Having been on the sidelines watching the protracted showdown, the World, Heaven and Hell were stunned by this latest development. Who unleashed it? What was its purpose? When the smoke started to clear, nine figures emerged on the horizon, the strangest-looking creatures, heavenly born but baptised in hellfire. For once, Corruption seemed to have lost his characteristic self-assurance. Democracy, already badly disoriented, looked more confused than ever. Their historic war over Thailand had taken its weirdest turn yet.

Democracy: Are they coming for you?

Corruption: I'm trying to figure that one out. What do you think? Are you sure they aren't here to help you?

Democracy: Well, I can't tell either. All I know is they hurt both of us real bad.

Corruption: I recognise them now. They call themselves "The Judges". They were my de facto allies in 2001; only this time I'm not so sure.

Democracy: Ah yes, I remember them too. They were a bigger group in 2001, and they were not dressed like this back then. What do you think they want?

Corruption: Very hard to tell. They have dissolved a democratic political party accused of fraud. They can be my friends and your foes, or vice versa, or they can be our common enemies. But whatever their present motive is, we need to find it out.

Democracy: You sound scared.

Corruption: Look who's talking. I'm much more familiar than you are with the grey part of the world and a blurred conscience, son. If one of us has to be very afraid of The Judges, it must be you. I'm not scared, just anxious.

Democracy: Because some people have finally been punished for political crimes for a change? Is that what worries you?

Corruption: Yes, I admit it. But who else is being punished? Around 14 to 16 million voters, I guess. You must be aware of this fact because I see the look on your face.

Democracy: You're right. The intended annihilation of Thai Rak Thai concerns me. I don't like it when over 100 people's representatives have to suffer blanket punishment that was made much tougher by a junta-declared law issued after their party's crime had already been committed.

Corruption: That's unacceptable. It's just another example of what can happen if we both refuse to join hands. We should bury the hatchet at least for a while and fight these guys together. Don't you remember what they did to you in 2001? They ditched you for me. C'mon.

Democracy: You're incredible. Everything you say, do, or think is only meant to serve yourself. You were not so keen to be my ally after that "not guilty" verdict. Why now?

Corruption: Are you joking? That 2001 ruling was my olive branch. It was the closest thing to an official proclamation stating that, for this country to go forward, you and I needed a compromise.

Democracy: We have been through this before. When my principles are relaxed, the tanks will come.

Corruption: Nope. The tanks came because of a rigid ideology. When people can't accept that graft is a fact of life in every democracy, those idiots in uniform will have a pretext for coming out. Embrace me. Join in a pact with me so we both can move on.

Democracy: Didn't you say you could go on with or without me?

Corruption: Correct, but I also said you and I were the best potential partners. We can watch each other's back. You can shield me and I can sponsor your existence.

Democracy: I can live without you.

Corruption: What? Going back to dreamland again? Admit your failure. Tell me why The Judges were so lame when you were supposedly at your peak. Tell me why it took a coup, a military junta and an "illegitimate" court to tackle alleged electoral fraud. Tell me why pro-Thaksin and anti-coup protesters are converging. Don't you see? There're a lot of pragmatists out there already.

Democracy: You're getting desperate. You took a real blow from The Judges.

Corruption: So did you. Question is: do you trust me or them? I'm a sincere, straightforward foe who wants to be your friend; those freakish, power-blinded punishers betrayed you once and they might have already done it again.

Democracy: Their ruling didn't read that bad. I sense some good in them.

Corruption: They are as good as Nang Wanthong in Thai literature. You know, that woman with wavering loyalty who can't make a choice to save her own life. But, to be fair, they are a product of our disagreement.

Democracy: I'll say ignore them. I'm feeling stronger now. Let's finish this fight.

Corruption: Nothing can save you then, eternal fool. Now prepare to die.

And the World, Heaven and Hell continue to hold their breath.

Tulsathit Taptim