History and Other Inconveniences

Orion had a complicated relationship with history. It wasn't that he hated it, but something about memorizing the rise and fall of old systems that no longer mattered felt... pointless.

Which was ironic, considering he was currently living in the aftermath of one such collapse.

Tuesday morning at the Academy meant World Affairs and History. And today's lecture was on—how convenient—the three factions that had emerged after the fall of the government.

Orion leaned back in his chair, resisting the urge to groan as the professor, a stern-looking man in his fifties, strode into the room. His name was Professor Alden, and his expression carried the weight of someone who had seen too much but still had to deal with students who forgot their assignments.

"Settle down," Alden said, placing his tablet on the podium. "Today, we discuss the three factions that took control after the dissolution of centralized governance. If you've been paying attention this semester, you already know that the government collapsed following the widespread recognition of lucid dreaming's potential. But what you don't know is how the world reorganized itself afterward."

Orion had a feeling today's lesson wasn't going to be the usual mind-numbing repetition of textbook facts. He exchanged a glance with Neil, who seemed mildly interested, and then with Rin, who was actually taking notes. Cas, of course, was listening attentively.

"Three major factions rose from the chaos," Alden continued. "Liberty, Vanguard, and Horizon."

Orion arched an eyebrow. Horizon? That one was new to him.

Alden tapped his screen, and the classroom display lit up with three distinct emblems.

Liberty had an insignia of an open hand, symbolizing freedom.

Vanguard bore a shield, representing order and protection.

Horizon displayed an eye, suggesting knowledge—or surveillance, depending on how cynical you were.

"Liberty," Alden said, "was formed by those who believed personal freedom was paramount. They rejected authority, believing that individuals should govern themselves. Many of its founders were former researchers, scientists, and high-ranking government defectors who had grown disillusioned with centralized control."

Orion had heard of Liberty before. It was the faction that most opposed restrictions on lucid dreaming. They believed that dreams should be fully explored, not regulated.

"They championed the idea that lucid dreaming was the key to unlocking human potential," Alden continued. "Naturally, this philosophy put them at odds with Vanguard."

The display switched to the shield emblem.

"Vanguard was formed by those who believed stability was more important than unchecked exploration. Their founders were ex-military, law enforcement, and corporate leaders who saw the collapse of the government as proof that humanity needed structure. They implemented regulations on lucid dreaming, arguing that without control, society would descend into chaos."

Orion had to admit, they had a point. After all, if dreaming could cause wounds in the real world, imagine what else it could do.

"And then," Alden said, switching to the eye insignia, "there's Horizon."

Orion had never heard much about Horizon before. Even among students, there were only rumors.

"Horizon positioned itself between the other two factions. They believed that knowledge—not total freedom or total control—was the key to understanding lucid dreaming. Their members are primarily scholars, researchers, and intelligence networks. Some say they act as mediators; others claim they have their own agenda entirely."

Orion frowned. That was... interesting.

"So," Alden said, clasping his hands, "these are the three forces shaping our world today. Liberty, fighting for freedom. Vanguard, enforcing control. And Horizon, watching from the sidelines—until it suits them to act."

The room was quiet for a moment, students processing the information.

Then, Rin leaned toward Orion and whispered, "So basically, one's chaos, one's order, and one's that weird middle ground that no one trusts?"

"Pretty much," Orion muttered back.

Alden shot them a look, and they both straightened up.

"Now," he continued, "a question. Given what you know about these factions, which one would you align with? And don't say none—that's the answer of a coward."

Orion barely resisted the urge to groan. Fantastic. Forced class participation.

A few students spoke up. One girl argued for Liberty, saying that people should be free to make their own choices. Another defended Vanguard, stating that without structure, society would collapse. Someone brought up Horizon, theorizing that knowledge was the only real power.

Orion remained silent, trying not to get dragged in.

Unfortunately, Alden had other plans.

"Orion."

He internally cursed. "Yes, sir?"

"What's your take?"

Every pair of eyes in the room turned toward him.

Orion thought for a moment. He could pick one, but none of them fully convinced him.

"Well," he said, scratching his cheek, "Liberty sounds nice in theory, but if everyone does whatever they want, wouldn't that just lead to stronger people taking advantage of weaker ones?"

Alden nodded. "A fair point."

"Vanguard has a solid argument, but if they control everything, wouldn't that just be another form of oppression?"

Alden raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

"And Horizon..." Orion hesitated. "Honestly, they kind of sound like the faction you'd pick if you don't want to pick a side."

A few students chuckled. Even Alden smirked.

"A diplomatic answer," he said. "But you're not wrong. Many believe Horizon is biding its time, waiting for the moment to act. Whether they'll tip the balance toward freedom or control remains to be seen."

With that, Alden checked the time and closed his notes.

"That's enough for today. Think about what we discussed, because whether you like it or not, these factions shape the world we live in."

The class ended, and students began packing up.

As Orion gathered his things, Cas approached.

"You were more thoughtful than I expected," she said.

"I can think sometimes," Orion replied. "Shocking, I know."

Neil stretched. "All I know is, I don't want to be caught between any of them."

"Too bad," Rin said, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "If lucid dreaming is as big as we think, then eventually, everyone's going to have to pick a side."

Orion sighed. That sounded about right.

But for now, they had other things to worry about.

Like what was for lunch.

Because priorities.