Echoed Redemption

Part 1

In the vast expanse of a world divided, two nations stood as remnants of a forgotten unity. The larger, once benevolent, now cast a shadow of oppression upon its smaller counterpart. What began as a tragic incident, a soldier's misguided act claiming the life of a child from the smaller nation, ignited a fire of hatred that blazed through generations.

God opened his mouth and spoke his famous words - Let there be light - and light appeared. His will was spoken word. His spoken word was reality. And reality was good. Man did not have a reason to disobey God, yet they did. Do not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Do not commit adultery. Do not forsake your mother's teaching. Throughout biblical history mankind have been disobedient, even to their own laws. So as to not face their disobedience they closed their holy books and their hearts. 

Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Astrology; they all fell. Technological advancement rose and mankind became disillusioned to belief. What can He give me that my technology cannot? Life. Technology cannot give us life. It brought death and destruction and loss. Humanity had to rebuild. Throughout generations the remnants of previous technological advancement was lost. it simply became a folktale. 

Many believed that faith was a folktale or a myth. Just like how Santa Claus kept children from misbehaving throughout the year or how the tooth fairy collected teeth and paid children with whatever daddy had in their pockets. Old scholars over the years argued that nothing good came from religion; it subjugated the marginalised. What could it have possibly done for the poor, for women, for the youth. Just like it could be argued that Santa Claus only gave the good presents to rich children while the poor were stuck with a hand me down Barbie doll that was coloured in green where her eyeshadow should have been. This is what technology did to man. 

New scholars weren't allowed to speak about technology; it was banned in Valoria. Even without the enforcement of these laws, social laws prohibited it. Eventually schools stopped teaching about circuits and batteries just like they stopped speaking about prophets and Rabbis. They looked outwards for something to follow. They found solace in the strength of their government. It held the hearts and the dreams of some many. It was a shiny new conservative force. Held the same traditional values that beliefs did long ago, just in another format. The government was the new sigh of the oppressed people.

But patriotism was too loud to hear their own sighs (which in comparison sounded like short breaths). I'm sure their love for Valoria could be compared to that of an Americans love for the United States before its fall. Families had pictures of the their leaders in their homes - even in each room as if he was the sole protector of their infant soundly sleeping in its crib. There was a smell of the incense burning in the streets as festivals were held weekly to celebrate their leaders dedication the nation. These people waited silently and patiently for their leader to appear. And as he walked forward the crowd began to hum until there was an eruption of praise and worship that projectile on the leader.

Drums thumped rhythmically as the royal family walked forward on the podium. The king rose his hand and his people went silent. 

"Valorian's! Tonight we remember the fallen - The nations that drowned to evil technology. We must remember the mistakes of the past and continue a new age of non-technicality. We must spread our prosperity!"

The crowd roar and chanted for their king. 

Later in the palace war room, the royal family of Elysium - a smaller nation neighbouring Valoria - joined their sister nation in communication. There king rose and the politicians hummed and nodded in acknowledgement.

"The people of Elysium are grateful for your invitation. We understand the fear that technology presents however, we seek to improve where the other nations fail. Technology is not the enemy, it is a tool. In the right hands we believe we can restore what was lost."

This time the politicians did not hum or nod. They looked to their king and the king look at the invited royal family. His deadpan expression morphed into one of distain. His eyebrow rose and his eyes had a glint of hatred. The Elysium King attempted to expand on his point but a glare from his wife stopped him. The room was silent; and then it wasn't.

From the pocket of the Valorian crown princess was a melody. The colour drained from her face and was replaced with a grey shade of fear. She slowly pulled out a women on a pedestal that spun in a pink tutu. She did not dare speak, she slowly slid the toy across the table towards her father as she quickly glanced at the visitors who had given her the gift.

"I think it is time that you leave. The palace guards will escort you out."

The Elysium royal family did not move. They sat firm in their seats and their opinions. From his lap the king placed many objects that seemed unfamiliar to those in the war room. Digital clocks, a MP3 player, a lighter and a battery. The room was tense and all those not of royal blood politely excused themselves as they meekly shuffled out of the door. 

"We had a group that we tasked to explore a vacated land south of our nation. It was devoid of human life but bountiful in objects beyond our understanding." The Elysium king picked up the MP3 player. "Song stored in a box! Who knew that something so beautiful existed. We have robbed our nations of advancement due to our own fear and lack of understanding. Technological advancement is inevitable, don't let your nation fall behind."

The Valorian king's expression softened placed the headset on his head.

Moon, a hole of light
Through the big top tent up high
Here before and after me
Shinin' down on me
Moon, tell me if I could
Send up my heart to you?
So, when I die, which I must do
Could it shine down here with you?

His face reluctantly contorted into a soft smirk before he scoffed and placed the headset on the table. He slid the melodic ballerina back to his daughter and looked at the royal family from the neighbouring nation.

"As I said earlier, the palace guards will extort you out".