Tomorrow Will Be Soon Enough

The simplest deception is often the most devastating.

In a shadowed chamber at the edge of eternity, Satan contemplated humanity in weary silence. Flickering embers cast unsettling shapes on ancient walls, illuminating countless past attempts to corrupt the hearts of mortals.

Quietly, deliberately, he addressed the gathering of his closest advisors, each cloaked in subtle gloom.

“The heart of man still resists. I grow tired of watching virtue slip through our grasp. It is time to find a new strategy. Bring me your proposals, and he who can best tempt mankind will sit in my throne and wield my entire powers for a full day.”

The first figure stepped forward, eyes glinting like polished obsidian. His tone was soft and measured, rich with the promise of inevitable ruin.

“I propose we offer humanity infinite wealth. Seduce them with the promise of endless abundance. Man will scoff at virtue when he is swimming in endless wealth and luxury.”

Satan said nothing. He simply glared at his underling with brute contempt.

“Have you learned nothing under my tutelage? Wealth is indeed alluring, and it is true that some men all too easily succumb to this vice. But all too often, one or two of those despicable creatures finds greater joy in rejecting riches. This causes a chain reaction of wholesale rejection of the love of lucre among humanity, and soon enough, even our loyal servants who do love it must hide their love lest they be ostracized by their fellow man.

“This tactic is, at best, marginally effective, and it shall not be mentioned in this hearing again.”

Another devil came forward, bowed reverently toward his master, and said, “Sire, wealth alone is not enough to completely corrupt mankind. This is why we must empower them with unlimited authority. Promise absolute control over their fellow beings. Power will erode their virtues gently, steadily, until only despotism remains.”

Satan paused, thoughtfully examining the second advisor.

“Power is indeed persuasive, but limited in its efficacy for our purposes. History reveals those who relinquish power voluntarily, clinging stubbornly to ideals greater than themselves. This in turn backfires on us time and time again.

“No. We must devise a new way to permanently corrupt mankind, and this time without the obvious enticements of money and influence.”

A third figure emerged from the shadows. The figure exuded no sense of urgency. His manner was restrained, yet unsettlingly assured.

“Your Majesty, these two speak with authority, yet without regard for the consequences of these actions. They say these things because they secretly crave wealth and power themselves.

“I will tell you now that which, if administered correctly, will drain mankind of virtue. This will slowly but surely turn them away from the ways of our mortal enemy into helpless slaves to do our bidding.”

The chamber was deathly silent. No devil dared utter a word nor breathe an audible breath.

Satan, the Lord of Darkness, approached this third figure.

“So you have devised a plan wherein we may permanently place a chasm between mankind and the virtues which all too often foil our plans for eternal destruction.

“Do tell.”

“It is one simple word, Your Majesty.

“Tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Tomorrow.

“We will whisper into the hearts of mankind that they will do good…tomorrow. They will summon the inexhaustible power from our enemy, which will enable them to overcome our power…tomorrow. They will show charity toward their neighbor…tomorrow.

“Plant within them the subtle belief that there is always tomorrow. Convince them quietly, persistently, to postpone action, virtue, and goodness.

“Time itself will rob them silently, inevitably, of everything they could have become.”

A deep silence filled the chamber, heavier than ever before.

Satan slowly raised his head, his gaze fixed upon the third advisor. Then he nodded with grim approval.

“Our comrade is correct. The simplest deception is often the most devastating. Delay is subtle poison, invisible yet lethal. It is humanity’s greatest enemy.”

With a single silent gesture, Satan rose, stepped aside, and permitted the subtle figure to take his place upon the ancient throne.

The gathered darkness silently bowed, recognizing their new master, whose quiet victory would echo through eternity, delivered with the whispered promise:

“Tomorrow…

“Tomorrow will be soon enough.”