Follow the Leader

The air was thick with heat even as the sun continued to peek and hide behind cirrus clouds high overhead. Cicadas buzzed their grating, whining song from the landscape that surrounded them. The farmhouse and barracks were the only civilized buildings around for miles, a couple of beat-up trucks and an old van parked beside them, quiet and unused. Below the hill behind him, seen from a distance was the vineyard, rows and rows of grape vines, snaking over their supports.

"This is a proud day," he said, his deep baritone carrying out strong and forceful without him needing to yell. He looked proud, as he laid a hand on the shoulder of a young man kneeling before him and facing the small crowd. "Sam has proven himself a loyal and trustworthy member of INK. A hard worker and dedicated to helping his brothers and sisters also become stronger members. And this exemplary behavior needs to be rewarded."

His hand left Sam's shoulder to grasp an electric razor in both of his hands, his slender fingers turning it on before resting his hand back where it had been. As the light, mechanical buzzing started, the young man's eyes shown bright with an internal excitement, unable to hide a grin from his boyish features as he looked out at the faces of those situated around and watching. Only a small handful of others in the group had achieved this honor and now it was his turn, his expression growing reverent as the razor was finally pressed to his neck and started sheering away the soft, spiky strands of his russet colored hair.

The crowd was silent but several watched with an equal amount of pride in their brother, while others stood silently in awe and envy. Ben worked methodically to shed Sam of the representation of all that held him back from achieving his full potential. It was only a year ago that the young man had been a drug addict and now he'd reached ultimate purity. Finally, the deed was done, and Sam brushed a few cut hair pieces from his shoulders fully shedding his old life and identity. Ben held a hand out to the lad and Sam willingly took it, gripping the older man's strong palm as he was helped to stand. And he tried not to cry as he was patted on the back and laughed meekly as he was brought into a hug.

"Let's break for lunch now and then get back to our duties," Ben addressed the crowd as he pulled away, a comforting hand laid on the back of Sam's neck. Then they began wandering across the lawn towards the large farmhouse, Sam blending in with the others as a few fussed over his new look. But Ben, the Leader, walked alone, clad in only boots and weathered brown pants, his broad shoulders and chest colored a dark and healthy tan from working in the sun for long hours. And other than a ring of dark, groomed facial hair around his lips and on his chin, he too possessed no hair on his head, the smooth expanse of his scalp glistening in the sun.