Humanity's Evolution, Part XI

 By Renee Hughes

I didn't argue further with him. Instead, I watched as the surrounding Little Dragons started to disperse. My friend Sandra headed in my direction. "Anna," she said and hugged me. She then turned to Gershom and introduced herself as she shook his hand.

"I guess Anna really did lay the groundwork for your recommendation," he said. My eyes grew wide as I turned to face him. He gave me an innocent look. Sandra gave him an understanding grin. "She did but I thought you brought up some valuable points as well during your earlier debate. Having two people with such diverse points of view working on a social code for the new inhabitants will give them the best possible start," a serious look came into her eyes. "How many Little Dragons will be involved with this committee?"

I glanced at Gershom neither one of us had discussed any of the pertinent details needed for this endeavor. It also felt a little premature to do too much planning. There was no guarantee that the planet project would be approved. But before I could say anything, Gershom answered her. "That hasn't been decided yet, are you interested?" he asked.

Sandra nodded her head. "The next speaker, Dave is also interested," she admitted. "I know Dave," Gershom said. "He presents a very unique view of the Dannah family, especially of the matriarch." Dave's historical expertise centered on how the infamous Dannah family nearly launched the destruction of our world. The first age of enlightenment ended with the disappearance of many social problems as our similarities for the first time truly outweighed any differences. Then another stage of development for our race began as the ability to manipulate energy started to manifest itself in future generations. It was a gradual change with each new child becoming more adept at the process. The social code created at the end of the First Age of Enlightenment was adopted by most of this generation. A few, however, refused to embrace it. Their actions had consequences that none of the offenders had anticipated. An energetic creature emerged with the ability to wipe everything out of existence including its creators. The Little Dragons managed to overcome the threat but it gave one of the worst offenders Candace Dannah, head of the Dannah family, an unflattering but permanent place in history.

"Dave definitely provides a more sympathetic point of view of Candace Dannah's actions," Sandra said a hint of a smile on her face. Gershom shook his head. "Sympathy has nothing to do with it. The Little Dragons of old, who expressed shock at her actions, conveniently forget that a mere 300 years earlier her world view was shared by the majority of us. If more Little Dragons studied the pre-enlightened years in depth, they would understand that Candace's motivations existed even longer than the Little Dragon civilization."

"I take it you are interested in having him on the committee?" Sandra queried. Gershom then looked at me. "What do you think?" he asked me. I shook my head annoyed with both of them. "There hasn't been a vote yet. How can we start assembling a committee without firm approval," I protested. Gershom gave me a strange look. "The vote is more likely to go in our favor if Ezekiel and the others know we already have committee members in mind."

I shook my head in disapproval glancing in both his and her direction. "I am not comfortable planning this any further until we have a definite vote." Gershom gave a heavy sigh. "Do you want the planet project to succeed?" he asked his voice taking on a hard edge. He had made his feelings very clear on the topic, and he had assumed wrongly that they were my own. "I neither want it to succeed or fail. I am quite content to do whatever the population votes to do. This is a very serious step for the Little Dragon race and even with a social code in place it could be a disaster. If we all agree to go ahead with it, then I will whole heartily support the project. But not until then."

Gershom and Sandra exchanged glances. It was Sandra who finally addressed me. "Then we will have to wait and see what is decided. I am hopeful it will be approved," she then left us presumably to find a spot to listen to Dave's lecture. I watched her leave. "You are scared to death of this project aren't you?" Gershom asked when we were alone. I turned to him. "No, I am not. I just want to make sure it is truly the right step forward for our people."

My answer didn't satisfy him. "Evolution is a necessary way of life. We must change or we cease to exist. I fear that if we become too hesitant and fearful of this new opportunity we will become a lesser species. A part of what makes us Little Dragons will be forever lost."

"I fear the same thing Gershom, if we don't allow every Little Dragon to vote on this with an open mind and heart," I replied.

That ends Part XI. Next month is Part XII. If you have enjoyed this piece, please consider giving a donation of time or money to your favorite charity. A few worthwhile local organizations are Safe Futures, Inc., Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut and Thames Valley Council for Community Action. Together we can make a difference!