Breed The Secret Design To Maintain Racial Inequality Among The Despised Classes (27 page)

For the next couple of days I pondered over
what reforms needed to be taken. Although, I was promised by the
polecat and his friends that no one would find out about the
grotesque cleanup effort, strange reports began to reach my ears
from abroad. It was being circulated that the citizens of Utopia
were resorting to cannibalism in order to stave off starvation. I
dreaded the inevitable conference where we would no doubt be forced
to respond to these rumors. In addition to this worry I still had
the problem of what to do with the animals Rizzo and Chauncey took
prisoner during the attempted coup de tat. I pondered, “This can’t
be what an egalitarian state is supposed to look like. Rumors of
cannibalism? Animals locked behind bars? What is it that we’re
doing wrong?” I determined that I needed to consult with the wise
old St Bernard. “He’s always right,” I concluded. “He will
definitely put us back on the right path.” However before I had a
chance to seek out my mentor, someone arrived in Utopia whose
appearance distressed me so much that I temporarily forgot all
other concerns. “Sabrina! What are you doing here in Utopia?” Coyly
Sabrina answered, “You sound as if you’re not happy to see me.
Everyone in Cuyamonga is secretly talking about how you stood up to
Zarathustra. It’s the strangest thing I’ve ever seen. No one even
seems to notice that you are a mixed-breed.” Again, the offensive
label ‘mixed breed’ issuing forth from the lips of such a beautiful
creature sent a cold shiver down my spine. She continued, “I
couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride thinking that it’s my
boyfriend who is making history right now.” As she began stroking
my whiskers the feeling of uneasiness soon passed and I was in a
state of bliss. But coming to my senses I pulled away from her and
said, “Wait. I can’t.” Startled she inquired, “And why not? Is it
that animalist tramp Molly?” I gave a start. “How did she know
about Molly?” I wondered. “Don’t act so surprised,” she continued.
“I know more than you think. Anyways isn’t she already involved
with someone? In fact she’s having another cat’s children.” Even
though her words pierced through me like a sword I knew she was
right. I responded, “This has nothing to do with comrade Molly.”
“Then what’s the problem?” Sabrina pressed. “Behind every great
king lies a great queen.” “You see!” I exclaimed. “That’s just it!
You and I view the world from different perspectives. You view the
world through imperialist eyes. I’m no king. In Utopia all animals
are truly equal.” Sabrina stood silent for a while meditating. I
was surprised. This was not like the Sabrina I knew. To my great
surprise she said, “You’re right. But I want to change. Please
teach me how to see the world as you do.” I was completely blown
away. I never expected her to say that. My mind bustled with new
thoughts. “I’m being a hypocrite. How can I say I believe in the
advancement of the common animal when I’m not even willing to give
this beautiful misguided soul the opportunity to reform? Besides,
what she said about Molly is true. We were never really anything
more than friends.” Delighted I exclaimed, “All right! Let’s be
united!” At once I began unburdening my heart. I recounted to her
everything that had taken place from our last parting until now. I
wanted there to be no secrets between the two of us. She listened
attentively and recommended a reform solution. “I know you view
Utopia as a fantastic anomaly that should never be compared to
other lands,” she said. “But you could learn a lot by considering
the example of Zarathustra. While its true that he rules as an
absolute monarch, the citizens of Cuyamonga are very pleased with
him. He’s seen by Cuyamongans as a just ruler. They are happy to
abide by the laws of the land because they view them as just.
Though the Union of Animals refuses to admit it, even they have an
absolute monarch. Become a just dictator,” implored my mate. “Once
Utopian justice is fully established, you can always relinquish
your throne.” I of course didn’t like the idea of becoming a
dictator, as I could never reconcile this with the concept of
equality. However Sabrina’s suggestion did give me the idea of a
reform that could serve as a temporary solution to Utopia’s
problems. In excitement I ushered her away with me to meet with one
of the most extraordinary animals she would ever have the privilege
of meeting. At least that was my assurance to her. When we arrived
at the home of the old St Bernard it became apparent to me that I
had perhaps made a mistake in bringing Sabrina. When she caught
sight of my mentor from a distance her nose began to wrinkle in
disgust. Not wanting to offend my mentor I asked if she wouldn’t
mind waiting while I spoke to him in private. She agreed with a
look that said, “I wasn’t about to defile myself by engaging with
that Lumpen anyways.” So I left her there and approached the old
dog with a heart full of optimism. He smiled widely upon seeing me
but glanced over at Sabrina with curiosity. I’m sure he probably
wondered who she was and why she was standing off to the side but
he never asked. “Christopher,” he exclaimed. “Its always good to
see you. I know you have your paws full with the business of
creating a just world.” I chuckled good-heartedly then responded,
“Actually that’s why I’m here. I’m sure you may have heard of some
of the problems we’ve been running into?” The old dog didn’t
respond. He just continued smiling and listened attentively. I went
on, “I’ve decided that it was a mistake to thrust freedom on
Utopia’s citizens without first educating them on what it means to
be free. That’s why I’ve decided to set up a temporary monarch who
will maintain order until all in Utopia are ready to take the
future into their own paws.” Gradually the St Bernard’s smile
disappeared. “Are you sure about this Christopher? This idea seems
like a great shift from your original vision of equality?” I was
brimming with confidence. “Don’t worry,” I reassured him. “I know
what I’m doing.” The old dog meditated briefly then gently placed
his rough paw on my shoulder. “Christopher, I have complete
confidence in you. But as your friend I need to share with you a
premonition that has been steadily growing inside me for many years
now. I know this may sound strange to you but I have a foreboding
feeling that animal is not meant to rule himself.” I began smiling
and this caused the old St Bernard to be perplexed. I could read on
his face that he didn’t understand what I had to be smiling about.
Suddenly I declared, “I knew you were going to say something like
that. That’s why I’ve decided that you will serve as Utopia’s first
official monarch.” The old St Bernard was dumbfounded. “I’m sorry
Christopher I can’t accept that responsibility. Placing myself in
such a position goes contrary to everything I believe in.” Ignoring
his refusal I continued, “I know! And that’s why you’re the only
animal fit to rule. You won’t have to do anything except wear the
crown. I will take care of everything else.” Sympathetically the
old dog answered, “I’m sorry. I just can’t do it.” Angered I found
myself raising my voice a little, which gave my mentor a fright and
caused Sabrina to smile. “You don’t have a choice!” I asserted.
Coming to my senses I added, “What I mean is… I’ve already given
you the crown. If you do nothing, you will remain Utopia’s king.
The only way you can reject the title is to openly oppose me and I
know you’re not going to do that.” “Well,” replied the St Bernard
sadly. “It seems you’ve thought of everything.” His suddenly
dejected appearance disturbed me. I knew he would try and refuse
but I didn’t expect this reaction. I tried to cheer him up. “Don’t
worry!” I said. Then forgetting where I heard it before I added,
“The end will justify the means. You’ll see. Everything will work
out in the end.” My mentor faintly smiled but I thought I detected
a hint of something in the smile that I didn’t quite like.

The reforms stabilized things and Secretary
of State Bruno informed me that I had the support of the entire
animal world. I was worried that the Utopian citizens might reject
the idea of having an absolute monarch, even if it was just a
temporary situation. To my surprise, no one seemed to notice. To be
honest with you, this irritated me a little. I thought, “Am I the
only one interested in building a true egalitarian state?”
Nevertheless the next couple of years seemed to run smoothly.
Utopia was growing in size and reputation. What I mean by this is
that rumors from abroad indicated that Utopia had the most powerful
army in the animal world. Suddenly, Secretary of State Bruno was
being given the royal treatment everywhere he went and other lands
were soliciting Utopia’s advice on how to reform their domesticated
societies. Despite these positive changes, unusual behavior from
our neighbors to the east and west caused me growing concern. The
non-aggression pact signed by Cuyamonga and the Union of Animals
remained in effect all during this time and to the surprise of the
entire animal world, both sides were complying with the terms of
the pact. Something else that was noticed by all who were paying
attention is that Cuyamonga seemed to have lost all interest in
acquiring more territory to the west of it. Similarly the Union of
Animals appeared to lose all interest in acquiring territories to
the east of it. This is significant because before the founding of
Utopia, both nations were aggressively pursuing these territories.
Anyways like I said, everything seemed to be going smoothly and
there was no indication that this would change. However, just when
the realization of all our goals seemed to be on the horizon,
disaster struck. But this time it wasn’t the result of animal
negligence. Sabrina and I were taking a casual stroll along side
the Cuyamonga River when all at once the ground began moving from
underneath us. We were quickly ushered to safety by our security
detail but nevertheless the event left us visibly shaken. It was
Sabrina who explained to me what had just taken place. “We call
that an earthquake,” she said. “We were told about them taking
place in Cuyamonga years ago. I never actually thought I would
experience one in my lifetime.” Utopia’s problems began to emerge
once more in the aftermath of the earthquake. The disaster caused
hundreds of casualties and thousands of injuries. In organizing a
relief effort the polecat who managed Utopia’s last disaster once
again offered assistance. In view of what happened last time I was
hesitant to give him the same authority. However, time was of the
essence so I reluctantly acquiesced. Still it took some persuasion
on his part. He said, “This disaster is completely different from
the last one. This is primarily a rescue effort. Also, Utopia is in
a different position politically. We have many more friends than
before. I assure you that this effort will not be surrounded by
controversy, as was our previous job. We have the world’s sympathy
right now. Let’s not squander this opportunity to show the world
what Utopian spirit is all about.” Moved by his words and anxious
to act I gave the polecat the requested authority. However this
time I needed to have a look at his work force. The makeup of his
workforce was altered from the last time I had seen them. Although
there were scavengers among them, the majority of the animals were
not scavengers. This gave me some relief. I concluded that this
really would be a rescue effort. To my dismay, after a few days of
working the polecat returned to me with an unusual request. “There
are many more casualties than we expected there to be. With this
number of animals we will never be able to bury them before they
start to decompose. I don’t think I need to convince you of the
type of disaster you’ll be confronted with if that happens.”
Irritated by this unwelcome news I exclaimed, “Yes. I know! Quickly
do what needs to be done. But this time make sure it’s done
quietly.” He assured me that this time things would be different.
As he turned to walk away it occurred to me that his work force was
made up of animals who were not scavengers. How would they
accomplish the dirty work that needed to be done? I was just about
to call him back when I said to myself, “Let him figure it out. You
have enough problems to deal with as it is.” One of these problems
included what to do with the large number of animals who were still
being held prisoner in Utopia’s correctional institution formerly
known as the shelter. Utopia’s former governors had already been
released back into society. They seemed to be genuinely penitent.
They said that they didn’t know what had come over them. It was as
if something had taken over their reason and prompted them to
rebel. They assured me of their loyalty and that I would never have
to worry about another revolt from them. This was good news as far
as I was concerned. It fit in with my new philosophy on the
self-redemption of animal. Surprisingly when I recommended that all
of the other animals also be freed and reformed back into society,
the idea met with strong resistance from the former governors.
“These vermin are beyond reform,” they insisted. “As a matter of
fact they were the ones who led us astray and pressured us to rebel
in the first place.” This was news to me. After many persuasive
arguments on the part of the former governors most notably, Truth
and Justice, I acquiesced and continued to hold the other rebels
captive. I knew I couldn’t hold them forever but what to do with
them I knew not. I’m hesitant to tell you what Sabrina felt we
should have done with them. “They’re a drain on Utopia’s
resources,” she complained. “They’re useless eaters! You should
have them devoured by the carnivores and have done with it.” In
dismay I chided, “You shouldn’t make jokes like that! Besides there
are no carnivores in Utopia.” She dropped the subject but I was
left with a disturbing feeling that she wasn’t joking at all. After
a few weeks the polecat reported to me that the work was complete
and Utopia could finally begin a healing process. I was greatly
relieved but this was short-lived as reports from abroad began to
reach my ears. It was being spread that Utopia had lifted the ban
on eating flesh that had been adopted by all of the domesticated
societies. It was rumored that animals were being slaughtered for
food. This was slander! True, Utopia had allowed the scavengers to
rid its land of decomposing remains, but even that was hearsay. It
couldn’t be proved. Only a select number of animals knew this with
certainty. If something wasn’t done to address these lies, Utopia
could face international isolation. Despite the ominous storm that
was gathering, a silver lining presented itself. Sabrina was
pregnant. I was going to be a father. The news had an unexpected
affect on me. Those of you who have children may understand what I
mean. I began to think seriously about the state of the world. I
didn’t want my children to have to suffer the way I did. My
priorities shifted. Creating a world where every animal was truly
equal took on a whole new meaning to me. In the beginning I just
wanted to prove a point to Jeffery Chambers and to myself, but now
I had a new reason for optimism. “When I look back on my life, if
there’s one thing I have to be proud of,” I thought. “…It’s going
to be my children. I will make sure that I instill in them the
right values. It doesn’t matter where or into what species you’re
born. All animals are equal. I will teach them this if it’s the
last thing I do.”