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OpenSees AMI
A Strong Response
25 May 2026 - Michael H. Scott
Whether it’s to soil by dragging through mud or to fish with a long line, I sometimes dabble in drabbles, or pieces of micro-fiction that are exactly 100 words long.
Empowered by Cyclops, the Emperors of OpenSees began making grand assertions on the strength of responses. Through repetition, the emperors hoped their assertions would become accepted truths across the realm. But was strength measured by tributes, subjects, or dominion? When pressed for evidence, the emperors fell ominously silent.
As time passed, would the subjects mistake the silence for wisdom rather than evasion? Would the emperors come down from the mountains to defend their claims, to respond with strength through the thwarting of dissent?
Alas, it was the emperors’ lack of response that was the strongest response in all the land.