Five: Lie

The old man, who went by the name Roscoe, explained that X was not alone. Dozens of people who's awareness levels (tracked by brain signals) were above average had their homes burned down, and they had formed a union of some type. All of a sudden, X saw his world flipped around. He was now a part of a social group and organization for the first time. He began to spill his secrets to Roscoe, explaining his thought patterns and how he viewed the world. The old man admitted to having similar experiences and emotions, and how they were common for this group of people, who call themselves the "Dolphins."

X walked along with Roscoe until they reached a cliff side. He hadn't noticed how much time had passed, since they were so deep in conversation. Once they were at the edge, X decided to pop a question for his new companion, "So, what do the Dolphins do when they recruit new members?"

Roscoe suddenly smiled maniacally and said, "It usually depends on the quality of the member. You could feed up to 12 of us."

X's eyes widened in shock, and he muttered, "You can't be serious..."

He looked under the cliff and found that there were about 20 tents that formed a small, nomadic village. Roscoe erupted into a strange variation of gargles and screeches, and from the tents emerged some of the most disgusting human beings X had ever seen. It occurred to him that they were cannibals, and the truth dawned upon him. He was lured into a trap to have him made into dinner. The one man he trusted had deceived him, and he had to make a quick move. Roscoe pulled out a jagged stone and was about to begin prodding X over the edge, where he would fall to his death and be made into a meal.

Instinctively, X ducked and attacked the old man's legs first. His reaction time was slow, and he was forced to retreat. X kicked the pitiful creature twice, rendering him paralyzed and unconscious. He then tipped him over the edge, where he would be eaten by his own companions.

X had learned his lesson. Trust was to be earned, not given out. Kill, or be killed. It's a cold world.