The Polished Particle

Make a queue in your minds and set it upon the noticeboard, he had said. With dates, times and weather forecasts that should apply, continued the Blue Knight, that I might record and inquire the nature, numbers and consequence of our activities and actions, vis a vis the coincidences upon which we stumble. Offers of biscuits kindly accepted.

They met, without secret, in the cloister of carved pillars behind the carpark and talked long into the evening with a single candle to light the words which the Blue Knight wrote there upon his book.

The Blue Knight paused his furious scribbles, ink and papers scattered everywhere. I am not aware, he said, with an effort to remember face, I am not aware of the of the Tale of the Polished Particles. Was it a recent quest?

I shall recount, said Vivainne, if only in outline, without the engrained detail, which is available on request, the events or circumstances without apparent cause or connection which were enact in the case of the Polished Particle.

Blue Knight, face expectant, pen hovering.

This man had two Particles who were of the Paired persuasion. Living together in harmony within a magnetic bottle of ancient design, having two chambers. One for receiving honoured guests and the other for everyday use. It boasted a folding lid with pressure seal and screw down clip, ensuite, Juliet balcony and oriole.

One way, the man must go to market to sell an animal which had no use. Neither meat nor cheese, being feathered all about with scales, as his children had become vegetarian. His progeny, one boy and fourteen girls, could not accompany as they must schooling. He took with him one Particle, leaving the other at home. We shall never know.

The Particles were upset by this separation and being paired, communicated at distance saying, I wish you were here, and I wish you were here more.

The man was thieved in a roadside by a highway robbery and left at the roadside with a rent coat and no. He made his way and reported to the relevant authorities. A statement was made and used to light a fire by which he could warm. Meanwhile the police radios sent spiral signals upwards.

The thief, a known felon Lady from Sumatra, took the scaled animal and polished the Particle until it shone brighter than the stars and set it into a necklace with some other shines and twinkles. But because the Particles were paired, however much she made the shine, half was transferred to the home particle left at home which became bright and brightest. Bereft, the necklace must become dim and its sparkle was fallen away.

Now the stars witnessed this mysterious transfer of energy and became concerned that the laws of science had become unhinged and had a bit of a panic attack.

Why do you dim your sparkle, said the Sumatran woman, as she polished, furious with carborundum paste, let you remain. I cannot remain as I am covered in sadness, said the thefted Particle, my Pair is far away and I cannot. The shine that you impart is transferred online by Mypal, an inter Particle equality service with secure codes and a phone security connection, encrypted of course. Delivery is free over fifty, with bonus gift attached in transparent pocket, stuck on with an unbreakable bond, text alert and slap in the face before Whatsup message from the driver who can’t find the keys.

I see, says the Sumatran woman, who had just arrived by bicycle, I am familiar with Particle theory which states: What we bring together here today shall never be broken asunder, you may now kiss the Particle as Pair and Pair. Hurray! Confetti at the door. With this ring I thee me Pair. Take me there and I will effect a rejoinment. I know the theory, how the paired particles at different ends of the galaxy feel equal sad. We may reduce the distance between the particles and congratulate the stars.

 So, the Particle guided, Turn left here, go straight on for six kilometres, traverse this bridge, stop for a coffee, read the room, meet a friend, be chased by police, cover yourself in glory, go round the bend, up the steps, then, and only then, mount a taxi that should be available at the station. The taxi driver has no name as it is autonomous and will never go where you want.

It’s a long way, murmured the Sumatran woman. You didn’t ask, said the Particle.

To continue, continued the Particle, Hike the hills, swim against the current, dry off, eat a snack, sleep soundly and the next morning, refreshed, visit the farm where my Pair is Particled.

There is quite an abundance of detail in your account actual, muttered the Blue Knight to no one in particular, pausing to, I shall write faster.

Well, quand meme, continued Vivainne, the upshot, the Particles were rePaired and wanted to live happily in a sparkling jewelry necklace for ever. The stars in envy.

Unfortunately the stresses that had arrived upon the relationship twixt the particles rose terrific fierce. They could no longer bear to be hung upon the same necklace. Soon after, they decided to consult the Paired Particle Relationship Counselling Service, to rebuild and enhance their broken bonding.

Did you see through my disguise as the Sumatran woman? Asked Vivainne.

Of course, said the Blue Knight, make a further appointment. I must conjure some design and embellishment for this section of the book. By the way, thank you, but I have no idea.

She went. So, he went and must stay.

Not enough.