The Lapse in Our Politics

Part 6: The End is Nigh (ish)

Life... what an odd word. Fascinating.

"You're the new private, eh?" A wishy-washy style of man turned to Gregory.

Not too long ago, the OoxpokloskiI had managed to triumph his way into the misery of the last human stronghold. On account of Loy, Gregory had gallantly blended in, prepared for the 'back-up' that was supposed to be arriving at any day. Any day.

"Certo," he muttered, not especially excited to answer the human commander in front of him.

Gregory listened to orders by his OoxpokloskiI commanders as well. He would do nearly anything they told him—he found humans. He would kill them, sabotage, interrogate, humiliate... he'd befriend them if that's what his commanders obliged. However what was more molestus than anything in this world (or anyone) was when Gregory was forced to remain incognito—not be able to explain to every human just who and what he was.

It was easy to dream as he silently wished he could admit that others of his kind were like him. But he couldn't—because unfortunately none were. Angry.

"I've noticed you don't talk too much. Is something bothering you?"

"Non, nothing at all."

"So, Angel was taken. We know that as a fact. But by whom? The 'elite group' went out only a week ago in search of supplies... and, well, you all know the rest of the story," Captain Trevor said, and arrogantly ignored anyone and everyone's side comments.

Suddenly, Loy stood up.

"We must configure a more efficient way to take down the invaders—"

"OH SHUT UP will you?!" Commander Richard interrupted Loy in vile respute. The others in the meeting room glanced at the abrupt tension in wary disappointment.

"Is there a problem?" Loy hissed between his teeth.

"Yes, you. It seems ever since the day you got here you've been wanting nothing but the most dramatic way into situations! If I remember correctly, you had been one of the supporters of moving the troops to Iowa like ex-General Hapkins had intended. Do you remember what happened when they got there? Do you remember?!"

Loy uneasily began to back away.

"It was an ambush! The stronghold in Solon had already been overtaken but someone was insistent. Five men and three women died to carelessness... that's likely 1% of the entire rest of human population!"

"Yes, I made a mistake in supporting a cause, that's what you say? What about the feeling before any of this had happened?" Loy forced his eyes into a deadlock with the commander's. "Sir, if I remember correctly, you later admitted to yourself in that hospital that the elite group should have gone. And the 'Iowa Insistent' was carelessness on our part. We didn't scout the area as well as I would have liked—"

Russ leapt out of Commander Richard's way as the commander launched forward to tackle his unwitting antagonist. Loy gracefully dodged the first blow.

Russ was uncertain whether he should join or stealthily crawl away for the embarrassment his commander was causing. Captain Trevor sustained a creeping-in half-smile, joyous at the mayhem the invader was causing the plastic commander. How priceless.

"Enough!" Major General Dixie yelped, immediately causing the colonel and Loy to break up. Commander Richard was rudely shoved back, far away, from his nemesis.

"What hell is this?" she continued, completely silencing the room. "What immaturity must be assessed? This isn't just war anymore. We're fighting for not just our lives but everyone's! Do you know what happens when we lose this war? We'll all be gone! That's it—no more humans in existence. We'll only have history books, but I'm positive most of those have been burned by now. Colonel Richard Hall—" Commander Richard jumped to attention at the major's strange casualness. "Take a walk."

"B-But—"

"Must I repeat myself?"

With a hurt gleam to his eye, the commander left, soon followed by Russ.

Gregory had watched all the occurrences with an unsatisfied frown.

"Moving on," Major General Dixie said politely.

The conversation didn't lighten up, not even as plans were made and more ideas were said. Loy and Gregory never once touched or exchanged comparative expressions. Major General Dixie attempted to explain not all losses were the end of the world... but the truth made her words dry to the tongue. No one could believe even Commander Richard, once one of the most enthusiastic commanders, had turned to rot.

After being too tired to continue, Major General Dixie decided to cut off the rambling speak.

"I'd say that's enough—"

"What about Scarlet?" Nearly everyone turned around to the voice.

It was Gregory.