Appalling Stories: Excerpt

Kyle’s pulse accelerated. He tapped login and password. A long-awaited message popped up on the screen: Congratulations, KyNe007! You’re approved! Your reservation to The Orishas is being processed!

A thrill snaked up his leg. A daunting task to book a spot! The Orishas was no ordinary resort: adult, erotic, exclusive and secret, catering to special tastes. You submitted a request to attend and you were checked out. Nothing cursory: they dug. Orishas required a lengthy and probing questionnaire, credit check and a checkbox psych and medical evaluation, all done on-line. No poseurs or risk candidates allowed: only a select and completely safe clientele gained admittance.

And now he ranked among those admitted. The Elite, the Chosen.

Of course, it cost a wad and a half with payment in advance. But this proved no obstacle; Kyle transferred the funds from his bank to the The Orishas LLC in the Caymans with a few clicks. AFC, with liberal policies regarding time off, required only firm calendar dates for Kyle’s pre-approved vacation.

Kyle had planned this vacation for a year. Now it came together. Via secure email The Orishas transmitted various contracts, disclaimers and waivers for Kyle to read and sign. He sat down with another icy lager and a plate of celebratory chocolate habanero peppers that set his gums afire.

He exulted: Orisha-bound. Oh for joy!

(Taken from The Orishas by Ray Zacek.)

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This story, along with twelve other hard-hitting tales of science fiction, satire, horror, and more are available in Appalling Stories: 13 Tales of Social Injustice!