Tag Archives: science fiction

Fiction

R.P.M. by Chris Nakashima-Brown

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February’s story is now available; Chris Nakashima-Brown spins us a near-future post-mediapocalyptic mind-bender about celebrity, freedom, America and meaning in “R.P.M.”.

R.P.M.

by Chris Nakashima-Brown

The 1994 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS hurtles south down Cahuenga after midnight, jury-rigged engine exhaling the throaty rasp of an emphysemic Olympian. Urban interceptor, an abandoned rental reclaimed as instrument of revolution.

Or at least that’s what 0z0 said the night before as he drilled holes in the muffler to amplify the effect.

“We’re gonna free the monster,” he smiled, lighting the welding torch. Continue reading R.P.M. by Chris Nakashima-Brown →

Fiction

JACK’S GIFT by Jason Stoddard

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Jason Stoddard (whose “Changing The Tune” appeared here just over a year ago) brings us December’s short story; “Jack’s Gift” is our first honest-to-God holiday piece. Think Metropolis meets Miracle On 34th Street; grit with a lot of heart. Enjoy!

Jack’s Gift

by Jason Stoddard

When Sandra was six, she asked the question for the first time.

“Daddy, is there a Santa Claus?”

And, like all first times, the answer was easy.

“You email him your list, and he sends you presents, doesn’t he?”

“Yeah.”

“So there must be a Santa Claus.”

“Oh, okay.” And she drifted off into the perfect sleep of children who have had the world sorted to their satisfaction.

When Sandra was eight, she asked something harder. Continue reading JACK’S GIFT by Jason Stoddard →

Fiction

HOOKING UP by Tom Doyle

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We’ve got a real treat for you this month – “Hooking Up” is a great new story from frequent Futurismic contributor Tom Doyle. It’s about high school and evolution, VR space, artificial intelligence and the unrestrained id.

Hooking Up

by Tom Doyle

John sauntered lazily towards his new high school, making his parents wait as long as possible in their stupid H-cell car. He hoped that he was pissing them off. Their idea to send him to this hi-tech educational prison, their idea to wait out front until he synced on the school grounds, both because they didn’t trust him. So screw them.

He glanced back over his shoulder, saw their fake big smiles and waving arms, waving him on. Shit, how humiliating.

Ahead at the main entrance, the view held more promise. Two perfect girls, lush hair, blemishless skin, full lips, sculpted curves. The best features their daddies could buy, and probably too fancy for John. But he could still enjoy the scenery. Continue reading HOOKING UP by Tom Doyle →

Blog

Toxoplasma Needs More Boys

Readers with long memories may recall us mentioning research on the cat parasite toxoplasma that suggested it could be influencing human behaviour. You probably dismissed it as a classic silly-season science story straight out of the pulp age of science fiction, too. Well, don’t rest too comfortably, for new research indicates that toxoplasma may also be influencing the gender of human children! Who knows how else this insidious parasite may be affecting civilisation as we know it?

Fiction

FORGOTTEN DRAGONS by David McGillveray

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David McGillveray – whose story “His Whore The Vector” appeared on Futurismic last year – is back with an action-packed tale of the secretive front lines of Sino-American rivalry.

Forgotten Dragons

by David McGillveray

Chongqing Municipality, People’s Republic of China, Spring 2026

The night air was wet with mist, the ground cold beneath their bellies.

“What the hell are we doing out here, man?” grumbled Cope. He spoke Mandarin out of custom, even though they were alone. “I thought the plan was to hit the fuel convoy and get out fast like last time.”

Janssen shook his head and returned the night-vision binos to his eyes. “Won’t work.” Continue reading FORGOTTEN DRAGONS by David McGillveray →