Galilee Rising(46)

Miracle finally shuts up and introduces the Triumvirate. The noise level ratchets up to eleven. Tempest steps up to the podium with the other two taking their usual positions behind him. They wave to the crowd and the screams rise up another notch. I'm almost deaf now. Thank you fan girls of Galilee. "What a warm welcome! Thank you," Tempest says. The crowd settles a few seconds later. "We are so honored to be here today. It's humbling to see so many of you here to celebrate such a great man." More applause and a few screams of love boom from the audience. "We're not really big on speeches, so I'll keep this short. We only worked with Justice once a few years back, but that man sure could make an impression. We were astounded not only by his professionalism but also his compassion. This wasn't a game to him. It wasn't about thrill seeking or glory as it is for some." He pauses, "Present company included." The crowd chuckles, as does Tempest. "No, he was a true believer. A believer in the betterment of humanity. That it is all our duties to help our fellow man, or woman, if we are capable. It's not always easy, or fun, but it's the only way we can really survive. Live together or die alone. Justin Pendergast believed in that principal, and he was willing to sacrifice his life for it. But he did not die alone, as all of you here prove. We're proud to have called him a friend and to continue the work he began. As should all of you be. He was a good man, one of the best, and he will never be forgotten. Thank you."

And the audience goes wild. Screams, applause, whistles loud enough to burst eardrums. Great, I have to follow that like Mort Stilson and his polka band after Elvis rocked the house. The trio smile at me as they sit. I'm too nervous to smile back. That damn Tempest and Miracle pretty much covered all I was going to say. The show must go on though. I force myself to stand and make my way to the podium. I hate public speaking on a good day, and today ain't one of those. My breath is ragged and hands shake as I pull out my now useless speech. I can do this.

I scan the crowd. He's nowhere to be found. Last year I thought I saw him with that same proud smile on his face, and it helped me get through the speech. So I glance back at Nightingale, who gives me an encouraging smile. It'll have to do. I turn back. Mouth, take it away.

"I, um," I clear my throat, "yeah, pretty much everything I wanted to say was said already. Justin Pendergast was a great man, one of the best, and we miss him. End of story. So instead, I'll take this time to thank the Triumvirate for not only coming today, but for all they've done since adopting our city. This past year," I scoff, "has been a tough one to say the least. Our crime rate skyrocketed, our economy suffered, hell people were afraid to leave their homes. One man dies and the whole world goes to hell. I don't know if it's just human nature or what, but…shame on us for letting that happen."

The audience murmurs, but I continue on. "It should be up to each and every one of us to make sure that doesn't happen, not just those with the misfortune of having been born special. Justice loved this city, he loved its citizens, he believed in all of you, and he gave his life for that belief. He martyred himself, they all did, in part to make this world a better place. And every time we bully someone, ignore another's pain because it's easier, or turn a blind eye, we are spitting on that sacrifice." Okay, I know I need to shut up but my mouth won't stop moving. "I'm just as guilty as the rest of you. Really it was me he died for. He killed himself to save me. And what did I do? I self-destructed. Ended up hurting all the people who cared about me. I almost squandered the gift he gave me. I almost let that sacrifice be in vain. I almost let the evil he was fighting win. I won't let that happen again." I shake my head and scoff. "And hell, if I can do it, so can you. Start small. Volunteer somewhere. Give money to charity. If you see someone being picked on, speak out. And whenever you pass this fountain, remember these words: 'The only way for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.' Live by them. Be someone's hero. Because this world sure as hell needs some. Thank you."

There's scattered applause from the stunned peanut gallery until the three heroes behind me rise to give me a standing ovation. Their enthusiasm gets the rest clapping too, though not as enthusiastically as my friends. I half smile at my cheering section as I walk over to the ribbon holding up the sheet on the fountain. The mayor barely has time to stand as I unceremoniously grab the stupid big scissors and cut the ribbon. I'm supposed to pose, but I need to get the hell out of here before I really lose it. The sheet falls, revealing the light gray slate fountain of scales. I shove the scissors back at Miracle before fleeing the stage. Think I just lost some popularity points.