A couple dozen members of the Tears huddled together in the auditorium. Echoes bounced off the walls of giggling, shouting, or crying. Most of these members were coming down from a high so needed a fix. Others that just got a dose of their favorite drug sat still, staring at the hallucinations with delight. Doses were being dispersed at a first come, first serve basis. These people began to believe they were invincible, which is what kept them coming back for more. None of the addicts noticed hair falling out, teeth cracking, or any of the other negative side effects. That is how the boss liked things to be.

The boss, preparing for a speech, got interrupted by one of the chemists. The lead chemist's name was Walter but everyone just called him Walt. This man was one of the lucky people with family ties to the government. He excelled at chemistry. He would have had a life in the lap of luxury had it not been for a drug addiction. Tears had been developed by Walt prior to meeting with the boss after he was suspended from classes but chose not to return. Currently, Walt was working on a new drug that promised to surpass tears. He was not in his typical lab gear because he would be attending the speech the boss was about to make. If Walt was honest, he would say that the boss was an idiot, more like a male chauvinistic sadist addicted to the torture of women. The only reason for joining the Tears in the first place was he was provided a lab with anything he needed. This venture also kept him far from the reach of the New World Government. He had no desire to be recruited. So, the Tears were the best option. He watched as the boss quibbled over the nonsense he was about to spew on his followers. Walt cleared his throat so the boss would acknowledge him. "I need more water."

The boss got annoyed by interruptions, especially from Walt. "List it like you always do, then." He did not deem it necessary or Walt worthy to face his lead chemist. This speech had to be short enough to keep the fledglings' attention but convey the importance of what was being said. The pen tapped the page in a non-rhythmic tune. A few moments later, the page was crumbled, then tossed to the floor to join the other rejected speeches. The drawer slammed shut after the boss grabbed a stack of fresh pages. The pen scribbled a few lines, then that annoying tapping of the pen began again. Nothing less than perfection would be tolerated and this speech had to be perfect. He noticed Walt still lingering around like a lost dog, so he took a vial from atop the desk, then chucked it angrily, "Here! Now go away, I'm busy!"

Walt wanted to burst out with laughter. The boss shouting at the one person that created this whole operation. It was also comical that being thrown drugs made the boss think that this behavior would be tolerated. However, he didn't laugh, not even a smile formed on his face. Walt adjusted his glasses while rolling his eyes. "I am not here for drugs. I can make tears in my sleep. I am here to speak with you about something important. Now, if you would like me to wait until your big announcement, I can do that." He glared at the boss, "If you ever behave rudely to me like that again, you will have to try to find someone as good as me to run your lab." Walt watched the boss flinch a bit, "I will just wait here until you get back." The sarcasm was thick in Walt's voice. It will soon be forgotten, though. The boss hardly had two brain cells to rub together from all the tears he used over the years. Walt placed his hands in front of his torso, standing tall.

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The boss wiggled in his seat nervously. Why did his lead chemist have to be so pig-headed? This young fool thought himself better. While there was no argument that Walt was book smart, he wouldn't survive five minutes on the streets. This guy had no idea what it took to be a leader. If he did, Walt would have finished school. "Fuck you, Walt." Pages flew through the air with a shove from the boss, "I will do and say as I please. If you don't like it, don't let the door hit you on the ass on your way out."

Walt did not refrain from laughing this time, "Don't worry, I will be leaving as soon as we have that conversation. We'll see if you have the same attitude."

The boss ignored Walt's little tantrum. He will have to deal with him later. After he has some play time to help calm him down. For now, it was time to get these street thugs into action. Those two guys embarrassed him in front of his plaything. That will not be tolerated. This was an outrage. They needed to be made an example of. Each step was made with the anger that welled up inside him. As he climbed the steps leading to the auditorium, he caught glimpses of stragglers heading inside. The noise indicated that most of the Tear members had shown up. As he entered, the applause roared through the large room. These people worshiped the leader. He was their god. Today, they would be called to carry out orders. Hopefully, those social rejects would remember what they were supposed to do. He stepped forward with authority. He gave a wave now and then as he waited for everyone to shut up.

A silence so heavy fell across the auditorium. Everyone had eyes on the boss. Even the ones with high blood-shot eyes were focused. The boss spoke loud as his voice boomed through the crowded space, "You all have a job to do. Whoever brings me those trespassers, and the girl to me alive will receive double the daily dosage of tears. For a month!" He paused as his addicted cronies yelled with enthusiasm. Many of them raced toward the doors. "Hunt the scum down."