NETA LAUNCHED into an unprovoked sermon about the basics of food safety which took a confusing turn into a tangled mess of theoretical physics. Players seated nearby overheard and, within moments, the south end of the bingo hall had erupted into a frenzy. An elderly gentleman with hair like snow pulled out a phone. To … Continue reading Milk Carton Universe (Chapter Two)
MAX JOHNSON met his grandmother Neta at the community center for bingo as he did every Thursday. They always arrived early to talk while they waited for the volunteers to finish setting up and other players to arrive. This week, Neta shared a harrowing story about an elderly neighbor who had discovered a spoiled half … Continue reading Milk Carton Universe (Chapter One)
The young superhero Waveform jogged in step with the harried chief of security. Dark patterned carpet muffled their hurried progress through the Legge Airport past silent restrooms, abandoned counters, and deserted restaurant tables toward the B-Gates. A single person leisurely paced the open central space between the waiting areas for the four B-gates. He wore … Continue reading Evil’s Conundrum
Otso Mustonen stood among onlookers crowding a pool table watching an intense game between an audacious university student and a cool-headed man wearing an over-sized cream-colored sweater. At 6'5" and as an avid weightlifter, Otso dwarfed all other patrons in the tavern. He stood in the back, leaning against the wood-paneled wall, and observed the … Continue reading Coping Capacity
A GROUP OF MONKS fled with the forest snapping at their heels. The forest itself squealed with bending tree limbs and groaning trunks; the deafening thrashing of lush branches grew wilder as the exhausted and despairing monks burst into a clearing. They prayed to be able to see the next village from the treeline. It … Continue reading Unsettled Spirits
Captain Hass was still laughing when the looming tower-like fin of a submarine glided alongside their lifeboats. For years, a hijacking operation targeted yachts and small ocean liners resulting in stolen ships and victims abandoned in lifeboats. Scores of lives and livelihoods had been disrupted and ruined to the degree of bankruptcy and suicide however, … Continue reading Fish in the Water
"Now please take the lady for a chat at a table that isn't mine so I can eat my breakfast in peace." I exhaled. "Thank you." Still seated, Zvonko stared up at me. "Mesa," he said in a low voice, "what are you doing?" I lowered my voice, too. "Something stupid out of blind panic." … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 15)
I sleep well anywhere. My cot below deck aboard The Constellation was no exception. I woke instantly when a steward made rounds for wake up calls at first light. I dressed and ducked out into the narrow passageway. Lally stepped out of his own compartment and we saw each other as we secured our respective … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 14)
"I hate you," grumbled the priest, seated in a dusty corner and handcuffed to a thick pipe. "I hate you more," growled the gangster. Despite wearing clothes easily worth more than $2000, he also sat on the floor as he was handcuffed same pipe. A detective looked at them from where she leaned over several … Continue reading Jail or Hell
The Bandit's captive surgeon Dr. Fourier knocked politely at the study door out of habit, earning yet another disapproving growl from the bull-like sailor guarding the door. The color drained from Fourier's face. "Apologies," he mumbled. He lowered his hazel-green eyes to the small cart of breakfast things intended for the prisoners being held in … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 13)
Duri Rolvsson 