`As you all know we are going live tonight on a global basis, and I hope you all enjoy what has been programmed in as a perfect night. We have no rain to dampen down our celebrations, and a gentle warm breeze to make sure we are all comfortable. Let me know if it is to warm and I will have it turned down a degree or two,' he joked.
To rapturous applause Thain opened his arms out to them in a Messiah like gesture, `Thank you one and all, now let's sit back and enjoy ourselves,' he shouted. As he stepped away from the microphone the huge laser figure appeared again. This time a well muscled warrior hammered on a giant gong which was the signal for servants to appear as if from nowhere loaded down with trays of meats and fruits and cheeses of every kind. With flagons of wine, mead, beer and cider, they had a true medieval banquet.
Drink always gave Jake an appetite and he was glad they were near the head tables and would be among the first to be served. He tucked in greedily to the assorted meats and bread in front of him, but reluctantly refused any more drink, his mother would not be amused if he got drunk. As they ate, the laser system entertained them with knights and dragons, the Keystone cops, and all manner of random images. A dog playfully chased a kitten which turned into a lion just as it was about to be caught. The dog skidded to a halt at the sight of the much larger feline and turned tail with Leo in hot pursuit. As they disappeared from sight, dozens of witches riding broomsticks swooped low over the tables. Lurching wildly from side to side, letting out cackles of laughter as they looped the loop. Then jumping up to adopt a surfing stance, then into a handstand showing frilly bloomers which drew thunderous applause from the crowd. They flew off into a huge billowing cloud, and as they flew out the other side they had changed into a huge flock of doves, the symbol of peace. To the delight of the hundreds of children watching this magical display each dove flew down and hovered patiently waiting for an outstretched finger to land on. Softly cooing to its delighted host, before flying gently away to rejoin its companions in one huge flock that twisted and turned away.
As the expectant throng watched the amazing show, a gentle, but noticeable breeze chilled the air for a moment. As it did so the doves faded, then changed shape into a red blur, before a new shape emerged, that of a giant red eagle, talons dripping with blood. The monster flew in lazy circles for a while before settling above the centre of the square, wings flapping gently as it stared wildly at its audience. Screams from some of the younger children interrupted the open mouthed stares of their parents, who quickly sought to re-assure their offspring. When the giant bird of prey screamed an ear splitting challenge, it was the parents turn to feel fear. The bird screamed again above its transfixed audience, but this time the blood flowed freely down from its mighty claws before flowing back up to form a huge dome shape beneath it. The dome became more solid in shape, and a number of large arches opened up all around the base. Each arch, and there were at least a dozen of them looked to be over ten feet in height and had a hazy red mist flowing lazily outwards.
Time stood still for an expectant audience many of whom sat open mouthed waiting. They didn't have long to wait, in less than a minute a loud, ear shattering roar from the depth of the dome broke the silence. Following close behind the aural assault, the mists started to clear revealing the outline of a strange figure at each archway. Tall and slim, easily seven feet tall, they started to move outwards in short, jerky movements. With others appearing behind them they started to fan out from the dome. One by one they started to jump uncertainly upwards, landing clumsily back down again, like fledglings leaving a nest. Each new attempt saw them get higher and higher, gliding a few feet more each time. Some people were up on their feet applauding uncertainly at the spectacle, others, Jake included sat transfixed. The newcomers had now got within twenty feet of the tables. Slim, but muscular bodies, in a tight fitting brown black suite topped off by a jet black helmet. The helmet, rounded at the back, but with a pointed front, had white vertical stripes at the sides, and a small antenna on top. Their helmet's, were connected via a flexible tube to a small cylinder carried on their back, not unlike an astronaut.
Jake shuddered involuntarily and the hair on the back of his neck bristled as he rose slowly to his feet. Vince who had already got up came over to stand by his friend.
`What the hell is this?' he asked.
Before Jake could answer, the leading figures were awkwardly reaching back to unhook something from their cylinders. As the figure closest to them did so, Vince shoved his friend roughly down, and upended the heavy wooden table. It was the last act of a brave man. As he had guessed, the gesture wasn't friendly, what they had been reaching for was black and metallic and shot out white hot laser fire. Vince had put himself in the line of fire and paid the ultimate penalty, a bolt hit him squarely in the chest. He crumpled instantly, dead before his broken body hit the ground. Ann screamed as she looked down at him, Jake looked on in horror at what was his closest friend. Noise filled the square, the screams and shouts of the throng as they panicked, along with the hum of the laser weapons.