At the front of Lost Cactus – The Second Treasury, an epigraph page highlights three quotes summarizing Lost Cactus in three parts: freedom, science, and humor. The first is a quote by Cato the Younger reflecting a pithy case for freedom and liberty. The second is by Albert Einstein on what constitutes reality and scientific thought. And the third quote is from none other than Cato the Alien, representing wit and humor.
While brainstorming names for the cast of characters, I came across Cato, immediately pairing it with the Lost Cactus’ resident alien. The acronym for ‘Catastrophe at Take Off.’ was an added bonus. (My Cato crashes his share of ships, sometimes on purpose.) The connection to Cato the Younger followed. The Roman troublemaker was a rebel in his day, grating Caesar and official Rome similar to my alien bucking the bureaucrats on the classified base in the middle of the desert.
Whoever would overthrow the Liberty of a Nation, must begin by subduing Freedom of Speech… Without Freedom of Thought, there can be no such Thing as Wisdom; and no such Thing as publick Liberty, without Freedom of Speech…
Cato the Younger
Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.
Albert Einstein
In space. there are no happy meals.
Cato the Alien