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The TechspirePlaceholder Faction: Transcendentalists Exists in: Realspace More & TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More

Words
Neal Ulen

When : Where
259 DE (2569 CE) : TerraFollowing the Transcendence Wars (2300-2310 CE), Terra became an inhospitable world compared to its pre-war state. Regardless, huamnity was forced to eek out an existence there with most survivors of ... More / TechspirePlaceholder Faction: Transcendentalists Exists in: Realspace More / The TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More

—Anonymous / Graffiti in the TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More / Unknown Date

They lived in the TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More, in the Eighth Circle, near the BarrierThe Barrier is the outermost wall surrounding the Tangle. It separates the Tangle and Techspire on Terra from the inhospitable environments of the Zone. The Barrier is tall enough such that very few s... More Wall … and they kept to themselves.

That’s not to say they didn’t have friends, but MartosSummary: Martos-TD849J93-X, a former Triocracy Citizen under the stewardship of Techspire, Terra. Citizen possessed average intellectual aptitude, and was assigned infrastructure maintenance training.... More and TariaSummary: Taria-T145VI33-O, a former Triocracy Citizen under the stewardship of Techspire, Terra. Citizen possessed much higher intellectual aptitude than average and was assigned advanced training. Un... More were very careful who they shared their lives and personal affairs with. The SpireSpires is a term for the more specific Techspire, Warspire, and Lorespire that are the three arms of the human Triocracy. In a broader sense a Spire is the center of power on a given planet and/or sys... More knew almost everything concerning their affairs, so it was only natural that they controlled as much of their privacy as they were able. One can never be too careful when living between the shadows of the TechspirePlaceholder Faction: Transcendentalists Exists in: Realspace More and the BarrierThe Barrier is the outermost wall surrounding the Tangle. It separates the Tangle and Techspire on Terra from the inhospitable environments of the Zone. The Barrier is tall enough such that very few s... More Wall, especially when you are breaking the Covenants. The walls had ears and the streets had eyes.

His cube overlooked a dead end avenue where trash usually collected due to the winds swirling through the maze of the deep streets that made up most of the TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More, even this far away from the base of the SpireSpires is a term for the more specific Techspire, Warspire, and Lorespire that are the three arms of the human Triocracy. In a broader sense a Spire is the center of power on a given planet and/or sys... More. Thankfully, in one way, the avenue was always shrouded in dim light helping to hide the chaotic refuse that congregated far below his single window. Glorious sunlight touched the alley only during a handful of minutes, during a handful of days, toward the end of summer … if it wasn’t cloudy or if a dust storm wasn’t blowing through the TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More.

But luck had been with him when this latest cube had been assigned. Being ten stories above the street afforded him a sense of security, especially considering he had further been blessed with a window.

MartosSummary: Martos-TD849J93-X, a former Triocracy Citizen under the stewardship of Techspire, Terra. Citizen possessed average intellectual aptitude, and was assigned infrastructure maintenance training.... More and TariaSummary: Taria-T145VI33-O, a former Triocracy Citizen under the stewardship of Techspire, Terra. Citizen possessed much higher intellectual aptitude than average and was assigned advanced training. Un... More were like all citizens of the TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More that surrounded the SpireSpires is a term for the more specific Techspire, Warspire, and Lorespire that are the three arms of the human Triocracy. In a broader sense a Spire is the center of power on a given planet and/or sys... More. They worked for it and depended on it for almost everything in their lives. Food, water, shelter, and currency for all other necessities. Black markets did exist within the TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More, or were allowed to exist, as long as those endeavors did not interfere with the Techspire’s interests.

TariaSummary: Taria-T145VI33-O, a former Triocracy Citizen under the stewardship of Techspire, Terra. Citizen possessed much higher intellectual aptitude than average and was assigned advanced training. Un... More was assigned to a health distribution center doling out care to citizens who required it. The citizens must remain healthy! MartosSummary: Martos-TD849J93-X, a former Triocracy Citizen under the stewardship of Techspire, Terra. Citizen possessed average intellectual aptitude, and was assigned infrastructure maintenance training.... More labored in the desalination plant, which was one of the most important jobs in the TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More. The citizens must remain hydrated!

He was late for labors.

The warm sheets rustled softly as he rolled over and kissed TariaSummary: Taria-T145VI33-O, a former Triocracy Citizen under the stewardship of Techspire, Terra. Citizen possessed much higher intellectual aptitude than average and was assigned advanced training. Un... More on the cheek. She didn’t open her eyes but smiled gently acknowledging the affection. Her body shifted as she gently stretched the morning sleep from her muscles.

The cube was perpetually dark and he stumbled across the room to turn on a dim light so as not to disturb TariaSummary: Taria-T145VI33-O, a former Triocracy Citizen under the stewardship of Techspire, Terra. Citizen possessed much higher intellectual aptitude than average and was assigned advanced training. Un... More. MartosSummary: Martos-TD849J93-X, a former Triocracy Citizen under the stewardship of Techspire, Terra. Citizen possessed average intellectual aptitude, and was assigned infrastructure maintenance training.... More went through the motions of his morning routine quietly and efficiently. Just before he was ready to depart he opened the food storage unit. Empty.

Shit, he thought to himself, another errand to run today.

His weathered shoulder bag was hanging on a chair near the bed. As he went to retrieve it TariaSummary: Taria-T145VI33-O, a former Triocracy Citizen under the stewardship of Techspire, Terra. Citizen possessed much higher intellectual aptitude than average and was assigned advanced training. Un... More opened her eyes and stared at him.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to wake you.”

“It’s okay,” she said as she sat up. “I was already awake.”

MartosSummary: Martos-TD849J93-X, a former Triocracy Citizen under the stewardship of Techspire, Terra. Citizen possessed average intellectual aptitude, and was assigned infrastructure maintenance training.... More leaned in close over the bed as he grabbed his bag. “Listen, try not to let anyone see you leave.”

“I know, I know … but easier said than done. But I have become quite good at it.” She smiled.

“Okay, I have to go!” He gave her a quick peck on the lips. “And lock the door!” He said as he closed it behind him.

The streets, alleys, and hidden paths of the TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More were always dim and always crowded, even this far out in the Eighth Circle. A thin sliver of sky could be seen if it wasn’t blocked by a nest of wires, pipes, balconies, signage, overpass walkways, or tunnel roofs. Twenty four hours a day the dark recesses of the TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More were illuminated by a myriad of light sources, from the archaic to the near arcane. Colorful neon signs helped the lost to find their way. Likewise three dimensional projected A.I.s paced outside shops hawking wares and lighting up the street with their glow. Old, but readily available, incandescent bulbs festooned the chasms above the TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More, draped like glowing vines growing between the cubes. And in better sections of the TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More, in the Rise closer to the SpireSpires is a term for the more specific Techspire, Warspire, and Lorespire that are the three arms of the human Triocracy. In a broader sense a Spire is the center of power on a given planet and/or sys... More, the streets were illuminated by a source that had no discernible location nor did it seem to cast a shadow.

The streets, alleys, and hidden paths of the TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More were always dim and always crowded, even this far out in the Eighth Circle. A thin sliver of sky could be seen if it wasn’t blocked by a nest of wires, pipes, balconies, signage, overpass walkways, or tunnel roofs. Twenty four hours a day the dark recesses of the TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More were illuminated by a myriad of light sources, from the archaic to the near arcane.

Once at street level MartosSummary: Martos-TD849J93-X, a former Triocracy Citizen under the stewardship of Techspire, Terra. Citizen possessed average intellectual aptitude, and was assigned infrastructure maintenance training.... More elbowed his way through the bustling crowd making his general way toward a SpokeSpokes are the great central avenues that radiate from the base of the Terran Techspire (the largest of all Spires), travel through the Rise, and radiate out into the Tangle stopping short of the Barr... More so he could make the one mile walk to the Exchange.

It was a warm morning and the scents of the densely packed populace swept around him as he dodged workers, children, elderly resting at corners, and packs of rats … but no vehicles. Vehicles were rare in the TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More due to the narrow avenues, more walkways than streets really, and the crush of people. If a vehicle did need to access to the TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More it typically lighted to the roof of a cube complex. But few TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More citizens owned vehicles. Visitors from the SpireSpires is a term for the more specific Techspire, Warspire, and Lorespire that are the three arms of the human Triocracy. In a broader sense a Spire is the center of power on a given planet and/or sys... More were almost the sole users of the rooftops as access points into and out of the TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More. As one moved away from the BarrierThe Barrier is the outermost wall surrounding the Tangle. It separates the Tangle and Techspire on Terra from the inhospitable environments of the Zone. The Barrier is tall enough such that very few s... More and closer to the SpireSpires is a term for the more specific Techspire, Warspire, and Lorespire that are the three arms of the human Triocracy. In a broader sense a Spire is the center of power on a given planet and/or sys... More vehicles became more prevalent.

MartosSummary: Martos-TD849J93-X, a former Triocracy Citizen under the stewardship of Techspire, Terra. Citizen possessed average intellectual aptitude, and was assigned infrastructure maintenance training.... More rounded a corner and entered a SpokeSpokes are the great central avenues that radiate from the base of the Terran Techspire (the largest of all Spires), travel through the Rise, and radiate out into the Tangle stopping short of the Barr... More, one of eight great roadways that radiated from the massive TechspirePlaceholder Faction: Transcendentalists Exists in: Realspace More that loomed menacingly from the center of the TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More.

The sight of the SpireSpires is a term for the more specific Techspire, Warspire, and Lorespire that are the three arms of the human Triocracy. In a broader sense a Spire is the center of power on a given planet and/or sys... More piercing three miles into the hazy sky filled him with wonder and dread. It always had, and in a likelihood always would, until the end of his days.

The SpokeSpokes are the great central avenues that radiate from the base of the Terran Techspire (the largest of all Spires), travel through the Rise, and radiate out into the Tangle stopping short of the Barr... More was clogged with citizens moving through the TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More to complete their private tasks, or to complete their assigned SpireSpires is a term for the more specific Techspire, Warspire, and Lorespire that are the three arms of the human Triocracy. In a broader sense a Spire is the center of power on a given planet and/or sys... More duties. Since it was a clear day MartosSummary: Martos-TD849J93-X, a former Triocracy Citizen under the stewardship of Techspire, Terra. Citizen possessed average intellectual aptitude, and was assigned infrastructure maintenance training.... More could see all the way along the SpokeSpokes are the great central avenues that radiate from the base of the Terran Techspire (the largest of all Spires), travel through the Rise, and radiate out into the Tangle stopping short of the Barr... More as it sloped gently upwards to fade into the haze of the Rise, the denser and more opulent cube clusters that splashed up against the base of the SpireSpires is a term for the more specific Techspire, Warspire, and Lorespire that are the three arms of the human Triocracy. In a broader sense a Spire is the center of power on a given planet and/or sys... More. On either side of the SpokeSpokes are the great central avenues that radiate from the base of the Terran Techspire (the largest of all Spires), travel through the Rise, and radiate out into the Tangle stopping short of the Barr... More cube clusters of various construction lined the wide roadway. Approximately one mile away MartosSummary: Martos-TD849J93-X, a former Triocracy Citizen under the stewardship of Techspire, Terra. Citizen possessed average intellectual aptitude, and was assigned infrastructure maintenance training.... More could see the bridge of the elevated tram cross the space between the cubes.

In the twenty five years that he had been alive MartosSummary: Martos-TD849J93-X, a former Triocracy Citizen under the stewardship of Techspire, Terra. Citizen possessed average intellectual aptitude, and was assigned infrastructure maintenance training.... More had only see a fraction of the TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More, had never seen what was beyond the BarrierThe Barrier is the outermost wall surrounding the Tangle. It separates the Tangle and Techspire on Terra from the inhospitable environments of the Zone. The Barrier is tall enough such that very few s... More, and had never won a lottery to visit Pinnacle CityThe great city on top of Terran Techspire is known as Pinnacle City. At its peak it is three miles above the Zone ... what remains of the Terran surface. At this elevation Spirelings are protected fro... More atop the SpireSpires is a term for the more specific Techspire, Warspire, and Lorespire that are the three arms of the human Triocracy. In a broader sense a Spire is the center of power on a given planet and/or sys... More. He wondered what he would see from that precipice. Would he behold the supposed truth? Was the Zone beyond the BarrierThe Barrier is the outermost wall surrounding the Tangle. It separates the Tangle and Techspire on Terra from the inhospitable environments of the Zone. The Barrier is tall enough such that very few s... More an uninhabitable wasteland of deadly creatures and inhospitable conditions? How did humanity come to such a state that only a couple hundred million were left on Earth huddled in a massive city surrounding a technological wonder that controlled the flow of information within the entirety of human space?

The ten mile diameter TangleThe term "Tangle" refers specifically to the mass of humanity on Terra that resides between the three mile tall Techspire and the Barrier which acts as the final dividing line between the Tangle and t... More could only hold a fixed amount of citizens. Surely he would hit the off world lottery and be able to travel to one of the other colonies, and when he did he would be able to take one person with him. TariaSummary: Taria-T145VI33-O, a former Triocracy Citizen under the stewardship of Techspire, Terra. Citizen possessed much higher intellectual aptitude than average and was assigned advanced training. Un... More.

His pace quickened as he glanced at the beaten and tarnished chronometer on his wrist and realized he was running behind.
Continued in Void the Light – Part 2.

More Spaces to Explore . . .

Images & Words: Void the Light – Part 2 Images & Words: Void the Light – Part 5 Images & Words: Void the Light – Part 8