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Sat, Oct. 24th, 2009, 11:50 pm
New short story
Morality Play
"Ah! Good morning, Dr. Francis! I'm glad you could come meet with me today!"
"You said that the Congressional committee had an important directive for my people and I, Senator Lewus, in regards to treating and educating the clones taken from Dyamin, Inc.," Heidi Francis said, as she sat down in the leather chair, across from the senator.
"That I did," Senator John Lewis answered. "That I did. Horrible thing, all those clones taking over the research compound like that and killing three scientists."
"Yes," Francis said, keeping her voice level. "Who knew that clones have emotions? It not like they don't have the same brain structures and developmental needs as the rest of us. I mean, what normal person would snap after years of being devalued and denied healthy social interactions?"
Lewis laughed. "You should be in politics, doctor. You're quite good at delivering sarcasm with a straight face. But in all seriousness, we have one hell of a powder keg here. There are religious extremists even now calling for the clones deaths as a mean to correct what they consider an affront towards God."
"I see their picket lines every day, senator. And I have a couple extremist scientists who call me frequently, wanting to perform more tests on them," she pointed out. "The one thing the two groups have in common is the belief that the clones are not real people. Probably a projection of their own feelings of personal inhumanity, if you ask me. Luckily, most of the science and religious communities are at least non-committal, and a few are even supportive of our efforts. For the record, Senator, I think we're lucky they only killed a handful of people in their bid for freedom."
"Of course, Dr. Francis. I am quite aware of your work with murder committed by family members. That's why we chose you to lead the recovery team. The committee and I just have one request for you."
"And what is that?" she asked.
"It has been suggested that along with the mental health treatment programs your people are doing, you should also give the clones some moral education--to make up for those social values they missed out on as test subjects," he told her.
"And what exactly do you mean by moral education?"
"Nothing overtly religious, of course," Senator Lewis said. "That would cause all sorts of trouble. We're thinking more along the lines of Aesop's fables, though perhaps more modern."
"What's wrong with the original ones?" Dr. Francis asked.
"Well, take that Tortoise and Hare one," he said. "I didn't win my congressional seats by being slow and steady. I won them by turning on the speed and the relaxing in Bermuda after the results came in. Do you know what my last opponent is doing now? He's teaching at a university and running a non-profit organization for homeless people. The man can't even on a decent vacation on his current income."
"I see," Francis nodded. "So you want me to educate them in a secular moral code, taking in account modern society."
"Exactly!"
"I believe we may be able to do something in that area, Senator."
"I hope so, Dr. Francis," he said in dark tone, "because we are counting on you to make these clones model citizens. If they commit any more crimes against society, it will be your fault."
Dr. Francis met the senator's menacing pose with a quiet defiance of her own, as she stood up. "I will take responsibility for my own actions and that of my people, senator. The government and the scientific community needs to take the same responsibility for their own." She walked towards the door.
"What are you trying to say, doctor?"
Francis paused for a moment in the doorway, and then turned back to face the senator.
"I think I might be giving this moral education to the wrong population."
The door clicked firmly after her.
I love you from the core of my lizard brain. You are the addiction I can't contain. Your eyes are gravity wells that captured my soul, With a gentleness that warms me like anthracite coal. Your brilliance with the magnitude of Sirius A, Mesmerize me with the thoughts you display, Expanding the fabric of my universe with the possibilities Generated within the bounds of our theories. You are the greatest collaborator a person can find-- So, my heart's desire, please be my Valentine.
Halfway, stand I, between the demise and the mortal shell That once housed my kinsman so long and so well. A man of honor - a man of grace. One who would willingly die for this place. To save the knowledge that others must learn. To save it from those who would spurn The sacred wisdom of generations past. To seal his sacrifice, this spell I cast. As kinswoman, I call on the blood of his and mine. This protection to the region bind. Let no ill pass through this dome. Let no invader call this home. And all the drops of our kins' blood that fell, Join, secure and protect those here as well. Infused into the soil that surrounds, No enemy will peacefully walk these grounds. Halfway, stand I, between my grief and sorrow For both him that fell and him whose arrow Pierced the generous soul of my kinsman so dear For he that killed, also shed I my sympathetic tears. Fervently I wish it had not come to this. Would that I had been able to mend what went amiss. Years ago when all our mortal paths were new And I was still in the graces of he that killed too. As kinswoman, this blood-bonded spell I cast. For as long as our family survives, it will last. Be there always kinfolk of the blood here called So this beloved region will forever be walled. May the awful tragedy that here did pass Become a blessing and and our sorrow surpassed. May we recall more of the joy and less of the pain That the happiness here given to us always remain. Halfway, stand I, between the states of Heaven and Hell. As kinwoman, I tip the balance and darkness dispel.
I probably should explain that I will occasionally let friends give me poem prompts and then write something for them. "Bellatrix's Obsession" was for a Harry Potter fan. This is for another friend. (She's also a HP fan, however.)
Alchemy
night
darkness
primordial
lead and clay
matter unformed
waiting to be born
talent and sweat
gold and gems
refinement
creation
light
I have spent most my life dealing with depression and anxiety. In my case, it is a biological part of me that can only be managed like diabetes. That doesn't mean I am doomed to be depressed and anxious--only that I have to be aware that I am susceptible to it when I don't take care of myself. Realizing that part after attending a NAMI presentation made a very big difference for me, because it was then I realized that I was not a failure, but working under the false notion that I could cure myself from depression permanently. Ever since I've corrected this thought, my mental health has improved greatly. Hello Depression Hello there. I know, we've already met. In fact, we've been together most of my life. But I decided it was time for a formal introduction. You see, I've been operating under a pretext, The idea that I would one day be free of you. All I had to do is find the right things to think, And get the right type of help and support. But you would just wait until I let my defenses down. Ambushing me like a tiger in wait. Giving me a double blow. Sending me into a spiral. Causing me to doubt my abilities to deal with you. I've finally accepted that you are a part of me. That when I fail, it isn't because I am a loser. It's because you are hard-wired into me. Through genetics, trauma and happenstance. Even though you are part of me--you are not me. I just wanted to make that clear. Those thoughts or doom and despair are not mine. They are you speaking to me. And that's all right. You can speak to me. Because when you speak, I have forgotten something. However, I have the final word. Things are never as bad as you say they are. I want to make sure you know that. It is time I give you credit for your ideas. So, here's the head up. I'm not going to play your games. We will have to work together instead. Trust me. It's better this way.
Bellatrix's ObsessionThe most beautiful being I've beheld My lord, my master, my beloved The power of him radiates Tingling every inch of my skin Without him even touching me There can be no one else for me but him He is the perfection I must have There is nothing I wouldn't do for him Nothing I wouldn't give to him No act too low I wouldn't perform To prove my loyalty to him Someday, he will see That I am the only one worthy of him Someday, he will know That I am the only one he can love Someday, he will be mine...
Title: The Riding Lesson Fandom: Original Fantasy Pairing: Wendon Copperthorn/Hildara Swiftwind Rating: G Prompt: Lesson Warnings: None Disclaimer: All the characters are my creations. Word count: 595 Summary: Just a scene. I'm spending most of my time on NaNoWriMo. ( Read more... ) Wed, Oct. 22nd, 2008, 01:00 pm
Another ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif) 25_lovers snippet
Title: A Meeting in the Desert Fandom: Original Fantasy Pairing: Wendon Copperthorn/Ashevid Rating: G Prompt: Betrayal Warnings: None Disclaimer: All the characters are my creations. Word count: 1285 Summary: Part of Wendon's trip to the South Desert. Better than the last snippet. ( Read more... )
Probably, but not too much. I came up with a story idea last night that really isn't something I normally like to write about. And since NaNoWriMo is upon us, I decided I would work on the story idea for it. Understand, I'm not planning to finish NaNoWriMo. I'm not even going to try to keep up. I'm just going to write at my own pace.
I already have a title, a synopsis and a bookcover up at http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/user/230528If it turns out to only be a short story, so be it. I'll treat myself to a piece of cheesecake and continue with my busy life. Tue, Oct. 7th, 2008, 10:14 am
Another 25_lovers story snippet
Title: The Only Place for Him Fandom: Original Fantasy Pairing: Wendon Copperthorn/Melcar Clearwater Rating: G Prompt: Confusion Warnings: None Disclaimer: All the characters are my creations. Word count: 611 Summary: Melcar finally finds out Wendon's secret. ( Read more... )
Sat, Sep. 27th, 2008, 09:50 am
First story for 25_lovers
Title: Belac - Tall and Proud Fandom: Original Fantasy Pairing: Wendon Copperthorn/Belac Bearfriend Rating: G Prompt: First Warnings: None Disclaimer: All the characters are my creations. Word count: 1170 Summary: How Wendon and Belac first became buddies. ( Read more... )
This isn't actually part of my writing for 25_lovers, but I thought I'd post it separately to give people an idea of the type of guy Wendon is/was: "Wendon Copperthorn was a man that many were familiar with, but few really knew. Despite his open nature, his life contained more mysteries than the stories he told of the past. As an infant, he was found abandoned in a boat by a fisherman in the seas around the Nettle Islands. There was blood on the boat, but he had no wounds. A healer and her husband adopted Wendon as their own. By the time he was six, he showed magical abilities and his father took him to Dorin to be looked at by a talent tracker. That moment marked him for a path that only he could take. For the first time in recorded history, a person had been found to be talented in wizardry, sorcery and witchcraft - and Wendon was determined to learn all of them." "In fact, not only did Wendon want to learn the magics he was gifted in, he wanted to learn about all magic. By the time he entered Clarstel University, he already had studied the Thorn Mages he grew up around and compiled his findings in a leather notebook. During his journeyman years, he studied dreams in the Kingdom of Silac, to uncover their secrets. As a young scholar, he took a sabbatical to the Valley of Color and charmed his way into learning of their magic. You couldn't find a man more knowledgeable about magic than Wendon. Clarstel has lost its greatest treasure with his passing." "For not only was he an impressive scholar, but he was a diplomat and host extraordinaire. I suspect that Wendon has smoothed more ruffled feathers than there are chickens in Starton. The harmony we now enjoy in the City of Magic would not have been possible without Wendon's tireless efforts. I haven't known many worthy of sainthood in my life, but if I could grant it to one person, that person would have been Wendon. However, I am even more honored for the ability to have called him my friend. May he rest peacefully in the presence of Orlan and may we all learn from his example."
A friend of mine started a community called 25_lovers. The idea is to claim a character and write 25 pieces dealing with the relationship between your claimed character and another character. Despite the name of the community, it doesn't have to be a relationship between lovers. It can be between friends, family members, enemies, competitors, etc. I decided to do an original character of mine--Wendon Copperthorn. He's one of those "knows almost everybody" type of guys and it's time I explore that part of him more. My prompt table: Those interested in this world can read the details I've put together on it here - http://adbarncord.livejournal.com/tag/havorStories already set in this world are: A Winter's Reckoning*
A young sorceress, who has been singled out because of her powers, decides to throw everyone a curve so she can follow her own fate.
The Stories of Jasmer the Radical*
Novel done for NaNoWriMo 2007. It is post-everything in the Havor universe and an experiment in breaking the fourth wall.
The Color Walk*
A young woman finds out what her talents are. (Pre-A Winter's Reckoning.)
A Gift in Kind*
Sequel to "The Color Walk". A young scholar causes a commotion when he visits the Color Valley.
If Mad I Be*
A mage deals with the possibility that he may be incureably insane. (Happens after A Winter's Reckoning.)
The Rose Duchess*
A pregnant woman defends her city, while her husband is at war. (During the Thorn Rebellion.)
Scarlett's Lot*
Another Havor story, which takes place after A Winter's Reckoning. A wizardess finds herself seeking redemption, while trying to protect a witch she put in danger.
And the unfinished story which started it all - The Forces of Ether, with Wendon as the main character.
My Gossamer WarriorThou spun such a brilliant image Of a brave soldier leading his men Into the valley of death and despair Little did I know, I was actually the one Being lead into that valley lair Many nights I cried my soul into the darkness Praying for thy safety Wishing only that I could be there To nurse thy wounds to health and kiss thee We created a pretty tale, thee and I One that would bring hope to the darkest night A wonderful fairytale to make one sigh Only to be destroyed by truth's harsh light All the emotion I felt for thee Was truer than the Northen Star Blazed into agony then turned bitter cold When I found out what you really are I could have loved the truth If I had known it then But now the trust I had for thee Has caused my soul to rend Thou are only a gossamer warrior Made of dreams and fantasies Stories woven from lies and deceits A will-o-wisp to lead the unsuspecting Into a bog of regrets and disbelief I don't need thy tale any more I can make my own Upon the basis of truth A foundation stronger than stone. Let me go, thou dream of a stranger Let me heal from my misjudment As the agony of a hundred hells burn through me May I find rebirth and refinement
You can now read The Curse Breaker in the Mused - the BellaOnline Literary Review - Summer Solstice Issue. To quote the editor:
We also have a macabre summer read in The Curse Breaker, by Amanda D. Barncord Doerr. To accompany our artwork depicting death, demons, vampires, goths, Egyptian princesses, pirate ships and thunderous summer storms, this tale of witches and cursed artifacts makes for satisfying reading.
Fri, Jun. 6th, 2008, 07:37 pm
Hello!
Just thought I would give everyone a head's up. First, some past news - my short story The Other Gods won first place in the short story category of the OCU Scarab yearly literary magazine. (If you're curious, I got $25 for it.) Now for the new stuff. Soon, my story (yet to be released here) The Curse Breaker will be published in Mused, the BellaOnline literary review. Rest assure, I will post the link as soon as it is released. I am planning to write more short stories this summer and see if I can publish an anthology of them. I have played with several titles, but I think I am going to go with The Curse Breaker and Other Stories. Some of the "other" stories I am thinking of including are: I am also considering rewriting a few stories for it, in addition to the new ones I am working on now. If there is a short story on this site that you would like to see included, feel free to mention it. I might already be considering it or I could be underestimating its appeal.
Drops of moments suspended in time Sparkling like diamonds in space Parts of ourselves remembered And sometimes forgotten In the web of existence Inside is reflected the memories Of the actions of loved ones The many words of friends The ghosts of lessons learned The songs of victories won At times the web is shaken Displacing the drops of self Causing a moment of disorientation But the dew of life returns And we regain ourselves The web is never static New strands are constantly added With each new experience While old strands may be overlooked They are never truly lost So it is with the people in our lives Our hearts constantly add to the web But no strand is truly lost They stays with us through eternity And echo through the universe
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