OK. This has to be one of the strongest ‘Master and Commander’ effects that I have ever witnessed with A314.
I was standing on the platform waiting for a train. This was the end of the line, so it pulls in, the passengers and crew get off and the train sits there empty, waiting until it’s scheduled to depart again.
Normally what happens is that no-one gets on the train when it has no crew. You wait for the new crew to arrive and let you on. But this time, the train idles with the doors open, empty.
Still, no-one makes a move for the warmth and shelter the train provides, looking up and down the platform for any sign of the replacement crew. I’m standing nowhere near the doors, but I’m front and centre of a growing mass of people standing just behind me and to the sides.
A man in his late 30s looks expectantly at me, taking up position just behind me to my right. ‘Sir?’ he asks, with the air of someone asking a favour from a deeply respected superior at work.
No matter how many times I hear it, I still get this ‘Who? Me?’ feeling when I’m called ‘Sir’. Apart from the A314, I’m doing nothing to appear authoritative. I’m not even suited and booted, but they are all looking to me for direction and the mass of people is growing. None of them make any move to get on, but look expectantly at me because that is what everyone else is doing, lol.
I meet his gaze. ‘Yes.’ A statement, not a question.
He looks at the open doors. The unspoken question on his tongue was repeated in all their faces. Silent, but nonetheless as loud and as clear as a bell. They were all asking me for permission to board.
‘Why me?’ I hear one part of my mind ask. ‘Why not?’ was the unflinching and commanding answer. ‘They’re looking to me for direction. I’ll give them one.’
With the decision made, I lead them onto the train and they follow like docile sheep, out of the biting wind that made it feel like minus ten below freezing. The heaters are on full blast and they’re grateful. I catch many respectful nods from the men and smiles from the women. The smiles and nods are repeated minutes later as the train nears my destination and I prepare to get off.
I had to write this one up. They didn’t move until I did, even though the wind was making them all shiver. Amazing. I couldn’t let them freeze, you know? I may be their master, but I’m not a cruel one.
Musk
I should have thrown in a few smileys to soften the words. I’ve used 2 drops for so long, mentioned the dose in so many posts, I thought I could leave it out. I apologise if anyone had their nose put out of joint.
