Friday sent its electric wires to bus stops and breakfast tables, to car rides and sidewalks, gathering students to Westchester High, breathless with the oncoming weekend. Some looked forward to dates; others to time spent away from parents; others to band or football; but only a select few in the school’s hallways looked forward to karaoke night at the DMIC headquarters.

Among them was Brandon Wilson, between his moments of wondering about the YMSPCI and daydreaming about Wenchy; he was unknowingly joined by Jennifer Brunelle, Tabitha Fenris, Ed Hopper, Moe Turner, and Jack Reinhart. Then suddenly Brandon remembered what Veero had said about the other members — what if they were people that he didn’t get along with?

He tried to reassure himself. “Hey, I am the Last Man,” he thought. “I can handle it. I’ll endure. I’ll make it through.” He knew that he would, although it probably wouldn’t be easy. Deep down inside, though, he felt a momentary pang of frustration, of breaking, of giving up.

* * * * *

Windwalker Franklin stood in the DMIC lounge, supervising HIM moving boxes and rearranging furniture. Between indicating directions, he made fine adjustments to various activities on the calendar. To no-one in particular, he said aloud, “There have been several changes since I left.” HIM said, “It wasn’t my idea.”

Wenchy purposefully ignored HIM. “I did make some adjustments,” she admitted, pushing back her glasses, “but it was for the better!”

Franklin coughed politely and switched the subject. “How do you think Brandon will respond to the reintegration?”