The Capitulators

 

The stadium had been filled to capacity.  The spectators in the stands were wildly discussing why they had received their virtual tickets after the participants down below had already been awarded theirs earlier in the month.

The participants on the field of play didn’t know why they had received their virtual golden tickets either.  They had just discovered them on their vaccine certification apps a month before attending the event.  Apparently, they were to receive an award, but again, they didn’t know why.

The president appeared on the giant screen above them all.  It would be the one time that he would actually end up telling them the truth:

“I would like to thank all of you for attending this event.  I’m sorry for such short notice, but we knew most of you would attend without even knowing what it was about.  After all, you are the ones that have always gone along with the program without question.”

“Those in the stands that have been given their virtual green tickets should give yourselves a round of applause.  You are the spectators in our event tonight and I’m sure that this experience will have a lasting impression upon you.  We of the elite are proud of you for your unquestioning loyalty and allegiance.” 

“You will be making a new pledge at the end of this event.  Don’t worry; nothing will really change.” 

“But this grand spectacle is more about those down on the field.  According to our databases, you are the most loyal of all to the State.  And your loyalty will not go unrewarded.”

(The spectators applaud the participants down below).

“The level of your compliance is phenomenal.  Alpha, Delta, and Theta strains of the virus with all the accompanying vaccines and boosters that you’ve so loyally taken have made a big difference.  Although we remain at war with the virus, we will beat it yet!”

(The stadium erupts in applause).

“But the biggest difference between the participants and the spectators here this evening is the willingness of those down below to notify the authorities after discovering the non-compliance of others.  Even with our current level of surveillance technology, we really couldn’t have been so completely successful without you.”

“As our news programs have repetitively told you, the vast majority of the anti-vaxxers and gun owners have now been either exterminated or taken to the camps.  Although the guerilla domestic terrorists continue to be a problem, your timely phone calls, texts and e-mails continue to assist us in eradicating our common problem.” 

“Again, let’s give these participants one more round of applause!”

(The spectators comply).

“And now on to the Awards Ceremony!”

Suddenly, armed troops dressed all in black from their boots to their helmets surround both the spectators and the participants. 

The field that the participants are standing on begins to crumble.  It was only comprised of a thin layer of Astroturf with the steel supports now being removed underneath.  As the screaming participants try to escape the open pit, they are shoved back by the enforcers with bayonets affixed to their rifles. 

While the horrified spectators can hear the diminishing screams of those falling into the abyss, they never hear a sound signifying the bottom.

The madman that they once took for their president now stands above them in person surrounded by armed guards.

“Here is the just reward for stool pigeons,” said the president.  “If they can be so easily duped into betraying their own, why would we trust them after they have served their purpose for us? 

“They are the Capitulators!”

The spectators stood dumb-founded.  Most simply could not come to terms with what they had just seen. 

“If you haven’t realized it yet, you have just witnessed a mass human sacrifice on behalf of our lord and master, Lucifer,” the president said. “Our wars have been committed for much the same reasons.”

“And all that’s left for you to do now is pledge your allegiance or join the participants in the pit!”

 

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The remaining spectators walked out of the stadium in an orderly fashion.  They quietly walked to their cars and waited their turn to exit the parking lot before driving down the empty streets to their homes. 

They could find no solace in the silence.