This is But One Fragment Five Hundred Words Long Constituting Part of Something Much Larger, With At Least One New Episode Per Week, And May Be What We Call A Serialized Novella. “Timo has been missing for a few days.” I interrupt Nusci as she fills the air between us with trivialities. The thought had been hanging at the tip of my tongue waiting to burst into the otherwise one-way conversation. “He hasn’t been in the lab this whole sixday. We’re worried about him.” Nusci is mute for a long moment, the vapid grin adorning her face slowly falling into patient smirk, her eyes conveying an expression of empty indifference. “Is that so?” She asks. “I wouldn’t have any idea where to start looking.” “It’s [...]

In follow up to the Short Story Roundup from late last week… As FRINGE WEEK approaches and I split my time between a waft of insane volunteering and a smattering of R&R, I thought I’d toss out another self-mutilating challenge towards my novella project, particularly considering I’ve been lax the last couple weeks with updates. Thus, following at least one more episode before Friday and another before the weekend is out, next week Monday through Friday will offer another round of daily episodes for your reading enjoyment. And, as an extra incentive (for those who have been following along and others who have not) the story (as I’ve drafted out so far) really starts to pick up steam as we roll into the high teens. [...]

I tag-lined this blog (for twelve months, at least) with the claim that my ever-growing blog, this what you are reading now, bradgarten is “where 2008 is the year of the short story.” And while many of you have been keenly keeping up with the more non-fiction content posted, I’m never certain whether anyone is in fact reading the other crap. It’s not required. In fact, I’m fairly certain (with a few exceptions) the type of folks who claim they have been reading the fiction are the same people who would claim to read Playboy for the articles — bored, female, or liars. Still, standing at the glowing edge of a micro-media empire, with a recorded readership that tops a three digit daily average, one [...]

This is But One Fragment Five Hundred Words Long Constituting Part of Something Much Larger, With At Least One New Episode Per Week, And May Be What We Call A Serialized Novella. Had that been advice? Or a threat? That word. I am distracted, lost in thought, as I round the corner leaving Erikstrassa and entering the crowded High Street just blocks from Dragon’s. I’m walking to meet Nusci, but traveling a different route than last Sixday eve, walking the back streets where I am memorizing the faces of the people – on rote, the clock pitches of bots – any who might be inclined to follow me. Paranoia is unfamiliar to me. But Timo – Zech – Klaas – the faces and the anger [...]

This is But One Fragment Five Hundred Words Long Constituting Part of Something Much Larger, With At Least One New Episode Per Week, And May Be What We Call A Serialized Novella. Sixday eve and Timo is still missing. I wasn’t counting, but that makes five days with no word. And the odd thing is that no one has come to ask us anything. No inquiries. And his workstation is untouched from how he left it. It’s as if someone just expects him to walk back in one day and get back clocking. Inside the lab is another matter entirely. I leave the impression that I’m the most concerned among my lab-mates about his disappearance, but the truth is that Nacks takes that title without [...]

This is But One Fragment Five Hundred Words Long Constituting Part of Something Much Larger, With At Least One New Episode Per Week, And May Be What We Call A Serialized Novella. Zech corners me on the way into the lab. Zech, and his slicked, needle-striped hair are unavoidable as I walk across the front pave. My eyes meet his sharp stare and I can’t get past without stopping to acknowledge him. I am required to greet Zech — Zech who pulls his hand from the pocket of his grey trousers to shake mine. I am required to smile at Zech — Zech who purses back, lips tight. I am required to outwardly respect Zech — Zech who is a Ranker. “Mozari, right?” He uses [...]