*****
Fire. Of course! I shall cleanse the area and begin the Societal Progression through fire, Rowan thought as the group started to rehash the same ideas brought forth an hour ago. What better way to purify than by releasing the sun’s rays that are stored in the plants around us? The vegetation near the walking paths looked susceptible to any spark. The smallest ember might cause the whole area to burst into flames. Would the flames be far enough back to prevent damage to the Spaceship? I believe so. In fact, I’m sure the risk of wildfire led to the clearing around the building.
When the wind was right, they would start the surrounding vegetation on fire, and then whatever was left after the blaze would be what Continuity intended for them to rebuild with. The First Progression for followers to begin The Path would always be the heat of a Solar Chamber like his meditation room, where people could sweat out the imperfections and soak in the energy.
The First Progression for a society to integrate into Continuity would also originate from heat. This time through fire. A chance for the Earth to release the Solar Radiation stored by people in their buildings and the plants they cultivated. What another wonderful revelation! Day of days!
He felt the wind on his face. Shall they begin now? Why not? What would be the point of waiting?
While Rowan explained the next steps to the Assembly, even the skeptical ones held their tongues. No one spoke up for Ahmad before and now it was unclear who believed and who simply wished to survive. Rowan sent runners to retrieve lighters from the basement storage rooms. After receiving one, each person walked to a different area around the clearing. Starting on the east side to take advantage of the prevailing winds, they lit the dry grass and undergrowth of the walking paths.
The small patches of fire quickly gained strength and intensity, beginning to roll their way through the small scrub trees beyond. Rowan thought briefly of Ahmad, who had stormed off in that direction. Did he intend to come back and join The Progressions? It’s too late now, perhaps he will serve a greater purpose as a lesson to the others. The group backed away from the intensifying heat while Rowan climbed the stairs to the observation deck on the roof above The Spaceship. Perhaps he could get an idea of how far the fires would spread and what Continuity would like for him to accomplish next.
Once reaching the rooftop, Rowan found himself in awe of what was happening. Angela joined him as he walked past meditation rooms, or what he now called in his mind the Solar Chambers. She gasped slightly as she watched the wall of flames roll from hill to hill, consuming the vegetation and buildings as it went. Behind the snarling beast of flame a charred mass of bent and broken pieces, both manmade and natural, was all that remained. Certainly the remaining landscape lay purified, and Rowan knew that whoever remained out there in the blackened landscape would welcome physical and spiritual guidance. Survivors would gladly accept the Truth of Continuity if they wanted their Profile to exist on this plane or the next.
He looked over at the angelic face next to him. Was she crying? “It’s time to start the New World,” he told her. “Continuity has given us the resources to help the people find the Path. I have you to thank for this. I want to make sure that this world enjoys more of you to help guide it in the future.”
Angela, his angel, moved in closer and gave him a long kiss. Perfect spot to be, perfect time to think about the future.