Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Futurism.
Interview with Author K.E. Lanning. Top Story - July 2017.
Author K.E. Lanning is a scientist and writer—visualizing subterranean faults and those of imagined characters. As she describes, “Physics trains the mind to analyze and deduce theories, similar to developing the story line of a novel–both take creativity and hard work.” Lanning's expertise and passion for both art and science set her on a natural course towards writing science fiction. This big-picture thinker has proven proficient in the craft of making esoteric knowledge more palpable for the rest of us, and her recurring OMNI interview series In the Author’s Universe is only one of many such examples. Writing is her passion, and her upcoming novel, A Spider Sat Beside Her, weaves a story of betrayal of the human spirit and the Earth. It's about time this knowledge-excavator got some digging of her own; in advance of her debut novel, OMNI checked in with K.E Lanning for an enlightening interview about her work, writing, motivation, and worldview.
By Futurism Staff9 years ago in Futurism
Alex The Inventor-(Chapter 1/Pt. 2)
Books 1 & 2 can also be read at: Deep Sky Stories Chapter 1 (Part 2) Halden's mouth fell open and stayed that way for a full Martian minute, which is quite a long time when compared to ours. What was his father thinking? Was he mad? What would be the purpose behind such an impossible challenge?But, before Halden could think of his first words to say in protest, the king went further still."We were not being capricious regarding the challenge that your mother and I decided upon, nor do we take it lightly, Hal'd because there is also a reason behind our challenge for you. We wish for you to be a scout for our clan - nay, for all our people," T'eir said."There has long been the need among our people to strive to climb free from the bonds of this Homeworld and branch away to new, uncharted places. It is true that our bravest fliers once gained footholds on nearby Phobos and Deimos," he added with a wave at each moon, "but their purpose for that was merely to wage a regrettable High-War using creatures who should have remained here as peaceful laborers.""Now, a time of serious change is upon us and we have need of your fresh and unique talent, Halden. Your mother and I have seen how you enjoy building and creating all manner of interesting machines since you were small, and now that you are older, I have seen how much you yearn to spread your wings and explore.""So now, here in this secret place and with the help of some of the most well versed thinkers of our clan, you will seek to attain your journey. The Craft-Book of our clan does not describe a vessel such as the one that you must build but we will lend our knowledge and secrets when need be.""It will be a dangerous journey, no doubt, Halden, but nothing beyond the safety of childhood is without risk."((To achieve this voyage to the Blue Waterworld, you will simply have to accept that there will be more risk – that is all)), T'eir finished with those gravely serious words from his mind.So began young Halden's journey into manhood and it was an arduous one to be sure. Yet once he set his mind to the goal and started working with the materials he had, one problem after the other, soon was solved. The designers and technicians who were supposed to assist Halden soon found that their help was only needed occasionally because the lad had such a sharp mind that he was able to quickly grasp the necessary teachings or skills and soon moved on to surpass even his tutors.Before long, a small, sturdy vessel began to take shape in the center of the cave and, with each passing day, Halden gained more and more certainty about how well all the pieces of the little spacecraft should fit into place.
By G.F. Brynn9 years ago in Futurism
Review of Twin Peaks: The Return 1.10
Twin Peaks: The Return 1.10 last night ended with a better than usual song, which is saying a lot, since those concluding songs are often the best part of the episode. Last night's song, sung by Rebekah Del Rio—who, I don't know, reminds me a little of Monica Lewinsky—was entitled "No Stars," a nice touch, since the episode has even more stars than usual, but who's counting.
By Paul Levinson9 years ago in Futurism
Looking Glass Part 1: The Night They Became Orphans
The randomness of snowflakes enraptured a casual observer who was watching a young mother struggling with three young infants. They seemed to be giving her the runaround, but luckily someone who the young lady knew carefully ran over to give her a hand. As he watched the dramatic scene that had been laid out before him, he said, “Do you know who they are?” Thinking out loud but he's actually talking to you readers; “No you say?… haven't you heard the tales and the rumours of the three young triplets?” He paused for a moment as the young lady had two of the triplets; the much older lady had managed to calm the other child down, and ended up carrying him as he was distracted by the scarf that she was wearing.
By Lizzy Arrow9 years ago in Futurism
Symbiote Chapter 5
This was a day long in coming. This was the day that cadets miraculously became soldiers. This was pass and review, when the greatest warriors would stand before their charges and take the oath to defend their worlds from all that would threaten them. They had trained for years to harness their abilities, getting worshiped for their abilities was just a fringe benefit, and an awesome one at that; just like living forever. Granted, everything that lived could get killed, but for them there were no "natural" causes.
By daniel morris9 years ago in Futurism
Degradation
On the last day of his life, an alarm clock brings Peter Lindquist from the belly of night up to the stars of consciousness. He thinks, today I die, today I die, today I die. Some chemical response tightens his gut, but that could also be easily mistaken for his feeling of lust. Lindquist's primary focus swims in the fixed image of Megan, the volley of exoteric swells and informal curves that comprise her form, the softness of her skin, her lips, and her crass shamelessness.
By Eric Simpson9 years ago in Futurism
Invisible Magic Part 4: Dear Prime Ministers
Dear Both World's Prime Ministers, I would first like to sincerely apologise that you had to witness a horrific attack this week in my home; this is not the first time they have attacked the house. Well, actually there's an investigation going on. How did they know someone like me lived in the middle of nowhere? We all know. Well, the whole Kennedy department knows who’s behind it all. You're probably wondering who were, too.
By Lizzy Arrow9 years ago in Futurism
Son Of Titan
The AtomicBadger had moved away from that graveyard of steel, leaving behind the ghosts of her sister tanks. John sat at the controls, driving the tank destroyer with the skill of a seasoned veteran. Mick had taken the gunners post and was trying his best to catch some sleep, despite the loud rumbling of the powerful engine behind him. And Oscar was standing, leaning over the top of the gun turret, half exposed to the elements like the commanders of old. Studying the maps on his wrist pad, he had come to a sobering conclusion: his driver had lied. There was no way they would make it to Shangri-La Station in their condition. They would need to refuel along the way, and that was only in a scenario in which they didn't run into unwanted trouble. But Oscar wasn't that lucky, and he knew it.
By Joshua Gonzalez9 years ago in Futurism
