Author: Milady Dragon
Disclaimer: I'm so depressed that they aren't mine!
Rating: PG-13
Author's notes: Thanks again to everyone who has reviewed. It helps to keep me focused! This is another short one, sorry about that!
Chapter Eleven
"The change is coming…will you embrace it?"
He was in the crowd, listening to the commander address the people. He didn't know why he was there. Everyone around him was distorted, surreal…he couldn't make out any detail at all.
The atmosphere of the crowd, though, was something else entirely. Expectancy, excitement, and just a little fear swirled around his nerves like lightning.
The change was coming.
The words echoed in his brain, as intoxicating as the finest liquor. It was the reason most of them were here, and now he remembered that that was why he was there, as well. It was the highest of honors to be asked to attend this meeting, to be included in such august company. His heart swelled with pride.
"There are those who will choose not to accept the change," the commander continued. "They will tell you that are you are wrong to follow me. But they are weak! They will choose to live in their weakness, instead of reveling in the strength that the change will bring!
"And it is this strength that will carry our people forward, into the unknown beyond what we know! Our destiny is to be among the stars, to bring the change to those who will accept and embrace what it means to be truly the most powerful. To be gods among mortals!
"And, to those who will not accept us, will not take unto themselves this blessed change, then I say to you that they are the weak ones, the ones we are meant to supplant. They will no longer have a place among us! They do not deserve to be among us! They will be as insects under our feet, to do with as we will! And our willbe done.
"Only we deserve this! We will be supreme in the universe, those of us who are here this night! What say you, brothers and sisters? Will you join with me, to walk with me onto our new path?"
The crowd erupted into cheers. He joined them, taking the words of their leader into his heart. The change was coming, and he wanted nothing more than to be a part of it.
"That glorious day will be here sooner than you think, my friends! Tonight is just the beginning, the start of such a wondrous age that can scarce be imagined! A paradise, for those who have the courage to reach for it. Are you ready?"
Everyone roared their agreement. Oh, yes, how he wanted the change, more than anything else.
The commander walked among the crowd, followed by his inner circle. It was an honor to be in the same room with him; but to shake his hand…
"Welcome, brother," the commander greeted, his deep, resonant orator's voice striking a chord somewhere within his soul.
"When will the change be coming?" he asked breathlessly.
"Soon, brother," the commander answered. "Within the next moontide."
"Bless you for bringing it to us. We are unworthy."
"That's where you're wrong. You are infinitely worthy…"
"Hey!"
Walman jerked awake, almost losing his grip on the Mag-Pro. He turned bleary eyes on Alonzo, who stood a few meters away. "Huh?" he asked.
"Sleeping on watch is the quick way to get on Devon's bad side," the pilot replied seriously. "Especially with all the weird shit going on right now."
"Yeah, sorry Alonzo."
"At least it was me." Alonzo moved forward to clap him on the shoulder. "Go get some rest. I'll relieve you."
"Sure, thanks." Walman handed the weapon over, then stumbled back toward his tent. He rubbed his temple absently. Had he been dreaming?
