The Rising Dawn, # 12— "Deliberations"
- David Parker
- Oct 2, 2023
- 3 min read
[Short stories. Images generated by hotpot.ai]
The Philosopher, called Philos (Fee-lowss), was trading words with Wraith and Sir Gallant, who was the nominal leader of the Dawn Society. However, the deepest difficulty the Society presently lay in the fact that Gallant wasn’t really a member. “You guided Citizen Snow in water-bending basics,” said Wraith, “Why do you help us at all if you’re not one of us?” Philos said, “If we’re not aiming upwards, Gallant, we’ll never get anywhere. Civilization hasn’t evolved by believing in the status quo.” Gallant replied, “My duty is to those who would be Sentinels. As for you, History has warned us against this movement.” “Must we be chained by History, and its fleeting similarities to the present?” “Artful words, Philosopher,” said Gallant, “But History must be remembered if we are to learn from it.” “Ah, that’s—” but for the nonce, Philosopher had nothing to say, which itself was a feat.
Gallant was a super-soldier with the ability to fly. In addition, he wore armor like it was mere cheesecloth, making him quite irresistible when he wore his helmet.
Wraith said, “Gallant, the Society is growing. We can’t turn back now.” “The Dawn, if that’s what it is, will rise without me.” “Without our leader!?” she said, as if nearing heartbreak. Gallant consoled her, “If the Right is with us, the Dawn shall rise.” “But without you?” “Why are you disturbed?”
She wanted to say it was bad luck, but that wasn’t it. It was more like playing chess without a king. You still might ‘win’, but that wasn’t how chess was played.
Philosopher said, “Gallant. There has never been this many Gifted rising in society. Surely that signals a new Dawn?”
“And I suppose you’ll breed new humans, then? An ubermensch?” said Gallant.
“You’re an ubermensch yourself,” said Wraith.
Philosopher interceded, “—That’s not the point!” he raised a finger, “As uncouth as it may seem, have you heard of the movie, Idiocracy?” “I feel like I’ve seen it,” said Wraith, “Even though I haven’t.” “Not the wisdom I expect from you, Philosopher,” said Gallant. “Listen,” implored Philos, “Is it not now that we have an Idiocracy, in reality? The Gifted are called Outliers, and are hated out of pure envy. It is as old as the hatred of Wisdom.” “And what is the Rising Dawn? Another society of Elites?” replied Gallant. Philosopher answered, “If we eschew legislation, The Society can help simply by being allowed to do their best.” “Is it really so simple?” said Gallant. Wraith said, “Think of all we can do if people simply got what they deserved!” “That would mean The End for millions,” said Gallant gravely, “Are you willing to make that choice?” “Well, if it’s what they deserve,” said Wraith, and did not say the rest. “You hear yourself, now? You just asserted millions should die. Think of History, what you will be held responsible for.” “History is written by the winners,” said The Philosopher. “And what if you lose?” said Gallant. “Hopefully, we’ll be too dead to mind, so much,” he replied.
Gallant was silent.
“I have consulted the Stone. It is not a sure thing, but we can make all the difference in the world if we place the future into the hands of the best. The brightest.” “And what if it costs thousands of lives?” said Gallant. “If it comes to that, let us resolve for it to be in self defense,” said The Philosopher. Gallant was silent again. Then he said, “A pure sentiment, Philos. But the road to hell is paved with—” “—We know!” said Wraith, “Are you saying we should have crappy intentions!?”
Gallant was silent.
“Check-mate, King,” said Wraith, “You’re playing against your own army.”
Gallant was silent.
Then he said, “Well done. Perhaps it will become clear when I rest.”
And with that, the three said their parting words, and retired for the night.
*-------------------------------------------*
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