Dedication: This piece would have been impossible
without the help of some very key people:
Marguerite--who is, once again, responsible for
urging me forward, even when I dug my heels in and
didn't want to go.
Meredith--who has reminded me over and over again
that writing is more than getting the words on the
page--it's getting the *right* words on the page.
Nascent--who gave me more scientific information
than I ever needed, and all of the encouragement I
could ever want. If it rings true, it's because of her--
if it doesn't, it's because I didn't listen to her.
Dawn Pares--who said it was good.
Certitude is dedicated to Jordan for her brilliant
insight, her brutal honesty, and her damn good
advice. She's what every fanciful author without an
airtight plot needs in his back pocket, and who every
young man without a clue needs to talk to. Without
her, this story would not exist.
Author's Notes:
Once again, short, sweet, and to the point.
The concept for Certitude came from the poem
"Dover Beach" by Matthew Arnold. The title and
chapter titles come from that poem, as does the
sentiment underlying the piece, the analysis of
which I will not bore you with here. If you care for
an explication on the relation between Certitude and
"Dover Beach," please ask. I'll be happy to explain.
Let the games begin . . .