HISTORY OF THE END OF THE WORD 6: THE CARDS (continued)

El broke the spell, which had taken possesion of the room, by pouring water in their glasses. The Master nodded en took a sip. “Let me tell you something more about the cards.” Laura agreed. Although the situation, being at this study, which contained all kind of objects, books and data, she wanted to touch to absorb. Atlantis was written all over the place, but she didn't dare to mention this name. She felt quiet en open to receive more information. There was no doubt in her mind, that her two companions were honest and telling the truth. At least, as far as you can understand it and that truth existed in this universe. For her Atlantis and the myths had been a deep vibrating calling inside, she had felt from childhood and which had led her all around the world, to arrive at this place. Sitting opposite a guru-type person, whose cards had been in her possesion for a couple of years.

“These cards were once part of a giant computer. Scientist maintaining the hardware, used them for programming, data-collection, analysis and so forth. Some of the cards could be used to communicate face-to-face, some could be used as tools and as a means of transport. When the giant computer crashed, the people, still possesing the cards, fell into decline, which resulted in an endless strain of wars. Cards were used as weapons and in the end the civilisation crumbled and disappeared because of a giant Flood. One of many. Many people died and the hardware of this civilisation was destroyed. Some people and some cards survived and when the waters withdrew and a new earth was born, the whole cycle started all over again.”

The Master picked up a card and frumbled it like a piece of paper.

When he put it back on the table, it immidiately retook is original shape. “These cards are almost industructable.”

“Nano-technology.”, Laura whispered. “Yes, but very advanced. These cards are intelligent. They learn when being used. They protect the legal owner and they have the tendency to stick together. When a card gets lost, it will always try to get back, one way or another. This cards give access to multiple dimensions and can be used as storage. You can unfold a card so to speak. Although it's only a few molecules thick, there is a big space behind them.”

The Master rose and went to an old bookstand and started searching. “Here they are.”, he mumbled and walked back to the table. In his hands he held a couple of cards. He put them before their eyes.

“Let's start with the backside. All these cards have the same backside. Gold and green and with two cormorants holding a shield.” El and Laura looked at these ancient symbols and felt the power inside them. “This is my personal weapon. It started as a joke. Everybody wanted eagles and lions to carry their shields and I wanted something else. More down to earth.”

Slowly the Master moved the cards towards them. “Look at the shield. This represents the All-Seeing-Eye. A very heavy symbol, which started as a joke as well.”

Nor Laura, nor El dared to touch the cards in front of them.

“This backside can function as an ID-card. When you are in trouble, it may lead you to a safe place. It also shows that you are fighting on my side.”

The Master gestured to pick up the card. Laura felt immediately that the card was powered by strange energies, but when she turned it around, she saw that the other side was blank. She looked at El and saw that her's didn't have any symbols on hers. She looked up and saw the Master smile.

“I give you the opportunity to construct your own card. When the connection between us grows, we will get in contact with each other by means of the cards. Meditate on the card and it will start to talk to you.”

El and Laura just sat there. This sounded like magic to Laura, but at the same time, the idea grew in here, that it might work. A whole new world would open up to her. She looked at El, who nodded silently and rose. Laura followed her to the door.

“Practise today, we will meet tomorrow.”, the Master said.