The Diabolic Engine

As some fearful residents whisper, is the town called Godsword edging toward calamity again-- and, according to legend, for much the same reason that brought it close to obliteration long ago? And Police Chief, Matt Farrier, cannot understand why the "diabolic engine" is allowed to invalidate more and more kids, when the means to stop it are so apparent. He wonders if our leaders are betraying us. From cowardice? For tenure? How much is corruption involved? How high has it reached? Maybe citizens prefer to look the other way. How appropriate, then, is his dark little parody: 'Fraidy bug, 'fraidy bug, cover your eye. The world is ablaze and your children will fry?