John was sat in his office reading the newspaper growingly increasingly frustrated with the state of world politics. He would have appreciated Amanda's presence right then, but she was at the doctors today discussing her impending pregnancy. He was sharing Grace's PA Michelle whilst Amanda was off, which did include the occasional therapeutic release, from either and sometimes both of them, but today he was on his own.
John needed time to think so he entered the white room.
"Can you help me think through a problem?" he directed to the console in his mind.
"A work problem?"
"No, more a world problem."
"Robert wondered how long this would take."
"Well, I have, through his gift, the ability to mix things up a bit. A big dick and amazing sex is great but I'm thinking there's more I could do. The risk is, I suppose, I mess things up making it all worse. But I've arrived at an idea that I think will only trip up the idiots I read about, exposing the lies behind them."
"What is your idea?"
"I pose as a reporter, ask questions but compel people to tell the truth."
"You'd soon wind up dead if you did."
"Which is why I'd have to also use my ability to change my appearance, my name etc etc. But imagine what would happen if all world leaders realised they couldn't rely on lies and deception."
"Yes, they'd never give interviews."
"I'd find ways to meet them and compel them to talk."
"Ok, but would it actually change anything?"
"I'm convinced it would. All intentions would have to be honest. Good people would only get elected. It's got to be better than now."
"Where would you start?"
"Small town politics first or a medium sized businessperson."
"What do you need?"
"The ability to adopt new appearances and to will the appropriate paperwork and paper trail to exist. I best be bullet proof too. I'd like to know how to construct questions like an experienced investigative journalist can as well as some way of seeing or knowing the lies I need to uncover."
"Done."
"Thank you. What does Robert think of what I've been up to and what I'm thinking of doing?"
"He doesn't really understand why you don't all find your mate and then work together to look after your families. He's delighted you have found your mate but doesn't really understand why you still find pleasure with Grace or Michelle. He thinks your idea to reveal the truth has legs, but he can't see how it will play out. He's very proud of how you have moved quickly from fun to acting responsibly with the power you have been granted. He anticipates great things will come your way and asks that you remain faithful to the origin of your power when you are all powerful."
"Of course I will."
~
The town council where John lived was holding a public consultation about the planned development of thousands of houses in the area. On-line forums were full of suggestions that the plans were flawed as little or no consideration had been made for roads, schools, emergency services etc. There was also the suggestion that some of the local councillors would personally benefit from the schemes.
John, or rather David, was now stood with a haggle of other reporters, as he listened to the mayor talk about the benefits of their planning scheme. Some other councillors contributed and then the developer took them through some fancy visualisations of the scheme. The panel then invited members of the public and press to ask questions. John realised after the first couple of questions that they had been submitted in advance and that the person with the mic was being directed only to those on the list.
A quick thought from John willed a question to appear on the sheet in front of the chairman who then directed the lady with the mic to... David Granger of the Chronicle.
"Thank you. Can the panel reassure the public that the decisions to grant permission for this planning scheme have been in the public's interest and that the panel will in no way gain from these decisions?"
