“Yes. I know exactly what I’m saying. That the war was lost a long time ago and our
governments have given over power to the invaders.”

Wells ran a shaking hand through his hair. “But if that’s so, then why are our people still
going off to war?”

Jules glared at Wells as if he had gone mad. “Isn’t it obvious?”

“What is obvious is that you’re driving me mad with your insinuations!”

Wells looked like he was ready to explode with impatience. He began what would later become his famous right eye wink, that whenever he became stressed or impatient, that infamous eye would begin to twitch violently. Beware anyone who dared to push him when that happened.

Jules slowed his thoughts down a moment. He didn’t want to distress his friend so much. “I believe the war is over. That the invaders have taken over our governments and we are now cattle for their slaughter.”

Wells now looked like the most wretched soul on the planet. He practically collapsed to the bed this time, his face drawn and weary. Jules took pity on him and helped him lie down. He drew bed covers over his best friend and smiled. “All is not lost, dear friend. Far from it.”

His eyes tightened with a vehemence that truly frightened Wells to the depths of his soul.

“The war has only just begun!”

CHAPTER FIVE: THE DIVISION OF LABOR

Wells awoke the next morning to find his friend, Jules, still in his bedroom. Asleep on a comfortable chair that faced the door. He wandered at that a moment,  until he saw the way the door was sealed. A chest of his clothing had been drawn across it to prevent its opening.

“Jules whatever in the world are you thinking? Wells muttered to himself.He got up, stretched and was amazed at how vital and strong he felt this day. He was past the shock and horror of his mother’s death and the strange possibilities Jules had spoken of. They had receded into the better part of his brain to be balanced with common sense and determination. As with Jules, Wells was the sort of person who didn’t allow life to roll over him. Both boys were alike in that spirit, which was perhaps why they loved each other so much without truly understanding the nature of their love.

In a lessor enlightened world this might be construed as a physical love, but both young men were far from physically attracted to each other, no, rather they were one soul inhabiting two bodies. They had more likes than dislikes about each other, and this rare quality made it easy for both their communication and their determination as we will see.