Irreversible
“Peace comes from within.” — Buddha
After listening to a speech on injustice, Cannon Fodder decided to petition the Council to turn him back into young people. He went to see Pacifism and Literature, friends and natural allies, to find out how to pull it off.
“No sweat,” said Pacifism, “we will present it as a proposal at tomorrow’s Council meeting. All it takes is a simple vote, and if the majority supports it you’re going to be turned back into young people. Contemporary Society has veto power but I wouldn’t lose sleep over it. I’ve heard it myself and also from several other members that Contemporary Society keeps bitching to anyone who’d listen that there’s labor shortage. We don’t have enough skilled workers, teachers, scientists and health-care professionals.”
The next day, when Pacifism and Literature returned with somber faces, Cannon Fodder knew the case was kaput. What happened?
Pacifism, his face purple-red, was still so angry he could only wave indicating he didn’t want to talk. Literature explained instead, “Almost the entire Council was supportive of your case, and Contemporary Society was especially enthusiastic. But then Proper Thinking and Finance managed to persuade Contemporary Society to veto, because after the experience of being Cannon Fodder, there’s no telling how those young people would fit back in. High risk, questionable benefit.”
After looking around carefully, Literature added, “Frankly, I am kind of worried about my own position too. Call me paranoid but I believe Proper Thinking repeatedly gave me the evil eye yesterday.”
*****Originally published in Roi Faineant on July 7, 2024.*****
