IMAGINATION'S PLACE
FICTION

COUNSEL FROM THE EAST
By; Speaker Gerald A. Polley

AS THE ANCIENT ONE SOARED THE NIGHT SKIES he was disgusted. Though his energy was coming back and he was almost recharged, the happenings of the material world only depressed him. The High Court of the land where he lived had that day, made a judgment betraying its women and bowing to the wishes of a small but boisterous religious minority. And though they talked alot, and promised they would do something, they did nothing for the children dying in a distant land because that might hurt their economic situation. Was all the suffering he had endured worth it? Were these people with their utter ignorance sometimes worth helping? Everytime they were coaxed to take a step forward, they'd take two backward someplace else.
For awhile he just spread his wings and enjoyed the night sky, caring little if he accomplished anything that night or not. Then he heard a voice calling him. It called him by his Ancient Name, by his Sacred Name, and as few knew that, The Ancient One's curiosity was arose. So he followed the voice to its sorce and landed at a small rural airport; just a runway and two old hangars. When he saw who called him he answered.
"Voice Of Allah, how good to see you! But what calls you from The Blessed Realm? Why have you journeyed through The Veil Of Tears into the land of the living?"
"Because, Old Teacher," The Father Of Islam answered, "I am about to be shamed by my will to bear, and I must ask your help. Come and see."
He led The Ancient One into one of the hangars where three small, very modern planes stood ready for flight. Tucked underneath each wing was a rocket. The Ancient One came forward and examined them. When he realized what they were he could not understand how they could be there. The Prophet Of Allah answered him before he could speak.
"A traitor in your government," he said, "more interested in the rewards of the flesh than in decency and honor arranged for these to be brought into your land, and for the men to deliver them. When their horror is done each will receive two million of your dollars for their actions. This is a madman's last gift to your President on the celebration of your nation's birthday! As the sky fills with fireworks, these six rockets will fill the air with death. None will survive for miles. Those who will deliver them sit there, dulling their minds with alcohol. You must stop them, Ancient One. You must not allow this to happen!"
"Maybe it's what they need!" The Ancient One snapped. "Maybe it will wake them up. They talk so much of freedom and honesty and justice, yet there is none of any of these in them. Let their leaders feel the sting of death. Let them mourn their dead as others mourn theirs. Then maybe they will understand the sorrow that others feel. I could do nothing in China, why should I do anything here?"
"You cannot stop thousands," The Lord Of Allah spoke, "but you have the power to stop three men, and you have the skill. Will you punish the babes in arms for their father's ignorance? Will you murder the woman with child because you are angry with their injustice? I do not think so. Your words are bitter but your heart is light. You will do what has to be done. That is your way. When you can stop horror you stop it. When you are called to do good, no matter how much you desire not to do it you WILL do it. Because the good in you is stronger than the evil, and you can do nothing else. That is your nature. Now stop arguing, old friend, and do what you must do."

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