Vermin (thinking): We used to be the greatest army in the universe, but now only a handful of the newest recruits are left...(sighs) oh, Dad, why did you start this stupid war in the first place? Maybe big brother had the right idea in changing sides...

Dr. Gerbil (under his breath): Most Honorable Leader, your men are awaiting your first speech...

Vermin (still thinking): I can't possibly ask them to die so pointlessly! I just can't! Even if they were willing to do anything for me, there's just no way...

Dr. Gerbil (a bit louder): Most Honorable Leader...!

Vermin (snaps out of his reverie): Oh, yes, of course.

Vermin picks up the speech Dr. Gerbil wrote for him, scans it quickly, and clears his throat.

Vermin: Loyal subjects and fellow roaches, I bring to you the tragic news of my father's death.

A gasp runs through the group, followed by uncertain murmuring.

Vermin: Although the title of leader should have gone to my brother, Roach, he has betrayed our purpose and therefore no longer worthy to be the head of this army.

The murmuring turns angry.  Vermin closes his eyes and takes in another breath.

Vermin: Therefore, I am next to succeed.  Will you obey me as you have obeyed my father?

An affirmative shout goes up.  Vermin shudders.

Vermin (thinking): My God, all of these lives are in my hand, just like that!

Dr. Gerbil (notices Vermin's uncertainty): Most Honorable Leader, I understand that you are upset at your father's passing, but you must be strong for the sake of your people!

Vermin looks at Dr. Gerbil and the elder man flashes him a Look.  Vermin knows all too well what it means: "Screw up and you die.  Slowly.  Painfully." He takes another breath.

Vermin (quietly): No.

Dr. Gerbil (eyes narrowed): What did you say?

For a second, Vermin almost loses his nerve, but he steels himself.

Vermin (louder): No.  I can't do this.  I won't.  (turns to the microphone) Well, then, roaches, my first order of business is to end this war.

Again, startled gasps run through the room.

Dr. Gerbil (starting to get angry): You don't know what you're saying, Most Honorable Leader.

Vermin, suddenly full of confidence--or stupidity--turns to Dr. Gerbil.

Vermin (sounding eerily like his father): I know damn well what I'm saying! Are you saying you doubt me?

(Dr. Gerbil, shocked by this sudden display of backbone, can't say a word.)

Vermin (as above, to the MRA): Take a good look around you.  How many faces do you still recognise? How many of your friends and family lie dead on the battleground? What has this war gained us? (he pauses for effect) Two totalled headquarters, countless of casualties, and billions of dollars lost, that's what!

Realizing that he's getting carried away, Vermin forces himself to calm down.

Vermin (softly): I cannot--will not--order you to go to your deaths and throw away any more of the precious resources we had so carefully built up.  My father died because he could not open his eyes to the truth, that we were not able to win against the humans.  I will not make that mistake.  (lowers his head) Go home, all of you.  Please.

Dr. Gerbil (with a very dangerous tone of voice): You will not change your mind, Most Honorable Leader?

Vermin (resolute): No.  This war is over.

Dr. Gerbil (drawing a gun): Oh, no, Vermin.  This war's just begun.

What happens next? Does Vermin meet his doom at the hands of the evil Dr. Gerbil? Or does his brother Roach come to a dramatic rescue? It's up to the next person!