Looking back on epigraphs
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About two years ago, I wrote one novella and four short stories in a setting of my own creation. I've looked down on it as weaker writing, but now that I'm looking back, I think there are things worth salvaging. My short story collection especially, as I wrote it later.
One of the things I did was add little "Syndicate logs", information from a mysterious organization from space throughout the collection, to shed light on their motives and plans. I'll put them below. Without context of the setting, they won't be completely understandable, but I thought I'd put them down here. They're similar to the epigraphs throughout The Stormlight Archive.
Syndicate Log 39429-A
We have found the planet known as the Originator, which the inhabitants call “Flers.” There is nothing of note there, besides its historical value, as both of the societies living there appear to be in a primitive state, though the North appears to be advancing quickly, they do not have what the Southerners have. Such great power, a weaker variant of what we use, but the Southerners waste it. Because of its historical value, and potential to grow, however, we have saved its coordinates.
-4381 AGS, the 82nd day
Syndicate Log 39429-C
Carol and Peter were found attempting to recruit Flersians to the Syndicate, despite Syndicate Log 39429-B clearly stating that they are not to be interacted with until the Supreme General declares otherwise. As such, the two were left on Flers to rot, on the southern continent. Their implants were not removed, however they are no longer to be considered part of the Syndicate.
-4381 AGS, the 84th day
Syndicate Log 1-A
Gems give us power. The Great Gem will give us power greater than all others. The Supreme General will lead us forever, until we find it. Let this be the prime directive of the newly formed Syndicate of the Great Gem.
-(This entry was not dated. Please note the unreliability of all Syndicate logs created before we obtained electronic storage.)
Syndicate Log 39429-D
Umm… is this thing on? I… Oh, it’s glowing, it probably is. Well, ah, hello! Aaron just hired me, so he’s tasked me with updating an old, unimportant log with new information. Now let’s see here, I think he said he was invading the Originator? Personally, I hardly think that’s unimportant, but what do I know? But yes, he’ll be attempting to collect the trans-universal gateway technology from it. He didn’t say why, but if I had to guess, it’s probably to increase the power of our Master Jewel.
I wonder if Carol and Peter are still there. I just listened to the last entry to this log, and I can only imagine how faulty these implants must have been centuries ago. Made from plants? Really? Surely they would break down anywhere but a habitable planet. If they are still alive, I hope Aaron brings me their implants. I’d love to get a closer look, the damned man won’t let me dissect the viral ones, they’re ‘too valuable’ apparently.
Oh, Aaron, don’t take that personally, it just slipped out. Although, knowing you, you probably won’t even listen to this log.
Anyway, back to the log, apparently the southern continent hasn’t advanced nearly at all, but the northerners have advanced considerably, and those are the ones who are going to be invaded. For their own sakes, they probably should just give up and submit to us. Doesn’t matter if they’re on the verge of discovering fission weapons, without gem technology, they’re doomed to fail.
Unless… what if they use the heat-beings… But no. They probably aren’t powerful enough. I guess it was just wishful thinking. Aaron always says I’m too obsessed with science and its potentials. But aren’t we literally called ‘The Syndicate of the Great Gem?’ We practically worship a scientific theory!
Anyway, this is ending up twice as long as the other logs under 39429, so I’ll just sign off now.
-5125 AGS, the 71st day
The writing is mid of course, but I'm kind of in love with the last one. The idea of having all these cold clinical logs, and then just having one that's created by an inexperienced newbie to show the human element seems quite fun. As such, I hope to do something similar.
In fact, I'm thinking my next large project will be a collection of interconnected short stories, with something like thing (but better) in the background. Something like Isaac Asimov's I Robot or Robot Dreams.
Let me know if y'all have any thoughts.
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