The Mystic Paradigm: An Evolutionary Novel by Brian M. Heater Page A

of the community and the world. Many businesses were worker-owned. Industry and business operated under a stable state philosophy in which the impact of money, products and production were balanced with the overall environmental and societal impact. Wages were also equalized so that profit was shared by all. People could earn more than others and some still did, but there was no longer a wealthy elite class that controlled the economy. The new economic principles focused on fair distribution of wealth.
    Grandfather had been particularly proud of stopping what had been called the “military industrial complex”. He often said to Talis. “That one thing changed the world.” The destructive relationship that he spoke of between war and business dissolved soon after the revolution. It had been over 60 years since any war had occurred. Military conflict was no longer desirable or profitable. Large national armies were disbanded, and instead local regions organized citizen service units to help when needed. Most regions had very little trouble with violence or power struggles. Money and resources had been put to use in more helpful ways. These monetary shifts and philosophical changes had also helped provide the budgets needed to meet the basic needs of the people. Talis was very proud of the work they had done in this century.
    Talis lost track of time thinking about all these things. He suddenly realized that he had reached his destination, arriving at the Council chambers late in the afternoon. The sun sparkled on the surface of the reflecting pool that stretched in front of the commons. As Talis entered the Council chambers he was met by Michael and Tythia, Grandfather’s friends from the reflection. They smiled and warmly embraced Talis.
    “Welcome my son,” Tythia said. “We are glad that you are here. We have much to discuss I hear?”
    “Yes, I thought it important to share my grandfather’s writings with the Council as you had requested. There are questions that I can’t seem to answer.”
    Michael smiled nervously and added. “Yes, as I mentioned earlier, I feel there are some important issues that we may be able to help you with.”
    And with that they entered the chambers where the other members were waiting.
    Each member was sitting around a large, round wooden table. The table itself was beautifully handcrafted and was pleasant for Talis to sit at. The members cordially greeted Talis as he sat down to discuss the journal. As was customary in Council gatherings, they began the meeting with silent meditation. Talis enjoyed this time to breathe and let go of his nervousness. He thought about his grandfather and for a moment he felt his presence. As the meditation ended, the Council focused their attention on the matter at hand. Talis felt a strong sense of urgency among them.
    Marias, the current speaker of the Council, took a long drink of water and looked around the chamber before he focused on speaking to Talis.
    “Talis Dueter, thank you for coming before us. We are most anxious to discuss your grandfather’s journal. He was a respected member of our society and he is missed. Please feel relaxed as we are here to share with you. Please tell us what bothers you and what brings you to us.”
    Talis took a few breaths as he was still a bit nervous and somewhat cautious of what he should tell them.
    “My grandfather had told me that I would find certain hidden truths that I was to share. He had never discussed this until close to his passing. I have read the journals and found them to be somewhat disturbing.”
    “Disturbing?” Marias asked in an alarmed tone. “In what way?” There were whispers from several of the Council members as Talis focused on explaining in more detail.
    “There seems to be a conflict inside the original collective that concerned my grandfather. The Mystic Collective had grown weary of keeping the high energy so steady during the initial uprising. There were signs of stress and