Becoming, Part IV

As I waited for the approach of the Roamers, I did two things. First, I collected food from my surroundings in a way that required little effort. I generally refrained from consuming anything that I considered to be of less value than a human meal, but I made an exception, since for the second time … Continue reading Becoming, Part IV →

Aulmann’s Border

“Verify: Preparations are complete?” Dr. Ethine said into her mic. Around the room, her compatriots manned their stations. The five of them each sat before a small viewscreen displaying information relevant to their responsibilities. The large viewscreen that covered the majority of the northern wall showed a live feed directly from the drone. For the … Continue reading Aulmann’s Border →

The Shape of a Soul

Tara dropped back onto the bed, finally allowing herself to relax. Her eyes, with lids as surely weighted as though they had stones tied to them, closed. She knew she had been lucky that the birth had lasted only three hours. Her sister’s first child had taken nearly twelve to come into the world. Still, … Continue reading The Shape of a Soul →

Trapped, Part 3

Trapped, Part 1 Trapped, Part 2 Bastian spared a glance back at Celia as he moved. Her frustration was clear, not just upon her face, but by the agitated movements of her hair. It buzzed about her head like a nest of swarming bees. He felt glad she hadn’t given up. He was grateful, … Continue reading Trapped, Part 3 →

Trapped, Part 2

Trapped, Part 1 Some of the arenas gave the illusion that they had once served other purposes. One was designed to look like an abandoned village, complete with houses full of items that made it seem as though someone had once lived there. One arena appeared to be the inside of an improbably large castle. … Continue reading Trapped, Part 2 →

Trapped, Part 1

How many times had Bastian come to this room? Did it number in the tens, or the hundreds? He didn’t know the answer. Perhaps it did not matter. It seemed, sometimes, that his memories of his life before this time were fading away, replaced by the vivid yet monotonous existence that now encompassed him. He … Continue reading Trapped, Part 1 →