Chapter 543: The Whys and Wherefores

Before the panic and fearmongering could spread further, a notification was pushed to every device on the planet, imperial or otherwise. The emperor would shortly be making a speech explaining the whys and wherefores of the disintegrations.

The notification was enough to bring everything in the world to a screeching halt, as, other than those who were asleep and thus missed it or those doing important jobs, everyone sat and stared at their screens, upon which was displayed the imperial seal. Everyone was worried that the disintegration would be affecting them, their families, or their close friends, and they wanted to know what exactly was going on.

And whether they were imperial citizens or not, Aron had an excellent reputation, so his words bore the most authority.

As usual, Aron appeared behind a podium against a neutral blue backdrop, the seal of the empire proudly displayed on the front of the podium.

"Greetings to everyone around the world," he began in a neutral tone.

"Earlier this year, the world suffered an unprecedented wave of terror attacks that took the lives of millions of people. And at that time, We swore a solemn vow to all of you. And today, We come before you to announce that We have kept Our promise and the cult of the progenitors has been eliminated to the very last man."

He paused to let the news sink in as the screen behind him played a clip from his previous speech where he swore to end the terrorist threat immediately after the attacks took place.

"In addition to that, We have information on the wave of disintegrations and premature aging sweeping through the world. It's the last gasp of the cult in its dying throes," he said, dropping another bomb as if he was a B-52 during World War II.

"Everyone who turned to dust or aged by decades was connected to the cult in some way. Those who were disintegrated were directly involved in the cult's activities, whether by active participation or even something as simple as donating funds or equipment to their cause. And those suffering from premature aging were forced to cooperate with the cultists against their will.

"Yes, there were indeed imperial citizens among them, and no, Our empire doesn't have the technology to invisibly disintegrate someone. Even if We did, wouldn't it be a wasteful, unfair, and easy end to use it on people who deserve to receive punishment for their crimes and repent through service?"

Most of those watching understood the concept of crimes being punished by community service. Almost every country on the planet, prior to the founding of the empire, had that option available for criminals. After all, not every crime was deserving of jail time, let alone capital punishment.

Aron's speech went on as people continued pondering the punishment issue.

"That said, it doesn't mean that We don't have an explanation of what happened and what caused it.

"The cult leader, who We now know to have been one Rick Ashley, was born and raised in a 'militia' compound in Montana in the United States. He was one of the Three Percenters, and his blessing was the power to instill belief in him, harvest it, and control others through his powers.

"We understand your doubts. Mr. Ashley was well over the age of people who underwent the blessing process, but We have to remind you of something: the day of the terrorist attacks was also the day that the first person began receiving their blessing.

"And that first person is none other than the late cult leader, Rick Ashley. The thousands of terrorists that believed in him strongly enough to sacrifice themselves in the suicidal attacks was what triggered the blessings to descend. After a thorough investigation, Our investigators discovered that the first of those to be blessed was the cult leader himself.

"His action of mass human sacrifice, both of his own followers and of innocent people, was the final blow to an already cracked and weakened dam that held back the flood of blessings. It was also what led to his specific blessing, which We will call the power of faith.

"Through that power, he was able to gather information from malcontents in the empire, as well as assume direct control of those who believed in him. Another aspect of it was that he was able to force people who otherwise wouldn't obey him into obedience and compliance with his demands."

Aron's gaze grew stern as he continued, "Before he died, he was working on another attack that would've taken place during the New Year celebration. The plan Our investigators uncovered was that he would control thousands of blessed people to wreak havoc and cause massive casualties, then frame it as an imperial attack on noncitizens.

"Thankfully, Our people were able to discover his plans before they could be carried out, and in a coordinated strike, eliminated all of the brainwashed and reprogrammed blessed that he had gathered in Amarillo, Texas."

He paused to let people consider the potential consequences of an attack like that, then changed the subject. "During the operation to eliminate the clear and present danger to humanity, Mr. Ashley was also eliminated. And as a result of his elimination, those who were voluntarily connected to him suffered the same fate as him: disintegration.

"But that wasn't all. Only those who were willing believers in the cult's anti-human rhetoric were turned to dust. Those who were forced to believe are also slowly dying and Our researchers are currently searching for a cure to the phenomenon.

"Right now, Our imperial doctors are able to place the victims in suspended animation, putting a temporary halt to the disintegration process, but that is only a temporary solution. And it's one that We are willing to extend to noncitizens as a courtesy and to alleviate the suffering of the innocent victims who were pulled into the cult leader's schemes.

"So if you or anyone you know has been affected by the fallout of the cult's demise, please contact your nearest imperial embassy or consulate and ask to speak with the outreach specialist."

Aron grabbed the sides of the podium as he brought his speech to a close. "We founded the Terran Empire with the idea that humanity needs to stand united as one in order to face the inevitability of a hostile universe. Even if the visitors that are currently on their way to Our solar system are friendly, who can guarantee that the next visitors will also be friendly? Or the one after that?

"So even if you chose to decline the offer of imperial citizenship at the empire's founding, Our doors will always remain open to you, and Our goal is not to make you suffer, but to allow you the freedom to choose your path. And as such, We will definitely not let you suffer the consequences of an attack on Us. Not now, and not ever."