Read Me a Bedtime Story
Galaxy’s Best
Jonathan Joy
For The Ashland Beacon
For many years The Elder has ruled Booklandia, a faraway region where knowledge is seen as power. Schools are cherished institutions and libraries are at the heart of every town. Reading is a daily entertainment, and learning is seen as a lifelong pursuit.
Book burners had been defeated and pushed to the outskirts of Booklandia long ago, but that didn’t stop their leader, Fearmonger. Driven mad by jealousy and revenge, Fearmonger dreamed of storming the Booklandian Palace and replacing The Elder as leader.
The Elder, whose vast knowledge of history allows her to predict the future, can foresee Fearmonger’s upcoming raid. “It’s not the first time.” The Elder explained to her trusted companion, Big Brain. “Those who do not learn from history are certain to repeat it. I learn from it.”
Big Brain, who has read more books than anyone in the universe – hence the name – replied, “I’ll get Math Master and Vax-Man and prepare.”
Fearmonger snuck into Booklandia under the cover of night. He and his Merry Marauders, a mob bent on creating chaos, disguised themselves as a travelling band of musicians. “We’ve been sent to entertain The Elder.”
They were able to blend in effectively, as this was the weekend of the annual Booklandian Music Fest. Musicians from all over the galaxy travelled to perform, see new acts, and network in the town square just a few blocks away from the Booklandian Palace.
Citizens from all over Booklandia, and from friendly nearby moons and planets, gathered for what was usually a joyous weekend of merriment. Unfortunately, for all involved, this year would be quite different.
It came time for Fearmonger and his brutal gang to take to the stage. At once, they revealed themselves. “I am your new leader! Bow before me or pay the price.” Fearmonger demanded of the crowd.
Panic ensured. People were running, trying to escape. Some did. Many did not.
Fearmonger’s Mayem Marauders, a dozen strong, spread out into the crowd and began rounding up helpless onlookers. A single Marauder, monstrously large and strong, could overpower and tie up six or seven individuals in a matter of seconds.
Large swaths of the crowd were soon captured. Many others found places to hide. All cowered.
“To the palace!” Fearmonger screamed and his army stormed the castle.
Of course, our heroes of Booklandia were prepared.
Math Master, with a mind faster than a calculator, had estimated the probability of how and where Fearmonger and his minions would attack and used her stellar analytical and problem-solving skills to construct and set up a series of intricate snap traps and rope traps accordingly. Three Marauders, lacking the critical thinking skills to be wary of such ambushes, were caught right away.
Three more Marauders were confronted by Vax-Man, whose scientific knowledge of dozens of vaccines had saved millions of lives throughout the solar system. Fortunately, Vax-Man had recently developed a serum that counteracted the dark effects Fearmonger held over his followers. “It works!” Vax-Man beamed, high-fiving his partner, Math Master.
Big Brain used a different strategy. He was able to use reason, not to mention his vast knowledge of Psychology, to get one Marauder to reconsider his life choices. He outwitted two others by tricking them into thinking the Booklandian Castle was in the opposite direction altogether. “Too easy.” He bragged.
“Well done, Big Brain.” Vax-Man patted him on the back.
Math Master added. “Four got through. To the castle. Follow me. I’ve calculated the fastest route.”
Fearmonger and the three remaining Mayhem Marauders soon found themselves face to face with The Elder.
“Step aside. Give up.” Fearmonger commanded. “You don’t stand a chance.”
The Elder didn’t budge.
“I’ll take over Booklandia, burn it to the ground, and rule over the ashes, ushering in a new Dark Age.” Fearmonger declared as his minions barked excitedly.
The Elder had a counteroffer. “Put aside your hate, Fearmonger. Join us not as a conqueror, but as our neighbor. There’s no reason for this division.”
“Never!” Fearmonger screamed. “Get her!” He and his Marauders stormed The Elder but astonishingly passed right through her as if she were a ghost.
Fearmonger and his trio crashed hard to the ground, confounded.
What they had been speaking to wasn’t The Elder at all, but a holographic trick hiding a trap door.
Suddenly, the door opened and the villains fell through it into a pit far below, where they would be held safely until a return to the outskirts could be arranged.
“It’s the same way you captured him last time.” Big Brain boasted.
“Indeed.” The Elder responded. “He never learns. I told you those who do not learn from the past…”
“…Are doomed to repeat it.” Math Master finished The Elder’s sentence.
“I can treat the Marauders.” Vax-Man assured. “But my antidote will not work on Fearmonger.”
“He’ll be returned to the outskirts, banished once again.” The Elder insisted. “Perhaps word of his defeat will dampen the power he has amongst his allies there. I imagine it will be a while before we hear from Fearmonger again.
Math Master designed and constructed a device strong enough to keep Fearmonger’s strength subdued during the trip back to the outskirts.
Vax-Man tended to those wounded in the concert melee.
Big Brain regaled traumatized concert goers with stories of those who had survived hardship, tales he had learned from many books he’d read – the healing power of the storyteller.
Peace was restored and soon all returned to normal in Booklandia…for now.
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