Hal:
A story for you concerning the probable future of "The Evil One." Hope you get a few laughs. . .
Father Terrence
A Trip to the Zoo
(circa 2097)
The schoolchildren were enthralled by the atmosphere and gaiety of the city zoo. It was their first real field trip and they chattered happily amongst themselves.
Suddenly, one small boy named Timmy tugged at his teacher's sleeve excitedly while pointing with his other hand at an exhibit in one of the cages their group was passing. "What's that, Mr. Willers?" Timmy exclaimed in awe and surprise. "Isn't that a man in there?"
Mr. Willers smiled. He was a kindly, middle-aged man who had two boys at home just slightly older than his student, Timmy. "No, Timmy," Mr. Willers answered, "That's the famous Emile-Beast. You remember, we studied him in school."
The light of comprehension dawned on Timmy's small, intensely earnest face. "Why, yes, Mr. Willers. I remember now! That horrible Emile-Beast was resu -restructur - ah. . ."
"Resurrected," interjected Mr. Willers helpfully.
"Resurrected," repeated Timmy slowly. He smiled broadly at being able to master the word. "Yes, The Declaration of Science in 2071 brought back examples of mean old men who were racists and hated people because of their skin color or heritage."
That's right, Timmy. It was during the beginning of what we now call the Return of the Age of Reason, or the Second Renaissance. The Emile-Beast was chosen at random because of the race hatred he exhibited on what used to be called the internet."
"Yes!" Timmy shouted excitedly. "Look, Mr. Willers! Look at that evil beast in his cave!"
Mr. Willers looked, but he had no pity. The Emile-Beast sat on his haunches, his knotted, filthy hair falling in stringy clumps down his back. It whipped over his backbone like dirty waves washing over the spine of an unclean coral beach. Strewn at his feet were soiled papers and tattered books which, if an observer really cared, could have been discerned to be the remnants of much written upon pages of the Talmud.
The beast glared and sat picking his nose.
"He sure looks evil!" Timmy exclaimed with a certain amount of excited breathlessness.
Mr. Willers nodded. "That he is, Timmy."
"But why is he in a zoo?"
Mr. Willers smiled. He smiled broadly and widely. "Because, Timmy, the Beast is a savage -- an animal. And he is a rabid, dangerous animal. He was only brought back as an example and warning of what Men can become if they lose their Reasoning mind."
Can I feed him, Mr. Willers?"
"No, Timmy." Mr. Willers said. "You may throw sharp stones at him if you wish, but that is all."
Nodding in solemn understanding that seemed beyond his years, Timmy began to gather up large handfuls of very sharp stones.
The End |
