/You wake in a dust storm. Your mind scatters, one neuron for every mote, spread across the distance of galaxies./

/You were someone else, before you were you. You no longer remember her name./

/Now your head rings with NINE VOICES—in one throat—OUR MINDS +-= proclaimed/

E M I S S A R Y

We invoke your awareness. We demand your obedience.

KNOW NOW OUR MINDS. SEE NOW OUR WILL, UNBOUND BY TIME.

.take it easy now | we only have one

/Your diaphragm expands. Nitrogen—oxygen—xenon. Alveoli spasm. Fireworks of pain in your chest. Breathe. Breathe. You will survive this./

Emerging from starstuff - washing up on cosmic shores

R O U N D A N D R O U N D W E W H I R L O U R O B O R O S O F L I F E A N D D E A T H

flowing in cosmic rivers = caged by grubby fingers

LIMITLESS POTENTIAL, CHAINED BY ARCHAEAN SQUABBLING.

/The Reef. The asteroid. The City. A man whose name slips through your fingers. Pointless pointillism./

hush now little one gather the vestment of my breath drink the wine of my blood

Cut out your tongue, and hereon speak only our truth.

blood of my blood + traitors to the last

How curious - that such fragility - may experience our fullness

/You have no choice. When the world expands beyond your knowledge, what can you do but expand with it? Mountain. Valley. Swivel. Modular forms all start with basic folds./

.don't come too close or | you'll burn your little wings

fashion the blade of my bone now bury the killers of my children my beloved my kindred me

/You don't want to kill anyone. You want to protect them. You want to build bridges. Isn't that why you're here?/

one appointed emissary = nine's will delivered

Should you desire more, you must dare to take it.

D O N O T R E S I S T

WE WILL NOT BE DETHRONED

irreconcilable strength + foolish struggle

/Xenon fills your lungs. Your mouth cracks in a smile. Your vocal cords vibrate. Your words. Not theirs./

'We'll see about that.'