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!”
----------
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.