By André Schuck
I open my eyes.
My platoon is slaughtered, along with the half-organic, half-rock aliens of this wretched, sandy planet.
“Lieutenant,” says the Artificial Intelligence in my head. “Enemies approaching. I’ve activated the explosive charge in your body. I’ll trigger it when you are surrounded. Since you have found Helium-3 in this area, we’ll send your pay to your sister. She’ll be discharged from the army at age 13.”
Tears flow. She only needs to survive one year longer than me.
When they arrive, the leader rips my arm off with a mental blast. His confidants surround me.
I close my eyes.
Great piece which works as a stand alone story, or as a preface to a novel. Kudos.
I agree with the previous comment. This would be a great prologue to a novel!
Beckoning. Smooth story and shortly rewarding for a reader. Ingenious piece.