As the World Burns

Hundreds of people slept peacefully in the vast, dark room. Long rows of them, side by side, covered by blankets that featured cartoons of money, of far off places, or boys and girls playing sports. Each person was plugged in to a rich cocktail of drugs called Idealotain created to focus their dreams and calm them.

Geminy kicked the bed frame of the closest sleeper. “Get up, you sheep! Wake up!”

The bed owner lifted her head, lazily, and opened one groggy, unfocused eye. She raised her hand in a such a vague way that Geminy couldn't be sure if it was protest, solidarity, or even recognition.

Tiana rubbed her wrist. “See, these people are addicts. They chose this life--to chase these dreams. Even if you succeed, they won't thank you."

Stomping furiously, Geminy said, “I don't care. They have to know. They cannot sleep as the world burns. I'll wake them up alone if you won't help me.”

"Who are you to deny them of that peace?"

"You did it to me! Knowing that once awake, I couldn't ever sleep like they do."