Water falls in lashes to carve furrows in thick soil. Gales strip trees down to logs. Veins of fire crash against the heavens, their booming voices felt in the bones of the earth below. No sound could penetrate the shrieks and howls and the pounding of the rain. Deep within the maelstrom, an unheard whisper … Continue reading A Song in a Storm
Coda
Thunder's end comes in waiting, a breath held for a final crash. Rain rises in pitch, from a low growl to a hum that carries the absence to rest. The wind slows to a languid pulse, each rush softer than the last. Clouds thin to sheets, that the moon's glow may bleed through. Familiar aches … Continue reading Coda
Sea
I will never forget the day my father first saw the sea. Born on a mining colony on a desolate world in the outer reaches of the Xerxes arm of the Galaxy, he'd spent his childhood knowing nothing but grit and iron. When he was a young man, the slaves around him revolted in a … Continue reading Sea
Dare
Glonky slinked along the alleyway. His prey was in sight. Two unsuspecting schoolchildren, young enough for fall for his tricks but old enough to think they could outsmart him. He suppressed a bout of hideous laughter and crept forward. His talon-like fingers clicked on concrete. His snout twitched at the smell of young, soft flesh. … Continue reading Dare
Dawn
In time, it would be called the Empire's Longest Night. The king was slain by one of his own guard, a treachery unfathomable. His passing was swift, before he could name a proper heir. The claim fell to his twin sons. Before the moon set, Ergor had spilt his brother's blood and so seized the … Continue reading Dawn
Chrysanthemum
The box opened itself, spilling its contents of gears and springs onto the kitchen table. She sighed at the mess. He never made things easy. She fished an instruction booklet from the mess. The cover simply read, "To my Isa." She could almost hear the slight lisp in the words, too faint for anyone but … Continue reading Chrysanthemum
Riptide
Her heart stuttered when she saw him. He lounged on a poolside chair, book in hand and unconcerned with the party of which he was ostensibly a guest. He turned a page languidly, as if he had the rest of his life to sit in the sun and bask in those words. His shirt was … Continue reading Riptide
Nomad
Hers were a spacefaring people. Their ancestral lands were the void between stars. Their stores were replenished through scavenging and bartering. Their legends told of a people who once knew soil and sky, but dreamed of more. In Gallena's eyes, they had failed. So it was, that when a dashing young navy officer asked for … Continue reading Nomad
Stars
Betelgeuse blinked out. This happens sometimes. One moment a star shines and twinkles and winks and then all of a sudden it goes dark. That's where the Star Man comes in. He set up his ladder and watched it go up and up, through the clouds and to the skies above. He said goodbye to … Continue reading Stars
Dream
In her endless sleep, a princess dreamed of a farmer. His voice was like frozen honey, rugged and smooth all at once. He whispered only the kindest of words, the softest of comforts. His calloused hand cupped her cheek and led her to a small cabin that smelled of cedar and smoke. The two sipped … Continue reading Dream
Oxygen
The med bay door swished open. Chief Medical Officer Hammond rushed in first, moving quickly but breathing shallowly. She raised the lights and powered up a station. Pillows inflated, machines whirred, holoscreens blinked on. Captain Ostor ducked through the door, clutching his side. He collapsed onto the bed. Hammond started her scans. Chief Engineer Tress … Continue reading Oxygen
Corey Laisure 