AEA7
E, Eris, Erim [He, His, Him; She, Hers, Her respectively]
The Druinte Hall of Orphans is made up of two huge pyramids in the capital city of Triusia, which is unique to the Hall of Orphans; no other government building requires two pyramids for their normal functions. The Druinte Falstraq knows the Hall well. E is the head administrator and works closely with the MDDS to create the daily itinerary for the orphans which includes physical activity, at least four different lectures on topics ranging from cellular structure to string theory, at least two different laboratory sessions for the practical application of physical and biological theory, and a quiet study session to conclude the day. Falstraq is like the principal of an extremely large boarding school that houses almost a million students who are conditioned by many in the society at large, and particularly the MDDS, to work toward conformity and the Druinte greater good. Though Falstraq partially opposes this official goal of the Hall of Orphans, e does believe that Druintes should dedicate themselves to the greater good. E does not agree that intimate relationships undermine the greater good, but rather than lodge protests at eris job, e works hard to give this truth to the Druinte orphans that e interacts with. Changing the minds of the greater population seemed impossible. Falstraq is a valued employee of the Hall despite the fact that e is a social Druinte and the MDDS has tolerated the truth of eris personal life because the compassion e shows in the professional setting has led to healthy and happy Druintes who transition from life at the Hall into the greater society.
After the proclamation from the MDDS delegation in the city center of Choice that disbanded the city and forced the relocation of all social Druintes to the Hall of Orphans, Falstraq decides that e should finally speak up. E is in a crowd of many other social Druintes who are shocked and murmuring amongst themselves. Falstraq pushes through the crowd as the Druinte reading the proclamation aloud finishes the official statement. When it is done, Pruitt speaks and Falstraq has emerged from the crowd and stands in front.
“You will all have two days to report to the Hall of Orphans. Following that, the MDDS will force relocation and this city will be destroyed.”
Falstraq knows Pruitt. E is the official bearer of news for the MDDS and e is often at official government meetings that are required of the heads of the various Halls on the planet. The delegation prepares to answer questions from the social Druintes and Falstraq approaches Pruitt.
“When was this decision made?” Falstraq asks.
Pruitt acknowledges Falstraq. “Hello Falstraq 6. You know as well as anyone that decisions can be handed down from the MDDS at any time they choose.”
That is true. The scientists of the MDDS live in the government building and are known to discuss official business at all hours.
“Yes, but this is such a drastic move. And the decree gives so little time for actual relocation. Some of the Druintes here have lived their entire lives in this city and they know nothing else.”
“This is the very problem that our lead scientist is attempting to correct, Falstraq 6. They should not have been born here in the first place. Those born here have never been officially integrated into Druinte society and they are all technically orphans that belong under the care of our government.”
Again, Pruitt is right and Falstraq cannot dispute the points that he makes. In Druinte society, all orphans are cared for by the state until their basic education is complete. Upon completion, they lose the orphan distinction and become full fledged members of society who are able to make choices for themselves, such as their desired vocation and their place of residence within the city.
Falsratq flustered before Pruitt, whose expression has not changed. E does not seem to understand or care that Falstraq is upset.
“You should be able to help facilitate this change. You are the impetus for it after all.” Pruitt explains. “You are proof that one with your…proclivities…can be a great service to all Druintes. Your integration into mainstream Druinte society, your efforts at the Hall, and your counsel with the MDDS is commendable. The lead scientist hopes to turn all of the social Druintes into Falstraqs.”
Falstraq is stunned silent. Maybe if e had retreated to Choice all those years ago with eris love Belfrat, then maybe none of this would be happening. Pruitt leaves without saying goodbye and e rounds up the members of eris delegation. When they are gone, the joy, laughter, and happiness that is common to the city of Choice is no longer present and Falstraq witnesses families distraught and confused. And soon, they all start to flock to erim, full of questions and hysteria.
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