Betrayal
Golden Force: The Source (Chapter 7)
Sofia’s hands rested on the case, ready to open it, when the lights moved to the end of the stage and the atmosphere shifted. George Sand calmly walked onto the stage, followed by Dr. Viktor Andrys. The same Viktor, who was supposed to be on leave in Cairo, carried a sleek case similar to the one already on the stage. Oh my God, what did George do to Viktor? The tension in the audience was palpable. The music stopped and the advertising headline filled the giant screen: A NEW ERA OF HAPPINESS AWAITS. George Sand flashed his trademark grin.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I give my deepest thanks to Dr. Bulsara for her phenomenal work,” he said, placing his left hand theatrically over his heart. “Her research has given birth to something truly unique.” George Sand hijacked Sofia’s presentation seamlessly and perfectly timed. Viktor stepped forward and opened the case he was holding. Inside, resting in velvet-lined padding, was only the pineal gland activator as a microchip without the crown. No larger than a thumbnail, its core pulsed with faint blue light.
“HAPPINESS FOR ALL …,” George Sand exclaimed and held the microchip between his thumb and forefinger, raising it so the blue light pulsed hypnotically above the audience, “FREE!”
With his other hand, he traced a line from his temple to the center of his forehead, then made a twisting motion as if screwing something in.
“One simple procedure,” he said, “and your pineal gland becomes the gateway to permanent bliss. A gift from SAND Labs to a world desperate for relief.” He paused. The audience sat transfixed, uncertain whether to applaud or gasp, waiting for the next scene in the dramatic tension. A numeric countdown 88:00:00:00 appeared on all walls.
“The Happiness Microchip will go live in just eighty-eight days.” George Sand pointed to the countdown. “But you don’t have to wait. Get yours tomorrow so that you are ready when we switch HAPPINESS on.”
The countdown started. 79:59:59:59 and a thunder of applause erupted. The audience surged to their feet, lost in euphoria. Happiness for all. Sofia stood at the eye of the storm, motionless and speechless. Her blouse clung to her back, soaked in sweat. Her breath came in sharp, shallow bursts. Her hands finally managed to move and took the unopened case with her sensory crown from the glass pedestal. Her legs felt heavy. The floor beneath her seemed to shift like an earthquake. I’ve built this. I’ve given them the blueprint. Serotonin is the new world currency! OMG! My signature is on this madness! Sofia had to face the truth. Her most trusted friend, the very man who assisted her in designing the crown, had betrayed her.
George grabbed shocked Sofia by her upper arm, and guided her offstage. She stumbled forward, her body moving on instinct. Viktor grinned triumphantly and lifted the case containing the microchip high above his head with his arms extended. While the crowd roared, Sofia’s world collapsed. George had positioned her as the architect of horror, Viktor as a silent accomplice, and himself as the benevolent king.
Viktor watched the crème de la crème of the scientific world surround them. George Sand worked the crowd—handshakes, shoulder claps, photos. Viktor stood on one side, holding the case with the microchip, while Sofia, on George’s left, clutched the case with the sensory crown. Not once did George Sand gesture toward Viktor or mention his name. The microchip was his idea and breakthrough. Sofia stood there and received praise she hadn’t earned. Someone pushed past him to reach Sofia. “Congratulations, Dr. Bulsara! You saved us! You saved the world!” When Sofia abruptly pulled away from George’s grip and demanded privacy, Viktor felt a surge of bitter satisfaction. Let her tantrum. He was going to make sure that his name would be more than a mere footnote to her legacy.
Sofia exploded the moment the door shut behind them.
“How could you?” Sofia collapsed onto the couch.
George remained calm, with his hands folded, and relaxed posture, like a parent witnessing a random tantrum of a child.
“People don’t want healing, Sofia. They want happiness. And we’re giving it to them,” he said in low and deliberate voice.
Sofia’s hands covered her face.
George continued, unimpressed. “I knew you’d be against the microchip. It’s your algorithm—just a little … elevated. It can produce and extract serotonin. This is a completely new ball game, Sofia.”
Sofia thought of Ivan Koslow’s story. Her mind kept cycling through the same loop, trying to deny the reality that loomed over her like a storm cloud, but her heart knew the truth.
“But you know the truth, Sofia,” George added, his tone softened to something almost sincere. “You’re the mastermind behind this magic. Well done! Humanity will be at your knees!” George Sand applauded, turned around and left the room.
…the rest is in the book.
Welcome to the world of Golden Force. I’ll be back with more next Thursday. If you’d like to keep reading, I’m inviting you to get your copy on goldenforceworld.com.