One of the most fascinating creations in The Common Man series is the Milky Guards—celestial enforcers of a hidden order that governs all human life. These beings are not just guardians; they are symbols of a system designed to keep humanity in the dark. But who are they, really?
Origins of the Milky Guards
The Milky Guards were formed in the early days of cosmic time, created by the Council to ensure the successful enforcement of the Sorting. Their name evokes images of galactic purity and celestial vigilance. They don’t just patrol the universe—they carry out delicate operations, intervening subtly in human lives to make sure no one strays too far from their path.
Power and Purpose
The Guards are powerful, but not omnipotent. They follow strict instructions from the Council, executing interventions only when the Sorting is threatened. Whether it’s nudging someone toward a decision or erasing memories, they act with chilling precision. Their purpose is simple: maintain order. But this purpose often puts them at odds with the very concept of human freedom.
Symbols of Order and Fear
To the Council, the Milky Guards are heroes. To those who cross their path—like Sean and Paul—they are something else entirely: enforcers of a lie. Their presence in the narrative raises a moral dilemma. Are they evil, or are they just fulfilling their duty? That ambiguity is part of what makes them so compelling. Readers are left to wonder: If the world is orderly, but at the cost of freedom, is it worth it?
The Guards vs. Free Will
The Milky Guards are central to the novel’s question: Is free will real, or a beautifully maintained illusion? As the story unfolds, their interventions become increasingly desperate and extreme. The closer Sean and Paul get to the truth, the more forcefully the Guards try to stop them. Their struggle becomes the story’s most powerful metaphor: the lengths to which power will go to preserve itself.
