The Xenian Alliance took pains to understand new joiners. For difficult questions audiovisual multiple choice material was provided.
- Absolute morality. Created and hive species. – Material showing a self-replicating garbage-disposal creature. Its only reaction to “Garbage can stay here” was “This unit is faulty.”
- Consequentialism. Hybrid species, i.e. machines evolved through learning. “Trying to achieve the Good.”
- Relativism. Early social species. “Live and let live.” “To each his own.”
- Non-violence, embracing need-based mediation over moralising. Advanced species with a concept of ecological systems. “Everyone is always doing their best.“
What could she say?
Humanity is … Divided?
* * *
T. Mastgrave’s philosophical story challenge: moral absolutism vs. moral relativism. After some suggestions, I tried a rewrite.
* * *
– You can’t say?
– No.
– That is impossible. You must believe:
A) What is good is absolute.
B) What is good is relative to the society you live in.
or C) What is good must be determined by need-based mediation from case to case.
– We’re divided.
– Divided? The librarian’s voice rose in a whine. How can that be?
After the interview, the librarian needed to recharge his batteries. Cataloguing the attributes and beliefs of the Members of the Xenian Alliance was a draining task. He plugged himself into the outlet.
These humans! They confirmed all his suspicions about water-based species.
Unreliable.
Stray Thoughts 
This is interesting, but I think it needs more context. There isn’t any clear characterization (something that you’re generally good at) or development, and this leaves it feeling very random and unformed.
Yes, I agree. I wanted to stick to the 100 words, and after stating the positions, there weren’t too many words left over for character or development. I may try a rewrite or a longer story on the subject.
I really appreciate your comments, as I am trying to improve.
If you do go for something longer, I think it would be good to give more of an introduction. The end gives a little character to the piece, but the beginning feels extremely abrupt.
Thanks for the suggestions. I’ve added a second attempt.
I like the second attempt better. It still feels a little abrupt at the beginning, but as a whole it has more character and is more understandable.
Thanks. I really appreciate your taking the time to help, especially when you’re busy.