introducing Derek

Bisbee is a town caught between what it wants to be, what it believes it is, and what it actually is. The town ignores the mine and all the mine's activities as though they didn't exist. Someday, that willful ignorance will falter. For now, the balancing act isn't doing the town any favors. Tensions are high; when it comes, clarity will be a relief. Alice Signay's happy memories, and the return of something stolen, will lead the way.


At the heart of the problem, a cold man - a man who was once an idealistic boy whose heart was broken. His name is Derek Page. He's never quite moved beyond adolescent notions of love and heartbreak which center him and his lover in the stage of the world. His notion of strength is inverted: might makes right, and might is won through any means necessary. The truth is a human-made thing; if he can grasp that, his life will take on new meaning. Every experience is composed of multiple truths; each must be recognized on its own merits.

According to the kabalarians:

The name of Derek gives you a very individual, reserved, serious nature.

You prefer to be alone with your own thoughts, rather than in the company of others.

This name restricts spontaneity in association and the fluency of your verbal expression.

When you are required to express yourself in personal matters requiring finesse and diplomacy, you feel awkward and embarrassed.

Although you realize perfectly well what is expected of you, you are unable to find the right words, and hence you end up saying something inappropriate in a candid way.

You can express your deeper thoughts and feelings best through writing.

While the name Derek creates the urge to be creative, independent and original, we point out that it limits self-expression and friendly congeniality with a tendency to be moody.

character sketches via tarot

Sasha is a Queen of Pentacles; she escaped a bad situation when she finally got fed up, and landed here in Bisbee (Six of Swords); she tends to ignite conflict (Five of Wands).

Jacq is a Page of Swords; depression haunts her mind (Nine of Swords); she mistrusts the balance of material give-and-take in most relationships (Six of Pentacles).

Abraham is a King of Pentacles; he has experienced grief (Five of Cups) and something has been stolen from him (Seven of Cups). His experiences are shaping him - he is transitioning to a King of Swords.

Alice Signay (name from "Cygnet") is a Queen of Swords; she works very carefully (Eight of Pentacles); she presents a new way of thinking (Ace of Swords).

Faiz Karimah (by name: potential to be a philanthropist/desires recognition; generous) is a King of Cups; always prepared and up for any challenge (Nine of Wands); tends to be defensive by default (Seven of Wands).

There's a celebration of an achievement (Four of Wands); then, dissatisfaction with reality (Four of Cups); a victory tinged with defeat (Five of Swords).

Major Arcana that came up during this draw (in order): Death, the Tower, the Wheel of Fortune, the Hermit, the Hanged Man, the High Priestess.