TEOTWAWKI (An Original Novel - Episode 37 )
Time to PARTY!
It was a big deal.
Ernie had outdone himself. He had many new menu items involving fish. No doubt from the catch of the Sue. He also seemed to have almost anything else imaginable to eat. Of course there was Beef, and various Steaks, Filets, Briskets, Roasts and Prime Rib.
The Fowl was NOT foul. The Chicken, Turkey, Duck, Geese, and quail were DELICIOUS.
Ernie and his crew had done a magnificent job.
Across the reflecting pond the situation was similar at the TigerDiner. Authentic Oriental fare from a half dozen countries. Japanese, Chinese, Indonesian, Indian, and more. SeaFood was a specialty but there was also poultry, duck, and all manner of red meat.
Notwithstanding the two excellent restaurants, on this day everyone’s favorites were the Grills. BBQ’s were everywhere. One of the most popular was the Dragon Lady’s Grill
(what she used for fuel no one had any idea and no one dared ask.) She had set it up on the pool deck among dozens of others. It was manned by two cooks attempting to keep up with the demand, wasn’t happening, there was always a line. No one cared about the wait..they drank beer and chatted until their food was ready.
No one lacked for food that day. Most of the food and drink was free. It was a celebration. A party. No one went away hungry. When everyone had the opportunity to finish eating Shelby was invited to speak.
A MUCH larger than life, 3D, Shoulder and Head view of Shelby floated above the pool. Everyone could see and hear him easily. WithOUT even being in VR.
Shelby began to speak and silence reigned. This wasn’t the same old everyday Shelby. The only sound was the sound of his voice and flowing water.
This precious group of human beings,
refugees from the flood,
on this scepter'd crystal isle.
This thing of majesty,
that we have built,
This other Eden,
demi-paradise in the sea.
This fortress built by US,
for OURSELVES,
Against infection, pestilence, pillage
and the hand of war,
This happy breed of men,
this little world,
This precious stone set in the shining sea,..
This blessed habitat,
this tower,
this Clan,
This WaterTribe.
Dead silence. Only the sound of the water could be heard.
The SilverHaired, White Bearded countenance of the SoulStone’s Chosen One gazed with fiery pride in his eyes upon his Clan. This was NOT ‘plain old Shelby’.
Oh No, he was definitely NOT.
Faintly, oh so VERY faintly it appeared, the head of a mighty dragon could be perceived behind him. Not a breath or the faintest whisper of air stirred, not even the condensing water flowed, it too had been awed to silence. Faintly, oh so VERY faintly a basso rumble could be heard, as if from a distant thunder storm and it said:

Well done my children, well done
The spell held but for a moment longer. Father dragon peered into each and every eye as he examined their very SOULS. Then the spell broke like soap bubble. There was no longer any sign of father dragon nor the sound of any distant thunder storm. The sound of the flowing water from the fountain in the center of the reflecting pond had returned. Reality snapped back into focus like a rubber band. It was STILL rainy and foggy outside. Many people shook themselves as would a wet dog.
“With apologies to William Shakespeare.” Shelby said.“Today marks the beginning of a new era for the WaterTribe. May we all live to see it thrive and may we all be prosperous.”
“That’s all I got. Happy Zeroth Birthday!” Plain old Shelby said as he sat down.
The applause was thunderous.