“So you still think Leslie is the one to blame?” Ross questioned.
I paused for a moment to collect my thoughts. I had it so clearly in my head, but I needed to present it in a way that they would understand, too. “Have you ever heard of the Milgram Shock Experiment?”
They shook their heads.
“The Milgram Shock Experiment examined the justifications used during the World War II Nuremberg War Criminal Trials. They based their defense on the premise that they followed orders from their superiors and were obedient to their orders, and therefore shouldn’t be charged in the case. The accusers wanted to see how far people would go when ordered to do so by an authority figure. The people in the experiment were told by a fake scientist to shock another person in a room at various levels, starting at the lowest voltage. Unbeknownst to them, the person in the other room didn’t receive the voltage. With each new level of “shock,” the person in the other room increased their cries and pleaded with them to stop, telling them it was hurting them. Then the scientist would instruct them to increase the voltage. A few people quit and said no, but most people were obedient to this fake authority figure and followed through with producing pain for a stranger.” I drew a deep breath. The Milgram Shock Experiment was hard to explain without actually seeing it, but I thought I got the point across.
“Okay?” Ross Herrold pursed his lips, then raised his hands to show confusion.
I rolled my eyes. “So, people do as they’re told, even if it’s not right. The court ruled that the people in the Nuremberg War Criminal Trials were still responsible for their crimes because they could have stood up and said no.” I let the silence hang in the air so they could grasp the concept. “Which means although The Divinity ordered Leslie to do what he did, he’s still responsible for actually doing it.”
“So you don’t think The Divinity plays a part in Circadia now?” Phillip stood in astonishment.
“No! I think they’re totally responsible! But, they’ve committed bigger crimes in the larger scheme of things here on Earth. The people here will make them pay for what they’ve done. So who will hold Leslie accountable?” I sat back in my chair.
“So...what are you suggesting?”
“I’ve been fighting the wrong fight. The people of Earth should save Earth, and the people of Circadia should save Circadia. I want to help them, but I need to help myself first.” I looked at both of them and searched their eyes for confirmation that I wasn’t crazy, but they both still looked confused. “What?” I finally asked after a moment of silence.
“I think we both agree.” Phillip looked at his brother, who nodded. “But I still don’t understand. Where does The Nucleus Program come into this?”
“I shouldn’t have ever got involved in Earth’s matters although this was my home before, but I did. I feel like I have an obligation to people here now. Once I take Circadia back, I can assist the resistance here by sending food and supplies, with your help, of course. But I want to give more than that. I was blessed with the opportunity to call Circadia my new home and start fresh. If things don’t go the way some people here on Earth want them to go, I need to know that they have another option. I want them to have some kind of hope. Somewhere they can call home, as I do with Circadia.” I felt a tear run down my cheek. “Everyone deserves a home and a choice, right? Sometimes having a choice can empower you to make the right decision. Sometimes having the power, and choosing not to use it, is the most powerful of all. I hope that if they know they have options and a way out, they will choose to fight for their home.”
They sat quietly and still for what felt like decades. Occasionally one of them would squint as if in deep thought. Then another head tilt, and a silent nod directed at no one.
Eventually, Phillip looked at Ross and started laughing. The break in the silence jolted me from my seat for a moment until I regained my self-control. Ross looked confused as he watched his brother’s apparent psychotic break as he laughed out loud and grabbed Ross’s arm. “Don’t you get it?” Phillip asked through his laughter. “This is the point of everything.”
“What?” Ross’s eyes were wide.
Phillip let out another joyful laugh. “This is it. Our whole lives, we’ve felt unchallenged. This is our challenge. This is the point of everything we’ve done. We’re going to find new worlds. We’re going to call them home. That’s what we’re here for. This is our purpose in this life. Finally, no one will say it’s controversial or shouldn’t be done. No one to oppose us or challenge us but ourselves.” He took a second to catch his breath, then turned his head to look at me. “We’re ready.”
Ross let out a light chuckle as he glanced up at me as well. “I guess we’re in.”
I smiled. “Good, because I have something else I need to talk to you guys about.”
“You want us to do what mankind has never done before, and you have something else you’d like to talk to us about?” Ross raised an eyebrow. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Phillip nudged his brother with a grin. “It wouldn’t be Aella if there wasn’t more.”
I drew a deep breath and sighed. “I’ll need resources to make this work.”
“I thought you
