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The Mastermind

Craft Over Catharsis Challenge

By Susan PaytonPublished a day ago 3 min read
Photo by Susan Payton (c) 2025

They called him, Mr. Mastermind. His duties were simple, he was to visit different places around the world and deliver his message, of his Master Plan.

Why did anyone need a master plan you might ask, no less, a man called, Mr. Mastermind? As you know, the world is slowly falling apart. His job is to visit strategic places throughout the world and deliver his message. It was simple and yet complicated.

The master plan is for life, and preserving the world as we all know it, and restoring it to a simpler, less complex time. His plan consisted of a remedy to preserve the world and prevent destruction of our planet for future generations.

What was his remedy? His remedy was simple, but complex, he wanted to prevent a world war. He would start with the United States, and visit strategic houses, by this I mean Congress with his message. He would address Congress, in the hopes of convincing them of the dangers and the outcomes of certain actions. He would lobby to get the President that led the free world to listen to his pleas to save the world. Then he would deliver his message, to other continents. He would spread his message of peace, prosperity, and survival.

Next, he would go to Europe, and visit the countries that belong to NATO. Nato was created by twelve countries from Europe and North America, on April 4, 1949. It includes twenty countries, that have joined since then to assure collective security across Europe and North America. Other countries that were aggressors would be a tough sell.

Russia is another matter, and the Mastermind will have his work cut out for him, with President Putin. Hopefully, he will be successful in convincing them to lay down their arms.

Then there is a Russia-leaning bloc, consisting of supporters of Russia, including China, Iran, North Korea, and its close ally Belarus. There is also close poltical and economic ties with countries in the global south, including India, various African nations and some Middle Eastern states.

Cuba and Nicaragua have voiced support for Russia, with reports of Cuban mercenaries joining Russian forces.

Countries that lean their support, or are considered neutral, include Algeria, Afganistan, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Uganda. They often seek to avoid confrontation with Russia.

However, the mission of the "Mastermind", wasn't about taking sides at all. It promoted the fact that we could all be on one side, if we wanted to, with a common purpose in mind,-"Saving The World From Destruction".

First, his message, consisted of common sense. STOP THE SPREAD OF NUCLEAR MISSILES! If you have them, disarm them, if you plan to develop them, simply put,- don't. Return the world to a kinder, gentler state of being. He knew full well that when he excepted this mission, that it would be a tough sell, and he would have to deliver his message to all kinds of tough places, including bunkers, castles, and even Presidential mansions.

Secondly, and this really is, common sense, STOP THE VIOLENCE AROUND THE WORLD. Lay down your arms, and simply talk your differences out. Don't take what is not yours, and this means everyone. This applies to countries, and individuals alike. There is simply too much violence in the world, too many mass shootings, and violence of all kinds. It has got to stop. Please return the world to a much gentler time, when we disagree with someone, we can work it out peacefully and without violence.

The Mastermind, certainly has his work cut out for him, and the stakes are high, --"Saving The World From Destruction."

However, the stakes are even higher if he didn't accept the challenge.

The Mastermind, has accepted the challenge, it is an important challenge, for all the countries of the world. Sometimes there are things more important, then land and minerals, and weapons. They won't mean a thing, if we destroy the planet, that we all live in.

Will he succeed? Only time will tell. It is an important mission, that this one man will take on.

His message was simple---- Love your fellow man, like you love yourself and your family, and do on to others, like you would like them to do unto you. Please do not destroy the world.

He had his mission, and delivered his message, without emotion, and he could now could go back home, knowing his deed was done.

Do you know who this man is??? Take a guess, he could be anyone you know, or does he exist only in fiction?

AdventureFantasyHistoricalPsychologicalMystery

About the Creator

Susan Payton

I love to write in every venue. I am 75 years old and try to make every day count,. I am learning a great deal about poetry on Vocal, and I am glad to be here.

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Comments (4)

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  • Jessica McGlaughlinabout 17 hours ago

    Get along kids, before you blow up the world! 🙄 I feel a satirical super hero vibe with this piece, pretty cool!

  • If only there were a Mastermind who could make peace the way of the world! We have had many "prophets" and peacemakers, but we humans just keep screwing things up. Good job, Susan!

  • Aarsh Malika day ago

    I loved the twist at the end, leaving us wondering if the Mastermind is real or fiction. It makes me think: maybe the world needs a few more Masterminds like him.

  • Well I hope Mr Mastermind succeeds. His plan really needs to work. Loved your story!

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