Called to Account
Charles had been waiting for what seemed to be an eternity. He knew it could not have been, but it felt like it. Charles knew eternity was, well, eternal. Mind you, he had seen hundreds of millions go through before him. He was not quite sure when his turn would come, whether he was being punished or if this was simply an opportunity to think.
He had to admit he was surprised to be here. Although he had finally settled on agnosticism, this had still been unexpected. Peter, the Pearly Gates, angels, splendour, the whole she-bang. At first, it had been a novelty, but this interminable wait was getting to him.
There had certainly been plenty of time to take stock of his life and his actions. More still, to contemplate his surroundings and the nature of eternity. His eyes turned again to the Arc of the Covenant. He recalled his first reaction seeing it some eons ago. “Oh, I say. Truly magnificent, glory of Jehovah. Well, it answers where it disappeared to.” He was, as most academics of his time, an historian and his mind rejoiced at a mystery solved. “Must be one of those dimensional optical illusions, it seems to be the size of Buckingham Palace. Still, I suppose it is the Seat of Yahweh.”
As they had done on so many occasions the great golden doors of the Arc swung effortlessly open. An air of expectation filled the hall yet again as the blinding light streamed through.
Charles raised his hand to shield his eyes, endeavouring to see what was happening. Peter strolled out checking his list. The scroll rolled and unfurled behind and around him, littering the space. He looked up and began to move along the immense chamber. “Ah Charles,” he smiled as he extended his hand in greeting. “Sorry about the wait, but these matters can’t be hurried you know.”
Startled, Charles knocked over the chair as he stood. Its clatter on the polished marble floors echoed loudly. As he bent to right it he noticed his crumpled suit. Charles tugged trying to straighten it. He wished he had a change of clothes but had never figured out where to get one. One of the mysteries of eternity.
He thought it quite odd. The newer arrivals were only fully dressed from the waist up. At least he had trousers on. He had often wondered if everyone was as bored as he was wearing the same clothes millennia after millennia.
He had gotten used to the leather-skinned, eyeless, rag-wrapped ancients wandering about, sometimes carrying jars, sometimes not. It had taken him an age, however, to stop being affronted by the little piles of ash and the odd gnawed bone lying about. Not until he realised they were not simply poor house-keeping.
“Ready, old chap?” Peter asked. “Can’t keep Him waiting. If you would like to come with me, please.”
“Peter?” Charles extended a hand groping for Peter’s arm as they approached the doors, “I cannot see. I thought I was accustomed to the brilliance, but I find I am overcome with this new glory. May I place my hand on your arm?”
“Of course. You would think that after all this time I would realise that some see the magnificence more clearly,”
With implicit trust Charles allowed himself to be guided towards the inner sanctum. Charles gasped.
“Yes, we’ve crossed the threshold,” Peter confirmed.
“I never expected it to be so… so…” Charles felt his sense of self begin to dissolve. “So alive, so complete, calm, tranquil. Such harmony.”
Although he could not see it, Charles knew Peter smiled. Peter’s thoughts formed in Charles’ mind, “Focus and you will see as I see.”
As Charles concentrated his vision cleared. The beauty of the place took his breath away. “The Garden of Eden,” he sighed.
Peter’s crystal laugh danced, “Perfection, yes. The Garden, no.” Peter allowed Charles to revel in the joy of creation. “You of all people will appreciate it,” Peter grinned. “Come.”
Every few steps Charles paused to take in each new discovery. “So little,” he muttered. Peter shot him a puzzled glance. “I know so little,” Charles said.
“Ah, there is much here that man has never seen. Few recognise that, however.”
Ahead Charles glimpsed an arch carved with mysterious symbols. “Here I leave you. Let the honesty of your heart be your guide.” After he shook Charles’ hand, Peter vanished.
Charles studied the carved glyphs. The longer he explored them, the more languages he identified. From those he knew, it appeared that the same phrase was repeated,
“I AM that I AM.”
A vibration broke Charles’ reverie. Like the harmonic chanting of OM, it announced, “Charles Darwin step forward.”
Stepping through the arch, Charles expected his sight to be dazzled yet again. Instead, a gentle, probing presence invaded him. It guided him forward through the glowing darkness, across the firm nothingness of the malleable, noise-filled quiet, void of the eternal. Its emptiness pulsed with teeming life; aware, filled with joy. He felt his connectedness to all things as he sensed rather than saw the I AM.
Charles executed his most gracious Victorian manners and bowed formally. “Sir, I am honoured to be in your divine presence.”
“Oh Charles,” I AM chuckled, “we know each other better than that. I have looked forward to this conversation for an eternity.”
Charles’ mind rattled off all the reasons I AM could not have been waiting an eternity. “Really, Charles, it’s just an expression. Surely you’ve heard it?” The gentle irony of the comment eased Charles’ tension.
“Now Charles, I have many names.” I AM paused as if examining Charles. “You have yours for me. I prefer to be addressed more personally, so please feel free to use it.”
Charles searched his heart, “Evolution?” he ventured. “You are Evolution? Incredulous.”
“Who else would be or could be Charles?” I AM replied. “But this is Judgement Day so let’s get the formal part out of the way before we have a good long chat.”
The space resonated with a symphony of melody. Orchestras, choirs, angels blended in a perfection of sound.
I AM was about to commence proceedings when a cacophony rent the Peace. “Blast,” thundered I AM. “Hold on whilst I change channels. Not their fault really. I should have been more specific--make a joyful noise unto the Lord was way to general. Should have said something about tuneful or, better still, musical. And if I’d known what they would do with psalms, I’d never have allowed them. Well, too late now.
“Ah much better.” As musical harmony was restored, I AM settled into a contemplative pose. “Mr Charles Darwin you are called to give account of your actions. Childhood misdemeanours are set aside. We begin with your transgression of the fifth commandment.”
Charles was genuinely shocked. “But I loved my mother and my father.”
“Hmm… then why did you defy your father and not complete your course in medicine?”
“I… Err… I… wasn’t suited to medicine,” Charles began. He felt as he had all those years ago, frustrated, dictated to, unsure of himself. As he reflected, he knew he had been right. His answer grew in confidence. “My talent lay elsewhere. I had to pursue that which I was gifted to do. I do not want to be presumptuous and quote your own words to you but… to whom much is given, much will be required…” Charles guffawed, “I did learn some things in my time at Christ’s College.”
“And how do you answer the breach of the fourth commandment?”
Charles hung his head, “It is true that I worked tirelessly on the day of rest. Only you would know that when I was walking instead of attending Service, I was active mentally on my theory. It was the only time I had to compile it. I…” Charles lapsed into silence.
“We will return to that. The second commandment, then?”
Charles searched his soul. “But I have never made graven images nor bowed down to worship them,”
“Technically, I suppose not.” A quizzical look passed over I AM’s countenance. “But have you not sat at the feet of those you revered as the thinkers of your time and idolised them, their abilities, and their thoughts?”
“Well, yes. I wished to learn, to develop. I wished to improve man’s understanding of the world in which we lived but never did I worship or bow to them as gods.”
“Ah, yes… your learning. Did you not make a god of your work?”
“In the beginning, I own that I worshipped learning for learning’s sake. For a time, I was consumed by it, yes. But as the burden of my discoveries weighed on me, I would have relinquished them if it were not for expectations of others. I recognised the evil in pursuing only one goal.”
“And you yourself? Are you yourself not revered as a demi-god for your theory On the Origin of Species?”
Charles blinked in surprise. “Me a demi-god? Worshipped? At the time I was rather castigated and ostracised.”
“Is your name not written in mankind’s book of fame?”
“I expect I am remembered, but eminence was never my intention. There are many names written there, often for no more than possessing money and power. I would prefer mankind answered for itself on that point, not I.” Charles huffed, his dignity affronted.
“All too true. I certainly do not accuse you of worshiping Mammon.” On I AM’s command, Mammon shimmered into view. “Why, you did not even see him when you entered. How easily men reveal their good deeds for what they are. They enter my presence and see only Mammon.” A pall of sorrow settled over I AM.
“But we shall move to discuss your challenging of the first commandment. Challenging the wisdom of the day. Challenging creation. Challenging I AM with your theory. Challenging my Omnipresence. My Omnipotence.”
The heavens rumbled as I AM’s challenge rolled over Charles. He had known that this would be the nub of the matter. He recognised that his work had been the catalyst for a new order of thinking. One in which the centrality and power of the Church and Religion had been removed. One in which science had begun to fight for pre-eminence.
“Where do I begin?” An image of Charles’ children leapt into his mind. His being yearned to see them, particularly Anne. “Children are wise, not man. They understand the inherent nature of love and their own inner divinity. The wisdom of the day would beat that out of them and subdue; would force conformity. Did I challenge that wisdom? Yes, on many levels and sought to right numerous wrongs committed in the name of said wisdom—in my parish work and in my writings.” Charles’ eyes clouded with painful memories.
“Do I have I regrets for that challenge? No, it is part of who I am. I was born to a family of nonconformists and freethinkers. My grandfather encouraged me to develop my views based on logic and reason, not dogma and authoritarianism. Yet I grew up believing the literal truth of the Bible. Then my father would not accept when I exercised free will to determine my course in life.
“But providence placed me on the Beagle, and I excelled with the gift I was given. I did not seek to challenge divinity, only the precepts of men. I could say I never denied you publicly, but you know my heart was ambivalent.” Charles paused. “May I ask you a question?”
“You may.”
“What day is it, if you please?”
“It is Judgement Day.”
“How long has it been going?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Some folks are quick, and some take quite a while. There are many with whom I have just enjoyed a long chat.” I AM relaxed, reflecting on the billions who had come before him. “Sad though you may find it, children are the most fun and definitely the most honest.” Love enveloped all eternity, quickly replaced by mirth. “The Reincarnationists are a tiresome lot though. They keep popping up in one form or another and often as piles of ash or bits of bone.” I AM thumped his leg. “Do you know I’ve seen the Dali Lama about twelve times already?
"And as for Gandhi—well before he was finally Gandhi—I forget how often he was recycled. He kept saying he had more developing to do. Can you believe that once he even popped off during an audience to be reborn?” The affection I AM emanated reassured Charles. “Eventually, I simply asked, are you done yet? And told him not to come back until he was. We had such a wonderful chat when he eventually got to be Gandhi. I think we talked for, say, half a millennium. Sorry, rambling a bit there. I love to talk you know. This is about the only time I get to do so. What with managing eternity and the universes.” I AM’s focus returned to Charles. “Why do you ask?”
Charles had only been half listening, using the time he composed his thoughts. He smiled politely. Being British open laughter to a superior was not the done thing.
“Well in On the Origin of Species I used that premise. But you know that.”
“Which premise—reincarnation? I never read that in any of your work.”
“You have read my work?” Astonishment overcame Charles.
“Naturally. I may be Omniscient, but I still like a good read. Please don’t be offended, but I often get a hearty laugh out of new theories, particularly those about me. There is so little else to laugh at these days. All the wars and suffering.” I AM’s sadness radiated.
“Oh. Ah yes, well,” Charles stuttered as he recovered himself. “No, not reincarnation. The day and the millennia, you know… a thousand years is but a day… to demonstrate how creation and evolution might have worked in conjunction.”
“Go on.”
“I left on the Beagle believing the Bible but came back, having seen so many wonders, asking why all religions were not valid. I also witnessed much suffering and own that I questioned your Omnipotence. I questioned the existence of a Divine being who allowed so many flaws and inefficiencies, so much pain.” Forgetting himself momentarily he dared to ask I AM, “Why did you?”
I AM winked, touching his finger to his nose, “Who said they were finished, yet? Or maybe they are devolving. Hmmm…”
Charles recovered from his audacity, and sensing acceptance continued, “Do you know how delighted I was to see all the languages on the carved arch to the eternal? Am I right in thinking they all say I AM that I AM or OM?”
I AM nodded. “I AM all the OMs.”
“Therefore, I was not unjustified in my quest.” At which Charles’ mind began to churn and took over; questioning, examining and condemning his own existence as a failure.
“Charles, Charles, you were doing so well setting that excellent brain of yours aside. It is not for you to judge yourself but for me.” I AM allowed the statement to hang a moment before proceeding.
“Now, where were we?” I AM began to count off on his fingers. “The Fifth Commandment. You say you didn’t break it because, even though you disobeyed your Father, it was due to the gift you had been given. Is that correct? No need to expand. Yes or No will suffice.”
“Yes.”
“The Fourth Commandment. You acknowledge that you worked on the Sabbath.”
“Yes.”
“The Second Commandment. You reason that you are not in breach, you have not bowed down to other gods, even your own work, as you recognised the folly of being consumed, and that you are not accountable for how mankind reveres you.”
“Yes.”
“So, back to the First Commandment. Charles, you were acquitting yourself so well until you let your mind take over. Please re-focus with your heart alone.”
“Predestination?” Charles whispered the word. His heart flamed, “Predestination.” With great joy Charles came as close to shouting as a well-bred English man can, “You gave me my gift. Your hand guided me, in my studies, to the Beagle, even to formulating my theories whilst walking on a Sunday. If I know you in my heart as Evolution, then I can never have denied you or disobeyed you, only honoured you with my work.”
“I knew it. You should have been a lawyer.” I AM laughed. “Welcome home, son. Now to that chat,” draping his convivial presence over Charles’ shoulders, “tell me when that first A-HA moment was? The one when you first put together pieces of the puzzle I had left?”
Before Charles could answer, I AM went off on a tangent. “You've got a good brain. I should know. And you have trained it. Interested in a job?”
“Job?”
“Mmm–Well you need something to do for eternity and I need a new endeavour. So, I'm forming a team to research an issue of great importance to me.”
“What would that be?” For once Charles’ overactive mind was silent. What could I AM need help with?
I AM’s honesty shocked Charles. “Who I AM and where I come from.”
Superheroes' Bad day
“Save the world—again.”
A chorus of voices exploded.
“Isn’t that passé?”
“What from this time?”
“Why always us?”
Gathered in O’Brien’s Tavern, the jaded superheroes sat bemoaning this latest call-up. Unnoticed, Darwinian entered through the rear door. His voice cut across the raucous dissension. “Because that is your job. You are superheroes, are you not?”
His derision silenced the group. “Now that I have your attention…” Darwinian’s steely gaze arrested any further opposition. “As I was—”
“Well-what-is-it-this-time?” rattled Speedymeter. “More-alien-attacks? Another-nuclear-bomb?”
“Something far more serious.” Darwinian steepled his fingers. “This will cause panic across the Western World. Economic markets will collapse. Law and order will fail.” Warming to the topic, he continued, “If you think terrorism earlier in the century was bad, or the 2007 market meltdown was serious, or global warming melting the polar ice cap in 2036 caused problems, this is far more insidious.”
He paused for dramatic effect. “The most recent mega-cyclones have wiped out the entire plantations of cocoa beans worldwide.”
Puzzled silence greeted him.
“Chocolate?” Gigantuan’s squeaky voice asked. “You’ve got to be joking.”
“Besides,” Gorgeous-Gloria chipped in, “the porkers could do to eat less.”
“And I’m tired of fixing their global warming disasters. It’s time they took responsibility for their own mess and did something about it,” Moral High Ground said.
“Oh-shut-it-you-always-say-that,” Speedy bounced to the bar and back.
“I completely agree, Moral,” continued Darwinian. “They’ve known the effects of global warming since the late twentieth century and done nothing. The earth warmed by five degrees in the first part of this century, mega-storms increased”, Darwinian began to pontificate, “deserts expanded, sea levels rose drowning the coasts. If they’d acted sooner, none of this mess would be happening.”
“Oh great, 20/20 hindthight,” lisped Giga.
Ignoring the interruption Darwinian continued, “Humans don’t seem capable of, no more to the point, willing to fix it. Until they do, we are charged to Saaave the Wooorld.” He concluded, flourishing an arm skyward.
Xray’s vision focused on the issue. “But chocolate? I don’t see how…” Everyone laughed. “Yes, alright, it’s just an expression. You don’t have to laugh every time,” frustration edging his voice. “Chocolate how—”
“Think about it,” Darwinian cut him off. “Humans are addicted to the stuff. Last year every person in the Western world ate 20 kilograms of chocolate.”
“Not me.” Gorgeous ran her hand provocatively over her svelte figure.
“Never you,” sneered Moral.
“Just-because-she-wouldn’t-lower-herself-to-your-high-moral-standards.” Speedy ran rings around Moral.
“Heros. Stop bickering. This important.” Darwinian held his hands out. “Think about the figures – dollars not Gorgeous – 20 kilograms, $15 per kilogram, 200 billion people. All the manufacturers, distributors, shops. Not to mention the weight loss and health industries who rely on gluttony to churn clients through. It’s a disaster.”
“Yes. If they’d cut back consumption in the 1990s they wouldn’t--” Moral mounted his high-horse.
Darwinian cut across him, moving into crusading mode. “True enough, but they didn’t, and we have to Saaave the Wooorld.”
“From what exactly? If the mega-cycloneth have already wiped out the plantationth what are we expected to do?” asked Gigantuan.
“Ah yes, I was getting carried away there.” Darwinian switched back to explaining. “There was one last harvest, some 20 tonnes which need guarding until it arrives at the plant. Then there are the existing stockpiles. The price of a Hershey’s is set to soar. There will be panic buying, theft, and violence in the street. Mark my words.”
“Oh, give me a break.” Gorgeous pursed her lips. “Muggings in the streets over chocolate.”
A commotion outside diverted their attention. “That’s mine,” screeched a well-dressed woman, snatching at a half-eaten chocolate bar. The second woman, turning to run, caught her stiletto in the cracked concrete. As she pitched forward, the owner launched herself. Falling with a dull thump they rolled on the ground, tearing and clawing each other in their attempts to gain the chocolate.
“Bitch fight,” cheered Giga, clapping his hands.
“Money’s on the blonde; she’s got longer nails.” Gorgeous laid down a fiver.
“Uh-Hmm—don’t you think you should intervene?” asked Darwinian.
“Oh-you-spoil-all-the-fun,” Speedy flashed out the door and grabbed the bar. Gigantuan minced out after him and lifted a woman in each hand. “Will you two thtop thith or I’ll eat the bar,” he said.
The owner opened her mouth as the thief protested. Speedy shoved half the remaining bar in each mouth clamping their jaws shut. “Problem-solved.”
“Now, tell all your friendth we’re watching,” Giga said, wagging his finger in their faces, before patting them on the behind and sending them on their way.
Darwinian held up his hand. Gorgeous stopped protesting the blonde had won, and she wanted payment. “That, Heros, is exactly what I am talking about. Chocolate will become more valuable than gold and whoever controls it will rule the world. We have to Saaave the Wooorld.”
“Will you stop doing that. It’s bloody annoying,” Xray interjected. “And you still haven’t told us how. We’re not guards. We’re superheroes we rush in at the last minute, perform insane superheroic feats, save the day and leave. We don’t hang about looking tough asking ‘who goes there?’”
Darwinian studied his overly polished shoes.
“You didn’t,” Gorgeous said, hands on hips. “I’m not wearing a cacky green for anyone. It does nothing for my figure.”
“They don’t make uniformth in my thize,” Giga moaned. “Although, boyth in unif—"
“Guards. Damn it, Darwinian. Without even consulting us. It’s bad enough that we have to keep rescuing people who didn’t and won’t lift a hand to fix global warming. But guards. That’s going too far.” Moral folded his arms over his chest.
“You did, didn’t you?” Xray looked right through Darwinian into their future. Years of mindlessly babysitting one diminishing resource after another. All because humans would not make the necessary changes to their lifestyles.
Resigning himself to the inevitable, Xray sighed. “Welcome to Superhero-Security-Guard Class 101. Babysitting.”
“Save the world—again.”
A chorus of voices exploded.
“Isn’t that passé?”
“What from this time?”
“Why always us?”
Gathered in O’Brien’s Tavern, the jaded superheroes sat bemoaning this latest call-up. Unnoticed, Darwinian entered through the rear door. His voice cut across the raucous dissension. “Because that is your job. You are superheroes, are you not?”
His derision silenced the group. “Now that I have your attention…” Darwinian’s steely gaze arrested any further opposition. “As I was—”
“Well-what-is-it-this-time?” rattled Speedymeter. “More-alien-attacks? Another-nuclear-bomb?”
“Something far more serious.” Darwinian steepled his fingers. “This will cause panic across the Western World. Economic markets will collapse. Law and order will fail.” Warming to the topic, he continued, “If you think terrorism earlier in the century was bad, or the 2007 market meltdown was serious, or global warming melting the polar ice cap in 2036 caused problems, this is far more insidious.”
He paused for dramatic effect. “The most recent mega-cyclones have wiped out the entire plantations of cocoa beans worldwide.”
Puzzled silence greeted him.
“Chocolate?” Gigantuan’s squeaky voice asked. “You’ve got to be joking.”
“Besides,” Gorgeous-Gloria chipped in, “the porkers could do to eat less.”
“And I’m tired of fixing their global warming disasters. It’s time they took responsibility for their own mess and did something about it,” Moral High Ground said.
“Oh-shut-it-you-always-say-that,” Speedy bounced to the bar and back.
“I completely agree, Moral,” continued Darwinian. “They’ve known the effects of global warming since the late twentieth century and done nothing. The earth warmed by five degrees in the first part of this century, mega-storms increased”, Darwinian began to pontificate, “deserts expanded, sea levels rose drowning the coasts. If they’d acted sooner, none of this mess would be happening.”
“Oh great, 20/20 hindthight,” lisped Giga.
Ignoring the interruption Darwinian continued, “Humans don’t seem capable of, no more to the point, willing to fix it. Until they do, we are charged to Saaave the Wooorld.” He concluded, flourishing an arm skyward.
Xray’s vision focused on the issue. “But chocolate? I don’t see how…” Everyone laughed. “Yes, alright, it’s just an expression. You don’t have to laugh every time,” frustration edging his voice. “Chocolate how—”
“Think about it,” Darwinian cut him off. “Humans are addicted to the stuff. Last year every person in the Western world ate 20 kilograms of chocolate.”
“Not me.” Gorgeous ran her hand provocatively over her svelte figure.
“Never you,” sneered Moral.
“Just-because-she-wouldn’t-lower-herself-to-your-high-moral-standards.” Speedy ran rings around Moral.
“Heros. Stop bickering. This important.” Darwinian held his hands out. “Think about the figures – dollars not Gorgeous – 20 kilograms, $15 per kilogram, 200 billion people. All the manufacturers, distributors, shops. Not to mention the weight loss and health industries who rely on gluttony to churn clients through. It’s a disaster.”
“Yes. If they’d cut back consumption in the 1990s they wouldn’t--” Moral mounted his high-horse.
Darwinian cut across him, moving into crusading mode. “True enough, but they didn’t, and we have to Saaave the Wooorld.”
“From what exactly? If the mega-cycloneth have already wiped out the plantationth what are we expected to do?” asked Gigantuan.
“Ah yes, I was getting carried away there.” Darwinian switched back to explaining. “There was one last harvest, some 20 tonnes which need guarding until it arrives at the plant. Then there are the existing stockpiles. The price of a Hershey’s is set to soar. There will be panic buying, theft, and violence in the street. Mark my words.”
“Oh, give me a break.” Gorgeous pursed her lips. “Muggings in the streets over chocolate.”
A commotion outside diverted their attention. “That’s mine,” screeched a well-dressed woman, snatching at a half-eaten chocolate bar. The second woman, turning to run, caught her stiletto in the cracked concrete. As she pitched forward, the owner launched herself. Falling with a dull thump they rolled on the ground, tearing and clawing each other in their attempts to gain the chocolate.
“Bitch fight,” cheered Giga, clapping his hands.
“Money’s on the blonde; she’s got longer nails.” Gorgeous laid down a fiver.
“Uh-Hmm—don’t you think you should intervene?” asked Darwinian.
“Oh-you-spoil-all-the-fun,” Speedy flashed out the door and grabbed the bar. Gigantuan minced out after him and lifted a woman in each hand. “Will you two thtop thith or I’ll eat the bar,” he said.
The owner opened her mouth as the thief protested. Speedy shoved half the remaining bar in each mouth clamping their jaws shut. “Problem-solved.”
“Now, tell all your friendth we’re watching,” Giga said, wagging his finger in their faces, before patting them on the behind and sending them on their way.
Darwinian held up his hand. Gorgeous stopped protesting the blonde had won, and she wanted payment. “That, Heros, is exactly what I am talking about. Chocolate will become more valuable than gold and whoever controls it will rule the world. We have to Saaave the Wooorld.”
“Will you stop doing that. It’s bloody annoying,” Xray interjected. “And you still haven’t told us how. We’re not guards. We’re superheroes we rush in at the last minute, perform insane superheroic feats, save the day and leave. We don’t hang about looking tough asking ‘who goes there?’”
Darwinian studied his overly polished shoes.
“You didn’t,” Gorgeous said, hands on hips. “I’m not wearing a cacky green for anyone. It does nothing for my figure.”
“They don’t make uniformth in my thize,” Giga moaned. “Although, boyth in unif—"
“Guards. Damn it, Darwinian. Without even consulting us. It’s bad enough that we have to keep rescuing people who didn’t and won’t lift a hand to fix global warming. But guards. That’s going too far.” Moral folded his arms over his chest.
“You did, didn’t you?” Xray looked right through Darwinian into their future. Years of mindlessly babysitting one diminishing resource after another. All because humans would not make the necessary changes to their lifestyles.
Resigning himself to the inevitable, Xray sighed. “Welcome to Superhero-Security-Guard Class 101. Babysitting.”
And so ended the days of Man
Clawing, scratching, they ripped at her flesh, tearing out her entrails. They savaged her remorselessly, heedless of her anguished cries. The heavens bled with her pain. The rivers of her life wasted away. Defiled, polluted, her dying agony disregarded. Shock assailed Them when she failed. Millions died and dying, They blamed, cursed and reviled her. Then, like vermin, They fled.
So ended the days of Man.
Trembling, Juniper closed the Book of Prophecy, the words echoing in his mind. Premonition’s icy fingers raked up his spine as he watched the blood-red sun setting over the gaping rent of the open-cut mine.
The thunder of the giant metal machines assailed him as they relentlessly gouged the soft belly, spewing it into open mouths of wheeled monsters. Monsters which disgorged black plumes of acrid bile. His eyes were riveted on the putrid murk pooled in the shadowy depth of the pit.
He had seen the devastated land, wasted by poison. A poison which leached from the mine, staining the river pustulous yellow, its stench overpowering the rot of animal corpses scattered along its banks.
Juniper cursed silently. Why would no-one listen? Why did they shrug, mouthing, ‘It’s the Prophecy’? Could they not see they were bringing it to pass?
The world over, gluttony gorged on the planet. The words of the Prophecy leapt into focus.
Turning their backs on Truth, they will devour relentlessly until all is lost.
The young acolyte shook with anger. How had the Book become an excuse? Grabbing his pen, his brow furrowed, he scoured, ‘NO! NO! NO!’ again and again through layers of paper.
These same words had landed him here. He understood why his masters had designed this punishment. Where better to understand the meaning of the Prophecy? Yet, he remained unrepentant.
Closing his eyes, Juniper inhaled the fragrance of the Book’s pages, recalling his earliest memory snuggled securely in his mother’s arms, her voice lulling him as she read, the joy of the Book enveloping him. From childhood, his responses had marked him for The Order.
The way had not been easy. His grandmother had been branded a heretic, ostracized for her belief in freedom of thought, accused as a witch, and finally locked away. Many in The Order opposed his selection.
Grammie, he smiled, your teaching crept in.
“See with fresh eyes.”
No, he had written, the Prophecy is not inevitable.
No, Earth is not doomed. The Book is a warning.
No, Truth is clear - live simply, treat Mother Earth with respect.
Those fateful words were seized upon as justification, banishing him to the wilderness.
Eight months on, wisdom and compassion touched him. He no longer railed against the men driving the dredges; they were simply cogs. Yet, he did not condone their ignorance. Despair almost claimed him when his words of Truth met with, “What can we do? We’ve got families to feed. Who believes that stuff anyway?”
Are there none who will see? Are they blinded by the greed of their leaders? Are there none who will hear? Are they deafened by the boasts of their teachers? Are there none who will speak? Are they rendered dumb by the lies of those who guide? Are there none who will act? Are they enslaved by the indoctrination of their masters?
Never had the words of the Book resonated more clearly than in this place. Juniper’s anger turned towards the Company.
Juniper had stormed into the site office. “You must stop. Can’t see you’re fulfilling the Prophecy?”
The men mocked and derided him. “What can we do? We just follow orders? Besides, if the Prophecy’s true, we leave this stink-hole of a planet on the transports.”
Shame burned in Juniper’s soul as he scuttled back to his room. He scoured the eSignallinks. There was so little time. Was it already too late? How could anyone believe there were enough transports?
Juniper eSigned the Company Board in a vain attempt for answers. The response was derisive: “Open your eyes. Who are the real powerbrokers? To whom do we pay our dues? You’re a fool if you think you can challenge them.”
His world shifted.
In pain and fear, the scales will fall from the eyes of the One. Deception be his guide, deceit be the key. For only through acquiescing will the One return Truth to the heart of the people.
Terror gripped Juniper, but his path was clear. He must go back.
Sweat dripped into his eyes, mingling with tears of frustration. His fingers trembled as he eSigned the Order-Mage conceding his
mistake, begging forgiveness and seeking to return to the fold.
For several gruelling hours, Juniper slaved at the code, feverishly modifying, manipulating and testing until he was satisfied. There would only be one chance. He must be prepared.
-#-
“So, you’ve seen the error of your ways?” the Order-Mage eyed Juniper, and then glanced at the assembled Order-Elders.
“Yes, Master.” Juniper performed an abeyance before r
esuming. “I understand the purpose of the Order’s teachings—fully.”
“And what would that purpose be?” asked the Order-Mage.
Straightening, Juniper held the Order-Mage’s eye, “To blind and enslave the people to ensure The Order’s wealth and safety.”
A gasp rippled around the chamber. Never had it been put so bluntly.
“Ah-hem. Yes. Although we do tend to phrase it differently,” the Order-Mage squirmed. “I take it then, that like us, you have chosen to save the only thing you can: yourself?”
Lowering his eyes to conceal his fury, Juniper yielded, “Yes Master, but in return for my obedience, I crave a boon.”
“Name it.” The wave of the hand dismissive.
“Please answer. Is the Prophecy inevitable or can Earth be saved?”
Laughter buffeted him. “Stupid boy, is that all? Of course, the Prophecy is not inevitable. Any intelligent person knows the Truth—live simply. Of course, Earth can be saved. But who will tell the people?”
Throwing open his vestments, the Acolyte revealed a transmission device linked to all the networks. “I will.”
And the One became Prophecy to guide Earth in Truth.