Dystopian
ENDURANCE BEYOUND APOCALYPSE
Days 51-69 Days 51-69 were marked by a significant shift in our strategy. The decision was made to journey south from Los Angeles, tracing the 5 Freeway all the way to San Diego. Despite my initial apprehension about the presence of crucial military installations in that region, witnessing a plane heading in the same direction lifted our spirits. The stark reality was that we were left with limited options as a substantial portion of LA County had been devastated by a nuclear strike, and the surrounding terrain was inhospitable. While heading north towards smaller communities was a conceivable alternative, we concluded that our best course of action was to reach a location the government would likely prioritize securing – and that meant San Diego.
By Okafor Emmanuel2 years ago in Chapters
Short Reads
Dear Vocal readers, What follows is a short compendium of my works that are four minutes or less for your reading pleasure. For all those times that you want to read something, but are short on time. Please be sure to check back, as the list grows. And thank you for following me on this journey.
By Atomic Historian2 years ago in Chapters
ENDURANCE BEYOUND APOCALYPSE
Days 21-22 During days 21-22, Alexis and I found solace in our nightly conversations, discreetly held away from Lilith and Mr. Vasquez. Despite our collective efforts to support Mr. Vasquez, his decline persisted, marked by a gradual deterioration. Oddly, no physical ailment plagued him; it seemed an overwhelming heartbreak held him captive. To endure a nuclear attack and subsequently lose a lifelong love of over fifty years must be a torment beyond imagination. I empathized, pondering if faced with such circumstances, I too might consider surrendering to despair.
By Okafor Emmanuel2 years ago in Chapters
A Techno Carol (with Apologies to Charles Dickens)
Part IV: Jimmy was trying to sleep again…and he was having some success. The dream was all about him and his favourite game. In some plain room he had never seen, he was playing a game on the Benevolt 2.0 system…and he was on fire.
By Kendall Defoe 2 years ago in Chapters
A Techno Carol (with Apologies to Charles Dickens) - A Story in Five Parts
Part III: Jimmy woke up with shakes and sweat. He looked over at the window pooling the moonlight (not as strong as before). And then he looked over at his desk. All the things that should be there were back. There were no boomboxes, Walkmans or old computer systems. Everything was perfect.
By Kendall Defoe 2 years ago in Chapters
FATED: Part 3
Councilor Ambross leaned back in his chair and gazed out at the warm, flickering night lights of Haven. Decades ago they had once imposed a mandatory curfew when crime ravaged so severely it felt as if they were in a war-zone. But then order was restored and the curfew was removed. People were free to live their lives in peace and without fear. There were still criminals, he supposed. It was inevitable. No matter how advance the civilization, there would always be those who enjoyed wreaking havoc. But then again, he realized, there would also be those labeled criminals due to circumstances. A knock sounded from the door though he continued to stare out into the City.
By Taylor Rigsby2 years ago in Chapters
FATED: Part 2
We spent the whole day at the bedroom window, just waiting for the sun to set. I think we both knew that it was the last time we would ever see our beloved home. I hate to think what must've been going through Dex's mind: did he truly understand that we were leaving forever? Or did he still hold out some hope that one day we could return? Would he ever see his father again? Was he afraid that he could one day forget his father, or stop loving his him? One day, when he's old enough, I'll be sure to ask him. And to tell him the stories of our home so that he doesn't forget them.
By Taylor Rigsby2 years ago in Chapters
FATED: Part 1
Fun Fact: I first wrote this story waaay back in 2017 after a conversation with a friend of mine: we were playing the old 'ring game' to find out how many kids we were supposed to have... I came out with only one girl, and, for some reason, felt very insulted by it. After I wrote the story, I was so proud of it I included it in a small, personal book of early short stories to keep on my shelf. I still have that book, by the way, and was so proud of this one that I posted it's (very) rough draft to the Fiction Press account I kept years ago. Extra brownie-points if you can find it there, haha!
By Taylor Rigsby2 years ago in Chapters
Venus Part 2
Chapter Two "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." -Socrates We headed outside to meet Vincent inside the bunker. To the onlooker, it looked like a large garden shed. Still no clue how our parents could have even afforded something that I once deemed useless. It was around lunchtime so the sun was high in the sky. I lit a cigarette on our walk towards the bunker. I hoped Estella didn’t mind but my nerves were fried. How many more COVID Zombies were out there? Was it just the few? Are more people walking up dead? I finished up my cigarette very quickly. Thank God I had a nicotine vape tucked away in my backpack.
By Chloe Rose Violet 🌹2 years ago in Chapters
Chapter 9: Foundation
Prologue // Chapter 1: The Queen is Dead...Again // Chapter 2: The Ball // Chapter 3: Long Live The 7th Queen // Chapter 4: Don't cry, beg, or scream. // Chapter 5: The Plucking of a Flower // Chapter 6: Unexpected Allies // Chapter 7: The Night The Lights Went Out For Mia // Chapter 8: The Most Dangerous Strategy Game
By Hope Martin2 years ago in Chapters
Fishkeeping in the Desert. Top Story - November 2023.
Yellow light becomes absorbed underwater at around thirty-five feet deep, but the air is golden and alive. It shimmers around tanks and walls, like a mirage in the desert. Vast and rolling mounds of sand stretch far and wide, with exclusive spots of unattainable soil. I work in one such spot of richness. This artificial oasis draws in parched crowds, thirsting for connection, community, escape. Thirsting for water.
By Elisabeth Balmon2 years ago in Chapters
