Tactics
by Rob Morris

The strong, handsome man of regal bearing, a legend in the Federation, stood before his audience of young people, hoping to make an impression.

"It is, at the first and last, all about hate. The hate of a group of people, never as large in number as they claim, for people not like themselves. They live in isolation, receiving information only from those sources their leaders have labeled 'trustworthy', and say and do whatever they feel like whenever they feel like it, no matter who or what is hurt in the process. Expect to hear a great deal about how The First Guarantee allows their every action."

He paused, as he was wont to. All knew it was for dramatic effect, but such was the power of the speaker, no one cared.

"To challenge one of them on their twisted belief system is to shake up a hornet's nest. You can cite evidence, known history, common sense, and decency--and it will have no effect. No, they've invested heavily in their world-view. They need it to be true. The thought that they are just wrong is a criminal one, and swiftly do their friends, family, and leaders move against it. Ours is a long fight-but it is always worth it. For if one can be shown the world of morphable, convenient lies they live in, then the minds that hate lose one more and we gain the greatest of all things-- an open mind, willing to speak and be heard."

A good speaker knew when to wrap up, and when his audience was foursquare with him. But follow-through was just as important, and vital when the stakes were so high, those stakes being the freeing of young minds from the grip of a simple, lazy madness that offered up easy answers to complex problems.

"When you hear them speak, they will stun you---floor you--with just how matter of factly they spew their venom. Like such nonsense was accepted fact. It is-- in their own sad minds. Too many of them are forever lost to the hatred. But some aren't, and its them we need to hammer through the isolation and release. Those who have been pushed away or excluded are those we need to reach first, for they are most vulnerable to indoctrination. Minds can be turned so easily. Hearts can be corrupted by untruth. Its our souls that are at risk, when we fail to oppose this insidious evil. Remember, then, that hate often wears the mask of love, and lies, the mask of truth."

The regal man breathed in, as though his struggle with that described evil were taking place then and there. He looked haggard, but unyielding.

"They hate, but they will often talk about love. But where does their love center? Not on their own world--not on Earth. Love for other species--but not for Humanity. As you mingle and mix in the Academy, remember that you are not alone. Your Cause is My Cause. Your Struggle is My Struggle. HUMANITY PREVAILS!!!! GHIDORAH!!!!"

The cadets chimed in.

"HUMANITY PREVAILS!!!! GHIDORAH!! GHIDORAH!!! GHIDORAH!!!"

And as the statue was unveiled, and as the shibboleth 'The Cleansed Universe' was sung, Grand Admiral Brock Cartwright congratulated himself on yet another successful youth rally for The Order Of The Ancient Destroyer. One Enemy Of Life was yet to arrive. The other--had long since left its mark. Which, then, was the more terrible?