Chapter 19:
The Rise of Outcasts
Year 2800
The war of the nations finally came to an end.
Fighting is in the nature of human beings, whether they fight to achieve their goal, or to achieve freedom or to achieve a high position, they always resort to fighting.
The world has suffered from numerous wars in history that led to nothing except for suffering and destruction. Each time, they signed up the treaty of peace and independence. Despite that, only war awaited these countries a few centuries later and the cycle continue
d.
It was the same this time but the destruction was on a whole other level than before. All the nations ceased fire and the war came to an end. Same as usual but the scale of it was humongous. Unlike before, that war lasted for 80 years. That was probably the darkest time in the history of mankind. That's why this time period was named 'Apocalypse'.
After the ceasefire, nations decided upon something else to prevent such wars from ever happening because they feared mankind might not survive if that were to happen again.
What they decided upon was merging all the nations while creating one big country that rules the entire world with no borders between the various states. What an absurd idea.
“What are you writing, Grigio?”
“Just a memoir. Now that the war has come to an end, I decided to write my thoughts for the future generation.”
“That’s pretty neat. Hey, can I read it?”
“No, not before it’s complete.”
“Oh, come on, Grigio.”
"Don't make me repeat myself, Igor."
Igor was an old acquaintance of mine. An ex-Russian. He helped me fight through this war and survive. Thanks to him, our country was still standing.
I closed the book and stood up.
“Where are you going?”
“To take some fresh air.”
“How about I accompany you?”
“Do whatever you want.”
I shrugged my shoulders and went to the roof, Igor followed me.
I lit a cigarette and leaned on the grill.
“So, what did you decide to do?”
“About what?”
“About creating a single nation?”
“I am against it.”
“Why? It’s such a great idea in my opinion.”
“It’s really not.”
“What do you mean?”
"One person controlling the entire world, even if it's for a limited time, is not a good idea. A lot of former leaders may agree with this scheme, for now. Their pride won't allow it. This can lead to rebellion which will be even worse."
"You do have a point. Then, what choice do we have?"
“Just leave the countries as they are, I would say.”
“Hmm. So, your country won’t take part in this.”
“No, we have already suffered from severe damages.”
"Oh yea, those traitors really put you on a tough spot."
“Don’t label them as traitors.”
“Man, you really are stubborn.”
"They were deceived by a third party. We indeed have big losses because of their stupidity but they are willing to make up for it."
“Sigh. You are giving them a second chance but what if they decide to do it again?”
I didn’t say a thing. I knew well how rash my decision was.
During the midst of an intense war, a group of four somehow managed to convince half of the country that I am the reason why this massive 80-year long war was not coming to an end. That caused an internal conflict.
On one hand, there was a war. On the other hand, internal factions started fighting among themselves. Due to this, so many lives were lost over some misunderstanding. I understood why Igor hated them to the core but I just couldn't bring myself to abandon my people.
“What were their names again?”
“Who?”
“The ones who initiated the rebellion.”
"Oh, right. It was Cassius, Delta, Alibi and Frey.
“I think one of them had a lion with himself as well.”
"Yes. I think it was Alibi. I did torture them to death because of what they did. But I am surprised they still didn't spill the beans. We don't know who sent them."
"It doesn't matter anymore. The world is currently moving towards peace and I don't want to ruin that. The war is over, that's it."
We stayed at the roof a little longer then went to our rooms.
Two weeks later, I was in Washington, D.C. A meeting was held to decide which countries were willing to take part in the formation of a single nation.
Out of 200 countries, 180 accepted the proposal of creating a single giant nation. The rest of the countries denied their offer but they were worried that they might not survive without this scheme. Their concerns were on point, small countries won't stand alongside such a big and powerful nation. They have to give in, sooner or later.
I had an ace up in my sleeves.
“I refuse to accept this proposal.”
"Can we get reasoning for this? Mr. Grigio."
“Just difference in opinions. I won’t stop you or intervene with matters. However, my country will go into an isolation state.”
Everyone at the meeting started muttering.
“Cutting yourself from the rest of the world? That’s unacceptable.”
Of course, they didn't want my country to separate itself because it could provide a lot of valuable resources.
"Do I need to remind you all that Nox is currently in my possession?"
Nox, one of the nine great weapons that were created in the era of the void. The weapons that started the war in the first place.
“Are you threatening us?”
“Take it however you feel like it.”
This put them in a tough position. They were trying to create a peaceful world and I, basically, just declared war if our country didn't go under complete isolation.
"We will take care of ourselves. We will create our own society without relying on the rest of the world. Just know this, the world will be in chaos once more if you tried to interfere with us."
There was dead silence in the room. They were conflicted about what to do.
After spending weeks upon weeks, discussing the matter at hand, they finally reached a conclusion.
"We have accepted your proposal but just know this, Mr. Grigio. We will not provide a hand in time of need. Don't come back to us crying that you can't handle it alone. We will not provide any assistance."
"There will be no need for that. Now, pardon my intrusion, gentlemen."
I decided not to involve my country with the world problems anymore, that's why I went for the idea of isolating the country. We would surely create a better place to live.
I was staring at the construction of the massive walls that would eventually form a secure place to live.
“What help did those people offer to you?”
“To protect the country.”
“What?”
“They told me that they don’t deserve to live a luxurious life. They will build their homes outside the walls while protecting it from unseen forces.”
Igor didn’t say anything for a few moments.
“I just hope it didn’t create any discrimination among the two factions.”
“It will not, I am sure of it.”
"You have extreme faith in your people but that's not a good thing if you ask me.
He might be right but I couldn't go back now, they had my word.
It took few more years but the place was now ready for the people to move in. I was already on the deathbed but still had sufficient energy to write all of this.
Why am I still writing when everything has settled down? I realized a huge error in my judgement.
I came to know that people on the outside created four districts and named them Cassius, Alibi, Magnum Opus and Delta.
I came to a sudden realization that there still might be followers of those four. That was bad. If they were still out there and held us responsible, then they might start a civil war. Everything that I worked so hard for, will be for nothing.
But now, I can't do a thing. My son became in charge and I am nothing more than a dying old man. I am leaving this memoir for the future generation to prevent the conflict. I don't want my country to be in ruins once again.
Please log in to leave a comment.