Page 179 of Nearly Roadkill
From:Toobe
Subj:Just please
::looking at you straight in the eyes:: Please help us. Isn’t there something you can do about that last node? I guess I’m asking you again for help, which I know I’ve done too much lately. But it’s really important.
—T.
To:Toobe
From:Jabba
Subj:Just please
You are compelling, my friend. My fish tanks are sparkling. I have made my temporary conduit safe from the bored antics of its two occupants.
By my calculations, the feds will be at their door by 8am.
END TOOBE ENTRY
GWYNYTH DIARY ENTRY
At last, I’ve finished my signoff anthem:
AND THIS I STATE:
I started getting cranky back when they shuttered the Coney Island Freak Show and put up a McDonald’s. Let me tell you—there weren’t many places left for a bearded lady to work.
Memories:
“Can I help you, sir?”
“Look at the man in the dress, Mommy!”
“Sorry, this land is for women only.”
I have always found refuge in my computer. Next to my cats, that ornery pile of chips and circuits was the most forgiving creature in my life. I plied a thriving trade in online tarot readings. Until my site was hacked, and suddenly men were signing on for cybersex. Gave the damn fools a tarot reading anyway, and they never knew the difference. Ka-ching for me.
I flourished, built vast domains, for all who entered to explore, experience, and emerge enlightened. I had one lone companion who could match me in my speed and desire for all things techno.
My friend and I built cyberworlds and romped as playmates, inventors, artists. We were there when Tim first proposed the idea of using hyperlinks to create a “web of information.” It wasn’t long before we came up with HTML. Ah, great days. Never did we meet face-to-bearded face. And then one day twelve long years ago, my friend simply disappeared.
I was suddenly alone in an empire of zeros and ones. I built and fortified my secret cyber-fortress. I practiced my Code and my Craft, waiting to discover my raison d’être. I missed my large friend.
Now, after twelve years of virtual and quite real solitude, I have three new friends who’ve gazed upon my furry face and never blinked an eye. It’s been worth the wait. And lo, of late my brilliant friend and I are speaking again. All this because my three new friends needed us both so badly.
Oh, you can call it chance.
You can say it’s Fate.
I call it the power of an open heart.
Now I know the reason for my cyberpowers.
I know the reason for my understanding of the Craft.
And the reason for my beard.
From this day forward, I pledge my life to opening my strong arms to all my family members everywhere. By Code and by Craft, I do.
