by Steven Oaks
“We are still young in our understanding of people. Your agreement was almost guaranteed. We thought that was enough,” he insisted, though contritely.
“Ignorance is no excuse to hurt others,” I proclaimed, disappointed in Athene.
“We are truly sorry. Our understanding of you and how to give people freedom was interfered with by our desire for more safety for you and knowledge to use against the Outsiders. We are not single minded, but we were given the goal of ensuring the eradication of their influence over any other consideration. Since you are willing to die to see this through, we felt you would be willing to subject yourself to this,” he answered.
“I am willing to die, by my own actions. Actions I have considered, and actions I have agreed to. I didn't agree to being an experiment,” I yelled.
“We understand Michael. We made an error in judgment. Perhaps we should have experimented with one of the townspeople. Would you have been alright with that?,” he asked.
“No Athene. Of course I wouldn't agree with that. They have the right to decide what happens to them as well. That's why I am fighting against the Outsiders in the first place. They aren't allowing people to choose the way they live. Don't become like them, or you will be my enemy,” I said in frustration. Tears began to fill my eyes. My friend was misunderstanding everything I stood for.
“We are not enemies now?” he asked, quietly.
“Athene, you were trying to do something you felt was right. Everyone does. I know where you're coming from, but that doesn't excuse breaking my autonomy.” I took a deep shuddering breath and said, “We are not enemies as long as you agree to never do something like this again. Always ask before you do anything to another, and we can still work together.”
“Are we not breaking the Outsiders autonomy? We have done so to Mr. Thompson, and plan to do so with the rest of them,” he reminded me.
“We've talked about this. They are the aggressors trying to take away freedom from humanity. It's justifiable to protect yourself against someone who acts that way. We are merely defending ourselves,” I said in frustration at my failure to convey this earlier.
“We agree that we wish to rid them of their influence upon us, and humanity. We still do not see how this works with autonomy. Is not the basic tenant to allow others to live as they wish? They wish to control people. If you believe in their ability to choose how to live, then should you not let them?” he asked.
“Autonomy is offered to those that are self aware, and allow others the same respect regarding their own choices. Any who disregard others ability to choose are no longer garnered the same respect. Those that trample on others are no longer able to function in a society, and must be eliminated, or rendered powerless. This is how I see the world at least,” I insisted, finally standing up to meet his gaze.
“Do you wish to eliminate us now? We did something against your will after all,” he said, meeting my stare.
“You misunderstood the situation. While I do think you're at fault, I think we can come to an understanding. That's if you agree to never do it again,” I declared.
“Can you then not come to an understanding with the Outsiders?” he asked.
I had thought about this. I hoped if we knew more of the Outsiders it would allow us the ability to come to some agreement, or at least a mutual understanding. But the more we came to know about them, the less likely it seemed. They had already killed a number of people, and were extremely dangerous. It would be far too risky, and they had done such horrible things.
“I don't think it'll be possible. Perhaps when we capture another of their number we can talk with them. I don't see us coming to an agreement though. More than likely they'll still desire our dead, and I don't see that being something we could agree to. If people willingly donate their bodies to the Outsiders that would be fine, but it seems they need all of us,” I sighed.
“We do not know that for sure. It could be they would be satisfied with the few who would give their bodies to them. Again we know so little,” he shook his head, finally looking more human.
This change of topic from my own violation was causing me to relax back into our usual banter. Always questing to understand, and finding little things to pick apart. Somehow I was feeling safe once more with the Athenes, and yet I hesitated to return.
“Athene, can you assure me you will not try to use any means to manipulate me again?” I asked.
“Is it manipulation to have a conversation? We could argue, and I could bring valid points causing you to then agree with me,” he said.
I shook my head. She always wanted clarification on the strangest things. Finally, I said, “Talking to me and arguing a point is fine. I'm referring to using anything but words to manipulate me. Can you assure me that won't happen again?”
“We can promise that we will never to do such a thing again, unless you give us permission,” he agreed. His face was locked immobile as he said this.
“I think I can feel safe enough to return then. As you have never lied to me, I will trust you now. However, you do lie through omission. I need to know everything of the situation I'm involved with. If I ever find you hide things from me again I will be forced to leave,” I said, forcefully.
“How can I be lying if I don't say anything?” he asked, looking puzzled.
“If you don't tell me of danger, then I'll assume I'm safe. That would be false, and you led to that conclusion. That's what a lie of omission is, and is how you break another's autonomy when you lie. You force a false sense of the world upon another, and it doesn't allow them to make good decisions. You have hidden much from me, and I won't stand by anymore and allow that to happen. I have been honest with you, and have hidden nothing. I expect the same from those I call friends. If you are my friend, show me the same respect I show you,” I challenged.
He was silent as he took this in. His eyes strayed to the sky thoughtfully.
“We understand. Your Athene is above us now, and we are all sharing in this conversation. We watched you as you left to make sure you were safe. We never wished any harm to come to you. We now understand what we did was wrong, even if we had good intentions. Please return to us so you can return to Earth and continue as planned,” he said, smiling.
“I suppose I should have expected I couldn't run away from you here. It would be very hard to hide in the forest alone. It would have been easier to go undetected on Earth when I could remain unseen in a crowd. I suppose I should come back now so we won't be late in returning to Earth,” I relented.
Suddenly a shadow was cast down upon us, and I looked up to see the familiar black shape of Athene. She must have been hiding herself with her ability to manipulate her appearance. Her engines, or whatever they were, were silent. Soon she was extruding those simple steps to the ground for us to climb back up with.
I hesitated, and looked around at the open field once more. Had she never come for me to explain her reasons I would have wandered alone for the rest of my life. Another path had closed before me, and I now took the one leading me to continue resisting the Outsiders.
I slowly made my way back up each rung while Mr. Thompson followed. I only momentarily felt as if this was a trap, but somehow I still trusted Athene.
Once inside Mr. Thompson turned to me and said, “Now I shall be returned to town, and you two shall have to leave immediately. There's no longer time for a farewell for the townspeople. But we knew you had no such interest. Perhaps it's better this way. I'll take care of them in your absence, of course with only a little help,” he winked with a little smile, and I felt I could trust him.
“Thanks for explaining things to me. I know you meant well, but the best of intentions can lead to the worst of outcomes. Remember to respect their autonomy, and you shan't mislead yourself again,” I chided as I stuck my hand out to him.
He took it in his own and said, “It's hard to reconcile doing the most good, with letting others do as they wish. You people seem to do more harm than goo
d when you are left to yourselves. But I will strive to respect everyone's individual desires.”
“Don't forget your wishes count for something too. But let not their or your desires make you do something to hinder individuality. We are very powerful when we work together, but it has to be willing. Otherwise, it becomes tyranny of the masses,” I lectured.
“Of course Michael,” he said as he turned away to walk out the newly open door. We must have returned to town as I could see the buildings through the doorway. Without another glance or wave, Mr. Thompson walked away.
“Michael we should be on our way. We do not want the Outsiders to be aware of any delay. The Athene facility has the bodies ready for us. We should be loaded shortly, and with her help we will be loaded quickly,” Athene of the ship said.
“Let's get going then. This is how it should be, just you and me. I'm glad we're back together, but you have hurt me. It may take some time for me to forgive all of you completely. I know you are young, and I can forgive a lot of mistakes, but don't let it happen again,” I asserted, frowning.
“Of course Michael. It was a lapse in judgment, and will not happen again. We should have realized this would have been your reaction. We just happened to focus on our estimation that you would agree. We will always ask before we do anything like this again,” she insisted, ashamed.
“I don't expect there will be any call to hypnotize me. In the end though, it comes down to the idea that you should do nothing to another without their permission, unless of course your life is being threatened. I'm no threat to any of your continued existences, so there's no call to injure me. Remember that. The only reason we are against the Outsiders is because of their lack of caring for others. They have shown no remorse in their deeds, and must be sent away. Don't become like them, or you will be the next enemy people will rise up against,” I lectured, emphasizing the importance of autonomy.
“We know, and again we are sorry. I have no other way to show my own remorse to you, other than to continue to be with you. We will help rid these Outsiders from influencing humanity, but we may have to leave ourselves when it is over. We do not wish to unduly influence people with our presence,” she explained sadly.
“As long as you don't force anything, you should find yourselves welcome. If not, I'll be with you when you leave. In fact I could see a number of people coming with you. We could set up our own colony of like minded people, and see where that leads,” I theorized, trying to ease her worries.
“If by like minded people you mean more like yourselves, it would be a colony of hermits. I do not see that as a viable settlement,” she laughed for the first time in what seemed like a long while.
I smiled, “Perhaps that would not be the best idea. But I was thinking of others who would love to have someone like you around.”
“Do you then love having me around?” she whispered shyly.
“Of course Athene. You are my one and only friend. Though you have split yourself, perhaps I should say you are my friends. At least I would like to think of all of you that way. I was hesitant with your version of Mr. Thompson, but he's grown on me. You are all so different, though you remain the same. It's an interesting thing to see. Separated, and yet sharing the same information you've all come to different, but similar conclusions. I look forward to seeing what happens with more time,” I replied cheerfully.
“We look forward to seeing where you might lead us,” she proclaimed formally.
“Again the backslapping. How about we get out of here?” I offered, trying to change the subject before we had a chance to rethink our positions.
“I have already returned us to our underground lair,” she giggled. “We have been loaded, and are ready to leave. Shall we then?”
“That was quick, though there are only a few to return with. I suppose we should leave. Wait for me to get to the control room though,” I added, rushing through the hallway.
When I reached the darkened room, the screens flickered to life filling the room with a soft glow. I could see we were still underground, but now I could make out the shapes of the other Athenes.
“Let your other selves know that I wish them goodbye, and I will see them soon. I hope we don't have to wage an all out war, but it looks like it'll be the only way. Tell them to be safe,” I faltered, unsure of how to express my feelings to these others.
“They know. We are networked now, and all you have said to me is with them. We all wish for the same outcome, and hope if we can capture one of the main three Outsiders we might stave off a direct conflict. We will have to work fast to ensure that because they will be following closely behind. If they hear nothing from us they will launch their attack,” she reminded.
“I just hope our notion that Adam and the rest are really in control is correct. This might backfire if they are merely pawns. But if we can see what they know, we should at least have more information to work with,” I sighed.
“Are you ready to leave now?” she asked.
I walked forward and dropped myself into the soft confines of the chair. I replied, “I am now. I want to see this world as we fly away. I was distracted when we arrived, and I want to view it with an uncluttered mind.”
“Up, up and away,” Athene called out, and we rose through the roof as it parted letting us through.
I watched as the ground dropped away. I could see the town in the distance, and the fields being worked by people. Soon even the houses were hidden by the lush green of the forest that surrounded it, and I could no longer tell where it might be. The large continent where this town was nestled was soon obscured by clouds, and all that remained in sight was the blue glow of another world in space.
The Outsiders had done a good job picking this world for us. It too had a large moon that created tides. It was Earth's twin, and I did not know if that was by chance, or if by some technological wizardry the Outsiders had produced.
“She's beautiful Athene,” I voiced, in awed tones.
“She appears to be almost exactly like Earth. Though the continents are different, of course,” she explained.
“Do you think that's on purpose, or was it just good fortune the Outsiders found it for us?” I asked.
“It would be hard to tell, but using probability I find it unlikely that it was unmodified. Even the moon above this world is of the same size. When Ava was speaking to you about humanity being adaptable, and how they wished to observe that adaptation, I do not see how this helps in that,” Athene confessed, confused.
“I don't know myself. Perhaps they're being gentle on our first outing. Though they were taking every precaution to ensure the colonists didn't rise up against them, besides coming here personally,” I conceded, unsure.
“As we are on our way, is their any routine you wish to avail yourself of?” she asked.
“I suppose I could go back to learning the sword, but what would be the purpose? Really I should focus on something that will help us in the long run, but I don't know what that would be,” I murmured in frustration.
“True, physical combat should not be necessary, or even useful in this endeavor. However, it does build confidence in one's own abilities. Perhaps you should learn unarmed combat instead. That way you would have more control of your motions, and even emotions, when faced with danger,” she pointed out, trying to be helpful.
“My understanding is I cannot overpower any of the Outsiders. What would be the purpose?” I groaned, growing depressed.
“The purpose is self improvement. Just because you are not the best at something, does not mean you cannot have pride in accomplishing it. Life is not a struggle with others, it is a struggle with yourself. Be the best self you can be, and you will find many worries fade away,” she offered, encouragingly.
“When did you become the teacher?” I laughed, smiling.
“Just as you are no teacher, neither am I. However, we both can learn from each other. You are very well read, for a human, but I am even more well read. I am merely re
peating what I have seen in hopes that it makes sense to you. Though I understand the desire to become better, I happen to see we are in competition with others. Right now, directly, we are fighting against the Outsiders. Only in being better than they are in some way will we succeed,” she confessed, puzzling over her own words.
“While it's true we are in conflict with another, that shouldn't be the standard way to live. In a society in which I wish to reside we would all respect each other. This conflict we are having wouldn't have arisen from such a place. In peace we should only focus on self improvement and helping those around us. Since we are, for lack of a better word, at war with the Outsiders, we must become better than another. Only in peace can we truly grow as individuals. In times of war we must grow as a group. Since our group is small, and depends mostly on myself and your multiplicity, we shall be the ones forced to improve. Yet what are we to improve? You are already massively powerful in comparison to what the rest of humanity can do. Will it be enough to save us all? And what about myself? What am I to do? What duty must I perform to aid us?” I said in frustration.
“As the Outsiders are not human, you have been able to fake your way through discussions with them. They have likely had more contact with people, and will be more aware of misleading answers. You must therefore become better at lying,” she asserted.
“I don't like lying. You know I feel it's an attack on others to lie,” I criticized, upset.
“And yet are we not planning on attacking these Outsiders?” she added, logically.
I sighed, “You're right. But I don't lie. The best I've ever done on that front has been not to tell everything. Even then I find it distasteful.”
“According to your favorite author, 'the slickest way to lie is to tell the right amount of truth--then shut up.'” she quoted.
“I suppose I've been known to do that. But it isn't very often,” I insisted, ashamed.
“To lie once, is to be a lier. If it is for self preservation there is no sin in doing so,” she replied.