This is a tale of an imaginary distant planet, with a radically different culture, set in the future. There is a mixture of science fiction, a little adventure, some mystery, no significant romance, and packed with religious propaganda.
Further, there are whole raft of subtle and not so subtle references to Christian Mysticism in particular, and mysticism in general. Thus, the whole thing is loaded with symbolism.
An anthropologist visits a world isolated from the rest of human space by accidents of circumstance. What he finds changes everything for him. At the same time, things inevitably change for everyone involved. The end is highly symbolic of basic religious convictions.
The story is told in four parts, each connected but capable of standing alone.
Interstellar Anthropologist -- Introduces the main character and background for the story. Then introduces the second main character who guides our hero, and the third main character, the planet itself.
From Mists to Mysts -- Proposes a mystery of things not quite right on this cloistered planet, a disruption of the stable pattern. There is a journey with a threat. The immediate threat is resolved, but the mystery remains unsolved.
The Recruiters -- Another journey begins, but is disrupted by tantalizing clues to the underlying mystery. Resolution involves unexpected findings, but sets the stage for the resolution of an even greater problem.
The End Game -- Things get out of control on the surface, but represents only a feint, while the real threat appears on the horizon. When it arrives, the end is really not the end.
By Ed Hurst
04 January 2010
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