sensayer
A new kind of spiritual guide who provides metaphysical and theological counsel by presenting diverse religious and anti-religious perspectives in a society where traditional religion is banned.
2 chapters across 1 book
Too Like the Lightning (2016)Ada Palmer
The chapter opens on March 23, 2454, introducing Carlyle Foster, a sensayer who visits Thisbe and discovers a crisis involving tiny, wounded toy soldiers and a boy named Bridger with miraculous healing powers. The narrative explores the tension between belief and skepticism, the role of sensayers as metaphysical guides in a society where religion is suppressed, and hints at Bridger's pivotal role in shaping the future.
In this chapter, Carlyle Foster returns unexpectedly to the Saneer-Weeksbooth bash'house and interacts with Members Eureka Weeksbooth and Sidney Koons, who are set-sets—humans cognitively integrated with computers. The conversation reveals tensions around the ethics and experiences of set-set training, with Carlyle attempting to understand and empathize with Eureka's unique upbringing and perspective. The chapter explores themes of servitude, identity, and the challenges of bridging vastly different human experiences within a futuristic society.