21.4

After golf, in the cool of evening, the President continued his search for information on sadhus. They apparently followed a path of signs and messages which they believed would lead them to God. But did it ever happen?

Photos showed them contorting in all kinds of extraordinary positions, buried in holes, standing for years with their arm above their heads in demonstration of incredible will power. But there was nothing supernatural to be found and certainly nothing in the least bit threatening.

Perhaps in making their film the sadhus are doing no more than they have always done, simply exploring the extremeties of faith.

As the night wore on, and he fully digested the files Dirk Watts had given him, the President’s attitude subtly firmed.

What does it matter if they have a new champion? How could a film possibly change anything? Surely the world is sophisticated enough by now to accommodate something as innocuous as this? Most people will simply ignore it – even with a camera in his eye.

You never know, this might even turn out to be a good thing! It could put a lid on the extremists… give their fervour a more innocent release. We could enter a more settled period, make a tiny step towards a more civilized civilization.

No – John’s right. There’s very little to worry about here, except…

Perhaps one thing…

He lifted the phone.

“Yes?”

“Hunter J. Stirling.”

“Yes… sir.”

He could feel the Chairman snap to attention.

“I want you in my office first thing in the morning.”

“What’s the problem sir? Anything I can…”

“Just be there.”