Conversation · Steban, the Student Communist

"We all have to take precautions, especially during these delicate times. What matters is that you've made it, and that you've done the reading."

(Play along.) "My apologies, comrades. I had to be sure I wasn't being tailed... by our class enemies."

"Mmmm." The young man considers you a moment...

He's taking your measure. Like an ideological boxer stepping into the ring.

This must be the theory combat the boiadeiro warned you about! En garde!

"Yes. Whereas we understand that we'll almost certainly fail, which is what allows us the chance to succeed..."

He's not accustomed to exposing his doubt like this.

The evening is winding down...

No, it was an artifact of your pre-ideological consciousness.

Take a deep breath. You've done some reading these past few days. But you also know there's more to life than what you find in books...

"Precisely. It's only beneath the cold light of scorn that deep truths are revealed..."

You'll be leading this conversation, so wherever you take it, they'll be glad to follow.

"It's the theoretical parts I'm interested in. The third-level stuff."

"Oh, yes. Or the fun parts, as we like to call them."

His companion nods his head with expectation.

"I have some questions about the origins of this theory."

"Oh, it's a great story. You should check out Nilsen's journals if you ever have the chance."

His companion nods in agreement.

"I really want to hear more about these hyper-revolutionary figures."

"Ah, yes. That's certainly one of the least developed parts of the theory, but also one of the most intriguing."