Saturday, May 23, 2020
An Organization s Knowledge Management Essay - 1406 Words
1.0 Introduction Knowledge management is defined as the productive handling of information and resources within a firm for best decision-making process (Jashapara 2010). The main objective of knowledge management within an organisation is to enhance performance by empowering personnel to obtain, share and employ their collective information in order for them to make the right decisions when required (Sokhanvar, et al., 2014). Knowledge management entails more than technologies used for tracking or sharing information, it is also about creation of practice, developing trusted content and forming networks within and outside the organisation. In order to understand about an organisationââ¬â¢s knowledge management practice, one needs to understand the organisational structure in which it is found. Some organisationââ¬â¢s culture dictate the manner in which people interact and collaborate as regards to information is handled for the success of the organisation. Such organisations indoctrinate their employees on the value of knowledge and the significance of collaborating with each other. In addition, such organisations have support structures that facilitate this process such as mentorship programs. On the contrary, that do not act on their resources and information because they do not have mechanisms that support networking, collaboration and sharing of information. This consequently leads to a situation of negligence by the employees and to the detriment of the organisation. The paperShow MoreRelatedKnowledge Management and Organizational Knowledge882 Words à |à 4 PagesNowadays, successful organizations adopted the socio-technical systems information and knowledge management has become increasingly importance to businesses. Knowledge Management process continues to enable managers and employees with valuable understanding of their business environment and knowledge to make strategic business decisions. This essay will explain data, information and knowledge as well as the socio-technical system, knowledge management, organizational knowledge and organizational learningRead MoreSignificance Of Strategic Value Within Organizations Success922 Words à |à 4 PagesIn our modern day organization, the need of practical and strategic value holds a tremendous weight in organizations. In certain scenarios, improvement within organizations can be undesirable. While examining both, practical and strategic value holds specific requirements ultimately helping product quality results. The significance in both creates necessary guidelines on aligning proper etiquette within organizations. In 2007, the author tom McKaskill defined the significance of strategic valueRead MoreDeveloping A Sustainable Competitive Advantage1443 Words à |à 6 Pagesimposed challenges on organizations as a reflection of the intense competition ââ¬Å½that shapes business marketplaces globally and at the domestic levels.ââ¬Å½ Omotayo (2015) argued that the consequence of globalization, and the fast information transfer, is the emergence of knowledge-based economies where significance is placed upon effective management of human capital to assure that workers manage to continue creating the right value for the economy. At the present time, organizations do not compete merelyRead MoreStorytelling And Knowledge Management ( Km )1141 Words à |à 5 PagesStorytelling and knowledge management Introduction Recently the topic of knowledge management (KM) has attracted much attention of both professionals and scholars of business organizations. While storytelling, or narrative is increasingly used as one of the ways to deliver and exchange knowledge in KM process in organizations. The main objective of this essay is to explain what KM should be and to share suggestions provided by Denning (2004) about the critical role of narrative in KM and a set ofRead MoreOrganization Function of Management1609 Words à |à 7 PagesOrganizing Function of Management University of Phoenix MGT 330 - Peggy Terrasi Learning Team C Team Members: John Champagne, Malka Feast, Jason Fruge, David Rampolla, Tom Tumminelli, Derrell Beck, Vinton Morgan Organizing Function of Management The four functions of management: planning, organizing, controlling and performing are all crucial to managers and corporations across the world. After the planning function of management from the top executives down to all management staff, organizingRead MoreOrganizational Success And Outcomes Of Change Management1693 Words à |à 7 Pages In the world of organizations, it is usually that the companies face changes due to many forces surrounding the business. There could be various factors for changing which come from internal or external sources. The companies should analyze and choose the best theories and methodologies to solve the problems. Likewise, they have to understand what the major challengers are when trying to manage change in organization and how the companies are going to be survive and succeed. First of all, changeRead MoreOrganizational Management Approach Analysis : Organization1550 Words à |à 7 PagesORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT APPROACH ANALYSIS 1 Organization Management Approach Analysis Shweta Hallen ORG 502 ââ¬â Effective Organization: Theory and Practice Colorado State University ââ¬â Global Campus Dr. Claudia Santin December 01, 2015 ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT APPROACH ANALYSIS 2 Organizational Management Approach Analysis The following analysis examines the organizational approach to management that I work for. Since many of the approaches to management are based on historical approaches to management, thisRead MoreThe Importance Of A Vision Mission And Vision Statement1036 Words à |à 5 Pagesobjectives, and strategies. The direction of organizations are very important on developing a desirable environment. In developing organizations, it often times requires quality details on creating a format feasible to the organizational needs. The qualities of a vision, mission, goals, objectives, and strategies must align with concepts of the organizational desire. In developing a mission and vision statement, they become paramount to the success within organizations. JEnelle Evans describes 3 key pointsRead Morescientific management in modern society1673 Words à |à 7 Pagesï » ¿Scientific management in modern society Introduction Scientific management also known as Taylorism (Mitchan 2005) is a set of rules that govern job design in manufacturing department. Taylor(1911), the pioneer of scientific management first came up with the theory in the late nineteenth century after viewing widespread inefficient work or soldiering among workers. Taylorââ¬â¢s promotion of time and motion study, production-control methods and incentive payâ⬠(Burrell and Morgan 1979,Littler 1982Read MoreOrganizational Project Management1193 Words à |à 5 PagesOrganizational project management 4 3. OPM3 Model 5 3.1. Primary physical parts of the standard 5 3.2. OPM3 Stages 6 4. How does the OPM3 work? 7 5. Benefits of OPM3 to the organization 8 6. What kind of commitment is required to launch OPM3 in an organization? 8 7. Importance of OPM3 to the project management profession 9 8. Summary 10 9. References 11 1. Introduction Successful implementation of a new organizational strategy can turn a good organization into a great one
Monday, May 11, 2020
The American Dream Essay - 819 Words
Growing up, I always thought the ââ¬Å"American Dreamâ⬠was having a nice suburban house with a husband, a few kids, and a golden retriever. I think of people within the Middle Class had it pretty good because of the nice house and adorable, tightknit family. The dream has never really changed, and I donââ¬â¢t think what my imagination of it ever will. Something else I think of when thinking about the ââ¬Å"American Dream,â⬠I immediately think about is all the people that come to the United States from all over the world for a fresh start. Their fresh start literally starts on the street with the few dollars that they thought would be useful for their new beginning. Quickly, they realize they canââ¬â¢t afford to live here because of the housing and lowâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦But now that Iââ¬â¢m at a public university, I can maintain a slightly better budget. When going through my budget and how much it would cost to go here, they forgot to mention the ex tra 700 dollars I was going to owe. Iââ¬â¢m not sure where I was supposed to get the money that they didnââ¬â¢t tell me about, and I donââ¬â¢t think they thought or cared about it. This also adds to being a part of my parents income for my FASFA, that is actually a large amount ââ¬â I didnââ¬â¢t know that they made that much combined. But the university thinks my parents will help with paying for my college, the answer is a HUGE no. All of my siblings that have gone through college are held responsible for what they put themselves through, my parents believe that we are capable of it, somehow. They do help here and there when I desperately need it, and I appreciate them for that. My parents both went to college, but this was at a time where college was affordable for the average family. My dad was able to juggle three jobs while in college. I donââ¬â¢t understand how considering I canââ¬â¢t get even one job because I donââ¬â¢t qualify for Work Study because of how much parents make. I also donââ¬â¢t have a car because all of my previously owned cars have ended up killing themselves sometime while I owned them. I can definitely say millennials do have it the hardest. With low incomes, expensive housing, and constant loans nagging you ever move youShow MoreRelatedEssay On The American Dream1004 Words à |à 5 PagesThe American Dream: Is it Only a Dream? From the moment colonists stepped foot on American soil, freedom flowed through their skin. The new country would bring endless opprotunities to anyone who wished to pursue their dreams. Through years of effort, the United States was born and along with it a sense of equality and meaning. Today, America has much to stand for. Although times were rough along the way, the American dream is one of being free and having a voice. America has proven itself to beRead MoreAmerican Dream Essay3358 Words à |à 14 PagesTHE AMERICAN DREAM THE AMERICAN DREAM Section #1 a. The impact cultures in North America have on the United States is that each region adapted the traditions and/or beliefs of those who settled in that area by maintaining dance, music, and crafts. Many English settlers did not respect the Native American cultures, and were seen as uncivilized and/or savages. Basically there was a clash of cultures, with new ideas pushing away old ways and mayor cultures oppressing others. b. ImmigrationRead MoreThe American Dream Essay755 Words à |à 4 PagesA great dream, The American Dream. Or is it? Is my American Dream the same as your American Dream? Does it help? Or is it harmful? Do you know? ââ¬Å"To achieve wealth, status, business, family, house, and (a) car(s).â⬠That is the modern american dream. Thatââ¬â¢s is quite different compared to the original American Dream, ââ¬Å"Every person has the opportunity to achieve their own idea of happiness.â⬠Which version is your version? Or maybe your version is different. Have you thought about what different versionsRead MoreEssay on The American Dream1459 Words à |à 6 PagesThe American Dream in Death of a Salesman, The Great Gatsby, and Maggie: A Girl of the Streets Millions of immigrants come to America each year to seek their American Dream. Many people believe that rising social mobility and success is possibleRead MoreEssay On The American Dream1456 Words à |à 6 Pagesorder for them to come to the United States and pursue the American Dream. The American Dream has a different meaning for everyone. Many people might think of the American Dream as being able to get a job in order for them to be able to help their family members who they left back in their native country, while for others t he American Dream will be to be able to purchase their first home in the United States, while for others the American Dream might be to have a good job in order for them to pay forRead MoreAmerican Dream Essay992 Words à |à 4 Pagesdifferent issues as they settle in the United States. Although these problems may vary, the message is the same; the American dream is a lot more difficult to achieve than previously thought. Although every immigrant is different in the problems they face while in the country, one problem seems to stand out from the rest. The biggest obstacle for immigrants to overcome to achieve the American dream is in the field of jobs. The biggest problem immigrants face is finding work in which they can support themselvesRead MoreThe American Dream Essay1480 Words à |à 6 PagesThe American Dream is a concept that has circulated around the world and has caused people from other countries, and those who live in America, to come to our nation and take advantage of the opportunities in place to better their lives. The definition of the American Dream, provided by James Truslow Adams in his book The Epic of America (1931), is ââ¬Å"a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievementâ⬠¦It is not a dreamRead MoreThe American Dream Essay799 Words à |à 4 PagesWhat is the American Dream? In America, numerous cultures and ethnic backgrounds are present. The American Dream is a subjective phrase, with different meanings for different people. The novels Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver, and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, portray different definitions of the American Dream. In theory, the American Dream is the thought that through hard work, anyone can achieve their goals in this country. In Into the WildRead MoreEssay On The American Dream936 Words à |à 4 Pagespersecution. Starting with the European settlements in the 1600s and many waves of diverse groups of people migrated after thus creating this ideology known as the America Dream which encompasses the opportunity at a better life and growth in all aspects political, economic religious etc. But at what cost what is often forgot is the American nightmare which is included the perverse and horrifying accounts of colonialism, diaspora and slavery. Slaves were not migrants they did not come here on their ownRead MoreEssay On The American Dream1328 Words à |à 6 Pagestheir personal needs. But of course, as many other families in America did and still do, they had a dream. The American Dream. Which was to come to America for a better life and provide a better future for their family and the future generations of the family. And I am proud to say that they accomplished that American dream. Because I, as an American who comes from Latino origins am the American dream. My family s past has had a very profound influence on me as a person. Since I was a child, I
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Night World Dark Angel Chapter 14 Free Essays
She got Davidââ¬â¢s room number from a receptionist at the front desk. She didnââ¬â¢t ask if she was allowed to visit. All Gillian could think as she walked down the hall was, Please. We will write a custom essay sample on Night World : Dark Angel Chapter 14 or any similar topic only for you Order Now Please, if David was only all right, there was a chance that everything could work out. At the door she stopped and held her breath. Her mind was showing her all sorts of pictures. David in a coma, hooked up to so many tubes and wires that he was unrecognizable. Worse, David alive and awake and smilingâ⬠¦ and looking at her with violet eyes. She knew what Angelââ¬â¢s plan had been. At least, she thought she knew. The only question was, had he succeeded? Still holding her breath, she looked around the door. David was sitting up in bed. The only thing he was hooked up to was an IV of clear fluid. There was another bed in the room, empty. He looked toward the door and saw her. Gillian walked toward him slowly. She kept her face absolutely expressionless, her eyes on him. Dark hair. A lean face that still had traces of a summer tan. Cheekbones to die for and eyes to drown in. But no half-quizzical, half-friendly smile. He was looking back at her as soberly as she was looking at him, a book slipping unnoticed from his lap. Gillian reached the foot of the hospital bed. They stared at each other. What do I say? David, is it really you? I canââ¬â¢t. Itââ¬â¢s too stupid, and whatââ¬â¢s he going to say back? No, dragonfly, itââ¬â¢s not him, itââ¬â¢s me? The silence stretched on. At last, very quietly, the guy on the bed said, ââ¬Å"Are you okay?â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah.â⬠The word came out clipped and dispassionate. ââ¬Å"Are you okay?â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah, pretty much. I was lucky.â⬠He was watching her. ââ¬Å"You look-kind of different.â⬠ââ¬Å"And youââ¬â¢re kind of quiet.â⬠Something like puzzlement flashed in his eyes. Then something like hurt. ââ¬Å"I wasâ⬠¦ well, you walked in here looking so deadpan, and you sound so â⬠¦ coldâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ He shook his head slightly, his eyes fixed on hers. ââ¬Å"Gillian-did I do something to make you want to hit that pole?â⬠ââ¬Å"I didnââ¬â¢t do it on purpose!â⬠She found herself lunging forward, reaching for his hands. He looked startled. ââ¬Å"Okayâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"David, I didnââ¬â¢t. I was doing everything I could not to. I would never want to hurt you. Donââ¬â¢t you know that?â⬠His face cleared. His eyes were very dark but very calm. ââ¬Å"Yes, I do/ââ¬â¢ he said simply. ââ¬Å"I believe you.â⬠Strangely, she knew he did. hi spite of all the evidence to the contrary, he believed her. Gillianââ¬â¢s hands tightened on his. Their eyes were locked together. It was as if they were getting closer, although neither of them moved physically. And then it was all happening, what had started to happen at least twice before. Feelings so sweet and strong she could hardly bear it. Strange recognition, unexpected belongingâ⬠¦ impossible knowingâ⬠¦ Gillianââ¬â¢s eyes seemed to shut of their own accord. And then somehow they were kissing. She felt the warmth of Davidââ¬â¢s lips. And everything was warm and wonderfulâ⬠¦ but there was more. It was as if the normal veil that separated two people had melted. Gillian felt a shock of revelation. This was what it meant, what Angel had spoken to her about. She knew it intuitively even though sheââ¬â¢d never spoken the word before. Soulmates. Sheââ¬â¢d found hers. The one love for her on this earth. The person she was meant to be with, that no one could keep her from. And it wasnââ¬â¢t Angel. It was David. That was the other thing she knew, and knew with a bedrock certainty that nothing could touch. This was David, the true David. He was holding her in his arms, kissing her. Her, the ordinary Gillian, who was wearing an old gray sweatshirt and no makeup. It was absurd that sheââ¬â¢d ever believed things like makeup mattered. David was alive, that was what mattered. Gillian didnââ¬â¢t have his death on her conscience. And if they could somehow live through the rest of what had to be done, they just might be happier than she had ever imagined. How weird that she could still think. But they didnââ¬â¢t seem to be kissing anymore; they were just holding each other now. And that was almost as good, just feeling his body against hers. Gillian pulled away. ââ¬Å"David-ââ¬Å" His eyes were full of wonder. ââ¬Å"You know what? I love you.â⬠ââ¬Å"I know.â⬠Gillian realized she was being less than romantic. She couldnââ¬â¢t help it. This was the time for action. ââ¬Å"David, I have to tell you some things, and I donââ¬â¢t know if you can believe me. But youââ¬â¢ve got to try.â⬠ââ¬Å"Gillian, I said I love you. I mean that. We-ââ¬Å" Then he stopped and searched her face. He seemed to see something that changed his mind. ââ¬Å"I love you,â⬠he said in a different tone. ââ¬Å"So Iââ¬â¢ll believe you.â⬠ââ¬Å"The first thing is that Iââ¬â¢m not anything like what you think. Iââ¬â¢m not brave, or noble, or witty in the face of danger or-or anything like that. Itââ¬â¢s all been-a sort of set-up. And hereââ¬â¢s how it happened.â⬠And then she told him. Everything. From the beginning, from the afternoon when sheââ¬â¢d heard the crying in the woods and followed it and died and found an angel. She told him the whole story, about how Angel had appeared in her room that night and how heââ¬â¢d changed her whole life. About the whispering that had guided her ever since. And about the very bad things. Her witch heritage. The spell sheââ¬â¢d put on Tanya. The Night World. All the way up to the accident last night. When she was done, she sat back and looked at him. ââ¬Å"Well?â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, I probably ought to think youââ¬â¢re crazy. But I donââ¬â¢t. Maybe Iââ¬â¢m crazy, too. Or maybe itââ¬â¢s because I died once, myself. â⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"You started to tell me that, that first night- and then the car skidded. What happened?â⬠ââ¬Å"When I was seven my appendix burst. I died on the operating table-and I went to a place like that meadow. Iââ¬â¢ll tell you the funny thing, though. I felt that rushing thing come at me, too-that huge thing you said came at you hi the end. Only it actually reached me. And it wasnââ¬â¢t dark or scary. It was white-beautiful light-and it had wonderful wings.â⬠Gillian was staring. ââ¬Å"Then what?â⬠ââ¬Å"It sent me back. I didnââ¬â¢t have any choice. It loved me, but I had to go back anyway. So- zoom-back down the tunnel, and pop, back into the body. Iââ¬â¢ve never forgotten it. And, itââ¬â¢s hard to explain, but I know it was real. I guess thatââ¬â¢s why I believe you.â⬠ââ¬Å"Then maybe you understand what Iââ¬â¢ve got to do. I donââ¬â¢t know what Angel really is. â⬠¦ I think he may be some kind of demon. But Iââ¬â¢ve got to stop him. Exorcize him or whatever.â⬠David took her by the arms. ââ¬Å"You canââ¬â¢t. You donââ¬â¢t know how.â⬠ââ¬Å"But maybe Melusine does. Itââ¬â¢s either her or that guy Ash at the club. He seemed all right. The only down side is that I think he was a vampire.â⬠David had stiffened. ââ¬Å"I vote for the witch-ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Me, too.â⬠ââ¬Å"-but I want you to wait for me. Theyââ¬â¢ll let me out later this afternoon.â⬠ââ¬Å"I canââ¬â¢t. David, itââ¬â¢s for Tanya and Kim, too. Melusine might know how to cure them. Anyway, Iââ¬â¢m certainly going to ask her. And I canââ¬â¢t let any more time go by.â⬠David pulled at his hair with the hand that wasnââ¬â¢t hooked to the IV. ââ¬Å"Okay. All right, give me five minutes, and weââ¬â¢ll go together now.â⬠ââ¬Å"No.â⬠He was looking at the IV as if figuring out how to undo it. ââ¬Å"Yes. Just wait for me-ââ¬Å" Gillian blew him a kiss from the door and ran before he looked up. He couldnââ¬â¢t help her. You couldnââ¬â¢t fight Angel in ordinary ways. All David would be was leverage in Angelââ¬â¢s hands-a hostage-something to threaten to harm. Gillian jogged out of the hospital and through the parking lot. She found the Geo. Okay, now if Melusine would just be at the storeâ⬠¦ {You donââ¬â¢t really want to do this, you know.) Gillian slammed the car door closed. She sat up very straight, looking at nothing, as she fastened her seatbelt and started the car. (Listen, kid. You ainââ¬â¢t never had a friend like me.) Gillian pulled out of the parking lot. (Come on, give me a break. We can at least talk about this, canââ¬â¢t we? There are some things you donââ¬â¢t understand.) She couldnââ¬â¢t listen to him. She didnââ¬â¢t dare answer him. The last time, heââ¬â¢d hypnotized her somehow, made her relax and give up control to him. That couldnââ¬â¢t happen again. But she couldnââ¬â¢t shut his voice out. She couldnââ¬â¢t get away from it. (And you canââ¬â¢t love him. There are rules against it. Iââ¬â¢m serious. You belong to the Night World now-youââ¬â¢re not allowed to love a human. If they find out, theyââ¬â¢ll kill you both.) (And what were you trying to do to us?) Damn, sheââ¬â¢d answered him back. She wouldnââ¬â¢t do that again. (Not hurt you. It was only him I wanted. I could have slipped in as he slipped outâ⬠¦) Donââ¬â¢t listen, Gillian told herself. There must be some way of blocking him, of keeping him out of her mindâ⬠¦ She began to sing. ââ¬Å"DECK the halls with boughs of HOL-ly Fa la la lalaâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ He hadnââ¬â¢t been able to hear her thoughts when she hummed before. It seemed to work, now, as long as she kept her mind on the lyrics. She sang Christmas carols. Loudly. The fast ones, like ââ¬Å"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemenâ⬠and ââ¬Å"Joy to the World,â⬠were best. ââ¬Å"The Twelve Days of Christmasâ⬠got her the last few miles to Woodbridge. Please be thereâ⬠¦ ââ¬Å"FIVE golden rings,â⬠she caroled, hurrying into the Woodbridge Five and Ten with the shoe box under her arm. She didnââ¬â¢t care who thought she was crazy. ââ¬Å"FOUR calling birds, THREE French hens â⬠¦Ã¢â¬ She was at the door to the back room. ââ¬Å"TWO turtle doves â⬠¦Ã¢â¬ A very startled Melusine looked up from behind the counter. ââ¬Å"And aâ⬠¦ please, youââ¬â¢ve got to help me! Iââ¬â¢ve got this Angel whoââ¬â¢s trying to kill people!â⬠She broke off the song and rushed to Melusine. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢veâ⬠¦ what?â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ve got this-angel thing. And I canââ¬â¢t stop him from talking to meâ⬠¦.â⬠Gillian suddenly realized that Angel had stopped talking. ââ¬Å"Maybe he got scared when I came in here. But I still need your help. Please.â⬠Suddenly her eyes were stinging with tears again. Melusine leaned both elbows on the counter and rested her chin on her hands. She looked surprised, but willing. ââ¬Å"Why donââ¬â¢t you tell me about it?â⬠For the second time that day, Gillian told her story. All of it. She hoped that by telling everything, she could make Melusine understand her urgency. And her lack of experience. ââ¬Å"So Iââ¬â¢m not even a real witch,â⬠she said at the end. ââ¬Å"Oh, youââ¬â¢re a witch, all right,â⬠Melusine said. There was color in her cheeks and a look of fascination in her dark eyes. ââ¬Å"He told you the truth about that. Everybody knows about the lost Harman babies. Little Elspeth-the records say that she died in England. But obviously she didnââ¬â¢t. And youââ¬â¢re her descendant.â⬠ââ¬Å"Which means itââ¬â¢s okay for me to do spells?â⬠Melusine laughed. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s okay for anyone to do spells who can do spells. In my opinion. Some people donââ¬â¢t feel the same way-ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"But can you help me take the spells off?â⬠Gillian opened the shoe box. She felt ashamed to show the dolls to Melusine-even though sheââ¬â¢d bought them here. ââ¬Å"I wouldnââ¬â¢t have done it if Iââ¬â¢d known,â⬠she murmured feebly, as Melusine looked at the dolls. ââ¬Å"I know.â⬠Melusine gestured at her to be quiet. Gillian watched tensely and waited for the verdict. ââ¬Å"Okay, it looks as if youââ¬â¢ve started the process already. But I thinkâ⬠¦ maybe some healing salveâ⬠¦ and blessed thistleâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ She bustled around, almost flying in her chair. She applied things to the dolls. She asked Gillian to concentrate with her, and she said words Gillian didnââ¬â¢t recognize. Finally, she wrapped the wax dolls in what looked like white silk, and put them back in the box. ââ¬Å"Is that all? Itââ¬â¢s done?â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, I think itââ¬â¢s a good idea to keep the dolls, just in case we need to do more healing. Then, after that, we can unname them and get rid of them.â⬠ââ¬Å"But now Tanya and Kim will be okay?â⬠Gillian was anxious for reassurance, and she couldnââ¬â¢t help the quick glance of doubt she cast-at Melusineââ¬â¢s missing leg. Melusine was direct. ââ¬Å"If theyââ¬â¢ve had anything amputated, it wonââ¬â¢t cure them. We canââ¬â¢t grow new limbs.â⬠She touched her leg. ââ¬Å"This happened in a boating accident. But otherwise, yes, they should get better.â⬠Gillian let out a breath she seemed to have been holding for hours. She shut her eyes. ââ¬Å"Thanks. Thank you, Melusine. You donââ¬â¢t know how good it feels to not feel like youââ¬â¢re maiming somebody.â⬠Then she opened her eyes. ââ¬Å"But the hard partââ¬â¢s still to come.â⬠â⬠ââ¬ËAngel.'â⬠ââ¬Å"Yes.â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, I think youââ¬â¢re right about it being hard.â⬠She looked Gillian straight in the eye. ââ¬Å"And dangerous.â⬠ââ¬Å"I know that already.â⬠Gillian turned and took a quick pace around the room. ââ¬Å"He can get into my mind and make me do things-ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Not just your mind. Anyoneââ¬â¢s.â⬠ââ¬Å"And Iââ¬â¢m pretty sure he can move objects by himself. Make cars skid. And he sees everything.â⬠She came back to the counter. ââ¬Å"Melusine-what is he? And whyââ¬â¢s he doing all this? And why to me?â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, the last questionââ¬â¢s the easiest. Because you died.â⬠Melusine wheeled quickly to a bookshelf at the end of the counter. She pulled down a volume. ââ¬Å"He must have caught you in the between-place, the place between earth and the Other Side. The place where he was,â⬠she said, wheeling back. ââ¬Å"He pretended to be the welcomer, the one who guides you to the Other Side. That thing rushing at you at the end-that was probably the real welcomer. But this ââ¬ËAngelââ¬â¢ got you out of the between-place before it could reach you.â⬠Gillian spoke flatly. ââ¬Å"Heââ¬â¢s not a real angel, is he?â⬠ââ¬Å"No.â⬠Gillian braced herself. ââ¬Å"Is he a devil?â⬠ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t think so.â⬠Melusineââ¬â¢s voice was gentle. She opened the book, flipping pages. ââ¬Å"From the way you brought him back with you, I think he must be a spirit. There are two ways of getting spirits from the between-place: you can summon them or you can go fetch them yourself. You did it the hard way.â⬠ââ¬Å"Wait a minute. Youââ¬â¢re saying I brought him?â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, not consciously. Iââ¬â¢m sure you didnââ¬â¢t mean to. It sounds like he just sort of grabbed on and whooshed down the tunnel-what we call the narrow path-right along with you. Spirits in the between-place can watch us, sometimes talk to us, but they canââ¬â¢t really interact with us. When you brought him to earth, you set him free to interact.â⬠ââ¬Å"Oh, wonderful,â⬠Gillian whispered. ââ¬Å"So on top of everything, itââ¬â¢s my fault from the beginning.â⬠She looked around dazedly, then back at Melusine. ââ¬Å"But what is a spirit, really? A dead person?â⬠ââ¬Å"An unhappy dead person.â⬠Melusine turned pages. â⬠ââ¬ËAn earthbound spirit is a damaged soulâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬â¢ â⬠She shut the book. ââ¬Å"Look, itââ¬â¢s actually simple. When a spirit is really unhappy-when theyââ¬â¢ve done something awful, or theyââ¬â¢ve died with unfinished business-then they donââ¬â¢t go on to the Other Side. They get stuck in-well, the book calls it ââ¬Ëthe astral planes near earth.ââ¬â¢ We call it the between-place.â⬠ââ¬Å"Stuck.â⬠ââ¬Å"They wonââ¬â¢t go on. Theyââ¬â¢re too angry and hopeless to even want to be healed. And they can do awful things to living people if they get down here, just out of general miserableness.â⬠ââ¬Å"But how do you get rid of them?â⬠Melusine drew a breath. ââ¬Å"Well, thatââ¬â¢s the hard part. You can send them back to the between-place-if you have some blood and hair from their physical body. And if you have all sorts of special ingredients, which I canââ¬â¢t get. And if you have the right spell, which I donââ¬â¢t know.â⬠ââ¬Å"I see.â⬠ââ¬Å"And in any case, that only traps him in the between-place again. It doesnââ¬â¢t heal him. But, Gillian, thereââ¬â¢s something Iââ¬â¢ve got to tell you.â⬠Melusineââ¬â¢s face was very serious, and she spoke almost formally. ââ¬Å"You may not need to rely on me.â⬠ââ¬Å"What do you mean?â⬠ââ¬Å"Gillian â⬠¦ I donââ¬â¢t think you really understand who you are. Did he-this spirit-explain to you just how important the Harmans are?â⬠ââ¬Å"He said Elspethââ¬â¢s sister was some big witch leader.â⬠ââ¬Å"The biggest. Sheââ¬â¢s the Crone, the leader of all the witches. And the Harmans are-well, theyââ¬â¢re sort of like the royal family to us.â⬠Gillian smiled bleakly. ââ¬Å"So Iââ¬â¢m a witch princess?â⬠ââ¬Å"You told me that Elspeth is your motherââ¬â¢s motherââ¬â¢s mother. Youââ¬â¢re descended entirely through the female line from her. But thatââ¬â¢s-extraordinary. There are almost no Harman girls left. There were only two in the world-and now thereââ¬â¢s you. Donââ¬â¢t you see, if you let the Night World know about this, theyââ¬â¢ll flock to help you. Theyââ¬â¢ll take care of Angel.â⬠Gillian was unimpressed. ââ¬Å"And how long will that take?â⬠ââ¬Å"For them to gather and everythingâ⬠¦ check out your family, make all the preparations â⬠¦ I donââ¬â¢t know. It could probably be done in a matter of weeks.â⬠ââ¬Å"Too long. Way too long. You donââ¬â¢t know what Angel can do in a few weeks.â⬠ââ¬Å"Then you can try to do it yourself.â⬠ââ¬Å"But how?â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, youââ¬â¢d have to find out who he was as a person and what business he left unfinished. Then youââ¬â¢d have to finish it. And finally, youââ¬â¢d have to convince him to go on. To be willing to leave the between-place for the Other Side.â⬠She glanced wryly at Gillian. ââ¬Å"I told you it would be hard.â⬠ââ¬Å"And I donââ¬â¢t think heââ¬â¢d be very cooperative. He wouldnââ¬â¢t like it.â⬠ââ¬Å"No. He could hurt you, Gillian.â⬠Gillian nodded. ââ¬Å"It doesnââ¬â¢t matter. Itââ¬â¢s what Iââ¬â¢ve got to do.â⬠How to cite Night World : Dark Angel Chapter 14, Essay examples
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)