Archive for 'Uncategorized'

Juran the Gigolo (R+18)

By Simon Turnbull, 7,900 words Juran hurried down the gangplank of the river ship and stopped dead, shocked. The stench was incredible.  It was like the stink of unwashed men and rotting food and fishing boats and sewers and gods knew what else all combined and magnified a hundredfold. He would have stood there gasping  [...]

Full Story

Irony

“Tomorrow. Make sure you’re ready.” Dieter looked at the Chief Quadrant Corrections Officer Rand with resignation, and Officer Rand didn’t miss the look. “Freeman, it’s the first day jitters. I’ve seen this many times before, but you’ll get used to it. However, you should know that it’s far worse for you if you mess up. [...]

Full Story

The Apprentice

By Paul Dayton, 5,600 words “There he is again.” Alexander stared at him with his binoculars, noting the same specifics he had seen dozens of times before. He checked them off in his head. Light beige fedora. Grey trench coat. Black trousers. No lunch. Chessboard. Loner, single player. Ignored. What made him so unusual was [...]

Full Story

Business Trip

By Phil Van Wulven 1,300 words As soon as she stepped through the security screen, out of the arrival lounge into the public area of the terminal, she was swarmed by the hustlers. “Spare nanos Ms.?” Came from one side, and several voices called. “Guide. Show you around.” All competed for her attention. A hand [...]

Full Story