PLANET MISCHWALD: A TALE OF TWO CITIES…Life in Vela Astria
BANDI

The morning sky burst into shades of red, pink, and gold as the sun slowly rose on the horizon Dawn had always been seen by countless species as the start of a new day. The sounds of the night slipped off to sleep under the bright, warm sun as birds replaced crickets and insects replaced wolves. The soft glow of sunshine spilled through the windows into the house signaling the occupants that it was time to awaken and begin the day.

Shading his eyes from the bright sunlight, Kotos Vullo woke up with a feeling of peace and serenity. Glancing over at his wife, he felt a serenity knowing the day he always knew would come had finally arrived. Leaning over his kissed his wife. It was barely a kiss with his lips brushing her cheek being careful not to wake her. Slipping from his bed, Kotos looked back at his wife. In the early morning light, she looked beautiful to him. Her hair spilled around the soft silken pillows almost as if she were a princess in some romantic novel. Exiting the room, he made his way to the kitchen. The kids would be up soon and all he wanted was a mug of blutean in peace and quiet before the rush of feet, running down the steps signaled his family was awake.

A small giggle followed by the impact of a tiny body pulled Kotos’s attention to eyes sparkling and bright holding a stuffed Chrisvens mouse so loosely in her hand it was sure to drop to the floor. The smile on the little girl’s face radiated the epitome of being a child and waking up ready for the excitement of a new day. At five, it was clear the little girl knew something wonderful was going to happen but the excitement in her eyes showed it was going to be a grand adventure for her. The sounds of her laughter filled the room, as Kotos hoisted her into the air and smothered her face and cheeks with kisses. Walking with her in his arms, Kotos carried the little girl to a plush, purple, cushioned stool as she peppered him with questions about what they were going to do today. The excitement was almost tangible as she dropped the stuffed Chrisvens mouse into the seat beside her and arranged the toy so that he could also share in her breakfast. Right now she felt safe That was all she wanted: to be downstairs at the kitchen table watching her dad pull out plates and dishes ready to make breakfast in the warm and cozy kitchen.

Opening the doors to the cold cabinet, Kotos began to pull items from it. Fruits and vegetables, dairy and eggs filled his arms so much so he had to use his chin to balance it all for the short trip to the counter. A frown formed on his daughter’s face as she realized there were no tartanberries laid out among the items retrieved from the counter. Crossing her arms she stuck out her bottom lip and fixed a rigid stare on her father. Picking up his mug of bluetean Kotos opened his mouth to chastise his young daughter but stopped as he felt an arm encircle his waist and a hand remove the mug he was about to drink from. This was
a game they played at times. Today his wife had won the prize, a ready cup of ambition she did not have to make herself. A teasing thank you and wink showed his wife was in a frisky mood and was looking to make her husband a bit friskier at the same time. Letting out a laugh he leaned down to kiss his wife. Having these two women in his life meant Kotos was often not in control of his life. Their wants and needs always eclipsed his own but to him, it was never a problem. The two faces looking back at him made his world complete and he would do anything for them.

As Kotos made breakfast, he tossed bits of meat and eggs to the dogs whining and whimpering at his feet. The two animals knew if they waited long enough, a plate with bits of the family’s excess food would soon be theirs. Kotos let out a small chuckle as he talked to the animals like they were children flinging bits of greased soaked meat and succulent fruits to the furry creatures who barked and wiggled with happiness. There was more than enough to go around and the creatures knew Kotos always threw in a few extra eggs just for them every morning. It was why they scoffed at the bits of hard kibble heaped in their bowls. The Kotos home was a house of plenty. There was no need to scavenge.

Reaching across the kitchen bar, his wife scanned through the local news on the prompter remarking about a story here or there until it settled on the report of the Elders and Galactic Union. Everyone in the room stopped to look at the screen. The pomp and pageantry were breathtaking. Exiting the shuttle, the four individuals, three adults, and one child carried torches blazing with fire. The flames would be seen as beacons of hope: pure, clean, and almost magical as they traveled down the ramp and joined with the flames waiting at the end of the ramp. Raising their hands, the Elders were greeted with shouts and cheers by the people amassed around the ramp of the shuttle. The screams of greetings and well wishes echoed twentyfold as more and more voices were added to the cacophony. The sound was deafening with actual words blending until it achieved white noise. The Elders began to move and hundreds of citizens began to walk in lockstep with the Elders marching through the streets to the grand amphitheater where the message would be shared.

Kotos set down the plate piled high with eggs, pancakes, fruits and meats in front of his wife and daughter as he moved to stand next to his family. Their world was going to change and it would all start today. No more wars, no more poverty, no more hardship: It was a golden age of wealth, education, arts, and enlightenment. Leaning forward he softly kissed his wife and the temple and settled in to watch the grand procession. Throngs of people from windows and balconies waved the customary flag of their planet sown onto the back of the Galactic Union’s. The effect showed a uniting of two states: the customs and heritage of the world of Mischwald merging with the grace and protection of the never-ending government of the Galactic Union. Children, hoisted high on top of shoulders, waved flags and colorful pennants. Young men and women poured from their homes joining the masses in the streets until the throng became a cascading tidal wave of the populace. Individual identities were lost as those above could only look down and spot the tops of the lavender skulls of the native population. The population of Mischwald was now united as it had never been before. They were one voice, one people, one consciousness all with the single goal of advancing their race to greatness unparalleled in their history.

Looking out his windows, Kotos along with his family saw the neighbors already replacing the flag of their homeworld with the new flag of symbolic unity. Moving to a box on the dining room table he smiled at his wife and handed it to his daughter. The smile and excitement at which the little girl laughed filled her parents with warmth as they watched her scurry down from the stool and run to the front door. Flinging it open, bright sunlight poured through the opening along with the warm rays of sunshine. The light was almost blinding making Kotos blink several times as he waved to the neighbors and hoisted the little girl to the flag pole. His wife reached up unfastening the clips so the flag, already placed there, fell unceremoniously to the ground. There was no need for it anymore. A new flag would now stand in its place, forevermore. A soft breeze caught the fabric. The flag began to flutter as the sounds of the procession could be heard even in Koto’s house several miles from the city.

Setting the little girl down, Kotos and his family walked back into their home eager to get dressed and partake in the festivities of the day. As the door closed behind him, Kotos could not help but find strength in the symbolism of the thud from the door closing. It heralded the promise of peace and hope for the Vullo family. They had been liberated from the darkness and eagerly anticipated the opportunity to chant and sing about the glorious arrival of a new day.

Kotos and his family exited their home with their tickets in hand and made their way down the street to the local transportation hub where the Galactic Union had supplied vehicles to move the masses to the large amphitheater. The crowds were thick. The air filled with a sense of jubilation. Hundreds of Galactic Union support services were intertwined with the planet’s own police and military. The two groups stood as one and appeared to work in perfect coordination as if it had been years and not days since the Union’s arrival. As with other worlds, the Ministry of Hope had altered the all-black uniforms to have a band around their left arm with the insignia of the newly indoctrinated world of Mishwald.

The newest addition to the Galactic Union had eagerly complied with the rules of indoctrination by adding the symbol of the Galactic Union to the left arm of their forces. These armbands were also being given out everywhere for the general populace. The arm banded insignia of the Galactic Union was on tables, available in kiosks, and being passed out by scores of individuals. The result was by the time anyone had entered the large amphitheater, they all wore the symbol of the Union on their left arm. Like most children, Koto’s daughter wore several. The excitement and euphoria had her placing one on each arm and the extras around her wrist like bracelets.

Approaching the checkpoint, Kotos shifted his small daughter to his wife’s arms as he fished for the electronic pass delivered to his family yesterday. Small jokes and banter about where he had stuck the damn thing and the revelation that his wife had them in her purse sent a bubble of good-natured laughter between the woman checking them in and the family.

Moving into the large amphitheater a sense of exuberance and jubilation erased every other emotion. Every inch of the stone and metal structure was decorated with colorful flags, banners, pennants, and streamers creating a carnival feel. Opalescent bubbles seemed to appear as if by magic drifting among those in their seats and making their way to their seats. Children and adults squealed with delight as the bubbles popped showering the individual with dust fine glitter or suddenly streaking high into the sky exploding into a brightly colored firework. Individuals in their seats gasped and pointed at the aerial show of acrobats swinging and flipping in the large open space or the exotic animals from worlds not yet heard of by Mischwald performed tricks. Soft upbeat music filled the space making it hard not to tap something to the rhythm. More black-clad uniformed support services passed out food and drink to anyone raising a hand or helped individuals find their seats in the stands. Kotos felt a child-like exhilaration as he finally made it to his seat. Leaning over he kissed his wife and looked down at the child between them. Life was going to change forever and he could not wait to see how.

The roar of the crowd was deafening as four individuals took the stage. The cacophony of voices and vibrations from the clapping and stopping of feet created a small tremble in the amphitheater. It was as if the very ground of the planet was trying to bow and pay homage to the Galactic Union. Each tremble and shimmy of the amphitheater’s seats and floor seemed to add to the fervor sweeping the crowd. Massive holographic image converters, placed throughout the amphitheater allowing even those with the worst seats a visual representation making it appear they were inches away from the center of the stage suddenly began to transmit an image. It drew all attention away from the reverie occurring on the floor of the amphitheater and turned everyone’s faces to one point

The four individuals did not wear the insignia of either world but their presence was well known. Spectators began to reach out and claw the empty air as if hoping their fingertips could brush the fabric of the Elders on the stage. Others cried and dropped to their knees, raising their hands in prayer begging for a touch on the head or shoulder to allow divination to be passed to them. The Elders stood wearing a humble expression, not speaking, not moving as if possessed by something greater than themselves. Normal beings would be feeling an intense sense of power or intimidated by the multitudes bending at their knee to them. Instead, the Elders appeared almost ethereal in their pristine, pure white uniforms. The two men’s tunics and pants and the women’s flowing white gowns held the same nearly invisible strands of opalescent threads woven into the fabric which refracted the light from the sun above. It created the visual effect that the Elders on the stage were radiating with the light of something magical and mystic.

In choreography as practiced and effortless as breath, doors on the amphitheater slide back simultaneously allowing the procession of flags, torches, and banners to spill into the space like a tidal wave engulfing a shoreline. Each step caused the rippling fabric of the flags to ebb and flow into a mosaic that appeared almost alive. The material, once only the colors and symbols of the Union, transformed into a living tapestry of images showing breathtaking landscapes from worlds too numerous to count. Images of oceans, deserts, jungles, forests, and glaciers morphed into cities, towns, villages, and farms. Within a blink of an eye vast arrays of sentient species began to fill each banner and flag showing peace, happiness, harmony, and love in each of the respective climates and living regions. It was as if the procession was showing a living history of the universe from an uninhabitable world to a thriving civilization with all the richness and uniqueness only something more powerful than oneself could create.

When the intensity and zealousness of the crowd reached a rabid ardor, the Elders stepped forward, raising their arms to the heavens as the indoctrination song began to play in every speaker, communicator, and transmission device as if the entire planet was united in a single voice.

Every man has a place, in the Union there’s a space
When the world can’t erase your agonies
Bring your kids Don’t be shy come with your families
All your dreams will come true, right away
And we will live together, until enlightenment forever
Our voices will ring forever, as one

The beat was tantric and primal designed to soothe and intensify the emotions exploding from anyone hearing it. A heavy drum beat pounded out a bass note that one felt in their bones evoking a sense of power and authority tapping into the primitive centers of one’s mind. The flutes and horns balanced out this adrenaline rush to conquer the world with a rhythm that seemed to create a path for which the crowd moved. The hypnotic notes from the orchestra enveloped the masses evoking a sense of peace and disorientation at the same time. When the crowd vibrated and swayed in a deistic surge, lyrics united every individual into one by giving them a single point of focus as the song continued.

Every thought is a dream, all of us acting as a team
Bringing life to our kingdom of doing
Bring your kids dont try and hide come with your families
All your dreams will come true, right away
Our voices will ring together with enlightenment forever
We all will live forever, as one

Reaching to his side, Kotos lifted his child holding her high in the air in response to the lyrics. Throughout the crowd infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents were hoisted in fealty. The Elders watched as the crowd began to succumb to the pageant and rhetoric of enlightenment.

Come to see, Enlightenment is not a Fantasy
Living life, a new decree,
Free your mind to everlasting liberty

Our minds will explore together, old worlds, we conquer, forever
We then, will live together, as one
Come to see, Enlightment is not a Fantasy
Living life, behold, your soul is in ecstasy

For three of the Elders, this sight had been experienced more times than they could count. Their minds drifted not to a euphoric future but to the more hedonistic and carnal pleasures, their position afforded them. Many would-be grateful tonight and once they handled the Windar, this indoctrination would become enjoyable. Only one of the quad let herself be engrossed in the pomp and pageantry drinking the spectacle into her soul. Her hazel green eyes scanned the legions of Muschwaldan’s ready to lay down not their just lives but their very souls for the Galactic Union. The crowds filled her as sense of power and belonging. All the years of education and study culminated at this moment, this destiny, this purpose for her life. She sang the lyrics in a low tone believing every word of the song.

You will find, other kind, that has been in search for you
Many lives has brought you to
Recognize it’s your life, now in review

And as you stay for the way, the Union will show what it, has in store for you
A glowing light will see you through
It’s your day, shining day, all your dreams come true

As you glide, in your stride with the path as it guides your way
Give a smile, from your lips, and say
I am free, yes I’m free, now I’m on my way

With a flourish of the Elder’s hands, hundreds of kaleidoscope-colored butterflies erupted seemingly from thin air in perfect synchronicity with the end of the song. No longer was the crowd contained to their seats. Bodies spilled over the rails and retaining walls desperate to join the grandeur and spectacle. It was chaotic and desperate. It was expected. The banners and flags retreated as the fanatical mobs approached until a brilliant light exploded in the sky so brightly it was as if the sun were falling. Shielding their eyes and blinking rapidly to remove the spots, the citizens were stopped in thier place, not by security forces or soldiers but by a single woman that appeared out of no where.

The Rectoress stood tall and regal in a gown of gossamer silk in the center of the stage. Flanking her sides were one male Elder on bended knee and one female Elder in a deep curtsey. The music that once played invigorating the crowd was no more. Instead, a harmonic tone tuned to elicit a feeling of submission and slight fear pulsed out in waves. The people’s actions slowed until they became as still as if in slumber. A collective breath was held as the Rectoress raised her hands and face to the sky.

“Peace and Harmony to you,” her voice was echoed in every corner and crevice of the giant amphitheater making every individual witnessing it feel as if she were next to them. “I come to you on this glorious day of indoctrination. Gone are the days of evil bigotry, violence, and chaos. The path of enlightenment, given to us by the spiritual Divination and God himself, will usher in an eternity of peace, faith, and love. Give yourself to the path for it will lead to the salvation of your soul.”

Scanning out upon the legions of devout and soon-to-be fanatical followers of enlightenment, she dropped to her knees genuflecting the crowds. The effect was impassioned and authoritative, unyielding and submissive. The Rectoress had devoted herself to be the living representation of the Divine. The staged choreography of music and visuals displayed an all-powerful yet somehow fragile being. The crowd thundered and howled in praise with some imitating her posture, some crying, and some watching in awe until the image dissipated in the perfectly timed breeze that blew through the amphitheater.

WINDAR

The evening sky melted into shades of red, pink, and gold as the sun slowly dipped below the horizon Dusk had always been seen by countless species as the end of a new day. The sounds of the day slipped off to sleep under the cool, dark moon as crickets replaced birds and wolves replaced insects. The soft glow of sunshine receded through the windows into the house signaling the occupants that it was time to sleep and put the day behind them.

Squinting his eyes, trying to see something in the inky blackness slowly engulfing him, Shev Ardu, struggled to contain the feeling of terror and anxiety washing over him. Glancing over at his wife, he felt a dread deep in his core knowing the day he always knew would come had finally arrived. Reaching over he grabbed his wife and kissed her deeply. The kiss was not soft or gentle but filled with hunger. As he drew back, he could see the terrified expression in her eyes and felt a rush of anger knowing nothing he could do would alleviate it. Reaching up he brushed the hair off her face. Even with the grime and dirt stuck to her cheeks and forehead, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She was his life. She was his strength. At that moment, Shev knew if one of them had to die tonight, it would be him. Without her, his life had little to no meaning.

A whimper beside him pulled Shev’s attention to eyes wide in terror and clutching a stuffed Chrisvens mouse so tightly to their chest the little hands were almost as pale as his daughter’s complexion. At five, it was clear the little girl knew something bad was going to happen but the fear of not knowing was consuming her. She knew enough not to talk but soothed herself by stroking the head of the stuffed toy rhythmically. Reaching out he gathered the young girl into his arms crushing her to his chest. No child should carry the look her eyes were reflecting from her soul. She did not say anything as she felt Shev’s arms press her tight to his body. Instead of crying out, she turned her head and laid it on Shev’s shoulder. Right now she felt safe That was all she wanted: to be upstairs in her bed and not hiding in the dank, musty cellar of her own home.

Reaching to his side, Shev opened the small sack next to him and began to pull items from it. A half a loaf bread that was starting to get spots of mold, two potatoes, and three tartanberries fit in his entire hand. A smile formed on his daughter’s face as she realized there were tartanberries among the items retrieved from the burlap sack. Clapping her hands, she let out a small wiggling dance on Shev’s lap fixing a bright smile and happy expression on her father. She knew there were more in there but only once a day did her papa bring out the small sky-blue fruits. It was normal to have one at night but the fact there were three had the little girl overwhelmed with excitement. It meant she would get her own and not have to share it with her mother and father. Part of the little girl felt bad for being so selfish yet it had been a long time since she had been able to eat a bowl full of them herself. Passing the food to his wife’s lap, Shev picked up a berry and tapped the girl’s nose with it playfully eliciting a giggle. His wife let out a small chuckle of her own as she worked trying to pick off the moldy spots from the bread while keeping as much of the bread as possible. The moldy pieces of bread would not go to waste, however. She would give them to Shev to put out in the make-shift traps her husband had made. How they would heat the meat or cook any rodent they might catch plagued her mind yet they had no choice but to try. The only other option was to starve. Looking over at his wife preparing the meager meal they had, Shev felt a pang of worry and guilt in his gut. He did not let it consume him, pushing past it to remember with each new day there was a chance their lives would change. Hope was all he had along with his beautiful wife and daughter. Leaning over, Shev kissed his wife but spoke no words. He didn’t have to. She knew exactly the worry and love in his thoughts. Handing him his portion of bread, she let her finger trace the inside of his wrist. A fleeting moment of intimacy on her part reminded him that as long as they were together, they would be okay. Shev returned the gesture with a smile bowing his head to start the prayer. Having these two women in his life meant Shev was often not in control of his life. Their wants and needs always eclipsed his own but to him, it was never a problem. The two faces looking back at him made his world complete and he would do anything for them.

As Shev ate half of the potato, his stomach knotted watching his wife and daughter eat in silence, savoring the food that would barely fill their stomachs. It was all they had but it would have to do for now. His hand trembled as he took another bite of his own potato. The protector in him hated he could not give up his share to his half-starving wife and child. The protector in him also knew Shev needed his strength to help his wife and child in the journey ahead If he was too weak to walk, he would be left behind. The fear of sending his wife and child into the abyss alone, made the man choke down the only food they had left.

Reaching over to the prompter, his wife scanned through the local news on the device searching for any report of the Elders and Galactic Union. The prompter was the only possession they retained from their old life with the rest long been sold for a tenth of its value to provide the bits of moldy bread and fruit he had pulled from the bag for the night’s repast. Everyone in the room watched with rapt horror at the destruction and devastation caused by the arrival of the Galactic Union and the Elders. Exiting the shuttles, three adults emerged each followed by a mechanical monstrosity only imagined in one’s nightmares. The liquid metallic bodies twisted and bent into slippery shapes like a wraith’s shadow with glowing red eyes that seemed to look everywhere and anywhere. The eyes were demonic: malicious, malevolent, and evil as Mechs floated down the ramp like a liquid storm waiting to be unleashed. Raising their hands, the Elders scatted pebble-sized metal balls. These balls landed on the streets and appeared to liquefy and spread out. Each ball separated into twenty more pieces each until the area around the shuttle was suddenly filled with hundreds of Mechs like the ones behind the three Elders. Each one seemed to grow from the ground like a pestilence until the inky blackness of the night began to glow a blood red with now hundreds of Mech eyes scanning the area. Silently the Elders marched through the streets with their maniacal army of Mech’s to take the city and root out any resistance.

Shev looked down at his empty hand wishing there was more food. If he was hungry, so was his wife and child. Looking up, the silence between the three of them felt painful. Their world was going to change and it would all start today. No more jokes, no more laughter, no more talks about what the day would hold for them occurred during their meager meals: It was an age of suffering, hardship, loss, and desperation. Leaning forward he softly kissed his wife and the temple and turned his attention to the window. The Elders and mechs had arrived and their genocidal purge was happening. Throngs of people began to scream from their hiding places in attics and basements as they were greeted by Mechs with the flag of their planet shining on their backs and Galactic Union’s emblazoned on their front. The effect showed how the Galactic Union viewed this new world: the customs and heritage of the world of Mischwald facing behind and the ever unstoppable machine of the Galactic Union leading the way. Gazing out the window Shev could see children, hoisted high on top of their shoulders to protect them from being trampled or separated from their parents. Young and old alike, men and women were pulled from their hiding places to join the masses in the streets being rounded up for re-education. Individual identities were lost as the native population moved as a single mass now united as it had never been before. Gone were the individual voices. Gone was the richness in diversity of ideas. Now there was one voice, one people, one consciousness all with the single goal of hindering their race to from slipping into a subjugation unparalleled in their history.

Looking out his windows, Shev saw a red pulsing eye stop and peer into the room they had been hiding in for a mouth. The glass instantly shattered as the Mech altered its shape to slide down like a liquid metallic snake. Moving to the steps, Shev smiled at his wife and took his daughter’s hand. The tears and muffled sobbing of the little girl stilled some as she felt the warmth of her parent’s hands in hers. Flinging open the door, chaos and pandemonium replaced the deathly stillness of the basement hiding hole. The light from the shuttles was almost blinding making Kotos blink several times as he nodded to the neighbors driven from their own secret places. He hoisted the little girl onto his shoulders as his wife reached out taking his hand. A soft breeze caught the fabric of the new alien flag plastered everyone one could see. The flag began to flutter as the sounds of the procession could be heard even in the believer’s homes several miles from the city.

Setting the little girl down, once packed into the shuttle, Shev and his family witnessed the devastation of the mechs on the city that once was their home. Three robed figures on floating platforms seemed to be masterminding the Mech from their elevated position. As the shuttle door closed behind him, Shev could not help but fight the panic in the symbolism of the thud from the door closing. It heralded the promise of death and sorrow for his family. They were now exiled to the darkness and felt despair gnawing on their souls. It was the arrival of the last day of their life.

Shev and his family exited the shuttle clutching each other tightly. The inky black of night was punctuated by spotlights directing everyone towards large gates where the Galactic Union moved the masses to the large dirt field that once had grown crops of food. The crowds were thick. The air filled with a sense of ominous despair. Hundreds of Galactic Union support services were intertwined with the planet’s own police and military. The two groups stood as one and appeared to work in perfect coordination as if it had been years and not days since the Union’s arrival. As with other worlds, the Ministry of Hope had altered the all-black uniforms to have a band around their left arm with the insignia of the newly indoctrinated world of Mishwald. Helmets covered the faces of those in uniform so anyone passing had no idea if those that were herding them to the field were Mischwaldans or Unionists.

The newest addition to the Galactic Union had eagerly complied with the rules of indoctrination by adding the symbol of the Galactic Union to the left arm of their forces. Voices boomed out in a thunderous monotone for those passing the tables laden with armbands emblazoned with the insignia of the Galactic Union to pick them up and place them on their left arms. Those that refused were pulled from the line and executed where they resisted. The result was by the time anyone had entered the large dirt field, they all wore the symbol of the Union on their left arm. Like most children, Shev’s daughter sobbed and hid her face out the fear as the band slipped on her arm.

Approaching the large gates, Shev shifted his small daughter to his wife’s arms and pressed his back hard into his wife. This was all he could to try and protect them with his body from the batons lashing out to keep the crowd moving forward. Hasty words and rushed promises by Shev that they were going to comply fell on deaf ears for those herding his family into the large dirt field.

Moving into the large dirt field a sense of fear and trepidation erased every other emotion. The space was devoid of decoration except for spotlights on black iron skeletal like scaffolds shining so bright one was blinded if they looked up. The beams of light were not enough to light the space evenly causing those walking to trip and stumble on the muddy, oily-like terrain. The only thing clearly illuminated was a small stage edged with the flags of Mischwald and the Galactic Union. The floor of the stage contained four-round circular depressions. Children and adults cried as those in charge beat or executed scores of people who protested at what was occurring.

Shots from weapons popped off randomly felling people where they stood and showered the individual’s around them with a fine spray of blood and gore or exploded into the inky blackness of the night over everyone’s head. Individuals clutched each other as they gasped and pointed to the invisible demons striking from the shadows trying to move and shift to avoid being a target. Soft dour music filled the space making it hard not to stop the shiver that coursed down one’s spine. More black-clad uniformed support services seemed to appear out of nowhere turning any glimpse of the landscape into a wall of nondescript uniforms and faceless helmets. Shev felt the icy chill of foreboding evil as he wrapped his arms around his wife and child to prevent them from being trampled as more and more bodies were shoved into the small enclosure. Leaning over he kissed his wife and looked down at the child between them. Life was going to change forever and Shev prayed that whatever was about to occur would happen quickly.

The crowd slowly fell silent as four individuals took the stage rising up from each of the small depressions. The cacophony of angry voices and lamenting sobs muted to a bitter whisper in the dirt field. It was as if the very air circulating about was trying to choke out every voice in a forced, reverent silence to the Galactic Union. Each tremble and shiver in the dirt field rippled through the packed bodies and seemed to add to the anxiety sweeping the crowd. Massive holographic image converters suddenly snapped into life above the dirt field allowing even those packed in so tightly it was hard to draw breath could lift their faces up and bare witness to what was occurring on the stage.

The four individuals did not wear the insignia of either world but their presence was well known. Individuals began to retreat back and claw over those behind them as if hoping to put more space between them and the Elders occupying the stage. Voiced cried as people were pushed to their knees, raising their hands in prayer and begging for someone to help them up as they were slowly trampled under the weight of the crowd’s feet. The Elders stood wearing a stern expression, not speaking, not moving as if possessed by something greater than themselves. Normal beings would be feeling an intense sense of sorrow or abject horror at the death of the multitudes dying before their eyes. Instead, the Elders appeared almost spector-like in their icy, pure white uniforms. The two men’s tunics and pants and the women’s flowing white gowns held nearly the same nearly invisible strands of opalescent threads woven into the fabric which refracted the light from the spotlights directed above them. It created the visual effect that the Elders on the stage were radiating with the light of something otherworldly and supernatural.

In choreography as practiced and effortless as breath, black-clad individuals surrounding the crowd suddenly lifted torches allowing malevolent looking shadows to be cast spilling into the space like a demonic tidal wave. Each flicker of light danced on the wind illuminating the rippling fabric of the flags now raised like sentinel soldiers behind the individuals in the black-clad uniforms. In the wind, the flags ebbed and flowed into a mosaic that appeared almost alive and creating another barrier to the landscape. The material, once only the colors and symbols of the Union, transformed into a living tapestry of images showing breathtaking landscapes from worlds too numerous to count. Images of oceans, deserts, jungles, forests, and glaciers morphed into cities, towns, villages, and farms. Within a blink of an eye vast arrays of sentient species began to fill each banner and flag showing peace, happiness, harmony, and love in each of the respective climates and living regions. It was as if the procession was showing a living history of the universe from an uninhabitable world to a thriving civilization with all the richness and uniqueness only something more powerful than oneself could create. The effect was mesmerizing and confusing as murmurs in the crowd began to question its purpose.

When the intensity and apprehension of the crowd reached a rabid ardor, the Elders stepped forward, raising their arms to the heavens as the re-education speech began to play in every speaker from the hastily erected steel skeletons lining the field creating the effect creating the feel of a single disapproving voice.

Only some have a place, But for you, there is no space
The Union will erase all your blasphemous lies
You can’t run or hide Don’t even try with your pathetic cries
You will be destroyed and memory swept away
And you will no longer live with the righteous forever
Your voices never again to ring together, as one

While much like the other song, the beat was tantric and primal but designed to heighten and intensify the emotions exploding from anyone hearing it. A heavy drum beat pounded out a bass note that one felt in their bones evoking a sense of discomfort and anxiety tapping into the primitive centers of one’s mind. The flutes and horns amplified the adrenaline rush to run in fear with a rhythm that seemed to agitate the crowd. The hypnotic notes from the orchestra enveloped the masses evoking a sense of dread and disorientation at the same time. When the crowd vibrated and swayed in a primordial surge, the lyrics created a single point of focus for the crowd..

Your every plot is a dream, of destroying the faithful holy team
You bring nothing but death to our kingdom of righteous doing
We will free your kids dont even try to hide come with your families
For only your death will bring the light,
Our voices will ring together with enlightenment forever
Yet you will die forever, forgotten to everyone

Reaching to his side, Kotos covered his daughter’s ears. Throughout the crowd infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents were attempted to be hidden or protected as the future that awaited them was announced. The Elders watched as the crowd began to succumb to the panic as they learned what happens to those that shun the Galactic Union and the path of enlightenment.

Don’t you see, victory is just a fantasy
Erasing your life, is our decree,
In death we will free your mind to everlasting liberty

Your kind will be destroyed, and burned from all worlds forever
We then will expand faith together, as one
You will see our victory
In the Union you are just a fantasy
Living life, is not for you,
behold, your soul is filled with devilry

For three of the Elders, this sight had been experienced more times than they could count. Their minds drifted from the carnage about to occur to the more hedonistic and carnal pleasures, that awaited them once this task was complete. Re-education was a messy process however it was needed. Only one of the quad let herself be engrossed in the horror and terror of the spectacle, burning the image into her soul. Her hazel green eyes scanned the legions of Muschwaldan’s about to lay down not only their lives but their very souls in payment for not following the path. Only one of the Guardians tried to move and leave the space however invisible hands seemed to be holding her in place. No matter how she moved her body, it seemed to be frozen. All the years of education and study seemed to clash at this moment, against what she had devoted her life to learning. Much like the crowd, however, there was no place to run, no place to hide. The only option was to bare witness.

You will find, righteous kind, that has been in search of you
Your lies have brought us to
Recognize it’s your life, now in review

You have fallen astray of the way, the Union will show what it, has in store for you
A glowing light will pierce you through
It’s your last day, enlightenment ends your ways of ever coming true

The monotone voice stopped chanting out the chilling lyrics to the song that explained in prose why they had been rounded up into this field. The crowd became chaotic and desperate. It was expected. These people now understood what rebellion and resistance had cost them and the ones they loved. As the fanatical mobs stopped retreating and began to charge the stage a brilliant light exploded in the night sky so brightly it was as if the sun were falling. Shielding their eyes and blinking rapidly to remove the spots, the citizens were stopped in their place, not by security forces or soldiers but by a single woman suddenly on the stage as if by magic.

The Rectoress stood tall and regal in a gown of gossamer silk in the center of the stage. Flanking her sides were one male Elder and one female Elder. They were not on bended knees like in the amphitheater but standing erect on their floating dais. The music that once played as the captives disembarked the shuttles had been silenced. Instead, a harmonic tone tuned to elicit a feeling of submission and slight fear pulsed out in waves. The people’s actions to the tone caused them to fidget and squirm about as if subconsciously they were in pain. A collective breath was held as the Rectoress raised her hands and face to the sky.

“Our wish was to bring peace and harmony to you,” her voice was echoed in every corner and crevice of the giant amphitheater making every individual witnessing it feel as if she were next to them. “These flags show what you will never have because instead of embracing the light you have chosen to embrace evil, bigotry, violence, and chaos. The path of enlightenment, given to us by the spiritual Divination and God himself, is not closed however to all of you. Re-education of your soul will be granted to those God has deemed are worthy of a second chance.”

Mech’s began to coalesce from the oily substance on the ground, rising up like slithery shadows as she spoke seeking out individuals with surgical precision. “Give yourself to the path for it is the only path for the salvation of your soul.”

Instantly the Mech’s rose up swallowing each of its intended targets. Nothing could penetrate its shields once they were activated. They sliced through the embrace of lovers’ locked hands and parent’s cradling their children. The occupants in the shield screamed and beat against the shimmering force field that now held them captive. Those outside of their encapsulated loved ones altered between begging for them to be released and clawing at the shimmering forcefield until nails tore off their fingers and bones broke in their hands. The song began again and this time the Rectoress read out the lyrics of the song. It was time for the re-education to begin.

As you slide, in your stride on the path where you lost your way
Give a smile, from your lips, and say
Thank you I am free, yes I’m free, now I’m on my way

Scanning out upon the legions of undevout and soon-to-be eliminated, the Rectoress flicked her hand signaling the Mech’s to rise up in the air. The effect was authoritative, unyielding, and dominant. The Rectoress had devoted herself to be the living representation of the Divine. Now it was time to show her power. The staged choreography of music and visuals amplified the image of an all-powerful, god-like being. The crowd wailed and howled in distress as their loved ones floated beyond their fingertips and were swallowed by the inky blackness of the night. All eyes turned back to the image of the Rectoress causing some to drop to their knees begging, some to collapse as they cried, and some watching her in disbelief until the image dissipated in the perfectly timed breeze that blew through the amphitheater. She was gone just like everyone else in the field encapsulated by a Mech.