The Power of Twelve by William Gladstone

Yet he could not help adding, “I really am not certain that you should identify your own views too closely with Project Wake Up. I, and those with whom I have influence, are only likely to support an organization or movement that is grounded in reality.” He was slightly slurring his words, and the amount he had already drunk fueled what he said next. “I confess, I find it pure speculation when you start talking about cycles and a change from masculine to feminine energy. I am not sure of your sources, but if you think the Mayans were the ones bearing this message, then all I can comment is: Where are the Mayans today? They were not very good at preserving their own civilization, beyond a few relics and oddball shamans performing rituals that don’t have any real impact on the world.”
    Barely containing her indignation, Gayle responded, “I do appreciate that you never hold back, Arnold. Those Mayan shamans may be much more effective and relevant than you realize. You are a powerful man, but you may be much more limited in what you can do to make a difference than you think. If you ask me, Project Wake Up could make good use of your money, but I doubt we will even want to have you assist us until you show some empathy for those who are not multimillionaires. To change the world requires efforts from everyone, not just those with material resources.”
    Arnold rose, holding onto a tight smile. “Regardless of our differences, Gayle, I do wish you well with your project. You are quite the embodiment of the feminine force yourself, and I always appreciatea strong voice whether in agreement with me or opposed. After all,” he ended, chuckling, “without opposition, what pleasure can I take in triumphing?”
    Arnold turned to Jim and Inéz and bowed slightly. “It has been a true pleasure. I look forward to my next visit to Mcely.” Smoothly he moved toward the door, where he was handed his coat. Through the doorway all could see him as he walked toward the BMW that was waiting to take him to his private plane.
    Gayle’s verbal skirmish with Arnold had clearly made Jim and some of the other guests uncomfortable, so after Arnold had left, Randall turned to Gayle and admonished her, “You know, Arnold has access to billions of dollars, possibly hundreds of billions. I do not think it a good strategy to bite the hand that might be able to feed Project Wake Up all the resources necessary to ensure success.”
    Gayle was still smarting from Arnold’s final remark. Of course he would assume he would triumph over a mere woman. “The whole idea of compromise is so last century. Project Wake Up is doomed unless all who participate are equally awake and aware.” She was keeping her voice low, but it vibrated with intensity. “How can we wake up anyone if some of the core members are themselves asleep? Project Wake Up is about raising the consciousness of everyone on our planet. Anything less will not work. Full feminine energy requires absolute commitment and the willingness to take risks to achieve the ultimate goal.” She saw that she was drawing more attention, and she continued with more fervor. “We must always bring nurturance and understanding to all that we do. We must not condone violence of any kind even if that violence comes wrapped in gold and furs. We must question people like Arnold Wheeler who give lip service to wanting to help the less privileged, but only if they can retain their luxuries and positions of power. That is just another form of condoning violence, don’t you see? It is time for real change, and as a mother and grandmother I will settle for nothing less.”
    â€œDo you really think Arnold represents such negative energy?” Eve asked.
    â€œI do not know him well enough to say,” Gayle replied, tempering her remarks, “but my instincts are that we must be careful.”
    â€œI certainly agree that we