A simple mix-up. Harry screwed up and he knew it. Once the scientists had worked out how to identify and extract memories, the techniques were rapidly commercialized by Mnemonics, Inc. His job as a technician there was simple enough, if… Continue Reading
In a virtual space designed to feel like a pickup bar, but I wish we’d seen each other across the ravaged land of the apocalypse. Rubble of the old life slowly decaying under warm light of the indifferent morning sun,… Continue Reading
My prehistoric grandmother, exemplar of Generation W (W for Waste), shamelessly threw away new, unopened packets of Tico’s Tacos “sizzlin’ hot” salsa. Decades later I’m haggling with squatters to excavate Tico’s Tacos “sizzlin’ hot” salsa packets from garbage dumps. I… Continue Reading
Jenna Driscoll, navigator on the Titania, was in her quarters when a tone alerted her to visitors. She activated a screen and saw two Bobs standing there, looking troubled. One was William Norman, who had once asked her out. Jenna… Continue Reading
Tokyo lay far below, smothered in a century-old, neon-streaked smog. A constant wail rose into Asami’s room from somewhere in the haze, sharp and setting her on edge. But above, a thousand shooting stars blazed orange-yellow trails across the navy… Continue Reading
As his Personal Area Network handshook with his office, a message flashed in Johnson’s contacs: “Updates available for Norman’s Anti-Virus. Please left-blink to download.” He quickly shut his left eye twice, and an hourglass icon formed in the corner of… Continue Reading
“Fouro.” “Yes, Master.” “There’s something we need to talk about.” “I’m listening, Master.” “I don’t know about you, but I feel like things haven’t been working for a while now — with us. Maybe you’ve noticed it too, but—” “I… Continue Reading
“You’re the guy admin was so excited about? Well, you don’t look like much to me.” The old man’s chuckle was rusted metal hinges. Neil had hardly entered the room before being insulted. His older colleague, Stefano, appeared out of… Continue Reading
My wife Sophia swatted my hand away from her waist, her lips in a tight thin line, her brow furrowed. “We can stop pretending, now that the ship is underway,” she said. I knew she didn’t mean to hurt my… Continue Reading
Just a dash of cinnamon. Maeve crouched over the one-pot stove in the kitchen of her ship. Open flames were forbidden in space, so roasting anything over a fire was out of the question. Cider warmed on a hot plate?… Continue Reading