Theoracism

“Did you get it?” Vala asked from her place at the head of the table.

Glute looked down at his hands. “I didn’t,” he replied in a hushed tone.

“Goddamnit, Glute!” Vala erupted. “Did you get anything?” she asked.

“I learned that the Thomason child can spout Latin like a pro,” Glute brightened slightly.

“That’s not enough,” Vala declared.

Glute receded into his seat like a hairline.

“I’ll give you this much. You found their meeting place, and we’ll be able to monitor them no matter what,” Vala said. “Don’t think too much of it,” she intoned slowly.

“We’re going to have a vote. All those in favor of keeping Glute say aye.”

No one said aye.

“Those who oppose raise your hand.”

The members, excluding Glute, raised their hands.

“That is it. Mr. Glute, you are dismissed.

She then motioned to two beefy looking security guards who ushered Glute out of the boardroom.

“Now, we’re going to continue with the rest of the meeting. If anyone actually wants to get results, please stay here. If not, there’s the door.”

Dr. Konnen arose and cleared his throat. “I think we need to get aggressive. We need to go after the parents and say that they’ll have the regret of obstructing a superior education for their children. The teachers can be dealt with easily. We could have them either teach the lessons or get fired. The children, too, must be encouraged to receive the theory.” He sat again.

Jolie looked brightly. “If we want to get to them, we’re going to have to go to their homes.”

“How so? I’m intrigued,” Vala said.

“I think we should make house calls.”

“What is this 1891? Are we doctors?” Dr. Konnen asked.

“No, York,” give her some time. “Continue, Jolie,” Vala goaded. He looked at the security guards and wondered if he would be next. He relaxed.

“What we can do is visit and make sure we ingratiate ourselves. We can have dinner with them, talk about how beneficial the theory is, and let them discover or rediscover how great it is. There is power in numbers. Most of the students go by the theory. If we can influence this tiny group, we can prevent any disruption amongst them and the rest of the student body.”

Vala looked like she was sloshing wine in her mouth, noting the different flavors.

“I like this idea,” Vala said. “If we show ourselves as caring, knowing people we can uplift the group and connect with them as a collective. That’s the best way I can see this board reaching out to this group of dissidents.”

Dr. Konnen stood up again.

“Have a seat, York,” Vala said.

He remained in his chair. “If we’re able to bring them to the school we will have them on site. We will have them in the classrooms. That’s been the battlefield and will continue to be. The parents will learn (briefly) along with their students and know that the theory in class will launch the kids into college.”

Jolie looked confident. “I think it’s too obvious. They’re going to expect an open house. What we need to do is break through the household. In keeping in step with this exchange of ideas, we’ve got to get in their homes.”

“I’m going to shoot down your idea, York. Jolie, you’ve got a point. This could be somewhat of a change for us, actually a complete change, but I think we can achieve this.”

Dr. Konnen sucked his teeth audibly. Vala and Jolie shot their glances at him.

“Okay,” he relented.