The Parade
JJ stood near a tree twenty meters away from the left arm of the Hands Arch on Hands Avenue, which leads up to the Welcoming Palace. This was the day of the Summer Angel Parade and would be followed by an address to the nation by the BEAUTIFUL LEADER. From his position JJ could just make out the balcony where the BEAUTIFUL LEADER would greet the nation. Between this arch and the palace there was a mass of people some of which had camped out all night to get the best viewing positions near the avenue.
There are two huge arches one at each end of Hands Avenue under which the parade will pass. The first, called Dolls Arch, consists of two woman's forearms and hands. They raise to fifty meters and form the arch by holding and the head and feet of a statue of an androgynous doll, as though it were part of a Union. The second, Hands Arch, consists the same forearms and hands this time open with the fingers extended, the palms facing inwards towards the palace. The tips of the little fingers touch and nails of the ring fingers. The right hand is in front of the left. The whole arch gives you the impression that these hands are holding the country in the bosom and protection of the BEAUTIFUL LEADER, who resides in her palace. The model for the hands and arms was the DIVINE herself and this can be seen since the nails on the hands reach twelve meters in length.
``JJ Goldstein.'' The man was wearing similar itchy clothes as JJ, although they looked even more uncomfortable on him. His beard was unkempt and had lots of white hair in it, and he was going bald. Generally he looked like the anonymous man in the street and this was definitely an advantage. JJ felt this was an odd place to meet with all these crowds of people.
``Yes''
``Come to 38 The warehouses Tuesday 18:00''. And then he was gone, disappearing in the crowd.
It had taken JJ some time to make contact. He had started by wondering around some of the cheaper markets in the rundown part of town. He had spent two dollars (also procured by Anne Marie) buying some battered old training shoes which looked like they dated from before the Glorious Revelation and had already been worn by several dissidents who had disappeared. Even though both JJ and the saleswoman had broken the law, treason would have been a much greater offence and JJ knew he was risking his life mentioning anything anti the MERCIFUL ONE. But this address had been given to JJ by Anne Marie and he knew there was not much to loose. If Anne Marie had wanted him dead he was sure there were easier ways.
``I wish I could buy these in the market outside'', JJ mumbled. This was heresy but the woman didn't say anything perhaps she hadn't heard.
JJ went back a week later and bought a old T shirt, also for a dollar. This time as he was leaving the sales woman said in a low voice: ``The tree twenty meters from the Hands Arch on the left just before the Welcoming Parade.''
JJ was surprised by the grandeur of the parade. The sun was shining and many recently graduated Angels were marching up Hands Avenue in the sparkling new purple outfits, smiling from ear to ear. Each group of a hundred marched under a banner containing standard pictures of the DIVINE. Each in a different pose. The first she was in the Angel uniform, talking to a group of Angel. The next she was in a long flowing white dress with wings behind her and a halo above her head. The next she was in a nurses uniform, crouching by the side of boy in a hospital bed. The next she is in full military uniform. And so on. There must have been at least fifty such posters. Marching between each group there was band consisting of several drummers and a horn and wind section. The groups march in unison to the drums of the band, without putting a foot wrong. Some of the groups were also on horseback. These also marched under banners carried by the horses at the sides.
The spectators were waving flags also with the BEAUTIFUL LEADER's face on it. Some of them were obviously parents who were crying with pride as there daughters were marching passed.
After the parade JJ made his way to the back of the throng of spectators to try to see the DIVINE as she was making her speech. JJ was not usually one for such spectacles but as he was there already he decided to watch.
``My Britons'' came the DIVINE voice over the loudspeakers. There was a roar from the crowd. They cheered and clapped for over three minutes. In the end the MERCIFUL ONE raised her hands and the crowd quietened. JJ wondered to himself if these people even wanted to overthrow this regime.
``I and you my chosen people have made this another successful and beautiful year. The wealth of our nation has increased over this year and we are all happier.'' The crowd cheered again.
Even though, from this distance, she seemed tiny, it was the first time JJ had seen the DIVINE in the flesh. It had a profound effect on his body, an almost irrational desire to be closer to her.
``Our schools report how they have, for the sixth year in succession, improved standards through the dedication and hard work of all the teachers, inspired by the Glorious Revelation. Our health service is successfully treating more people and fewer people are becoming ill.''
The crowed cheered again.
``But we must all be vigilant. There are dark forces amongst us. Those who wish to destroy all that we have achieved together since the Glorious Revelation. It is the duty of anyone who knows of a friend or neighbour who harbour such thoughts to tell the Angels. They are understanding and will patiently investigated any claims. Nobody need have fear of anything. There is no punishment for not feeling my Love, such people will merely be gently encouraged to accept it.''
JJ felt the DIVINE was talking directly to him, pains of guilt shot through his body. He had to bite his lip to prevent him from shouting out `It's me, I have evil thoughts, I want to destroy the BEAUTIFUL LOVER, Please take me away and punish me, its all my fault.'
``This Day,'' the MERCIFUL ONE continued, ``we can be proud of all the Young Angels who graduate today to full Angels. Remember they will help you whenever you are in need. They bring my Love for all you who I have chosen to be my people. I love you all.''