Dell's Journey

Chapter 42: Gradient's Speech, Part 1 of 2

"I'm not going to try to deceive you in any way,"

Gradient began, his voice rich with oratory grandeur. "Nor

will I try to unduly influence you with evidence that

supports my conclusions, even if I think that doing so

might lead you to a fuller understanding of reality. It is

very important to me that you arrive at your own decision,

free from the influence of my knowledge."

"You will be like little children," he continued,

"Because a parent does not brainwash their young. They

only want to point them in the right direction, the way

they have discovered is best. You see?"

"So intellectually, we're children?" suggested Dell.

"You've actually mentioned that twice."

Monster smirked and then readjusted his position in a

self-conscious manner.

"Oh Dell," replied Gradient, full of reproof, "You

know that's not it. I – well, there's no winning with you

I suppose. You're a stubborn one."

It was almost enough to make Dell regret he'd said it.

Gradient continued, "Some of you know of my

beginnings, but you, Dell, are unfamiliar with how I came

to be what I am today. Of course the Monster has told you

of me – of my faults and of my misguided thinking most

likely." Here he lowered an eyebrow at Monster.

"He's told me a little sir," began Dell, "but you

didn't sound bad at all. You sounded interesting,

honestly."

Monster sighed.

"Well. It makes no difference to me. I am not afraid

of what may be said of me, for I have learned it is of no

importance. The small and the easily frightened say many

things to fill their own heads with courage. But you will

find that looking your fear in the face is the way to true

courage."

"So what are we doing here, Mr. Gradient? Are we

under arrest? Are we going to be tortured or denied

visitors?" Dell asked.

"The prisoners will be questioned, then, if they still

desire, they may go where they will," Gradient declared to

the crowd, looking around the dim circle.

"Prisoners?" said Monster, "So that's what we are?

Gradient, you really ought to be ashamed of yourself."

"Shame is a reaction of those unable to be honest with

themselves."

"Shame is an appropriate reaction of anyone truly