One of The Crowd-Version 2

Prologue - The Execution

The crowd was gathered for as far as the eye could see. Hundreds of thousands had taken to gathering around the tall, dark and foreboding Tower. It was said that unspeakable acts of torture and mutilation occurred within, and that if the Hunters found you and took you prisoner, you'll likely end up there and never see the light of day again. Just the darkness of the Tower and the horrors within. Although, to be fair, the whole point of 'unspeakable acts' is that you don't speak about it; so I merely shrugged off the rumors and assumptions and went about my day. It was raining slightly, a drizzle sent by Mother Nature to discourage people from the streets, but few took heed. An execution was due in a few minutes and it was compulsory to attend, lest you become the reason for this great gathering.

The drops of rain continued their assault on the heads of the spectators, wetting the rich and the poor alike, the young and the old. Unlike the world of today, the rain dared not discriminate. Much like for every execution, a large stage had been erected, and cameras feeding to all the computerized billboards in the city were unveiled and positioned. This way, the execution could be displayed to the masses, as well as recorded for future generations to witness. As usual, the unnerving silence of the crowd irritated me to no end, but at least the gentle thudding of the rain upon the side walk and tarmac could wash away the silence.

I turned my mind back to when it all started, the usurpation of the previous Government, and their people sent to exile. There was no real reason behind it, merely the pursuit of power. It started with severing of all trade, followed by a swift declaration of war for some false accusation or another. It was all very well planned out, and rather devastating in its execution. Within weeks of the declaration, an invasion force had been dispatched and landed in this once great country; and within the year or so to follow, millions were killed. Luckily, I am not of this land, but a humble banker who moved for an increase in wage. As were many of the masses of people to my back. I can't say I'm overly joyous of my current lifestyle, but then again, no one in this country really was anymore.

A loud horn was sounded, and as if by command, the rain steadily ceased its downpour on the gathered citizens below. It was now, that an official from the government walked to the top of the stage, where a microphone awaited them. The man, dressed in a suit and tie, was completely shaven, with only his eyebrows to show he was capable of hair above his neckline. He struck an imposing figure and walked as if we should be humbled by his very existence. The man approached the microphone, cleared his throat and began the execution, "Good citizens of Allumus, I am humbled to stand before you to carry out the proceedings of these evening events. As you all well know, the previous inhabitants of this great land have been exiled and deemed as terrorists for their crimes against the Government and the Senate they represent. And in accordance with such laws, the following fugitives have been sentenced to death by beheading"

At this, a large block of wood was carried on stage by two masked men, who then placed it behind the man in the suit, who began to list the names of those who would die. At the calling of each name, a different man or women was brought on stage (in shackles) as well timed as if the whole event had been rehearsed ahead of time. "...And Jason Hemlock" the suited man concluded his listing, before turning to face the poor souls he would condemn to death.

***********************************************************************************************

"Well, shit lads, that's my que" Jason said under his breath as he was brought forward to face the massive crowd.

The week had certainly been interesting for Jason; lots of running, lots of hiding and to his glee lots of fighting. It was what he lived for now, literally and figuratively. The thrill of battle, the great satisfaction of victory and more recently, the devastation of defeat were the corner stones of his life. Though it would seem he wouldn't be around to enjoy it much longer. But Jason was nothing if not content, he had lived a good life fighting for what he believed. However, content as he was, Jason was already formulating his plan to kill every Government man within twenty meters of him. Content as he was, Jason lived to fight and he'd be damned I he didn't take at least one of these ugly fucks with him.