve information, had carved the information into the bodies, of statues. When someone, in the group, had asked "Why bother carving on sculptures? Wouldn't carving a tablet be far easier?" Professor Langdon would respond, with his own question: "Tell me, if you will. How many tablets, even stone ones, have survived the ages?" When the attendee would say "Maybe ten thousand, more or less." Robert Langdon would ask "Now, how many statues have survived the ages?" When the attendee would say "I have no idea". Robert Langdon would ask "What if I told you atleast ten times the number, of tablets?" When another person asked "What would be so special, about a statue, other than ornamental value?" Robert Langdon would say "Precisely." When the group seemed confused, Robert Langdon would add "The reason why symbols, on statues, have survived, for un-counted centuries, is because people LOVE great art work. For centuries, museums, and private collectors (and, Robert Langdon thought, even thieves) have taken loving care of statues, for their beauty. Most are un-aware of an objects true value." When an attendee would add "I can see gold, silver, and copper, being engraved, with symbols but..." And Robert Langdon would add "Why would anyone carve symbols into Jade, Ivory, and other materrials? Why make such effort?" When the attendee would ask "Why?" Robert Langdon would ask "Why do modern artists store digital copies, of their works, on flash drives? Why do museums sponsor workshops, where artists copy the great masters, under supervision, ofcourse" Robert Langdon would continue "It is because people LOVE art. We LOVE beauty. Whether it be a woman, a car, a statue, or a painting. We are drawn to beauty. We celebrate beauty. We cherish, and do our best, to preserve beauty, for future generations. This is why messages, on statues, have survived the centuries." While Robert Langdon was relieved when a break was called, he was not prepared for what would happen, during this break. Outside of the conference room, Robert Langdon would have a woman introduce herseelf, as a member of the U.S. State Department. She would be in the presense, of local officials, yet what concerned Robert Langdon, the most, would be the armed soldiers. Men, who made NO attempt to hide their weapons. When the State Department woman would intruce herself "I am Amelia Armstrong. Assigned to the local branch, of the U.S. State Department. My friends, in the local government would appreciate some of your time, this evening". When Professor Langdon would admit "I AM in the middle of an address, and I was invited..." Amelia Armstrong would say "Yes, we know of your engagement". Robert Langdon would say "Unless this is serious, as in life-or-death serious, I do not see why it cannot wait until AFTER my presentation". This is when Amelia Armstrong would say "Professor Langdon, WE need you to tell US if it is serious. If you will join us, NOW, the State Department will do our very best to see that you are back, in time, for tomorrows presentation". When Robert Langdon noticed a guard, gesturing with his weapon, the professor would say "Lead the way". Outside of the auditorium, Robert Langdon was surprised to see a van, with WINDOWS, waiting for the group. When Robert Langdon would inquire "I thought governments always used window-LESS vans, for undercover activity". Amelia Armstrong would say "Normally, yes, that is true. When we made our primary report, to Washington, however, and your name came up, Washington suggested a less formal approach. We are to make you as comfortable as possible, while you are assisting us." Robert Langdon would learn the PRICE, for this "comfort" a few hours later, when the van stopped, far off of a side road, and soldiers surrounded the van. Amelia Armstrong would see Robert Langdons expression, and say "Since we are not certain of what we are dealing with, we thought it best to consider it hostile, until you tell us otherwise." When the soldiers lead the civilians into the brush, into a tunnel (WHY did bad things always have to be in tunnels? Robert Langdon would think) and down a corridor, into what Robert Langdon, immediately, recognized as an altar room. Before Amelia Armstrong would allow a sheet to be pulled away from something, tall, she would ask "Professor Langdon, when was the last time you ate?" When Robert Langdon would say "I ate a late lunch, maybe around two, or three, p.m. I was planning to have dinner after my final presentation, of the day" Amelia Armstrong would say "Good, that was several hours ago" (Robert Langdon would think "Dont remind me), then Amelia would say "Almost no chance of you getting sick, and us having to clean up the place". (What, the hell, was under the sheet, anyway?) From the moment when Amelia Armstrong gave the soldiers a signal, and the men rested their weapons, against the chambers walls, and began tugging on ropes, tied to the sheet, or canvas, and the covering fell away, Robert Langdon KNEW what he was looking at. There, standing before him, twenty-five feet tall, was what many would consider a statue of Satan. Robert Langdon, however, knew the truth. As a symbologist, it was his JOB to know such things. From the moment when Robert Langdon saw the supple shape, the legs were carved into, then the incredible amount, of detail, of the "female section" between the legs, then the incredible detail, of the breasts, Robert Langdon KNEW what would be under the rest of the covering. The only thing, which did not make sense, was the pair, of human legs, sticking out of the statues snout. When a soldier crossed himself, saying "It is Satan", Robert Langdon ould not believe that people, still, believed that every horned creature was Satan. When Amelia Armstrong would ask Robert Langdon "Well, what do you think?" Robert Langdon would say "First of all. This is NOT Satan." When Amelia Armstrong would ask "Beg pardon?" Robert Langdon would say "This is a large version, of an ancient art work, reportedly commissioned, by a priest, no less, as a way of teaching young men to avoid demptation. The name, of the original work, is "The Deception of Temptation". The symbology, being female, is, supposedly, to prove that women have inspired lust, in men, since the story of Adam and Eve". When Amelia Armstrong would ask "If this is supposed to be a woman, then WHY the horns, and snout?" Robert Langdon would say "Artistic License." When Amelia Armstrong would ask "Then, WHAT is the symbolism of that human body, in the snout? By the way, HOW did it get WAY UP there?" By this time, Robert Langdon would be examining the statue, in detail, and even borrowed a workers brush, to clean some joints. While he worked, he would ask "By the way, WHAT lead you to check out this place?" Amelia Armstrong would say "A local reported seeing some strangers, nearby, and reported them. The man said it wasn't unusual to see people about, but that these people had "funny", or "strange", outfits on. When the local went to see what was going on" Robert Langdon would say "Let me guess. He heard sounds, like chanting". When Amelia Armstrong would say "Why yes. How did you know?" Robert Langdon would remind her "I am a symbologist. I deal with strange things, everyday." Then he would add "I would bet your local heard what sounded like screeches, and groans, as well". When Amelia Armstrong would ask "HOW could you have know THAT? That information has NOT been released." Robert Langdon would continue his dusting, as he said "It is typical for such chambers to have to have what we, today, call "Animatronics". When Amelia Armstrong would ask "Without electricity? How would they work the devices?" Robert Langdon would say "I will show you, as soon as I FIND it". Sure enough, about an hour later, Robert Langdon found what he was looking for, then said "Follow me". With that, he moved into what had appearred to be a solid section, of wall, and into a rear section. Here, he found what he expected to find, including a mirror set up, similar to a submarine, and a set of levers, set into the wall. Robert Langdon would, then, post a soldier, in this section, saying "When I give this signal, I want you to pull the lever closest to you." The soldier would only say "How will I know, sir?" Robert Langdon would say "Just watch that mirror". When the rest of the group returned to the statue, and Robert Langdon would give the signal, Amelia Armstrong near jumped out of her skin, as the twenty-five foot tall "beast" seemed to bow its head, while kneeling, until the human legs were only an inch above the chamber floor. It was right when Amelia Armstrong was asking "How did they get the victim into the jaws?", when Robert Langdon would make the signal, for the second lever. A moment later, the snouts jaws opened, wide, and a teen girls body slumped to the floor. To all outward appearances, the body was made to look as if the "beast" had "gobbled" her up. Once the body was out of the snout, Robert Langdon, feeling claustrophobic with the statue now taking up so much of the space, while kneeling, gave the signal, for the third lever. The soldiers dropped their weapons, and stood, slack-jawed, for just a moment, as the statue stood back up, in its space. When Amelia Armstrong would gasp "HOW did they create all of this, without modern technology?" Robert Langdon would, only, ask "What makes you think they were more primitive than us?" When Amelia Armstrong would suggest "But, the lever, the wheel, all of that stuff. They are modern inventions, aren't they?" All Robert Langdon would answer was with "Are you sure we have not just RE-discovered, what they knew?" Looking up, at the statue, Amelia Armstrong was no-longer certain of much. As for the victims identity, it might seem ironic but the girls family was just being allowed to file a "Missing Persons" report, with the girls picture, when the morgue asked that the parents be sent down, for indentification. When the mother fainted, and the father, nearly had a heart attack, authorities were convinced they had the right family. What no one could understand was the HOW. After all, even when the school was contacted, staff verified that the girl had left class, just yesterday, to meet up with some friends, at an internet cafe, yet the friends said the girl never showed up. When Robert Langdon, cautiously, asked the parents "What do you know, of her after-school activities?" The father would ask "WHAT are you implying?" An officer would say "Just standard procedure, sir. We have to ask everyone." The father would say "She may not have been "perfect, but she was a GOOD girl." When Robert Langdon would review the records, provided by the girls school, whose staff had complied, with the investigation, fully, especially once they knew who the victim was, he would find out things, which led him on a "trail", similar to the Grail quest. Here, they had a young girl, missing less than twenty-four hours, yet stuffed into a statues snout. A girl, who life was not "perfect", but she was in the right age range. This is when Robert Langdon would remember his own work, with the rituals, of previous societies. Societies where, normally, only virgins were sacrificed, to the gods. Un-fortunately, in his work, as a historian, Robert Langdon had researched cases where, when people lived in fear, fo the unknown, or felt out-of-control, of their own lives, desperation had, too often, won out, over common sense. In some cases, girls, as young as five years, were sacrificed, in the desperate hope of appeasing an angry god. In other cases, boys bodies were chopped up, with the remains being left in places where certain beasts were said to feast. What, always, made Robert Langdon sick at his stomach, was how often the records stated that the victims had to be kept alive, during the mutilation process, for as long as possible. If the "sacrifice" was not "fresh enough", the god's protection would not be offered to the survivors. Robert Langdon was about to say "No way! This is the twenty-first century. We dont sacrifice virgins, anymore.", when he remembered the INFERNO virus, and the hysteria, which was causing people to do things, which normal people NEVER do. Things we would never even CONSIDER doing. This is when, most discreetly, and quietly, Robert Langdon would ask police "Have any other people, especially young women, gone missing, in the past few days?" A desk sargeant would say "A few, but dont worry. Most turn up, in a few days. When they get cold, hungry, or sick, they return home." When Robert Langdon would say "You said MOST. What about those, who do NOT return home?" The sargeant would say "most of those either end up, on the streets, seling their bodies, for drugs" When Robert Langdon would ask "OR?" The sargeant would say "Some are captured, by slavers. Sold to foreign lands, either as slaves, or for sex". When Robert Langdon began trying to see a "profile", of girls, most likely to be sacrificed, he had a hard time, since various cultures preferred either Blondes, OR Brunettes, OR Red Heads. When Robert Langdon over-heard Amelia Armstrong suggesting that the chamber be sealed off, to prevent sacrifice, Robert Langdon would ask "Do they know they have been discovered?" When the police would ask "WHO?" Robert Langdon would say "The group, which sacrificed this girl. Do they KNOW that we are on to them?" When Amelia Armstrong would ask the police, a detective would say "Not sure. I mean, the local called it in, but, by the time we got there. The place was empty". When Robert Langdon asked "DID you use your lights, or siren, enroute, to the chamber?" The sargeant would say "Since we didn't know what it was about, other than some people, in silly clothes, we saw no reason, to rush." This is when Robert Langdon would say "Then, we, still, have a chance". When Amelia Armstrong would ask "A chance at what?" Robert Langdon would say "If I am right, and this group thinks they remain secret, I am thinking that they may try more sacrifices". When Amelia Armstrong would ask "What on Earth for?" Robert Langdon would suggest "I think they are hoping for protection, from the INFERNO virus. They are hoping that enough human sacrifice will protect them from the viruses effects". When Amelia Armstrong would say "Professor, thats silly, bordering on stupid. This is a virus, not..." And Robert Langdon would say "a plague?" Then add "People are scared. A nut-case has released a contagion, which will cause who-knows-what. The longer an anti-virus takes, to develop, the more panicked, and desperate, people WILL become. You saw the news. Three governments had to bomb their own cities, because people were in such a panic that even federal troops would have made no difference". When the police sargeant would ask Robert Langdon "Sir, I know you are a professor. An educated man. Are you suggesting that we ALLOW this group to sacrifice more lives?" Robert Langdon would say "I am suggesting that we make it APPEAR that the group has not been discovered. Lett them set UP another sacrifice. Once we have the leaders, we can round up anyone else who might be involved. The goal is to catch Mr. Big", then Robert Langdon would look at Amelia Armstrong, and say "Or, Mrs. Big". Amelia Armstrong would say "I like MR. Big better."" Robert Langdon would say "Mr. Big, it is. Atleast until we are certain that it is not otherwise". Local police got their answer, the very next day, when a report came in, about a girl, being kidnapped, not just from school grounds, but right in front of a squad car. The officers, on location, would have to report "Un-able to pursue." When base would ask "What is your condition" The officers would report "Kidnappers must be using amour-piercing rounds. Shot holes on our front tires, blasted our radiator, and shattered our windshield. Advise all pursuit units Suspects considered armed, and DANGEROUS. Repeat: ARMED and DANGEROUS. Over". Within fifteen minutes, of this report, tacticle vans were armed, to the teeth, and prepared for all-out war. It was just a race to see who reached the chamber, first. While Tacticle was enroute, reports would come over the radio of "Unit down", and "officer down", even as the kidnappers sped their way to the chamber. When a tacticle commander would ask "What are they doing? TRYING for the death sentence?" Robert Langdon would remind the commander "People are scared. They are willing to try anything, which might save lives." The commander would ask "No matter how many lives it costs, to save them?" Robert Langdon would say "When people are desperate, they will try anything." Robert Langdon really HAD hoped to capture all, or atleast, PART, of the group, preferrably inside the chamber. If this were possible, it would help the police to encourage confessions. This is why Robert Langdon knew that the situation was going "straight to Hell", when, in response to the "ARMED-and-DANGEROUS" call, another tacticle unit had tried to cut off the kidnappers. Ofcourse, the units actions had nothing to do with heroics. The second unit was, simply, trying to prevent the kidnappers from blasting innocent civilians, who were attending a church service. From the radio calls, it would seem that, just as the kidnappers viewed the arrival, of a tacticle helicopter, equipped with a sharp-shooter, armed with a high-powered rifle Langdon, and Armstrongs team received the radio messages of "Mother of God", and "Jesus Christ". When the tacticle commander would call out "Sitrep. Status of kidnappers. Do they remain enroute?" The cold response was "The only place they are enroute to is Hell". When the tacticle commander would bark "Define that!" The helicopter sniper would report "Sir, shortly after kidnappers spooted our helicopter, the kidnappers blew themselves up". When the commander would call out "ANY survivors?" The tacticle unit would report "We will begin search, immediately. Just dont expect more than a few body parts, though". When Amelia Armstrong would ask "What else can happen?" Robert Langdon would say "Careful. When people are scared..." and Amelia would say "I know. I know." When Amelia would, suddenly, remember her promise, to Professor Langdon, then she would say "I am sorry to have to ask you this, professor" Robert Langdon would say "Dont be. I had a feeling about this ride. I just didn't want my feeling to be right". When Amelia would say "The State Department can arrange your accomodations, while you are working with us. Anything you need, just ask". Robert Langdon would say "Well, I could use a shower, food, and some rest". Amelia would smile as she said "I think we can arrange that". Yes, Robert Langdon DID remember his previous challenges, regarding religious zealots. Boy! Did he remember being hunted, by those who were determined to prevent the knowledge, that Jesus Christ had living descendants, from becoming public knowledge. After that, Robert Langdon had to deal, with other, religious, zealots. This time, people who were deterrmined to re-make the Roman Catholic Church, in their own image. Ofcourse, Vatican City was no "fan", of Robert Langdon, for proving that Jesus Christ had living descendants. There was, however, the balancing fact that, the most recently installed pope was the same man, whom Langdon had saved, from drowning, in a fountain. The very same man who, upon his ordination, had ordered the church to allow Professor Langdon access to Vatican records. Now, yet another, zealot had released a form of virus, causing public panic, after the zealot had gone insane, and plunged to their death. And, NO! Roberrt Langdon did NOT expect any REAL effort, from Sienna Brooks. The reason why was simple. Sienna Brooks BELIEVED that the purge was "necessary". Langdon figureed that, if anything, Sienna would do her best to sabotage the work, on a vaccine, rather than help the public. By the time Langdon, Armstrong, and their unit, caught up with the other unit, which was investigating the explosion, the bomb squad commander had terrible news. As the bomb squad commander would say "Who ever packed this van did not know what they were doing." When Amelia Armstrong would ask "Why do you say that?" The bomb squad commander would say "We found C-4 residue everywhere. The floor, walls, and roof. That van was carrying enough explosives to blast Parliament." This is when Amelia Armstrong would say "Combine that with armour-piercing ammunition..." The bomb squad commander would add "My question is WHERE did they get all of this stuff?" As Amelia Armstrong and Robert Langdon, looked upon the destruction, caused by the van bomb, both came to understand why the soldiers had radioed things like "Mother of God", and "Jesus Christ". These had not been profanities. The soldiers just had no other words to describe how a van had blown itself up, taking an entire city block, on either side of the road, out, in the same explosion. What surprised Amelia Armstrong was that, when she commented "I guess thats the end of that", Robert Langdon had said "Dont bet on that. INFERNO is, still, out there, and we have no vaaccine. You should expect MORE, like this, before this is over with". Later, back at the State Department, when Amelia Armstrong checked in, with Washington, regarding progress towards the needed vaccine, Amelia was informed just what Robert Langdon had told her to expect to hear. Sienna Brooks had been removed, even from project consultancy. Reason: Experts realized that Sienna was not only not leading the team towards a vaccine. Sienna was, actually, leading the team towards the creation of an even more potent version, of INFERNO. Even in her prison cell, Sienna Brooks just could not understand why events were not un-folding, as INFERNO projections had showed that events would un-fold. The world was not, quietly, sitting back, and "letting Nature take its course". Sienna was, also, certain that her jailers were taunting her, showing her only the news, of even more suicide cults, whose members were taking thier own lives. Sienna wondered how people could think so irrationally. INFERNO was mankinds SALVATION. Why could these people NOT understand that? Sienna had wanted to file a formal protest, when she was removed from INFERNO research. After all, if they wanted her to find a "cure", FIRST, she had to re-create the original strain. Without the model, to work from, there was no basis, for a "cure". Sure, Sienna had dabbled, with making the strain even more potent. Her goal, however, had been to find out what MIGHT happen if someone did, in fact, weaponize INFERNO. Sienna had just been in the process of documenting how potent a new strain, of INFERNO, would be, for her report, to the W.H.O., when her lab access had been removed. The fools! Now, they would have to finish the work, with-OUT the assistance of the most qualified person, on the planet. Since her lab access had been removed, Sienna had been left with nothing to do except read any books the prison library had. If she stayed here, much longer, she would go insane. She needed mental stimulation. She needed challenges. Her mind was only "at piece", when she was working on a problem. As for Robert Langdon, he did not care that his suite, at the State Department was, no doubt under surveillance. All he cared about was a hot shower, some food, then bed. When Amelia checked in, with security, a short while after she and Langdon, had parted ways, a guard played back the video, showing a freshly showered Langdon yawning his way, to the bed, where his fresh clothes awaited. The "funny" part was that, as soon as he sat, on the bed, wearing just a towel, he had collapsed, dead tired. Amelia suggested "Let his room service wait until he stirs. He has had a very long day". Security would agree. For some, unknown, reason that night, Robert Langdon kept dreaming about the ending of the movie "Beneath the Planet of the Apes". The part, were Orson Wells does his voice-over, saying, in part, "An insignificant planet is now...DEAD". When Robert Langdon awoke, not even realizing that he had fallen asleep, he considered which was most important. A fresh shave, or a meal. When he decided a shave was most important, to a "professional" appearance, Robert Langdon was just finishing shaving, when room service brought him some food. That, and a message. Since it had been so long, since his previous meal, Robert Langdon would swallow the meal, with "relish", before even considering the note. What surprised him, however, were the contents of the note: "Professor Langdon. The criminal, Sienna Brooks, is requesting an audience, with you, at your earliest convenience. The criminal refuses to discuss her reason with anyone, except you." At first, Robert Langdon could not have cared, LESS, if the bio-terrorist had come, on her hands and knees, begging for an audience. But, this was only until he used the rooms internet connection, and accessed the research work, being done, on INFERNO. In his inbox, Robert Langdon found that, while he had slept, relatively peacefully, the world was gone, further, into chaos. Dozens, of suicide cults had sprung up, taking as many as five million lives, in an effort to avoid INFERNO. More cities had been bombed, by direct orders of federal governments. Police departments were evacuating their staffs, as civil un-rest made both America's Revolutionary, and Civil, wars, seem like sunday picnics, by comparison. To Robert Langdons deepest horror, though, there were, now, reports, coming in, of families, executing their own children. When arrests were made, parents told authorities the same story, time after time, even in different cities, and different nations. Parents were so convinced that INFERNO would "infect" their children, causing slow, lingering, agonizing, death, that concerned parents, not wanting children to suffer, from this terrible disease, had placed their children "beyond" INFERNO's "reach". Now, authorities had to decide if these parents were murderers. This brought Robert Langdon right back to Sienna Brooks request for a visit. Robert Langdon just wondered WHY Sienna wanted to see him. She MUST know that Langdon did NOT agree with her genocidal plan, for reducing Earths population. He remembered telling her, of his opposition, to her FACE. Still, as the symbologist reviewed the photo's, of the mass deaths, he could not help wondering what he could do, to help. Since Robert Langdon KNEW that he was needed, where he was, he would go to Amelia Armstrong, asking "Would you set up a conference call, so that I may speak, with her, without leaving this area?" Robert Langdon would be surprised when Amelia Armstrong would say "Professor, we can do better than that. This is the age, of video conferencing. Give us about ten munites, and you can speak to the criminal, face-to-face, as it were." Ten minutes later, while Robert Langdon was seated in a chair, normally reserved for high-ranking officials, he watched as Sienna Brooks was dragged on-screen, and cuffed to a simple, metal, chair. When Robert Langdon saw that Sienna Brooks was about to go into her bantering, about how mankind HAD to be purged, he cut her off, saying "I understand that you wanted to speak to me. Make it quick, since we DONT have much time." Sienna Brooks would begin with "I am hoping that you will understand my reasons, when I tell you WHY I not only re-created the virus, but my rationale, for creating a more advanced version." When Langdon, emotionless, would say "I am listening", Sienna would go on, to say "It seemed simple logic. Re-engineer the virus to understand its components." When Langdon would ask "The more advanced version?" Sienna would say "Robert, while re-engineering the virus, I had the thought of "What would happen if the virus were weaponized?"" When Langdon would suggest "So, YOU weaponized it, correct?" Sienna would say "To study its effects, so that you would recognize it, IF an event occurred." When Langdon would ask "Did you report this to the W.H.O.?"" Langdon saw Amelia Armstong shaking her own head, even as Sienna said "I wanted to finish the review, before presenting my findings. I wanted to present these people with a full, and complete, report." When Langdon cut to the chase, asking "WHY did you want to talk to me?" Sienna would seem to sulk, for a moment, before saying "Robert, I am just so confused. Despite every scenario that we ran, while creating INFERNO, not one, of the computer models included people acting so irrationally, including killing one another. Robert, what is WRONG with these people? No one is acting as the projections said that people should react? Would you tell me why these people are acting so irrationally?" Langdon would TRY to spell it out, for her: "Sienna, we talking about human beings, NOT computer projections. Computers do NOT understand compassion, love, or the "will to live". It would be no different than you, or I, travelling to the Klingon Empire, and trying to understand their way of life, with no reference point." When Sienna would say "But, Robert, my jailers have informed me that people are killing their own children, to "protect" the children from what is, clearly, a non-lethal, virus. It makes no sense. The children WONT die, from INFERNO. Neither will adults. WHY are people killing themselves over something which will not kill them?" Robert would remind Sienna of atleast three civilizations, which he had studied. In each case, after either Earthquakes, or flood's, a panicked population made a HUGE, sacrificial, offering, to the gods, in order to save villages from more destruction. Hundreds of animals, and teens, were sacrificed, as a panicked population prayed to its gods, for protection against further cataclysm. By modern standards, the people had acted "monstrously". Based upon the religion, of THEIR day, though, their actions were justified since, after the sacrifices, no further tragedies befell the population. When Sienna would ask "Robert, please tell me that this madness will end, soon." Langdon would say "I doubt that will happen, until we find an antidote, for INFERNO." When Sienna would ask "Robert! What are you saying? I mean, the death toll, for just the past month, has, FAR exceeded the projected number, for the next three decades." Langdon would say "People are frightened. They dont see an end, to this nightmare. They will try ANYTHING, which will protect their loved ones." When Sienna would ask "Robert, you are not suggesting..." and Langdon would say "Yes, if people are afraid enough, and panicked, enough, they will even make "un-holy" deals." It was just as Sienna was saying "We never projected this. Not one, single, time. It was never PROJECTED" This is when Amelia Armstrong would whisper, to Langdon, who would, then, tell Sienna "I have to go, if that is all you wanted to tell me". Sienna would ask "Just one favor." When Langdon would ask "What?" Sienna asked Have them put me BACK in the research team. Since I have re-created the virus, I would have the best chance of finding an antidote". Lagndon would "spell it out": "Not a chance, Sienna. For all we know, you could grow a strain, to which you, alone, are immune. A strain, which would wipe out the rest of humanity. No deal!" Langdon did not buy the "repentent soul" routine, even as Sienna would whisper "You must think me a monster". While Langdon half-listened the the criminals plea's, he was more focused on what Amelia Armstrong had in her hands. Recon photo's, which jogged, in Langdon's mind, memories, of the horror scene, found in Jonestown, Guyanna. It had been the late 1970's, and, at that time, suicide cults were nothing more than sub-plots, in horror movies. That is, until a compound, built by the Reverend James Jones, had been "infiltrated", by government agents, posing as followers of the reverend. While the agents had reported that Jim Jones was having the people, in his compound, practicing "suicide drills", for the event that the "evil, of the outside world", ever attacked, Jonestown would "defend" itself, by mass suicide. When federal agents stopped reporting in, a recon flight had been sent in, to the area, and the pilots were left speechless, by what they found. The mass, of dead bodies, would have made sense, had there been a major attack, on the compound, yet, when the property was checked, by armed soldiers, the report stated that there was no property damage. Just dead bodies. Robert Langdon had been just a young student, at the time, and had not, fully, grasped, what these people had done. Years later, when David Koresh, and the Branch Dividians, had staged a similar situation, in Waco Texas, Professor Langdon had hoped that history would NOT repeat itself. Unlike Jonestown, Guyanna, however, where the bodies had not been found until AFTER the fact, in Waco, there had been national news coverage, as the Branch Dividians had held off a massive number, of armed, federal, troops, using weapons equal to those the military carried. While the federal governement had INSISTED that Waco was an "un-qualified success", the general public had not agreed. As a result, Waco went from being a national success story, for law enforcement, to being known as the worst crime, against civilians, since World War Two. The national media had "crucified" the Justice Department, showing footage of heavily armoured tanks smashing through the walls, of the Branch Dividians compound, killing who knows how many people, and all just to take a small number, of survivors into custody. Now, Robert Langdon had, in his hands, more proof that mankind was panicking, in the face of disaster. Yet another compound, full of bodies. That, and the note, which soldiers had found, at the site. It read: The day of judgement is at hand. Rapture is upon the world. May the dear Lord have mercy on our souls. A-Men When Amelia would lower her voice, saying "That is the fifth, such, letter we have discovered, in the past forty-eight hours." When Robert Langdon lowered his voice, as well, asking "How many bodies, this time?" Amelia Armstrong would say "We are, still, counting, but atleast one, of our commanders, on the ground, is wagering atleast 1,000, this time." When Amelia would suggest "Maybe we SHOULD offer, to let the criminal advise the team. If she did re-create the virus, maybe she can help them find an antidote". Langdon would say "Or, MAYBE, she might perfect a better delivery system. Can we, really, trust her?" When Amelia would ask "Do we have a choice?" Robert Langdon would look at Amelia Armstrong, saying "Amelia, it has been nice knowing you. I say this because you and I are about to meet the Devil, and shake his leathered claw. Are you ready for this?" Amelia would, only ask "Do I have a choice?" When Robert Langdon renewed his contact, with the prison, his instructions, to Sienna were clear. "I want you to write down EVERYTHING you did. Every detail. If you will have this ready, when I arrive, witht the State Department, then we will CONSIDER allowing you to return to the research team. Agreed?" Sienna would half-whisper "Agreed". While in transit, to the prison, Robert Langdon, and Amelia Armstrong, would receive MORE bad news. Military sources, in seven nations, would make alarming reports, stating that recon units, having been dispatched, when MORE undercover agents had gone "quiet", in militant strongholds, had found more, human, devastation. In the worst case, an agent had broken "silence", making contact, with their base, just hours before the compounds leader had stated "The day of Judgement is at hand. May the Lord be praised, to cal his children home". The agents last message was "They are preparing to inject anyone, who does not drink the poison." By the time a division, of federal soldiers, reached the compound, all that was left were dead bodies. What "spooked" the soldiers, most, however, was that the suicides appearred to be happy. According to Amelia Armstrong, what concerned the Statte Department, was the fact that the death toll, so far, was over twenty million. Amelia was, also, instructed to ask Robert Langdon "Washington wants to know if further "damage" can be prevented, if we just circulate a rumor, that a vaccine is under development, and soon, to be released." Professor Robert Langdon knew that, even in America, this type, of trickery, had been used, before. In fact, it had been used TOO often. Americans, now, no-longer believed these words, until the words were backed by proof. Then Robert Langdon had a thought. It is, widely, known that, during World War Two, that, whille the Third Riech had fed the German people false information, claiming that, when the Allies made their way into Germany, that German women would face wholesale rape, by as many as twelve, allied, soldiers, at a time, while German men would be executed, on-site. No trial, just killed, for being German. German children would be cooked, and served, as dinner, to allied forces. Ofcourse, Berlin had no "corner" on the propaganda market. The people, of America, and Britain, would be told that, if the Germans were not stopped, that the women, of allied nations, would, ALSO, face gang rape, while men would be tortured, then killed, and children would be killed, just for the "fun", of it. Now, Robert Langdon was wondering if a similar form, of propaganda might be the only way, to SAVE lifes, until an antidote WAS found. The "trick" would be making the information believable. Robert Langdon knew that he would not have to ask if the U.S. Government had such a section. The section had been working, almost "round-the-clock", creating "evidence", of planned attacks, on U.S. soil, ever since the American people had, first, dennounced George Walker Bush, for demanding to take the Oval Office, after LOSING Decision 2000. Since that time, the "propaganda" section had been working, tirelessly, to CREATE evidence, that America was in "mortal danger", of attack. "In the beginning", the American people had been hesitant, to accept the "threats", as real. Then came September 11th, 2001. A masterpiece, of propaganda. Instilling mortal terror, of additional attacks, in the American people, and allowing Washington to attack anyone they chose, so long as the attacks made the American people feel "safe". Since that day, Americans had been willing to accept nearly anything, which the propaganda section had created. Including the so-called "Weapons of Mass Destruction". While the academic community, including Professor Robert Langdon, had been opposed to all, such, forms, of DECEIT, in the past, NOW, with an international crisis, growing, out of control, Robert Langdon was considering whether such deceit could be used to SAVE lives? By the time the plane landed, and the unit was escorted, to the prison, the death toll was up to thirty million. Yes, people who were in FEAR of their lives, will do very drastic things. FEAR, never seems to lose, to LOGIC. By the time Robert Langdon, and the group, of C.D.C. sccientists, working with the W.H.O., began reviewing Sienna Brooks notes, even Robert Langdon was impressed with the womans methodology. This was even before the scientists praised her note-taking, themselves. It would take days, just to understand the notes, yet, everyone, present, was in agreement, over Sienna's notes, and rationale, about the creation of a weaponized form, of the virus. Even when the notes cautioned how, if the virus were weaponized, that simply as shooting down such a missile, would be just as effective, at dispersing the virus, as allowing the substance to strike its target. The one thing Robert Langdon had hoped NEVER to have to do was give a presentation, on how LYING to the public, would SAVE lives. Giving out false information, in order to quiet panic. As both the worlds militaries, and satellite recon, showed a mounting body count, even as rumors spread, like wild-fire, claiming that INFERNO would cause all manner, of pain, sickness, torture, before death, Robert Langdon figured that some POSITIVE propaganda could not hurt. After all, it would by the world TIME, to find an antidote. With an estimated, global, body count, of 75 million, Robert Langdon would decide that, yes, it was time, to LIE to the public, to gain precious time. The lie, however, would have to be well-tailored, in order to be accepted. This is why, during his presentation, Robert Langdon would be heard to say "In this, current, crisis, rumor, innuendo, and so on, are taking many more lives, than INFERNO could have hoped to. Although I have been an adamant opponent, of spreading lies, for any reason, over my career, I feel that, at this time, a few, well-intentioned lies might be just whatt people need, to be able to relax, and take stock, before taking more, rash, actions. At last report, the body count was up to seventy-five million, world-wide, within just a very short time. According to one of the co-creators, of INFERNO, this was, never, expected. The sources own, theoretical, models, only showed, maybe, two million, additional deaths, per YEAR. This, un-precidented, increase, in deaths, should be considered just as critical as the plot-line, of the movie, Alien Nation, would have been. This movie, if you will recall, posited that a damaged, alien, craft, would strand one quater of a million aliens, on our plant. A further strain on both the planet, and our population. More beings seeking employment, needing houses, and food. This, on a planet, where people are, already, starving, by the millions. Now, we are looking at, basically, the reverse, of "Alien Nation". Our planet is becoming de-populated, just as rapidly as the Soviet sector, of occupied Germany, after World War Two. For the benefit of those whose field of extertise does NOT include history, alow me to summarize: During World War Two, the allies lived under the mistaken assumption that all Germans were dedicated Nazi's. This mis-conception would be equal to todays mis-conception, that all Americans endorsed, and supported, Mr. Bush's actions, between 2001-9. During World War Two, the allies could not conceive that the German people were just trying to survive, by being silent, under the oppressive dictatorship, of Adolf Hitler, the Gestapo, and the S.S.. It was only AFTER Adolf Hitler, and the Nazi's, were removed from power, that the German people were able to "breathe", again. At that time, under the Allied Kommandantura, Germans hoped to re-build their nation, and their lives. What no one foresaw, at that time, was that the Soviets, under Joseph Stalin, had his OWN plans, for Germany. While England, France, and the United States, wanted to re-start the post-war, German, civilian, and industrial, economy, to allow thhe German to re-built their lives, Joseph Stalin wanted Communist planning, in the Soviet controlled sector, known as East Germany. While the Germans hoped that the Allied Kommandantura would allow Germany to re-take its place, in the world economy, the Germans, in the Eastern sector would face a bitter reality. This reality would come the day when Joseph Stalin pulled Russia OUT of the Allied Kommandantura, while announcing that Communism would be the way of life, in East Germany. Now, when the people, of East Germany came to understand that they had traded one dictator, in Adolf Hitler, for another dictator, in Joseph Stalin, so began an exodus, as the people, of East Germany began packing what they could carry, and heading for the Western sectors. As the Eastern sector, ruled by the Communists, saw its population shrinking, at an alarming rate, as people abandoned homes, farms, and so on, to travel to the Western sector, ruled by the allied powers, the population, of East Germany was at a projected loss, of 25% of its population, before Moscow gave permission to stop the Germans from leaving the Soviet sector. This was, by the way, a desperate effort, to save East Germany from becoming nothing more than vacant properties. As history reminds, us, though, the German people found most ingenious, dangerous, and, sometimes, deadly, ways, to escape the Soviet sector. By the time that Ronald Reagan declared the Soviet Union an "evil empire", vowing that America would "destroy this menace", Soviet Russia had spent so much money, on the Berlin Wall, trying to force the East Germans to stay in the East, that East Germany was left bankrupt, to the point where the Communists had to begin selling prisoners to the west. During the decades, of what was known as the "Cold War", East Germany continued losing its population, to the west, even as the Communists, and the West, tried various, propaganda, ploys, in order to seduce the people from one side, or the other. The primary purpose, of such deceit, was to encourage people to BELIEVE that one way of life was better than the other. This, I believe, should be our message, in this current crisis. I would suggest that, until an actual antidote is created, that the public should be "tricked" into believing that progress is moving, faster than anyone thought. It is my suggestion that pharmaceutical companies use the concept, of the double-blind, giving the public placebo injections, which will hold INFERNO "at bay", until a real antidote can be found". When an attendee would ask "Professor Langdon, what happens when people realize that birth rates are continuing to decline? What do we tell women, who have gotten off of birth control, in order to conceive, yet are unable to do so?" When Robert Langdon would say "We tell them "Better luck next time"". The attendee would ask "Wont the women be suspicious?" Robert Langdon, who never claimed to be an expert, on anatomy, would say "You know, women DO have un-protected sex, on a regular basis, as do men. Not every act, of intercourse, leads to conception." It was when the attendee would ask "Professor Langdon, WHAT do we tell women, when they WANT to conceive, but cannot?! Dont the women deserve to know the truth?" When Robert Langdon would ask "What IS the "truth"? That some women are just not "lucky enough" to be "baby machines"?" To his personal shame, Robert Langdon would be relieved when two, armed, guards would escort the attendee out of the presentation. After the removal, Robert Langdon would remind the attendance "A co-creator, of INFERNO, has informed me that INFERNO is, by no means lethal. The rumors, of suffering, and death, are being spawned by public panic, over "What IF". It will be our job, not so much to lie, to the public, as to calm the public. Re-assure the public that the "Grim Reaper" is NOT on the prowl." When asked "What do we do with cases, where people are so irrational, that they cannot see the forrest, for the tree's?" Robert Langdon would say "These people will need rather intense healthcare. Yes, people are afraid. We need more people, on the "streets", who respond more like ministers. People who can "preach" HOPE, until a real solution is found. When asked "Just how LONG will a solution take?" Robert Langdon would say "Pardon my saying so, but, you have, apparently, mis-identified me, as a medical professor. I am, in fact, a Professor of Symbology. It would be in-approriate for me to answer medical research questions". It was after the presentation, that Robert Langdon would find out, via Amelia Armstrong, "That person, the one who was escorted out of the presentation", When Robert Langdon would ask "Who were they?" Amelia would say "Just as you predicted. The opposition sent a "rabble-touser", to upset your presentation." "So, Sienna was right", Robert Langdon would say. "I am afraid so" Amelia Armstrong would agree. Back at the research center, Sienna Brooks was rec-checking her samples, for, maybe, the 100th time. She had to be CERTAIN, before she committed to taking any action. Just because samples APPEARRED to show certain results, this did not mean that the results were accurate. This is one reason why INFERNO had been tested so thoroughly. They had to be CERTAIN of its effects. Something, somewhere, must have gone wrong. It MUST have. Otherwise, the results did not make sense. INFERNO was, only, supposed to cause sterility. Sienna spent DAYS, re-checking samples, and re-creating new batches, while reporting on the failed samples. Sienna was trying to figure out where SHE had gone wrong. For some reason, HER batch, of INFERNO, was not acting, as the original sample had. WHERE could she have gone wrong? When Sienna Brooks asked the other scientists to check her work, line by line, for her mistake, seventy reviews, later, and all Sienna Brooks had was "You have performed, correctly." When Sienna would ask "How can that be. My samples do not act like the original batch". When a scientist would ask "How do you know that the first batch was not flawed, as well?" Sienna would say "Impossible! We checked, double, and triple, checked, everything. The doctor did not even order the Solubon bag, until after dozens of tests displayed the same results." When the scientist would ask "We the tests live action, or computer simulations?" Sienna would say "Some were simulations. But those were to determine effect. The disperal tests were live action." When the scientist would ask "So, you were present for each, and everyu test, correct?" Sienna would ask "What do you mean?" The scientist would say "I mean, did the doctor perform ALL tests, in the presense, of his staff?" Sienna would have to think, before she said "Not every test. However, the doctor NEVER withheld any test results." It was when the scientist would ask the simple question "Are you SURE?" Sienna never thought to question this, before. The only reason why the scientist thought about it was because neither the C.D.C., NOR W.H.O., allowed scientists to work alone. There was, always, another person, present, "just in case". If a researcher was harmed, or in-capacitated, the assistant could call the alarm in. This was a primary reason why "research assistants" existed. When the combined, research, team, reviewed Sienna Brooks results, she was distraught when the team agreed with her findings. Her mentor had gone completely, mentally, un-balanced, during his final months. He was so paranoid, about life, that he had created something even worse than sterility. His "targetted time bomb", was not just targetted at causing the re-productive glands to terminate operation. No, this was just phase one. Phase Two began the shut down, of various organs. Those not considered "essential" to the body's operation. No matter how hard the researchh team worked, to a different result, the same conclusion "Bit them, in the ass", every time. The final phase, of INFERNO, was a complete shutdown, of the body. For the "luckiest" ones, INFERNO would cause pulmonary malfunction, while the people remained mobile. In these cases, the herat would just stop pumping. In the worst case scenarrio, the body would, gradually, shut down, leaving victims to die slow deaths, in hospital beds. It was at THIS point when Sienna Brooks found herself "in her element". She had an intellectual problem, to solve, and she would not quit until she had an answer. (She just would not tell anyone, about the note, in her cell.) While the team was busy, de-constructing INFERNO, Robert Langdon was aiding the propaganda section, in creating the most realistic lies, which had been produced, in YEARS. These lies, though, were simple. Well known performers, from the entertainment industry, would be vaccinated, while encouraging others to take the same. The video's would show how, after being vaccinated, that people went on, to film movies, television, play sports, and so on. The vaccination would, even, be code-named, to give it more appeal. (No one needed to know that the shots were nothing more than time-released vitamins.) By the time Sienna Brooks, and her collegues, came up with the antidote, for INFERNO, the propaganda had slowed the genocide, to the point where, when the public was innoculated, the world-wide death toll, had eased out, at somewhere near two billion victims. While Sienna Brooks was relieved to have averted catastrophy, th problem, of population, still, remained. HOW to convince the world that humans were destroying the planet. Mankind HAD to be DEALT with. In the STRONGEST, possible, terms. In Sienna Brooks final report, she emphasized the NEED to eradicate half of the worlds population. This was IMPERATIVE, if the planet was to survive. Her recommendation: A SAFER form, of INFERNO. This version, targetted, better than the previous one. Mmankind had to be DEALT with. There was NO alternative! While Sienna Brooks was denied access to any drugs, the scientists hhad forgotten that this woman had achieved medical wonders, even during her adolescence. This is why, even without access, too deadly drugs, Sienna Brooks had found the proper chemicals, and mixed enough, of common elements, to kill ten people. After consuming the mixture, Sienna Brooks had goone to her cell, and lay down, as if for a nap. It was not until she did not take dinner, nor breakfast, that prison staff entered her cell, to find Sienna dead. When the cell was searched, for drugs, all that was found, was the note, which said: I WONT live in a world, which WE are ALL destroying, with over-population. Until the planets population is forced to be reduced to under one billion people, there is no hope, for any of us. The planet MUST be CLEANSED of man. When Amelia Armstrong would suggest "Was she as mental, as her mentor, or was she just concerned, and did not know HOW to express herself." Robert Langdon had no answer, for this. The only thing Robert Langdon could suggest was that people not be denied access to the ancient temples. Due to this emergency, Robert Langdon had been forced to realize how cruel mankind could be. While scientists had sought a cure, for an act, of terrorism, the one part, which Robert Langdon had played, which he did not relish, was th part of being a "tour guide", leading soldiers to find temples, where human sacrifice had taken hold, during this time of un-certainty. In some temples, Robert Langdon could only assume that people thought that multiple sacrifices would placate the gods. This, he assumed, since multiple bodies were found in the same snout, at the same time. Then, ofcourse, there was all the blood, drenching the temple floors. People were so panicked that they didn't even bother to clean up, after sacrifices. So many innocent lives taken. So many people dead. Robert Langdon wondered if mankind truly were heading for that concluding moment of "Beneath the Planet of the Apes". What would future explorers think, of the human race. Would they think of us as civilized, or savage? After so much killing, in such a short time. What would other civilizations think of us? Would our civilization become the next version of the "legend" of Atlantis? Robert Langdon just wanted to return to his work, with Symbology. Return to the university, and try to forgot his many, deadly, adventures. Between the Grail quest, defeating church radicals, and, now, genocidal maniacs. Robert Langdon wished for the quiet atmosphere, of the class room. A place where HE was in charge. Not being chased by those who wanted to change the world. For a moment, the professor would contemplate "I wonder what other maniacs are out there?", but he waived the thought away, saying "Its not my concern". I am a teacher, not an adventurer.