The Flood

The Fringe of Science and Mythology

It was observable to the ancients how the planets moved through the night sky with clockwork regularity. These spinning bodies, often captured by influences greater than their own, danced through the primeval ether as gods. During their journeys across the night sky, their display of what would be recognized as a highly predictable conical motion was observed, measured and recorded. It was from these first observations that the modern image of our universe ultimately derived. In the Long count of celestial ages, the fortunes of the Earth have been and still are dictated by these cycles of precession, first discovered millennia ago.

The Precession of the Equinoxes

With this intimate knowledge, one could possess an understanding of celestial events on any point along the arrow of time; well exceeding an individual human life. Indeed it was not until the 19th century that we discovered evidence of the ancient civilizations in Iraq and the Indus Valley. The stories of the those who had conceived the concepts that we still use today to divide time , lay forgotten beneath meters of earth. Moreover, it wasn’t until in the case of Mesopotamia, their cuneiform script was deciphered. What had been revealed in these writings, and is still being revealed was a cosmology of deep time.

At left is another Babylonian astronomical tablet. At right, this diagram shows how the distance traveled by Jupiter after 60 days, 10º45′, is calculated as the area of the trapezoid. The Babylonians knew they could then divide this trapezoid into two smaller ones of equal area in order to find the time in which Jupiter covers half the distance it travels in 60 days
Credit: Trustees of the British Museum/Mathieu Ossendrijve
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/babylonians-tracked-jupiter-with-fancy-math-tablet-reveals/

For thousands of years, Sumerians and their descendants painstakingly recorded the events in the heavens. They even tell of events during shadowy epochs before the dawn of human civilization. Stories gleaned from these tablets were not new to our modern eyes and ears. At the time of their discovery no one was prepared to take seriously any story pertaining to an age existing before any verified archaeological context. Based on that logic, one is asked to concluded due to a lack of evidence anything in the written record without a corresponding physical context is relegated purely as mythology in nature. One event echoed in multiple forms through the ages is the Deluge.

Ancient Sumerian Star map depicting an asteroid impact

Ethnological variations differ, but from all around the world, whether it be the Epic of Gilgamesh, the Story of Noah, or the destruction of Atlantis, the main facts are eerily similar. At a point in the deep past, a cataclysm perhaps of celestial origin had occurred causing the lands of the Earth to be flooded. I’m not here to argue which type of event could have been a culprit. There are a number of equally devastating possibilities. One thing, however, was safe to say with confidence, there wasn’t until recently a single shred of cohesive evidence to back it up. Was it not conceivable, however, that the distribution of these themes, collected from all over the world, would themselves be viewed as a kind of evidence?

Utnapishtim 

It may seem that I am making two points here. In a sense I am, but I will try to tie them together. It was in the 1990s on a hill in Turkey known as Pot Belly Hill or Gobekli Tepe, the most important archaeological discovery of the century was made. Buried deep in the hill they found something that according to scientific dogma, should not have existed; evidence of an advanced previously unknown culture. It is a massive complex of circular structures made for some unknown ceremonial, cultural or religious purposes. Strangely it held all the appearances of being purposely buried.

Gobekli Tepe

A great shock of disbelief rippled through the scientific community as the carbon dating information indicated what had been seemingly impossible. Parts of this monument had been built a staggering 11000 years ago, decidedly before the dawn of history, deep in the neolithic age. Moreover, despite the evidence, a lack of a written language their grasp of the precession of the equinoxes and the Earth’s complex relationship with the cosmos was made plain in their effigies of the constellations.

Pillar-43

There is little doubt that many of the bass-reliefs found upon the pillars of Gobekli Tepe represent what we would recognize as similar to today as signs of the Zodiac. The builders of this monument like their intellectual descendants the Sumerians spoke understood and commemorated the events of their age and of deep time. According to some acclaimed scholars and writers on the subject, pillar -43 represents such a celestial record by documenting a point in time in stone that corresponds exactly to the Younger Dryas Climate event that occurred at 11000 B.C New evidence suggests that this event was likely caused by a single or multiple comet strikes.

http://maajournal.com/Issues/2017/Vol17-1/Sweatman%20and%20Tsikritsis%2017%281%29.pdf

Topography under Hiawatha glacier in Greenland, mapped with airborne radar data (1997 to 2014, NASA; 2016 Alfred Wegener Institute). Black triangles and purple circles are elevated peaks around the rim and center. Dotted red lines and black circles show locations of additional sampling.
Kjæer et al./Science Advances

Human conscious memory for an individual and a society is selective. We weed out and edit what we feel is inappropriate. For societies as in people there are unconscious collective memories hidden below the surface sublimated in art and mythology. Just as an individual mind records every event it ever experiences only to hide them to be retrieved as a pool of glimpses, so it is for the past forgotten ages of humanity.

Hey thanks for stopping by! Please check out my short story on War Bonnet available to read for free on Wattpad.

 

War Bonnet

War Bonnet 20,000 word short story by John f. Faherty

War Bonnet is as Science Fiction short story that I have made available to read on Wattpad . It can be accessed here: https://www.wattpad.com/story/206542794-war-bonnet

In this alternate future world, Jaden, an area 51 alien, must try to make peace with his past as a captive of humanity and a present within an off-kilter power structure of wealth and privilege. In doing so, he finds that he has made some powerful enemies. They will go to great lengths to stop him. This, however, has not been his first rodeo.

Helium Three : Luna

The future is an unknown factor. Therefore, in fiction, the arrow of time can adopt myriad paths and destinations. Today the notion of the use of Helium three in fusion reactors to solve the worlds energy problems is still on the horizon. The Moon is covered with it. This fact I exploit as a plot device in the Luna story.

To all who have have been privileged to set eyes upon the rolling hills of Luna have known the placid tranquility to be found there. The captain and crew of the Valiant had not however crossed the gulf space merely to observe its stark beauty. What they were after was the successful negotiation for resource rights with the Luna colony. It was only one resource they were after, Helium three.

Due to her breadth of experience, Hillary Johnson was specifically chosen for this mission. She had a reputation as being tough, yet well respected. This was just the kind of negotiator the U.T.A wanted on their side. For the situation on earth was getting desperate as the stocks of Helium three were dwindling.

For a generation, the trade and processing of the precious lunar soil so heavy in helium three had been the life’s blood of Luna’s economy. Now as its fortunes have grown, so has its influence. With the Alpha colony now feeling the rush of its sovereignty, it was inevitable that it would stand at odds with the U.T.A. The first thing to suffer was the Helium trade.

The U.T.A consortium had one additional reason for sending Hillary on this mission. She had been acquainted with Han Richter many years before while studying at the Berlin Polytechnic. To what extent Hillary could exploit this previous relationship, was at this point unknown. So as the order went out to dispatch a message out to the rebel colony, this was in the back of her mind.

The communication officer patched in the captain’s com device to the broad frequency array and gave her the green light to begin her broadcast. She wasted no time and began at once. “Citizens of Luna Alpha Colony, I Captain Hillary Johnson of the U.T.A. ship Valiant bring you peaceful greetings from the people of Earth. I am here on behalf of the U.T.A government in an attempt to negotiate an agreement beneficial to all sides relating to Luna sovereignty and perhaps, more importantly, the resumption of the Helium trade that is threatening to cripple both of our economies.”

Regarding his image within the mirror Hans Richter listened to the voice coming over the speaker. He recognized the name and the voice. It was from someplace long ago in his past. The vision of the place was so alien from where he was now, he barely recognized the memory as his own……

Stay tuned……

Cartoon Confusion

The Flintstones

As a child, my perception was such for me to believe that television was nothing short of a magical. Through its silvery window, one could remotely view distant times and places. All of it, but for the lone group of outliers, made a neat kind of sense to my young mind. This being the classic era of cartoons I was often left confused by the dichotomy between the unreality of the illustration and the reality of the characterizations. These worlds were not real, yet the voice, the presence of the actor portrayals they represented defiantly were. To my young mind, this could not be easily reconciled. The word animation, or make move, for me was synonymous with bringing to life.

Fred and Barney Mascots

One day to my surprise and delight I was told we were taking a trip to visit the local UHF television station. This adventure included a meet and greet with some of the characters featured on their cartoon line up. The thought that immediately filled my head was that if I could meet them in person, these characters surely would share their secrets with me. The processes through which art became real. But alas to my dismay as I was to learn these lumbering mascots could do little more than prance around much less speak. And as my brother in the end finally revealed they were after all Just men in suits. “Look he said you can see their eyes are air holes for them to breathe.” My excitement morphed from shock to horror to the realization that what I had thought was magic was just something I hadn’t the capacity to yet understand. I’ve grown to recognize these moments and appreciate them more as I’ve gotten older.

Do not attempt to adjust your view screens: Luna

Far from our everyday worlds, there remain unknown places of the imagination. It is there where the possibilities of tragedy and triumph are exercised. Whether it is a tale of the hidden rebel base or the hopelessly lost explorer, the nature of storytelling is such as to reveal unintended truths or thinly veiled references to the human condition.

Hans Richter: The leader of the independent “Luna” colony

This signal is being broadcast from a secret base hidden on the far side of the moon. The message it contains is the expression of our simple wish only to live in peace. But despite our professed love of peace, we will not shrink from violence in the defense of our homeworld. In the spirit of this plea, I would forewarn against brazen attempts to colonize the moon. Do not make landfall within the restricted zone. We will be forced then to take defensive action. “

United Terran Alliance Ship ‘Valiant’ Capt. Hillary Johnson

It is estimated that close to 7 billion people had remotely viewed the descent of the colony explorer ship ‘Valiant’ onto the disputed territory. It had been only out of the necessity of natural resources that such a dangerous journey was attempted. It was the negotiating stance of the United Terran Alliance that once the ship’s presence there was a fait accompli it would go a long way to strengthen their claim.

Meanwhile It was plain to the Inhabitants of Luna that their warnings had gone unheeded. For their part the moon’s inhabitants had not sat idle. A secret plan known only to a few powerful individuals had for months been underway. Hidden deep underground in a hollowed out lava tube an automated factory had begun production of a terror weapon.

Sublime in conception but morally bankrupt, the program had sought to create an artificial life form for the purposes of enslaving it. Unknown to the cadre of scientists working on the project was that there had been problems right from start…

Stay tuned….

Sustainable Mythology

The unlikely scenario of angels on the head of a pin, and of their number, how many who could be found dancing there, was once a subject of serious intellectual debate. It’s safe to say that this is no longer a mainstream idea. Though no doubt that there are still adherents to this notion. It would seem, however, as the precepts of science become more ingrained in our culture something outlandish like the prospect of meeting your mirror image in the park for lunch has become increasingly plausible.

Though the Sumerian civilization was not discovered until the nineteenth-century; When their tablets were deciphered, linguists and historians were amazed at what was contained within. Evidence suggests that angels of the Old Testament may have been inspired by Sumerian stories of the seven sages. These sages or Abgal, the shape-shifting demigods were the earthly attendants to the God Enki. They were responsible for carrying out the divine commands while this god of wisdom constructed the Earth. This is not a stretch as these cultures certainly overlapped, and as the story goes, Abraham was born in the city of Ur.

Oannes

The foundations upon which objective reality is defined are man-made constructs. Making sense out of reality, we take cues from the secrets of nature, as we understand them. Today, within the actions of the very small, to the very large, mysteries are unfolding before us. It is from these that the constructs of our mythologies are created and recreated.

The Indoctrination of a culture’s mythology is deeply embedded into the impressionable minds of its members during childhood. With time, these constructs evolve into the unassailable facts of adulthood. Even as contradictory evidence emerges, this cultural latency is resistant to change and it is slow to occur. To make matters worse, the rate at which information is being processed, and the pace of change to technology and the environment is so rapid it is often difficult for one to keep up.

A seemingly less complicated time

The reason I bring all this up, you ask? The other day, I did something I generally avoid doing. It was hot out, and I found myself watching television during the day. If this wasn’t odd enough, when I turned the television on, the channel was set to an old black and white program from the nineteen sixties. It was one I was familiar with, so I continued watching. While watching the program, I began associating the imagery seen there on the screen, with the memories of my childhood. For a moment I was filled with a brief melancholic nostalgia. The intervening years had slipped so easily, and in that time much had gone missing. Not all of which were identifiable or even tangible.

I had determined that this stirring of emotion had been due to the realization that the world represented both within this imagery, and within memory, no longer existing. For most of what had been the basis for that world, long ago had fallen away into irretrievable decay.

After another moment, the emotions relented as I realized that, from a modern perspective, the foundations of that world had never truly existed. For the assumptions that that world was built upon were fabrications, illusion, mythologies of a bygone era. All that is left of that world are the place names, shells of buildings, and those now fossilized memories. By extension then, those illusions we are currently living under today, are almost certainly invisible to us.

As the old world fades into oblivion, the story will transform into a new one. Is it possible then to create a new sustainable mythology, one with the tools capable of explaining our true place in an evolving universe?

Who is Keeping Notes?

One of my many notebooks

For those creative types out there, unless you have an assistant it is impossible for one to do all at once. In any creative endeavor, ideas are often more plentiful than time will allow for. Sometimes constraints on time can stop things from ever getting started. My experience has been that memory tends to fade; even the most inspired idea, if neglected will wither away.

Something I learned to do a long time ago is when an exciting idea comes, I should do my best to somehow document it. For most people, it is counterproductive to jump from the middle of one project, to start another. This has always been true for me. My solution whether it be for writing or painting has always been to keep detailed notes and drawings, to which I could return, mull over, and reformulate at a later time or date. One by-product of this is never having that sense of not knowing what your next move should be. This eventually became an important part how I get things done.

illustration in notes for “Children of a Dark Age” 2006

In my work life, I have known many people who document every aspect of their day to day lives, people who they met, meeting minutes, or what they ate for lunch. I’ve witnessed firsthand the vital memory expanding capabilities of a notebook. Today, however, with the advent of cell phones and tablets more diverse almost limitless variety of media types can be used, captured, and stored for this purpose. These, I too, I have come to appreciate for their abilities to document ideas. From my perspective, however, there is an incorruptible quality to a sheet of crisp white paper whether it be lined or unlined. For me, a notebook will always be pen and paper.

Losing your Ego

Piper at the gates of Dawn  2007 John Faherty

The drive to be an Artist or Writer, wherein your heart and soul are poured into a project for some is often the easiest part in the act of creation. No art, however, can exist in a vacuum. This for many is where the process breaks down. It takes a brave and resilient person, to press forward, changing when necessary to ultimately face down one’s ego.  

People who have ever attempted to break into any creative endeavor whether they’ve experienced success or not, know that there can often be a long and disappointing road ahead. The Publishing world, with its ever-changing trends, can be as competitive as it gets. I find I’m not afraid to say that I’m learning something new every day.

When I went to art school in the eighties, the critiques were tough and relentless. These experiences, though initially disheartening helped me to begin to see my work objectively. Now as I submit queries and track responses I’m attempting to learn something about my work and the business. One day I’m going to get the response that’s someone really connects with what I’m doing. The word count will be perfect, and my hook will be just right. Until that time comes, I’m going to continue to try to maintain that balance between creativity and business savvy.

The Swan and the Whirlwind

Science Fiction author, currently shopping exciting new title, The Swan and the Whirlwind to agency or publisher.

 The Swan and the Whirlwind are not your average high concept novels.  But rather they are a slow-building, story-driven, narrative filled from start to finish with a host of well-crafted elements. The cast of characters includes many strong female protagonists and exist in a variety of diverse settings. The characters are well fleshed out, possess emotional depth, and exist in fully realized worlds. The pace of the slowly escalating action and emotional tension is steady throughout.

The Swan and the Whirlwind is a series of two novels. With the novel originally coming in at 188000 words. the consensuses were that this title was perhaps too long. To correct this end I was able to identify a natural break near the mid-point of the action and there I created an additional two chapters through which ends are tied up and things that were previously left unanswered or purposely vague are revealed.  The resulting first title: The Swan and the WhirlwindGateway in the Skyis a more manageable 115000 words. The second title: The Swan and the Whirlwind, Project Whirlwindnow runs at 105,000 words.  

Within the background noise of a fifty-year-old dataset, the ethereal shadow of a gravitational anomaly lay hidden. Following this thread of investigation Project Whirlwind would discover a façade illusion, masking the colossal mass of an alien craft had made landfall on Earth. The dark and dangerous elements buried deep in this alien history struggle to regain the light.

The plot of the novel unfolds in a parallel future. Sara Burton, Director of the office of Theoretical strategic Intelligence, over the course of her career had one regret. The circumstances of which, at long last, she was now determined to reexamine.  For this purpose, she recruits Paul, a time-sensitive agent. Together they discover the signs of an interdimensional intrusion of an alien vessel hiding in plain sight. The Arox, an ancient alien race, who had once been masters of time and space, had in time been brought low by decay from within. Murine, the last representative of her priestly order must walk a tightrope to control the vast powers projected by the ship. If left unleashed they could at once destroy this planet and the legacy of her ancient world. The Earth, however, would succumb to the same festering secret that had laid hidden deep in the Arox past. Paul, the only one who possesses the memories of a different kind of Earth, again joins forces with a Sara, who by the strange circumstance of the temporal anomaly was lost. He discovers her again locked within the confines of a game fighting an insurrection against the forces of a rogue shapeshifting artificial intelligence known as Lurker.