RE: On the Eve of Decay

You sent me back to the books. If the name 'Horatio' is mere coincidence, then I am amused. If Horatio is intentional, then I am impressed. I choose to be impressed. It cannot be that this consequential name in English literature is serving coincidentally as a sounding board to the wizard as the end of existence (as is so far known) is contemplated.

there are more things in heaven and earth Horatio than are Dreamt of in your philosophy

So declares Hamlet to his loyal counselor and friend. And here we have in your story:

It couldn’t be. It was pure madness to Horatio. A fantastic vision of the future. Something he could never have dreamed of in his philosophy. No wonder the council rejected his master’s proposal. The implications were heretical.

You are a wonderful, clever writer, and I had fun tracing this. Thanks for another entertaining ride, @litguru.