The House Part 22

April 30th
Chapter two in which John makes a speech and gives in
“Alright People” John said looking around the table, “Here is the plan, and let me just say up front that you five are the only people to fully know the plan and I want to keep it that way. The more people who know what the plan is the more there are to leak it to the enemy, even the Prime Minister doesn't know exactly what the plan is. This is going to be the biggest, most dangerous, and most important operation of the entire war and nothing can go wrong. Do I make my self clear?”
“Yes sir.” Everyone said, nodding.
“Good,” John said, “Here is the basic plan: We are going to divide into six groups, each led by one of us. I hope that you all have your squad assignments.”
“Yes sir we do.” Everyone replied.
“Good, good.” John said, “Now basically we're going to try and cause as much damage as possible to the Foremen as possible. We've pulled out all the stops and our informants have planted various bombs throughout the floors in key places including the stairwell blockade. When I give the order the bombs will be detonated we will then storm the stairs and proceed to the top three floors. There will be two squadrons per floor and our goal is to totally destroy them. Ladies and gentlemen this could be the offensive which wins us the war. We are going to rescue Thomas March and we are going to cause as much damage as possible. Thomas is on the top floor. My squad will rescue him. The rest of you should only worry about destruction. Alright Ladies and Gentlemen we're at t minus one hour. Go.”
The commanders saluted and walked out the door to rally their troops. John sighed and walked over to his cabinet. He opened it and pulled out a bottle of red wine that had been captured during the First Battle of Floor 55 and a wine glass. He gently opened the bottle and poured the intoxicating scarlet liquid into the glass.
John sighed and raised the glass to his mouth. In old movies, ones made prior to the Great Unpleasantness, characters downed their alcohol in one deep gulp. John had only started drink a few months ago, when the war started going south, but anytime that he tried to down a glass of wine in one gulp he started to choke and cough until finally he threw up. So, he took a careful sip and sighed.
“Oh beautiful alcohol,” John said to himself, refilling his glass, “You make everything right with the world. Where have you been all my life?” He laughed to himself as he drank deeply and he filled the glass yet again.
John returned to the cabinet and grabbed a bottle of gin and a small box of cigarettes. He put the bottle of gin on the table and opened the box of cigarettes. He took one out and put it in his mouth. John then took his lighter out of his jacket pocket and lit the cigarette.
“A cigarette,” John said pompously taking the cigarette out of his mouth and taking a long drink of wine, “Is like a politician, constantly blowing smoke.” He laughed to himself and opened the bottle of gin. He blew a smoke ring as he filled his glass with gin.
“Lord,” John said, his mood suddenly shifting, “Maybe I am drunk, that joke makes no sense. Plus I'm talking to myself, maybe I should lay off the booze.” John tossed his cigarette on the ground, tr trod it out with his boot, and lit another. He reached for his wine glass but missed it and knocked it onto the floor where it broke into several pieces.
“Whoops.” John said laughing, “I'm such a klutz.” He grabbed the wine bottle and drank from it. He smiled, laughed, and lit another cigarette. He continued to laugh until suddenly he through the wine bottle across the room. It smashed into the wall exploding into a cloud of red liquid and glass. “LORD!!!” John screamed, “WHAT AM I DOING?!! LORD!!” John broke down and began to cry.
“I have to lead a squad in less than a hour, Lord what am I doing! I can't be drunk. I need to go and take a shower. Lord, what was I thinking.” John got up and walked into the bathroom. He swung the door shut and turned on the shower.
Red wine from the thrown bottle dripped slowly down the wall forming a puddle of red liquid on the ground.