Page 33 of Cerulean Truth
"As you know, sixteen years ago, some idiot had the bright idea to propose the Great Exposure," George continued.
"I wouldn't call Stephen an idiot," I interjected sharply, my icy voice tinged with anger.
Clearly wanting to challenge my interruption, George restrained his reaction when meeting my gaze. He swallowed hard and proceeded without further comment on Stephen's competence—an action that, I might add, likely saved his life. I had killed for less.
"Anyway, the idea began to take on a life of its own," George continued. "Suddenly, no one wanted to live in hiding anymore. And I understand, truly, I do. Some of us have been hiding for far too long—two hundred years for most, even longer for others. Our species has coexisted with humans for over 3000 years. It's about time we had equal rights and could peacefully coexist with them..."
"Exactly," I answered in clipped tones.
"And then the idea spread like a viral infection across Europe, Australia, and North America. Even the Elder is involved! Despite Africa, Asia, and South America being least affected by this moronic hype, once the United Chiefs caught wind of it, the entire Board of International Directors got swept up in the enthusiasm. Before I knew it, the theory of the consensus was born."
“Theory?” I asked harshly, feeling protective over Stephen’s idea. “It’s not just a theory. It’s a democratic way of ensuring everyone on the subject is heard. A consensus protects those who are against, where as a vote would never protect minority viewpoints.”
George huffed. “Protect? And how does a consensus protect those with different opinions, my boy?”
“Let’s get one thing clear,” I retorted, pinning him down with a steely glare. "I'm not yours, nor anyone's 'boy'."
"He didn't mean anything by it," Maria interjected soothingly, attempting to diffuse the tension but I was seriously getting over this little trip.
"So what, you're not only holding up the consensus, you're actually against the whole principle of it?" I questioned.
He sighed. "No, not in theory. I mean, it's a lovely thought really, everyone agreeing to something. One can abstain but not resist, and if they do resist, there is no consensus to proclaim. It's a beautiful principle, but in real life, there is no such thing as a large community with so many different personalities all agreeing on one point of view."
"Which is why it took so long to get everyone on the same page," I hissed. "A page you're crapping all over, by the way."
"James, I'm not saying you have to agree with George," Maria interrupted, "but it's important you listen, to understand why people are resisting our plans to expose ourselves to humans."
"Well, I haven't heard anything yet which would explain any logical resistance to the Great Exposure, besides a whole lot of crap about consensus," I snapped.
George grinned. "You're certainly motivated, my...uhm, James."
I rolled my eyes at him and motioned for him to continue with my hand.
"Our motives are twofold. First of all, not all magi have been questioned on their point of view…"
"Bullshit," I spat.
"No, it isn't. Leaders have been too hasty in proclaiming consensus because a consensus can only be proclaimed when there is no opposition, so instead of risking any opposition, they willfully ignored some magi with different points of view," George explained, throwing his arms in the air in a desperate attempt to make a dramatic point. And failed.
I threw an incredulous look at Maria. "You're not seriously entertaining this nonsense?"
She sighed. "I don't know, James. George tells me he witnessed it himself…"
"I can hardly believe what you're saying," I grounded out through clenched teeth. "It's unheard of. Plus, I have yet to see any proof of that."
"Yes, well, I have," George snapped back.
"Good for you. What's the second reason?" I muttered, impatient to end this whole charade.
"Well, even if you could get all magi on board, we don't trust the humans with said information," he muttered.
I remained silent for a moment, mulling over his words.
"You're scared of their reaction," I stated, grasping the source of his apprehension. "But the gap between humans and magi has never been narrower, thanks to their advanced technology... And seriously, we're on the brink of an international consensus. Even the Japanese are finally considering!" I shook my head in disbelief. "You honestly think all those magi to be wrong about human nature?"
George hesitated, carefully weighing his words. "Well, what you call this 'advanced technology,' we call 'weapons of mass destruction.' Can you imagine them turning those on us? Sending a nuclear warhead toward our Collectives? Gods forbid, using a biological agent to wipe us out?"
I fought a smile.
