67 Chapter 67: The Art Of Puppeteering Part 1

The next day Arias had to wake up early to start preparations for the second day of the three day gathering. The second day focused on debates among the various representatives on measures to take against future alien threats and also to address the global rise in superhuman crimes and how to combat it.

Arias already prepared his own but now that he acquired a new piece in Diana, he had to prepare a script for her, just like the U.S government had initially planned.

He wasn't aware of exactly what it was they would have her say or bring up during the debate but he did have a rough idea.

Not only did he need to prepare a script for her to follow in offense but also defense. Politics was nothing more than a game between snakes who wouldn't hesitate to eat one another at a moment's notice.

Since Arias was now seen as Diana's representative, he needed to expect various questions to come his way in an attempt to ruin his public image or how Diana saw him.

Others would also likely attack Diana because of how much knowledge she lacked of the outside world and perhaps even drive her into a corner.

Arias had a surefire way to prevent the number of people who would take this route though.

Empty promises.

A common weapon in politics that some used to gain support, only to not follow up on what they had said. He would do this by delaying any and all attempts to reach out to him trying to form a connection or make a deal.

All he had to do was act like he was interested but needed to think on it. By doing this, not only would the other representatives be hesitant to attack him or Diana, but they may also defend him or her in an attempt to better their chances at a deal.

Arias had the high ground and he wasn't worried. He just wanted to maximize the gain he would get from it.

…

At around 8am that same day, he went to wake up Diana and guided her through the script to follow and also pointed out what to do in certain uncalled for events.

Unlike the gala the previous night, the conference would start at 10am, take a thirty-minute break at 2pm, then go up 5pm.

After some intense last minute preparations, the duo started off and arrived just 20 minutes before start time.

Upon arrival, Arias could already spot an attempt against him. Since the U.S was the host, they made sure the seating arrangements between him and Diana were far apart.

Despite this though, he wasn't really fazed and accepted the arrangements without a fuss. By 10 am on the dot, all representatives were seated and a live broadcast had also began to be televised globally.

Presiding over the entire thing was the speaker of the United Nations who opened the floor with some formal long-winded speech about the importance of the gathering and what it hoped to accomplish. "…and with that said, I will allow the host of this gathering to open the floor. President Pete Ross, the floor is yours."

"Thank you your honor, I believe your speech has already given us a good introduction into the matter at hand so I won't bore the viewers and skip right to what needs to be known. The earth, is no longer as safe as it used to be."

"In the past ten years, we have seen an increase in superhuman and alien crimes of varying degree. This rise has brought with it the loss of many lives and trillions of dollars' worth of damages. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a global disaster, so I feel the first point of discussion should be, how do we combat this efficiently?"

After president Pete Ross raised that point, the speaker allowed various representatives to give their opinions on the matter. And like any debate, sides were split with many different suggestions popping up, such as;

Banning aliens from earth and introducing a new set of stricter rights for all superhumans, criminal or not.

Granting the government power over superhuman and alien beings from an early age so that they could be raised to be ideal citizens of their respective nations.

Launching global programs to guide and teach young superhumans and aliens on better ways to use their powers and gifts.

Introducing the death sentence to all superhuman and alien crimes.

In just twenty minutes, numerous suggestions were given, some kind and hopeful, others selfish and cruel. It really was a split faction. Finally, came Arias's turn to speak on the matter.

"Thank you, your honor, let me start by saying one thing, this entire charade is pointless."

Arias's opening statement already sparked rage in some and caused them to call for an end to his time, however the speaker allowed him to continue, he wasn't the first to raise a controversial point after all.

"I say it's pointless because one problem will only breed another. Danger? The earth has been in danger ever since humanity became the dominant race. We are a people fueled by ambition and greed, without that we wouldn't be where we are today. This entire meeting isn't for the sake of making the world a better place…"

"…It's simply a way for the leaders of the world to capitalize off a disaster, just like they always have. Be honest with yourselves, had the secret experiments never been exposed, do you think this debate would be happening? The answer is no. You would all be unaware that a single country was raising its power to rival that of an alien powerhouse."

"Sure, we could say this president has good intentions, but he isn't immortal and presidents change with the passage of time. What guarantee is there that a mad man won't lie his way to power and attempt to abuse that which was created for defense? History has shown that this is possible multiple times."

"Ask yourselves before letting your greed blind your actions, if you had the power to make the world yours? Would you use it only to defend? If the answer from all of you is yes, then my point is useless and you can take it as nothing more than nonsensical ramblings. But if the answer is no, then you should all just hope you're the first to achieve that frightening power, lest you too become a victim and fall to the ambition of another and lose everything you worked for till now. I end my point here your honor."

Arias's plan was never to gain support from the global audience at this event, such a plan would be pointless since many other representatives would try to do the same.

Whether he put a point against or for aliens, it would be drowned out by the numerous suggestions put forth already and his support would be less. Established brands, powers and nations would gain support more easily while he an unknown billionaire with few connections would gain little.

With that in mind, he aimed to manipulate the minds of those very representatives.

It was human nature to forget risks when huge benefits or rewards were in sight. Many at this debate were like that, coming in only with the thought of gaining wealth or power.

Arias gave them a reality check. Many new they weren't the wealthiest, powerful, popular or advanced, making their odds against those greater than them low to begin. Now with that in mind, wouldn't they also be victims if they failed? The thought of losing everything one had worked for their entire lives was scary.

And if there was one thing Arias knew that could fuel humans just as as well as greed and ambition…

…it was fear.