The Lodge

The following is based on a report posted at Jacksonville.com, with names changed to protect the innocent...

     May 11, 2016.  Jacksonville, Florida.
     Victor Holland walked into the stuffy board room to face the four-member committee at Duval County's School Board.  Last year, he had gotten reprimanded for an alleged "improper" communication in the workplace.  The last he checked, America was still a free country and speech was still a right.  He had demanded to know who had filed complaints against him, but Maxine Dotson -- executive director of the district's Office of Equity and Inclusion/Professional Standards -- told the Board her office had withheld those names citing "safety concerns."  Did they really think he was a threat to them?  There was no way he would have done anything to harm anyone.  Why would he?  At least, that's what he would tell the Board when it came time to "officially" defend himself.
     The committee sat behind a large, mahogany table, complete with small microphones raised in front of each member.  Proceedings like these were usually recorded for the district's archives.  Holland immediately recognized Royce Wyatt and Elton Perry, two of his Lodge buddies.  The Lodge held secret meetings once or twice a month, mostly for carousing and debauchery, and Holland really needed help from the Lodge.  He called up Wyatt and Perry to help, and since they both held positions on the Board, they were only too happy to help.  Membership sure did have its privileges.  And besides, the Lodge still needed the school for its purpose.
     As Holland sat in front of the huge table, a small microphone reaching up to catch his voice, he acknowledged the Board as a whole.  He was fully aware of Wyatt and Perry, but made no indication toward them to keep their secrecy intact.
     "Mr. Holland," started Wyatt, "are you aware of the allegations against you?"
     "I am," said Holland.
     With Wyatt leading the proceeding, it promised to be brief.  Holland thought well of Wyatt and hoped he'd convince the others to reverse his discipline.  So much had counted on the loyalty to the Lodge and its plan for the school, their positions were a vital factor.
     "Is it true," asked Wyatt, "that you made a comment about going home and cleaning your gun?"
     "I did," said Holland, "but it's not like I was threatening anyone.  I was talking to a co-worker about a weekend shooting trip in Tallahassee and said I had to go home to clean my weapon.  Someone must have overheard the last part of that and assumed I was threatening the district."
     "And, Mr. Holland," continued Wyatt, "is it true you used inappropriate language in the workplace, including talks about demons, ghosts, and other religious-related things?"
     Holland thought a moment on how to phrase his answer.  He didn't want to screw up this opportunity to retain his position in the district.  The Lodge needed him as a key component to their plans, and Wyatt and Perry would be there to complete those plans.
     "Are you a God-fearing man, Mr. Wyatt?" asked Holland.  Without waiting for an answer, he continued.  "There are many people employed by the Duval County School Board, many people with many religious beliefs.  I happened to find a co-worker with which we share religious beliefs, and we believe that is is not just people we are fighting, but demons who are unseen forces that can manipulate people.  ISIS is rising up with their religious fanaticism, and are probably being manipulated by such demons.  We, as a God-fearing people, should rise up to meet them with force."
     A slight smirk came to Perry's lips as he observed the mockery of this hearing.  The Lodge would have been proud of the acting chops of its players.  Soon, the district would succumb to the Lodge's bidding.
     Seemingly impressed with Holland's reply, Wyatt concluded the meeting.  "I think we have everything we need.  We'll contact you when we've reached a decision."
     Holland stood, his confidence elevated with the knowledge that soon, their plans would come to fruition.  He turned toward the door, his back to the committee, and before he reached for the door handle, his eyes flashed a fiery crimson that died out as fast as it appeared.  For the benefit of the Lodge, he thought, and the rise of the Ancient One.