Steampunk / Dieselpunk are closely related topics often interchangeable. Steampunk is Victorian era + fantasy. Simple equation. Fantasy can come in the form of Odd machines, crazy fantastical one or just a juxtaposition of new age inventions in a time that they didn't exist.
Diesel punk is similar but the time period is slightly later, when they had fully converted from steam to diesel fuel. This simple formula can lead you to understand a genre of movies and film under their new categorization. If there was a movie back in the day that you enjoyed and it was just called Sci-Fi it may be called Steampunk now.
Where does the Punk come in? The punk comes in the case that it is out of the norm, there can be sometimes a lack of punk attachments to something that is totally steampunk. Confused yet? Well join the club. There are tons of people who enjoy things like this but don't know how to look for new stuff that suits them.
I enjoy The Adventures of Brisco County Jr, which by all accounts was and is a horrible show. I however bad it may be love it, for all it's tainted goodness. It is one of the best examples of steampunk.
What is Cyberpunk then? Cyberpunk is the forefather of Steampunk. That's were the roots of it's title came from. Bladerunner seems to be the begining of the title of that genre. Cyberpunk was big in the 90's. Steampunk seems to be conquering the current age.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Steampunk videos
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
City of Ember
Van Hellsing
Golden Compass
Wild Wild West
Sherlock Holmes
Hellboy
Hellboy 2
The Prestige
Sweeny Todd
Treasure Planet
The Mummy Returns
Back to the Future III
The Time Machine
UP
Disney's Atlantis
Indiana Jones 3
Pirates of the Caribbean 1,2&3
The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.
City of Ember
Van Hellsing
Golden Compass
Wild Wild West
Sherlock Holmes
Hellboy
Hellboy 2
The Prestige
Sweeny Todd
Treasure Planet
The Mummy Returns
Back to the Future III
The Time Machine
UP
Disney's Atlantis
Indiana Jones 3
Pirates of the Caribbean 1,2&3
The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
When
When I think of you, my heart lightens.
I begin to feel as if I am weightless.
I find your hair on me throughout the day, it reminds me that I am not alone even when near no one.
Before I met you it was a dark and twisted road.
You brought me through the darkness and you deserve all I can give.
I wish I could leave a thousand lingering kisses upon your skin so that you feel my lips all day.
I begin to feel as if I am weightless.
I find your hair on me throughout the day, it reminds me that I am not alone even when near no one.
Before I met you it was a dark and twisted road.
You brought me through the darkness and you deserve all I can give.
I wish I could leave a thousand lingering kisses upon your skin so that you feel my lips all day.
Monday, March 8, 2010
1st Draft. -- Decaying Genes -- chapter 3 (in progress)
–––––Three
“About a year after you guys left, they started showing up in town. It just hasn’t been as bad until three months ago.” Carmen said while pouring herself a fresh beer.
“She’s right, no one ever seemed to care about us back before you all left.” Clint said sadly.
“They always seemed like hoodlums, or common gang types and they were always laughable.” Alexa said while setting down another pitcher. “Eric said it’s on the house by the way”
“If they’re here. Now, a lot could of happened” he added a look across his face rarely seen, concern or fear. It was too close to call.
“When Carl and I left you all at the border, we had a plan that was too dangerous to tell you all, my closest friends. Their was a not too hidden note of sarcasm in his voice.
It took all Tyler had to bite his tongue Adrian never had any “close friends”.
“I had hear that up in Portland they were doing things, with personal security that they were willing to train people to work for them.”
“That’s crazy, that’s across the Utah badlands.” If they caught you, you would have been burnt alive. They take this “new technology” as a sign of corruption. It never took too much to get them in a lather before the quake.” Marcus was astonished.
“You could imagine when they told me that I was a perfect candidate, how proudly I accepted.”
“I told him not to trust them.” Carl added, and silenced just as quickly by his brothers gaze. It was always a strange thing how such a large beast of a man could fear his much smaller brother.
Swallowing a pill, he began again. “I never expected this to happen, and it seems neither did they. I nearly died.”
“It was horrible, he was laying there his arm barely attached, he was bleeding out. I picked him up and…” his voice trembled, like it was happening right now.
“Enough!” His voice sharp as a blade.
Carl saw Adrians’ eyes narrow and his body tense. He quickly took a gulp of his beer.
Everyone seemed to notice, there was more tension between the two than before.
“Their doctors and scientist, took me and fixed me and did this to me.” He showed his arm the copper reflecting the firelight. “It runs on my body’s electrical output. I woke up and my arm was like this, and my eyes. I could see what no one else could. Even now I can see you Tyler what makes you tick and where your blood pools.” He reached out and touched his arm with his cold hand, and Tyler’s strength seemed to ebb away as if Adrian were drinking it like a vampire. “That is what my life is now.”
“Was if worth it, going there to become…this?”
“Of course!” His thin lips locked in a menacing smile. One that was both proud and dangerous. “I am powerful now, but still not nearly enough.”
Looking up Clint called for another beer. It was like the story sucked all the moister out of his throat. He shook his head, “where did that girl get off to?”
“Carmen went for a walk.” Marcus answered.
“Well I hope nobody else’s belongings follow her home this time.”
“And what of you Marcus, what have you been up to?” Tyler asked obviously looking for a change of topic.
“My Father died two years ago. I went to retrieve our families things. Most of the house was ransacked, all that was left was the safe room hidden in the barn. I wear his badge proudly even now.” People would test him bravery nearly as often as they would respect him, but one look into his thousand yard stare and people would think twice. He showed his father’s glistening star on his belt, it was highly polished and read U.S. Marshal. It meant nearly nothing these days. U.S. Marshals were some of the few who kept order across the States. “I also got his Peace keeper 2011, and his Ka Bar.”
“And you have a high and tight, did you join the Marines? I did my time, and I got out after the New Mexico – Texas conflict. I went and lived with him for a few months afterwards.” Some sadness in his voice.
“Is that all you got?” Carmen asked seemingly appearing from nowhere. Clint nearly choking on his beer because of the surprise.
“ No I also wear his armor.” His opened a center button on his button up shirt. “Everything else was gone.”
“That’s beautiful” Carl said leaning in to get a closer look.
“Blackened titanium with pure carbon threading.” He announced proudly. “And I’m riding his bike; it’s parked outside.”
“That’s dangerous talk missy!” A voice erupted from a bald man with a pot belly. He made sure that the whole room heard his warning.
Her shapely form struggled against the fabric of her clothes. Her thick strong muscles tensed at the man’s voice. She stood to defend herself, and her words. Her skirt fell to about mid thigh and she wore well worn boots.
“It’s true America is still alive! They are trying to rebuild, trying to help everyone.” The woman defied him with her words. The man she was with stood wordlessly, his blue eyes as cold as the ocean radiated rage. His rugged black jacket highlighted his thick wide shoulders, and neck.
“Who’s that?” Tyler asked to anyone who would answer.
“That’s an off duty deputy” the voice came from Alexa as she nodded her head at the pot bellied man. “I’ve never seen those two before.”
“I passed them on the road into town, they were on foot. They seemed lost I told them how to get here. It’s too dangerous out there at night these days, especially for a woman.”
Before they realized it Carmen had slid through the crowd like a mouse under a door, and threw herself into the fray. She was always fearless, Clint said she was reckless, I guess we disagree on that.
“Let me search your things!” He roared, judging by what you say. You must have something on you. Her bag hung defenseless off the side of her chair, and he promptly snatched it.
“What’s he looking for?” Marcus asked.
“We were questioned outside of town, me and Clint” Tyler said.
“They stopped us too” Carl said, “they questioned us about Adrians’ arm. They almost tried to confiscate it.”
“What would of happened if they took his arm?”
“I would of killed them all.” His word were chilling, and came out almost like a hiss.
“I wonder what’s so important that they would question everyone about this.” Tyler said absentmindedly.
“There’s talk that someone was bringing news of the government to the people. The New government doesn’t want it to get out.”
“I knew it! She did have it! I must arrest them…” his words both brought attention back to what was going on, and ended quickly with the man in the jacket punching him knocking him unconscious immediately.
“They have it! No more searches! They might leave us alone! Someone get the sheriff!” These shouts came from the crowd now, and then someone threw a bottle hitting the woman drawing blood.
Their table all stood at the sight, Carmen was already fighting off the crowd as best her little frame could. Marcus pushed his way through the crowd, The man in the jacket extracted vengeance on the man who threw the bottle. His fists blurred and when he stopped a tooth or part of it was imbedded in his knuckles.
“Is there another way out of here?” Tyler asked Alexa.
“Through the kitchen, but…” Her words trailed off in his ears as he rushed to their aid. Carl grabbed her around the waits and kissed her lifting her off the ground with his large frame and arms.
Their years apart had not affected their ability to work effectively as a team. They seamlessly parted the crowd to get to the four. Clint cursed as he did so.
“Come on we’ve got to go!” Tyler ordered Marcus
“What? Why we will just explain what happened.”
“We won’t get the chance, Clint killed two of them outside of town.”
“There’s an innocent woman to protect.”
“We will come with you” she announced.
“I guess it seems we have mutual problem.” Carl said to the new pair.
“Yes you big dolt, they are trying to kill us all.”
“Carl get Carmen!” Tyler said pointing.
The small statued Carmen was fighting four people, she stabbed one in the knee before Carl yanked her from her feet. She shrieked not realizing who picked her up. He threw her over his shoulder like a bag of laundry.
Alexa led them all through the doors into the kitchen, and locked them”
“What the hell is going on out there?” Eric cried from the fryer.
“I have to go” Alexa announced. “They saw me help them and if I stay they will burn this place down.
“Well knock me out then or else I’m screwed too.”
Carl complied with a well placed punch.
Alexa glared at him.
Alexa glared at him.
“What? It needed to be done.”
Sirens could be heard over the shouts from the dining room.
The fire escape was a rusty deathtrap, Clint tested it with an unsteady foot it with an unsteady foot, it immediately began to give way.
"Well were not going that way"
"Open the door!" The voices anger penetrated the door.
"Time to go" Marcus said with his weight of his body held to the door.
"Adrian do you need help getting down?" Carl asked his face showing nothing but concern. " I can drop you down if..." Adrian's eyes flashed a anger that caught Tyler's words in his throat.
"I can get down by myself" he sneered. Before anyone could stop him he dove through the window and rolled on the blacktop with the grace of a cat. Electricity arced and played across where he landed, and at the base of his legs.
Carl quickly followed suit landing stiffly but easily. Carmen hung herself out the windowsill and dropped the remaining feet. Alexa and the travelers followed suit.
Two officers sat leaning against Carl’s bike, he felt his pockets and damned himself for leaving all of his weapons in the car. All he had left was his boot knife. He quickly took the sheath out and placed it behind his back before thinking of dealing with them.
Carl walked over casually to the two officers leaning against his bike “What’s up fellas?”
“This your bike?” They asked eyeing the giant of a man.
“It is. Something wrong?”
One of the officers reached for the his radio knowing that if he made a problem that both of them wouldn’t be enough. As he reached for the radio, Carl’s knife sank deep into the plastic and flesh of both Officer’s hand and neck. He fell to the ground dead without so much as a gurgle. The other officer with this moment of realization, took off running.
“About a year after you guys left, they started showing up in town. It just hasn’t been as bad until three months ago.” Carmen said while pouring herself a fresh beer.
“She’s right, no one ever seemed to care about us back before you all left.” Clint said sadly.
“They always seemed like hoodlums, or common gang types and they were always laughable.” Alexa said while setting down another pitcher. “Eric said it’s on the house by the way”
“If they’re here. Now, a lot could of happened” he added a look across his face rarely seen, concern or fear. It was too close to call.
“When Carl and I left you all at the border, we had a plan that was too dangerous to tell you all, my closest friends. Their was a not too hidden note of sarcasm in his voice.
It took all Tyler had to bite his tongue Adrian never had any “close friends”.
“I had hear that up in Portland they were doing things, with personal security that they were willing to train people to work for them.”
“That’s crazy, that’s across the Utah badlands.” If they caught you, you would have been burnt alive. They take this “new technology” as a sign of corruption. It never took too much to get them in a lather before the quake.” Marcus was astonished.
“You could imagine when they told me that I was a perfect candidate, how proudly I accepted.”
“I told him not to trust them.” Carl added, and silenced just as quickly by his brothers gaze. It was always a strange thing how such a large beast of a man could fear his much smaller brother.
Swallowing a pill, he began again. “I never expected this to happen, and it seems neither did they. I nearly died.”
“It was horrible, he was laying there his arm barely attached, he was bleeding out. I picked him up and…” his voice trembled, like it was happening right now.
“Enough!” His voice sharp as a blade.
Carl saw Adrians’ eyes narrow and his body tense. He quickly took a gulp of his beer.
Everyone seemed to notice, there was more tension between the two than before.
“Their doctors and scientist, took me and fixed me and did this to me.” He showed his arm the copper reflecting the firelight. “It runs on my body’s electrical output. I woke up and my arm was like this, and my eyes. I could see what no one else could. Even now I can see you Tyler what makes you tick and where your blood pools.” He reached out and touched his arm with his cold hand, and Tyler’s strength seemed to ebb away as if Adrian were drinking it like a vampire. “That is what my life is now.”
“Was if worth it, going there to become…this?”
“Of course!” His thin lips locked in a menacing smile. One that was both proud and dangerous. “I am powerful now, but still not nearly enough.”
Looking up Clint called for another beer. It was like the story sucked all the moister out of his throat. He shook his head, “where did that girl get off to?”
“Carmen went for a walk.” Marcus answered.
“Well I hope nobody else’s belongings follow her home this time.”
“And what of you Marcus, what have you been up to?” Tyler asked obviously looking for a change of topic.
“My Father died two years ago. I went to retrieve our families things. Most of the house was ransacked, all that was left was the safe room hidden in the barn. I wear his badge proudly even now.” People would test him bravery nearly as often as they would respect him, but one look into his thousand yard stare and people would think twice. He showed his father’s glistening star on his belt, it was highly polished and read U.S. Marshal. It meant nearly nothing these days. U.S. Marshals were some of the few who kept order across the States. “I also got his Peace keeper 2011, and his Ka Bar.”
“And you have a high and tight, did you join the Marines? I did my time, and I got out after the New Mexico – Texas conflict. I went and lived with him for a few months afterwards.” Some sadness in his voice.
“Is that all you got?” Carmen asked seemingly appearing from nowhere. Clint nearly choking on his beer because of the surprise.
“ No I also wear his armor.” His opened a center button on his button up shirt. “Everything else was gone.”
“That’s beautiful” Carl said leaning in to get a closer look.
“Blackened titanium with pure carbon threading.” He announced proudly. “And I’m riding his bike; it’s parked outside.”
“That’s dangerous talk missy!” A voice erupted from a bald man with a pot belly. He made sure that the whole room heard his warning.
Her shapely form struggled against the fabric of her clothes. Her thick strong muscles tensed at the man’s voice. She stood to defend herself, and her words. Her skirt fell to about mid thigh and she wore well worn boots.
“It’s true America is still alive! They are trying to rebuild, trying to help everyone.” The woman defied him with her words. The man she was with stood wordlessly, his blue eyes as cold as the ocean radiated rage. His rugged black jacket highlighted his thick wide shoulders, and neck.
“Who’s that?” Tyler asked to anyone who would answer.
“That’s an off duty deputy” the voice came from Alexa as she nodded her head at the pot bellied man. “I’ve never seen those two before.”
“I passed them on the road into town, they were on foot. They seemed lost I told them how to get here. It’s too dangerous out there at night these days, especially for a woman.”
Before they realized it Carmen had slid through the crowd like a mouse under a door, and threw herself into the fray. She was always fearless, Clint said she was reckless, I guess we disagree on that.
“Let me search your things!” He roared, judging by what you say. You must have something on you. Her bag hung defenseless off the side of her chair, and he promptly snatched it.
“What’s he looking for?” Marcus asked.
“We were questioned outside of town, me and Clint” Tyler said.
“They stopped us too” Carl said, “they questioned us about Adrians’ arm. They almost tried to confiscate it.”
“What would of happened if they took his arm?”
“I would of killed them all.” His word were chilling, and came out almost like a hiss.
“I wonder what’s so important that they would question everyone about this.” Tyler said absentmindedly.
“There’s talk that someone was bringing news of the government to the people. The New government doesn’t want it to get out.”
“I knew it! She did have it! I must arrest them…” his words both brought attention back to what was going on, and ended quickly with the man in the jacket punching him knocking him unconscious immediately.
“They have it! No more searches! They might leave us alone! Someone get the sheriff!” These shouts came from the crowd now, and then someone threw a bottle hitting the woman drawing blood.
Their table all stood at the sight, Carmen was already fighting off the crowd as best her little frame could. Marcus pushed his way through the crowd, The man in the jacket extracted vengeance on the man who threw the bottle. His fists blurred and when he stopped a tooth or part of it was imbedded in his knuckles.
“Is there another way out of here?” Tyler asked Alexa.
“Through the kitchen, but…” Her words trailed off in his ears as he rushed to their aid. Carl grabbed her around the waits and kissed her lifting her off the ground with his large frame and arms.
Their years apart had not affected their ability to work effectively as a team. They seamlessly parted the crowd to get to the four. Clint cursed as he did so.
“Come on we’ve got to go!” Tyler ordered Marcus
“What? Why we will just explain what happened.”
“We won’t get the chance, Clint killed two of them outside of town.”
“There’s an innocent woman to protect.”
“We will come with you” she announced.
“I guess it seems we have mutual problem.” Carl said to the new pair.
“Yes you big dolt, they are trying to kill us all.”
“Carl get Carmen!” Tyler said pointing.
The small statued Carmen was fighting four people, she stabbed one in the knee before Carl yanked her from her feet. She shrieked not realizing who picked her up. He threw her over his shoulder like a bag of laundry.
Alexa led them all through the doors into the kitchen, and locked them”
“What the hell is going on out there?” Eric cried from the fryer.
“I have to go” Alexa announced. “They saw me help them and if I stay they will burn this place down.
“Well knock me out then or else I’m screwed too.”
Carl complied with a well placed punch.
Alexa glared at him.
Alexa glared at him.
“What? It needed to be done.”
Sirens could be heard over the shouts from the dining room.
The fire escape was a rusty deathtrap, Clint tested it with an unsteady foot it with an unsteady foot, it immediately began to give way.
"Well were not going that way"
"Open the door!" The voices anger penetrated the door.
"Time to go" Marcus said with his weight of his body held to the door.
"Adrian do you need help getting down?" Carl asked his face showing nothing but concern. " I can drop you down if..." Adrian's eyes flashed a anger that caught Tyler's words in his throat.
"I can get down by myself" he sneered. Before anyone could stop him he dove through the window and rolled on the blacktop with the grace of a cat. Electricity arced and played across where he landed, and at the base of his legs.
Carl quickly followed suit landing stiffly but easily. Carmen hung herself out the windowsill and dropped the remaining feet. Alexa and the travelers followed suit.
Two officers sat leaning against Carl’s bike, he felt his pockets and damned himself for leaving all of his weapons in the car. All he had left was his boot knife. He quickly took the sheath out and placed it behind his back before thinking of dealing with them.
Carl walked over casually to the two officers leaning against his bike “What’s up fellas?”
“This your bike?” They asked eyeing the giant of a man.
“It is. Something wrong?”
One of the officers reached for the his radio knowing that if he made a problem that both of them wouldn’t be enough. As he reached for the radio, Carl’s knife sank deep into the plastic and flesh of both Officer’s hand and neck. He fell to the ground dead without so much as a gurgle. The other officer with this moment of realization, took off running.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
1st Draft. -- Decaying Genes --chapter 2
Two––
Nearly everyone in Sloan was a regular at the Iron Horse. Usually stopping by sometime during the night. Sloan has been a sort of crossroads for truckers and travelers for years. Now it became a trader’s outpost for people who couldn’t afford to live in major cities anymore or choose not to live under the new corporate rule of the North American Union. Thing’s have changed, and we lost the United States of America with out a shot even being fired. No one raged or protested. The world is something that no one could of predicted in the early twentieth century.
The Iron Horse hummed with activity, It was the closest place that seemed to keep away the local Sheriff. He was a mean bastard, with cold black eyes. He was the type of man you didn’t want to be on his bad side. People stood out on the cat walk one the second floor. Cars and motorcycles filled the parking lot. It smelt of car parts and beer. The Iron horse wasn’t as fancy as some of the places in the North; Las Vegas proper. Clint’s workshop was right behind the Iron Horse. He built it himself in the desert, rusty scraps of cars and heavy machinery formed a driveway up to a warehouse. This is what Clint called home. Tyler was one of the few friends Clint ever had.
Two feet was his Navajo name. Navajo and Japanese, he always had one foot in each world at the same time. Tyler may have been his birth name, but if anyone asked Two Feet was his true name. These two great cultures carried great weight for him. Especially now that the world is turning into such a strange place. There are barely any all natural people out there. Science is almost like magic now. People can create things of wonder, with enough knowledge. It’s with that hope that people are starting to realize that with the mass production of cheap products, that they also lack any real quality. Cheap isn’t always better some have learned.
It’s been four years since they’ve been back in Sloan, or to the Iron Horse for that matter. When he left he didn’t know where the army was sending him, all that he knew is that the draft was his only choice now. Passports were almost impossible to get. Impossible if you hadn’t served yet. He got out early, he took a few shells. He healed with the Hopi. It was a safe place, for someone who was a “pure”. A medical student that was working there as a healer. Always had a eye for him, and last March they got married. Two Feet healed like new shortly after they discharged him. The elders said that it wasn’t time for him to leave this world yet.
It always made him feel uneasy. If something was so important to save him from death, he could only imagine how much of a pain in the ass it was going to wind up dealing with. He silently prayed that they were wrong.
Looking at the Iron Horse a flood of memories came back to him, he remembered Valentina. Carl and Raymond’s sister. Maybe not blood, but they have stuck together since they were young. No one ever knew if they were actually related or not. She joined up with the Army when they did, she never wanted to be left behind. Walking up the stairs the hard steel steps were comforting in a world where not much was certain these days. The handworked wooden doors opened easily on oiled hinges. Two circular brick fireplaces sat in the center. Quiet comfortable tables followed the wall on the right, a long darkwood bar flowed until the end of the room on the right. A curtained staircase was in the back of the room. A hallway to the kitchen and the bathrooms were the farthest end of the room.
A dart wizzes by Tyler hitting the wall above the dartboard.
“Whoa!” Tyler looked amazed. A short olive skinned girl was standing there with her hand on her hip.
“Well it took you long enough to notice me.” Carmen said with a evil grin, her dark locks flowing over her newly developed breasts. A black tank top barely containing her. She was barely sixteen and barely over five feet tall.
“Carmen?” Tyler said in disbelief.
Running up to him she flung her arms around him, and he spun her around like he use to when she was still little. “You got big.”
“See what you miss when you disappear for so long?” She punched him in the arm, a little harder than Tyler would care to admit. “Carl and Marcus are already here.” They grabbed a table in the back by the fire. “Well what have you been up to while we’ve been gone? Besides growing.”
Her keen eyes noticed a few other old friends
“Who is it?” Tyler asked
Before he could get an answer her lithe body was sliding through the crowd of bar patrons with considerable ease. Tyler and Clint were not as lucky.
Carl was a ox of a man, his arms were as thick as a normal man’s thighs. His long black hair only accentuated his build. He had it pulled to the back to show off his gauged ears. His broad smile gleamed even in the firelight.
“ I would think that your brother would be here with you Carl.”
“ I am.” Said a voice from the shadows behind Carl. Inky black eyes seemed to suck in all light, and his gray skin didn’t help either. “I hope my appearance doesn’t bother you Tyler”. Clint’s utter disgust was more than visible. It took a minute to adjust and while they were adjusting they stared at him wondering what could of made him look this way.
Leaning in to Tyler Carl whispered, “He’s given up a lot for what he is now. It’s pretty scary, and a touchy subject for him.”
He sat back into the shadows his face barely illuminated by the electric glow of his screen. Faint blue lights could be seen blinking from underneath his hood. It was as if all the joy was temporarily sucked out of the room.
Leaning into Carl Tyler whispered “that’s dangerous stuff he’s dabbling in.” Tyler said warning.
Carl could only silently mouth “Later”.
“We ran into some trouble when we were on the outskirts of town. Who are these people?” Tyler asked while finding his seat.
“A few years ago people dressed in suits came here calling themselves “The new government” that was when it all changed. It seems like it’s happening all over the place. These guys with the new government show up then things change.”
Carl pointed out one of the Sheriff’s new deputies that claimed that he was part of the new government.
Alexa swept up past Carl and Marcus, her fire red hair engulfing Carl in the most hypnotizing scent. Alexa always had a crush on Carl but she was four years younger than him and she was barely developing when he left, and now that he was back she was determined to make him notice her. She did this easily, she had him under her spell the first time she walked past him.
The bar was starting to jump with activity now. People’s laughter filled the space, the smell of food tempting even the most moderate of people’s appetite. Carl looked on at Alexa, and when she turned. He coughed Marcus slapped him on the shoulder and called to Alexa “Carl was just saying how good the food looked, how bout you bring some for the table?”
“Sounds good Marc” Alexa called back, never taking her eyes off of Carl. Her smile was bewitching, more than any man would ever admit. Moments later Alexa came out with a large prime rib that looked like it could feed the whole table. She left as soon as she put it down, and came back with a pitcher of beer and a manilla envelope. “This came for you” handing it over to Tyler, the eyes of everyone else was on him. “What is it son?” Clint asked concern in his voice.
“It’s Valentina , she’s not coming.” Tyler said folding the paper and putting it in his back pocket. “Well she could of at least sent it to me, I was the one you all promised after all.” Clint grumbled to himself. Carmen swiftly kicked him in the side of his shin. “Oww! Have you lost your mind girl?” Then he looked up and saw the worry worn look on Tyler’s face. It was then that they heard the children’s laughter. A old man was telling stories about how the world use to be when he was a kid, they all gathered around laughing. “Tell us one about a princess!” One little girl squealed.
“My sister must have a good reason for not coming.” Adrian said from the shadows of the corner. A digital buzz emanated from his wrist and he promptly grabbed a drink from the table and downed a handful of multicolored pills in one big gulp. He rolled up one sleeve and all that remained of was once his left are was his hand and a few scattered patches of flesh. Copper machinery filled in the gaps where his muscles should be. USB ports and various inputs were contained under a small lid in his fore arm. He was once as healthy as his brother, now sickness ravaged his thin body.
“Well if the new government is here A lot could of happened in just a few years.” Marcus said, with a look of concern on his face. “I’ve seen them while I was traveling. They are never a good sign.”
Nearly everyone in Sloan was a regular at the Iron Horse. Usually stopping by sometime during the night. Sloan has been a sort of crossroads for truckers and travelers for years. Now it became a trader’s outpost for people who couldn’t afford to live in major cities anymore or choose not to live under the new corporate rule of the North American Union. Thing’s have changed, and we lost the United States of America with out a shot even being fired. No one raged or protested. The world is something that no one could of predicted in the early twentieth century.
The Iron Horse hummed with activity, It was the closest place that seemed to keep away the local Sheriff. He was a mean bastard, with cold black eyes. He was the type of man you didn’t want to be on his bad side. People stood out on the cat walk one the second floor. Cars and motorcycles filled the parking lot. It smelt of car parts and beer. The Iron horse wasn’t as fancy as some of the places in the North; Las Vegas proper. Clint’s workshop was right behind the Iron Horse. He built it himself in the desert, rusty scraps of cars and heavy machinery formed a driveway up to a warehouse. This is what Clint called home. Tyler was one of the few friends Clint ever had.
Two feet was his Navajo name. Navajo and Japanese, he always had one foot in each world at the same time. Tyler may have been his birth name, but if anyone asked Two Feet was his true name. These two great cultures carried great weight for him. Especially now that the world is turning into such a strange place. There are barely any all natural people out there. Science is almost like magic now. People can create things of wonder, with enough knowledge. It’s with that hope that people are starting to realize that with the mass production of cheap products, that they also lack any real quality. Cheap isn’t always better some have learned.
It’s been four years since they’ve been back in Sloan, or to the Iron Horse for that matter. When he left he didn’t know where the army was sending him, all that he knew is that the draft was his only choice now. Passports were almost impossible to get. Impossible if you hadn’t served yet. He got out early, he took a few shells. He healed with the Hopi. It was a safe place, for someone who was a “pure”. A medical student that was working there as a healer. Always had a eye for him, and last March they got married. Two Feet healed like new shortly after they discharged him. The elders said that it wasn’t time for him to leave this world yet.
It always made him feel uneasy. If something was so important to save him from death, he could only imagine how much of a pain in the ass it was going to wind up dealing with. He silently prayed that they were wrong.
Looking at the Iron Horse a flood of memories came back to him, he remembered Valentina. Carl and Raymond’s sister. Maybe not blood, but they have stuck together since they were young. No one ever knew if they were actually related or not. She joined up with the Army when they did, she never wanted to be left behind. Walking up the stairs the hard steel steps were comforting in a world where not much was certain these days. The handworked wooden doors opened easily on oiled hinges. Two circular brick fireplaces sat in the center. Quiet comfortable tables followed the wall on the right, a long darkwood bar flowed until the end of the room on the right. A curtained staircase was in the back of the room. A hallway to the kitchen and the bathrooms were the farthest end of the room.
A dart wizzes by Tyler hitting the wall above the dartboard.
“Whoa!” Tyler looked amazed. A short olive skinned girl was standing there with her hand on her hip.
“Well it took you long enough to notice me.” Carmen said with a evil grin, her dark locks flowing over her newly developed breasts. A black tank top barely containing her. She was barely sixteen and barely over five feet tall.
“Carmen?” Tyler said in disbelief.
Running up to him she flung her arms around him, and he spun her around like he use to when she was still little. “You got big.”
“See what you miss when you disappear for so long?” She punched him in the arm, a little harder than Tyler would care to admit. “Carl and Marcus are already here.” They grabbed a table in the back by the fire. “Well what have you been up to while we’ve been gone? Besides growing.”
Her keen eyes noticed a few other old friends
“Who is it?” Tyler asked
Before he could get an answer her lithe body was sliding through the crowd of bar patrons with considerable ease. Tyler and Clint were not as lucky.
Carl was a ox of a man, his arms were as thick as a normal man’s thighs. His long black hair only accentuated his build. He had it pulled to the back to show off his gauged ears. His broad smile gleamed even in the firelight.
“ I would think that your brother would be here with you Carl.”
“ I am.” Said a voice from the shadows behind Carl. Inky black eyes seemed to suck in all light, and his gray skin didn’t help either. “I hope my appearance doesn’t bother you Tyler”. Clint’s utter disgust was more than visible. It took a minute to adjust and while they were adjusting they stared at him wondering what could of made him look this way.
Leaning in to Tyler Carl whispered, “He’s given up a lot for what he is now. It’s pretty scary, and a touchy subject for him.”
He sat back into the shadows his face barely illuminated by the electric glow of his screen. Faint blue lights could be seen blinking from underneath his hood. It was as if all the joy was temporarily sucked out of the room.
Leaning into Carl Tyler whispered “that’s dangerous stuff he’s dabbling in.” Tyler said warning.
Carl could only silently mouth “Later”.
“We ran into some trouble when we were on the outskirts of town. Who are these people?” Tyler asked while finding his seat.
“A few years ago people dressed in suits came here calling themselves “The new government” that was when it all changed. It seems like it’s happening all over the place. These guys with the new government show up then things change.”
Carl pointed out one of the Sheriff’s new deputies that claimed that he was part of the new government.
Alexa swept up past Carl and Marcus, her fire red hair engulfing Carl in the most hypnotizing scent. Alexa always had a crush on Carl but she was four years younger than him and she was barely developing when he left, and now that he was back she was determined to make him notice her. She did this easily, she had him under her spell the first time she walked past him.
The bar was starting to jump with activity now. People’s laughter filled the space, the smell of food tempting even the most moderate of people’s appetite. Carl looked on at Alexa, and when she turned. He coughed Marcus slapped him on the shoulder and called to Alexa “Carl was just saying how good the food looked, how bout you bring some for the table?”
“Sounds good Marc” Alexa called back, never taking her eyes off of Carl. Her smile was bewitching, more than any man would ever admit. Moments later Alexa came out with a large prime rib that looked like it could feed the whole table. She left as soon as she put it down, and came back with a pitcher of beer and a manilla envelope. “This came for you” handing it over to Tyler, the eyes of everyone else was on him. “What is it son?” Clint asked concern in his voice.
“It’s Valentina , she’s not coming.” Tyler said folding the paper and putting it in his back pocket. “Well she could of at least sent it to me, I was the one you all promised after all.” Clint grumbled to himself. Carmen swiftly kicked him in the side of his shin. “Oww! Have you lost your mind girl?” Then he looked up and saw the worry worn look on Tyler’s face. It was then that they heard the children’s laughter. A old man was telling stories about how the world use to be when he was a kid, they all gathered around laughing. “Tell us one about a princess!” One little girl squealed.
“My sister must have a good reason for not coming.” Adrian said from the shadows of the corner. A digital buzz emanated from his wrist and he promptly grabbed a drink from the table and downed a handful of multicolored pills in one big gulp. He rolled up one sleeve and all that remained of was once his left are was his hand and a few scattered patches of flesh. Copper machinery filled in the gaps where his muscles should be. USB ports and various inputs were contained under a small lid in his fore arm. He was once as healthy as his brother, now sickness ravaged his thin body.
“Well if the new government is here A lot could of happened in just a few years.” Marcus said, with a look of concern on his face. “I’ve seen them while I was traveling. They are never a good sign.”
1st Draft. -- Decaying Genes -- chapter 1
One––
'The road was cracked and marred with potholes. This was one of the safest roads back from MexiCali Island. Morning Star mine road cut right through the Mojave. Mojave was a desert not too long ago, but now it seemed unsure about what it wanted to be, It still had all the qualities of a desert but grass and other plant life was starting to sprout up. It was still early as the all terrain wheels of the Rust Bomb rumbled over the empty road at a little over a hundred miles a hour. It was a marvel to look at, it had the shell of a old hot rod, welded together but in some places technology that couldn’t be more that a year old seems to ebb and flow seamlessly with the old diesel beast.
His mind drifted as the hot air fell over his half windshield. He thought to himself, “if only I could get ahold of some argon so I could make a airship.”
It was only then that he let himself be brought back to the fact that it’s been four years tomorrow, and that meant that everyone is going to meet up at the Iron horse. Clint was known at the Iron Horse by a few names: Madman, Crazy Russian Mad Scientist, Crazy Bastard were the ones he heard the most. They all went in together to get their mandatory service out of the way. They made a deal to no matter what, they all come back and let him know that they were still alive. The Nipton overpass was getting close and that seemed like as good a place to rest as any other. The Rust Bomb rumbled to a stop just inside the shade. Getting out Clint rubbed his dense muscles that his rebellious hair attempted to hide. No amount of hair could him the muscles that he developed from years of working with metal.
The opposing wall had some half finished graffiti “Freedom is not” and it ended abruptly. Walking back over to one of the GI bags hanging off of the shell of the rust bomb, a can of black spray paint emerged and he shook it and smiled to himself. “Still got some life in ya” he said contently.
“Freedom is not a DREAM” he finished with a cunning smile.
“Your in trouble now!”
Dropping the can, Clint turned with his hand on his hidden pistol.
“Tyler! Where the hell did you come from? You trying to give me a heart attack!?”
“I pulled up while you were finishing your masterpiece.” Two feet sat on a new model Carbon Tesla Bike. Silent as death was what people said. It was constructed mainly from carbon and hyper conductive organic tissue.
“Fancy wheels you got there.”
“Thanks. I needed something quiet and fast where I was riding through.”
“Well we’re not far from the Iron Horse, and I’m sure that everyone will be there soon. It’s not safe in these parts at night anymore.”
Distant Rumblings could be heard, and ultra white headlights could be seen coming up from the valley. Their eight headlights all seemed to be bikes.
“Deputies” he said and spit on the ground.
Pulling up, Saveritti smiled a toothless grin. His front two teeth have gone missing from his first day on the job.
“Well look at this; Clint you know the rules. No one is allowed to roam the area around Sloan at night.”
“Yeah I know , and the sun’s still up.”
“I don’t trust deese two, search them. If you find anying’ on em bring it ta me.”
Saveritti said with a drunken slur. His goons were gene splicers.
Clint looked at them and said matter of fact tone “any of you tails touch me and it’ll be your most memorable mistake.”
“The law is the law Clint, and no one escapes it.” Saveritti said fiendishly,“ Unless you want to pay a fine here and now, so we can forget this.”
“No chance”
Saveritti’s goons growled and itched for blood, a side effect of their having animal DNA.
“Arrest them, and if they resist kill them.” Saveritti shouted his voice whistling through the hole where his two front teeth were meant to be.
Gunshots rang out before any of them could move. Two of them dropped. Electricity pulsed from the wounds. Clint smiled. He was brandishing his modified Colt Peacemaker. The third looked at Saveritti , turned and rode off fast. “Where are you going?” Saveritti shouted at his fleeing man.
“You guys better be on the lookout.” Turning and taking off at breakneck speeds.
Tyler turned on Clint smiling. “I see that you haven’t lost your speed.”
“Well let’s get out of here. Saveritti wouldn’t dare coming to my house, or telling his boss”
“I hope your right.”
'The road was cracked and marred with potholes. This was one of the safest roads back from MexiCali Island. Morning Star mine road cut right through the Mojave. Mojave was a desert not too long ago, but now it seemed unsure about what it wanted to be, It still had all the qualities of a desert but grass and other plant life was starting to sprout up. It was still early as the all terrain wheels of the Rust Bomb rumbled over the empty road at a little over a hundred miles a hour. It was a marvel to look at, it had the shell of a old hot rod, welded together but in some places technology that couldn’t be more that a year old seems to ebb and flow seamlessly with the old diesel beast.
His mind drifted as the hot air fell over his half windshield. He thought to himself, “if only I could get ahold of some argon so I could make a airship.”
It was only then that he let himself be brought back to the fact that it’s been four years tomorrow, and that meant that everyone is going to meet up at the Iron horse. Clint was known at the Iron Horse by a few names: Madman, Crazy Russian Mad Scientist, Crazy Bastard were the ones he heard the most. They all went in together to get their mandatory service out of the way. They made a deal to no matter what, they all come back and let him know that they were still alive. The Nipton overpass was getting close and that seemed like as good a place to rest as any other. The Rust Bomb rumbled to a stop just inside the shade. Getting out Clint rubbed his dense muscles that his rebellious hair attempted to hide. No amount of hair could him the muscles that he developed from years of working with metal.
The opposing wall had some half finished graffiti “Freedom is not” and it ended abruptly. Walking back over to one of the GI bags hanging off of the shell of the rust bomb, a can of black spray paint emerged and he shook it and smiled to himself. “Still got some life in ya” he said contently.
“Freedom is not a DREAM” he finished with a cunning smile.
“Your in trouble now!”
Dropping the can, Clint turned with his hand on his hidden pistol.
“Tyler! Where the hell did you come from? You trying to give me a heart attack!?”
“I pulled up while you were finishing your masterpiece.” Two feet sat on a new model Carbon Tesla Bike. Silent as death was what people said. It was constructed mainly from carbon and hyper conductive organic tissue.
“Fancy wheels you got there.”
“Thanks. I needed something quiet and fast where I was riding through.”
“Well we’re not far from the Iron Horse, and I’m sure that everyone will be there soon. It’s not safe in these parts at night anymore.”
Distant Rumblings could be heard, and ultra white headlights could be seen coming up from the valley. Their eight headlights all seemed to be bikes.
“Deputies” he said and spit on the ground.
Pulling up, Saveritti smiled a toothless grin. His front two teeth have gone missing from his first day on the job.
“Well look at this; Clint you know the rules. No one is allowed to roam the area around Sloan at night.”
“Yeah I know , and the sun’s still up.”
“I don’t trust deese two, search them. If you find anying’ on em bring it ta me.”
Saveritti said with a drunken slur. His goons were gene splicers.
Clint looked at them and said matter of fact tone “any of you tails touch me and it’ll be your most memorable mistake.”
“The law is the law Clint, and no one escapes it.” Saveritti said fiendishly,“ Unless you want to pay a fine here and now, so we can forget this.”
“No chance”
Saveritti’s goons growled and itched for blood, a side effect of their having animal DNA.
“Arrest them, and if they resist kill them.” Saveritti shouted his voice whistling through the hole where his two front teeth were meant to be.
Gunshots rang out before any of them could move. Two of them dropped. Electricity pulsed from the wounds. Clint smiled. He was brandishing his modified Colt Peacemaker. The third looked at Saveritti , turned and rode off fast. “Where are you going?” Saveritti shouted at his fleeing man.
“You guys better be on the lookout.” Turning and taking off at breakneck speeds.
Tyler turned on Clint smiling. “I see that you haven’t lost your speed.”
“Well let’s get out of here. Saveritti wouldn’t dare coming to my house, or telling his boss”
“I hope your right.”
Friday, March 5, 2010
Deceiving Normalcy
Deceiving Normalcy
I may look nice. When in truth I'm a killer, my serene nature is my disguise. I look just like a regular guy.
When you see me in the darkness of night; you won't cross the street for fear or fright. We will cross paths, and when you pass me I'll pull a knife. The streets will run red with your blood colored tears. And then only then will I become the thing of peoples' fears.
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