Breed The Secret Design To Maintain Racial Inequality Among The Despised Classes

by William Chasterson

  As I opened my eyes they were flooded with light, the protective wall of cats having been removed. “Its time to show you your territory. Everything you will see today is yours, you being the undisputed leader of our gang.” As we walked we passed many cats in the forest and they bowed when they saw me just as they had done the previous day. There was an outpouring of support. They were saying, “Good morning sir,” and, “Did you sleep alright boss?” This was all a little much to take in, considering that just a couple of days ago I was the ruler of only a small apartment shared by my two siblings and two humans. As we walked Rizzo frequently would look at me and open his mouth as if he were about to speak. But he then just smiled looked forward and kept on walking. I said, “Rizzo, you look as if you want to ask me something.” His face lit up. “Actually sir, the entire territory is talking about what you did last night. Putting aside the fact that you stared death in the face, how did you learn to speak the language of that dog? It also looked as if you understood that wild mouse’s language.” I looked at him doubtfully. Was this possible? “You mean you didn’t hear what the dog was saying?” I asked. Rizzo said, “What we heard is what we always hear from those mutts. And that’s a lot of barking. But it looked as if you were reasoning with him in his own language. Most of the brothers were upset about you letting the mouse go free but what you did with the dog has everyone very excited. Some cats are even comparing you to Zarathustra and Socrates.” I was amazed. I really did not know what was happening to me because I thought everyone in the group heard what I heard. Rizzo suddenly exclaimed, “I don’t want to pry but what made you leave wherever you’re from anyways?” Without warning a sharp pain stabbed my heart as I thought of Jeffery Chambers. Lately I’d been having complicated feelings concerning my past. If I had to describe these feelings it would include an amalgam of anger, humiliation, and guilt. I wasn’t sure how to process these feelings but I knew that the process would entail great amounts of pain so I decided to try and avoid thinking about it for the time being. “Oh it was just time for a change,” I said quietly. Picking up on my reluctance to speak about the past Rizzo said, “Well, forget them! I mean, there loss is our gain. If the animals where you’re from didn’t realize what a great leader you are they didn’t deserve you. Right?” I looked at Rizzo sympathetically. We walked until we exited the woods and arrived at a place that I thought I recognized. It was the road that I was trying to find originally when I escaped capture from the brainwashed cats out in the field. “You see this road?” whispered Rizzo. “This is the western border of Fostoria. As long as you stay on this side of that road you have the support of legions of cats and conscripted animals.” He then pointed to the road with his nose and suddenly became very serious. “Its important that you pay close attention to what I’m about to tell you sir. If you for some reason cross over into Cuyamonga you will be on your own. No one can follow you into Zarathustra's territory. Understood?” I nodded. We then ducked back into the woods and immediately Rizzo’s cheerful attitude returned. We walked along a different path southeastward. As we crossed a small brook stepping on stones that served as a bridge, I noticed a raccoon kneeling alongside the brook and washing an apple. This raccoon looked familiar. Smiling he looked up at me and waved. He said in a raised voice, “I was able to find what I was looking for? But thanks anyways.” I wrinkled my brow and quickly nodded, walking on. Could that have been the same raccoon from the other day? But if he could speak my language, why didn’t he just do that from the start? Walking ahead of me Rizzo suddenly looked back and asked, “Did you understand that foreigner? Just how many languages do you speak?” So it was, the raccoon from the other day. “Rizzo?” I asked. “What did you mean when you called that raccoon a foreigner? Are some of these animals from other lands?” Rizzo stopped and waited for me to catch up. “Well actually” said Rizzo, “I’m told that they were the original inhabitants of Fostoria. But that was ages ago, before our ancestors brought domestication to this land. Most of the animals have accepted becoming domesticated but some of them stick to their wild ways. As long as they don’t disrupt society they’re not seen as a threat by most cats.” This didn’t quite make sense to me. If they were the original inhabitants then wasn’t this, their land? “But Rizzo?” I asked, “If this is, their land aren’t we the foreigners?” Rizzo started laughing hysterically. Pausing briefly from his laughter he said, “Are you serious? If left on their own, the wild animals would eventually go extinct. This has been proven by science, brother. They owe us everything. The least they could do is learn our language?” I still didn’t quite understand this. If the wild animals survived up to the point of the arrival of the domesticated animals, why would they now suddenly go extinct if left to their own devices? Also, what does this word science mean, and what exactly does it prove? “Do you see my point?” asked Rizzo. I didn’t agree with everything Rizzo was saying but I decided to leave it alone for the moment. I nodded in approval. Since I was still accustomed to the barriers and walls of an apartment, we walked for what seemed to me to be great distances. The outside world seemed to have a pattern of repetition. For example we would walk past a large rock or log then cross pathways of various width looking out for other pedestrians. When we came across other animals they would always bow and step to the side until we passed. Rizzo seemed to like the attention because he always smiled to himself every time this occurred. Anyways this pattern seemed to repeat itself over and over again until finally we came to an abrupt stop at a grouping of stones that were spread out horizontally and seemed to form a line in the ground. “This is the eastern border of your territory, Christopher. Although Fostoria and Kliev are friendly neighbors, during times of war we need permits to enter and leave. And I’m told that since Zarathustra’s general Hannibal started using his secret weapon, all permits have been suspended.” Suddenly we heard a voice from across the border. “Are you lost comrade?” We looked up and there was a large cat standing directly in front of us. This cat who locked eyes with me the entire time looked as if he were guarding something. Rizzo said, “Easy tiger. I'm just showing him the borders of Fostoria.” “Good,” said the guard cat. “We wouldn't want your new member to make the mistake of stepping outside his territory. Some unfortunate accident might befall him.” Rizzo knitted his brow. “Christopher isn't just a new member of our gang. He is our leader.” The guard cat’s eyes widened a bit. “Christopher? Oh I've heard all about you. I imagined you'd be a lot bigger though.” I said, “What do you mean you’ve heard of me?” He replied, “Everyone in Kliev has heard of you. In fact Socrates himself has requested a meeting with you.” Rizzo grew suspicious. “Why is this the first we’re hearing of this?” “Well,” said the guard cat, suddenly aware that he had said too much, “I mean, this affects all of the territories so this has to be done officially. A meeting needs to be held with all the leaders of all the gangs. They probably haven’t got the message to you yet. I wasn't supposed to mention it until all arrangements have been made but you wouldn't get me in trouble would you?” Rizzo and I, very eager to hear more shook our heads. “Well,” continued the excited cat, “Everyone has heard about your run-in with the dogs and we are all very excited about what this could mean. Socrates is very interested in meeting you. Follow me.” He then marched off without even looking back to see if we were following.

  Obediently we followed the border guard. But we were cautious, recognizing that we were on foreign soil. As we walked we became ever more aware that our presence did not go unnoticed. Every animal that we passed gave us a look as if we didn't belong there. Finally we reached a wooden gate with a large hole in the bottom. This was apparently the entrance to our destination because our guide paused before it. He turned toward us and said, “Just let me do the talking.” As soon as we entered the gate we were met with angry hissing and growling. It reminded me of my earlier run-ins with the dogs. “We shouldn't be here,” whispered Rizzo, “My gut is telling me we made a mistake in coming.” For some reason
I was reminded of my brother Vincent. “Come!” ordered our guide. We obediently followed. Two large cats stood guard at the entrance of a cellar door hissing noisily as our guide approached. “Who are these intruders? Do you have clearance to be here?” shouted one of the doorkeepers menacingly. The other just stood with his fur bristled sizing us up. “I've brought someone to see Socrates,” said the border guard. “He would have wanted me to bring them here at once.” One of the doorkeepers squinted his eyes and said, “And if you're wrong are you prepared to face the consequences?” The border guard looked at us then back to the doorkeeper and responded, “I am.” “We shall see,” snickered the guard as he turned quickly to enter the cellar. Our guide quickly followed him. “You wait here!” growled the other guard. He meanly glared at us the entire time we waited. Suddenly we heard barking, growling, and the unmistakable sound of dogs fighting over something. Soon all was quiet again and after a time the doorkeeper reappeared through the cellar door, but this time alone. He proclaimed without even looking at us, “Socrates will see you now!” Both doorkeepers stepped away from the entrance and didn't look at us again. Rizzo and I glanced at one other then apprehensively entered the cellar door. It was damp, dark, and musty smelling. It took awhile for our eyes to adjust to the darkness but as we walked we both became aware at the same time of a large towering figure standing in the middle of the room.

  Chapter 4 - Anyone who has the power to make you believe absurdities has the power to make you commit injustices - Voltaire

  “So, you must be Christopher. I have been looking forward to meeting you. My name is Niccolo,” said the large tomcat whose presence commanded the room. “Forgive the manners of my comrades. They are very cautious because one can never be too careful these days especially with strangers, if you know what I mean?” I did not know what he meant but I nodded in approval just the same. Rizzo said, “Christopher has come to speak to Socrates.” Without even looking at Rizzo Niccolo responded, “One doesn’t come to see Socrates. One is summoned by Socrates.” He then looked at me and said, “Your friend here looks famished.” “Ardin!!” shouted Niccolo. Immediately a cocker spaniel came running from a darkened hallway at the other end of the room and stood wagging his tail and looking at Niccolo. “Take our comrade here...” he then paused looking at Rizzo as if he was awaiting an answer. Catching on Rizzo said, “It’s Rizzo.” Niccolo continued, “Yes, take comrade Rizzo and get him something to eat while Christopher and I get better acquainted.” The dog looked at Rizzo then back at Niccolo. “Of course. Follow me comrade,” said the dog upon turning and heading back to the hallway from which he came. Reluctantly Rizzo followed disappearing into the darkness. After watching my friend depart I then looked up to see Niccolo standing in front of me. He appeared larger than life. What stood out to me most about this cat was his fur. He had a double coat. The slight breeze that passed through the room revealed a soft downy undercoat that was protected by soft guard hairs. These were blue colored with silver tips which gave his coat a shimmering appearance. He was a breed of cat that I had never seen before. He looked like royalty and stood with perfect posture. I couldn’t help but imagine him sitting on a throne. The only characteristic bringing this cat down to earth was the long whiskers jutting out of his face in all directions that were unusually braided together at the ends. This along with the way he addressed Niccolo “however is not as interesting as what you did. The others, Rizzo and the rest of this pack of feral cats that you now lead think you are special because of your appearance. But they are wrong. Your appearance is that of an ordinary house cat.” My eyes widened and a tremor of fear swept through my body. Niccolo continued, “Yes a house cat but by no means ordinary. Tell me, what was going through your mind as you faced his subordinates as comrade gave him a bohemian quality. Niccolo also had large dark and vivid green eyes that were now locked on my eyes. “You look as though you have some questions?” said Niccolo. “Please feel free to ask me whatever you want. I want for us to become friends.” I shuffled my paws a little then spoke up. “How do you know who I am?” Niccolo smiled. “I make it my business to know what goes on in all of the territories. Socrates has spies everywhere just like Zarathustra.” Niccolo squinted his eyes a little as if to see if the name Zarathustra registered with me. “Who you are,” continued down that dog?” “My mind?” I repeated in a trembling voice. “Yes, most cats who live in the scattered territories not only would never attempt to speak to a dog but it would never occur to them to try. Although domesticated, most cats view dogs as lower beings without the capacity to reason. So why would a house cat that I assume has not been exposed to stray dogs or other wild animals suddenly reach out across species to reason with a dog?” I was not sure of how to answer so I just looked down at the floor. “Can I make a suggestion?” asked Niccolo. “I believe you acted in this way out of instinct. You analyzed quickly that what you share in common with that dog, far outweighs the differences between you two. You then made a decision based upon this. You realized that despite your pampered upbringing, now the both of you are in the same boat. You both have to scrounge for food in the wilderness while other animals have excess. This is the only real difference that matters.” Niccolo looked at me with a great intensity in his eyes and said, “Do you realize that in reality there are only two species? I saw your reaction when I identified you as a house cat. You don’t have to be ashamed about your past. We all reach a point in our lives when we have to make a decision about which species we belong to.” I was confused and I’m certain that it registered on my face. “I don’t understand,” I said. “What do you mean only two species? Since I arrived in this new world I’ve come into contact with many different animals and even among them there are various breeds.” The older cat looked down at me sympathetically and said, “I know it’s hard for you to understand, but in time you will see what I mean. Socrates thinks you are not ready to understand how the world works but I told him that I see something in you. You remind me a little of myself at an earlier stage in my evolution so I want to help you. I’m going to explain to you how the real world works.” I perked up a little and became more alert. This may be what I’ve been searching for. Niccolo had my full attention. He asked, “Christopher, do you believe in a creator?” Puzzled I shrugged my shoulders. “What I mean is do you believe that an intelligent being created you and me and everything that we see?” Now I understood. “Oh yeah. I mean I think so. I used to try to discuss this with my brother and sister but they never really gave it much thought. I’ve thought about it a lot lately and I think a creator must exist. It only makes sense that all of us are in existence for a reason. What do you think?” I asked. Patiently Niccolo responded, “Whether he exists or whether he doesn’t exist is not what’s important. What’s important is history.” Again I was confused. Niccolo continued but looked over my head as if I were just one in among a much larger audience that he was addressing. “That feeling you have that a creator must exist is a common one. Long ago when the masters of the universe realized that this was the case they decided to exploit this feeling by telling stories of an afterlife where all the animals who are obedient and content to live as slaves would go after they died. They were told that as long as they lived miserably without complaining in this life, that in the afterlife they would live as kings. Needless to say this ploy worked as it was intended and these masters were able to control the animals without so much as a struggle. For centuries this model society stood in tact with everyone satisfied, the masters living in shameless luxury while the slaves were content with their promise of the future. Then one day something happened.” Niccolo paused and looked me in the eyes as a teacher would look at his pupil. He knew I was hanging on his every word. Taking the bait I asked, “What happened?” Niccolo continued, “The animals decided with one accord that they were no longer satisfied with the promise of a future reward in another life. They decided that they needed to get their reward in this life. Thus began the first revolution. This was jus
t the first of many revolutions in a long cycle of power shifts.” Niccolo suddenly turned and began walking towards the darkened hallway that Rizzo had disappeared into earlier. He looked back at me and said, “Come with me Christopher. I want to show you something.” As we walked through the long corridor I noticed many doors. I thought I heard activity on the other side of the doors but the noises were too muffled to make out what this activity was. We exited through a door at the end of the hallway and we were outside once again. I followed Niccolo as he took me to what looked like a secret path. It seemed to be a part of Kliev that was off limits to most of its inhabitants because the terrain and surrounding landscape was untouched by domestication. As we walked Niccolo continued, “The slaves were at a disadvantage however because although they had solidarity of feeling in what they wanted, they had no experience in governing. Thus they were unable to articulate this feeling into a stable system so they eventually lost their power at the hands of their enemies the masters. The masters also failed to learn from history and they immediately reverted to their former course of oppression. They reasoned that their mistake was in not being hard enough on the slaves, so going forward they resolved to be even more brutal. This of course only resulted in another more powerful revolution. Until recently this back and forth cycle appeared as if it would continue indefinitely. It seemed inevitable for the cycle to continue because no animal lived long enough to become aware that the cycle even existed.” We walked into a clearing and towards a cliff. Although I had never been in this area before something about it seemed familiar to me. Looking out over the cliff I realized why this area seemed familiar. We were above the strange colorful waves that earlier I thought might be the ocean. Although I was not in the same place as before, the view was the same. Miles below, two great colorful tidal waves rose and rushed towards each other breaking and producing a vivid red color. I looked across the great chasm and was overwhelmed by the extent of it. It was not just a random cliff we were standing on. In reality we were on one side of an enormous canyon. Niccolo continued, “Through a number of circumstances and with the aide of a number of noteworthy animals this cycle came to the awareness of a minority of exceptional figures. The cycle was identified as a societal disease, or more specifically a bi-polar sickness that consists of two extremes. In the one extreme our society of animals would experience a sense of euphoria at taking power but no one stopped to think about how this power change came about. When the power inevitably shifted, the system suffered the shock of the other extreme, which was like a depression of sorts. If this was a societal sickness then some reasoned that it could be cured with a number of strict measures. You must understand that the shift in power is inevitable which means that we are destined to take power. What needs to happen however is that instead of losing ourselves in euphoria, we must keep the strict measures into place thus breaking the cycle of extreme fluctuations. As a result everything will be restored to perfect balance and harmony. Christopher, can you imagine a world where all animals live in peace? No need to live with fear or insecurity because there is no one that wants to do you harm? It will be a paradise with everyone working for the betterment of his fellow comrade. From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.” As Niccolo spoke about peace and equality something strange began to happen. Warmth began to radiate from the tips of my ears to the bottom of my paws. It was a feeling that I have not felt for sometime. “Would you like to live in such a world Christopher?” “Of course,” I responded. “What do I need to do?” Niccolo exhibited a wide smile. “Your role is very important. You see Fostoria is a land that is in a state of collapse. There, society has broken down to the point of allowing village gangs to engage in confused mob violence. These gangs vary in size but they are always collapsing and splintering off into smaller groups. You now lead the largest gang in Fostoria. They have enough members to constitute an army but because they have no solidarity in leadership and no real focused purpose they are destined to break up into many smaller groups. You see a society needs a purpose. Because Fostoria borders both Cuyamonga and Kliev, they have adopted a patchwork of philosophies that include specieism and animalism. These two philosophies are diametrically opposed. I’m sure you noticed this even with the small amount of time you spent in Fostoria. They use terms such as ‘vermin’ and ‘pest’ not fully understanding the implications of these terms. Without a working philosophy this group must disintegrate. In fact according to our sources they were about to disintegrate just before your arrival. What you did with the dog united them with hope. They are looking to you for leadership. They are desperate for it.” Niccolo paused waiting for me to react. I exclaimed, “I don’t know anything about being a leader.” He grinned and said, “Just leave that to us. I already told you that it is inevitable for the great society of animals to take power. All you have to do is not try to prevent the power shift from occurring. We have had operatives working in Fostoria for years but they have been unable to accomplish what you did in just one day and that’s unify the masses. We have the infrastructure in place. We were just waiting for you.” At the time all of this sounded very good. I was given a great purpose, my task seemed to be something that I was capable of carrying out, and the best part was that I would be working for the betterment of all animals. I thought, “I will be instrumental in creating a society founded on equality and peace. Surely Jeffery Chambers will hear about this society. He will see that I didn’t need him after all.” Niccolo looked down towards the rushing waves and said, “Its beautiful isn’t it? Do you know what it is that we are looking at?” I shook my head. He continued, “This is Surface Zero in the Lumpenproletarian Valley. Remember I told you that animalism and specieism are two diametrically opposed philosophies? This is a visual representation of that fact. What you see are thousands of animals rushing forward with a purpose. They are colliding with other animals that have just as strong of a feeling of purpose. A river cannot flow in two directions forever. Eventually one side must give in to the other. It is inevitable that our side will be victorious because we are going with the flow of history. Nothing can stop it. To try and go against the flow of history would be insane. That brings us to our enemies. It’s important for you to understand what we are up against. The adherents of specieism are insane. They are dangerous because for the most part they are sincere. They think they have found the truth and are willing to die for their beliefs. Their sincerity is shown in how at every opportunity they try and convert others. We on the other hand, know we have the truth, so there is no need for conversion. The nature inherent in each animal will reveal itself eventually. We don’t believe in this great need the specieists have to try and reach the heart and change someone from within. Animals are who they are and there is no changing that. Surface information and prodding will cause them to reveal themselves and there nature will come to the surface.” I was curious to know what he meant by prodding, but I decided not to ask because I didn’t want to interrupt his train of thought. I was really learning quite a bit. Niccolo warned, “Zarathustra’s philosophy is a perversion of thought and utter nonsense. Never listen to the specieists. All who succumb to their thinking are apostates and worse than enemies.” Niccolo paused and looked at me to make sure I understood his point. He continued, “Fostoria is of importance to both sides strategically. It lies directly between Cuyamonga and Kliev with the neutral territory of Lumpenproletaria located directly north of it. Most of the fighting takes place in Lumpenproletaria or more specifically the Lumpenproletarian Valley. If Fostoria became a part of the Union of Animals, this would put us in a better position to finally wipe out the resistance and allow the flow of history to continue its natural path.” Niccolo put his paw on my shoulder affectionately and said, “Comrade Christopher, as I mentioned earlier, the role you will play is of vital importance. Are you up to the challenge?” Again a feeling of warmth and comradeship began to radiate throughout my body. I said, “I will do whatever it takes.” Again Niccolo smiled widely
bearing all of his teeth. He said, “Wait until dark then follow this path along the edge of the Lumpenproletarian Valley until you reach the border to Fostoria. Keep walking until you reach the section of border where you entered the first time you arrived in Fostoria. Although this border is rarely guarded it is important that no one sees you coming. No one can know about this meeting and our arrangement. Understood?” I nodded. “Godspeed Christopher,” said Niccolo. He then disappeared into the woods leaving me alone with my mission. I couldn’t understand why it had to be such a secret. As I walked back to Fostoria I meditated on this. “Why not just openly tell the citizens of Fostoria about our plans?” I thought. “Surely any animal with a reasoning mind would clearly see the virtues of animalism. Who wouldn’t want to live in peace and harmony?” Although I didn’t fully understand the rationality of Socrates’ plan I decided to go along with it. Suddenly I grew more alert as I approached the Northeastern border of Fostoria. I was instructed to enter along the same border that I did on my first arrival so I walked along the northern border stealthily until finally I arrived at the northwestern border, which looked familiar. It was very late so I decided to make camp here right outside the border. Early the next day I looked from side to side making sure no one was around to see me enter. The coast was clear so I quickly entered my territory.