A haunting recording floats through space, carrying the desperate plea for help from a survivor of a dying world. As the stars fade into darkness, see the tale of my world. I am Elian, born and raised in a world ravaged by war, chaos, and tragedy.
Though the Dark Days may have passed, the Galactic Council conceals dark secrets from Earth, and whispers in the winds speak of an impending war.
Yet hope is not yet lost for me and the rest of humanity, for we have secret weapons of our own.
─── °:. *₊ ° . ° .・ 。゚☆: *.☾ .* :☆゚. °:. *₊ ° . ° .───
In the dawn of the 22nd century, Humankind makes its first contact with aliens and is presented with a choice: either join the Galactic Council or face annihilation.
This ultimatum divides nations, sparking a fierce conflict that plunges the world into chaos. Amidst this, the overburdened food chain crumbles under the weight of despair, plunging the globe into a dire state of famine.
For an entire decade, the turmoil persists, until finally, the faction advocating for an alliance with the aliens emerges victorious, reclaiming control. Their victory was made possible by the introduction of super soldiers, reverse-engineered from the gifts given to us by celestial beings.
As things finally settle down, join an orphan as he tries to become a super soldier and lift himself and his younger sister from poverty.
[ONC 2023 SECOND PLACE WINNER | AMBASSADORS PICK 2023] An unwilling but gifted geneticist must find a way to safeguard humanity against the deadly pathogen she's forced to design or die trying.
***
The planet's population is pushing past 11 billion and counting. With resources spread thin, widespread famine, and health systems crippled everywhere, the governments of the world are running out of ideas. Then a scientist proposes a controversial solution and the classified Project Rescue is born.
But when the lead scientist on the project and his entire team mysteriously die, his young microbiology prodigy is brought into the secret government agency to take over where he left off.
Ezra Mayur always hoped that her brilliance in pathogen studies would land her a secure job one day. This seems like a dream come true. Full food rations and safety for her struggling family, and a job in the field she is the most interested in.
But the project is not quite what Ezra expected and her moral compass is tested when she has to choose between protecting her family or the world.
***
PROMPTS that will make an appearance:
12. An evil sorcerer offers you an immense amount of power--but it comes with a price. (Modified: an evil corp offers you an opportunity of a lifetime, but it comes with a price.)
5. Flip the coin and make a life choice with it. Two choices, one coin, and no turning back. Do you dare?
FEATURED ON:
@ScienceFiction 'Pandemic' list (Oct 2025)
@ScienceFiction 'Viruses & Zombies' list (Sept 2024)
@dystopianapocalypse 'Pandemic&Outbreak' list. (May '23)
@fright 'AAPI: Celebration' list. (April '23)
[NOTE: Trigger warning may apply. Violence and gore.
This work is solely the property of Eva Acharya writing as E. A. Martin, and thus, no translation, copying, or distribution in part or whole of this story is permitted.]