The Lapse in Our Politics

Part 11: Winning

"You realize we have cameras in the Northern entrance, right?"

The soldier shuffled his feet. Could the floor give him comfort?

"Yes, ma'am," the soldier breathed, shame already beginning to flood his face.

After Commander Richard had been stolen, after Henry left, and Gregory too—Major General Dixie had finally taken it into her heart to again lead the remaining humans. Somehow, she had found out that two strangers had arrived at the Northern entrance (just a few days ago). It was haunting how simple and easy life could be one minute, only to have it torn and moving in a blur the next. It was torture, pure torture, and she couldn't shake from her thoughts.

"Those people could have helped us," she continued. Major General Dixie had just sent out five of the stronghold's eighty soldiers in search. They hadn't come back yet.

In another room, a whole other conversation was occurring.

"S-Scar-let," Russ demanded in a menacing tone. He didn't want the sickening feeling in his stomach to continue. Where had his commander been dragged off to?

Scarlet only narrowed her eyes. How was she supposed to realize Commander Richard was that love-stuck for her? Was her image that of true beauty? ...No. She was just a normal lady, living in an apocalyptical world. And, unfortunately, she couldn't predict the future.

She watched Russ as he paced back and forth. He was growling like a maddened dog. Since his all-time favorite commander had left, the poor man had been driven more desperate for a clear explanation or meaning. But nothing could ever be given.

"I was only being honest," Scarlet explained. "I don't find it worth it for love in this world. It always becomes so worthless in the end..."

Russ narrowed his eyes, unspeaking. Then, with a mighty snarl, he fled from the scene.

"Where are you taking me?" Commander Richard pleaded to the invader. Yet more importantly—only three days ago his love had been ultimately denied.

He tried—he really had. The commander had thought-up every way to convince Scarlet, the beautifully captivating girl, that he loved her. She was one of the few who seemed able to remain so rebellious, so arrogant, and yet so breathtaking. After too many years in the working mind of 'saving the world', the commander had eventually lowered his self-esteem. It would be too easy to allow the thoughts of total world-desolation and human-destruction to overwhelm him, but the idea of that preppy, determined lady drove him to the pure extent of wanting to please her.

Yes, that red-headed girl (and unknown by her) gave the human commander the belief that there were still things 'right' in the world—that not everything was unprincipled, a con, or illiberal. Live could still be lived. Battles could still be fought by the people and be won (not just looked down upon, and laughed at by the OoxpokloskiI).

But when that same red-headed girl cut his dreamy aspirations in two, he realized he had failed. What leader was he, so desperately reliant on everyone else's opinions?

Now away from any humans, blindly following the invader 'Henry', Commander Richard thought up one excuse for why he was so bad at making decisions. Nothing came to mind.

They were in Elgin, a journey's way away from Chicago (where the stronghold was stationed). Commander Richard was uncertain as to why Henry hadn't already killed him.

"We reside therein Elgin," Henry responded after a long pause.

The commander stretched it further.