The Greek Gods and the Apocalypse

Chapter 18 (Edited)

Several hours have passed and everyone is regrouping at the lake for the second part of our festivities. As I approach, Shimmer can be heard addressing the crowd.

"Everyone needs to gather into groups. Your groups should consist of your fellow sector members, hunters with hunters, cooks with cooks, etcetera. You need to discuss, within your group, what you learned today about Greek mythology. Then determine which learning points to include in tonight's festivities."

Shimmer paused briefly before continuing. "You have an hour to obtain a consensus within your group. Your sector leader will be expected to present the idea to the other residents of Community at that time. You may begin forming your groups and discussing amongst yourselves."

Shimmer stepped away from her position in front of the lake and walked over to where Shaneel and I were standing. We all took a seat on the chairs that had been placed there for the evening's gathering.

Shimmer only expresses a single thought, "I hope this works" and Shaneel and I nod, staying silent.

After several minutes I suggest we mingle with the groups to try and get a feel for what they are talking about.

"I believe we need to prepare for the possibility that some residents are not serious about this. If we are unsuccessful at redirecting the possible stragglers, tonight will not play out according to plan. We have enough unknown variables with the gods. We cannot afford more unknowns. We need to interject into the groups that are either noncompliant or just have not had time to prepare like the cooks. The cooks had a full plate today preparing meals and trying to read the books they were brought."

Shimmer and Shaneel agree and we all rise and head in different directions to try and see who is working and who is slacking.

The first sector I come to is the hunters. They are sitting in a circle and rather lack lustily talking about tonight. However, they are not talking about the Greek gods or Greek society. They are talking about why we would possibly be having a party when our world is upside down.

I feared this response. The hunters' lives have been the most disturbed. Their 'new normal' took away everything from them. Their routines were changed, their duties were changed, and they probably feel like their worth has changed. Not being able to hunt was affecting me deeply before my new responsibilities were laid out so I understand the feelings.

All of this plus Peter. Peter I knew was not a fan of worrying about or reliving the past. He did not care what happened before. He only cared about the here and now. He was a strong leader but also an influential one. Where he led the hunters would follow. If he did not take this seriously enough no Greek knowledge would be bestowed on the hunters, and tonight would fail.

Without the backing of all of the sectors there would be no way to truly move forward. We need to move forward. Our past lives were gone and our future may very well be the acceptance that the Greek Gods were real. We need everyone to agree to follow them tonight. Without everyone's participation and belief in the gods our new future could be infighting and Community could be lost.

We cannot make the decision to accept the Greek Gods a problem for tomorrow. I have no idea what Apollo has in mind or if any of the other gods will be involved with the festival. At this point I guess I am already choosing to inadvertently trust the gods with our future.

I join the outer edge of their circle and take a seat. Everyone looks at me but only Peter speaks to me.

"Hey, what's up Aurora?"

"Nothing much Peter just walking around to see how everyone's discussions are going."

Peter shakes his head. "The only discussion we have been having is why we are doing this," Peter replies.