Nobody can hear a scream in the vacuum of space, or so they say. It’s been five generations since our species lost the ability to hear. I’ve done all the research and downloaded all the knowledge there is to download about what it means to “hear”. Screams aren’t regular frequencies. Since we moved up here, humans have evolved past the need for ears and strictly communicate via vibration. So, when I heard that scream, I knew Society would have me thrown in the cellar for “inspection”. To be honest, I don’t know what I knew- I just know how I feel. Being an Intuitive Vibrissa is not as prestigious as it sounds. We can't just turn our feelings off like the rest of the district. Oh, that scream could curdle blood! I haven’t been able to sleep or eat in four days. It keeps scratching at the walls of my mind, on replay, like a broken record.
Society can’t organize information that’s communicated via the written word, which is why I am writing you this letter, Jax. My dearest and truest friend, something is very, very wrong. Purportedly, the frequency of fear should not able to penetrate the atmosphere of space- so tell me why I have been in a state of constant terror? This isn’t supposed to be happening. Society told us since the first minute humans left Earth that we will fear no more. I do not believe them. Jax, I am petrified. I appear to be the only one capable of “hearing”, the only one capable of “fearing”...
I wish I could string together the words to describe this feeling to you. I can’t even share the vibration because, technically, it does not exist within this vacuum of space. It’s this pit-in-your-stomach feeling dragging me down, down, d o w n. I feel so heavy. Ossified. Chills down my spine, stinging my bones. By the time you read this letter, I will be on my way to the cellar. Lugging this meat suit like a dead horse. I must follow this feeling downward, on my own terms, at any cost. Nothing Society does to me can be worse than this feeling. I need to know what’s causing the agony. I need to know where it's coming from and how to stop it before any of the other Vibrissas hear these screams, too. DO NOT FOLLOW ME! I mean it. If anyone asks, tell them I'm on exploration. The less people that know about this, the better. I hope to…
Jax
I can’t even finish the letter. How could Jena be so stupid? What in the galaxy was she thinking? She must have gone mad. Stark-raving mad. Short-circuited or something. The cellar? Really, Jena? On your own volition? The only people that go down to the cellar are those whose wires got crossed. By force, no less! And they rarely make it back up. The cellar is off limits to civs- she should know better. She does know better. How does Jena even know for certain what a scream sounds like? I can’t even imagine what frequency fear vibrates at. Seems like the Biblical Hell.
What should I do? How does she expect me to read this letter and literally not do anything? Granted, I may not be an Intuitive like she is, but God, I am too young to be a hero! I haven’t even grown a mustache yet! Now Jena is gonna get me running all over the Station risking my life to go find her. Ugh. Totally not the way I envisioned spending our senior year together. So, that’s it? I’m gonna go find her now?
His watch lit up. Jax quickly gathered the letter and his backpack and headed for the library on the second floor of the Station. He knew Jena would get gridlocked within the week if Society got a hold of her meddling in the cellar. Intuitive or not, no civs allowed in the cellar. Jax was determined to find her before They could. Amira, Jena’s twin sister, works at the data anthology lab and he knew she could keep a secret. Under any other circumstance, Jena could trust Jax with anything, but this is a life or gridlock situation. No time for kept promises. Jax needed as much information as he could possibly download about the Station if he were to find her.
Stop number one: Amira.
About the Creator
Hazel S
The current of words that flow through a Syrian-American woman. A conduit of subjective Truth.
The Business of Nature
Dew drops reflected the light of the sun. The inhabitants of Whispering Woods woke up to the golden droplets of water on the leaves of the flora. The oaks particularly enjoyed the light and the maples did, too. Happiness enveloped all who lived there, even the rocks that cried out in the night delighted in the morning.
By Skyler Saundersa day ago in Fiction
The guardian of Atlantis..
In the heart of the ocean, where the sun's rays dim and the world fades into blue, lies the forgotten city of Atlantis. Its majestic spires and ancient monuments are hidden from the surface world, shrouded in mystery and guarded by the creatures of the deep.Legend tells of a treasure buried beneath the ruins of Atlantis, a treasure so precious that it could shape the fate of nations. But few dare to seek it, for the city's secrets are guarded by a powerful guardian—a creature of myth and legend known as the Leviathan.Among those who dared was Captain Alexander Drake, a renowned explorer and adventurer whose thirst for discovery knew no bounds. With his loyal crew and a map passed down through generations, Drake set sail in search of Atlantis and its fabled treasure.As they journeyed across the vast expanse of the ocean, facing storms and sea monsters, Drake's resolve never wavered. He was driven by a vision of glory, of uncovering the secrets of Atlantis and claiming its treasure as his own.Finally, after months at sea, they reached their destination—a vast expanse of water shrouded in mist, where the ruins of Atlantis lay hidden beneath the waves. With trepidation and excitement, they donned their diving gear and descended into the depths.The ruins of Atlantis were a sight to behold—crumbling columns adorned with ancient carvings, streets paved with intricately patterned tiles, and statues of forgotten gods looming in the darkness. But amidst the splendor, danger lurked.As Drake and his crew explored the ruins, they encountered traps left behind by the city's builders—hidden pitfalls, collapsing corridors, and guardian statues that came to life at the slightest touch. But they pressed on, driven by the promise of untold riches.At last, they reached the heart of Atlantis—a chamber bathed in an eerie blue light, where the treasure awaited. Golden artifacts gleamed amidst piles of jewels, ancient scrolls lay scattered on marble pedestals, and in the center of it all, atop a dais of coral, rested a glowing orb—the source of Atlantis's power.But before Drake could claim the treasure, the Leviathan stirred. With a roar that shook the ocean itself, the guardian of Atlantis emerged from the depths—a colossal serpent with scales as hard as diamond and eyes that glowed with ancient wisdom.Drake and his crew stood frozen in awe and terror as the Leviathan coiled around the chamber, its gaze piercing their souls. But instead of attacking, the guardian spoke—a voice that echoed through the water like thunder."Who dares to disturb the sanctity of Atlantis and covet its treasures?" the Leviathan boomed.Drake stepped forward, his voice steady despite the fear in his heart. "I am Captain Alexander Drake, seeker of adventure and discoverer of lost worlds. I seek only to uncover the secrets of Atlantis and claim its treasure as a testament to my conquest."The Leviathan regarded him with a gaze that seemed to pierce through his very being. "You are but a child of the surface world, ignorant of the true power that lies within these walls. The treasure you seek is not meant for mortal hands—it is a gift from the gods, a legacy of a bygone era."Drake's resolve faltered, his greed tempered by the guardian's words. "Then what is to become of Atlantis and its treasures?"The Leviathan's gaze softened, its ancient eyes reflecting centuries of wisdom. "Atlantis was not meant to be plundered or forgotten—it is a beacon of hope in a world consumed by darkness. Its treasures are not for one man to claim, but for all who seek enlightenment and understanding."With a final roar, the Leviathan disappeared into the depths, leaving Drake and his crew to ponder its words. And as they made their way back to the surface, they carried with them not the riches of Atlantis, but a newfound respect for the mysteries of the ocean and the guardians who protect them.
By Eric anexis 7 days ago in Fiction
Sabotage
Lately I’ve been in a funk where everything can be going right. You know I’m in a happy place talking to who knows, I’m at peace and feel like everything is just going great you know. But once I start seeing that everything is going great for some reason I need to sabotage it. I need to sabotage my happiness and what I have going on in my life so no one else is able to do it for me. Does that make sense? Am I the only one who gets this way?
By Merjaunie Lena4 days ago in Journal
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