The Tarot Reader
The gift that was to feel the skeins of the universe running ... along all of her into ever fine filaments and out to the winds on her skin—she held lightly. Metal Dogs - Chapter 1
The gift that was to feel the skeins of the universe running through her vagus nerve—deep in organs and bone marrow, along all of her into ever fine filaments and out to the winds on her skin—she held lightly.
Chapter 1. The Tarot Reader
The reader spread out the cards amidst tinkles of laughter from behind her shining veil. She would sometimes widen her eyes for effect, but she really did know things.
She could feel the whiteness of her grin as the golden women who came to her saw their cards laid out on the table by her graceful brown fingers.
But she was humble too. The gift that was to feel the skeins of the universe running through her vagus nerve—deep in organs and bone marrow, along all of her into ever fine filaments and out to the winds on her skin—she held lightly. When the message came in, the scar on her face burned clean, as sharp as the knife from this boyhood wounding.
The golden women, celebrities who sparked screens and speakers and made millions, could see the very tip of white blaze against her cheekbone above her face covering. But they knew not to ask. Or they were afraid, in awe of their prophet.
The day would come when she removed the veil and let them see the consequences of her youth on the streets, of bondage, of unchecked dominance in a crazed empire on the verge of collapse. It was then that she ceased telling them of love and wealth.
She spoke of garbage.
The divine feminine was turning her back on the Emperor, the Hierophant, and on all the kings, of fire and armor, of abundance and of blood, old structures.
It is time to go, she told them. And this is how.
NEXT CHAPTER
Metal Dogs is the preface of my historical sci fi world building project Dido Lives. The aspiration is to use science fiction storytelling to envision new arrangements of power for our planet, arrangements that are socially and environmentally just. Arrangements that support a livable existence for all.
Secondly, this project constructs a context for science fiction writing – mine and yours should you choose to play in this world with me. I understand that there are so many great opportunities to collaborate with other writers. But I welcome friends who want to create their own episode for this space opera.
I will be sharing each chapter of this 19 chapter preface here on Mavis Strife over the next few months. I welcome friendly feedback. I am a trained historian who reads a lot of science. So feedback could really help me improve this project.
If you are interested in seeing all of this project at once, navigate to my Dido Lives blog or to the Table of Contents for the project.. This site offers a narrative, Metal Dogs, in which the main characters plan a multi-ship ark system for preserving Earth from the current climate crisis.
We see them leave Earth in Chapter 17.
I am currently writing a three part series of novels set in this world.
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Thank you! and Enjoy!