2206 : Window Onto A New World Book I in The Threshold
Chapter II – Going For The One
By
Christopher Stewart ★ Bookcast Edition – March 2012
Copyright © 2012 by Christopher Stewart
★ All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
★ Bookcast Edition - March 2012
★ This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Chapter II
Going For The One
« Before choosing a counsellor, a disciple should always inquire so as to discover which aims their potential teacher is pursuing, and how these aims would be served by accepting them as a pupil. This simple precaution is apparently often overlooked. » – Excerpted from A Commentary on The Concise Guide to Channelling, 2nd Edition, by Councillor Isaac James, 2196
2206 : Window Onto A New World
II. Going For The One
II. Going For The One
J
ake Harvey had been a busy man for most of his adult life . Indeed, perhaps that was
why they called it business after all, reflected the tall blond tricenarian. While things had definitely become more bearable following his election as state representative in the Global Chamber, he had missed the freedom, the risk taking, and the excitement. But ever since the launch of the especially crucial campaign which would soon reach its inexorable culmination, he had reacquainted himself with the long hours and the exhilaration he had known in his glory days, when he had directed his own venture to tremendous success. The star candidate mused that if the political crusade was very demanding, his motivations were very strong. Possibly for the first time in over forty years, there was a real chance of removing the almighty Conservative Party from office and actually changing the Global Government. The last time any other formation had been in charge of the Federation, the Liberals in that specific instance, he had yet to be born, thus he had never known any other regime. Nonetheless, this time around he was standing right in the eye of the storm, as the New Light Party, of which he had recently become the chief, was in position to write a new chapter in the history of Ovelian politics as instigator of the first coalition to ever be entrusted with the reins of power. And as if the situation wasn't sufficiently stimulating already, his atypical and charismatic style was yielding impressive numbers in the polls, keeping him in the limelight as probable leader of the gathering. He could recognize the feeling, and he knew what it meant. He could legitimately aspire to be the next Chancellor. Walking around in the luxury executive suite he was just settling into for the weekend, the former businessman appreciated how gaining the few more seats his colleagues and him had won at the latest by-elections had impacted even his travelling arrangements. Having finally obtained the total of representatives required to be officially acknowledged as an opposition party, the Neolits had received the additional funding prescribed by law. Among the many improvements, it had brought significantly better lodging for the team as it visited the federated nations, and the living quarters he was now discovering were no exception. The spacious place was sparsely yet tastefully furnished and impeccably decorated in a fashion reminiscent of Western culture, sharply contrasting with some of the apartments he had seen after joining the organization, where looks had manifestly been deemed secondary. Prior to this achievement, in his budding career as a politician, the popular public figure had relinquished the opulence he had become familiar with as a self-made man. Given his considerable fortune, he could easily have afforded the lifestyle had he wanted to, still, it had always seemed more expedient to share the conditions of his cohorts. To a certain extent, he thus avoided disconnecting himself from the concerns of the people they were fighting for. But such rewards of a material nature The Threshold
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were obviously welcome, and in a sense necessary inasmuch as they constituted a form of payback for all the often unrequited efforts. However, he had learned that when he was not careful, too much comfort would generally drag him down to complacency, and complacency and fruition had never been compatible in his experience. The sobering thought reminded him that the day was not yet over, and so he headed back to the bedroom where he had left his universal device. –
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« Call Mistress Aeira ! » the tired tricenarian commanded to the handheld, picking it up as he sat on the edge of the bed, before letting himself fall back on the oversized mattress of his oversized room, resting the uDev on his chest and shutting his eyelids as he waited for the link to be established. « Good evening Jake ! » a feminine voice sounded from the communicator, « Jake ? Are you okay Jake ? » the caller repeated, worried, as a startled Harvey eventually opened his pale green eyes. « Huh ! Oh... evening Mistress Aeira » the candidate replied, appearing slightly confused as he lifted the small gadget over his face, « sorry, I think I might have slept for a moment there » he remarked, more surprised than embarrassed, « I'm so exhausted you wouldn't believe it » he commented as he straightened up and reflexively scratched his scalp and combed his longish blond hair with his fingers. « No problem Jake, I understand » the woman responded in a musical manner, « listen, I can't talk to you very much longer, friends are waiting for me for dinner » she promptly mentioned, « I'm getting ready to leave, I only have a few more minutes » she stressed, clearly in a hurry. « Oh ! » uttered the tall representative, « I'm sorry to disturb you then Mistress, I'll call again tomorrow » he respectfully apologized. « It's okay, Jake » ensured the white haired lady, « I know you're in town for the weekend and I'm guessing you'd like a special session with me while you're here » she perceptively hazarded, « I have room in my schedule in the afternoon » she proposed right away, « call me again tomorrow and we'll arrange a meeting » she lastly instructed in a warm tone. « Thanks ! » gratefully offered the Neolit chief, « you're very good Mistress ! » he carried on with an incredulous chuckle, « I'm looking forward to it... have a lovely evening ! » he cheerfully concluded. « Thanks dear ! You'll have one too ! » predicted the elder just before vanishing from the tiny screen.
The uplifted politician switched the device off and dropped it beside him on the bed as he let himself fall back once again. He couldn't explain why, but whenever he had the chance of talking to his spiritual mentor, even for the briefest of time, the exchange would energize him and recharge his optimism. That was part of the undeniable attractiveness of the mysterious woman, along with her uncanny vernal beauty, as she looked a lot younger than her advanced age otherwise suggested. He couldn't help but smile as he imagined how some of his cohorts would react if they were to learn he The Threshold
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was consulting her. Indeed, were it not for the fact that he had become aware of her work when he was a teenager, through the interest his mother had shown for the gifted lady at the time, he himself would probably have laughed at such an idea. His peaceful expression soon hardened into a frown as his handheld emitted its distinctive ring. He quickly picked it up, and the temporary tension subsided as he recognized the familiar features of Janice Gallagher. – –
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{ Ah ! Here comes today's unexpected development } the party leader supposed, « Janice ! » he answered in a upbeat voice. « Hey Jake ! » happily greeted the pretty blonde girl, « I've received a notification that our scientific adviser has arrived » she declared as she pushed her black framed glasses up on her nose, « the meeting will take place as planned tomorrow » she confirmed to the man who was only a few years older than her. « Excellent ! Thanks ! » acknowledged the candidate as he struggled to sit back up, more or less successfully conveying the enthusiasm he felt, « anything else ? » he immediately asked, still expecting another of the surprise news which had become the norm since the beginning of the campaign. « No, that's it for now ! » announced the dark blue eyed assistant, visibly amused, « looks like you're off until tomorrow morning ! » she chortled, knowing the apprehension her interlocutor was under. « What ? That's it ! Great ! » exclaimed the former businessman, raising his eyebrows in amazement, « thanks then Jan – oh wait, before I forget » he suddenly recalled, « please remind me to contact Mistress Aeira again first thing tomorrow morning » he requested politely, « she can receive me in the afternoon » the representative continued right away, « can we fit that into the agenda ? » he ultimately inquired. « Sure ! No problem Jake ! » confidently stated Gallagher as she withdrew her attention from her communication device and stared down at her notes, « we'll make some room ! » she cheerfully asserted after a short while, turning back to the gadget again and grinning, « I'll call her and we'll arrange something » she then submitted, once more replacing her spectacles. « Ah, excellent ! » agreed the politician, manifestly delighted by the proposition, « thanks again, and by the way, I'm very pleased with your work, you've been a real gem these past few weeks » he genuinely complimented her. « Oh... thank you Mister Harvey » hesitantly uttered the humble collaborator who hadn't anticipated the praise, « working with you is a real pleasure » she reciprocated following a brief, shy silence, evidently admirative, « thank you so much for this opportunity ! » she nervously reiterated, with sincere appreciation, clearly enjoying her privileged proximity to the charismatic public figure. « Don't mention it » reflexively replied the Neolit chief as he smiled back at his attractive attendant, « have a lovely evening and I'll see you tomorrow morning » he concluded in a friendly manner.
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« Sure ! First thing tomorrow ! » exuberantly concurred the employee before terminating the call.
Harvey slowly stood up and walked to the meeting room, to the table where he had left his files. The conversations had stimulated him and he mused that he wasn't as much physically tired as mentally jaded by the similarity of his days of crusading. Focusing on something else would certainly do him heaps of good. He searched the stack for a while, browsing through the documents pertaining to current issues. Having found what he was looking for, he sat down and reviewed the contents of the folder labelled GSA. { I can't believe it's happening... just like Aeira has foreseen } the party leader pondered, { this has to be that unprecedented golden opportunity } he recollected the soft voice of his gifted counsellor when she had predicted the event, { stable... less than five days away at its closest... no obvious threats... no nearby neighbours... seven times faster... can safely be crossed back and forth } he scanned the official outline of the federal agency. { If all that's in there is reliable, then our prayers have been answered } he thought, joining his hands behind his neck and stretching his back as he tilted his head and gazed at the ceiling, reflecting on the unfolding situation. However, the rare and only too fleeting moment of soothing peace had just begun when it was interrupted by a series of swift knocks on the main door. –
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« It's me, Jake ! » shouted Anthony Myers as he entered the apartment, proceeding from the hall to the lounge, not noticing how quiet the lofty executive suite was and thus seeing no reason to repress his excitement, « the weekly polls are in, and they're great ! You've got to see this ! » he enthusiastically announced. « Hey Anthony ! I'm in the conference room » loudly greeted the amused candidate after a slight, resigned delay, { this guy is great... insightful, efficient, always cheerful... no wonder we're doing this good... I hope he stays with us once the campaign is over } he then reckoned, « I was just wondering how on Ovel is it possible that the evening of a campaign day be so unusually quiet » he commented in jest, « and now I have my answer » the politician affirmed, pausing for effect, « it's not possible ! » he ultimately suggested with a chuckle.
The short, strong, dark brown eyed, grey haired campaign manager acknowledged the joke with a wide, sincere grin, as he reached the seat directly facing the rookie representative. – –
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« Would you like a recap ? » proposed the strategist in a calmer fashion as he pulled the chair and sat down. « Good idea ! » the Neolit chief gladly agreed, « I'm not sure I can remember last week's numbers » he shared, trying his best to recall the previous totals, but having a hard time concentrating. « Okay, just let me get them » the sexagenarian offered, leaning over to his right side to take out a few sheets of paper from his briefcase, « but first, I would just like to mention
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that in the Nationals, there's no worry » he assured with conviction, « you're still well in the lead, and you've even gained three points since last week » he happily noted, « you're at sixty-two, and the Liberal has lost four and is now down to twenty-four » the rugged adviser reported as he placed the first document on the table in front of his interlocutor so the other man could take a look at the figures, « as a matter of fact, all the party leaders are well ahead in their states, just like you are » he then pointed out, « even Ramsay ! I don't know how he does it » he declared, skeptical, « with an approval rate at an historical low of fourteen percent, he's still above fifty in the Nationals » remarked the competent expert, « unbelievable » he added as he nodded in the negative, genuinely incredulous. Except for lifting his eyes away from the data to glance at his guest, the former businessman didn't react at the emphatic statement, still considering the information he had just received.
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« So, you're doing really good » the political analyst went on, « and as I said, I don't see any reason for you to worry on the national front » he supportively reiterated, « chiefs rarely get defeated anyhow » he confidently asserted, halting briefly, « now, the Globals » the consultant resumed in a suspenseful manner, « believe me, you're going to love this » he hinted, smiling proudly and his eyes sparkling as he laid out two more printouts filled with columns of digits before Harvey who was still quietly reflecting on the news, « last week's numbers » the counsellor announced, « Conservatives first with sixty-four, a loss of one for the week and three total » he began, seeming indifferent, « Liberals in second place with twenty-nine, but a loss of four for them that week, and of six since the launch of the campaign » he stressed, not even peeking at the results he knew by heart, « we had gained two that week, and five since the dissolution of the Chamber, and we were third with twenty-one » Myers reminded his heedful candidate, « the Traditionalists had gained one for a total of seven, the Greens, four for a total of six, and the Children Of Ovel hadn't regained their only seat » he quickly enumerated, not much preoccupied about the other formations. « Yes, I remember » the rookie politician sedately responded, motioning with his head to signify his acknowledgement, « pretty good polls » he commented, evidently satisfied. « They sure were » readily concurred the sexagenarian, « and the best is yet to come » he suggested before taking an instant to breathe, « if the Coalition had been in existence that week » he introduced the next series of statistics, « the totals would have been, sixty-four for the Conservatives, fifty-six for the Coalition, and seven for the remaining parties, with an undecided rate of about five percent » the strategist summarized, « I'm simply adding up last week's numbers here » he explained the provenance of the scores.
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« Now » repeated the expert, once more pausing to inhale deeply, « this week's Globals » he carried on with conspicuous delight, finally reaching the climactic portion of his report, « after the announcement of the creation of the Coalition » he slowly accentuated the first preposition, « Conservatives, still in the lead, but short of a majority with only sixty-one states » the adviser pointed out in a cheerful tone, « the Coalition, second with a total of sixty » he triumphantly declared, grinning widely as he stared in the eyes of his host to weigh his reaction, « and the other parties, six – but get this » he immediately prompted, « the undecided rate is of no less than eighteen percent ! » he lastly remarked, apparently still shocked at the surprisingly substantial ratio. « Wow ! » eventually exclaimed the jubilant public figure, savouring the moment for a few more seconds, « that's amazing ! » he emphatically stated, stunned as he considered the implications, « we've had a tremendous impact ! » he observed, gradually uplifted as he imagined the new political landscape. « You bet ! » enthusiastically confirmed the confident campaign manager, « our strategy seems to be working » he mentioned happily, « had we waited after the election to join forces, chances are the numbers would have been much closer to last week's totals, despite the favourable trends » he hazarded, appraising the situation for a short while, « people seem to like the idea of knowing prior to the vote that's there's going to be a Coalition » he submitted, visibly pleased by the thought, « and it seems they can believe in it – » « They are clearly supporting it » briefly interrupted the star candidate. « And what I personally find meaningful is the undecided rate » the counsellor added, « at eighteen something is definitely moving » he asserted with conviction, « it seems many voters have been knocked out of a rut by our announcement, and now they must rethink what they'll do on election day » he expressed his plausible take on the results, « and if that's true then we can suppose many of them will seek out more information before they decide which boxes they check » the rugged consultant reasoned, « what it all boils down to is that we now have their attention » he ultimately proposed, { it's very important that you accept this view, Jake } he reckoned, anticipative. « That's very interesting, Anthony » responded the leader of the Neolits following some deliberation, « I really like how you interpret this » he commented, nodding in approval. { Good ! } rejoiced the sexagenarian, « we've been successful in making the electors listen to us » he resumed his argumentation, « now we can tell them what it is we want to do » he maintained, revealing the next step in his strategy, « the coming weeks are going to be determining » the analyst predicted, « if we score big, we take the lead, and this far in the race the Conservatives won't have enough time to react » he suggested as resolutely as he could, { agree to this Jake... agree now } he eagerly hoped. « Makes sense to me » replied the representative after an absorbed silence, still perusing the sheets of data in front of him, solidifying the picture that the other had painted in his mind before finally looking up and smiling at him.
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{ Excellent ! We're all set ! } deemed a gratified Myers, « now for the dessert cart » he went on with a restrained grin, « who do Ovelians see as their next Chancellor ? » he declared in the most serious tone his ebullient voice could produce, « Ramsay may do well at home, but globally he isn't even in the top five anymore » the cheerful expert began, « and even Bauer is ahead of him now » he noted, amused. « And it's about time ! » Harvey exclaimed, partial to the chief of the Greens, { calm down Jake, stay in control } he intended, worrying about how the loudness of his reaction might be received « it's a wonder he stayed on there for so long given the state his little friends and him have put our world in » he remarked in a more contained manner. « You can say that again » concurred the skilled adviser, { the plan is working... don't shy away now Jake } he mused, optimistic, « but more to the point, you and Rogers are now practically neck and neck in the top spot » he stressed, staring attentively at the eyes of the politician. « What ? » immediately answered the surprised candidate, { wow ! Chancellor ! } he first exulted, unable to hide his satisfaction and reflexively covering his mouth with his right hand as he considered the news, { better keep a straight face now Jake } he then decided, not wanting to appear overly confident. { Great, he's loving it } quietly observed the delighted campaign manager, « you've heard me right ! » he happily confirmed, « you've gained two places since the announcement » he emphasized, clearly pleased, « you're trailing Rogers by only a few tenths of a percent, which is far less than the margin of error of the poll » asserted the sexagenarian, « that's another eloquent indicator of the relevancy of our plan » he mentioned proudly, « many voters have ears only for the Conservatives and the Liberals » he then hinted, laying the ground for the upcoming point, « it's just as if they've been conditioned to filter out third parties candidates » the counsellor carried on, his interlocutor soundlessly expressing his approval, « but now they acknowledge we exist, and many of them seem to have noticed you » he persuasively delivered the supportive comment before pausing for effect, « and it seems they've especially liked your speech during the broadcast » he continued his praise, « your overall performance was much stronger than what Rogers offered, and the Liberals sorely needed him to do a lot better » figured the political analyst, « but that speech was a piece of anthology ! » he enthusiastically told the charismatic blond, { Rogers doesn't have what it takes to be Chancellor, but you clearly do, boy } he ultimately reflected. « Well... thank you, Anthony » the former businessman respectfully responded, genuinely humble, { he looks like he really means it } he thought, not yet at ease with the compliment, « coming from you, it means a lot... I'm flattered » he proceeded, admirative, well aware of the experience of his guest, { wow... this is really becoming a reality, just as Mistress Aeira has predicted } he recalled in amazement. « You know, Jake » the strategist began after a while, « there are a lot of people out there who want a lot of things » he declared in a solemn voice, « small things... great things... love, money, success, fame, you name it ! » he enumerated with a knowing, almost cynical
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grin, « but many of them spend years on end desiring those things and at the same time despising those who have them, or being jealous of them » the rugged man passionately noted, « just like the many who dream of winning the lottery while suspecting those who are rich of the worst crimes » he cited in example, « or those who enjoy when celebrities have misfortunes, as if their renown somehow justified it » he further remarked, « they don't realize that in doing so, they're nurturing a prejudiced relationship to the object of their desire, which ultimately is what prevents them from obtaining it » the consultant insisted, « they want to have things they consider are not okay to have ! » he exclaimed, chuckling as if he were stating the obvious, stopping for a moment to let the words sink in, « and you know what ? » he resumed in a more sedate manner, « you my friend don't have to worry about any of this » he proposed, somewhat paradoxically, « you're not one of them » the clever adviser finally ensured, indubitably resolute. « I don't know what to say » the astonished party leader eventually replied following a few seconds of utter speechlessness, before chortling off the tension, « thank you again Mister Myers » he gratefully added, taking another instant to appreciate the unexpected display of trust, and then inhaling loudly, « okay... what's next now ? » he wondered, as calmly as he could, hoping to appear well in control despite his exhilaration. « Hmm... that's enough for tonight » the campaign manager considerately assessed as he looked down to his right and picked up his briefcase, « I'll let you digest all that, and we'll meet whenever possible tomorrow to discuss strategy » he suggested in an authoritative fashion, « but one thing leaves no doubt, the iron is hot, and now it's up to us to strike it into shape ! » he concluded as he stood up, { that should do it, let him process this first, and we'll see how he feels tomorrow } he mused with a smile. « Sounds like a plan ! » approved the star candidate, also rising to walk his counsellor to the exit, « I could use a good night's sleep » he mentioned, stretching his back and arms and yawning as he did, both men bursting into laughter at the coincidence, « let's discuss this over breakfast with the team » he submitted soon after, as they reached the hall. « Fine with me ! » Myers cheerfully concurred, nodding to his chief and promptly leaving the suite, { history in the making } he reflected optimistically as he closed the door of the apartment behind him and headed towards the elevator.
Harvey was too tired to be ecstatic, yet too excited to sleep, so he returned to the meeting area to get his uDev. –
« Wake me up at six » the rookie representative commanded the handheld as he grabbed it, « and only take calls from Janice until then » he stressed after a brief hesitation, « oh, and boil some water » he lastly ordered.
Upon hearing the confirmation, the tricenarian switched the device off and put it back on the table. Loosening his tie as he went to the bedroom, he undressed to his underwear, and donned his The Threshold
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meditation robe, fascinated by the prospect of the New Light Party yielding the balance of power, and him being in charge of the Progressive Coalition. Basking in the possibilities as his mind wandered through the ramifications, he entered the kitchenette, took the automatic kettle, poured the boiling liquid into a clean mug, dropped in a pouch of decaf chai tea, and proceeded to the lounge. Once in there, the tall politician selected a stiff pillow and set it in the center of the room, the largest of the suite, on the superbly woven Middle Western rug which enlivened the whole area with its vividly coloured symmetrical patterns. « Bye bye Mister Ramsay ! » the charismatic public figure uttered in an amused, mocking, slightly hushed voice, pondering the future, « your time is up ! » he chuckled musically. Coming back into the kitchenette, the former businessman opened the fridge and grabbed a small cup of vanilla flavoured yogurt, which he swiftly unsealed and avidly emptied in a few hungry spoonfuls while keeping an eye on his hot beverage. He then washed his spoon at the sink, dried the utensil with a dishcloth, and took the jar of cocoa from the cupboards. Removing the teabag from the steaming liquid, he discarded it in the container of yogurt resting on the counter. He stirred a touch of the delicious brown powder in the drink, and hastened back to the improvised meditation space. Gulping about a third of the tasty concoction before bending down to pose his mug on the rug beside the pillow, he then sat on the cushion in half lotus position. Legs crossed, palms joined, and head and back straight, he focused his gaze on the bottom of the wall that stood four meters or so in front of him, marking the boundary between the rectangular room and the hall. Tranquil, he remained there, simply noticing mentations and sensations as they flew by. Eventually, after clearing his throat and increasing the intensity of his breathing, he began to chant. « Prasarati Bhagavaan Balavaan » the star candidate intoned, pausing to inhale and exhale deeply for about a minute following each vocalization. After repeating the cycle a number of times, the party leader felt a potent presence that slowly uplifted him, and he recognized the experience. { Good Jake, good, stay concentrated now } he thought, the mantra resounding in his psyche, gradually fading with each echo, soon to be replaced by a soft yet confident masculine baritone timbre. – – – – –
{ « Jake, tell me what can I do for you ? » } asked the immaterial counsellor. { Good Jake, good } rejoiced the tricenarian, { you know my situation Bhagavaan, you know my aims wise one, please advise me } he silently responded. { « I know you seek power, young one, I know why you seek power, young one, I can help you gain what you want, young one » } replied the disembodied guide an instant later. { The power I seek is not for my own profit, Bhagavaan } Harvey immediately ensured. { « I see your motivations, young one, better than you see them yourself, and that's why my
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help I avail to you » } submitted the unseen entity following another delay. { I am grateful for your help, Bhagavaan } signified the representative, { please advise me } he quietly requested. { « The path you have chosen is the right path, young one, do not doubt that it will lead to the desired destination » } answered the incorporeal being in a comforting manner, { « don't let anyone lead you astray » } the spirit then instructed. { Good Jake, keep going now } the politician willed, joyful, { I am grateful for your help, wise one } he sincerely reiterated, { please reveal me more } he entreated again. { « In time, young one, in time » } promised the authoritative voice, { « for now, know that your adviser will protect you » } it enigmatically concluded, casting doubt in the mind of the suppliant. { do you mean Aeira ? } briefly wondered the former businessman, slightly confused, before resuming the process, { I am grateful for your protection, B... } but his appreciative intent quickly receded as the supernal presence swiftly vanished, { excellent Jake, even better than last time } he ultimately reflected as he regained awareness of his surroundings.
The Neolit chief stayed there, sitting on the cushion in the middle of the area for some more time, until the effects of the inspiring occurrence had completely subsided. Extending his legs to relax them, he let out another yawn. « Okay, time for bed, Jake ! » the charismatic blond chuckled. The candidate turned to his right to grab his tea, quaffed some more of it, and put the warm beverage back to the side of his seat. He stood up, stretched his arms for a moment, grinned, and bent down to pick up the pillow and the drink. He tossed the cushion towards the recliner upon which he had taken it, and headed to the kitchenette. Therein, he emptied the mug in the sink, rinsed it, and left it on the counter with the spoon. Stopping in the conference space to take his device, he finally went into the bedroom where he removed his robe and hastened under the covers. « Shutdown the suite » the party leader commanded his uDev as he switched it on, all the lights in the apartment going off in rapid succession, and the door locking audibly, { seven new messages } he thought, reading the bright screen, « and they'll wait until tomorrow Mister Harvey » he uttered aloud in a self-disciplining tone, « you need this early night » he remarked as he muted the communicator and threw it to the other side of the oversized bed, before laying himself down to sleep.
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About the Series
A
t the turn of the century, Ovel must face the consequences of its accelerated growth. One
hundred and twenty seven federated countries and eleven sovereign nations, spread across the homeland and in colonies settled onboard orbiting stations and on a nearby planet. Fourteen billion inhabitants struggling to thrive under the rule of a corrupted Global Government, in power for over forty years. Fuelled by a recent scientific finding, the once in a lifetime discovery of a discontinuity in the cosmic fabric of the neighbouring space, a coalition of politicians is willing to stand up for the people and radically change things. Now relegated to the ranks of an obscure sect, the once dominant Community and its disciples must effectively handle the requirements of the Celestials to ensure that the most favourable of all possible destinies comes to pass. Meanwhile, halfway across the world, a young monk must learn to collaborate with the Enlightened Ones in order to successfully discharge the essential task he has accepted to fulfil in behalf of his monastery. Will the crucial 2206 electoral campaign climax on the emergence of a charismatic Progressive leader, or will the decried Chancellor prevail despite the many forces scheming for his downfall ? On a background of environmental and financial crises, and religious influences intertwining with political manoeuvres to determine the fate of the overpopulated orb, The Threshold chronicles the evolution of the Ovelian civilization as it heads towards unprecedented upheaval.
★ Contact Facebook Profile : https://www.facebook.com/the.threshold.2206 Google Plus Profile : https://plus.google.com/u/0/104660427672333556879
★ The Complete Edition of The Threshold - 2206 : Window Onto A New World is available in the following locations Kindle Format on Amazon ePub Format on Lulu
About the Author
C
hristopher Stewart loves to try his hand at various artistic endeavours, but if there's one discipline he's perfecting, it must be the art of blooming late.
He has studied for a long time, played football even longer, spent a significant part of his adult life developing software on a full-time basis and invested what remained in the pursuit of his ideal of creating meaningful music in the context of a rock ensemble. He has founded the prolific yet still album-less Quebec-based progressive rock outfit Poligraf in 1998 and has never been quite the same since. He has been practising Buddhism dead-seriously since the mid 90s, until he finally awakened to the fact that it teaches living happiness. His interests range from psychology, physics, and philosophy, to mysticism, divination, the arts and the creative process, and, obviously, multitasking and clichés. Pick any task, tag it with the word « impossible, » assign it to him, and he’ll be hard at work for years before the first suspicion finally pops in his mind.
★ Contact Email : christopher.stewart@gmail.com Facebook Profile : https://www.facebook.com/christopher.andrew.stewart Google Plus Profile : https://plus.google.com/114005406455037130049 Twitter Profile : https://twitter.com/poligraf
★ Also Available as eBooks On the Meaning of Sin
Credits Chapter Titles The titles are meant as a tribute to the musicians. Special thanks to the members of Yes for their musical genius, and to Jon Anderson in particular for sharing his vision with the world. Fonts Linux Libertine : http://www.linuxlibertine.org/ Vollkorn : http://friedrichalthausen.de/ Philosopher : http://jovanny.ru/ BorisBlackBoxx : http://manfred-klein.ina-mar.com/ Quirkus : http://www.peter-wiegel.de/ Ubuntu : http://font.ubuntu.com/ Liberation : from the Fedora Linux Distribution : http://fedoraproject.org/ Images ESO : ESO-Ring-shaped-Nebula-phot-34a-04 imuttoo : Kachidokibashi Bridge and Sumida River at Night Software Open Office : http://www.openoffice.org/ FreeMind : http://freemind.sourceforge.net/ The Timeline Project : http://thetimelineproj.sourceforge.net/ Gimp : http://www.gimp.org/ Blender : http://www.blender.org/ References Most of my book design questions have found an answer on Joel Friedlander's The Book Designer : http://www.thebookdesigner.com/
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