PRELUDE: THE LAW OF PLANETARY BODIES IN MOTION

Great bands happen when the orbits of bodies in motion intersect and a compatible gravitational pull keeps them together in rotation around a central core of energy, forming a coherent, graceful and dynamic solar system.

Often unconsidered is the fact that even while these planets are circling in concert around one another, each one is still spinning, independently of the motions of the others. Their orbits can remain the same for years or more, synchronized with their cohorts—but the planets still move.

Sometimes, these bodies move farther apart from one another, which can lead to entropy and, eventually, inertia. In other instances, they can move closer to one another; however, when the orbits in these systems become too tight, friction is an inevitable consequence.

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Epigraph

The old order changeth, yielding place to new.

And God fulfills Himself in many ways. And soon, I suppose, I shall be swept away by some vulgar little tumor.

Oh, my boys, my boys; we’re at the end of an age. We live in a land of weather forecasts and breakfasts that “set in.” Shat on by Tories, shoveled up by Labour.

And here we are, we three—perhaps the last island of beauty in the world.

Now, which of you is going to be a splendid fellow and go down to the Rolls for the rest of the wine?

—Uncle Monty, Withnail and I

Read for context.

A note about format (you only need to read this once):
I’m posting a new chapter every day, so the latest chapter is always directly below this note. I still recommend reading “chronologically” (i.e., from the bottom up) for optimal enjoyment. The Previous Chapters section will get you started at the beginning, if you wish.
Thanks for dropping by! Hope you’ll stick around and see where it all goes from here.

Andrew