by P P Corcoran
“That’s very expensive scotch, son. Very, very expensive.” Alan pursed his lips.
“I don’t give a flying dog shit and if you mention scotch again, I swear to hell I’ll shove that bottle down your damn throat! We need to wake up Mom and Ripley, right now! Do I need to remind you of what we just saw out there?” Corbin seethed.
“I know what we just saw. I’m very aware, more than you know.” Alan was too calm.
“What the hell does that even mean? We need to get the guns; we need to make sure everything is secure...” Corbin stood up.
“Alright, look, if you promise to sit back down and lower you voice, I’ll explain everything. You’re a man, more so now than ever before...”
“Spit it out, Dad or I’m screaming bloody murder up in here!” Corbin sat down and folded his arms across his chest.
“They’re not aliens exactly. Well, not really. They are just like you and me basically, only evolved.”
“Evolved?” Corbin leaned forward.
“They’re not extraterrestrial. Think more like extratemporal.”
“I’m not following.”
“They’re time travelers, us from the future.” Alan pushed the scotch back toward his son. Corbin didn’t push it away, instead picking it up and taking a deep swig.
“Is this a fucking joke?” Corbin choked on his drink.
“Afraid not. We knew of them for a very long time, before my time even, but not up until about fourteen years ago, did we realize exactly what it was they were doing. They sent that probe, like a feeler, and people from our team were able to finally reach the probe and decipher the message.”
“Why even send the message? Why not just come?”
“What do you think would happen if they attempted that? They needed to warn us of their impending arrival. They were coming whether or not we agreed to it.” Alan poured him another drink.
“Why? I don’t understand. If we evolved to live elsewhere in the galaxy, why would we come back here, to this?” Corbin downed his second drink and relaxed in the chair.
“Because our planet is on track to peril, a track faster than they imagined. We’re killing ourselves and if we kill ourselves, then they can’t exist. They are products of us. Years from now, the planet will not be inhabitable. It’s still going to be around for a very long time. The problem is, people are a threat to the planet. There’s pollution, war, and overpopulation among other things. So, how do we fix that?”
“I don’t know.” Corbin croaked.
“Sometimes we have to do things we don’t want to for the betterment of the whole.”
“I’m not following, Dad. Unless...are you saying we’re allowing them to get rid of people on purpose?” Corbin felt his limbs grow heavy.
“It’s more complicated than that. There’re billions of us on the planet, and Earth’s carrying capacity is at its threshold. What used to be curtailed by disease and starvation, is no longer enough. We have become smart enough to engineer food and fight disease. We consume, we pollute the one thing we cannot re-create, water. Our best hope for humanity would be to reproduce at a smaller rate but try telling that to people! We’re the true parasites on this planet. Earth is suffering and so are we. They’re here to help eliminate the waste, son.”
“The waste? Our friends and family are waste?”
“I wish it were different. Only so many will be allowed to carry on. The best and brightest, the ones who they choose and their offspring. The rest will go to good use I suppose. Their organs will be harvested, and their bodies will be used to further the survival of mankind, so waste was a poor choice of words. I’m sorry I said that.”
“You’re sorry you said that? Are you sorry that you brought us down here knowing exactly what was going on, that people, our family, were being gathered up like insects by these...whatever you say They are! You’re a lying monster!” Corbin roared.
“Lower your voice. I’m not a monster, damn it. I’m a man and I’m a father, your father, and I did what I did to keep our family safe. Sometimes we keep things to ourselves in order to protect others, as you well know.”
Corbin looked away then, “Does Mom know any of it?”
“No, she’s innocent. She accepted that my work was confidential. We lived a good life and after this, hopefully we still will. However, we’ll have to stay down here until the process is complete.”
“And how long will that be?”
“I guess I’ll get word when we can come out. It’ll take time to round so many people up. Not everyone will be eliminated, son. Many will be saved. It’s not all doom and gloom. They’re saving the Earth for our future generations. Try and understand this is a necessity, and just like that old saying goes, necessity knows no law but to conquer. Without this, there’s no future. So, do you understand now?”
“I have no choice but to try to.” Corbin hissed.
“Good. I’ll explain everything to your mother and sister in time. Let them have a bit more peace.”
“But people are still people and they’ll eventually do it all over again. Our future selves have got to know that.”
“They do. This isn’t the first time this’s happened, son. I’m pretty sure they’ve been here before.” Alan stared at him.
“What do you mean?”
“Read the history books. I’m sure you might be able to put two and two together. We didn’t know as much then as we are capable of now, but the signs were there. They may have done it differently or maybe they came just to see what we were up to, but They came. You just have to know where to look. I can assure you that each time They came, things changed. Sooner or later They’ll have nowhere to come back to, and humans will begin again elsewhere. In a galaxy far, far away I imagine.”
“I don’t even know what to think. You’ve lied for so long to all of us, who knows if what you’re telling me now is even true. Mom and Rip are lucky to be asleep right now, ignorant of the fact that you’re a damn liar. Ignorance is bliss though, right?” Corbin jeered.
Alan searched his son’s face before he spoke, “I could tell you I just made this whole thing up to make you feel better and there’re actual hostile aliens outside. That They’ve already killed millions and millions of people and any minute now, they’re going to blow apart our heavy doors, come down here, and kill us too. Harvest us for food or experiment on our naked shivering bodies until we die of shock and fear. Stick needles in our open eyes, tubes down our screaming throats, and who knows what up our clenched-up assholes. Would that be an easier pill to swallow?”
Corbin gulped, “Never mind”, he muttered.
“I thought so, son. I thought so.” Alan poured himself and his son another scotch.
- THE END –
About Vivian Kasley
Vivian Kasley lives in the land of the extremely strange and unusual, Florida! She was an educator for several years before she left to write and travel, but still substitutes because she’s absolutely bonkers. At a very tender age horror and science fiction welcomed her into their comfy arms, to which she ran headfirst and stayed to cuddle.
She’s published stories with Gypsum Sound Tales, Dark Moon Digest, Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing, and Sirens Call Publications with more on the way. When she’s not spinning and twisting new yarn, she’s usually enjoying time with her other half, snuggling her fur babies, cooking, or reading a good book during a thunderstorm.
Connect with Vivian here:
www.castrumpress.com/authors/vivian-kasley
Thank you for reading the Alien Days Anthology, Volume II of the Days Anthologies. If you enjoyed this book, please leave a review at your favorite retailer. Here’s a link to the Amazon store: http://smarturl.it/review-aliendays
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Following is an excerpt of "Future Days: A Science Fiction Short Story Anthology."
Future Days An
thology Copyright © 2018 by Castrum Press
The Good Citizen Copyright © 2018 by Aline Boucher Kaplan
Cell Effect Copyright © 2018 by Christopher Cousins
Greener Pastures Copyright © 2018 by Justin C. Fulton
Orbital Burn Copyright © 2018 by David M. Hoenig
A Winter's Day Copyright © 2018 by Edward Ahern
Colony Copyright © 2018 by Gunnar De Winter
The Pink Star-Ship Switch Copyright © 2018 by James Worrad
Custodian Copyright © 2018 by Johnny Pez
The Caller Copyright © 2018 by Lisa Timpf
The Trickle-Down Effect Copyright © 2018 by Mark Lynch
Jericho Copyright © 2018 by Matthew Williams
Ghosts Copyright © 2018 by RB Kelly
Mother Copyright © 2018 by Rick Partlow
The Cull Copyright © 2018 by PP Corcoran
The Rescue Copyright © 2018 by Claire Davon
The Man Eater Copyright © 2018 by Christopher G. Nuttall
Castrum Copyright © 2018 by JCH Rigby
All Rights Reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.
Cover designed by The Gilded Quill
www.TheGildedQuill.co.uk
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Print Edition
Printed in the United Kingdom
First Printing: Aug 2018
Castrum Press
Print ISBN-13 978-1-9123273-4-8
Introduction TO FUTURE DAYS ANTHOLOGY
Future Days is a multi-author anthology with thrilling tales of starships, artificial intelligence, cryogenics and exotic aliens. A combination which makes this collection a must-read for science fiction short story fans.
This anthology features USA Today and Amazon bestsellers and award winners alongside rising stars in the science fiction genre. Let the authors take you on adventures through dystopian worlds and far flung planets that will stretch your imagination.
Welcome to Future Days:
“The Good Citizen” by Aline Boucher Kaplan
Out of work? Need to pay the bills? Don’t worry the government is looking for a few good people to work in the colonies. And, oh yeah, its compulsory.
“Cell Effect” by Christopher Cousins
Saiden has abilities. Abilities the government wants to weaponize. Only one thing stands in their way, Ret Saiden.
“Greener Pastures” by Justin C. Fulton
When the line between a utopian virtual world and harsh reality become blurred, the choices we make can be fatal.
“Orbital Burn” by David M. Hoenig
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Who would have thought convicted criminal Slade would be one of them?
“A Winter’s Day” by Edward Ahern
Ever-Young Cryogenics promise its clients a brief spell of life every decade. But, what happens when your family grow old and die, but you don’t?
“Colony” by Gunnar De Winter
In a hierarchical society decided by birth, instructions must be followed. Unless you are a radical and want to destroy the system.
“The Pink Shar-Ship Switcher” by James Worrad
Jada is a businesswoman intent on climbing the corporate ladder by sealing a lucrative deal. That is, until a Being from another reality intervenes.
“Custodian” by Johnny Pez
Only a special kind of person volunteers to stay awake during the long voyages between the stars while the rest of the crew sleeps. But what happens when he gets lonely?
“The Caller” by Lisa Timpf
A job she hates on a world with too many problems. But what if she can escape to a new world and start again? Can she leave everything she knows, and loves, behind?
“The Trickle-Down Effect” by Mark Lynch
Denton, a man who would do what needed to be done to survive in the ‘Pit’. The lowest, dirtiest, crime ridden part of a mega city forgotten by the ‘One Percenters’ living in their luxurious towers.
“Jericho” by Matthew William
A new world. Ripe for colonization. Pre-prepared by nanite Seedlings for the arrival of their human designers. But what happens when the designers become your God?
“Ghosts” by award winning author RB Kelly.
The storms bring the Seekers. Machines with one purpose, to bring death. Only sometimes death is not quite death.
“Mother” by Amazon #1 bestselling author Rick Partlow.
A mother’s love is the strongest of all. Protect and nurture your children to your dying breath. Even if that means genocide.
“The Cull” by Amazon #1 bestselling author PP Corcoran.
Humanity has reached its peak. Genetic manipulation makes humans faster, smarter and stronger. But at what cost?
“The Rescue” by Claire Davon.
An Alien shuttle is downed. Lt. ‘Dee’ Delaney must find it and secure the alien survivors until help arrives. Easy. If Delaney can trust her own people.
“The Man-Eater” by USA TODAY bestselling author Christopher G. Nuttall.
Three ships vanished testing the new faster than light engine. A desperate scientist
wants to prove his engine works. How? Why you steal it of course.
“Castrum” by JCH Rigby
Sergeant Joel Edwards is wakened seconds before being dropped into combat. A faceless enemy. A nameless place. All he knows, is a cyborg is ready for anything.
The Good Citizen
Aline Boucher Kaplan
The heavy knock on the front door cracked like a pistol shot. Elena jumped, and her family stopped eating. Henry froze with his fork halfway to his mouth. Cory choked on his glass of water and put it down. Their faces turned to her. Little Marta looked around the table. Her eyes grew large, her seven-year-old face crumpled, and she began to wail.
The knock boomed again.
“Mom?” Cory said in a hoarse voice. “Is it them?”
“Yes,” Elena whispered. She thought frantically, where did I leave the exemption letter? Right, it’s on the table by the door. “I’d hoped for a few extra days, but they’re right on time.”
The knock came again, louder. Elena pushed back her chair and stood up. If she didn’t answer, the whole family would lose ration points, and they couldn’t afford less food for the children. Things would get worse if they had only Henry’s teaching salary and ration card to live on.
“It’s all right,” Elena said. “I’ll show them my exemption letter and they’ll leave. Don’t worry.”
She walked to the front door. Her mouth was dry, and her cheeks and hands had gone numb. Heart pounding, she manipulated the triple lock and opened the door.
A plain woman in a dark skirt suit, with a gold badge hanging from a lanyard, faced Elena. Two uniformed guards stood behind her in black body shields and helmets, with dark faceplates that masked their features. The woman held a tablet that cast blue-white light onto her face. Cold November air fell into the house.
“Are you Mrs. Elena Tremblay?” the woman asked.
“Yes,” Elena replied. “I am.”
“Our records show that you have been out of work for 180 continuous business days. Is that correct?”
“Yes, it is”,” Elena said in a voice so soft the wind carried her words away.
“Speak up, ma’am.” The woman’s bright badge labeled her as Reassignment Agent Moira Ferris, Number 3411.
Elena cleared her throat. “Yes, yes it is,” she said with more confidence. “But I’m looking. I have prospects. I’m expecting an interview next week.”
“Do you have a formal offer in
your possession for a job of any kind?” Agent Ferris studied the tablet’s screen. She looked up at Elena again with a softer expression. “Any kind of a paying job? No matter how menial?” She leaned slightly forward, as if encouraging Elena to say yes.
“I, um. I thought. I tried. I applied.” Elena took a deep breath to stop babbling. “No.”
“Have you applied for a temporary work assignment through the Agency for Civilian Mobilization?”
“Yes, of course.” Elena flushed, remembering that appointment with its drug test, endless forms, and personal questions. “But the ACM said that I was over-qualified and not suitable for the jobs they had left.”
The woman nodded and touched the link. “According to Section 42, Article 15, Paragraph 8 of the U.S. Full Employment Code, you have, as of today, forfeited your right to independent status as a citizen. Your body is now the property of the United States government to be deployed as needed. Do you understand what I have said, ma’am?”
“No. No, I don’t.” Elena took the exemption letter from the basket of mail on the hall table and held it out. Agent Ferris didn’t even glance at it. “I have two minor children, one under school age,” Elena continued, pushing the letter toward the official. “I knew you would contact me, of course, but I have a valid exemption right here. The law says...”
“Congress repealed Article 21 of the Code last week,” Agent Ferris said in the flat tone of someone who had repeated the same information too many times. “The number of children, their genders and ages no longer render anyone exempt.”
“But we heard nothing about that.”
“It was passed in a closed session, ma’am,” Ferris said. “The Congressional vote was unanimous, and the President signed the revision immediately. We need workers for the in-system colonies.”