[ WP ] A Sci-Fi Changing of the Guard Story

`` Ready?'' Henry looked down at Chris, and held his stare until Chris met his eyes. 
 
 `` It's not like I have a choice now, is it?'' Chris whispered to himself. Even a whisper echoed loudly in the council room. He stared down at his shoes, then at the curved blade in his hand. 
 
 `` Come on, kid.'' Henry urged. `` Are you seriously going to have wasted five years training and quit now?'' 
 
 The Keepers were a newer clan, for all intents and purposes. Formed just eighty years ago, but still the third most populated clan in the nation. And with crime rising, they would have to increase their numbers even faster. Designed with the sole intent to protect the rest of the clans, the Keepers were widely disliked for their serious demeanor, yet still respected for the job they performed. When Chris had been chosen as the new Head Guardian, the youngest ever by far, The decision received a lot of flak from the rest of the nation, but Henry was stern in the choice of his successor. 
 
 `` It has n't been a waste!'' Chris yelled. `` I'm only twenty. I should n't even be here yet. It's wrong.'' 
 
 `` Chris,'' Henry stooped down on one knee, meeting Chris at eye level. `` I like you a lot. So when I say this I want you to know that it comes from a place of affection.'' He paused, drew his blade and picked at his fingernails, even though they were pristine. `` You are a pussy. Now that's fine when you were just a peacekeeper, you could use the stunners all day long and not lose one wink of sleep. We chose you because you were the most like me. You hate the job. You hate the violence, you hate the blood, and you hate the people you work with. So long as you are in charge, no one will die that does n't need to, because you will be the one wielding the blade. Do n't ever lose that disgust, because it is what lets you keep your job.'' he let out a small chuckle. `` And trust me, the retirement is a bitch.'' 
 
 Chris looked at Henry pitifully, tears filling his eyes. `` I do n't think I can do it.'' 
 
 `` Yes you can.'' Henry stood up, holding his hand out. `` And you will. There is n't a spot for two Head Guardians.'' 
 
 Chris clutched Henry's hand, and with the other swung the knife into Henry's stomach. They both collapsed together, Chris in tears, Henry in pain. 

