For the next few weeks my nightmares continued. I would often be awakened by my own voice shouting in frustration at characters conjured up in my dreams. I must have also begun sleepwalking because a few times I would inexplicably awaken outside of my private chambers. I would suddenly open my eyes and find myself in strange locations with no memory of how I arrived there. Despite these minor irritations, life in Utopia seemed to run smoothly. Whatever Joab was doing appeared to be working because all the citizens I spoke to would fall all over themselves to express to me how satisfied they were with Utopia’s reforms. I thought, “If things continue like this, we will reach perfection in no time.” However, just when things couldn’t seem to be going any better, we were confronted with yet another catastrophe. One morning after waking up particularly free of stress, it was reported to me that citizens were throwing themselves off of cliffs in large numbers. Many were reported to have been shouting slogans before they jumped. For example some shouted, “Down with tyranny!” When I heard this I was astounded. “Tyranny?” I thought. “This is Utopia not Cuyamonga or the Union of Animals. There doesn’t exist a less tyrannical state than Utopia.” I soon found out the cause of the crisis as reports began to surface from abroad. Both Zarathustra and Socrates were apparently spreading propaganda that I was some sort of brutal dictator. Some of our own citizens had in all likelihood been taken in by the propaganda. Irritated, I thought to myself, “Are you so easily taken in? You would rather believe reports from abroad than evidence from your own eyes?” I was infuriated. For the first time in a long time I felt a loathing for these animals. For a brief moment I entertained the idea that Hannibal had been right all along and that some animals are inferior to others. Coming to myself I shook my head vigorously. I chided myself, “What are you saying Christopher? All animals are equal. You know this.” I then summoned my generals to forcibly put an end to the crisis. They seized anyone walking too close to the cliffs. Suicide was outlawed. Heavy fines were placed on any animal who attempted to commit suicide. Despite these drastic reforms Utopia gradually found itself in international isolation. Bruno reported to me the sudden change in how he was being received abroad. Everywhere he went he was being shunned. Finally I decided not to send him out any more. I became frantic so I did what I always do on occasions like this. I called for Stanley. Gripping him by the whiskers I stared deeply into his eyes and asked, “Stanley, tell me truthfully, how are you doing with your problem?” Stanley smiled and said, “I’m doing great! I haven’t had a single relapse.” Suddenly as if I was struck with a bolt of lightning something occurred to me. “You’re lying to me!” A look of terror spread across Stanley’s face as if he had been caught in the act of committing a crime. All at once his eyes began to fill with tears. “Its true!” he exclaimed. “I’ve been lying to you and I’ve been lying to myself!” Beside myself I exclaimed, “Why?” After a long pause the broken animal finally spoke up. “I didn’t want to let everyone down. I believed in the Utopian dream. I felt that once Utopian rule was established everywhere I then would be cured.” I released my grip on Stanley and collapsed into a sitting position on the floor. “It’s all over,” I muttered as I buried my face in my paws. “All is now lost.”
Chapter 11 - In the name of God, stop a moment, cease your work, and look around you. - Leo Tolstoy
“Quick fortify the bunker! You! Get those sandbags over here! Soldiers to your posts! The attack has begun!” Utopia was swarming with activity. All of it’s inhabitants working to protect it’s western border. General Rizzo stood at the top of the barracks looking over the wall with binoculars. “I see the troops going into battle formation. It looks as though they’re using the entire division to make a frontal attack!” I called up to Rizzo, “Who is leading the division?” He peered out across the frontier with the binoculars, squinting his eyes. “Its Hannibal!” They were throwing everything they had at us. I was sure glad we built that wall. I shouted, “Soldiers, this is what we prepared for take your positions and fight for your freedom!” As the fighting began, I could tell this was going to be a long drawn out battle. I started to feel a strange feeling in my gut. It was a cold insecure feeling as if something terrible was about to happen. I said to myself, “Ignore it. It’s probably just your nerves.” But as the days rolled on the feeling just increased. One day a pigeon arrived and perched herself at the top of the barracks. Out of breath she gasped, “Marshal, we are under attack!” I rolled my eyes bitterly and shot a mean glance in her direction. I said, “Isn’t that obvious? What do you think we’ve been doing for the past few weeks? We’re defending our western border!” The pigeon spoke up excitedly, “No sir! Now our eastern border is under attack!” My eyes widened. I couldn’t believe my ears. We were pouring all our resources into the western border for a long drawn out battle. Could it be that we were now expected to fight a two-sided war? I ordered as many battalions as I could muster to rush to the eastern border and prepare for battle. As I ran with the troops leaving General Rizzo to defend the western half of Utopia I couldn’t help but feel as if this were all just a dream. Reality didn’t unfold like this. Did it? Eventually we reached the eastern border and General Chauncey was already running to meet us. “Sir!” he said, “Niccolo’s troops are storming our fortifications. He is leading the troops himself. I’m glad you brought reinforcements. I just hope it will be enough. Something tells me we’re in for a long drawn out battle!” As Chauncey spoke to me I began hearing a faint ringing in my ears. “Sir? Are you alright? You! Get some water over here for the Commander!” Those were the last words I heard before everything started spinning and then went completely dark.
When I awoke they told me I had been unconscious for three days during which time my generals had successfully prevented Utopia’s walls from being breached. However Niccolo and Hannibal suddenly began simultaneously implementing a new strategy that had my generals worried. It didn’t seem possible that the age-old enemies were communicating with one another but the precise coordination of the new strategy made it appear so. Now, in order for you to have a clearer picture of what we were dealing with I think its necessary to explain to you a little bit about the geography of Utopia. As you already know, Utopia separated Cuyamonga from the Union of Animal’s western most territory of Kliev. What you may not know is that Utopia’s territory bottlenecks as you head northward causing the division between the two areas to gradually narrow. Before the wall was erected the shortest distance to travel between Cuyamonga and Kliev would have been this area to the north. From what I’ve been told by carrier pigeons, when seen from above Utopia’s wall formation looks like a pyramid which peaks at the northernmost spot before dropping off into a seemingly bottomless ravine. This means that the fastest way for Hannibal and Niccolo to get at each other is to breach the wall at this northernmost corner where the three territories almost meet. The aim of the new strategy seemed to try and continue to tie up my generals on either side of Utopia’s wall while Hannibal to the west and Niccolo to the east headed north with a select number of troops. I immediately knew what I had to do. Gathering as many troops as Chauncey and Rizzo could spare I headed north to confront my destiny. By the time I reached the junction point I could see both sides already attempting to breach the wall. I sent my troops to the top of the fortifications and they were able to push the invaders back. After days of fighting all sides were exhausted. Without making an official declaration all three forces decided on a temporary ceasefire. Hundreds of exhausted animals lay against the barricade on all sides. We could hear the heavy breathing of our exhausted enemies on both sides of the angling wall. I couldn’t help but reflect on the futility of war. A sudden impulse struck me. I knew both Hannibal and Niccolo were in earshot on opposite sides of the wall. I began to shout, “Hannibal!” There was no answer. I then shouted, “Niccolo!” Again I was greeted with silence. My troops stared at me in confusion. I continued, “Niccolo! Are all animals created equal?” After a long pause I heard Niccolo’s response as h
e shouted over the wall. “Yes! All animals are created equal!” I then shouted over to the western corner of the wall. “Hannibal! Are all animals created equal?” After an even longer pause Hannibal shouted his response. “No! Some animals are priceless! Most are worthless! And the rest fall somewhere in between!” In frustration I bellowed out, “I must know the answer! Niccolo! Will all animals ever live together in peace?” He responded, “Yes! Once the exploiters are finally eradicated, all the animals that survive the revolution will live in conditions of peace and equality!” Turning to face the opposite wall I shouted, “Hannibal! Will all animals ever live together in peace?” He responded, “Yes! Once the poisonous breeds are destroyed, lower animals will live in peace, recognizing their proper subservient position in relation to the Thoroughbred Feline!” Crouching down, I buried my face in my paws and grinded my teeth. At that moment I wished I had followed my brother Vincent’s advice and never asked such dangerous questions.
Chapter 12 - War is so unjust and ugly that all who wage it must try to stifle the voice of conscience within themselves. - Leo Tolstoy
After months of fighting, Utopia’s walls were finally breached. Our forces were steadily being pushed into a corner. My enemies gave me an ultimatum that if I didn’t immediately surrender they would wipe Utopia off of the map. I sent word that I wanted to make a deal. If I abdicated my power I requested that they allow the St Bernard to remain in Utopia as a provisional viceroy. Both Zarathustra and Socrates readily accepted this arrangement and I was handed over to Hannibal’s troops. I say I was handed over because although it was my choice to surrender the crowds lifted me up forcibly and ushered me away as if I might try and escape. I would just like to mention that of all my experiences thus far, this mob experience was the most surreal. As I was being passed over the heads of the angry citizens I could barely believe my eyes. No one appeared capable of independent thought. I tried to converse with some of the citizens I knew but it was impossible. The mob reflected a unified mindset and that mind appeared to be insane. I was eventually delivered over to Hannibal and his troops led me deep into Cuyamonga. I thought I recognized the area from that time Vlad and I had gotten lost. After hours of walking my captures brought me into a clearing. Before me I saw a few soldiers standing on either side of a familiar object. It was the wooden box Hannibal’s troops had been carrying that time when I witnessed the strange flashes of light. I struggled but my captures tightened their grip on me as they practically dragged me over to the mysterious secret weapon. I unsuccessfully attempted to turn my head and shut my eyes tight as the soldiers began opening the lid of the box. I was forced to watch as rays of bright light emitting from the interior of the box enveloped my face. I began to feel a familiar sensation but with an intensity that I could never have imagined possible. My body felt as if it were being split open on every side. I couldn’t describe the experience as painful but it was extremely uncomfortable to put it mildly. My mind felt as if it were being violently shaken free from my body. Without warning my mind was thrust into movement. I was being ushered away with increasing rapidity until finally it felt as if I was moving at lightning speed. For a long time it seemed as if I were moving in the same direction but then all at once it felt as if I were descending. It also felt as if my velocity was gradually decreasing. Finally I seemed to have come to a stop in a location engulfed in pitch-blackness. I attempted to shout but I was unable. Remembering back to a similar incident I had experienced in my youth, I decided to try something. Instead of speaking I decided to try communicating with thought. I thought, “Where am I? Why have you brought me here?” To my surprise a deep voice answered me. “We are the arbitrators of reality and you are in the realms of reality. Christopher, you should be ashamed of yourself.” I thought, “Ashamed of myself?” A raspy voice interjected, “That’s right. Ashamed! You have attempted to disrupt the balance of reality. That world you accept as reality is false. Just think about it. A world where beings are judged based only on outward appearances? Does such a fantastical world seem like reality to you?” I thought to myself or at least I think I thought to myself, “Is this another trick? This feels like a trick.” The raspy voice continued, “What really matters is not the outward appearance but what is in the mind.” I thought, “They think they’re so enlightened. I’ve known this from the very beginning.” The deep voice boomed, “You claim to believe this! But do you really? Tell me. What was your impression of the old St Bernard the first time you saw him?” He paused then continued, “Better still, what is your impression of us?” I didn’t really know how to answer seeing as how I couldn’t see the faces of my captures. Were they large and intimidating? Did they wear sympathetic expressions or were they aggressively scowling? Assured that an answer from me was not forthcoming the deep voice went on, “Do you see? Perhaps you use your eyes to judge more than you think. Right now all you have is our thoughts to judge us with and that’s how it should be. But don’t worry Christopher we’re the good guys.” “Where have I heard that before?” I thought sardonically. The raspy voice now spoke up. “It’s true. We’re the ones that keep balance. The animal is a unique creature you see. For the most part his mind is shallow and petty. But each animal mind contains a certain unique quality in varying amounts. If I had to define this quality I would describe it is a yearning to prove to itself and to others that it is extraordinary.” For some reason these words caused me irritation. I inadvertently began struggling to free myself then I remembered that it was not my body that was bound. The deep voice added, “You wouldn’t believe the extremes animal is willing to go to in order to prove this point. Well… maybe you would. Anyways, this desperate mind is dangerous. If left unrestrained it will keep pushing until the fleshly organism breaks down and both the mind and body are destroyed. Its our job to make sure that doesn’t happen.” I didn’t follow. The raspy voice interjected, “Let’s see if we can’t simplify things for you. That world, where you were pushing for equality is not real. Cuyamonga, Fostoria, the Union of Animals its all a dream. The two philosophies of Specieism and Annimalism that you label extremist are actually necessary tools invented by us arbitrators in order to keep the mind in balance. In short Christopher, what we’re trying to tell you is that you were asleep but we’ve awakened you now to reality.” Words cannot express my frustration at that moment. I thought, “Is this a trick? There’s no way to confirm it.” I agonized over the frustration of having no other choice but to trust the past in order to figure out where I’m at in the stream of time. “And they keep lying to me!” I exclaimed within myself. The deep voice abruptly asked, “You think its wrong of us to push the mind from one extreme to the other? Don’t you think we’ve tried other methods to try and suppress that infectious characteristic that the mind clings to? Nothing has worked. The only way to rid itself of this ruthless inclination is to let it run its course. However in order to avoid the mind being pushed too far in one direction and damaging the body of the organism it is then necessary to pull it in the opposite direction. The best way I can illustrate it for you is to compare the unruly characteristic to a cancer. Nature has given every part of the living organism a built in list of rules on how to develop. Cells are born. They perform their respective function and they die. When they function as intended the result is a beautifully choreographed universe of harmony. However, some cells do not see this cycle as harmonious. They view the cycle as oppressive to their freedom. Therefore they rebel. If ignored the rebellious mass of cells, which refused to be bound by the rules of nature, will continue to grow until the entire organism is destroyed. Eventually they too will be destroyed since they cannot live without the organism. Nevertheless they continue on their rebellious course oblivious to the consequences. Now, if we listened to you…” Here I felt as if a condemning finger was being pointed in my direction. “If we listened to you we would take the side of the cancerous cells who want to defy nature and go there own way. You view them as noble for breaking out of the mold and living free
despite the fact that they eventually kill the entire body. You view it as barbaric or unreasonable to kill these rogue cells.” I tried to shake my head denying the accusation. The deep voice continued the assault. “We disagree with you! They are a disease. They do not deserve to live because they are unreasoning. They can’t see the bigger picture. We have weighed them in the balance and found them wanting. They have been judged and deemed worthy of destruction. It may seem extreme from the inside looking out but I assure you it’s the only way to maintain balance. Besides there’s no real harm done because like we said, it’s all just a dream anyways.” I was convinced now that this was some kind of trick. I shouted, “Its not a dream! You’re playing with animal’s lives!” To my annoyance I heard both of the voices begin to laugh. The raspy voice began, “Alright Christopher. We’ll play your game. Let’s say that you’re right. That world you are trying with all your might to defend? Let’s say its real, and everything else we just revealed to you is nothing more than an elaborate trick. Go ahead. Justify your existence!” Finally I felt as if my tongue had been loosened. I wasn’t about to miss this opportunity to stand up for the animal spirit. I exclaimed, “Equality! Freedom! These are the ideals we will continue to fight for until it is in our grasp. Animal is good. That characteristic that you so callously refer to, as a disease is what will enable us to continue the struggle for freedom. You cannot stop us! We will struggle forever if need be!” Adding to my vexation, the voices once again began to laugh. The deep voice returned, “You will struggle forever? The average lifespan for a cat is about twenty years. You’ve already exhausted about a quarter of that.” I indignantly countered, “You know what I mean? When I die there will be others to take my place and continue the struggle.” The deep voice responded, “Actually, we don’t know what you mean. Do you have some presentiment that you will have some sort of future feeling of satisfaction after you have died?” I pondered deeply but before I could answer, the raspy voice interjected, “Then why are you making yourself and everyone else miserable by struggling for something you will never see the fulfillment of? If that world you defend is real and it’s all there is, why not just try and enjoy that life while you have it and leave the business of improving animal to others more qualified to the task?” Again I pondered. I couldn’t think of an appropriate response. The raspy voice declared, “Your entire life is a contradiction!” I tried to shake my head vigorously and block out what they were saying. The raspy voice continued, “For all you know, animal life on this planet will one day cease to be. Then what?” I interrupted, “No! We will never let that happen!” The voices chuckled. The raspy voice declared, “You attack the animal that refuses to promote the species. Why? To avoid extinction? What is worth saving? When you die you are dead. By having offspring you are not preserving yourself.” Again I tried with all my might to block out the abrasive words. I shouted, “You are wrong! Animal will aspire to greatness!” The deep voice countered, “Animal is a maggot! Even if he has a measure of success in his struggle; all he can hope to accomplish is to become an insignificant fly! That way of life you defend consists of doing whatever it takes to avoid bursting your own bubble about the importance of your personal existence! Animal must at all costs not come to the realization that he is a joke!” “You’re lying!” I screamed. “This is a trick! This is not real! You are a figment of my imagination!” There was a brief pause. The raspy voice began in a subdued manner, “Christopher we are not your enemies. We just need for you to wake up. You must realize that the way of life you were fighting for is a fiction. Think about it. Those animals that joined your struggle have no defined purpose in life. What they have is a need to feel as if they belong to something greater than themselves. The thought that they have no meaning is unbearable to them. Their greatest defect is the inability to understand their selves. When they make an honest self-examination they find things that they refuse to accept as true. This makes it impossible for them to understand others correctly because the fact is we are all the same.” I wanted to reject these conclusions but I couldn’t ignore the ring of truth that was resonating in my consciousness. The raspy voice went on, “To justify their existence they are willing to overturn heaven and earth in order to make it conform to their incorrect view of their selves.” In frustration I exclaimed, “Then why don’t you help him? Instead of reveling in his humiliation you could at least try and put him on the right path!” Under my breath I continued, “…like I have tried to do.” The deep voice boomed, “Like you have tried to do? I’m glad you brought that up. We weren’t sure of how to broach that subject. But since you mentioned it, let’s consider for a moment what it is that you have attempted to do.” I couldn’t see them but I had the feeling that my captures were shaking their heads at me in disappointment. “For shame!” continued the deep voice. “The Great One? Really? How dare you?” Waves of embarrassment swept across my mind. If I had a body I’m sure it would have been burning with uneasiness. “Did you really think that you were the first animal in history to figure out that the current system of things makes no sense? You would be shocked if you knew how many animals have actually figured that out. Nevertheless, they reject the truth. They burrow back down into their own minds and live just on the surface of life where they believe it to be safe. They do this because they know that they do not have what it takes to defy reality.” The raspy voice interjected, “Then you came along. Only someone like you could attempt what you did. You were raised in an environment where you were made to believe that anything was possible.” I returned, “Is that so wrong? I tried to do the right thing! I tried to encourage others to do the right thing! I tried to do the best I could with the situation I was presented with! I didn’t ask for any of this!” The raspy voice interjected, “Now calm down. Don’t have a hissy fit. We were just about to consider what you so eloquently referred to as the right thing. Annimalism? Animal equality by means of brute force?” I countered, “I made a mistake! As soon as I recognized my error I changed course.” The deep voice chuckled, “Please. If you want to lie to yourself fine, but don’t lie to us. You were even considering becoming a speciest.” This invasion of my private thoughts was unendurable. I wondered how much longer this torture was going to continue. I countered, “That’s not true! I’m nothing like Zarathustra or Socrates! They are ruthless dictators! Regardless of their claims, all they do is cause animal suffering!” There was a pause. The raspy voice addressed his colleague, “Do you want to tell him or should I?” The deep voice returned, “You’d better break it to him.” The raspy voice stated in a subdued manner, “Christopher, compared to you Zarathustra and Socrates are humanitarians. You have become the most brutal dictator the world has ever seen.” I interjected, “No! That’s not true! That’s propaganda!” “Propaganda?” the raspy voice countered. “You can’t deny the atrocities you perpetrated against your own citizens. Don’t tell me you’ve been deceiving yourself about the disappearances of all those imprisoned animals?” Images of my nightmares suddenly began flashing into my consciousness. I stammered, “But Joab said…” “Joab?” interrupted the deep voice. “There is no such person as Joab. It was Christopher that tortured and executed those animals!” I wanted to cover my ears but I had no ears and no paws to cover them with. I exclaimed, “No! You’re lying! You’re trying to trick me!” Ignoring my outcries the deep voice continued, “I’ve never seen the like of it. By making others suffer its almost as if he were attempting to satisfy some base desire for revenge he was harboring.” The raspy voice responded, “I think you’re right. He appeared to be under the impression that there was some great harm done to him and that this would somehow make it right.” I was outraged by the way they spoke about me as if I weren’t even in the room. I’m assuming we were in a room. I exclaimed, “Don’t you dare judge me! I didn’t come here to be judged!” My captures chuckled. The raspy voice responded, “How right you are dear boy because you didn’t come here at all! You were summoned!” The deep voice interjected, �
��Enough talk! It’s time for action! Christopher, you have a decision to make. You can ignore everything we have explained to you and go back to living a dream that has no hope of realization or you can join us. We will live here forever, just as we always have. To join us you must wake up from that dream by ending your life on your terms! You must decide which world you believe in, that utopian world designed by Jeffery Chambers, the utopian society you created for yourself, or this reality.” I tried with all my vital energy to resist being placed into another corner. I shouted, “Wait! Who are you to judge me and to give me ultimatums?” After a brief pause the raspy voice replied, “I am Socrates.” The deep voice then added, “I am Zarathustra and you have a decision to make. Now Choose!” These were the last words I heard uttered before I felt myself being lifted up and swept away. Like before, I was being escorted away at lightning speed. It was taking longer than I expected for me to return to my body and I began to get worried that I would remain trapped forever between two realities. However I eventually began to feel a tingling sensation as if my appendages were being stabbed with hundreds of sharp needles. I gasped for air. Although my lungs rapidly filled and emptied with air I felt as if I just couldn’t catch my breath. I didn’t know where I was, as I still could not see anything. Eventually I was able to catch my breath and the burning sensation in my appendages began to subside. My body was so completely exhausted that before I knew it I was fast asleep.
Breed The Secret Design To Maintain Racial Inequality Among The Despised Classes Page 27