Verne and Plato. ®.

 Verne and Plato. ®. 

Short Story.

Episode VI. Dream Series Verne. ®. 

Mystical metaphysical narrative. 

Science Fiction. Metafiction. Multiverse. 

Author: Jorge Ofitas. ®.

(In English)

Introduction: 

"Verne and Plato" is a mystical and metaphysical exploration where science fiction merges with metafiction. Join Jules Verne in a transcendental dialogue with the wise Plato, a meeting that challenges logic and reveals the complexities of being and the future.

Verne returned from his astral journey to Europa, his existential puzzle still incomplete. The encounter with that extraterrestrial being, who turned out to be himself in the future, had left him pensive, yearning for answers. Who, if not Plato, could dispel his doubts?

He took his pill and, upon waking, the first thing his eyes beheld was the majesty of the Parthenon. What year could it be? A whisper in his mind confirmed it: it was 387 BC. He crossed paths with some philosophers, whom he asked about the immortal Athenian sage. Fortunately, Verne's pill granted him the ability to understand and speak all languages. Or was it, perhaps, an inherent faculty of his own being?

—The Master is inaugurating the Academy of Athens today. He'll be around there —a young philosopher indicated to him, his gaze lost on the horizon.

Instantly, Verne visualized the place. He walked with his dust-covered sandals and, among the crowd, he saw him. It was the Master of masters.

—Are you Master Plato?

—And you, that novelist from a future country now called Gaul... which will be called France.

Verne felt as if he were dreaming. Plato should not have recognized him. However, he contained his astonishment and asked if he could have a chat with him the next day. Plato looked at him, amused and good-natured.

—Are you seeking an oracle or a vision? My disciples handle that, Multiverse traveler. Ha, ha, ha! No. You stay with me. What will they say in future France about how Athenians treat illustrious travelers? Let's walk through the Agora. Do you pray to Athena? Or some other God or Goddess? They all represent the same thing... Tell me, Verne, why did you come to me?

—My world is crumbling. The happiness they sell doesn't exist...

—I predicted it already... The orators who lie to the common people.

—It's worse... Almost all are vicious...

—The world is giving birth to a new humanity... It will be painful...

—Would you come to my time with me? I assure you that with these pills you'll be back in time for your inauguration.

—I will go. I want to see it, although I prefer my pills...

—Many from my era, if they could have chosen, would have chosen this one.

Plato barely spoke upon reaching the Agora, accompanied by Verne. The philosophers surrounded their Master, asking who the wise man accompanying him was. Plato kept looking straight ahead, holding a part of his toga with his hand.

—I've thought it over and I won't go to your world. My masters do not approve. Fortunately for you, they haven't condemned you for your experiment... Sacred information has been given to build monsters of fire and death. In India too. Stay here in Athens with me, Verne. I am chaste, but I can introduce you to the Athenian female aristocracy if you are looking for a wife.

Verne was stunned. Perhaps it was all a dream bubble, something must have gone wrong. Plato seemed to know everything.

—How long can you stay out of your reality?

—Until I fall asleep, then I will wake up in my bed. I will never see you again, Master.

—Yes, that's how it is, only once. Let's go get some fruit, Verne.

FIN

Author of a short story: Jorge Ofitas. ®.

Author of the series Dream Verne: Jorge Ofitas. ®.

Europe. 2025. ®.