Fiction – Page 4 – Jessica Barratt

Quasar Trash

We’d gotten a vehicle to Mars for Christ’s sake, and this is what they choose to celebrate? Curiosity, out there all on his—its—own, humming to the frequency of “Happy Birthday”? Mics up to max, an ear-numbing static filling our large control room, some of the more senior staff sing loudly over the noise while eatingContinue reading “Quasar Trash”

Narcotic

I’m one of the lucky ones. I mean, I never got hooked. Could’ve happened of course, that’s always a danger when you’re a Trader. Got a whole supply at my fingertips, could tap in anytime I want—be like those kingpins over there, rattling their yellow teeth my way, hopped up on the stuff, eyes crazy. ButContinue reading “Narcotic”

Suck It, Miss Bea.

There’s a lady already on about her damn therapeutic hairless cats when I get in. Trying to catch my breath, I make it almost to the back row, but of course all 10 or 12 of them are drawn to the smell of what snuck in with me—the lovely, sultry, slightly burned aroma of aContinue reading “Suck It, Miss Bea.”

Mutiny Point

3 AM, downtown’s deserted. Just my truck and the road. I shouldn’t have come this way, too high profile for carrying valuable cargo. Hitting every red light, besides. Good thing the cops are all busy with them murderers and ruddy fucks causing shit where they shouldn’t. I don’t plan on meeting any trouble. Not tonight,Continue reading “Mutiny Point”

Valley View’s Dead

“Think that one looks fresher than the others?” I flick my cigarette at a grave to my left. Both of us watch as the cherry fades into the yellowing sod. “What’s the name?” “Hughes, 1943 to 1987,” I say. Nicholas gives the stone angel a kick. The priest at the bottom of the hill stopsContinue reading “Valley View’s Dead”