Eden's Jester Read Free

enlightenment not seen from the beginning until now.” Aeson paused and seemed to contemplate what he had said.  
    The cinnamon girl spoke up.  
    “It is an intriguing suggestion, Aeson. Where would you propose to do such an experiment, for validation?” Her tone was neutral, measured.
    Aeson smiled that smile. “Melia, I am glad that the Discipline of Art is represented this evening. There are several requirements for such a place. The communication infrastructure must be sufficiently advanced to enable the level of collaboration necessary. The region must have stability and wealth to ensure a successful transition. The populace must be flexible and open to new ideas. It has to have a history of the values of community and family, as these will be the great reward. I only know of three domains that meet these criteria. We have selected the North American domain, as it has proven great resilience to failed experiments.”  
    “As Detroit has proven, no doubt,” Diomedes whispered in my ear. I gave him a sour look.
    There was a general murmur of assent among the Engineers. Melia spoke again. “And how will the experiment be conducted?”
    “Those details have not been finalized as yet,” Aeson said.
    “In other words, ‘it’s a secret,’” I whispered.
    Aeson went on. “But, as custom dictates, we will call another Gathering before we embark on this enterprise.”
    “In other words, ‘I’m lying. We’ve already started,’” I whispered.
    “I see Melanthios is not here. It is his domain. What is his judgment?” asked the European-styled Engineer close behind Melia.
    “The development is in his domain’s best interest, as I’m sure everyone can see. But we have not yet come to an agreement with him concerning the details,” Aeson said.
    “In other words, he either hates it or is suspicious of Aeson’s motives,” I whispered to Diomedes.  
    “Why so?” asked Diomedes. Diomedes wasn’t the kind to ask questions he didn’t already know the answers to, but sometimes he could be naïve.
    “Because Aeson is full of it. Because Aeson is committed to evolution through competition, not collaboration. He’s Chaos, after all. The only collaboration he likes is the gang-up-on-the-weak type of collaboration. And, unless by ‘North America’ he really means ‘Canada,’ such an experiment would be very difficult. The United States has lots of inertia and mass. The UK would have been a better choice if he wanted quick validation. Something’s afoot.”
    “But I assume you will support his proposal, nonetheless.”
    “Of course I will,” I said. “Why wouldn’t I?”  
    “Well, I suppose the ancient virtues of honesty, honor, and integrity might be considered reasons.”
    “Those aren’t reasons, Diomedes. They’re overhead.”
    “I thought as much,” Diomedes said with a trace of disapproval. The senior Engineer was as pure and forthright as he was on the day of his creation.  
    “I fear for Aeson, then. For I have come to understand that no one can make such a mess as you, when you put your mind to it.”
    “It’s a gift,” I said.
    “Tell me, Elson, what has Aeson done to you to warrant such persistent attention? You seem to be nearly obsessed with him at times. If you were simply after those faithful to Chaos, there are several who excel more in that regard. I would gladly supply a list of names, in fact. But why Aeson?”
    I thought about it. Aeson’s affiliation with Chaos didn’t bother me. I had no problem with evolution through stirring the pot. No. It wasn’t that. It was difficult to describe, but I had this sense that he was very bad. I couldn’t remember. Whatever it was, it was very long ago. Aeson had done something over the top a long time ago, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.  
    “I don’t know what it is, really. But every time I hear about him doing something the little voice inside my head screams that he’s crossing the line. Then I get this urge to