Hermit

There once was an old man in a cave. He was the keeper of an ancient and powerful sword gifted by the gods themselves. A thousand years ago, the heavens cracked open and poured forth a prophecy: when the world needs a hero, he shall seek out the holy weapon and defeat its keeper in … Continue reading Hermit →

Smith

The hammer's blow rings hard. Sparks cascade, desperate to escape the next strike. Another crack sends a shudder up thick muscle. Sweat pours down to sizzle on white iron. The smell of burnt salt mingles with smoke and rust. The blacksmith pounds on a thin rod. It flattens into a sheet, arching up and back … Continue reading Smith →

Derelict

Heavy footfalls resound on iron hull plating. Synthetic fingertips brush frost. Bionic eyes scan cracked metal for internal damage. Old boots wear their prints fourteen nanometers deeper into the floor. The android concludes its walk at the bridge. The only light comes from the communications terminal. Ice cracks in the keyboard and a familiar "ping" … Continue reading Derelict →

Loop

The alarm goes off at precisely 7:00. Jim waits three minutes and twenty-two seconds until a bird starts pecking at his window. He allows himself a smile before tossing his sheets aside. A forgotten can of shaving cream wobbles twice as the door shuts. Hands repeat the same familiar motions: Listorine, deodorant, a length of … Continue reading Loop →

Pigskin

I fly on wings of sweat and machismo,To spiral through flourescent beams -A leather ouroboros with an end in sight,Just beyond a line of painted turf. Whispered prayers ride my wake,Invocations to the virgin motherThat she pity this gladiatorIn his moment of desperate triumph. Gloved fingers dig hard at the catch,Pull me close to his … Continue reading Pigskin →

Eyes

Papa always told me to stay clear of the woods. He said to stay inside the fence when I play and if I see anyone come to our farm to run inside and tell him and Mama right away. I had to do that a few times, but the strangers were always friendly enough. Papa … Continue reading Eyes →

Mending

A metal bird once found my workshop. Her beak rapped hard on the window. Her eyes held a curiosity shared only by the young. The etching on her wings was carved by a hand both strong and delicate. She and all her secrets fit snugly in my palm. Her chirp was a rasp. One wing … Continue reading Mending →

Generations

The generation ship hung heavy in the sky. Kal watched its grey bulk sink toward the horizon. Embarkation was almost finished. Just a few more hours and its engines would fire and then it would be gone. When the sulfur wind scratched at his throat, he knew it was time to go in. He tossed … Continue reading Generations →

Embers

I remember it to be a slow winter's night. My sisters breathed deep and long in the darkness. The deerskin walls rippled in a cold breeze. Furs tickled my chin and belly. The smell of a warm fire stung my nose. Sleep was long in coming, so I stopped waiting for it. I walked the … Continue reading Embers →

Drips

The Megastructure leaks. It's a fact we've all accepted. From the dregs to the penthouses, the whole damn thing echoes with drips. This isn't a maintenance issue, of course. The Lord has a whole army of pipeworkers on retainer. We scurry around in the walls, tightening bolts and patching cracks. Just as surely as the … Continue reading Drips →