“Where did they all go?” the tourist asked. “I mean it’s called ‘Monuments Park,’ but all I can see is that one statue over there.” The other man leaned on his broom and looked furtively around, unsure whether he should speak or not.
“Once there were dozens of them,” the man answered, choosing his words with care. “Statues, obelisks, stone spheres.” He’d seen people disappear into unmarked white vans for less. At first it was the protestors, then it was old veterans who wanted to see the commemorations of battles long-fought and hard-won. At first the newspapers and TV took notice when it happened but, when reporters started to disappear as well, that stopped.
“Just that one monument now Sir,” he said as he resumed sweeping. “I mean, he’s the greatest leader, isn’t he? All those generals and presidents, those heroes, scientists, men of letters, what are they compared to a genius leader like ours?” He kept his head down, hoping the surveillance cameras wouldn’t see his face and the AI wouldn’t notice his true feelings in his expression.
The tourist followed him as he swept his way over toward the gilded monstrosity on its gleaming pedestal. “The monument, sir.”
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