by J.P Jackson
Taylor was clean shaven, dressed in a smart black dinner suit with polished shoes. He squirmed at the hot lights, set his carcinogen free cigarette in the ashtray then crossed his legs when the camera went live. The audience applauded and the presenter welcomed those watching at home back to the show.
"Thank-you again Dr. Taylor for granting us your time. We know how valuable it is."
"I know there are a lot of questions out there, Ron. I'm happy to answer as many as I can."
The audience cheered and Taylor smiled vaguely, feeling the weight of the powerless torch, concealed under his right sleeve.
"As you can imagine," Ron said, holding a set of thick cards, "we have been inundated with questions from all over the globe. People are calling you a hero, others a villain. Dr. Taylor, what do you say to those who accuse you of being the chief cause of recent events?"
Taylor remained stony faced. "I take full responsibility for the consequences of my actions. I haven't been charged for anything yet and don't expect to be. We all want someone to blame, Ron. Right now I believe it's time the people concentrate on building a better future. General Wertz has restored some order to the nation and I was delighted to hear about upcoming elections. We're taking steps in the right direction."
Ron ruffled through his cards, overwhelmed by long questions and limited time.
"One of the most popular questions, Dr. Taylor, concerns the lion. Do we have a live feed of the beast?" he mumbled at his producer. "Yes, yes we do."
Ron brought Taylor and the world's attention to a monitor. The fuzzy image overlooked a large glass cage with armed guards stationed around it. In one corner sat the wounded and revenge starved Apophis.
Taylor leaned forward on his seat as Apophis turned his head toward the camera. The lion peered hatefully into the lens and Taylor peered back until the feed died.
"What should the people of Earth do with a creature who tried to destroy it?" Ron asked, returning to his cards.
Taylor blinked as if brought out of a daze. "Take him to The Hague. Let the court decide."
Taylor rubbed sweating palms on his thighs, sat back and took another question, for a world needing answers.
*
