Beset with remorse, Nordhausen confesses his caper to Paul. He is afraid that he’s done something to change the Time Meridian, but cannot imagine what. When someone tampers with the memorial site protecting Kelly’s place in this Meridian, however, Paul becomes suspicious. It could only have been accomplished by an unseen adversary from the future. In the words of Nordhausen’s favorite literary sleuth Sherlock Holmes, “something is afoot!” Now the professor, Paul and the other team members must labor to discover who has tampered with the time line, and why.
Lots of fun ahead for Meridian fans!
Please visit www.dharma6.com or www.writingshop.ws for information on the sequel to this novel, and other work by the author.
Acknowledgements
Thanks to the poets, thinkers, historical figures and writers for their pointed words of wisdom used in the quotations that lead the major sections of this story. Their words are all properly attributed in the references or in the narrative if spoken by any of the characters in the novel for added emphasis.
Gracious thanks to T.E. Lawrence, not only for the courage of his exploits in the desert, but also for the integrity of his heart, and the marvelous accounting he wrote for us three times in The Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Lawrence was one of the first believers in “self published” books. He started his own little publishing concern to build his ‘seven pillared worthy house,’ and put the story in book form for future generations. Indeed, my eyes were shining when I first read that wonderful book.
Thanks also to Richard Gylgayton for his tireless editorial wisdom, and the segment of poetry quoted by Maeve from Kelly’s book at the memorial service that ends this novel. Kelly’s character was actually inspired by Richard, my long time friend and writing associate, and yes, he has published a book of poetry! You can read the entire poem, along with all of Richard’s other fine poetry in his recently released volume entitled “Full Canvas.” Available on amazon.com.
TIME GLOSSARY
From Dorland’s Theory
CLARITY – Clear or good understanding of a temporal locus, pattern, event, Outcome or Consequence.
CONSEQUENCE – An undesired result achieved by a temporal Transformation – Usually referring to the negative (ie) Sometimes certain Consequences must be accepted in order to achieve a desired Outcome.
CONVOLUTION – The relative difficulty or complexity of a given temporal event or condition.
DEEP NEXUS – Sometimes called a “Void” – A crucial, significant Nexus Point where radical alteration of the time line is possible.
DENSITY – A relative term describing factor counts in temporal events.
FACTOR – An element contributing to convolution in temporal events.
FINALITY – A catastrophic Grand Imperative (like the Cuthulu asteroid strike that led to the eradication of the dinosaurs and other life.)
FREE RADICAL – A dangerous, erratic variable in the course of temporal events – usually only existing within a Deep Nexus.
GREAT VOID – An interminable shadow or Penumbra cast by a Grand Imperative.
HAZE – Obscurity in the understanding of a temporal situation or event.
IMPERATIVE – An event in time which must happen – Usually a natural event. A Grand Imperative is a natural event of special significance. Some Grand Imperatives can become a Finality.
INEVITABILITY – A progression of events that is inexorable and unalterable.
INITIATOR – A person directly responsible for a new time Meridian (Like Mohammed, or Christ). A Prime Mover of great significance.
LEVER – A secondary contributor to movement in a series of events.
MERIDIAN – An established line of temporal events on the continuum.
NEXUS POINT – A point of connection, intersection or branching of one or more Meridians in the time continuum.
NODE – A specific point on a time Meridian.
OUTCOME – A desired result achieved by a temporal Transformation – Usually referring to the positive.
PARADOX – Time’s way of correcting errors in the time continuum. Paradox is a real force, and quite dangerous. It kills or erases people and objects from the time line when unaccountable complications arise from their actions. A Paradox is NOT simply a thorny problem, it is a real effect and force of annihilation. A kind of “Anti-Time”
PENUMBRA – The shadow of influence on future events cast by an Imperative.
POINT OF ORIGIN – The temporal locus where a person or object becomes a Prime Mover.
PRIME MOVER – A primary causative lever or agent for an event – usually a person but sometimes an object.
PUSH POINT – A moment of insignificance that gives rise to a key event on a time Meridian. Often associated with a Prime Mover.
RADICAL TRANSFORMATION – A catastrophic alteration of the Temporal Condition.
TEMPORAL CONDITION – The matrix, pattern or state of affairs in a given time period.
TRANSFORMATION – Any change in a time Meridian that alters a future Temporal Condition.
TRANSFORMER – A person who causes a Transformation.
VARIATION – A subtle change in a time Meridian that does not significantly alter Temporal Conditions.
WILLFUL EVENT – Events resulting from decisions or actions taken by human beings.
The Writing Shop Press
The Writing Shop is a confederation of writers, poets and artists who are delighted to take advantage of the wonders of digital printing technology to offer their creative work to others.
Have you written a book that you simply must see through to printer’s ink? Please visit us at www.writingshop.ws and learn about our services for new authors.
Novels by John Schettler:
Meridian – A Novel In Time
ForeWord Magazine’s Silver Medal Winner
For Science Fiction Book Of The Year
2002
Nexus Point – Book II in the Meridian Series
Science Fiction