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"The Times They Are a Changing": Max Keane is taken to a CIA safehouse that is disguised as a farm, somewhere in the South. Agents Blake and Chivers show Max pictures taken from a spy plane of the so-called "Talibstan Terror", and divulge that this superman is demoralizing American efforts in th

The Programme #2 is an issue of the series The Programme (Volume 1) with a cover date of October, 2007.

Synopsis for "The Times They Are a Changing"

Max Keane is taken to a CIA safehouse that is disguised as a farm, somewhere in the South. Agents Blake and Chivers show Max pictures taken from a spy plane of the so-called "Talibstan Terror", and divulge that this superman is demoralizing American efforts in the war and garnering native Talibstanians for support, as long it is against America. Max express to them that he is not supportive of the war and wants to talk to his wife Cindy. However, Chivers reveals that his wife is cheating on him with a younger 28-year old man. Blake shifts their focus back to the matter concerning the fetus that was founded by American troops as the Second World War was ending, which Max was already divulged that the fetus grown into him. The Russians had then found out about the fetus and what America was doing to it, and responded by making their own supermen under "The Programme". Thus, a superhero arms race was created. Under the leadership of The Programme is one led by Professor Vladimir Korovin.

At Gulag 15/10, Vladimir Korovin is convinced into giving out the real name of the "Talibstan Terror" by Oligarch Yuri Rifkind, after informing him of the threat of being prison raped by an old deranged zek. He offers the chance to avoid this. Korovin says that the superman was one of four "dolls" and that his name is "The Spirit of Lenin".

Back in America, Blake and Chivers have already received the intel on The Spirit of Lenin after reports dating back to the 1960s are unearthed by Rifkind in Eastern Europe. Meanwhile, Max is being tested to use his powers but without any success. Blake suggest that Max needs "his memory jogged."

In Canada, liberal history teacher Michael Hinks is met by Blake and Chivers, who tells him that he is needed back in the U.S. In a flashback to Hinks's past; Michael is brought to a party by his girlfriend Lucy Freemason. After his date went to the bathroom, Michael is met by another girl, Jewish Miriam "Miri" Levy, who knows him for his work with the government when being acknowledge as Lucy's date, and provocatively inquiring of his role. Michael responds that he works on a project aimed at defending "freedom and democracy."

In another flashback, Michael was involved in growing the fetus, which is now resembling to a full grown adult, with German scientist Dr. Richter. Michael is tasked with programming the memories and the "correct political attitudes" into "Max" (named after its creator, Maximilian Richter). After Michael tells of his involvement with Dr. Richter to Miri, she seduces Michael. During his affair with Miri, Micheal's political landscape changes after being introduce to LSD. Michael later profess to Lucy into breaking up for Miri. Lucy then reveals herself to be an anti-Semite. This further breaking up the relationship for good.

In the present, Michael explains to Blake that after his life with Miri, he decided to do what he thought was right by discretely reprogramming Max to keep him from becoming a war machine. However, he didn't know for sure what kind of man Max would be after being released.

Back at the safehouse, Max is brought back to his room after a series of unsuccessful tests while protesting that he isn't the superman that everyone thinks. He then begins pounding on the door in anger before it is broken down.

Blake and Chivers receive word that Max have finally discovered some of his latent powers in superhuman strength, but also learn that he has escaped.

Appearing in "The Times They Are a Changing"

Featured Characters:

  • Max Keane
  • Michael Hinks

Supporting Characters:

  • Vladimir Korovin
  • Yuri Rifkind
  • Stella Blake
  • Chivers
  • Miriam "Miri" Levy

Antagonists:

  • The Spirit of Lenin

Other Characters:

  • Dr. Maximilian Richter

Locations:

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See Also


Links and References

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