Beacon

An original satirical tale from the Orange King’s kingdom.

For “Beacon,” I drew Stephen the Anglerfish, keeper of the royal light and a compelling argument against judging anything by its advertised purpose.

The light promises safety and opportunity. Stephen waits beneath it with his mouth open. The Orange King calls this an efficient arrangement.

Stephen’s family had once followed a light to safety themselves. Now comfortably established, he spends his days explaining why everyone behind them should have stayed where they were.

Occasionally, someone mentions his family’s journey. Stephen considers this irrelevant. They were seeking a better life. These newcomers are apparently up to something.

I’ve read Jean Guerrero’s Hatemonger, so my opinion of the spiteful little creep behind this particular fish wasn’t formed over a few unpleasant headlines. The more I learned about him, the more thoroughly I despised him. Calling him a bottom-feeder feels unfair to things doing useful work on the ocean floor.

There’s something especially disgusting about inheriting the benefits of refuge and deciding your contribution will be making it harder for the next family. What a vindictive little shit to emerge from someone else’s chance at a decent life.

I gave him plenty of teeth and one small light. Enough to attract hope, with very little room to accommodate it.

The Orange King is delighted with the appointment. Complaints from approaching travellers have fallen considerably since Stephen started eating the messengers.