A Civilized People

We got outside and found ourselves before a throng of men, all brandishing weapons. Knives, guns, clubs; they were all on display to greet us. Our "liberators" led us to where the armory was set up. Just then, the leader spoke to another man. "We found these two prisoners in the building, and have brought them to you." He bowed. The other man looked us over. "New recruits, I see." He suddenly held a weapon toward me. "Take it," he commanded. Something in me recoiled at the spiraling lawlessness. "Never," I replied. "Take it or it will be used on you," he said, forcefully thrusting the firearm toward me. What could I do? I took the gun. My 'trainer' led me along the line, stopping by a group of detainees. Other fighters were watching the detainment of eight men. He made one get to his feet before me. "This man will not fight. Shoot him." I squinted to see. It was Phillip! "No!" I exclaimed. "I will not shoot. You'll have to shoot me." The rebel shrugged. "As you wish." He lifted the gun's barrel to eye level. In the second before he pulled the trigger nothing particular occurred to me.