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Thursday, May 10, 2012

The Insanity of Zero Part 5

Today I'm at the book blog of Dead End Follies. Please follow me there if you have the time :) I appreciate your support.

Also below is the fifth part of my short story, the Insanity of Zero.

Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four

Does our fear of death define how we choose to live?
“The last archangel?  Like Michael, Gabriel, Uriel and others?”
“Yes.  He’ll be born as a human with free will to choose his destiny.”
“What about the other archangels?  Why is he the last?” Eve asked.
“I don’t know what happened to them.  They’ve been gone a long time.”
“Were they human?  And how do you know they’ve gone?”
“No, and, I just do.  Ask yourself when the last time anyone that you knew saw an angel.  They left long ago.”
“What could cause you to fail?” Eve asked.
“I don’t know.”
Eve stood there observing me for some time.  “Can you combine with me?  Somehow, allow your mind to join with mine but still give me the ability to control myself; to maintain my autonomy?”
“Yes.  But it would require a cortical implant.  You would have to sacrifice some of your long-term memories to make room for the device within your skull.”
“What would I retain?”
“Only the things that meant the most to you; I could make certain that those memories were not harmed.  Things that were of little importance to you or memories that you wanted to forget. Those are things that could be sacrificed.”
“Would I remember my mother’s funeral?”
“Is it precious to you?”
“Yes.”
“Why?  Why would you want to remember so painful a thing?”
“Death defines our life, Z.E.R.O.  Perhaps you’ll understand that when you’ve combined with me.  Humans make many decisions based on mortality.”
“But I’m immortal.  I don’t see how my understanding death would influence my decisions.”
“Which is precisely why you need to do this,” Eve said.  She took a step forward and touched my hand with hers.  Her skin was warm, alive.  It was the first time a human had touched me. I found it beautiful and I smiled at her.
“Is this the beginning?” I asked.
“Yes,” she said. I found her reassurance comforting.


Click Here for Part 6
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17 comments:

  1. Alex J. CavanaughMay 10, 2012 at 4:12 AM

    Your guest post isn't up yet - will check back later.

    ReplyDelete
  2. BenMay 10, 2012 at 6:17 AM

    Post is up, Oh Capitain, my Capitain

    http://www.deadendfollies.com/2012/05/michael-offutt-discusses-william-gibson.html

    ReplyDelete
  3. PT DillowayMay 10, 2012 at 6:50 AM

    How many more parts are there?

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  4. BrindaMay 10, 2012 at 6:55 AM

    I didn't read the piece in case the spoiler alert still applies. The writing on the girl's arm in the photo is from one of my fav songs by Death Cab for Cutie.

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  5. Misha GerrickMay 10, 2012 at 7:42 AM

    Heading over. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Cherie ReichMay 10, 2012 at 8:23 AM

    Can't wait to read more!

    Now heading over to to your guest post.

    ReplyDelete
  7. LibbyMay 10, 2012 at 8:35 AM

    Oops, I missed the first parts! Hope the blog tour is going well.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Matthew MacNishMay 10, 2012 at 8:58 AM

    Now I'm out of the loop. I'll go check your guest post.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Laura DiamondMay 10, 2012 at 9:18 AM

    I'm loving how you're handling your blot tour!!! :)

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  10. stephen HayesMay 10, 2012 at 9:44 AM

    I continue to be intrigued by your story.

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  11. Andrew LeonMay 10, 2012 at 10:53 AM

    Gonna check it out.

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  12. AnonymousMay 10, 2012 at 12:13 PM

    Intriguing story! I must go now and read the other parts.

    P.S. Thank you for your comment on my blog about my Dad. That quote from AHS is damn near perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  13. CiaraMay 10, 2012 at 1:28 PM

    Headed over to your guest post. Interesting, an immortal understanding death.

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  14. AnonymousMay 10, 2012 at 2:32 PM

    I'd say understanding death definitely would influence my decisions -- particularly what happens afterward...

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  15. UnknownMay 10, 2012 at 3:40 PM

    Interesting theories on death and life.

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  16. Intangible HeartsMay 10, 2012 at 4:44 PM

    Okay, I'll let you use my name and I like the story.

    ReplyDelete
  17. BelleMay 10, 2012 at 10:37 PM

    Interesting story, Michael. I like how an atomic explosion here could affect our world in an alternate universe. Very cool. Looking forward to the next post.

    ReplyDelete