Fiction

Familial harmony in a minivan with a space next to the park

Vanagon on beachWhen his grandparents decided to move to the city, they did so for the future of their children. The farm kept them fed and clothed, but the lifestyle seemed stagnant enough to keep their children's children's children poor. It was a growing issue when compared to the rising wealth of the cities, where they decided life offered more opportunity. They moved as a family, three generations together.

Faking nature

Sim wiped his face with a barely damp cloth, the dry edges scratching at his stubble. Each time he did, the act wasted some of his hydration allowance.  But it felt good. It felt real. It was something he would have done back home, back on Earth.

"Sunlight." The room lights brightened and adjusted the spectrum. Dingy white walls, furniture and cloth changed hue with an orange-red tint.  He looked around, taking in his quarters and trying not to shiver at the closeness of the walls.

Lantessa's Release

“Just because the contract allowed you to wriggle between my thighs does not make us friends or require I spend time with you and yours.” Lantessa knew her voice was louder than the norm, but she was frustrated. Pregnant and frustrated and tired and wanted her ‘husband’ to go away and leave her to her day.

She wouldn’t look at him, but the darkened skin of the dome clearly reflected his stance and mood. Regigul looked away, feigning reflection or composure or possibly, though she didn’t think it possible, an inner dialogue.

“Tessie, as your husband…”

The Joining

She found herself robed and ready on time, which was expected - a lack of synchronicity is a sin.  Her mother and father stood to either side of the door, ready to enter at her side.  They would offer her to the Colony, supporting her as she adjusted to the input.  She shivered at the thought of it, but had been advised it was controllable.  Practice would provide some autonomy and mastering the filters would limit unwanted intrusion.

Final Departure Cruises Presents

The New Titanic Escape

A long requested addition to the Final Departure line is our new Titanic cruise experience.  Re-launching from Liverpool with full period settings, we offer a wonderful opportunity to sail off into the sunset with a five day all-inclusive vacation ending with the passing of your choice.  With five star chefs and an excellent crew, this cruise offers seven gentle ways to pass or you can wait for the grand finale and go down with the boat*.

Zero-G: Training

“Keene and Ploski.”

Gabe righted himself, rotating to press his feet against the pads and pressing against his hold on the tether.  Releasing the tether, he launched towards the red start position.  It was smooth sailing across the 15 meters or so, gliding to the platform over the heads of his fellow trainees.

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