Read 2041 Sanctuary (Dark Descent) for Free Online

the GMRC itself. As with the BBC, these organisations have experienced similar disappearances and accidents to their workforce.
    ‘This high labour turnover in the journalistic profession is also replicated across Europe, Australia, India, China, Brazil and anywhere that has a high quality, so-called independent, press. I myself have been told on numerous occasions to avoid anti-GMRC viewpoints and not to report my findings on my missing colleagues. I have witnessed first-hand the seizure and destruction of BBC News computers by government and GMRC officials on no fewer than three occasions. Reporters have also been arrested while others have just disappeared without trace.
    ‘The question is not whether the media is being suppressed, but why. What is the GMRC hiding from the people of the world that it will go to such lengths to cover it up? I hope this report will go some way towards exposing the truth and to galvanising and fostering public support for an end to unilateral GMRC control. It’s time our politicians said “no more” to GMRC protocols and sanctions and stood up for the rights of the people they were elected to protect.’
    ‘Jessica.’ Martin’s voice came through her earpiece. ‘They’ve blocked the signal internationally; it’s only a matter of time before the terrestrial feed goes too.’
    Jessica gave an imperceptible nod. ‘Even now,’ she continued, ‘the GMRC seeks to halt this broadcast. They don’t want anyone to know the truth. What are they hiding from us? What are they hiding from you, from everyone? What are they planning for our future, for our children’s futures and for the generations to come? Why is it that—’
    ‘Jessica, we’re off air,’ Martin told her, ‘it’s over.’
    ‘How did I do?’
    ‘Brilliantly,’ he replied with real warmth, ‘you did us proud, did us all proud. I—’
    Martin’s voice cut off. ‘Martin?’ Jessica said, her concern audible. ‘Martin!?’
    There was no reply.
     
    ♦
     
    In London, Martin West relaxed in his chair as his phone rang for the umpteenth time. His ten colleagues looked at him with nervous eyes; the banging on the door to the broadcasting suite continued unabated as the people outside shouted their demands for entry.
    Casually, Martin picked up the phone. ‘Yes?’
    ‘Martin, open the door.’ It was his editor’s voice, fraught with emotion. ‘The GMRC are on their way. Don’t make this harder than it already is.’
    ‘I told you to do something,’ Martin told his boss. ‘My brother went missing and you did nothing. No investigation. No reports to even suggest there might have been foul play by the Government or by the GMRC. What did you expect, for me to forget the whole thing, forget my brother even existed?’
    ‘I couldn’t do anything; I’d have lost my job!’
    Martin snorted in derision and slammed down the phone just as the door to the room burst open with a bang. Wooden splinters flew across the floor as grey garbed GMRC soldiers stormed inside. The other workers screamed and cried out in fear, some putting their hands in the air while others fell submissively to the floor. Pulled from his chair, Martin was thrust against a wall, handcuffed and marched from the room.
     
    ♦
     
    Back in New York, James had come round to the front of the camera to give Jessica an uncharacteristic hug. The noise of the crowd increased and Jessica turned to see the barriers had opened up at the front of the building. The NYPD brutally held back the protestors as a team of GMRC operatives swarmed out of the entrance and headed straight towards the BBC news crew.
    James swore and turned to run, but he was brought up short by the sight behind them; U.S. troops had cut off their escape.
    ‘Relax.’ Jessica laid a reassuring hand on his shoulder as the grim-faced men bore down on them. ‘This was inevitable. Just stay strong and we’ll get through this together.’
    Before James could reply they were forced to the