The man peered over the edge of the station platform. The tracks stretched far away in either direction, converging at a distant horizon, eventually dissolving into a fog which seemed more like a memory than a mist. Everything was daubed in shades of grey, as if the world was bathed in ashen light. The air had a texture, almost palpable, settling on the palate with a thin, metallic zest. The atmosphere was eerie. Peaceful, yet hummed with mystery. A train rolled by with an un

May you not know fear Nor taint your heart to outweigh The truthful feather

‘I am fucking interesting!’ she yelled.   ‘I meant, perhaps you could adjust the topic of conversation to the audience.’   ‘It’s their business if they can’t keep up. Lazy fuckers.’   ‘Yes but they’re only in Year 3.’   ‘No time like the present to get educated. Best thing for them.’   ‘Anyway, the course co-ordinator suggested you might like to take a refresher course on child-centred learning techniques.’   ‘A what?’   ‘You know, just to make sure it’s uppermost in your co

The species is very curious.  It’s easy to ‘create’ beings from silicon and plastics.  Pod’s Quantum systems with replicator, can supersede a flesh being.  One that can out-smart, out everything the carbon-based muscle-and-blood-bags.  But doesn’t make them a ‘being’.  Bonn doesn’t have a ‘friend’ and he needs one.  The physics ‘essential’ to produce a replica is easy from minerals on their planet but there is something missing.  How do you make a spirit, a character, a being