A Cog In The Machine | ONC 2021

Frank is a clock mechanic, set out to replace a broken loop in 2018, but when Luz, the friend he shouldn't have made sees more than she should've, the simple tasks he was given turns into a mission to save the world.

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The world doesn't live on because of the "save the Earth" attempts humans make on yearly basis. The petitions and events do nothing more than lazily cover the broken existence that is their planet.

And you can't fix a detrimental problem with duct tape.

This is where clock mechanics thrive. Created by the overlords of the galaxy, "Cogs," as they're called, are sent out to various planets to repair the clockwork system running the planet. Of course, Earth has more Cogs on its roster than any other world.

Frank has been assigned to Earth. As a newly employed Cog, his task is simple: repair the year 2018. But he's young, lonely, and makes a friend. And his friend, Luz, seems to see more than she should.

No one outside of the galaxy's employment is supposed to see the clockwork system. And with the secret out in the air, sitting on her lips, Frank must decide:

Keep her quiet.

Or save the world.

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#25 in Steampunk

ONC prompt #76.
Completed rough draft.