"When in doubt, blow something up." - J. Michael Stracynski
This quote was at the top of one of the chapters of a very entertaining book I just finished reading. A fun, escapist novel about four author friends who end up writing together a novel about four author friends. Clearly this is the kind of friendship we all crave. The kinds of friends who would drop everything to help one of their own who is at the bottom of a pit of despair. However, each of the friends has a secret, which comes out when their bestseller, written under only one name, gets analyzed on an Oprah-like talk show. Chaos ensues, the friendships falter, lawsuits out the kazoo. Then we get the happy ending that I generally require from my reading material: friendships are saved, marriages are saved, contracts are saved, new relationships bloom where appropriate. Happily ever after.
Then there's real life, where breaking a contract is wrong, secrets are damaging, and friendships can't withstand everything they are put through. This is where the blowing up quote fits in. In the immortal words of Kaylee, "Sometimes a thing gets broke can't be fixed." Surprisingly enough, it's kind of a relief knowing that. In the show, of course, they will all die if they can't replace that part. So that's not the relief. But knowing that particular item is lost to them forever, means they waste no time on trying to fix it, but concentrate instead on finding a replacement part. Not that I'm looking for replacement parts right now, but I know the "catalyzer" is gone forever.
Kosh said, "Understanding is a three-edged sword." The two points of view and the truth in between. The truth is out there. Oh, wait, not my sci-fi show. Truth is sharp. Sometimes the truth severs, but sometimes the truth leaves a clean line that can be stitched and eventually healed. Serenity, the vessel of my life, is getting some renovations. My own Cap'n Tightpants/Wash (we all know he's the funny one) is a rock solid driver. My crew is getting a little more personal attention. We're sometimes out in the black on our own. But at least now we're not headed to a black hole. "Brilliant plan, I'm sure we'll all be saved."
Life lessons from space shows: When you are sailing your spaceship into the dark, you'd best be keeping your eyes wide open and consulting star charts. Sometimes your destination is a nice planet. Sometimes it's a place like Z'hadum. You have to decide if the potential for doom is worth the trip. It probably isn't. River Tam regarding cows in a spaceship, "They weren't cows inside. They were waiting to be, but they forgot. Now they see the sky and they remember what they are." Let nothing get in the way of remembering who you are or who you want to be. Shepherd Book said, "You're going to burn in a very special level of hell. A level they reserve for child molesters and people who talk at the theater." Well, frankly, that has nothing to do with this, I just like the quote. G'Kar claims, "No one here is exactly what he appears." We all have layers. Some are good, some are not. Pay attention to your dealings with others: do your best to show your true self, but be aware that you might be hiding something. And the other person? Also a human with feelings, faults, hidden layers. Another G'Kar quote: "I'm delirious with joy. It proves that if you confront the universe with good intentions in your heart, it will reflect that and reward your intent. Usually. It just doesn't always do it in the way you expect." Gives me hope for a future of better decisions and the awareness that the path is never clear.
Many thanks to: Babylon 5, Firefly and The Accidental Bestseller by Wendy Wax.
