Radically Happy

Hat tip to Marvel’s Secret Invasion

Prologue

It was the worst thing that ever happened to us

Part 1: Incursion

On a lonely road, a bus is driving along
It stops at an intersection

A very subtle green glow
Like a radium watch
Tangible, like ooze
Seeps in under the rear door

Nobody notices
As it finds someone sleeping alone
On the back row
It spreads over them
Flares silently
Briefly
Unnoticeably

Then all is as it was before

Part 2: Detection

We are the headquarters of an elite security organization, like SHIELD or SWORD.

We receive compelling evidence that one of our enemies has recruited — or been recruited by — an alien that can take over someone’s identity (and memories) by consuming them.

We immediately put the entire HQ under lockdown. Though not until the morning shift — and the night bus — had already arrived.

We decide the safest approach is total transparency. After all, anyone who suggests NOT alerting people to the existence of this threat could very well be the alien.

At least, that’s what we remember from similar movies. Which is all we have to go on.

Part 3: Correction

For a while, all is tense but quiet.

Then one of our senior agents notices someone acting oddly in the cafeteria. He knocks them out with a metal tray.

We decide to put the suspects in the ballroom. Standing six feet apart in a hexagonal pattern.

But once we notice the same agents bringing in multiple suspects, we realize this would also be a perfect way to sabotage the business.

So anyone who suspects someone else of being the alien is also a suspect, and goes into the ballroom.

Part 4: Reflection

This is madness
This is unsustainable
Not to mention horrifically unjust

Worse, it may even be making the alien’s job easier
By leaving the rest of HQ more empty

Hell
What if the evidence were faked
And all this a ploy to make us tear ourselves apart with paranoia?

But we can’t declare the evidence fake
Ignore the troubling behavior
Declare the drill over

Because that’s just what the alien would do
Or might do
At least according to the movies

And getting rid of official paranoia
Would just fuel private paranoia
And spawn vigilantes

Who would also be perfect cover for the alien

Part 5: Communion

So we decide to go in the opposite direction.

The reason our suspicion is destroying us is because it feeds on our quirks, insecurities, resentments, and petty jealousies.

The reason an impostor can so easily hide among us is that we don’t really know each other. But we think we do. Or at least, we think we know who you are supposed to be.

We don’t really know each other. But we think we do. Or at least, we think we know who you are supposed to be

So we break into Confession Groups. Circles of four where we each share our deepest secrets, fears, and hatreds. Our mixed motives for why we joined. Whom we admire and despise.

Nothing is recorded. The only rule is absolute honesty. Anyone whom the other three agree is holding back is sequestered until we come up with a way to do medical scans for the alien.

We turn our paranoia into an asset. Everyone is so eager to prove they aren’t the alien they confess their darkest secrets openly. And terrified enough to push hard on anyone who pretends they don’t have any.

Everyone is so eager to prove they aren’t the alien they confess their darkest secrets openly. And terrified enough to push hard on anyone who pretends they don’t have any.

There is shouting. Crying. Laughter. Hugging. Forgiveness. Understanding.

Unity. Trust. Togetherness. Purpose.

Epilogue

In the end, it doesn’t matter whether we caught the alien
Or if it even existed

It is the best thing that ever happened
To US.