"The Truth Serum."

It was unusual for the House, Senate, and the President, Vice President,  the Supreme Court, and the Cabinet Members to be in the same place…at the same time. In fact, it was illegal. The Security- to put it mildly- was intense. For the first time in US History, the Designated Survivor was in the same room with all the principals. It was a risk. But those were the terms. 

“Thank you all for coming. Tonight, you will learn about my breakthrough.”

Everyone in the room physically tightened up. They already knew what the breakthrough was. And every single one of them had tested it, sometimes unknowingly …on Staff Members, Strangers, and Loved ones. It worked.

The mild mannered Scientist, with the mannerisms of a Junior High Wallflower leaning up against the wall in the dark, wishing he could be brave enough to just say Hello to Jennifer Hudson. Timid. In every sense of the word. But he spoke in an even voice. 

“Most of you, have probably tested my Truth Serum. Even tho I asked you not too. Because once someone takes it…well, they not only tell the Truth, at least as they understand it, but they can never lie, spin, or alter their true feelings, emotions, and words. “

There were a few bright red faces as he spoke. Because the Truth was, not a single person in that Room, had kept their promise to not try the serum on anyone until he explained it to everyone at one time. These were people who didn’t blush easily when caught in a lie. In a way, it was part of their training. And their profession. 

Nielsen Ratings would later substantiate the true scope of that televised meeting. Every single media device: TV, Phone, Tablet, Radio, Social Media, or Podcast Live Stream … was watching when he made History. 

“I knew you wouldn’t ’t listen to me. I also know that some of you, now that you know it works, will give orders for me to be debunked- at the least, and eliminated at the worst.” 

He looked down at his watch. Slowly counting to fifteen. And then smiling. 

“In fact, by a show of hands, how many of you want to kill me, get rid of me, or take my Serum to be under your control?”

Every hand in the Chamber went up. This time they were all shocked. For it was the Truth. They couldn’t stop themselves. It was a long drawn out silence. Hands slowly lowered as it dawned on them …almost at the same time. 

He smiled again. 

“What I didn’t tell you is that my serum, easily dissolves in both air and water. I purposely asked you for two weeks to arrange for a demonstration. You all agreed, thinking you could gain the formula and gain more power. 

The second thing I didn’t tell you…is this. I gave it to everyone. (His voice grew stronger) Every single person on Earth is now…for lack of a better word…infected with the urge to tell the Truth. “

There was dead silence. Then the doors burst open, hundreds of Journalist poured in. They were from every corner of the Earth. And they had questions. The Scientist smiles one more time…and then said the words everyone is now afraid of:

“Gentlemen and Gentlewomen…meet the Press.”