"My winter of discontent with the world of international intrigue began one fall day in 1982, during the Falkland Islands war."
Thomas nodded. "A bit before my time, that was, sir."
"Yes. Maggie had sent me to destroy an Argentinian weapons depot, which I did with aplomb. But in the midst of the chaos and flames as the ammunition went off like deadly fireworks, I saw a child, a little girl of perhaps three years, watching the carnage with fascination." My eyes welled up with tears at the long-forgotten memory. "It was then I realised that I was making death and destruction like entertainment to this child. Since that day I could never look on our work the same... Yes, we were protecting democracy, but at what cost?"
"Well sir," Thomas replied after a short pause, "It's a darn sight better'n world dictatorship, inn't it guv?"
I had to nod. "Yes, Thomas old boy, it certainly is. But it takes a strong stomach sometimes to do what's right -- what's necessary. And Canada could be an even greater threat to the world's peace and freedom than Argentina!" I was again steeled for action, my determination set. Whatever the ethical considerations of snooping in a user's files, this "Illiad" was a clear and present danger to democracy. This must be done...
The light turned green, and Thomas continued driving me back to the Hypermegadatadyne (formerly eHypermegadatadyne.com) building. As I got out, Thomas handed me a suitcase. "You'll like what's in here, old chap! I've rigged up the latest ___________________ for you!" |
