What happens if the Cleons have natural children?
In the sprawling universe of the "Foundation" series, a defining element of the Galactic Empire's governance structure has been the Genetic Dynasty of the Cleons. At the helm of this is Brother Day, the current ruling Cleon or Emperor of the Galaxy. In the meticulously designed succession process, he is flanked by Brother Dusk, his predecessor, and Brother Dawn, his successor-in-waiting. This system of rule by clones has held the Galactic Empire together for centuries, with the trio of rulers providing stability, continuity, and balance of power.
However, an unprecedented decision by Brother Day, during his rule as Cleon XVII, to bear natural children threatens to upend this centuries-long tradition. Let's delve deeper into the potential implications of this decision on the trifecta of power—Brother Day, Brother Dusk, and Brother Dawn.
Firstly, it's crucial to understand that the Genetic Dynasty was designed for clones to rule. These clones were not only physical replicas but were also conditioned to adopt the same traits, beliefs, and ruling styles of the original Cleon I. The decision of Cleon XVII to bear natural children brings unpredictability into this well-established system. Natural children will not be exact replicas of their predecessor and could potentially bring with them new philosophies, governing styles, and even controversial perspectives that might deviate from the guiding principles of the original Cleon. This could cause friction among the brothers and create a divergence in the path that the Galactic Empire has been following.
In the existing system, the relationship between Brother Day, Brother Dusk, and Brother Dawn is based on a particular hierarchy and mutual understanding. Brother Dusk advises Brother Day, while Brother Dawn learns from him. The introduction of a natural heir disrupts this equilibrium. A natural child, not bound by the clones' inherent sense of duty to maintain the status quo, could question the decisions of his father, challenge the advice of Brother Dusk, or refuse to mentor Brother Dawn, causing potential unrest in the Empire's governance.
Furthermore, Brother Day's decision implicitly challenges the very basis of the Genetic Dynasty's legitimacy—that the original Cleon I's ruling style is the ideal one, and that deviating from it would lead to instability. By expressing his desire to leave a natural legacy, Brother Day suggests a dissatisfaction with the cloning system. This sentiment, if picked up by the general population or the Empire's enemies, could destabilize the Empire's political foundation, leading to internal strife or external threats.
Additionally, the arrival of natural heirs might cause a power struggle within the Empire's ruling circle. Brother Dusk and Brother Dawn, recognizing the threat to their own positions, could resist the natural heirs' rise to power. Alternatively, Brother Day's natural children might themselves strive for greater authority, potentially resulting in a conflict that could weaken the Empire.
Finally, Brother Day's decision brings with it profound existential questions for Brother Dusk and Brother Dawn. If natural children are considered adequate, or even preferable, successors, what then is the purpose of Brother Dusk and Brother Dawn? This might lead to identity crises among the clones, and further, a dilution of the entire Empire's ideological foundation.
In conclusion, Brother Day's decision to have natural children potentially presents a seismic shift in the power dynamics within the Galactic Empire. The effects are likely to ripple through the Genetic Dynasty, challenging the centuries-old clone system's sanctity and shaking the empire's foundation. It will be fascinating to see how these complexities unfold as the series progresses, but one thing is certain - the Galactic Empire is on the cusp of a significant transformation.
