Well, given that only @elveloy entered last month's contest it seems logical to announce her as the winner! Congratulations, Vera! Reckon you need to see if you can't convince a few of your fellows to offer you some kinda' challenge in future contests!
So without further ado, for your reading pleasure, her winning entry is right here...
There was a flash of blinding white light ... H’ver opened his eyes. Where were they this time? He sighed unconsciously. What wouldn’t he give for a little break and a chance to clean out his vacuum hose properly. Not to mention a decent cup of tea!
He looked around for his travelling companions but instead saw a total stranger, complete with a bushy mop of hair and a long, brightly coloured scarf.
“Hello- o-o-o. Would you like a jelly baby?” asked the stranger, with a winning smile.
H’ver backed nervously away. He didn’t want a baby, jellied or otherwise.
“It’s a sweet,” reassured the stranger, offering a bag of brightly coloured lollies. H’ver took one cautiously and sniffed it. It seemed safe and he popped it into his mouth. Mmm.
“So where would you like to go, then? Adipose 3? Nephrin?”
H’ver glanced over his shoulder before realising the man was talking to him. He cleared his throat. “Really? Anywhere?”
“I’m the Doctor. We can go anywhere.”
H’ver thought for a moment. He really should be wondering what had happened to Smith and Jones, not to mention Kris, but ...
“Is there a place with others like me?”
The Doctor frowned. “Robots, you mean? Cyborgs? Not generally recommended I’m afraid.”
H’ver looked apologetic. “I was thinking more of ... er ... useful machines, you know, handy household appliances - everything clean and tidy.”
The Doctor looked bewildered for a moment. “Hmm. Not the usual sort of request, I must say.” Then his face lit up and he flung the scarf, which had been drooping on the floor, around his neck again, narrowly missing H’ver’s right eye. “I have it! Decopunktus 9!”
Before H’ver could blink, there was a terrible grinding noise and a gentle bump.
“Here we are!” said the Doctor, opening the door wide.
H’ver peered out into a ... wonderland. The houses were made of pink, yellow and blue bakelite. Small machines were vacuuming the perfectly smooth streets and humming.
H’ver smiled with joy - just before the blinding white light ...
YOU ARE READING
Tevun-Krus #15 - DieselPunk
Science FictionGuys, this month, we set up the challenge of taking on the smoky, deceptively clear-cut subgenre of DieselPunk! And may we say, this guy packs a mighty punch! Check out original shorts, reviews, interviews, contests and more--all right here for your...
