They Make The Rules

Every rule is there for a reason that they tell you. You always check the dispenser nozzle on your replicator before you use it, that's the rule, because if you don't, a blockage can cause a plasma explosion.

You don't go to subspace within a black hole, since those who do don't come back. The rule, the reason.

Except one. We're not allowed to install a personality matrix into a program that hasn't been growthlocked. And they refuse to say why.

I assumed it was because they didn't want true AI. I was close.

They didn't want more of Them.

Pre Penny Dropping

Maybe in other lands, being a money changer was a quiet, boring job. But in this city, it was dangerous. Beyond the fact that you were presumed to have large amounts of money on your person and thus a target for thieves and pickpockets, when the money you're dealing with might be for a kingdom that suddenly ceases to exist, or is alive, every day brings with it new challenges and every deal might be your last. But on the other hand, an influx of 'travelers' needing exchange for gems gives you time to skip town before they reveal themselves.

Lead A Horse To Water

She could see the greatness inside him. He could do so much, change the world a dozen times over. With his intelligence and wisdom and effortless charm, he could lead anyone into anything, and she wanted to help him achieve.

But he was lazy, and lacked confidence in himself. So she tried building him up, but he wouldn't see himself how she saw him.

She tried tough love, she tried bribery, she tried everything she could. Nothing worked.

So she left him. And even that didn't work. But if he didn't do good, at least he didn't do evil either.

Comparison

The minute spent on a hot stove, the minute spent with your pretty girl.

The hand around your throat trying to choke the air out of you, the hand around your throat to hold you still for a passionate kiss.

The sleepless nights as they pump loud music into your cell, the sleepless nights spent in her arms, peaceful.

The videos made to try and break the spirits of families, the videos made to try and show love to families.

The time spent away, the time spent home.

The pain, the joy.

The first, for the sake of the second.

Side Quest

This really annoys me.

See, this guy here, he's been making games since the first wave arcade days, last several years for this big multinational conglomerate, major name, big studio.

So a year or so ago, they fire him. Total BS move. But he announces he's been working on this solo project for like ten years, done everything himself. It'll be ready in six months.

So that conglomerate somehow gets its hands on enough of the game to push through a rip-off just in time to directly compete.

The annoying thing is that the rip-off is a much better game.

Alliance

I'd like to think that I adjusted fairly quickly to suddenly being on a platform before a bunch of aliens.

"Human, that's your race, yes?"

"Uh, yes."

"We are considering your race to be invited to our Alliance. But we are confused by some of your media, and we find discussing with a random member of a race to be more enlightening in these situations."

"Sure, ok..."

"Please describe your culture."

"Well that's complicated, we have many that co-exist."

"As we feared. We'll return once you reach consensus."

Not sure if that's something we should be trying for that though.

Non-Drabble: "Safety Last Trumps" card game

So here's a quick little card game I made for a gaming jam. Check it out!

https://mlsq42.itch.io/safety-last-trumps