Get "Colossus" on Amazon
A new year is on its way. But does a new year give us a new life? Or do we walk again on the same worn out paths that lead nowhere? We hear quite a bit of talk every year about "new year's resolutions," but so much focus is on the superficial aspects of our lives, such as "losing weight," "finishing our next book," "getting a new car or phone or new job," "taking a trip," and so on. But what about the deeper, underlying issues we must deal with before we can really hope to find our way? Where exactly does our deepest inner joy come from? What is love? What does "freedom" mean? What is real and what is not?
In tribute of those who are examining the deeper questions this year, I'll offer an excerpt from "Colossus," the third book in "The STARLING Series." Those reading the series will notice that "Lifeline" and "Crucible" both mention the powerful mega-"church" in 2045 that is known as TEMPLE. One way readers can think about TEMPLE is as a combination of the large Internet/technology corporations we have today (for example, think a combination of Facebook, Google and Apple) that has also become a kind of "religion" in the worship of technology and what we expect our technologies will bring us (think of the people who camp out in front of technology corporate stores to be the first to get their hands on the latest "I"/"Me" gadget). In the sense of TEMPLE being a "religion," think of the mega-church phenomenon that attracts younger generations making massive use of technology for the masses much like large concerts/shows, as well as a false conception of "God," humanity and Nature. Then also consider the complete breakdown of the Separation of Church and State in which TEMPLE is all-powerful, while filtering/controlling all information.
In the year 2045, my teenage character Peter Arnold is struggling with what he knows is the greater truth versus his own desires, choices, hopes and dreams and the powerful forces in society that compels most people to be on the bandwagon. TEMPLE, and particularly its "leader," the Rev. John Falcon, twist and manipulate the human need for love, acceptance and belonging into a hatred disguised in their "Peace" ideology of what they call "Others," which is in reality a pursuit of total control, greed and power.
Into this maelstrom, Peter's friends, Jaya Ceyes, Simon Laramie and Flower Wildwind, journey into a dangerous Colossus to talk with their friend, to express what love really is.
In tribute of those who are examining the deeper questions this year, I'll offer an excerpt from "Colossus," the third book in "The STARLING Series." Those reading the series will notice that "Lifeline" and "Crucible" both mention the powerful mega-"church" in 2045 that is known as TEMPLE. One way readers can think about TEMPLE is as a combination of the large Internet/technology corporations we have today (for example, think a combination of Facebook, Google and Apple) that has also become a kind of "religion" in the worship of technology and what we expect our technologies will bring us (think of the people who camp out in front of technology corporate stores to be the first to get their hands on the latest "I"/"Me" gadget). In the sense of TEMPLE being a "religion," think of the mega-church phenomenon that attracts younger generations making massive use of technology for the masses much like large concerts/shows, as well as a false conception of "God," humanity and Nature. Then also consider the complete breakdown of the Separation of Church and State in which TEMPLE is all-powerful, while filtering/controlling all information.
In the year 2045, my teenage character Peter Arnold is struggling with what he knows is the greater truth versus his own desires, choices, hopes and dreams and the powerful forces in society that compels most people to be on the bandwagon. TEMPLE, and particularly its "leader," the Rev. John Falcon, twist and manipulate the human need for love, acceptance and belonging into a hatred disguised in their "Peace" ideology of what they call "Others," which is in reality a pursuit of total control, greed and power.
Into this maelstrom, Peter's friends, Jaya Ceyes, Simon Laramie and Flower Wildwind, journey into a dangerous Colossus to talk with their friend, to express what love really is.
"Jaya puts both her hands on Pete’s shoulders.
“We came here, to this place where thousands of people hate us, to show you we love you for real. Not for what anyone else thinks. You might get all the ‘success’ in the world, Pete. But don’t forget we’re fighting for you too. Don’t ever forget it.”
Pete’s face is blood red. He steps back so she’s not touching him.
“J, come on, keep it down. Please don’t turn over any more tables. You don’t have to make a big scene here. I know this is hard for you to accept. But just try for one second to understand, OK? I really can’t be hanging out with you guys anymore. I’m sorry.”
A tear runs down Flower’s face.
“Come on Pete, you can’t like leave us now, you know. We’re your friends.”
“This is a free country. I can do whatever I want,” Pete says.
“That’s not freedom,” Jaya tells Pete.
“You aren’t ‘free’ if you choose to ignore your neighbors as they’re being bullied and beaten. If you choose to close your eyes while the last drops of blood are being drained from your neighbors, then don’t be surprised when there’s nothing left for anyone.”
“Don’t be surprised when the same gangsters show up at your door to beat and kill you too and take everything you have.”
Pete laughs.
“Come on, don’t you think that’s a little extreme? I’ve never met anybody who’s so serious.”
Jaya looks our friend in the eye.
“Pete, it’s not for us to pick and choose who deserves our love and who doesn’t. We’re just one piece of a puzzle that goes on forever. God gives us our friends, family and neighbors as gifts, Pete. We’re supposed to love everybody, learn something from and share something with everyone we meet. We’re supposed to see ourselves in everybody. What happens to one person happens to all of us.”
What do you think? Will our technologies and systems give us everything we desire? Or is anything we manufacture actually capable of giving us what we really need? Is a New Year's resolution to "love more and to love deeper" possible? Feel free to leave some comments about anything in this blog post or anything this blog post makes you think about. Enjoy hearing what other folks are thinking about these issues.
