The Wave

"No, David, the day before that — the day we saw that movie about the Nazi concentration camps. The day I was so upset. Remember? No one could understand how all the other Germans could have ignored what the Nazis were doing and pretended they didn't know."

"Yeah?" David said.

Laurie looked up at him. "David, do you remember what you said to me at lunch that afternoon?"

David tried to recall for a moment, hut then shook his head.

"You told me it could never happen again."

David looked at her for a second. He felt himself smiling ironically. "You know something?" he said. "Even with the meeting with that national leader at the rally this afternoon — even though I was part of it, I still can't believe it's happening. It's so insane."

"I was just thinking the same thing," Laurie said. Then an idea struck her. "David, let's go back to school."

"Why?"

"I want to see him," she said. "I want to see this leader. I swear, I won't believe this is really happening until I see it for myself."

"But Mr Ross said it was for Wave members only."

"What do you care?" Laurie asked him.

David shrugged. "I don't know, Laurie. I don't know if I want to go back. I feel like ... like The Wave got me once and if I go back it might get me again."

"No way," Laurie laughed.

17

It was incredible, Ben Ross thought as he walked towards the auditorium. Ahead of him, two of his students sat at a small table in front of the auditorium doors, checking membership cards. Wave members were streaming into the auditorium, many carrying Wave banners and signs. Ross couldn't help thinking that before the advent of The Wave it would have taken a week to organize so many students. Today it had taken only a few hours. He sighed. So much for the positive side of discipline, community, and action. He wondered, if he was successful in "de­programming' the students from The Wave, how long it would be before he'd begin seeing sloppy homework again. He smiled. Is this the price we pay for freedom?

As Ben watched, Robert, wearing a jacket and tie, came out of the auditorium and exchanged salutes with Brad and Brian.

"The auditorium is full," Robert told them. "Are the guards in place?"

"They are," Brad said.

Robert looked pleased. "Okay, lets check all the doors. Make sure they're all locked."

Ben rubbed his hands together nervously. It was time to go in. He walked towards the stage entrance and noticed that Christy was there waiting for him.

"Hi." She kissed him quickly on the cheek. "I thought I'd wish you luck."

"Thanks, I'll need it," Ben said.

Christy straightened his tie. "Did anyone ever tell you you look great in suits?" she asked.

"Matter of fact, Owens said that the other day." Ben sighed. "If I have to start looking for a new job, I might be wearing them a lot."

"Don't worry. You'll do fine," Christy told him.

Ben managed a slight smile. "I wish I had your faith in me," he said.

Christy laughed and turned him towards the stage door. "Go get "em, tiger."

The next thing Ben knew, he was standing near the side of the stage, looking out at the crowded auditorium filled with Wave members. A moment later Robert joined him there.

"Mr Ross," he said, saluting, "all the doors are secure and the guards are in place."

"Thank you, Robert," Ben said.

It was time to begin. As he strode to the centre of the auditorium stage, Ben glanced quickly towards the curtains behind him and then up at the projectionist's booth at the back of the room. As he stopped and stood between two large television monitors that had been ordered from the AV department that day, the crowd burst spontaneously into The Wave mottoes, standing at their seats and giving The Wave salute.

"Strength Through Discipline!"

"Strength Through Community!"

"Strength Through Action!"

Before them, Ben stood motionless. When they had finished their chants, he held up his arms for silence. In an instant the huge roomful of students went silent. Such obedience, Ben thought sadly. He looked out over the large crowd, aware that this was probably the last time he would be able to hold their attention so firmly. Then he spoke.

"In a moment our national leader will address us." And turning he said, "Robert."

Mr Ross, yes."

"Turn on the television sets."

Robert turned on both sets and the picture tubes grew bright and blue, with as yet no image. Throughout the auditorium, hundreds of eager Wave members hunched forward in their seats, staring at the blank blue tubes and waiting.

Outside, David and Laurie tried a set of auditorium doors, but found them locked. They quickly tried a second set, but found those locked also. But there were more doors to try, and they ran around the side of the audi­torium looking for them.