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“I could only speak the truth to you, Hocho, no matter how disturbing.” “It is not that I disagree with you, my friend, it is simply that I must have time to assimilate what you have said.” Hochopepa stood, an expression of concern on his face. But when I reach a judgment as to what must be done, I shall act.” Don’t go chattering on to anyone but Shimone or myself about this social research you’re doing.” “I like you and think you’re a refreshing change of pace for us, Milamber, but there are many who would rather see you dead as not. “There are things that are forbidden for any but members of the Assembly to know, Milamber, and even then it is unwise to speak about them to even one of your brethren.” He glanced away, thinking, then said, “Still, when you have finished prowling around in those musty old vaults, if you need to discuss your findings, I’ll be a willing ear.” He looked back at his friend. Much of what is held to be common truth by the nations is based upon falsehoods.” “I have already found some unsettling things, Hocho. As I said, your education is not complete.” “Be warned, you may find some unsettling things in those archives. Hochopepa’s brows furrowed, and he studied his younger friend’s face. I plan on spending some time in the archives.” Believe me, I am more than willing to spend as much time on the question as I need. That is what much of my research is about, not only the visible mastery of energy, but also investigations into the nature of the Tsurani people and the Empire. I used that to shock and to drive home a point. “I do not mean to imply that the destruction of the present social order is the only solution, Hocho. Milamber’s voice took on reassuring tones. “I understand what you say, Milamber, but what you speak of is too difficult to contemplate all at once.” Milamber’s logic was without fault, but the suggested solution was potentially fraught with danger to everything Hochopepa knew and revered. “Third,” said Milamber, “if my duty is to serve the Empire, and the social order of the Empire is responsible for its own stagnation, then it is my duty to change that social order, even if I must destroy it.” The older magician was disturbed by what he heard, in total contradiction with what he believed he saw: a vibrant, energetic, alive culture.
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The Empire is a cannibal, devouring its own people.” And the cost! Thousands of lives are wasted each year, the lives of those who are the Empire, its own citizens. It is unjustified, fought from habit, to keep certain groups in power, to reap wealth for those already wealthy, and to play the Game of the Council.
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No one creates new epics, they only retell old ones. Your musicians spend all their time learning the old songs, perfectly, to the note, and no one composes new ones, just clever variations on melodies that are centuries old. Your artists are in shock because I described what I had seen in paintings in my youth, and a few young artists became excited. But there is something wrong with the type of society that looks upon the new as suspect. You implied earlier that I was wasting my time finding new ways to ‘toss energy around.’ Well, what is wrong with that? Nothing. But while your armies have been bringing new lands into your borders, what has happened to your art, your music, your literature, your research? Even the vaunted Assembly does little more than refine that which is already known. “You have always expanded, and that seems like growth if you don’t investigate closely. “But we have always grown!” objected Hochopepa. Second, there must never be a time when the need for stability overrules the need for growth.” “If that is true, then consider the rest.