Question nothing. Questions will not free you. Answers will not be given. Philosphy is a trap. Listen...there is where you will find wisdom.
- Teaching of Maometh
Harmonthep, the Capital of the Old Empire, was a beatiful, bustling planet of great towns and cities. It's landmarks showed the majesty of the Empire and it's intolerance of rebels, it's wrath to insurgents and misfits. At the balcony of the ancient Imperial Palace, Grand Emperor Enno IV of the Lameth dynasty stared down at the Capital of the Capital World, the ancient and truly Imperial city which the first Emperors had the nerve to call Heaven, for that was what it represented to the people. Enno thought of the great renaissance in the arts and technologies going on in this new Golden Age of the Imperium.
Drelewoq walked in. The complex thinking machine was designed to serve the current Grand Emperor as well as possible, and for many generations had held the position of their personal assistant.
"Ah, Drelewoq. What have you to report to me now?"
The thinking machine bowed to his Emperor and master.
"Empire, it is your Religious Chief, Maometh."
Enno frowned.
"What of Maometh? He hasn't been...causing any trouble, has he?"
Drelewoq shook his head.
"No, Empire. It is just that for two months he has been reporting more and more questioning of the Great Religion among the people of the Outer Worlds, and in the last few weeks even on planets close to the Capital here. He says that with our current great advances will come this sort of questioning of authority, especially religous authorit. I suggest you study the First Renaissance of Earth. In certain regions, planet's institusionalized religions lost quite a deal of their power. Maometh says we may be experiencing something similar."
Enno grimaced, surpressing mild rage with the ancient ways his father had taught him.
"Yes...I see something must be done." He thought for a moment, and then said, in cynical tones, "Triple rituals and ceremonies on the Outer Worlds, and execute the most radical of questioners and non-believers, anyone who incites too much violence or rebellion. And a few others...just for example." He chuckled. "Meanwhile, get me detailed histories on the First Renaissance of Earth here within ten minutes."
Drelewoq nodded without emotion, and walked out. He would not, of course, go too far with the executions. Sometimes, the extravagent Emperor could be foolish. The thinking machine would do the least he could while following the orders he had been given - for Enno's own good.
