The Chronicles of Atlantis

A Note from the Author

For many generations the idea, the myth, the story of the lost city of Atlantis has inspired expeditions, tales, and imaginations all over the world. Over years the myth has grown from a city whose military might was challenged only by the ancient Athenians; to a super advanced civilization whose technological prowess would be comparable, if not superior to even our modern industrial world. The idea that a group of humans could have long ago developed many of the technology and things we take for granted today, is quite possibly what has allowed this myth to continue growing and permeate popular culture.

The following is series of short stories, that will profile the life of Atlantean citizens. These stories will include trials, tribulations, scandals, corruption, and drama of life on Atlantis. I hope you enjoy joining me on this journey as we indulge our imaginations as we seek to understand not just what life in Atlantis was like but possibly learn a little about ourselves, our culture, and our time as well.

Chapter 1 - Councilman Sage

My mind races, as I try understand to what just happened in Core Council. Perhaps, when telling my tale I should back up a bit. However, it is just so hard to try to make sense of the last 24 hours. Alas, I shall try my best. My name is Charles Sage, I have sat on the Core Council, the governing body of Atlantis, for many years. And I never witnessed a vote like the one that took place in Council Chambers at midday yesterday. Perhaps it was the war with the Athenians and the horrors that always accompany war. Perhaps it was the fact that for the first time the Council had amongst its members many younger men, who have not yet learned the ways of warfare and the world. Or perhaps our culture, our way of life, and the way we see the rest of the world has shifted. Regardless hopefully by preserving this story for successive generations, I can make sense of this and save this from happening again. So our story begins 3 days ago.

I sit in Council Chambers listening to A’aron Rice, a junior council member present his reasoning for continuing to support the war with Athens.

“We have superior technology, superior numbers, more resources, our ships and troops are better equipped. However, since the very founding of great city, Atlantis has never known a greater enemy. The people of Athens are cunning, resourceful, and they have an uncanny ability to rally others to their cause. During this war, the Athenians have made many allies, who were once their enemies: Spartans, Minoans, Persians, and countless others have all threatened our way of life. This scourge must be dealt with, the Athenians must be stopped.”

Even I have to admit up to this point I thought A’aron had made a good case. He was eloquent. He was succinct. He even touched the hearts and minds of ALL men of the council. However, the next phrase he uttered would have just a generation before been met by rebuttal, discourse, and calls for his resignation from the Core Council.

“ATHENS AND ITS INHABITANTS SHOULD WIPED FROM THE EARTH!”

I cringed as at this moment as a chorus of cheers, handshakes, and calls for A’aron to be promoted to Councilman of War. After receiving this request in council, I quickly began examining and organizing the members who I knew would oppose this resolution. In the day that followed, myself and the few senior and older members of council began preparing our thoughts, notes, critiques, and counter arguments for rebuttal to be presented during upcoming Core Council meetings. My allies and myself spent a day and a half trying to convince the Atlantean Council to vote down this call for annihilation of the Athenians. Somehow, it was deemed that I should the lead opposition to this dangerous vote. My friends believed my wisdom, eloquence, and truth spoken from the heart would succeed in turning down this absurdity. Upon return to council I gave my speech.

“War! War! War, has always been waged by humanity. Ever since one man learned how to make a fist, probably followed quickly by the use of sticks, and throwing of stones, war has been waged. As long as human beings have waged war, there has been escalation. Both sides are always looking for new strategies, new technologies, spies, changes in weather, or changes in terrain; anything that will give them the upper hand and lead to victory. We are confident in our technology, our numbers, our military leaders, and many other metrics. However, does this mean that we should proceed with removal of Athens from the map? Does this mean we are free to slaughter hundreds of thousands or possibly even millions?

“There are always tragedies that go along with war: injuries, pestilence, famine, death, and any number of other unspeakable atrocities. I beg you fellow members of this illustrious council, let these be the consequences for Athens and her allies. Let these be reason enough for other cities to never rise against us again. Yes, we have a right and a duty to protect our ourselves, our way of life, and our great city. However, do we have the right to completely destroy others cities and cultures to do so? I don’t believe so. If we remove Athens and its citizens from existence, where do we stop? Do we continue to do so with Sparta? With Persia? With Minoa? With Egypt? Do we stop with Athens? Or would we, once we cross that threshold continue to dismantle and destroy other civilizations? I, personally, hope we never have to find out.

“We judge ourselves to be a civilized society, how will history judge us if we wipe an entire population from the globe? Every war is judged by history. The participants in every war are judged by history. Councilmen, we will be judged by history, this vote to take place will be judged by history. I say let us land on the correct side of history! I say let us find another way to conduct and win this war! I say we win this war, let us stop the threat stop the threat posed by Athens and her allies. However, let us do so in a civilized way.

“War has always been waged by humanity, and war is always judged by history. Let this war and our conduct in this war by the judged by the right side of history!”

Following my speech on the council floor, I was exhausted; I was sweaty; I was barely able to stand. For, I had given it my all, in hopes of convincing my fellow council members to vote down this proposal. The council deliberated for another hour or so. Despite my best efforts, the Atlantean council voted to extinguish the flame of Athens from the Earth. I hope this turns out to the right decision. However, I fear instead of ending the Athenian way of life, it may very well the Atlantean culture and people whose time has come. For future generations, do not judge us too harshly. As with any decision made from of fear, my fellow citizens have made a terrible one.