Execution-style
I say The State, but meet one of the main-manhumans stage-managing the case against me: (Anytus*Anytus uh-n-ay t uhs*), who, happens to be the wealthy son of an (decent) industry mogul
Which is the reason he’s nowrisen ato powerfulhis politicianpresent status of: Powerful Politician
BeforePreceding that,that vocation, Dad’s-s wheel-greasing was also integral in making him: General of a War Fleet
How did heA-n-ai-t-us handle himself in the heat of battle?battle? Well … 10 years ago, he was charged with: treason - for: failing to fire a shot when everyone was relying on him to complete his mission
But here’s the real beauty of money - he got off.off Coz- coz ... : he bribed the jury
Literally, the first human to ever do it. A true visionary
Once the verdict was in, i was given a chancechance, by, my learned friends, to: Beg The Mercy of THE Court
What punishment ought you get for your crimes, then, in your opinion?
I was meant to recant, say: exile. GiveGive: everyone a way out
But to hell with that. I replied:
How ‘bout a small government-paid stipend, in perpetuity … ?
In recognition of my contribution to society … ?
Enough for meals at the community centre is fine. I'm already seventy … so ….great deal financially for ya tax-funded ORG ORG.entity
Make it: In appreciation of how well (redacted) fought - for free - to reveal a threat to public health & safety. Namely: The Establishment’s Thought-Control Mentality…
TheyOur protagonists don’t go for that, as we’ve covered. Too intoxicated by their love affair with their own roiling malice
(Guesses)
Fittingly, theThe end is:is, fittingly: a poisoned chalice - hemlock - concocted by the resident alchemist (Guesses)
The scenefinal isscene? … : eerily deja vu:vu a…
A secluded prison cell, in a cave, on a rocky outcrop. Into which, a government actor,actor enters, bearing a cup -of: ofdeadly condemnation
On the bright side … i can still hear the sea’s timeless caress - butthen -there’s athe congregation of friends gathered - an intimacy - it feels like the way it was always meant to be
I’m ready to be set free: spiritually
With a steady hand, i cheerfully accept the cup - crack one last joke with the alchemist: Does the occasion call for a libation? Ok if i pour a portion of the wine on the ground for the GODS? How ‘bout it?
He says, straight-faced: That’s not allowed.No. The amount is bespoke. Scientifically calculated to do the job
Ohrr. Pity. Then here’s to my soul’s journey to infinity …
I lift the cup to my lips, drain it in one gulp
By so doing, ii: transcend death
With my dying breath i say: i owe a cockerel to Asclepius. (the last person to become a God*) Don’t forget to pay it
My friend, Crito, doesn’t forget, & … it works!
Lurking from beyond the grave, I still play a foundational role in: THE Golden Age of Philosophy
Schools of which’ll run fine as veritable fountains of wisdom …for: another 900 years after i’m bodily gone
Right up until the Dark Ages … & counting
(Guesses)
Ans: Socrates
* Anytus - born to money princeling - failed military leader charged with treason - jury briber - political elite - driving force in the case against Socrates
* Asclepius - Greek God of Medicine (son of Apollo) was a mortal who became immortalized as a God. Gifted doctor in real life - could reputedly resurrect the dead … (possible if you knew CPR)
At length Zeus, afraid that Asclepius might render all men immortal, slew him with a thunderbolt