The Program [COMPLETED]

Chapter Thirty-One

"People of Creatan, thank you for tuning in with us today," Xylem spoke, his voice echoing around the walls of the Foyer. Every soldier in the Unit, including those in the youth centre, was in attendance for the day's crucial address. Recruits of all ages were crammed into the tall, looming walls of Second Unit's core, making the Unit even more cramped and noisy than it usually was.

Aiden was dressed very formally in his colonel's uniform, sitting next to Virgil in a seat towards the front section of the Foyer. It had been a mandatory dress code for the day's assembly, as Xylem had ordered every recruit to be decked in their most ornate clothing. Looking around, he could see the camera and video equipment that had been set up from all angles of the large space that would be broadcasting live feed of General Xylem to the public of Creatan. Everyone would be watching them now. The thought unnerved him, but Aiden fought back his worry. He couldn't show any fear today.

"I'm here at Second Unit's headquarters, in the presence of some of the Program's most distinguished soldiers, coming to you live in order to address any and all concerns regarding the state of our fine country. The agenda is simple. You will hear from myself, as well as my colleague, Colonel Aiden Lycroft. I can assure you, he has quite the story to share with you today."

Aiden bristled with tension. His stomach kept knotting and unknotting, making him feel nauseous as he was met with all the attention of all the people in Second Unit. Well, almost all. He hadn't forgotten the fact that Osric was still in the Pit, enduring his unfairly issued punishment. However, Aiden had been surprised to hear that Theo had showed up to the assembly, as told to him by Zariah earlier in the day. He'd seen her moments before they were seated, talking to Theo and offering to sit next to him. The man seemed to look better, and less thin. Perhaps Rania had been coaxing him out of his bunk to eat, or was providing him with food from the dining hall. Aiden decided not to think about it, and instead returned his focus back to General Xylem and the television cast.

Television broadcasts were limited only to the mandatory political announcements that occurred nationwide as per the request of General Xylem. Aiden had once heard rumours of television being used as a cultural bond, with everyday people being able to tune in daily to view different kinds of programs for entertainment purposes. The idea appalled him. He'd only ever seen televisions in use for addresses such as these. Upon studying the General more closely, Aiden noticed how staged everything looked from where he was sitting. Everything from Xylem's clothing, to the props and decorations lining the walls had been placed for the sole purpose of simulating the essence of power and control. Oh, how Aiden would change such things.

"Moving on to the first topic of this broadcast," Xylem began, transitioning smoothly from the formalities of the occasion. "I understand that there is much uneasiness among the people regarding the massive abundance and increase of rebel attacks raging across the country. I assure each and every one of you to remain calm in these dire times. Trust in the Program that has served and protected you so valiantly throughout all these years. Trust in the system, believe in it; and it will persevere. I have personally addressed all of the nine Units, explaining our next course of action. It is unsafe for me to specify what exactly this is, but I can promise you that we are taking the necessary steps to eradicate the rebels from our numbers, and we will stop at nothing until each and every citizen of Creatan is out of harm's way."

Aiden and Virgil flashed each other subtle glances, both of them looking virtually unconvinced. They were able to see beyond Xylem's lies far too easily now.

"The soldiers of the Program have officially declared war upon all rebel organizations that dare to oppose us. It is important that we alert you, the public, of our actions, so that we can keep as many of you as we can out of harm's way. However, this requires us to take nationwide actions that are most unfavorable, although, necessary, in order to ensure our victory against the highly dangerous rebel enemy. Therefore, with the advisal of my many Officials, we have reached the unanimous decision to temporarily terminate all Consignment Days, as to control the number of rebel cargo infiltrations and raids. They will resume as per usual after the war has ended. We will supply the cities with utilities and other provisions for the time being, but we must inform the cities that minor shortages will most likely be occurring as a result of the war."