Science Fiction Microstory Contest discussion
OCTOBER 2023 SCIENCE FICTION MICROSTORY CONTEST (Stories only)
date
newest »
newest »
KARMAFukushima, Japan – 2974 A.D.
Akio accelerated his air skimmer, the sun blazing white against the sea below, his eyes widening at the sight before him. It almost seemed comical. A part of him actually wanted to laugh. A gigantic mutant shrimp…a thing over 30 meters tall rising from the ocean…a thing he remembered seeing served in Chile sauce…now magnified by a factor of thousands. The humor of it quickly evaporated as the monstrosity ploughed through the sea like a gargantuan whale, gaining on its prey…the floating city of New Fukushima.
A city named for its sunken predecessor of centuries ago, long since swallowed by the rising sea. A sea polluted with radioactive waste through the folly of generations past. The memories of anger and pain…of his heart being ripped from his chest…drove him on into the jaws of death. Take me, you devil. I don’t fear you. As the rest of his squadron closed in on the mutant monster from multiple angles, the computer implant in his brain locked into the network, targeting brackets flashing across his vision as he steered his skimmer towards his designated target…the animal’s uppermost abdominal segment.
The force of impact slammed through his body, right through the cockpit of his craft and his cybernetic armor as the skimmer’s needle-like nose cone pierced the monster’s armored hide, injecting Akio into the belly of the beast like a vaccine into the bloodstream. Fluid closed in around him, cloying, strangling… He ejected as the skimmer broke through into the animal’s digestive tract. He bounded forward, the A.I. guiding him to his target, the explosive charge slung over his back.
Huge organisms crawled out of the fleshy walls…parasites, offspring, or something like antibodies…no one was quite sure, the way the mutant species were constantly changing. He drew his electro-sword as the things swarmed in around him…wriggling pseudopods, drooling maws and gnashing, serrated mandibles...
He swung his sword, slashing through them, dismembering the demon filth, a roar rising from his lungs. He planted the bomb and withdrew. But, there were too many. They just kept coming and coming. He slashed and slashed, his cybernetically enhanced strength nearly spent as the digital timer clicked down in his A.I.-interfaced brain. Barely 2 minutes remained…
He laughed. It was finally done. His pain was over. As the monsters closed in…a twinge of sorrow peeked through. He thought of her. Amaya. The lovely curves of her delicate little face filled his mind. Her sparkling smile…her dark, haunting eyes. She was to have been his wife. Until she left him for a man of wealth and station on one of the luxuriant floating cities. Why should her beauty be wasted on a lowly soldier like Akio…born to a poor kelp-farming family in one of the dreary proletarian cities on the ocean floor? He grit his teeth…
He shuddered as another skimmer crashed through the wall of flesh and another pilot ejected, blasting away with an ion gun, freeing him from the clawing devils. He made it back to his skimmer and fired the retros, a part of his heart screaming in anger. The cursed gods had dangled escape in front of him and snatched it away.
#
The air squadron scattered as the charges detonated, blasting the monster apart from the inside out.
Akio felt oddly numb as he turned his skimmer towards the hover platform, landing with the rest of the pilots. Finding the one who’d rescued him, he approached the pilot, not sure whether to feel gratitude or anger.
He felt only surprise as the other pilot removed her helmet…revealing the face of the most beautiful young woman he’d ever seen. A distinction he’d once reserved for Amaya.
He approached her, hesitantly, at a loss for words.
“Mika,” she said, as though reading his thoughts and extending a hand.
“Akio,” he said, shaking her hand.
“I know,” she said. “So, you’re the one they call ‘Deathwish.’ The one who just can’t resist a suicide mission. She really isn’t worth it, you know.”
“Who?”
“Amaya, of course.”
He started, both taken aback and puzzled. He’d have challenged any man who’d said that, even if he had saved his life. “How…?”
“Mutant,” she said, tapping her head. “Second level telepath. Didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but…I know how you feel. My husband left me, when he found out what I was.”
“He’s an idiot.”
She smiled. “Would you have a drink with me, on the Lunar station?”
He smiled and nodded. “I’m buying.”
Differences“Your kids are too skinny.”
“They’re not, Mom. They’re just fine,” Olefia replied, dipping another plate into the dishwater, before rinsing it and setting it aside. "They’re just like all the other kids in their class.”
“Their alien class,” she said. “Half of those kids are from the inner systems. They probably grew up starving. The theocracies there…”
“Are why a lot of those families escaped and came here,” her daughter interrupted.
“But living here is beneath our station.”
“You mean, beneath your station, Mom. And before you say it for the thousandth time, I know you’re Baroness to the Realm, Heiress to…”
“…the Seventh Key, Keeper of the Clandestine Truths,” her mother finished for her.
“You forgot, Her Majesty Olendra, Heritor in Line.”
“Well, it’s the truth.” Then, Olefia’s oldest, Marcus, raced into the kitchen, chased by his younger brother, Alex. They blasted Nerf darts at each other, one of them hitting Olendra. “Oh, this would never have happened at the palace,” she brooded. “Why do you put up with it?”
“Because I love them. I love him,” she said. “He’s kind, and strong, and…” There was a loud bang, followed by a crash in the next room. “What was that?!”
“Nothing!” the two boys answered in unison.
A deep sigh and Olendra approached her daughter. She did care, so very much, though this life she had chosen was as alien to her as any. Olendra brushed Olefia’s hair aside to reveal her face. “You’ve lost your pearlescence. Are you sure you’re well? Your skin just isn’t quite as lavender as it used to be.”
“I’m fine, and I’m not a hatchling anymore,” she smiled. “I think sometimes you still look at me as a little girl.”
“You’ll always be my little girl.”
Olefia leaned into her mother’s caress, and she took her hand squeezing it affectionately. “I’ll need you to keep an eye on the boys while I continue packing for my assignment.”
“Does it have to be Earth? Such a backwater, primitive world. Do we really need an ambassador there?”
“The survival of both our systems are at stake, Mother. The Abyssal Phage…well, we’ve never seen anything like it. And you know why the Council chose me. My marriage to Scott…”
“About that,” Olendra said. “You know I didn’t approve.”
“Of marrying Scott? I thought you were okay with that.”
“Not that. I didn’t approve of their customs.”
“Our custom is for the mother to eat the father at the birth of the first child, and then regurgitate the pellet to feed the baby.”
“Well, I thought there’d at least be some concessions.”
“Gross.”
“Well, your kids are still too skinny,” she smirked. “So, why do you stay? What is it about this life that so enthralls you?”
“From the moment I saw him, I knew he was the one. He made my quills quiver.” There was an awkward silence. “Too much?”
Olendra nodded.
Olefia grinned. She loved making her mother uncomfortable with normal things. “Anyways, I’d grown so tired of the palace…tired of the servants and the ceremony. Besides, I have three older siblings. I’d never ascend, and Scott was able to take me away from all that.”
“To this?” she scoffed, motioning around their ordinary kitchen in an ordinary house, on a run-of-the-mill space station. “You could be so much more comfortable back home.”
“I have an amazing life,” she said. “Even after all these years, I love him more every time I see him. We work so well together.”
“But that’s the problem,” her mother said. “Work. Doing dishes. Raising your own children!”
“You know, Earth and our world have some similar customs.”
“Such as?”
“Olefia paused, becoming very serious, “Well, I didn’t want to tell you this but, it’s one of Earths customs to serve the mother-in-law.”
“That sounds delightful!”
“They serve her to their friends at a giant banquet. Over twenty courses, I hear. But I pleaded with Scott, begged him really. He was ready to call their State Caterer.”
Sudden horror crossed Olendra’s face.
*********
Scott burst out laughing, almost falling over, “So you told her you were joking right?”
Olefia didn’t say a word.
Mod
©2023 by Jot Russell
"I had once said that I didn't want a simple life,
As I wanted my achievements to count for something.
And after what seems a lifetime of struggles,
I am so ready for simpler times.
But when I look at the woman I stand before,
I realize how blessed I have been,
Especially after she entered my life.
Not just because my challenges seem small to those she has faced,
Which they are,
But because I know she loves me,
And at days' end, finds comfort in my arms.
And what greater purpose can we have,
But to give comfort and purpose to another.
Love is a miracle that holds this world together,
Gives us purpose to get up and face the challenges of the day,
That offers meaning to the otherwise repetitious cycle of sunrise and set.
Love can seem to make no sense,
To follow no rules,
To sink into your very soul and counter your thoughts.
To uncover anger over the simplest difference of opinion.
But in the end, the love remains and
Washes away the darkness with the simplest of things;
A KISS.
I feel it is love that proves God exists.
May He look down upon us on this day,
And those to come.
May we always find that comfort in each others' arms.
To accept the differences we perceive,
I take you Kelly, as my wife,
This day and the rest of my life.
May they be numerous, joyful, and yes, simple."
The sky suddenly darken and Captain Kennedy looked up at the large spacecraft, burning its way through the atmosphere.
"Shit, can we finish this later?"
His bride looked at him. "Just say I do and kiss me."
Together, they said, "I do." and kissed in a brief moment locked in time.
The minister looked confused, but shrugged off the scripted formality. "I pronounce you, Husband and Wife."
With a quick glance, he smiled and ran down the aisle alone to the battle-craft stationed in the autocraft lot.
Kelly protested to no avail, "You forgot your ring!"
Kennedy powered up the engines, strapped in and headed west. The Torakian vessel had passed over Setauket and made its way in toward New York City as it descended. He flew low and caught up with the shadow cast by the alien vessel. Now over Syosset, he could see the defense fleet on an intercept. The glow of the vessel changed, shifting its deflector screens forward toward the approaching fleet.
He laughed, "Not so fast, Jerky." And pulled the stick back to focus his aim on the lower deflector array. He emptied his rail guns into the array as the aliens attempted to adjust course to compensate. Kennedy tried to pull around, but parts of the explosion ripped through the extended, starboard wing. His vessel spun out of control and crashed into North Hempstead Bay.
With the alien partly disabled, the fleet made quick work of it. In a fireball, it crashed into Flower Hill Cemetery. Major Wilson diverted east, tracking the contrail toward the bay. As he descended, he could see the waving arm of the pilot on the surface of the water.
"Ranger, this is Major Wilson, you okay?"
Kennedy triggered his watch comm, "Yeah Jim, mind giving me a ride?"
"Steve? I thought you were getting married today."
"I did... I think."
**
They floated down and parked in the fire-zone.
Steve got out with his hair and tux still dripping of salt water.
Kelly put her arms on her hips and protested, "Really?"
He asked, "Can I get wear my ring now?"
She smiled and handed it over. He pulled her close. She panicked a moment at the thought of ruining her dress, but quickly gave in. After a long kiss, he looked over at Jim. "Mind joining the party?"
"I guess I can sneak in for one drink. Besides, today's my birthday."
"Oh, happy birthday."
New Model YearThe salesman looked up from his desk near the front of the dealership. He sighed, bored, and filed his perfect nails, making sure to not get any on his immaculate suit. Foot traffic was slow today and he had already seen all his scheduled appointments. Just then, he noticed a younger man pacing back and forth outside the main display window. Ah yes, that model always did seem to pull them in with its graceful, flowing lines and outsized frame. Indeed, he had sold several of that model himself. Gliding smoothly to the front door, he opened it widely to intercept the young man’s return trajectory.
“Good afternoon sir!” he said brightly.
“Hello.” Goldblum noted the reticent tone.
“I beg your pardon, but I could not help noticing that you were looking at our latest models. Would you like to come in for a more personal and private showcase?”
“I would, but I’m not,”
“You’re not buying something today, I completely understand,” interrupted Goldblum, who knew that this young man was absolutely buying something today. It was just a question of which model and how long it would take to overcome all the usual objections.
Money – We can arrange financing to accommodate almost any budget!
Performance – Satisfaction is absolutely guaranteed with a risk-free, 90-day trial period. Return your model no questions asked for a full refund.
Paperwork – We handle all the titles, certificates, licenses and legalities. You don’t even have to lift a finger!
Longevity – Each of our unique models is designed to provide a lifetime of enjoyment. In the rare instance of a mechanical failure or damage, we handle all maintenance and upgrades.
By the time Goldblum had walked the young man – a recently divorced, 32-year-old Thomas Anderson, around the showroom, he knew a sale was imminent. They looked at all the starter models, the mid-life crises models, and everything in-between from basic economy, muscle, family-mover, and sports editions.
“Well Mister Anderson, have you come to a decision sir?” asked Goldblum.
“I think so. I really liked that one in the bright red. Great lines, headlights, the works.”
“An excellent choice if I do say so sir. Very sporty. Shall we begin the paperwork?”
“Yes please, and the personalization?”
“It only takes about thirty minutes, then we’ll have you on your way.”
“Thank you very much Mister Goldblum, you’ve been very helpful.”
“Of course, of course! I’m happy I could be of assistance. Now if you’ll just follow me…”
The two men shook hands, then disappeared into the back of the dealership to conclude the sale.
***
With a wave back at Mister Goldblum, Thomas Anderson stepped out onto Central Park Boulevard and headed towards the nearest subway station. He was nervous, but excited too. It had all happened so fast, but here he was with a new license and registration, complete with a congratulatory “Just Married” card from Mister Goldblum in his coat pocket.
“Are you okay?” asked Jennifer.
“Huh? I mean, yeah. Why wouldn’t I be?” asked Thomas.
“Well, I am different than what you’re used to.”
“What? You mean shrill, shrewish, unpleasant and unattractive?”
Jennifer laughed.
“No silly, I mean because…”
“Because you’re an auto-MATE?”
“Yes,” she gave his hand a gentle squeeze.
“Well, if the personalization worked, you know more about me than I know about myself, right?”
“True, but it’s all still a jumble inside. It will take time to get it sorted and know you like anyone else.”
“But I’m actually looking forward to that with you Jen.”
“I’m glad,” she squeezed his hand again.
The heavy sea of humanity flowing around them seemed to fade away, until they were yanked brutally back to reality.
“Hello Thomas,” another woman’s voice intruded.
Thomas came face to face with his ex.
“Hello Beth,” he said dejectedly.
“Well, I see you’ve already moved on. Ink’s barely dry on the divorce papers,” Beth snorted derisively.
“It’s none of your business any more Beth. Now if you’ll excuse us.” Thomas tried to brush past her, placing himself between his ex and Jennifer.
“I don’t think so Thomas,” said Beth, drawing a small blaster out of her purse.
“You’re going to pay dearly…”
A shot rang out, but Thomas found himself hurled to safety as his new auto-MATE reflexively protected him from harm.
Staggering back to his feet, he turned to see Beth disappearing into the crowd and Jennifer bleeding profusely from a chest wound.
“It’s okay,” she coughed.
He caught her as she sank to the pavement.
“My…warranty…covers…gunshots…”
(750 words in story) Justin Sewall © 2023
Reviews/critiques welcome
The best is yet to come.He grabbed her by her shoulders and tried to kiss her. “I may make an honest woman of you yet.”
She pushed him away, “Am I dishonest now? What if I don’t want to marry you?”
“I don’t think you understand. Your father has already given his blessing.”
“I am not my father’s property and I don’t intend to become yours. I have my experiments to run.”
“Experiments?” He scoffed. “What could you possibly discover that a man has not be discovered before?”
“Freedom. A chance to live out my dreams. With or without a man – my choice!”
--
She marveled at the wonders she had seen. Women could own property and vote. They could be politicians, lawyers, doctors and ministers. Whites and negros lived together as equals. One was even elected president. White and Negros could marry each other and no one seemed to mind.
She had been able to make short incursions, pulling objects from the past or future to her time. She eventually met a fellow traveler, who sent her a special gift. She also helped her refine her methods and equipment.
--
She glanced at the time. Not on the wind-up clock on the wall but a special clock. Even as she traveled through time, it remained synchronized to its twin, a thousand of miles away and a hundred years in the future. It was so precise, it could detect differences in time caused by a week-long train ride. She didn’t understand how that worked, but she soon would.
It would take another two hours before she could travel again.
She updated her notes and added a personal note: “It is the very belief that I am inferior because I have breasts that has allowed me to get this far. If any of my male colleagues knew how far my experiments have progressed, they would have stopped me. Not because my science is wrong but because they can’t stand that a woman has succeeded when they have not.”
--
The men moved to seize and dismantle the apparatus. They claimed that was for her own good. “A lady’s brain is simply smaller. It is best suited for raising children and teaching in a classroom, not for science. You’re likely to destroy this valuable equipment that would serve the greater good in the hand of a man.”
She pulled a revolver from between her breasts and pointed it. “I’m qualified to use one of these.”
Her fiancé reached for the gun.
“You’re not well. All this science has made you hysterical.”
She lowered the weapon and fired, hitting him solidly in the groin. “Now, if any other of you wish to test my marksmanship, please step forward.”
The room emptied in seconds, the last one out trying to staunch the flow of blood between his legs as he limped out.
She switched on various devices and was checking readings when she heard a sound behind her. She turned to face her fiancé. He was holding a gun of his own. He was also standing on a small platform at the center of the apparatus.
“I don’t often regret my life’s choices, but I should have shot higher. I suppose you’ll want to see how all this works before you shoot me.” She reached out and flipped a switch and he vanished. She hoped he lived out the rest of his life in the dark ages.
She got to work, expanding the field and recharging the capacitors. When the countdown reached zero, she pushed everything she could inside the circle she had drawn on the floor.
--
“…unbecoming a lady.” One of her colleagues said as he burst into the barn. “It is here! It was right here!” he complained as the sheriff looked at the horses feeding in an otherwise empty barn.
Mod
Tom Olbert => ***Greg
Chris Nance => **Justin, Jot, Greg
Jot Russell => Tom
Justin Sewall => ***Greg, Chris
Greg Krumrey => **Justin
Carrie Zylka => ***Greg
Winner:
The Best is Yet to Come by Greg Krumrey
Elements: Nail biter (survival at stake); Synchronicity