"It's the comic strip! I bet he's using it to send out subliminal messages," I mused, "If what Steve Ballmer said is true, then Illiad's constant pro-Linux and anti-Microsoft message is helping to undermine the international economic system of modified free-market capitalism..."
"And if Microsoft and the multinationals go down," Margaret finished for me, "That leaves a power vacuum, which Canada will seek to fill... eh?"
I gave her a stern look, "Not funny, Meg. Those Canadians are serious business. You know how nobody's been able to invade Russia successfully since the Mongols because it's so cold that the invaders freeze to death? Well Canada has the same weather... if they start their own little hegemony, no one will be able to dislodge them from their seat of power!"
"So you'll help me, then?" I nodded wearily. "Oh, goody!" She rubbed her hands together gleefully and cackled.
I glanced up at the wall clock. The UPS would be running out any time now, taking the server down and setting this sordid plot in motion... Margaret noticed my eagerness to get going, and smiled.
"We'll put you back in the spying saddle yet, my dear. Now, Thomas! Take our dear friend and drive him back where he belongs."
Thomas saluted stiffly. "Yes, Madam Prime Minister." I followed him downstairs and into the car, and we set out on the road back to my place of employment. He didn't talk much, so I just stared out the window at the streetlights and signs going past... Rising fuel prices - were these the Canadians' doing too? I felt a lump of fear grow in my throat - something was wrong.
Suddenly the car screeched to a halt. Thomas leaned back and said, "_________________" |
