2206 : Window Onto A New World Book I in The Threshold
Chapter III – Togetherness
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 III
Togetherness
« (...) and sometimes, in reaching for a vision, we have to do things we otherwise wouldn't do... we don't want to do them because it seems unthinkable that we, of all people, would do such things... still, we find ourselves in the situation where we seemingly have no more choice... in fact, we actually made that decision earlier, when we first set out on the journey... but the good news is that it is only our will that is tested... the Celestials only want to see how committed we are... and with that realization the decisions become easy... we just stay committed, always, and the Celestials extend their help, always (...) » – Excerpted from a transcript of Aeira's Sermon to the Community, Triton Aeolus, 51.4.2206
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III. Togetherness
S
ophia Weber had become a much sought-after lady . The once maligned, derided, and
lonely young woman had grown into a confident individual, a celebrity of sorts, recognized and applauded worldwide. But only those who knew about her difficult past could truly appreciate how she had earned the good fortune that was now hers. Even at that, for those who had solely known her prior to her spectacular transformation, giving up on her too soon, her mature persona and the status that stemmed from it seemed to have been thrust upon her by some all-powerful benevolent entity. And paradoxically enough, she would probably have been the first to argue that, in a sense at least, they were right. The wise elder had understood a long time ago that, for the sake of being at peace with herself and her universe, to retain her sanity and preserve her integrity, it was essential for her to admit and own her supernatural gifts, as others were calling her prescience. Despite the ensuing ostracization, and the hurtful insinuations, accusations, and insults it frequently attracted her, she had gradually foregone all attempts at pretence, and decided instead to fully bloom into the spiritual adviser that she had always felt was latent within her. All the learning and the unlearning, the letting go and the holding on, the agonizing and the healing, the avoiding and the allowing, the seer had accepted to undergo, knowing intuitively that there were no other ways leading to the progress she needed. Having her civil name legally changed, moving to a huge new city, a megapolis in fact, on a new continent, leaving her relatives and almost all of her possessions behind, or waiting forever for the perfect apartment to be available, those had only been the external aspects of a much more fundamental shift. And none of that had represented troublesome issues for her. She had even painstakingly renewed her wardrobe, a few items at a time, whenever luck had permitted her to find a sufficiently close match to one of the pieces of clothing or accessories she had seen in the numerous, detailed visions of her future self. To ensure that everyone could know the person she had witnessed developing inside of her, to become that woman, she had consented to all these necessary steps. And each one of them, however daunting or insignificant on the surface, had reflected an inner improvement, echoing the elimination of part of the impalpable wall which had impeded the attainment of her dream for most of her life. As consequences of her brave choices, contempt and anxiety had nearly completely vanished from the reality of the prophetess, and rejection had slowly relinquished its place to admiration, and even adoration at times, which she had deemed quite scary in the beginning. In offering her unique services to the world, she had opened the doorway to her becoming one of the most influential and respected soothsayers on all of Ovel. By constantly summoning the courage to remain true to herself against all odds, and through countless overwhelming and occasionally apparently insurmountable The Threshold
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obstacles, Aeira had effectively taken herself out of the miserable existence that Sophia Weber had always suffered so acutely, and discovered the genuine meaning of being alive. { And I'm one of the privileged few who knows her true story } Bernard Sturn mused in gratitude, staring at the uncommonly beautiful and barely wrinkled septuagenarian as she passionately and yet patiently expounded her positions on the sorely required reforms to the global Ovelian sociopolitical organization. He was fascinated by how, apart perhaps from the colour of her hair, she looked a lot younger than her age, and indeed more like women his age. He observed that the vernal quality of her grace was even more pronounced when she would don more everyday garments, if the concept could apply to the singularly distinctive attires she would habitually wear on unofficial outings. But whether she were garbed in the formal robes which had become somewhat of her trademark, or in less conventional apparels, he was rarely indifferent to her charm. Listening more or less attentively to the lady defend her views in response to the seemingly never-ending critiques, arguments, and general cynicism of their longtime friend Aaren Mayr, the scientist was suddenly startled by what felt like the foot of one of his companions tapping against his. Coming back from his reverie, he quickly glanced at his three tablemates and noticed that the other man was making an amused face at him, as if to prompt him to be more heedful to the conversation. Subtly grinning in acknowledgement, the scholar straightened his back, thinking he should make an effort to enjoy the only too infrequent presence of some of his favourite people, as they sat in their favourite restaurant in the entire universe, Briskin's. The pundit reckoned that the picturesque diner, which not so coincidentally was owned and operated by a once famous politician, Old Man Briskin as he was called by most of his customers and acquaintances, had not changed much in the last thirty years or so. Its variegated decor was funky, in the worst possible sense, and so was how it smelled sometimes, yet the food was peerless, in the best possible sense. Nowhere else could the quartet meet publicly without attracting unwanted curiosity towards themselves. However, what made Briskin's so exceptional was its location, as in one way or another, the disadvantaged neighbourhood held a special significance to the four of them. Sturn and Mayr had grown up in the district, and as a young adult Olivia Romero had moved to the quarter that had played such an important role in her own development, ultimately turning her into what she had now become. To a certain extent, even Aeira was its child as this was where she had chosen to settle after leaving her hometown behind, along with pretty much her whole existence, to begin her proper life. If Sophia Weber had existed on the old continent, it had been in the heart of Triton Aeolus that Aeira had started living. The doctor of physics couldn't help but imagine that many a columnist would have had a riot entering the uninviting and undersized eatery, and stumbling upon the four casually dressed notables sharing banquettes and meals as they reminisced over the past and discussed current events. To the delight of the lucky reporters, they would have encountered, sitting together, gathered in only a few square meters, an illustrious Veshtari space engineer, researcher, and scientific consultant, one of the The Threshold
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highest ranking elected deciders of the Alliance of Sovereign Nations, who also was one of the most read economic analysts on the global network, the Chief Environmental Adviser of Neo Apollonia, formerly a well-known activist, and a celebrity soothsayer. At a time when the planetary situation was delicate, impaired by issues of overpopulation, alarmingly escalating crime rates, global financial crisis, and life-threatening environmental crisis, chroniclers yearning for a juicy story would already have received the extraordinary sight as a golden occasion. Still, in the midst of an historical federal campaign, and merely a few days after an unprecedented, once in a lifetime discovery in the vicinity of Ovel, any commentator seeking to feed the rumour mill would have regarded the unlikely scene as nothing short of a dream come true. But Old Man Briskin knew how to keep his place journalist-free, mused the project manager. The popular, malicious ones, tended to avoid dives such as the one the retired politician had carefully cultivated over the years, and his thorough experience of media relations enabled him to easily spot the more adventurous others. Silently thanking the proprietor of his preferred table for preserving their privacy, the renowned expert then finally became mindful again of the debate his companions were embroiled in. –
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« Of course it would be a very good measure, if it could be implemented » Mayr argued with earnest intensity, stressing the conditional, « and I have no doubt that a majority of representatives would agree too » he readily conceded, « but it would never get past the two chambers, and even less get implemented, because it's not economically viable... it's as plain and simple as that » he lastly opined, insistent. « And who says so ? » inquired the prophetess, calmly yet firmly. « Many economists say so » responded the slightly overweight, buzz cut haired, brown eyed, dark skinned quadragenarian. « But how can they know if it's never even attempted ? » asked the elderly beauty. « They can know because they can run simulations » answered the Treasurer of the union of independent states. « How can you say that when you know better than anyone else here that simulations can never take each and every factor into account ? » patiently persisted the wise lady, « and I'm not even referring to how people themselves can influence situations » she added with conviction. « She has a point » Romero cut in, grinning. « No she doesn't ! » objected the military-looking man, raising his voice and turning his head towards the environmentalist sitting at his side, « they don't need to take each and every factor into account » he maintained, seeming somewhat annoyed, « as long as they successfully model the main variables and are based on actual, historical data, they can be relied upon » he confidently asserted, « we've had ample proof of that already » he stated resolutely. « What about innovation ? » the bronze skinned, curly dark haired governmental adviser
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in her late fifties immediately suggested. « What about innovation ? » echoed the economist, not making sense of the question. « Well, people change, things change, situations evolve, new technology emerges, and so on and so forth » enumerated the former activist, « historical data is not current data, and neither is it future data » she submitted, almost casually. « And the menu is not the meal ! » the researcher interrupted, a little louder than he had wanted, thus attracting the undesired attention of a few adjoining customers and that of the manager of the memento-filled canteen. « Nor is the money the wealth ! » Old Man Briskin continued, at an even greater volume, « speaking of which, it's time to pay for your meal ! » he declared, drawing laughter and cheers from the whole clientele, « we're getting ready to close, people ! » he announced as he proceeded to the kitchen. « Saved by the bell ! » noted the swarthy woman, winking at her temporary antagonist. « Hey, I could have gone on » the sovereignist retorted in a humorous manner, « but you heard the old man » he quickly carried on, « my treat ! » he offered, bringing the debate to an end as he winked back at his amused friend.
Witnessing his two companions playfully conclude the exchange, the scientist reflected that something about Mayr had nagged him all evening long. However, he couldn't quite identify what it was. { Maybe it's just how he's been unusually argumentative tonight } he ultimately rationalized, as the secessionist rose and walked to the counter. –
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« If you have some time » Aeira discreetly whispered, disturbing the stream of thoughts of the scholar, seeing that Romero was busying herself checking her handheld, « I'd like to talk in private » she requested with an evident touch of urgency, « the sooner, the better » she stressed in a slightly worried way that departed from her habitual collected demeanor. « Sure » at once replied the space engineer, his pensive expression suddenly conveying concern, { something's not going according to plan } he reckoned right away, « how about you offer me a ride back to my hotel ? » he proposed in a less hushed voice after a brief hesitation. « That will be lovely ! » readily accepted the relieved soothsayer, smiling gently and softly tapping on the left forearm of her interlocutor. « Are you two okay ? » the environmentalist inquired, aware that the two accomplices were preoccupied, and then staring directly in the eyes of the prescient lady, { okay, what's up Aeira ? } she quietly wondered. « Sure ! » the physicist answered with fake levity, attempting to look unfazed, « we were making transport arrangements » he affirmed after a short pause, « I gave my driver the night off » he finally justified, grinning. « If you say so » reacted the bronze skinned woman, intently sounding unconvinced, { not
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with those faces you weren't, although Bernard is telling the truth } she intuited as she once more turned towards the elder, { Aeira ? } she silently insisted. « Private matters » tersely revealed the prophetess, out loud, { for now at least } she went on nonverbally, { I need a little more time, Olivia } she lastly explained. « Thank you ! » appreciatively responded the former activist, « I don't need to know any more » she declared gladly, { okay, I'll be patient, thanks } she communicated speechlessly. « All done ! » the Treasurer of the ASN announced with satisfaction as he came back, just a moment after the closing words of the conversation had been uttered, « shall we ? » he suggested, motioning his head to invite the trio to follow him, and in a second they were standing up and waving goodbye to Briskin.
Having already proceeded out of the diner ahead of them, the military-looking ally watched the three friends carefully progressing through the narrow passages of the labyrinth of chairs and tables, bumping into each other, and stumbling on customers, eventually reaching the entrance. The quinquagenarian and him had been escorted to the luncheonette by bodyguards, who also doubled as chauffeurs, while the wise visionary had been accompanied by two attendants. The economist had notified his driver from inside the joint, and so his transport showed up an instant only after he had exited the small canteen. Mayr waited just long enough for his guests to join him outside, and then respectfully and discreetly saluted them with a simple bow and a joyful face, as he usually did, before boarding the two-seater and leaving. –
« It was a pleasure spending the evening with you, as always » Romero lovingly bade to her two comrades as her ride took the place that had just been made available, « let's do this sooner next time » she cheerfully submitted, hugging them and kissing them on both cheeks.
The tall scientist and the beautiful soothsayer observed as the governmental adviser stepped into the luxury fleet vehicle, sat, and shut the door behind her. She then smiled and subtly nodded them farewell as the conveyance promptly fled the wretched quarter. – –
« Let's walk a while » the priestess immediately proposed, knowing how much the scholar relished breathing real air, as he jokingly referred to the polluted Ovelian atmosphere. « Wonderful idea ! » enthusiastically accepted the researcher, presenting his right arm for his interlocutor to wrap hers under.
As the pair began their slow stroll down the main commercial avenue of the derelict district, one of the poorest of all Triton Aeolus, Sturn started to think of how much the megapolis had grown since his youth. The capital city officially counted a little over fifty-seven million residents according to the most recent, nevertheless well-outdated global census, and thus was the second most populous agglomeration of the country. Neo Apollonia was one of the largest states of Ovel, and also one of The Threshold
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the wealthiest. It had been settled by the arguably unimaginative people of Apollonia, a now defunct republic of the old continent, at an epoch when new lands were still being discovered, colonized, and delimited. The oldest of the new nations, as it was known, was a few decades away from celebrating its fifth century of foundation, however, only the perspicacious could have guessed its advanced age judging by the architecture of its administrative centre. That is, unless they had been visiting one of the original neighbourhoods, such as the one where the two pedestrians had savoured a so delicious evening, where they had met for the first time, and where they had deepened their relationship. Only a few convenience stores and eateries were still open at that late hour, and though the physicist would have liked a taste of urban energy, at least the two accomplices had plenty of space and freedom to proceed at a comfortable, unhurried pace. As they walked down the almost deserted street, closely and conspicuously followed by the personal protector of the seer, the consultant was reminded of how the crime rates had increased so dramatically over the last two Conservative terms. Especially in the overcrowded metropolises, most notables, and many of the more fortunate citizens, systematically hired bodyguards. Yet, it didn't seem enough to scare away the hosts of petty thugs who resorted to making a living out of mugging everybody and anybody, many of them showing no concern for the identity of their targets. –
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« Sorry for not taking your call earlier on » genuinely apologized the prophetess, out of the blue, again interrupting the musings of the former professor, « but I was in the midst of receiving... gifts » she offered in justification, aware that the man knew she used the phrase to mean she had been in trance and in contact with celestial intelligence. « Planetary or stellar ? » at once inquired the project manager. « Planetary » answered the dignified soothsayer, « and I believe galactic too » she pointed out promptly, « but that particular glimpse was too fleeting for me to know for sure » she then remarked, grateful to be in the company of one of her rare confidants. « This is related to the urgent matter you wanted to discuss privately » accurately sensed the intuitive engineer. « Our boy is – » the septuagenarian hesitated, pausing for a moment to find a proper way to break the news, « playing the dangerous game » she hinted, peeking at her cohort to measure his reaction. « And what has he contacted ? » queried the pundit, nodding pensively. « They're not sure » the graceful woman revealed, appearing slightly perplexed, « none in the Congregation can recognize it » she commented right away, « it's new to them, they have requested the assistance of the galactic » she ultimately explained. « And this is possibly what you couldn't receive » ventured the perceptive scientist, Aeira simply staring him in the eyes and grinning to signify her agreement, appreciative of the chemistry the two of them had always enjoyed, « and you're feeling that it's related to the discontinuity, and you're asking for my expertise » inferred the researcher. « Yes, and I'm feeling it's a stellar » the lady declared, « and I'm feeling its intentions may
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not be compatible with ours » she further noted, « and – » she then held back awkwardly, briefly looking in the direction of her friend, { go ahead, there's no other way } she reflected, taking a deep breath before continuing, « and having seen into your past, I – » the elder waited again, gazing at him again, « I know you've had... an incident with a stellar » she finally announced. « No ! » the scholar abruptly objected in a raised voice, stopping on the spot and pulling his arm back from hers, « count me out ! » he almost shouted, « it's too painful... I can't hardly return there myself, even less help him ! » he insisted, evidently sincere.
Sturn immediately recalled the powerful visions he had experienced earlier that evening while showering. Silently processing the memories, tilting his head down to the left, his expression clearly conveying the tension he was under, he walked a few steps away from his accomplice, turning his back at her. The prescient priestess sagely stayed quiet and still, lovingly watching the renowned expert as he fought to appease the disturbances her words had set in motion. « How long have you known ? » the tall consultant eventually asked. Carefully considering the ramifications of the question, the seer approached the physicist and grabbed his arm back, nudging him into resuming the stroll. Glancing towards and away from him a few times as they advanced, she answered at last. –
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« You don't have to feel guilty, Bernard » the prophetess observed, suddenly halting their progress to address the former educator face to face, « it was a beginner's mistake » she stressed thoughtfully, « we've all had ours » she admitted, momentarily withdrawing her stare, and then promptly checking his reaction, and though the space engineer remained soundless, his whole attitude told he had plenty of things to say, perhaps too many things in fact, « you got out of it brilliantly » she complimented after a second, anticipating his smile, which she soon witnessed. « It's still painful as hell » remarked the pundit, even if his interlocutor obviously knew beforehand. « What if it were an opportunity for healing ? » cleverly suggested the soothsayer.
Speechless, the science popularizer mulled over the proposition for an instant. Accepting the wisdom of it, he responded with a grin. « He's so close now » the gifted woman went on earnestly, « we've worked too hard and for too long on this to run the risk of losing him at such a crucial juncture » she argued to support her entreaty, « we can't let him down now » she ultimately submitted. The Threshold
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The project director mused that the awful recollections had scared away an entire dimension of the situation. But the persuasive statement had brought his involvement back to his mind as it had evoked his own efforts and hopes. – –
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« What do you want me to do ? » finally consented the researcher. « Talk to him » the septuagenarian calmly replied, « try to know more » she instructed, pausing briefly, « and if he mentions weird experiences, just tell him about yours » she confidently advised, « that's all I ask of you » the lady assured her acolyte, « I'll try to see into him at our next session » she declared in conclusion. « I'm meeting him tomorrow to discuss the discovery » announced the scholar, realizing as he uttered the phrase that the elder already knew, and that it was precisely what the urgency had been about, « I make no promises, but I'll see what I can do » he acquiesced kindly, nodding in understanding. « Thanks ! » Aeira gratefully acknowledged.
The priestess warmly hugged her friend, and then quickly gestured to her guardian to signify her intention to go back home. Before too long, her transport was right at their side, and the rather short, paunchy, and dishevelled man was letting them in. Dutifully closing the door behind them, the protector sat beside the driver, and the conveyance swiftly departed from the district.
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« There's one last point I'd like to address while we have time » suddenly requested the seer, breaking the silence that had reigned ever since the two companions had boarded the vehicle. « Go ahead » agreed the Veshtari by adoption. « I've seen you'll soon meet your new research assistant » revealed the visionary. « Yes, that's officially why I'm here » the pundit readily confirmed, « that and counselling the Conservatives » he mentioned, again recognizing that her prescient interlocutor had manifestly learned about his plans in advance. « They have a role to play » cryptically continued the soothsayer. « What ? » exclaimed the surprised engineer. « I mean, this person has a role to play in our – » the graceful prophetess began, stopping in mid-sentence as she decided to reformulate the whole message, « if our... operation... is to be successful » she solemnly stated, « this person must be allowed to play their role » she asserted resolutely, staring at the expert who reacted positively, having no doubt that the wise woman was disclosing something crucial, and yet unable to figure out exactly
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what it could have been. « And what do you want me to do ? » reiterated the science popularizer. « Just be careful » warned the septuagenarian, her expression immediately changing from concern to serenity, « just allow it to happen, it'll all turn out alright » she promised with a peaceful grin. « Your hotel, professor Sturn » notified the chauffeur as the transport slowed down and halted in front of the main entrance of the towering building. « Oh... yes ! » responded the tall consultant, startled as he was still processing the recent divulgation, « thank you ! » he offered the lady who was manoeuvring the controls of the conveyance, « and thank you » he repeated in a hushed voice to the elder, looking at her with heartfelt appreciation.
The former educator then smiled and kissed Aeira on both cheeks before exiting the vehicle, knowing there was nothing he could add that she wasn't already aware of. Lastly thanking the guardian who had opened him the door, the researcher bade him a good night, bowing respectfully at the frail man, and finally headed inside the hotel.
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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/ Linux Biolinum : 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 Andrew Jameson : Lee Plaza Hotel, Detroit John Phelan : Lindy's Diner, Keene New Hampshire 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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