The next few hours yielded steady progress. Through all of the mental fog, they had almost forgotten that there is no better moment to capitalize on than the present.

  Chairs and tables were moved. Then they moved on to crates and vehicles. They didn't do much in the grand scheme of things, but what they did do was important for the immediate future.

  Before they'd even dream about the big meeting, John needed to figure out his task force. Before long, in the center of the room was a large, makeshift table for leadership meetings or planning. They took subtle inspiration from the media they had watched in childhood for the design of it. Practical, not aesthetic. About as make-shift as you could get.

  The table was large enough for multiple people to lie on. It was uneven and jagged. Any chairs of the hangar were reserved for those who needed them, and so the seating arrangement of the planning table ranged from stacked wheels to crates.

  The ladder was relocated to the door of the plane which was broken into and opened up. No one knew how to fly, and so it became a makeshift private area.

  As people started to wake up and exit their room, the two would give orders to either help directly or to resume where they had left off. As more people awoke, John felt it was a good time to organize the vehicles.

  A lot of them couldn't be moved as he didn't know how to start them. Either that, or they were broken. But for those he could, the hangar door was open so he could drive them out into the outside.

  By now, the Neosun beginning dropping in the sky.

  Eventually, the Neosun had passed three fourths. Nearly the whole place was rearranged, or at least, better organized. Crosby, John, Lou, Amy and Gilbert had all assumed positions of authority by John's choice.

  He had reflected on it for a while and they were the only people who really have to mind. Better yet, he knew where each could excel. And so it became an easy choice in the end. They sat together at the table for an hour before the big meeting of the resistance.

  Crosby discussed his connections from his former workmates— potential to network with other movements.

  Gilbert discussed the past, emphasizing ways to maintain the movement heading forward.

  Amy discussed the spirit of the movement— how people felt along with the importance of inspiring people to rise up.

  Lou discussed the logistics of such an operation, all while John informed what became of Jimbo. What he did in his final moments; the type of man John thought him to be.

  And finally, it was starting to become like clockwork. Things starting falling into place. And finally… It was time for the big meeting. The crowd gathered at the bottom of the wing. John ascended once again, and addressed the crowd as a unit.

  “Hello everyone. As I'm sure you all can see, I am much more well rested since I last spoke. But enough about me. Allow me to establish our bedrock.”

  He was much more confident. Much more controlled. His words and invitation, not an assertion.

  “We are free from the clouding influence of the system we fight. And upon self reflection, I'm sure you all have a better idea of why you fight, correct?”

  He got many different enthusiastic responses from the crowd.

  “Excellent. I expect some good work from you all. I am confident you will all see it through. First, I would like to introduce my two best men whom you know well. Crosby, and Gilbert.”

  John beckons them forward, and they stand beside him.

  “Gilbert is a man I've been coming to know well. He has been doing this… maybe longer than anyone present. He will be aiding wherever he thinks needs attention. I am trusting him with the job of safeguarding our refuge first and foremost.”

  John pats Gilbert's back as he receives a round of applause. He turns his attention to Crosby who reviles in the attention.

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  “Crosby is an asshole. That's what we need him for.”

  Crosby gives John a joking slap on the back of the head. A few giggles come from the crowd just before John continues.

  “Ahh. See? Classic. But on a serious note. Crosby has been dependable ever since I've met him. He was the one who planted the idea that things don’t have to be this way. He is my right hand man. And he will the leader when it comes to the boots-on-the-ground stuff elsewhere.”

  The crowd gives another round of applause as those two head off the plane. Lou and Amy are next to come upon the plane-wing spotlight.

  “Lou. I'm sure you all know Lou well. He has been the man behind our digital propaganda campaigns for years. Now, he will be our brains; sourcing resources, managing timetables. The real dirty work.”

  John turns his attention from the crowd to Lou personally. “I will make sure it isn't a thankless job. You've got your team together?”

  “Sure have.” Lou replies with a serious tone. The two exchange a firm handshake, learning more about each other then than they had up until that point, minus the opinions of others.

  John releases and turns to Amy while the crowd claps. The two nod at each other before John turns back to the crowd.

  “Amy is someone who I feel I have known my whole life. She has a heart of gold, and has all the words where even I fail to describe. She is who you talk to if you need anything made clear to you, whether it be your next tasks, our leadership or Hell. Even your feelings.”

  Amy gives John a side eye as he speaks, a subtle smile forming as she looks up to him.

  “She is in change of managing we the people. So to clarify:

  Gilbert will lead our defense.

  Crosby will lead our offense.

  Lou will lead our logistics.

  Amy will lead our spirit.”

  He looked over the crowd, satisfied with his words. Though a voice comes out from it, asking him a question.

  “And what exactly do you do, John?”

  John couldn't see who said it. But he speedily comes up with an answer.

  “Me? Well, I will lead our rebellion.” He takes a few paces on the wing to emphasis his words, pumping his fist close to his body.

  “I will be the spearhead. The mascot. The diplomat.”

  Amy's smile went away as he continued. “I will have to do whatever is required. And if anyone has a concern, then please, let me know.”

  The crowd is silent. John gestures to the two that they can head back down. “So… have I made myself clear?” John asked to a stunning reply.

  “Yes!” The crowd shouts in many different, unique ways. They all cheer again. John can feel the energy in the air. Just before he heads back down, he tells them one more thing.

  “Soon, we will gain alliances with other movements of a similar mindset to ours. Rejoice, everyone! The rebellion lives on!”

  The crowd roads with his last words, the air electric. He finally steps back from the wing and towards the ladder. There he sees Amy. Lou has already gone to assemble the team he spoke of.

  Amy looks at him with a smile on her face. John takes his jacket from her and puts it on.

  “That went better than I expected.” John told her.

  Amy shook her head, almost mockingly. “I told you John. They look up to you. You're a natural at this.”

  “Thanks.” John replies, messing up her hair with his hand. Amy gives him a playful slap which he takes like a champ.

  “I've got the easy job if you ask me.” John tells her. “The next thing I have to worry about is sorting a crew to meet the others.”

  “That shouldn't be hard.” Amy tells her, with her reasoning being the energy of their people. John smirks and nods his head, putting his foot on the ladder.

  “Yeah I suppose you're right. Shit, Crosby will get it sorted. Woah.”

  The fact that people are actually listening to him and getting tasks done amazes him. Amy approaches the top of the ladder, ready to follow him down once he moves.

  “Yep. That's right. I told you, silly!” Amy tells him as he starts moving. She too places her shoe on the ladder.

  “What you do from now is your, John!”