Following God's Signs
Finding Truth, Chapter 2 Continues
More of Yousuf, Benny and Jupe in this week’s entry for the Finding Truth series. Yousuf learns more from them about the ARC device and about the humans that have seemingly disappeared from the planet.
This week’s entry is after the below commentary. To read the entire series, click here.
Following God’s Signs
In 2010 I began taking notes on an idea. I wasn’t sure why but I felt like I had something to say. In 2019 I took those nine years of notes and began forming a story and my wife bought me a book on writing which I outlined. I learned Scrivener (great writing/organizing software) and began writing a story. I also read about how to query agents and what book publishers wanted (and I still made just about every typical mistake in this area). I continue to jot down ideas for this world that has only lived in my mind and in the words I type.
Also in 2019, I joined a Catholic writing group. It sort of appeared to me out of nowhere and I took it as a sign from God to keep moving forward with the manuscript. Though it is a science fiction story about AI, technology and freedom, the role of God in it all is addressed throughout. It reflects the complexity of our world today as we try to figure out what governs, and what should govern, our lives.
Last month, after several rewrites, I asked my writing group for volunteers to be beta readers for my manuscript. I knew there would need to be fixes but I needed other points of view before changing things around. Afterall, there’s a reason doctors don’t diagnosis themselves. I was floored when some members agreed! I released my words, waiting for their diagnosis. Their feedback was detailed, critical and helpful. I know what needs to be addressed and it is a lot. And I’m happy! Why? Because I know what needs to be addressed! It’s like having a map to guide you on what to do next. I can continue on with the journey.
Many of the subscribers of this blog are from that writing group. So thank you members of the St. Gertrude the Great writing group that took the time to read 100k words and provide pages of feedback. I have much to learn from the group beyond writing. They are kind people and some are already authors who, through help and encouragement, motivate one another to continue writing as a way to evangelize.
St. Gertrude the Great - pray for us!
Peace.
Chapter 2 Continues
I wish I knew more about maps. I twist and turn it, trying to figure out our location. At least I know we are heading north east. If I didn’t have those drones in the sky to follow, I’d be lost.
Unfortunately, Benny and Jupe are set on helping as well.
Jupe ripped the map from my hands again. “I’m not so sure we’re heading the right way,” he said.
“Please be careful with that,” I said. “It’s the only map I’ve got.”
Benny ran ahead and waved his arms at the sky. “I wouldn’t trust those drones, either!”
“Oh calm down, Benny!” Jupe said. “You heard the man—they saved his life. Wait, I see it now. We’re right here on the map and heading to ‘reclamation’.”
“That’s our first stop,” I said. I tried to step around Benny who blocked my path. “What now, Benny?” He’s got something to get off his chest again. For someone who I’ve known for half a day, he sure has a lot to say to me.
“You need to be self-reliant,” Benny said. “You can’t trust those drones. Ain’t that right, Jupe?”
Jupe nods. “We’re the protectors of this planet. You should listen to us. That’s what all the other humans used to do.”
Since I can remember, I have been the only other human here. I need to learn more. “When did you see them?” I kneeled down.
“We were just kids,” Benny said. “Don’t remember much about them. Jupe is even younger than me, so he don’t either.”
“Were you told anything? Maybe read something about my kind? Anything?”
“Tell him the story about the ARC,” Jupe said. All of us look at it hanging from my waist.
“Well,” Benny said, “it was just kids story. Nothing scientific or anything like that.” He walked back and forth in thought. “Our elders told us of a time not too long ago in which this planet was filled with humans. Some humans were able to connect to anything, to control or access it, using an ARC. Through years of training, few humans were entrusted with that device. But it can do anything.”
I grabbed the ARC. “Anything?”
“Careful!” Benny and Jupe shouted and rolled away in opposite directions.
“Don’t even touch it, “Benny said, “until you’ve had proper training. Put it away!”
“But what does it do?
“What doesn’t it do?” Jupe said. “That’s the problem, right Benny?”
“All I know is that there used to be humans all over this planet and now there is just you, Yousuf. And I think that ARC may be the reason.”
“But it was given to me for this journey and it already helped me.”
“Who gave it to you,” Jupe asked.
“Truth.”
The horror in their faces appeared and then disappeared, along with the rest of them. Benny and Jupe were gone.