Word: Obsurantism

obscurantism

[uh b-skyoo r-uh n-tiz-uh m, ob-skyoo-ran-tiz-uh m]

noun

opposition to the increase and spread of knowledge.

deliberate obscurity or evasion of clarity.

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               “Is everyone here?” Asked the man known to the group as Calculus as he entered the hidden room.  He asked more out of habit than anything.  There should be thirteen people left after the last meeting, instead there were only ten, counting himself.

               “We’re missing Lithography, German History, and Cardiovascular System.” Said a thin woman who had taken the pseudonym Astronomy.

               “Damn.” Calculus said.  “Do we know what happened to them?”

               Astronomy shook her head.  The other members of the group looked ashamed or saddened.  Silence hung in the air.  Calculus clenched his fist.  The lack of certainty about members of the group, especially since one of them was his second in command, was hard for him to take.  One of the group’s youngest members, dubbed 2000’s Popular Culture, hesitantly spoke up.

               “I don’t know about Litho, but I saw German and Cardio get taken by a bunch of Obscurians.”

               The gasps of shock from the group members was overshadowed by the string of curses that escaped the mouth of its leader.

               “Two.  Two more of us gone.” Astronomy whispered.

               “Two more than we can afford to lose.  At least Lithography is still around.” Calculus said.

               “Hopefully.”

               “He is.  That man can hide anywhere.  If anyone could escape the Obscurians, it’s him.  It’s one of the reasons why he knows the safe houses.”

               “What if he was taken though?” Another member, an older woman called Air Currents, asked nervously. 

               Calculus did not answer.  He thought long and hard, but could not come up with anything.  He chose instead to change the subject.

               “It doesn’t matter.  Litho can hide as long as needed.  What matters is that two other members got taken.  That means we have days at best, hours at worst.  We need to pack as much as we can and get moving.” 

               Every member of the group got to work.  The younger members gathered and shouldered as much as they could carry, while the older members made sure nothing would be lost before gathering what little they could.  Nobody was happy to be moving again, and the work was done in near silence.  That ended when the door slid open.  Everyone held their breath, ready to drop everything and run at a moment’s notice.  They relaxed when they saw a tall, lanky man entering.

               “Lithography.” Calculus said, relief coloring the word.

               “Sorry I’m late.” Lithography said while rubbing the back of his balding head. 

               “Don’t be, my friend.  We figured you’d gone to ground after…after what happened.  I’m just glad you’re okay.”

               “What happened…ah, I see.  I don’t see some of our members.  They were taken?”

               The silence did enough to answer.  Lithography nodded at nothing and looked around the room.

               “So, that leaves ten.  Ten seekers of knowledge, and all ready to go.  Backs loaded, ready to head to the next safe house.”

               Calculus felt a sudden chill.  “Lithography, there are eleven of us left.  You forgot to count yourself.

               “Did I?  No, I don’t think I forgot anything.  You see…” Lithography slid his sleeve back to reveal a hidden arm band with a small button on it.  All eyes widened when they saw it.  Most tried to run immediately, but it was too late.  “I was never one of you.”

               The button was pressed and a matter of seconds later, A dozen men clad in dark, heavy armor and bearing weapons of various types, both lethal and non, burst into the room.  The members of the group did their best to run or hide, but it did nothing.  They were either too old to run, or carried burdens too heavy to run in.  Each of them was roughly and painfully brought down.  It was sheer fortune that none of the Obscurians needed to use their weapons.

               “Lithography, you traitor!” Calculus roared, even as his arms were wrenched back by one of the armed invaders.

               “First of all, my name is D-237.  And traitor?  I think not.  As far as I’m concerned, all of you are traitors to the state.  You all pursue knowledge, something expressly forbidden by the State.  For, as we all know, knowledge must be contained, lest it destroy us all.  You have broken that sacred law, and so shall be called traitors to all.  Goodbye, Calculus.  Such a shame I never learned your real name, but I suppose it doesn’t matter much.  After all, you won’t be around for much longer.”

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Yes, this is inspired by that high school English staple, Fahrenheit 451.  If you haven't read it yet (is that even possible these days?) I suggest you do.  It's a staple book for a reason, after all.