tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28249092541649276662023-12-05T07:26:19.500-06:00The Coming Evil Official BlogUpdates and info regarding author Greg Mitchell and his Christian Suspense novel trilogy "The Coming Evil".Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.comBlogger256125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-41370438267772265852023-12-05T07:25:00.002-06:002023-12-05T07:25:23.023-06:00Enter the Mihmiverse!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_riqdqfoaG76usKVuw4Ki1fmKwOwm1C7yoOyFpoeH3_ANtc4sujMVk8AgWpynCS8vLOu1yUwymTpsBDsWHtPP-AFgCadUn8B1KwWr9lQPp057FYX2cgRmfe1ajrI117e0sjoIYz1MuggbEZhGe94ZS4vL0_j66j0RDZ6VtqaMjH5vGtxan3ctvElVQVaj/s1500/ThatLurksCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="971" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_riqdqfoaG76usKVuw4Ki1fmKwOwm1C7yoOyFpoeH3_ANtc4sujMVk8AgWpynCS8vLOu1yUwymTpsBDsWHtPP-AFgCadUn8B1KwWr9lQPp057FYX2cgRmfe1ajrI117e0sjoIYz1MuggbEZhGe94ZS4vL0_j66j0RDZ6VtqaMjH5vGtxan3ctvElVQVaj/w414-h640/ThatLurksCover.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><br />Some exciting news today. I have partnered with Saint Euphoria Pictures to write an <i>official </i>novel set within the world of the Mihmiverse--<i><b>That Which Lurks in the Dark</b></i>!<p></p><p>"What is the Mihmiverse," you ask?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTUHVyQ5dnjyr99oYp_SvFP0jjrpma9f7iJ9oy2ab1YEeTWPK8WNGP6OVaClnvmEcmAgCPweCnir7bcGMOon-5KmHpNNCwW_vxw0kbGBLYJ3qnHOPGXMIQ1rN2RrJlgTLanQT1lY9mpL7qnstshIw9Inbyu1XTCj5oWosVPNkyYawxH8YTZvu4O2MCNq6/s2048/HitmenFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTUHVyQ5dnjyr99oYp_SvFP0jjrpma9f7iJ9oy2ab1YEeTWPK8WNGP6OVaClnvmEcmAgCPweCnir7bcGMOon-5KmHpNNCwW_vxw0kbGBLYJ3qnHOPGXMIQ1rN2RrJlgTLanQT1lY9mpL7qnstshIw9Inbyu1XTCj5oWosVPNkyYawxH8YTZvu4O2MCNq6/s320/HitmenFront.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>A brief background. For twenty-five years, I've taken my camcorder and gone out all over town with my friends and growing family to film home monster movies. We've never released them to the public--not even by way of YouTube--and have no desire to ever do so. They are simply something that we make for ourselves and our circle of friends to gather and watch and share. But they <i>do </i>contain an ongoing mythology that has grown to encompass (so far) over forty "home movies". The mythology has expanded so much, in fact, that it has now crept into my novels.<p></p><p>In fact, my two novels <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hitmen-Tales-Magick-Monsters-Murder/dp/0692239545/" target="_blank"><i>HITMEN: Four Tales of Magick, Monsters, and Murder</i></a> and <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Night-World-Hitmen-Vol-2/dp/B099G8WL73/" target="_blank">HITMEN: Night World</a></i> are "big budget" adaptations of a curated handful of those same home movies! And, if I have my way, there will be many more such adaptations to come. These movies mean a great deal to me and have become a special "Secondary World" that even my kids hope to continue one day with <i>their </i>children.</p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-078BMZGrdH3kySsGNozVAnRIlRVjyMsd78_D6gnfPEeMuwRf7TFlzrb8hA7wmlpQcTSKeQmo_UDr0l56hakRiXijNhrf6iBRxAhicMMO9vPGnSBufP7TLZvKkJpi9Td__CS4L3wac6naXVfBH-l4lDNR-JEuSePnJEyC-sVB6btgar_lDhpMZOzu5yj/s2048/NightWorldCoverOnly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-078BMZGrdH3kySsGNozVAnRIlRVjyMsd78_D6gnfPEeMuwRf7TFlzrb8hA7wmlpQcTSKeQmo_UDr0l56hakRiXijNhrf6iBRxAhicMMO9vPGnSBufP7TLZvKkJpi9Td__CS4L3wac6naXVfBH-l4lDNR-JEuSePnJEyC-sVB6btgar_lDhpMZOzu5yj/s320/NightWorldCoverOnly.jpg" width="213" /></a></p><p>Keep that backstory in mind as I take you back to the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The world had shut down (though we continued to make our movies, since we were stuck in our homes with little else to do), when lo, I hear that Blobfest was going to be held digitally that year, given the shutdowns. Blobfest, for the uninitiated, is a yearly event celebrating the famed 1950s B-movie <i>The Blob</i>, as well as serving as a general gathering of all lovers of classic B-movie monster cinema. Our family had long wanted to go to Blobfest, but we rarely travel (that far, anyway), and the price was always out of our range. But, during Covid, Blobfest was going to be digital! No, it wasn't the same. But it was about as close to "going to Blobfest" as I was likely to get.</p><p>We "attended" the digital film festival and, during the breaks between showings, they played a trailer for a recent movie shot in the style of the a classic 1950s drive-in shlockbuster. The movie was <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Tq1n08juL0" target="_blank">Danny Johnson Saves the World</a></i>, and that was my first introduction into the Mihmiverse.</p><p>Filmmaker Christopher R. Mihm has, for the last fifteen years, been writing and directing 1950s style monster movies with his friends and family... Sound familiar? I immediately sensed in him a kindred spirit--a man who made movies for the love of it with the people he loved. Only, he actually released his movies to the public! </p><p>After seeing that first trailer, I dove headfirst into watching ALL the "Mihmiverse" movies and became an incredible fan of Mr. Mihm's passion and imagination. His movies are fun, and also have a very intricate mythology shared between them--which I loved, of course.</p><p>Then, last year, Mr. Mihm put out the call that he was making a new movie entitled <i><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLNaAlHB57A" target="_blank">Annihilate All Humans</a></b></i> and he was looking for fans to film themselves in the midst of a flying saucer attack to send to him to be used in the movie! I immediately reached out and gathered my cast and crew from <i>my </i>home movies and we shot a brief sequence, which ended up in the finished movie. From there, I connected with Christopher and shared with him my own "home movie" experiences. </p><p>While listening to his monthly podcast recently, I learned that there was one movie that Mr. Mihm began, but was never able to finish once the pandemic started. A "lost" Mihmiverse movie. He expressed regret that it had never reached fruition, and I corresponded with him about taking that script and adapting it to a novel. Remember, I'd done the same for my movies and knew there was a certain thrill in taking a script designed for a small budget and blowing it up in a way someone of our means would never be able to produce on film. He graciously accepted my offer and I set out to write--and complete--this Lost Chapter in the ever-growing Mihmiverse saga.</p><p>The book is out today and I hope that you check it out. It was a real treat to write. If you love campy, good-hearted monster adventure, this is for you. And while you're checking out the book, <a href="http://www.sainteuphoria.com/" target="_blank">I encourage you to explore all the offerings the Mihmiverse provides</a>. There is much fun to be had for monster fans of all ages! <br /></p><p>As for the book, here's the official synopsis for <i><b>That Which Lurks in the Dark</b></i>:</p><p><i><span>Love! Terror! Tentacles!<br /><br />It's New Year's Eve and the
Phantom Lake Lonely Hearts Club is holding its annual celebration. When
the night's festivities are interrupted by a distant explosion and
subsequent blackout, its members are forced to deal with their personal
anxieties in the form of overwhelming darkness, otherworldly
be-tentacled creatures, a pair of monster hunting scientists and, most
frighteningly, their own awkward quests for love!</span></i></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNMWK7DD/" target="_blank"><b>Order your copy today!</b></a><br /></p>Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-67842549128836703992021-07-19T12:23:00.000-05:002021-07-19T12:23:05.193-05:00Now Available--NIGHT WORLD, Hitmen Vol. 2!<p> I <i>told </i>you the book release was just around the corner. ;)<br /></p><p>Today, Genre Experience proudly presents my latest novel <i><b>NIGHT WORLD</b></i>, Volume 2 of my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L74CDJY" target="_blank"><i>HITMEN</i></a> saga. The book is available for purchase on Amazon in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099G8WL73" target="_blank">print </a>and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Night-World-Hitmen-Vol-Saga-ebook/dp/B099QY1JKN/" target="_blank">digital</a>. As with the previous volume, this book is a "braided novel"--four novellas that interconnect (in this case, VERY heavily) to create a larger story. <b><i>NIGHT WORLD</i></b> is a celebration of monsters, fantasy, childhood, spooks, thrills, and all things Halloween. </p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></span></p><p><i>Every Halloween, the shadow of another world falls over the town of
Willowbrook, and the monsters come out to roam. The blue-skulled giant
who slew Boss Adrian Marcon’s criminal empire was not the first such
creature to walk the quiet streets of this burg, nor the last. As more
threats emerge from a mysterious realm, new heroes must stand against a
rising cosmic evil that endangers the very fabric of existence.<br /><br />In
four tales of thrilling encounters with otherworldly invaders, Zoe, a
teenage mother, must grapple with the shocking truth about her infant
son; Jason and Jack Mills, twins raised to hunt the creatures of the
night, search for balance between their tumultuous upbringing and
passing their legacy on to a new generation; and Rosetta, a mystical
exile in Willowbrook, finds herself faced with a decision that will
forever alter not only her life, but the lives of everyone, in every
world. A war of worlds has begun between the dominion of Man and the
armies of the Night World.</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7Nw8tG1w8TjG4lOY13uay6CHvSbv4JHTeJK5TDfbeHivWRWLAmX9Wx6edgpDaoX-D8e-nLgCnKzUKW17PxBR40OB4sCerS0RL7ZbVpqBHi_sLTsYD8NMZ03uYmO0JjoRO2gURIoMGjdA/s2048/NightWorldCoverOnly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7Nw8tG1w8TjG4lOY13uay6CHvSbv4JHTeJK5TDfbeHivWRWLAmX9Wx6edgpDaoX-D8e-nLgCnKzUKW17PxBR40OB4sCerS0RL7ZbVpqBHi_sLTsYD8NMZ03uYmO0JjoRO2gURIoMGjdA/w266-h400/NightWorldCoverOnly.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p>Writing this book came as a surprise to me. If you need a refresher course, the original <i>HITMEN </i>novel began as a series of a no budget "home movies" that me and my childhood friends put together. They were only ever done for fun--just an excuse to chase each other with guns and dress up like monsters and tell stories that entertained us. But, man, was it a blast (read more about it <a href="https://thecomingevil.blogspot.com/2014/06/hitmen-story-behind-story.html" target="_blank">here</a>, if you're so interested). At any rate, around 2014, I had completed my epic <b><i>The Coming Evil Trilogy</i></b>, and I was looking for more stories to tell. I remembered those old home movies and decided--also for fun--to novelize them, greatly expanding them (think of it like a Director's Cut), to unleash on an unsuspecting public. Writing that book was a great excuse to look back on those years and was my way of saying good-bye to making home movies.</p><p>Only...I wasn't done, apparently. Or maybe those home movies weren't done with <i>me</i>.<br /></p><p>After my girls were born, I dusted off the old camcorder and started making NEW home movies, letting them in on the fun. Together, as a family, we crafted stories of fairies and imaginary kingdoms and a world where monsters roam freely. As my "professional" writing took a backseat, we started making more and more home movies. Sometimes two or three a year. Elaborate productions that increased in cast, scope--but not necessarily budget, haha. They are still every bit "movies for fun", though, and will never be seen by a public audience, ha. However, as the home movies--and the mythology we were creating within them--grew and grew in my mind, concepts from these movies began to bleed over into my novels. So much so that I have novels-in-progress right now (including my next sequence of <i>Coming Evil</i> stories) that are almost wholly dependent upon some of the elements that we've introduced in these home movies. These are stories we've been telling each other for ten years or so, and I thought it was finally time to give them the novelization treatment. I am immensely proud of those stories, as they represent all those Saturdays that we went out, as a family, playing make believe and "fighting monsters" together. I hope that you will check it out and join in the Mitchell family tradition! </p><p>As I write this, I'm finishing up post-production on ANOTHER home movie (I think we're approaching thirty installments now?), so there is still plenty of road left to travel if I choose to continue these novelizations. I <i>think </i>I will, as it is just so much fun giving a "big budget" update to our amateur films. Beyond that, though, this book marks another important occasion in my larger mythology. While the first story in <i><b>NIGHT WORLD</b></i> is, in fact, a prequel to <i>HITMEN: Four Tales of Magick, Monsters, and Murder </i>(starring Vinnie Caponi: Urban Mythologist), the follow-up sections take place later on the timeline, giving Readers their first peek of the world post-<i>The Coming Evil</i>! Aside from that, there are also tons of tie-ins to my loosely connected "In-Between Trilogy" of the <i>Rift Jump</i> dulogy, <i>Infernal City</i>, and of course the original <i>HITMEN</i>. The world that started in <i>The Coming Evil</i> continues to grow and grow, and <i><b>NIGHT WORLD</b></i> is certainly a quantum leap forward, laying the groundwork for all my upcoming novels for the foreseeable future.</p><p>Get your copy today!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvxtdpDJob2R4yNFrPbD6L_1WhxFuZVprIvN_faa4-lrQKdJ08Xdr2bBY2a_SOmknUGHjBnj5DsTeSYoibE0VStF4Ql82DI3GSR9U032_7PdD6PAsxQcHbYJlU3VoS8fEsRlbR1aeWNIa/s2048/NightWorldInsert4Sheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1582" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvxtdpDJob2R4yNFrPbD6L_1WhxFuZVprIvN_faa4-lrQKdJ08Xdr2bBY2a_SOmknUGHjBnj5DsTeSYoibE0VStF4Ql82DI3GSR9U032_7PdD6PAsxQcHbYJlU3VoS8fEsRlbR1aeWNIa/w309-h400/NightWorldInsert4Sheet.jpg" width="309" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out this incredible artwork done for the book by Bob Freeman!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-51456657855055482782021-07-15T08:31:00.000-05:002021-07-15T14:21:18.265-05:00New Book Announcement & Cover Reveal!<p>In keeping with my (apparent) one post a year theme, here's yours for 2021! Haha, seriously, I don't get around these parts much anymore, but for those one or two of you who are still following--I've got a new book coming out!<br /><br />As related in a previous post, my "writing career" has taken a serious backseat to "fun writing". I burnt off my entire twenties and most of my thirties "chasing the dream", as it were, of becoming a "professional writer". And, while I DID achieve that dream, it never satisfied. I chased after that for so long, I really forgot to live my life, and, as my oldest daughter is now a full-fledged teenager, I see that time with them is short. So, on the <i>professional </i>side of things, my writing has slowed down.<br /><br />But that doesn't mean that it's stopped.</p><p>Since the 2017 (!) release of my last novel <i><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Infernal-City-Greg-Mitchell/dp/1542392047/" target="_blank">Infernal City</a></b></i>, I have turned my attention to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E5wjMwGYHg&ab_channel=StarWarsKOTORMovieSaga" target="_blank">writing machinima based on the old video game <i>Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic</i></a> AND I've taken a turn at doing some no budget <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLj2eg-e0VU&ab_channel=NoBudgetProductions-FilkFerretProductions" target="_blank"><i>Star Trek</i> fan films</a>. I co-wrote and released <i><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Halloween-House-Bob-Freeman-ebook/dp/B07HZ59W6Z/" target="_blank">Halloween House</a></b></i> with my friend and often-collaborator Bob Freeman, but mostly I've been churning out a bevy of "home movies" that I make with my kids and my friends. These are not meant to be show to a public audience (as they are VERY amateur and not kind to copyright laws, haha) but they are stories I am proud of nonetheless. If you're a frequent reader of my work, then you know that I adapted four of these movies--the original main canon installments--and released them as my novel <i><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hitmen-Tales-Magick-Monsters-Murder-ebook/dp/B00L74CDJY/" target="_blank">HITMEN: Four Tales of Magick, Monsters, and Murder</a></b></i>. </p><p>Well, I've done it again. Allow me to introduce to you my NEXT novel, a new adaptation of four <i>more </i>of the home movies we've created: NIGHT WORLD!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLJbIsj4hBij20eTZN0UaYt-f3DoMHKyZAR3PtXhD_QcZYuvEoi2PJxiuyAJ7A3y3H_16xy4Os7cMousl93J6wGj_NoFSFQMPBziJ3xTArNtCnpi_Mzn4SUbE-SSNwWfCibTXyZ8H4Gx8/s2048/NightWorldCoverOnly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLJbIsj4hBij20eTZN0UaYt-f3DoMHKyZAR3PtXhD_QcZYuvEoi2PJxiuyAJ7A3y3H_16xy4Os7cMousl93J6wGj_NoFSFQMPBziJ3xTArNtCnpi_Mzn4SUbE-SSNwWfCibTXyZ8H4Gx8/w266-h400/NightWorldCoverOnly.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><p>With fantastic art, once again, by Bob Freeman, this book is a love letter to the stories/movies I've been crafting with my daughters for, quite literally, their entire lives. I'll go into it more upon the book's release, which should be in a week or so, but in the meantime, please enjoy the cover! Keep your eyes peeled and your ears to the ground for the release--this is one wild ride!</p>Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-74411141763769510602020-01-22T08:53:00.001-06:002020-01-22T09:11:09.744-06:00Boldly Going...I look back over my life as a writer sometimes and am often struck by how eclectic my journey has been. From "Christian Horror" novels to Syfy sharksploitation movies to a non-fiction guide to the convoluted chronology of <i>Back to the Future</i>--it's really all over the map! Well, last month, I added a new destination on this wild ride--Star Trek fan films.<br />
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As has been discussed before on this very blog, I've been making "home movies" since 1998 with friends and family. But, unlike filming your kids at their soccer games kind of "home movies", mine involve an ever-evolving mythology with complicated characters battling all manner of monsters and devils. They've really become an extension of my professional writing, often serving as a test bed of ideas that will eventually find their way into a novel. In fact, I took the four original home movies that created the foundation for that complex mythology and adapted and expanded them into my novel <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hitmen-Tales-Magick-Monsters-Murder-ebook/dp/B00L74CDJY/" target="_blank">HITMEN: Four Tales of Magick, Monsters, and Murder</a></b>. Not only that, but I've taken four <i>more </i>movies and am currently writing another adaptation--a sequel to the HITMEN collection! But more on that in a later post.<br />
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The rule of these home movies, however, has always been in place: <i>they are just for us</i>. I'll never post them to YouTube. I show them to new friends and am willing to show them to just about anyone who drops by the house and is ready to sit through 30+ movies, haha, but they're not intended for public consumption (or critique). It's a simple matter of creative expression and having fun with my friends.<br />
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In 2014, one such friend was Grace Bridges. Grace, and her outfit Splashdown Books, was the publisher of my first <i><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rift-Jump-Expanded-Greg-Mitchell-ebook/dp/B00U1JEKAG/" target="_blank">Rift Jump</a></b></i> novel. Hailing from New Zealand, Grace frequently makes "tours" of America, visiting her authors. I was the next stop on her list and, while at the house, I was showing her a selection of my home movies. She instantly fell in love with them and, before she left (two days later), she expressed the desire to do a home movie with me! I rarely say "no" when I meet someone who shares my passion in this sort of thing, so I said "Let's do it!".<br />
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Her suggestion: Make a Star Trek movie.<br />
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Though I'd seen all the Trek movies a few times and I'd caught a number of episodes of the various series over the years, I was not a Star Trek expert by any stretch of the imagination. Nonetheless, I agreed and, with Grace leading the writing and serving as my resident Star Trek guru, we quickly (two days, remember?) crafted <i>Star Trek: Splashdown</i>. It was a crazy rush, but we did it, Grace had a movie she was proud of, and she continued on her travels, showing our little movie to the friends she encountered along the way. And that was that. It was over.<br />
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Until it wasn't.<br />
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Fast forward to June of 2019. I've done MANY more home movies, but I've got this itch to do another. Most of my movies involve a core group of characters. I just ping pong back and forth between a few different storylines every couple years, and see "what happens next". But I felt as though I'd tapped out all the potential for the foreseeable future. All my various storylines were just stalled out and I couldn't think of any fresh take. So I turned my sights on movies in my saga that I rarely looked at. And I remembered <i>Splashdown</i>. I played "Commander Mitchell" in that movie, and I thought "I wonder whatever happened to that guy?" At the same time, I had, by accident (and a slow day at work) discovered the brilliant fan film series <b><i><a href="https://www.startrekcontinues.com/" target="_blank">Star Trek Continues</a></i></b>.<br />
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I fell in absolute love with that series and it opened up to me not only the world of fan films, but the world of Star Trek. I started watching Star Trek with a new appreciation for the first time. And the fan films--I was <i>stunned </i>to see that, all these years, people like me had been making their own "home movies" with complex mythologies and returning characters. They were even crossing over with each other's creations, making an elaborate expanded universe of storylines! I was excited, and it slowly dawned on me, then, "Hey... <i>I</i> made a Star Trek fan film too!"<br />
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That was when I wanted "Commander Mitchell" to return. Only, I had no Star Trek costumes, no props, no fancy CGI, no sets, no ideas, <u>nothing</u>. Just me and a camera and a desire to do something. How could I ever compete with something like <i>Star Trek Continues</i>? That's where <b>Vance Major</b> came into my life.<br />
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I ran across his name numerous times while researching fan films. This guy is a legend. His character of Erick Minard has existed across multiple eras of Trek and he's crossed over in so many other series. And characters from over a dozen fan film series have crossed over with <i>his </i>series! It's insane. Vance, however, is a man after my own heart. He has no real "crew", he shoots all his movies on his cell phone, and he just recruits friends, family (and any co-workers who stand still long enough) into his 70 some-odd short films. He has this intricate mythology with a core group of characters, all centered around his ship, the <i>USS Constar</i>--a ship that, by fate or bad luck, ends up at every major battle in the Star Trek canon, even though no one seems to notice or acknowledge their contributions. They are heartwarming films, honest films. Vance bears his heart and soul in these movies, speaking to things that are personal and meaningful to him. Seeing his movies--that they were more in line with the kinds of home movies I had been making all these years--was inspiring. "I can do <i>that</i>!"<br />
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I contacted Vance and plainly said, "I've got this character I would love to bring into one of your movies, but I have no costume, no sets, no props." Vance's reply was an instant "No problem! We'll figure it out!" And that's just what we did. Not only did I appear in that movie, I edited it too. Then we did another. And another. And <i>another</i>. Since June, I have now starred, written, directed, edited (and, yes, also bought a cheap Starfleet-esque uniform) in six or seven of his <i><b>Constar Chronicles</b></i>. Last December, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmKxi5xAVJrKknWy5_kR5Z411WrQ8Obh0" target="_blank">he dropped all those movies onto YouTube</a> ready to be binged.<br />
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Among them? The original Splashdown movie Grace and I made back in 2014, now including a brand-new bonus scene featuring Captain Erick Minard :) It's all come full circle, haha, and I've broken my Number One rule for the first and only time, putting one of my home movies on YouTube for public consumption and critique. But it was Vance who gave me the courage to do so, leading by example. You can now watch that movie <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p48rcLHVDPs&list=PLmKxi5xAVJrKknWy5_kR5Z411WrQ8Obh0&index=25&t=0s" target="_blank">right here</a>.<br />
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We're not done yet, though! Vance and I have more ideas for future collaborations, expanding these characters and their relationships. Best of all--this October? I'm slated to step foot on a real Enterprise replica set to film a movie for the first time. Wow...<br />
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I am grateful for all the opportunities that Vance has given me, and for his friendship. I've found a kindred spirit in him as we have the same heart when it comes to telling stories in our respective mythologies. It's been another unexpected stop on my writer's journey--a detour, some might say--but, much like Star Trek, you never know what adventures await you down winding back roads in life. I'm happy to have taken the time explore this new avenue, boldly going...<br />
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<i>(If you're interested in skipping straight ahead to my contributions, check out: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p48rcLHVDPs&list=PLmKxi5xAVJrKknWy5_kR5Z411WrQ8Obh0&index=25&t=0s" target="_blank">Splashdown</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w6vurydlQM&list=PLmKxi5xAVJrKknWy5_kR5Z411WrQ8Obh0&index=30&t=0s" target="_blank">Smoke and Mirrors</a>,<b> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApkORZbdNao&list=PLmKxi5xAVJrKknWy5_kR5Z411WrQ8Obh0&index=31&t=0s" target="_blank">All Roads Lead to Home</a> [which I wrote and directed]</b>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFmy0cQp4FA&list=PLmKxi5xAVJrKknWy5_kR5Z411WrQ8Obh0&index=44&t=0s" target="_blank">Wonderwall Part 2</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1CmEM6_1ng&list=PLmKxi5xAVJrKknWy5_kR5Z411WrQ8Obh0&index=52&t=0s" target="_blank">The Scribbler</a>)</i><br />
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<i><br /></i>Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-10697872367528343622019-09-29T16:54:00.000-05:002019-10-01T15:01:06.497-05:00Is This Thing On?<i>tap tap Testing, One, Two, Three</i><br />
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Wow, it's been nearly a year since I've been on this blog. I'm fairly positive no one reads it anymore (not that many did when I originally began it), but I thought I'd drop by for a little update.<br />
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First off, I'm still here. Still writing, still creating. I have finished a working draft of the first TWO prequel novels for my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Strange-Man-Coming-Evil/dp/1616381949/" target="_blank"><i>The Coming Evil</i></a> series. I've started work on Book Three and whenever that's finished, I plan to start releasing them in quick succession. I'm also working with Bob Freeman on another novella that I think will be a lot of fun. A follow-up to our <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HZ59W6Z" target="_blank">Halloween House</a> (that is still available and you should still read). So there are things in the pipeline to be released one day. I've also found myself falling down the rabbit hole, helping Vance Major make a series of Star Trek fan films. That's a very long story of how I got involved in that, haha, but maybe better saved for a later date. Those movies will hit YouTube in December, so maybe we'll reconvene then and do a little write up on it.<br />
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But more than that, I'm creating a lot of things that you <i>won't</i> see. If you've read my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L74CDJY" target="_blank">HITMEN</a> novel (and, if not, why haven't you?) you know that, in my "free time", I make elaborate amateur movies. In fact, the home movies have turned into this intricate mythology where I actually work through a lot of the ideas that I eventually publish. They're sort of a test bed for concepts and dreams, where I can fully play with a story without the fear of "What will the public think?" It's just freeing and often experimental. Some of those concepts and characters make it into the books--and vice versa. It's an elaborate mythology that I enjoy creating. For myself.<br />
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Which brings me to the reason for my absence. Time for some real talk: I burnt up a lot of my youth on getting my name out there. On building a platform, a fanbase, and all the fancy "writer stuff" that you're told you HAVE to do if you want to succeed. And maybe you do, if you want to "succeed", but what's "success"? Again, I pushed aside friendships to pursue my dream. I put my life on hold, focused only on this goal of being "somebody". Somewhere along the way, however, I discovered that I was making my actual life miserable by chasing what I thought would make me happy. After MUCH soul searching, I came upon a conclusion:<br />
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<b>Write less. Live more.</b><br />
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So that's what I've been trying to do over the last four years. With my kids now older and able to make more of their own choices (and mistakes), parenting is harder than ever. <i>They </i>need my attention, more than the cast of The Coming Evil. My wife and I are fighting to be purposeful in our parenting, but also to learn how to maintain our <i>own </i>identities apart from our kids who are going to be leaving the nest sooner than I really understood. Life is changing. Fast, and all the time. I've made new friends and I'm pouring myself into being a good friend--a better friend than I used to be. I seek to be used by the Lord in whatever situation I find myself in, and that requires effort. It requires diligence. Besides all of that, creatively speaking, I missed just writing and creating for myself. I didn't end up becoming the "big name" I had dreamed of when I was fresh out of high school. I am thankful to the people who have read my work and enjoyed it. That's incredibly cool to me. But the disappointment has been there, as well. I didn't get as far as I had hoped I would. Yet, then again, when I think of the novels I've seen published, when I think of the Syfy movies that I helped craft, that have been seen by audiences all over the world--maybe I got farther than I really thought I would.<br />
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All that is to say that I'm happy with where I'm at. I'm happy living my life and creating on my own time. I'm happy now that I don't find my worth in "units sold per quarter". It really IS just about the writing for me. I do so enjoy this mad mythology I've created and it's a welcome retreat from the rigors of reality sometimes. I'm happy that some of you got to explore my world--as much as I've shared with you--and I look forward to giving you more opportunities to visit in the future. <br />
<i></i>Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-5415842612478185032018-10-19T15:05:00.000-05:002018-10-19T15:16:22.724-05:00The Road to RevanSuper exciting news today, guys. The cat is out of the bag, I'm going to be a contributing writer on <b><i>Star Wars: Revan: Rogue Jedi</i></b>!<br />
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You may ask "What is that, and why should I be excited?"<br />
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Allow me to explain:<br />
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Back in 2003, Bioware developed a Star Wars video game called Knights of the Old Republic. It's set some four thousand years before a simple farm boy from Tatooine blew up the Death Star. The game was a role-playing action adventure designed to put you in the center of the story. You're able to customize your character's appearance, give them a name of your choosing, and it also allowed you to dictate how you responded to any number of situations. YOU are the star of the game and your fate is in your own hands. It was a massive hit spawning sequels, comics, novels, and introduced the much-beloved character of Revan to the Star Wars canon (well, before Disney obliterated all that...but that's a topic best saved for another time...).<br />
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Over the years, intrepid fans of the original Knights of the Old Republic game (abbreviated to KOTOR) figured out how to crack into the game's programming and further customize it, crafting new characters and new landscapes--all still using the game's engine.<br />
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That's where Kevin Smets comes in. Kevin's a professional video editor and filmmaker--and also a huge fan of KOTOR. A number of years ago, he began "filming" a series of movies based on the game. Meaning, he recorded his playthrough, dubbed in his own voice as the main character's--that he named Logan Starr--added new music, and customized it to the point that it tells the story Kevin was interested in telling, sometimes veering away from the game's storyline. I saw his movies and I was totally smitten by the creativity and ingenuity that he utilized in putting together this "fan film".<br />
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But then! <i>Then </i>I heard that he had partnered with some phenomenally talented computer whiz kids to create BRAND NEW movies based on Logan Starr's backstory. Things never seen in the original game--or <i>any </i>game. This is <u>all new</u> content, built from scratch, using the original game's engine. It looks like KOTOR, it "feels" like KOTOR, but this is no game. It's pretty incredible that they were able to do this. And this movie? It is called <b>Star Wars: Revan: Rogue Jedi</b>.<br />
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This is the first part of a trilogy of new films, chronicling the backstory of Kevin's character Logan Starr. It will have all-new storylines, characters, locations, voice actors, new sound design, effects, etc. I have no doubt it will be a sight to see when it is finished. I have been in talks with Kevin for a while now, and he knows of my love for Star Wars and his particular take on KOTOR (as well as my writing background), and he has graciously invited me to come on board his team and help bring the Revan Trilogy to your computer screen. Kevin is handling the lion's share of the writing chores, as this is his baby, but he's also a busy guy and has recognized he can't do it all on his own. I'm more than happy to help shoulder the burden, because I believe in the project that much.<br />
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While this is totally unofficial, it's still an opportunity to write Star Wars, a dream of mine for so long now. I am grateful for the chance and can't wait for you guys to see the final product. In the meantime, you've got plenty of time to get caught up on the other Logan Starr movies. There are a total of <i>seven </i>so far. The first trilogy centers on Logan Starr, while the second quartet focuses on Logan's friend and apprentice, Meetra Surik. Her journey is chronicled in the movies of YouTube user <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/DarthYcey" target="_blank">Darth Ycey</a>.<br />
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Hit <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYKtY4fZon8" target="_blank">this link</a> to check out the first Logan Starr adventure, and tune in here for future updates as they come in!Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-56974720650005597872018-10-08T06:00:00.000-05:002018-10-08T06:00:08.332-05:00Worlds Collide!First, allow me the annual dusting-off of cobwebs on this here blog...<br />
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Now with the housework out of the way--Welcome! The leaves are changing, the wind is turning crisper, and my favorite season is upon us. Halloween is here, and I have returned to the interwebs with a treat to offer <i>you</i>.<br />
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Over the course of the last year and a half--among the other projects I've been tinkering on--my friend and fellow author Bob Freeman and I have been putting together our first storytelling collaboration. As you may or may not recall, Bob has already lent his incredible artistic talents to my <i><b>HITMEN </b></i>novel, providing the cover. But, this time, we agreed to tackle a novella together, trading off writing chores on rotating chapters, and making it a point to surprise the other. It was <i>a lot</i> of fun and, today, we present to you the fruits of our labors...<i><b>Hallowe'en House</b></i>!<br />
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This tale was especially thrilling for me as it involves the character Bob named after me, and it also marks the first time I've ever written in Bob's sprawling occult detective mythology. I've been a huge fan of his mega-myth for a number of years now, but actually <i>contributing </i>to it filled me with equal parts eagerness and caution. I think we've crafted a wile ride through the darkest corners of the cosmos and we hope you agree.<br />
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Also of note, readers of my <i>own </i>mythology (particularly my <i style="font-weight: bold;">Rift Jump</i> duology) might find some interesting connections inside the Hallowe'en House...<br />
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The book is available now in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1726636674" target="_blank">print </a>and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HZ59W6Z" target="_blank">Kindle</a>. Get your copy today--just in time for Halloween! A perfect little story to read by the soft flicker of Jack O'Lantern light.<br />
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<b><i>ABOUT THE BOOK:</i></b><br />
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<b>Demonologist Greg Mitchell has discovered a secret from his father's past, a secret that not only sheds light on their strained relationship but on the path he has found himself upon, caught between Heaven, Hell, and all points between.</b><br />
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<b>Turning to his former mentor, Dr. Landon Connors, Mitchell and the infamous occult detective seek out Hallowe'en House, a legendary transdimensional nexus that bristles with unfathomable eldritch energies.</b><br />
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<b>But they're not the only ones who have come seeking out Hallowe'en House.</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-41157063097069932062018-03-12T06:00:00.000-05:002018-03-12T06:00:01.605-05:00Hangin' Out with Bob Freeman, Author of "First Born"!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzmTupEGmO40fLzor_XDKvU6Ve7fHpMp2LnpDKiDIvCNPG7FbeSTKriPDoha-I4XsHdWXYalMtgFjtHsDeUa55IzOj-6GrQS0bUaFxtIa6xHt4a445oKulAn9eXYSw4DXoSfg8Kas1iWl/s1600/FirstBorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzmTupEGmO40fLzor_XDKvU6Ve7fHpMp2LnpDKiDIvCNPG7FbeSTKriPDoha-I4XsHdWXYalMtgFjtHsDeUa55IzOj-6GrQS0bUaFxtIa6xHt4a445oKulAn9eXYSw4DXoSfg8Kas1iWl/s400/FirstBorn.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well, hello there! It's been quite awhile since I've been 'round these parts, but today I've returned to the Internet for a special occasion. My buddy Bob Freeman has got a new book out--<a href="https://www.amazon.com/First-Born-Tales-Liber-Monstrorum/dp/1941706622/" target="_blank"><i><b>First Born: Tales of the Liber Monstrorum</b></i></a>--and you should know about it! To celebrate, I've invited Bob back to the blog for another palaver about his latest publication, inspirations, future projects, and anything else we have a mind to discuss. So, on with it!</span></div>
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<b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Greg Mitchell: It's Bob! He's back! What
have you been up to recently?</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtYE9X2EPWYZoG78MvjIw-8wn8PThmvQEsyZ277RoRoT6PHJinMxDLdMWn-UkOYlpMrc8ulOK979HbGTACOa2BfF488LvPMRxiKPU_LUK71MEE0vnzU9F_7xYqBY7V-VZyTcmrOUhDD78/s1600/DistinguishedBob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="371" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtYE9X2EPWYZoG78MvjIw-8wn8PThmvQEsyZ277RoRoT6PHJinMxDLdMWn-UkOYlpMrc8ulOK979HbGTACOa2BfF488LvPMRxiKPU_LUK71MEE0vnzU9F_7xYqBY7V-VZyTcmrOUhDD78/s200/DistinguishedBob.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bob Freeman: </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thanks
for having me, Greg. It's good to be back. I'm still hard at work being the
best husband and father I can be, all the while indulging in my various and
sundry eccentricities.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">GM: You've got your priorities in the right place, there. Let's talk about the new
Landon Connors book, <i>First Born</i>. This is the first book in your massive Liber
Monstrorum opus, yes? What's the skinny?</span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BF: </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">First
Born was a chance to put <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">most</i> all the
Landon Connors/Wolfe & Crowe stories that I've written so far under one roof.
I say <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">most</i> because I only included
those stories that take place <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">before</i>
Descendant, which will be the second volume in Liber Monstrorum.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">GM: </span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have to say that, though
I know you've published most of these stories in other sources, reading them
all in a single volume--with the stories arranged in chronological
order--really brings it to new life. You can see the sprawling occult epic like
never before, and I made so many more connections between the various stories
than I did when I was reading them scatter shot across various sources. </span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I know
you're never supposed to ask a writer this, but is there any particular story
that sticks out in this collection as your favorite? Or, when putting them
together, did something previously unknown to you about your story world jump
out?</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BF: Wyrdtails,
in a lot of ways, because I think it has an interesting twist and there's a lot
of truth I put down on paper. My best friend passed away less than a month
after writing that story, and in some ways, I think it was prophetic. In fact,
it's only now that you ask that question that I'm somewhat staggered by that
revelation.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">GM: I recall Wyrdtails as having a heavy feel to it. What's next for Landon
Connors?</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BF: Well, there's his role in the
collaboration you and I are putting together, but I suppose that's as much of a
tease as we should give your readers.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">GM: Too true! Yeah, Bob and I are at work on something that's proving to be an exciting exercise. But that will remain secret...for now.</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BF: He
has a minor role in Descendant, though his influence is ever-present. He's
there between the lines, in the spaces between words. His role is far more
prominent in Liber Monstrorum's third volume, Born Again, and then, I will look
to wrap up the series in the fourth and final book, Afterbirth.</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">GM: I'm so ready for those. I've read an earlier incarnation of Descendant, but I believe Born Again and Afterbirth will be fresh territory for me to explore as a reader--and I'm happy to do so!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of course, Landon isn't
the only focal point in your mythos. How are the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Over-Somerset-Bob-Freeman/dp/1941706118/" target="_blank">Wolves of Cairnwood</a> these
days? You've got one final book to complete that trilogy, right? Any update on
that?</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TH4lQ6jhIKUsDO3g4ryPBSdL2sYmQF2iZQwtg5-DcSwPe94Xi5PXqE4KdfNpqg1hViyauOMc7QkhdECQdHDG1V9gCsuz7RyqnxV0YG20RXTsfqDV6wp1_J-nShzNB6ffZLEf4RLsXbpx/s1600/cairnwood-series.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="450" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TH4lQ6jhIKUsDO3g4ryPBSdL2sYmQF2iZQwtg5-DcSwPe94Xi5PXqE4KdfNpqg1hViyauOMc7QkhdECQdHDG1V9gCsuz7RyqnxV0YG20RXTsfqDV6wp1_J-nShzNB6ffZLEf4RLsXbpx/s400/cairnwood-series.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BF: </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
have been dropping hints, here and there. A lot of questions regarding the
Cairnwood Legacy will be answered in Born Again, strangely enough. If sales
warrant it, Shadow of the Wolf will come along after. If not, I think Born
Again could satisfy that itch.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">GM: Yeah, it's only been recently after some of the stories you've published online on your site (<a href="http://occultdetective.com/">occultdetective.com</a>, shameless plug) and conversations we've had that I've started to figure out how the two mythologies connect--and once I hit on it, it was incredibly exciting, but also very mysterious. I'm anxious to see how it all comes together.</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Okay, books on hold for a
second, though: Recently you (finally) watched Stranger Things. To say I love that show
is a sad, sad understatement. This is the point in the interview where I give you
the mic and let you expound your love for the wonder of Stranger Things.</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BF: </span>L<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ook,
I was born and raised in rural Indiana. I was 17 years old in November of 1983.
I was an avid player of Dungeons & Dragons with a insane curiosity about
all things "paranormal" and considered myself a student of the
occult. Stranger Things was like holding up a mirror to my childhood in a lot
of ways. It really hit home. Couple that with the obvious homages to Carpenter,
Spielberg, and other milestones from the era, and well, it was tailor-made for
someone like me. It was me...</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">GM: No doubt. It tugs at me. I switch it on, and I'm transported back in time. It takes me back to when I first saw the Monster Squad and subsequently rode my bike up and down the street, hoping to find a monster to hunt. I mean, it hits on all the right notes for me, and I can't gush enough about it.</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But beyond that, what other</span>
movies/comics/books/TV has got you buzzing these days? What's inspiring you
lately? How are you feeling about the X-Files revival take two?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BF: </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
latest X-Files has seemed a little stiff, but I'm still a fan. That being said,
I have always liked the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">idea</i> behind
the X-Files far better than the execution. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">GM: I can see that, though I have enjoyed this season considerably more than the last one.</span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BF: Millennium was a better show, as far
as I'm concerned, and Fringe out X-Filed the X-Files by being more consistent
and Twin Peaks sort of outshined it a far as revivals go by being far more edgy
and, well, weird.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">GM: I will admit, I ONLY RECENTLY watched the first season of Twin Peaks. Haven't made it to the second season yet. Hm... </span></span></b>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BF: As
for being buzzed, I'm a bit of a YouTube junkie and a real gaming nerd, so I
spend a fair amount of time watching "actual plays" and tutorials. I
think, if backed into a corner my three favorite "shows" right now
are Critical Role (professional voice actors playing Dungeons & Dragons),
Schola Gladiatoria (Historical European Martial Arts enthusiast Matt Easton's
Sword channel), and Curse of Oak Island on History Channel.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>GM: Having said that, I feel I should point folks to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2bN8PVne1WSe3wwkpaEDYQ" target="_blank">your own YouTube channel</a> where you talk about tabletop gaming and RPGs! </b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BF: At
home we've been binge watching a lot. It's been a great chance to share things
I loved with the two most important people in my life. We plowed through Star
Trek (all flavors), Babylon 5, Highlander, Twin Peaks, and Stranger Things, to
name just a few. We're currently waist deep into Fringe (which I mentioned
earlier) and it's been a real bonding experience for us as a family. I just
wish I could get them to watch Veronica Mars :) </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">GM: With all these muses in
your head, do you ever have trouble keeping them straight? I know that, in my
own mythology, it sometimes gets so big and detail-orientated that I find
myself having to re-read the various books to remind myself of how it all fits
together.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BF: I
think I have some sort of weird mutant ability to keep all that stuff straight
in my head. Sometimes, if I've been away from it for a handful of months, I'll
need a refresher, but mostly it all comes rather naturally. It seems like the
stories have all already happened and I'm just the guy who drew the short straw
and get to write them down.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">GM: I can understand that. In my own experience, there is an almost instinctive quality to it, like you're just uncovering what's already there. What's your son, Connor,
up to these days? I enjoyed his first book, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jonny-Spencer-Black-Ashrock-Earth/dp/1522752323/" target="_blank">Jonny Spencer and the Black Lich of Ashrock Earth</a></i> (what a sweet name!) and understand he's working on other
projects?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BF: Thanks
for asking. I am more than passingly proud of that kid. I've just finished
editing his first urban fantasy novel, <i>Word Hollow</i>, and I'll tackle editing its
follow-up in a couple of weeks. That will make three books in four years for
him. Not bad for a fourteen year old.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">GM: No doubt! Thank you, as always, for
stopping by to hang. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BF: Thanks
for having me, my friend. It's always a pleasure. I have, for as long as I can
remember, been obsessed with telling stories. The medium didn't and doesn't
matter, whether it was playing with action figures, writing short stories,
novels, or comic books, slinging dice from behind a DM Screen, or even sitting
around a campfire spinning yarns. It is what I was born to do and I feel
infinitely blessed to be able to do so.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>GM: Well I, for one, have enjoyed your stories and love exploring the worlds you've created. Alright, everybody, that's your cue to go buy Bob's latest book: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/First-Born-Tales-Liber-Monstrorum-ebook/dp/B07177CQT5/" target="_blank"><i>First Born</i></a>! </b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK: </b>From the arcane sorceries of the "Wickedest Man in the World" to the supernatural exploits of Occult Detective Landon Connors and the harrowing investigations of Agents Wolfe and Crowe, this collection of macabre tales of the black arts treads the dangerous landscape between this world and that populated by angels and demons, gods and devils, ghosts and spirits, and the legendary creatures of our darkest imaginings.</span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>First Born</i> is the beginning of the journey into the Liber Monstrorum, the Chronicles of those Occult Detectives who are the last line of defense against those preternatural forces that threaten to destroy a world that refuses to believe that such things exist...<b><br /></b></span></span></div>
Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-48979611516422106772017-09-16T20:10:00.002-05:002017-09-16T20:33:47.254-05:00A Dusty Duck Sighting!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIzCKMFIi87g2XSsZlVCnNSU_uKFQl0dMrCElgQAQKiTyi767XBamMGBjJcQ_9w60ISIOkqoMxaGOnuhMtRYK37HkVEZlqnqwKZjmtmvJYWL4_UQOo9ScwKwHrhEXBzYjrQMhgNI8xP1C/s1600/BB-8_on_the_Run_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="932" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIzCKMFIi87g2XSsZlVCnNSU_uKFQl0dMrCElgQAQKiTyi767XBamMGBjJcQ_9w60ISIOkqoMxaGOnuhMtRYK37HkVEZlqnqwKZjmtmvJYWL4_UQOo9ScwKwHrhEXBzYjrQMhgNI8xP1C/s320/BB-8_on_the_Run_Cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyone who talks to me for any length of time will discover quite quickly that, not only do I love monsters, but I am a huge Star Wars fan. Like any kid growing up in the '80s, there was never a time where Star Wars wasn't a part of my life. Even before I'd ever seen the movies, I knew all about Luke Skywalker and Han Solo, Vader, and the droids. I appreciated Star Wars from afar until, around high school, I learned that everything related to Star Wars--comics, cartoons, movies, games, books--were all connected into a large, decade-spanning tapestry of mythology. It was called the Expanded Universe, and when I learned of its existence, I truly fell in love with Star Wars, as I believed that the whole was greater than its parts. To know that all these stories mattered--that they all existed in some way and reflected each other, that authors who had never met built upon the creative labors of those who came before to create this living, breathing epic <i>canon</i>.<br />
<br />
I still get chills, just thinking about it.<br />
<br />
Once I learned that, I devoted my efforts to "get in". To tell my own little story within this megamyth, to carve my own niche that other authors could play with and elaborate on and explore. Thanks to God (and the fine folks at Lucasfilm), I got that chance with an online writing contest called "What's the Story", where fans were given the incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a backstory for some minor element glimpsed in the background of one of the (then) six Star Wars movies. After years of effort, I won two rounds. I was a co-contributor for <a href="http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Silya_Shessaun" target="_blank">Senator Silya Shessaun</a>, and I was the sole developer of the backstory for a ship seen in a deleted scene for <i>The Phantom Menace</i> that I dubbed the <a href="http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Dusty_Duck" target="_blank">Dusty Duck</a>.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5id8HQr1YDjGxYYxe8RqDGxler3FD27JKFZoE_w9CKa3ZHgqUdolPZnG4fD6MjnBXvlK0bIK7gOwdUe7rYdiXl5hn01SA-FCAOEeSu0Q_K4NqKnAdMNH4rKF3Jb7SB5Jcr05CDL-IBD-/s1600/DustyDuck1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="400" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5id8HQr1YDjGxYYxe8RqDGxler3FD27JKFZoE_w9CKa3ZHgqUdolPZnG4fD6MjnBXvlK0bIK7gOwdUe7rYdiXl5hn01SA-FCAOEeSu0Q_K4NqKnAdMNH4rKF3Jb7SB5Jcr05CDL-IBD-/s400/DustyDuck1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I was in. I had touched that monument and left my mark. I was totally fulfilled, knowing my contribution would stand.<br />
<br />
Then Disney came along and acquired the Star Wars brand and their first order of business was to dump the entire Expanded Universe--decades of myth-making--in favor of their own in-house stories.<br />
<br />
In a single boardroom decision, everything was gone, including my own humble contributions.<br />
<br />
I was devastated. As a fan, and as a writer. I know I'm supposed to be cool and say "Hey, babe, it's all part of the gig". But it wasn't to me.<br />
<br />
Well, I have long lamented this Disney buyout (though I enjoyed <i>The Force Awakens</i>), but then something special started to happen. I began to see some of the old Expanded Universe elements creeping back into the official--"no we mean it this time"--Disney canon. Thrawn shows up in the animated series <i>Rebels</i>, and the visual guide to <i>Rogue One</i> was a veritable smorgasbord of references to the old West End Games roleplaying modules. Maybe my Expanded Universe wasn't entirely gone after all. Oh, yes, now it's been re-branded as "Legends"--but the new material has shown time and again that some legends are "real".<br />
<br />
Slowly, I began to hope that maybe my own mark on Star Wars might exist in some form. Maybe not as a I originally envisioned them, but maybe they would live on after all. Earlier this year, with the release of <a href="http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Star_Wars:_The_Visual_Encyclopedia" target="_blank">Star Wars The Visual Encyclopedia</a>, I learned that Silya Shessaun is still "alive" in this new canon. True, nothing else has been revealed of her origins, and I don't know how much of what we built in What's the Story is "factual" any more, but she's still in there.<br />
<br />
The biggest surprise, however, came just a couple weeks ago with the release of the (delightful) children's book, <b><i>BB-8 On the Run</i></b>, by Drew Daywalt and Matt Myers. Set in between the early events of <i>The Force Awakens</i>, it chronicles the adventures of BB-8 immediately after he's separated from Poe Dameron and leads up to his rescue by Rey. Over the course of his travels, he helps a stranded droid return to his ship--a scavenger ship <i>piloted </i>by droids, it would seem--and lo, when you turn the page...<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
It's the Dusty Duck.<br />
<br />
She's alive. The old bird's alive. Now: a disclaimer! The ship is not actually named in this book. It is entirely possible that, though I wrote that the Dusty Duck was a one-of-a-kind custom-job, someone could come along and say this was just another ship "like" the Duck. Or maybe it's not "the Duck" at all. Maybe they took the same ship from the deleted scene of Phantom Menace that the Duck was originally intended to be and have given it an entirely new backstory. Which would be, frankly, heartbreaking--a second time.<br />
<br />
But maybe--<i>just maybe</i>--it's still her. Maybe it's still the Duck. After all, the story still tracks. In my original entry, the ship's pilot, Aneesa Dym, purchased a handful of droids to repair the ship right before her shocking murder at the hands of Darth Maul. And the story I wrote <i>does </i>say that the droids repaired the bird to perfection. Could it be that, after years of being stranded on Tatooine, the droids finally took the Duck to flight and started their own crew, salvaging parts to keep the ship running and collecting other master-less droids?<br />
<br />
I think so. But, that's out of my hands now. But it's a start. And it's enough to hang a hope on.<br />
<br />
At any rate, thank you to Drew, Matt, and the Lucasfilm Story Group for dusting off the ole girl and giving her another day in the sun. It's pretty neat to see her in action again (and, hey, she actually flew in this story!) and I can't wait to see what new adventures she'll go on :) Best of all, the day we bought the book, my wife read it to our seven-year-old daughter for her bedtime story, and she could know that our family had a small part in that ship's legacy. That's what it's all about, folks.Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-37829411058043784142017-01-23T06:00:00.000-06:002017-01-23T06:00:06.903-06:00Everything You Need to Know About The "In-Between Trilogy"During the years of 2011-2013, I released what would become the foundation of my magnum opus, <i>The Coming Evil Trilogy</i>. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The series that started it all...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Set in the small town of Greensboro, the Trilogy deals with an already beleaguered community that comes under siege by a demonic presence known only as "The Strange Man". To combat him, a group of heroes from various walks of life have to overcome their own personal demons to discover a faith strong enough to push back the Strange Man and his legion of devils. <i>The Coming Evil</i> was conceived back in 1999, and it was my way of combining 1980s Saturday matinee creature features with a story about faith, doubt, and ultimately, redemption. <br />
<br />
But there is a heated speech that the Strange Man utters in Chapter 9 of <i>Dark Hour</i>, the third and final installment of that trilogy:<br />
<br />
<i>"Oh, you never </i>mean <i>to. You just pose your questions and make your debates and you think you have such a grasp of the world around you, but you have no idea. You can’t even begin to understand the places </i><b>in between</b><i>, the unknowable depths of eternity, the </i>mind-shattering<i> realizations that wait just beyond your rather limited peripheral understanding of space and time. What are you, huh? You </i>people<i>! You’re just dust! Dirt thrown together and given breath and yet you think you are owed </i>explanations<i>? You think you deserve to be in charge?" </i><br />
<br />
Since the final book in <i>The Coming Evil Trilogy</i> was published in 2013, I have been writing the story of that space "in between" the worlds, and with the recent release of my new supernatural thriller <i>Infernal City</i>, a new thematic trilogy is finished.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">WHAT'S IN A NAME?</span></b><br />
<br />
The unofficially labeled "In-Between Trilogy" derives its name from the fact that all books involved deal with that dark space "in between" the worlds of the multiverse, as first mentioned in <i>Dark Hour</i>. It is also labeled thus as it fits nicely "in between" <i>The Coming Evil</i>...and my NEXT Trilogy, which I am currently writing.<br />
<br />
The installments of this thematic trilogy--that is, <i><b>Rift Jump</b></i> (Volumes 1 & 2), <i><b>Infernal City</b></i>, and <i><b>HITMEN: Four Tales of Magick, Monsters, and Murder</b></i>--represent my creative journey to writing <i>The Coming Evil</i>. <i>Rift Jump</i> (or a version thereof) was begun when I was in high school and was the first story that I claimed. Later, in 1996-1998, when I realized I wanted to be a horror screenwriter, <i>Infernal City</i> (or "Soul Decision", as it was known before some boy band came out and stole my blasted title--I mean, seriously, what were the odds of <i>that</i>?) was the first script I wrote--with hopes of producing it myself at the age of 19 or 20 (I was pretty naive). I hung my hat on that script for a long time before I realized I did not have the proper connections, the money, or the equipment to produce a professional film on my own. So I found another outlet for moviemaking--<i>home </i>movies. <a href="http://thecomingevil.blogspot.com/2014/06/hitmen-story-behind-story.html" target="_blank">As has been stated elsewhere</a>, I set out to create a no-budget horror epic, just for me and my friends. From that simple mission statement, <i>HITMEN</i> was born. The novel bearing the same name is, really, just an elaborated adaptation of those original home movies.<br />
<br />
These were three important phases of my creative development, all leading me to 1999/2000, when I began writing the first draft of <i>The Coming Evil</i>. I am not a guy to let things go, so I knew that, once <i>The Coming Evil</i> was finished, I would return to those old ideas that I cut my teeth on, dust them off, give them a polish, and release them--but now as part of the mythology begun in <i>The Coming Evil</i>.<br />
<br />
This "In-Between Trilogy" interconnects, asking questions in one episode, answering them in another. They intersect at multiple points, weaving an intricate story web, though they <i>are </i>standalone stories with their own unique casts of characters, as well as plots and resolutions. This trilogy-of-sorts can be read in any order--all leading to that strange storm that kicks off <i>The Coming Evil</i>. Having said that, here's my personally preferred order of reading, the one that I think offers the most bang for your buck in picking up the various threads, themes, characters, and locations. There are far too many Easter Eggs and connections for me to list here (and part of the fun is discovering it for yourself), but here's a handy guide to get you started.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">ROMANCE AT THE EDGE OF FOREVER</span></b><br />
<br />
Greensboro and its battle against the Strange Man is only a small conflict in a much larger war. In the <i><b>Rift Jump</b></i> duology (Volumes <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rift-Jump-Expanded-Greg-Mitchell-ebook/dp/B00U1JEKAG/" target="_blank">1</a> & <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rift-Jump-II-Saras-Song-ebook/dp/B00ZMIOIB2" target="_blank">2</a>, respectively), we pull <i>way</i> back to reveal just how big a war that truly is. These stories take you to the very edge of the cosmos, where we learn that Greensboro belongs to a reality that is only one of many in an infinite multiverse of parallel realities. We are introduced to star-crossed lovers Michael and Sara, two teenage runaways who travel the multiverse together, trying to stay two steps ahead of some unfathomable evil that lurks in the dark spaces <i>in between</i> the worlds. This Evil is looking for something--namely the means of his escape, as the multiverse is his prison--and believes that Michael and Sara are the key. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Teen love and angst in the multiverse!</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On the surface, this sci-fi series seems a far cry from the "small town horror" of <i>The Coming Evil</i>. Readers will be whisked away to many bizarre and alternate worlds in a constant barrage of adventure, meeting costumed superheroes, robots, aliens, and demons. I've often compared it to a dark <i>Doctor Who</i> meets Lovecraft kind of tale, with enough cosmic horrors to keep the reader's head spinning. While "weird", the themes and struggles of its love-drunk protagonists as they make war against an outside Evil--and the darkness in their own hearts--will be instantly recognizable to fans of <i>The Coming Evil</i>. <br />
<br />
Over the course of these two volumes, we learn that one world, in particular, holds great meaning for this Cosmic Evil. A very familiar world to us, where there is a City where it never stops raining, and lost souls can see their dreams come true...for a terrible price.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">FOOL FOR THE CITY</span></b><br />
<br />
This narrative thread leads us to my brand new novel, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MUBT1OZ" target="_blank"><b>Infernal City</b></a></i>. The massive scope of <i>Rift Jump</i> comes into sharper focus here. Now, knowing what we do about that Thing in between the worlds, we find our way back to the Earth of <i>The Coming Evil Trilogy</i>. Lurking beneath the City is a sleeping beast that hungers for souls. We are introduced to Quinn Holbrook, a down-on-his-luck ex-boxer who is employed by the City's representative--known simply as "Mac"--to retrieve those who would sell their souls to the City for wealth and pleasure, and then try to run out once the bill comes due. When Quinn is tasked with hunting one of these "Runners" who's hiding in the idyllic community of Watcher's Grove (a close neighbor to Greensboro), he begins to learn the truth of that Thing Beneath the City. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjCFsUKmaPockNSYgkZQRBnqyCc3xBSmIO5BlXCFYhf4tE2pWSot6MoG8ewAkNXh8wFuUCQCBWf7VYtCNDJLgXlvsLzdmb0nPoAZie4qN-_SbmopnXLUXy-VZtiJ4ojKsnfMd0N2Damtx/s1600/Infernal_City_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjCFsUKmaPockNSYgkZQRBnqyCc3xBSmIO5BlXCFYhf4tE2pWSot6MoG8ewAkNXh8wFuUCQCBWf7VYtCNDJLgXlvsLzdmb0nPoAZie4qN-_SbmopnXLUXy-VZtiJ4ojKsnfMd0N2Damtx/s400/Infernal_City_Cover.jpg" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new release!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In <i>Infernal City</i>, we, too, begin to get a clearer picture of the greater threat that is posed to our heroes back in <i>The Coming Evil</i>. Aesthetically, <i>Infernal City</i> is the closest of my novels to <i>The Coming Evil</i>. We're in familiar territory, in a small town plagued by a demonic force--with quite a few twists and turns along the way. This is a noir detective story, a thriller, and a romance told in Quinn's own words. And as Quinn starts to question his place in the shadowy underbelly of our story world, <i>we</i> are going to plunge headlong into that darkness for the third and final installment of our thematic trilogy. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">SHADES OF GREY</span></b><br />
<br />
Moral ambiguity abounds as a complicated tale of forgiveness is told in <i><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hitmen-Tales-Magick-Monsters-Murder-ebook/dp/B00L74CDJY" target="_blank">HITMEN: Four Tales of Magick. Monsters, and Murder</a></b></i>. This book, itself, is a collection of four novellas that build upon one another, telling the bloody saga of Eli Ross, a hitman who has a crisis of faith that is precipitated by the appearance of a mysterious, hulking figure that has begun a campaign of slaughter against the criminal underworld's biggest players. Along the way, we meet world-weary Vinnie Caponi: Urban Mythologist, his young idealistic apprentice, Flynn, and the untamed criminal heiress Marcie, who has her fair share of secrets--as well as a tight hold on Eli's heart. These four unlikely heroes find themselves in the malevolent path of the Blue Skull--a supernatural killing machine--and must uncover the shocking truth behind his rampage and put an end to his reign of terror before they fall victim to his brutality. Adding to their problems is a villain who escaped the final chapters of <i>Infernal City</i> to come make trouble for our heroes...<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ru57nrgJNNlx2mH3hg9gDWSgO9yVOBJAU9AYwwBjioFvskzVCvuUyijlpwpXuvgvk0zfrtjBSx4WsYiur66bHn9Z-lULh7CaRP_gzrv5QHUa3k3WEp1EsA_lrwIrZkGa-scOZLvfRyhA/s1600/HitmenFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ru57nrgJNNlx2mH3hg9gDWSgO9yVOBJAU9AYwwBjioFvskzVCvuUyijlpwpXuvgvk0zfrtjBSx4WsYiur66bHn9Z-lULh7CaRP_gzrv5QHUa3k3WEp1EsA_lrwIrZkGa-scOZLvfRyhA/s320/HitmenFront.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A world of shadows...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i>HITMEN</i> could be considered "darker" than what most people are accustomed to reading from me. Heroes are sometimes harder to discern, and the lines between good and evil blur. It explores the occult connections of my mythology, and the violence is cranked up a few notches. It's an unabashedly gory novel, and to some of my faithful readers' chagrin, it also contains a rarity in my fiction: coarse language and sex. Even at that, the language and sensuality used is safely within a PG-13 rating, but I realize that for some, that's too much. Nevertheless, this is a story of killers and thieves in conflict with their baser natures. <i>HITMEN</i> is about breaking through the darkness of the world you know, escaping the traps of your past to find a new fate. The road to redemption is never easy, and rarely pretty. These are damaged people in dark places, and the language and subject matter of the book reflects that, but is meant to ultimately serve a redemptive purpose.<br />
<br />
<i>HITMEN</i> leads us the nearest to <i>The Coming Evil</i>, taking place just a couple months before the start of that original trilogy, and sections of the action even take place in Greensboro, itself. Readers will recognize some familiar places and faces, setting the stage for <i>The Coming Evil</i>.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">WHAT'S NEXT?</span></b><br />
<br />
Ultimately, the "In-Between Trilogy" reveals a larger world and conflict than seen in the original trilogy, and points to the cosmic importance of the events of Greensboro. It also raises many questions--questions that I am in the process of addressing in my next sequence of novels. There are many exciting mysteries left to reveal in Greensboro's distant past and even, in my mind, a future, <i>final </i>climatic battle to bring this mythology to a close. But while we wait, this new thematic trilogy offers many new adventures, heroes to cheer, monsters to fear, and an enticing look at the larger mythology of <i>The Coming Evil Trilogy</i>.<br />
<br />
All books are available in print and on Kindle.<br />
<br />Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-705832416460405942017-01-18T09:10:00.000-06:002017-01-19T12:42:14.232-06:00New Release--Infernal City!Out today, in both <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1542392047" target="_blank">print</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MUBT1OZ" target="_blank">Kindle</a> editions, is my new supernatural suspense novel, <i>Infernal City</i>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4Af9QiAIWgEjXtVY9YQIgK07bMP_YqQj5UDxsx79Xr4LIEd6r1NwnILbLbs-kyYQQluNgVSg6Jk2bERxuZjCVfRIHrQYvc1cdofcZxRtlFi0EPGxYZXjzyo_eNxzjxQQeOrJBuBMQS31/s1600/Infernal_City_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4Af9QiAIWgEjXtVY9YQIgK07bMP_YqQj5UDxsx79Xr4LIEd6r1NwnILbLbs-kyYQQluNgVSg6Jk2bERxuZjCVfRIHrQYvc1cdofcZxRtlFi0EPGxYZXjzyo_eNxzjxQQeOrJBuBMQS31/s320/Infernal_City_Cover.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
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Here's what's on the back:<br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>There are those who come to the City, looking to cut a
deal for the cost of their souls, and the City always collects what it’s owed
in the end. Quinn Holbrook is a Retriever for the City, tasked with tracking
down those who, out of fear or desperation, would renege on their Faustian
deals. When Quinn is given a job to hunt one of these “Runners” in the small
rural town of Watcher’s Grove, he suspects it’s just another job. Yet, as he’s
welcomed into this warm and loving community, he begins to doubt his
convictions. But the Grove is not all it seems, harboring a secret that could
spell the end of the City’s demonic reign. A battle is drawing near, and Quinn
will have to choose, once and for all, where his allegiance lies.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Fans of my <i>The Coming Evil Trilogy</i> will recognize the City, as it's been mentioned in that series (as well as my other works, but more on that in a later post). <i>Infernal City</i> is a sort of "sidequel", taking place just down the road from Greensboro and the events in <i>The Coming Evil</i>. <br />
<br />
This book also marks a return to the type of "small town horror" that I explored in my earlier books. My faith-based readers should find much to cheer for in this new tale. <i>Infernal City</i> is a romance, a mystery, and it's got a ton of strange new creatures. I hope everyone checks it out!<br />
<br />
Here's what Mike Dellosso--author of <i>Centralia</i> and <i>Kill Devil</i> had to say about the new book:<br />
<br />
"<i>Infernal City</i> is a mesmerizing story. Captivating. And Quinn Holbrook is a dude you just have to root for. Mitchell's way with words puts you right in the middle of the action. This is a story that will linger long after completion."</div>
Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-80218960976896692772016-10-02T06:30:00.000-05:002016-10-02T06:49:30.365-05:00New Release: Dracula vs Great White Shark!Out now, just in time for Halloween, is my new novel--my first aimed at young readers--<i>Dracula vs Great White Shark</i>!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWduZXuNN83q3Ng0c7isHBAkmaxOpwvFzl19QnnrX4E3Vsrziu3VsbjdU4_4H2tEPVrT8ZcX_pvtoBWdqM_DlgiAEEaHLPOZIkNT2fHKBEg7D-42hioD2MYtHhYee6TJpS2DFYqvWXl663/s1600/Dracula_vs._Great_Wh_Cover_for_Kindle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWduZXuNN83q3Ng0c7isHBAkmaxOpwvFzl19QnnrX4E3Vsrziu3VsbjdU4_4H2tEPVrT8ZcX_pvtoBWdqM_DlgiAEEaHLPOZIkNT2fHKBEg7D-42hioD2MYtHhYee6TJpS2DFYqvWXl663/s400/Dracula_vs._Great_Wh_Cover_for_Kindle.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cover, with art by Neil Vokes and Thomas Mason</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For the last few years I've been writing movies for the Syfy Channel, with an emphasis on sharksploitation movies. Not that I just love sharks, mind you, but with the success of Sharknado, that's what the network wants. So, every year, I try and come up with some permutation on this strange subgenre of creature features to pitch to Syfy--among them was <i>Dracula vs Great White Shark</i>. Envisioned as an old-fashioned monster rally, where the icon of cinema's classic era of monster movies (Dracula) tangles with a modern day popular monster icon (the shark), I was immediately taken with the sheer ridiculousness of the concept, but also wanted to treat it as a straight-up story. This isn't a parody, but an ode to these two creature feature genres.<br />
<br />
Syfy passed on the title (a number of times), but the more I thought about it, the more excited I became. My Dracula is in the tradition of Christopher Lee and <i>Tomb of Dracula</i>, and this story is designed as a sort of alternate take of the <i>Demeter </i>chapter of the original Bram Stoker novel. This is a fun "What-if" story, written for kids of all ages and, as such, is the first release under my new <b>MonsterKid Press</b> imprint.<br />
<br />
Since I first began my writing career, I've tried so hard to be a "serious" author, writing "serious" fiction. Frankly, I just needed a break. I've always been inspired by the monster movies of my youth, but have always tried to "grow them up". This time around, I've put that aside. I wanted to write a fun monster book that was just that--<i>fun</i>. And what better time to release it than my favorite time of the year? Many of you have mentioned <b><i>Infernal City</i></b>, my next "adult" novel. Fear not, it's still on the way, but <i>Dracula vs Great White Shark</i> was a rabbit I had to chase. Expect <i>Infernal City</i> early 2017. For now, in celebration of Halloween, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dracula-vs-Great-White-Shark/dp/0692785728/" target="_blank">order a copy of <i>Dracula vs Great White Shark</i></a>, sit back, and have some good old-fashioned monster entertainment.<br />
<br />
The book is currently available in print, with no immediate plans for a Kindle release. The cover art, done by veteran comic book artist Neil Vokes (<i>Fright Night, Flesh and Blood</i>), and colorist supreme Thomas Mason (who did both my <i>Rift Jump</i> covers) is simply too beautiful to be relegated to a screen.<br />
<br />
<b>And now, ABOUT THE BOOK, from the back copy:</b><br />
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<i>The year is 1897.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Young thief Kamen is on the run, but he believes his luck
has changed for the better when he stows away on board the Russian ship
</i>Demeter<i>, on course for England. He befriends a mysterious black dog, as well as
the captain’s daughter, Yana. But an ominous storm bears down upon the </i>Demeter<i>,
and suddenly crewmen begin to disappear. What’s more, a Great White shark is
stalking the boat, keeping an unnaturally steady watch. Kamen and Yana soon
discover that not everything is as it seems on board the </i>Demeter<i>, and the young
friends find themselves facing not only the notorious Count Dracula, but also a
relentless shark. What will it take to stop the foes challenging the </i>Demeter<i>’s
crew, and will the ship make it to England at all?</i></div>
Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-69204849726438378632016-07-26T17:48:00.002-05:002016-07-26T17:52:35.344-05:00Summer Update: Ozark Sharks! Infernal City!It's that time again. Summer is upon us and, with summer, comes a bevy of new sharksploitation movies for Syfy's annual <a href="http://www.syfy.com/blog/sharknado-week-2016" target="_blank">Sharknado Week</a>. Last year I was fortunate enough to contribute <i>Zombie Shark</i>, writing its screenplay. But this year, there's a new finned menace in the waters. I present to you...<br />
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<b>OZARK SHARKS!</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaGuw7Mot2Gi3SbrqAEy4DFnHuJlY8zDTDccJlNLAcNPyYWXdtlr0jgaYgMoWUlz4I60Dq4TkqGrlCkHUbyl9TPjVdGnvJKhiOqDptgl7UE9D423rb400rV1YAsbCb66tXS3fJUVl0pou/s1600/OzarkSharks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaGuw7Mot2Gi3SbrqAEy4DFnHuJlY8zDTDccJlNLAcNPyYWXdtlr0jgaYgMoWUlz4I60Dq4TkqGrlCkHUbyl9TPjVdGnvJKhiOqDptgl7UE9D423rb400rV1YAsbCb66tXS3fJUVl0pou/s400/OzarkSharks.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
<br />
This was a fun one that I had the opportunity be involved with in the early stages of pre-production. I helped develop the project, writing its first draft and later serving as Associate Producer. Marcy Holland came in and did a <i>super </i>job making the script her own, but still very much honoring what I originally put in there, and I am forever grateful to her for that. She rocks. As with <i>Zombie Shark</i>, this one is directed by Misty Talley--the first woman director of one of these Syfy Channel Original Movies we're told! Pretty awesome. She does a killer job (no pun intended) and the cast is great, bringing together some of my favorites from my previous two scripted Syfy outings (<i>Snakehead Swamp</i> and <i>Zombie Shark</i>), as well as some talented fresh blood.<br />
<br />
I hope you check it out when <i>Ozark Sharks</i> hits on the Syfy Channel, Thursday, July 28 at 8PM Central.<br />
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What else is going on? So glad you asked. I'm doing my final edits on my next novel, and hope to release it very, very soon. It's coming along and I'm anxious to see what you guys think of it. In the meantime, behold the cover!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrgkWQ3iUfwHafMH8OcQUbN079Ey1Yk2Gx2fs2sVNkpomYQYyvWaQ7eGeXJpfznqX7LCows_iD38HsMZJi7e_D212QEr1wzYgTSKZNW_rknaq2pq-SImPMRf3gkzBuGjHPd6ZHzrJM1VF/s1600/InfernalCityCover-a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrgkWQ3iUfwHafMH8OcQUbN079Ey1Yk2Gx2fs2sVNkpomYQYyvWaQ7eGeXJpfznqX7LCows_iD38HsMZJi7e_D212QEr1wzYgTSKZNW_rknaq2pq-SImPMRf3gkzBuGjHPd6ZHzrJM1VF/s400/InfernalCityCover-a.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artwork Not Final</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Expect a full reveal/synopsis in the weeks ahead, but <i><b>Infernal City</b></i> tells the story of a City that, quite literally, eats souls! This one has been in the works for awhile now and it's very much a return to the themes and "flavor" of my <i>The Coming Evil Trilogy</i>, that no fan will want to be without. I liken the new book as a first cousin to <i>The Coming Evil</i>, so keep checking back here as we get closer to its anticipated (at least by me) release.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5606742/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank"><i><b>Ozark Sharks</b></i></a>!Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-46049662758980128262016-02-01T06:00:00.000-06:002016-02-01T06:00:25.955-06:00"Keepers of the Dead"--An Interview with Bob FreemanMornin'.<br />
<br />
Today, we've got a new interview with Bob Freeman, real-life paranormal investigator and writer of occult tales. Recently saw the release of Bob's new book from Seventh Star Press, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Keepers-Dead-Bob-Freeman/dp/1941706363/" target="_blank"><b><i>Keepers of the Dead</i></b></a>, the second installment in his Gothic horror <i>Cairnwood Manor</i> saga.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPJg3qfkIC6XXqEaAEMrG4LYY28fN0qbrdmcBxvz7zYlPwatvoUrUTtuRr0JAsFfUdTWli1u-ApC6xqCzTQxBajBg99DaAuy_zrwOUsAO3YbiV46KTD-5qgiDghXApoLmigjEkSws9ion/s1600/KeepersoftheDead_WebCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPJg3qfkIC6XXqEaAEMrG4LYY28fN0qbrdmcBxvz7zYlPwatvoUrUTtuRr0JAsFfUdTWli1u-ApC6xqCzTQxBajBg99DaAuy_zrwOUsAO3YbiV46KTD-5qgiDghXApoLmigjEkSws9ion/s320/KeepersoftheDead_WebCover.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
I always love having Bob stop by, so let's jump right into it:<br />
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<b>Greg Mitchell: Bob! You’re back! And with the second novel in the Cairnwood Manor series: <i>Keepers of the Dead</i>. Tell us about it. </b><br />
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Bob Freeman: Thanks for having me, Greg.
<i>Keepers of the Dead</i> picks up a few months after <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Somerset-Cairnwood-Manor-Series-ebook/dp/B00L9UYHKE/" target="_blank"><i>Shadows Over Somerset</i></a></b> and the stakes are much higher. Michael is just settling into his role as the alpha of the Cairnwood Pack when his whole world gets turned upside down and he is drawn into a conflict with a sinister cabal intent on raising a demon that’s been locked away in the belly of Rosslyn Chapel for centuries.<br />
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All the main cast is back for this one, plus, I hope, some interesting new faces.<br />
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<b>GM: It’s funny; in preparation for the release of Book Two, I went back and re-read <i>Shadows</i> and kept thinking, “This is <i>classic </i>Bob Freeman.” You’ve got a Gothic Scottish mansion/castle in the Indiana heartland, with witches, werewolves, vampires, secret societies, occult detectivery (new word), and Conan-esque swordplay. It’s a very unique blend of a sort of “horror high fantasy” crashing into Small Town, America. I’ve never seen anything quite like it, and it’s pretty exciting. <a href="http://thecomingevil.blogspot.com/2014/07/shadows-over-somerset-interview-with.html" target="_blank">In our last interview</a>, you talked about the real-life inspiration for the kernel that became the Wolves of Cairnwood, but when it came time to start putting pen to paper, what were some of your inspirations for crafting this surreal fantasy world? </b><br />
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BF: Nick Mamatas and I had a chat at a convention a few years back and he said the biggest mistake almost every first time novelist makes is dumping everything they have an interest in into that first work.<br />
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<i>Shadows </i>being my first, I can honestly say, <i>guilty as charged</i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcJlnIs2PgXvYTIj91O5M9l9L9Kha-mIX_2UW_SSZZm-DCUI1KahxFYiHIEVeZENcX90YbvUD2ORv6qZBkC3YhSEIBFfRc5N-Lp5UBGCBGzCO1r07TlZMKFUC4-Os8LXnDI8AziGC0Lxw/s1600/Collins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcJlnIs2PgXvYTIj91O5M9l9L9Kha-mIX_2UW_SSZZm-DCUI1KahxFYiHIEVeZENcX90YbvUD2ORv6qZBkC3YhSEIBFfRc5N-Lp5UBGCBGzCO1r07TlZMKFUC4-Os8LXnDI8AziGC0Lxw/s320/Collins.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dark Shadows</i>' vampiric patriarch Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I grew up obsessed with <i>Universal Monsters</i>, <i>Dark Shadows</i>, and <i>The Night Stalker</i>, and I read more than my fair share of gothic paperbacks as a kid living in rural Indiana.
I discovered Lovecraft and Howard at a young age, and later was really into Katherine Kurtz’ <i>Adept </i>series. And, obviously, I’ve always had a fascination with the occult, its practices and practitioners.
I think if you tossed all of that into a blender, mixed in my love for local history and folklore, a smattering of everything from William Castle to Terence Fisher, and Dan Curtis, plus a little <i>Highlander </i>and the gods only know what else that my primal brain has latched onto and you get the whole insane <i>Cairnwood Manor</i> saga.<br />
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<b>GM: As it was with <i>Shadows Over Somerset</i>, I believe this is the second edition of <i>Keepers of the Dead</i>. Anything new to discover inside? </b><br />
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BF: Well, it had a tighter editorial hand, a couple of name tweaks here and there, and prettier packaging, but the story stayed the same.<br />
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I’ve toyed with the idea of doing a major rewrite of the whole thing, but, it really is a kind of time capsule of who I was at the time, what kind of writer I was, and to alter it too much would disrespect that.<br />
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<b>GM: I can understand that. I went through a similar process when reworking my <i>Rift Jump</i> stories from the original high school days to the "real" version. Trying to change it, while also keeping it true to who you were back in the day. </b><br />
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<b>So, you’re working on the next Cairnwood Manor book at the moment, correct? Is that the final one? What can you tell us about it—or is that a secret? </b><br />
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BF: Without giving anything major away, <i>Shadow of the Wolf</i> has time-travel, alternate realities, and what I hope are surprising guest appearances by characters from some of my other works in store.<br />
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The story takes place roughly 15 years after the events in <i>Keepers</i>, but also spends a fair amount of time in the 1880s. There’ll be plenty of hairy action, romance, and swordplay, with, I hope, more of a gothic atmosphere.<br />
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Oh, and more magic. And electric light...<br />
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<b>GM: That all sounds fantastic. I'm totally on board for that ride. And what of your other projects? I know you’ve got to be working on, at least, five other things right now, ha. Are we still looking at a revival of your paranormal investigators <i>Wolfe & Crowe</i>? What’s your signature creation Landon Connors up to these days? </b><br />
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BF: I’m working on <i>Shadow of the Wolf</i>, of course, plus an occult detective fantasy novel, and a weird western, but my mind is constantly drifting into Landon Connors/Wolfe & Crowe territory. I just can’t help it.<br />
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I would love to find a publisher who was as interested in Wolfe & Crowe as I am. I still consider <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Descendant-Liber-Monstrorum-Bob-Freeman/dp/1481200283/" target="_blank"><i>Descendant </i></a></b>my best work to date.<br />
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As for Dr. Connors, he’ll be appearing in a month long serial on my website, <a href="http://occultdetective.com/">occultdetective.com</a>, throughout February, if the gods are willing and the creek don’t rise.<br />
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You know me, Greg, I’m a storyteller at heart. The medium isn’t as important as the story itself and I’m always looking for ways to get that story told in some fashion or another.<br />
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Readers are such a small audience and I’d swear 80% of them are writers.<br />
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<b>GM: I'd believe that. </b><br />
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BF: I’m always looking for some way to get my stories out there. I recently adapted <i>Mourn Not the Sleepless Children</i> as an audio drama being produced by Openly Gamer and I wrote an episode for one of their upcoming ‘actual plays’.<br />
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I really dig the idea of cooperative storytelling. I’ve been playing RPGs for almost forty years and I’ve tried my hand at developing occult detective themed board and roleplaying games and could really see me heading even further down that rabbit hole.<br />
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<b>GM: I would be remiss if we didn’t talk about your son, Connor. He’s got a new book out, as well—his debut! That’s gotta be great as a father, right? Spill the details, man! </b><br />
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BF: Obviously I couldn’t be more proud.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrXE9qozOy6w8eIUOhybiPazsqygbow16ExDZAuS3JCuTs0OaIg22e_6Jem5C1qknu0_IiYvgw87nqwAtNX6G8ZLVd033LL3_2xuVxDREe8neFhXkiVGA78TMYqtYYhuObq4qck3Zp2vy/s1600/JonnySpencer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrXE9qozOy6w8eIUOhybiPazsqygbow16ExDZAuS3JCuTs0OaIg22e_6Jem5C1qknu0_IiYvgw87nqwAtNX6G8ZLVd033LL3_2xuVxDREe8neFhXkiVGA78TMYqtYYhuObq4qck3Zp2vy/s1600/JonnySpencer.jpg" /></a>Connor is home schooled and, when he was ten, my wife Kim and I decided to add creative writing to his curriculum. Well, he up and ran with it, creating <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jonny-Spencer-Black-Ashrock-Earth/dp/1522752323/" target="_blank"><b><i>Jonny Spencer and the Black Lich of Ashrock Earth</i></b></a>.<br />
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His new project, <i>Word Hollow</i>, is a sort of midwestern gothic fantasy, with demons, werewolves, monster hunters, talking birds and cats, and more.<br />
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<b>GM: Nice!</b><br />
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BF:He’s a very creative kid and he and I spitball ideas every day. I really am one lucky guy.<br />
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<b>GM: One of the things I love talking with you is inspirations. What shows, movies, books, games has got you excited these days? </b><br />
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BF: There’s so much great stuff out there:<br />
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In comics there’s Greg Rucka and Nicola Scott’s <i>Black Magick</i>, Tim Truman and Tomas Giorello’s <i>King Conan: Wolves Beyond the Border</i>, and Rich Douek and Brett Barkley’s <i>Gutter Magic</i> to name just a few.<br />
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I’ll continue to preach my love for the Lovecraft-inspired tabletop game <i>Elder Sign</i>. It has two expansions, <i>Unseen Forces</i> and <i>Gates of Arkham</i>, with a third coming out soon called <i>Omens of Ice</i>. What’s great about it is you can play it as part of a group or all by your lonesome.<br />
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I’m digging the <i>X-Files</i> revival and <i>Lucifer </i>on Fox, Syfy’s <i>The Magicians</i>, and the CW's run of superhero fare is must-see-TV at our house — <i>Flash</i>, <i>Arrow</i>, and<i> Legends of Tomorrow</i>.
A friend of mine turned me on to a show out of New Zealand called <i>The Almighty Johnsons</i> that is absolutely absurd, but I couldn’t help but watch. It’s about these four brothers who are, it turns out, reincarnated Norse Gods.<br />
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What else? If you haven’t seen <i>Crimson Peak</i>, you bloody well should.<br />
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<b>GM: I know, I know. That's on my list, when the Blu-Ray hits. I'm sorry to have missed that one in the theaters. </b><br />
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BF: I’ve been reading mostly bad paranormal non-fiction here lately, unfortunately. I get sent a lot of review material and most of it just isn’t up to snuff, you know.<br />
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I’m really hungry for a really great occult detective novel or a collection of short stories that goes above and beyond, something different and unexpected.<br />
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<b>GM: Thanks, Bob, for coming out. Now I’m off to read more of <i>Keepers of the Dead</i>—now available in print and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Keepers-Dead-Cairnwood-Manor-Book-ebook/dp/B018Q7HODO/" target="_blank">Kindle</a>!</b><br />
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BF: Thank you, Greg. It’s always a pleasure.
Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-77056664843241257522016-01-28T05:00:00.000-06:002016-01-28T05:00:00.171-06:00A Look AheadHappy (belated) New Year!<br />
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It's been forever since I've posted on here, mostly because I've been hard at work on a number of upcoming projects. Not only that, but I've been, frankly, trying to live my life a little. It's possible to have too much going on, and I was knee deep in that territory for the latter half of last year. So this year, I'm taking a bit of break. Still working, but these days I'm working more on my personal projects rather than "for hire" work--though there's some of that thrown in there, too.<br />
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So what's coming up?<br />
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First off, I'm pleased to announce that I have finished the manuscript to my seventh novel. Still have edits to do and then there's the question of what to do with it <i>after</i>. I've published my last three books on my own, without much success, to be honest. But I love the creative control and the freedom. Plus, with publishers becoming even <i>more </i>exclusive because of the increasing financial risk of publishing anyone who is <i>not </i>Stephen King or George RR Martin, I'm not sure where to turn. But that's all upsetting business stuff to worry about later. Right now, I'm focusing on just the simple joy of telling (and completing) a story. I don't want to say too much about it just yet, but what <i>can </i>I tell you about the next book? No title yet, as it keeps changing, but this is a story that I've been trying to tell--in one form or another--since 1998. In many ways, it's a return to my <i>Coming Evil</i> roots--simple people fighting off incomprehensible evil. It involves a City that devours souls, and centers on Quinn, a thuggish "Retriever" who makes sure that, well, let's just say he makes sure that the dinner doesn't scramble off the plate. It's a noir-type story, rife with monsters and a very faith-driven fight of good versus evil. Also, it fits squarely into my larger mythology. In fact, this book is the concluding chapter of my current "concept trilogy" that consists of <i><b>HITMEN: Four Tales of Magick, Monsters</b></i>, <i><b>and Murder</b></i>, and the <i><b>Rift Jump</b></i> duology. Together, they pull back the veil on the world introduced in <i><b>The Coming Evil Trilogy</b></i>, showing that the threat presented by the Strange Man has its roots in something much more cosmic. And <i>that </i>tasty morsel leads into my next announcement...<br />
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I've officially broken ground on the <b>next </b><i>Coming Evil</i> novel. Still waaaay too early to say anything about that yet, but I've had this story in mind for many, many years. There are seeds of it sprinkled throughout <i>The Coming Evil</i>, and even more of its foundation is laid in the aforementioned "concept trilogy". I'm super excited about it, but nervous, as well. <i>The Coming Evil</i> has always been very special to me and I want to be extra careful to handle its continuation properly.<br />
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In other news, I've also had the opportunity to help develop another Syfy Channel Original. I'm buried way back behind the scenes on this one, but it's always fun to be involved in these creature features. Definitely can't talk about that one yet, but I'll be sure to keep you posted as the premier draws nigh.<br />
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Finally, my fellow <i>Star Wars</i> contributor Edward M. Erdelac and I have co-written an essay on that beloved saga to be included in Sequart's upcoming book <a href="http://sequart.org/books/46/a-galaxy-far-far-away-exploring-star-wars-comics/" target="_blank"><i><b>A Galaxy Far, Far Away: Exploring Star Wars Comics</b></i></a>. Very thankful to be included in this alongside other reputable <i>Star Wars</i> fans and authors. I think it's going to be pretty neat. Look for that later this year.<br />
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That's what I've been up to. I know I started this blog with saying that I wanted to be <i>less </i>busy, but, believe me--this is less busy for me :)<br />
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And, no, this won't be the last you hear from me for another six months. Coming up in the days ahead, I've got an interview with my buddy, paranormal investigator and author Bob Freeman. He's got a new book out! Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-32254116336444402942015-10-21T13:06:00.002-05:002015-10-21T13:06:28.930-05:00Welcome to the FutureIt has been a long time since I've been on this blog. In honor of <i>Back to the Future</i> Day, I wanted to take a minute and express my thoughts on this day, my own life, and--of course--the future.<br />
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I remember when I first saw <i>Back to the Future II</i> on home video and first witnessed Marty McFly heading to the far-off mystical date of <b>October 21, 2015</b>. I was just a little kid then, and never thought much about 2015, or where I would be in my own life by that point. In fact, as I grew up a diehard BTTF fan and watched the Trilogy on repeat for hours and <i>hours</i>--even as I spent nearly three years of my life writing a comprehensive guide to the chronology of the series (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Back-Time-Unauthorized-Future-Chronology/dp/0578130858/" target="_blank">it's now on sale, go buy it</a>)--I STILL gave very little thought about my own future, particularly what my life would look like on that date.<br />
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So, here we are: It's October 21, 2015. It is The Future.<br />
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This isn't where I thought I would be on this date, but I don't mean that in a negative light. For the most part, I have a great life. A steady day job, a happy marriage, great kids. Things are pretty great on that front.<br />
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But on this date, I'm also dealing with a lot of grief. Not even three months ago I unexpectedly lost one of my dearest friends, Zachary Malcolm to complications following a stroke. We talked a lot about this day, about the famed future as foretold by <i>Back to the Future</i>. We planned to be there together. And he's not here. I'm struggling with that a lot. Especially with this being Halloweentime, which was our time. Our time to revel in gothic Hammer Horror movies and talk about costumes and decorations and that most wonderful night when the monsters come out to play. He's not here, but I still feel him in the October Wind.<br />
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This has also been a time of great searching for me, in terms of my writing. Trying to figure out who I am as a writer. Who do I <i>want </i>to be, moving forward?<br />
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As I said, I always expected October 21, 2015 to just be a regular old Wednesday, but as it's turned out, this has been a very big day. Doors have been closed in my writing life--at least for the moment--while others are now widening with new possibility. No, I don't have any projects lined up--but that's the beauty of it. For the first time in YEARS, I have a clean slate. I have no stress, no deadlines, no commitments. I've been given an opportunity to enjoy my great life a little bit. To write for me. For fun, for awhile. Some things I hope to publish, others are just for me and my family to enjoy. But I've got that freedom now. I've been doing a lot of soul searching for the last few months--ever since Zach died. I've been lost, guys. And I've prayed that God would show me some direction. Throw me some clue as to what path I'm supposed to be on.<br />
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Today, He has. It's all come to a head on <i>this </i>day, of all days, <b>October 21, 2015</b>. For the first time, my future feels unwritten and I'm not scared about that. I'm hopeful, and I'm excited, and I know that God is not through me and that, together, <i>we </i>are not through with this writer's journey. I don't know where it's going to lead next, but that's okay. Where we're going, we don't need roads.<br />
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So I'm embracing my future, ready to push through and see what's beyond that time barrier. In the immortal words of Doctor Emmett Lathrop Brown, "Your future is whatever you make of it. So make it a good one."<br />
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I intend to.<br />
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--Greg Mitchell<br />
October 21, 2015: The Future<br />
<br />Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-18224055319423491232015-07-13T15:55:00.001-05:002015-07-13T15:56:20.051-05:00Zombie Shark--July 20th!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's official! My second SyFy Original Movie, "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4704918/?ref_=ttmd_md_nm" target="_blank">ZOMBIE SHARK</a>", is bloodying up the waters this coming <strong>Monday, July 20th at 8 PM Central Time</strong>! Don't miss it!Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-89517439616505082852015-06-29T06:00:00.000-05:002015-06-29T06:00:01.854-05:00Look! Up In the Sky!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm pleased to announce today that the MONSTER anthology (seriously, this thing is gargantuan) <i><b>Superhero Monster Hunter: The Good Fight</b></i> is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Superhero-Monster-Hunter-Good-Fight-ebook/dp/B00ZSJBZXE/" target="_blank">now live on Amazon</a> from the fine folks at Emby Press! Right now, you can feast your eyes on the digital copy, with a hard copy soon on the horizon.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXDz_pbDFa_oGCXFfykKRXjtDZ6OvkVh3zWSnwYkskNPrEpw7NDIqgrp10jCVI6dgAG3Eq_73MauVm5pD1GhRtpqcxLFmwbTOKlE-d008d2vdxoG1T4PVTsqEB9HZ3nIcZwIFOJbnpgWs/s1600/LightSphere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXDz_pbDFa_oGCXFfykKRXjtDZ6OvkVh3zWSnwYkskNPrEpw7NDIqgrp10jCVI6dgAG3Eq_73MauVm5pD1GhRtpqcxLFmwbTOKlE-d008d2vdxoG1T4PVTsqEB9HZ3nIcZwIFOJbnpgWs/s320/LightSphere.jpg" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An original pic of Light Sphere I drew back in '97, I think</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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My short story "Red Fog" is included in this mammoth text, featuring my own superhero creation Light Sphere. I've spoken about Light Sphere and his creation before on this very blog, but I created the character way back in junior high in the early '90s when the X-Men were really cooking. Seriously, the comics were back in vogue and there was the new FOX cartoon (which totally blew my mind). "Mutants" were all the rage and I jumped in with my own variation on the concept, but I wanted something with a bit of a twist. In Light Sphere, I created a character whose greatest strength was his greatest weakness--he had the ability to blast energy from his hands, but to do so without wearing these special mechanized gauntlets, he'd fry his arms to crispy husks. It's a severe limitation and, I thought, would make for an interesting predicament. Or, at least I did when I was thirteen.<br />
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I wrote and drew (re: traced) two whole issues of Light Sphere back in ninth grade or so, in the back of my classrooms while I was supposed to be learning something. Then, after that, Light Sphere got stuffed in a shelf and forgotten until about 2012 when I resurrected him, gave him a fresh polish, and included him in my multidimensional cosmic horror romp <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rift-Jump-Expanded-Greg-Mitchell-ebook/dp/B00U1JEKAG/" target="_blank"><i><b>Rift Jump</b></i></a>. He showed up to duke it out with my main protagonist in that book (another comic book character I created later in high school--Michael Morrison) and, like any good superhero yarn, the two slugged it out before becoming friends and allies.<br />
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Since then, I've had fun crafting new stories for Light Sphere. Late last year he tangled with a very strange lycanthrope in Lion's Share Press' anthology <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Metahumans-vs-Robots-T-Johnson-ebook/dp/B00REZ024S/" target="_blank"><i><b>Metahumans vs Robots</b></i></a>. Most recently, Light Sphere made a return in my <i>brand new novel</i> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZMIOIB2/" target="_blank"><i><b>Rift Jump II: Sara's Song</b></i></a>! <br />
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Needless to say, the guy's making the rounds and it's been a real blast playing with this character after so long and telling his stories after all these years. As for "Red Fog" in particular, it is my homage to the classic Batman/Dracula series of graphic novels: <i>Red Rain</i>, <i>Bloodstorm</i>, and <i>Crimson Mist</i>. Those things were a revelation to me when I was a teenager, combining Gothic horror and the noble plight of the superhero. I hope I've done that style of story justice, as well as adding my own spin on the material.<br />
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Check out Light Sphere battling vampire hordes in "Red Fog" collected in the pages of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Superhero-Monster-Hunter-Good-Fight-ebook/dp/B00ZSJBZXE/" target="_blank"><i><b>Superhero Monster Hunter: The Good Fight</b></i></a>! And now I leave you with this:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sAkL2-vh2Sk" width="459"></iframe>Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-64502649339111071732015-06-15T06:00:00.000-05:002015-06-15T06:00:02.325-05:00Release Day--"Sara's Song"!The wait is over.<br />
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Available today is my new release <i><b>Rift Jump, Volume Two: Sara's Song</b></i>--the concluding chapter of the <i>Rift Jump</i> duology! As always, the book is available in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rift-Jump-II-Saras-Song/dp/0692461809/" target="_blank">print</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rift-Jump-II-Saras-Song-ebook/dp/B00ZMIOIB2/" target="_blank">Kindle</a>, and <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/549182" target="_blank">other ebook formats</a>.<br />
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Folks, this has been a crazy ride. I knew when I wrote the original <i>Rift Jump</i> that I had one more book in me to wrap up Michael and Sara's trip across the multiverse, but <i>Sara's Song</i> has really surprised me. For starters, this is the longest thing I've ever written, and it is jam-packed with adventure, heartache, cosmic horrors, and explosive action--and the stakes have never been higher. All of existence is in danger of being eradicated, and our two favorite dysfunctional teenage runaways are at the very heart of it.<br />
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What was perhaps most surprising to me is that this book also lays the groundwork for the entire uber-mythology that encompasses most of my work, including <b><i>The Coming Evil Trilogy</i></b>. Trust me, you'll never look at the little town of Greensboro the same after reading this! It's all setting up for where I would like to take <i><b>The Coming Evil</b></i> series in future books.<br />
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So enough of the sales pitch. Go out and pick up your copy today. Here's the cover and synopsis. And, if you're behind on this series that spans space and time, you can also buy the recent <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rift-Jump-Revised-Expanded-1/dp/0692385908/" target="_blank"><i><b>Rift Jump: Revised and Expanded Edition</b></i></a> and experience the journey from the beginning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qMESIP85EQYFaOyBLtkV2_LItgJDxrs71bmHzp_f87nnFTOHNEHbGgWRSlMfydJhApwjhWSF60nTlFufYRR2DvD58GNPTYo28hyWXz_VZ99m0y6um5hFxZCIFrECUmd3LNIPPXg7yLbV/s1600/RiftJumpVol2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qMESIP85EQYFaOyBLtkV2_LItgJDxrs71bmHzp_f87nnFTOHNEHbGgWRSlMfydJhApwjhWSF60nTlFufYRR2DvD58GNPTYo28hyWXz_VZ99m0y6um5hFxZCIFrECUmd3LNIPPXg7yLbV/s400/RiftJumpVol2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">About the Book:</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">For over a year, Sara Morrison has been living a life she never dreamed possible. Rift jumping across parallel dimensions with her husband Michael, who is on a quest to battle the Rage, and their adopted son Toby, who possesses superpowers of his own, Sara has experienced wonders beyond belief. But she can't help but feel inferior to Michael as he saves the day time and again, and Sara longs for the chance to shin on her own.</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">When Michael and Sara encounter a cosmic storm that is shattering the worlds within the multiverse, Sara begins to uncover devastating truths about her past, her foretold future, and her connection to the reality-devouring storm. In order to overcome her <span style="font-family: inherit;">own frightful fate, Sara will have to make a harrowing journey across the worlds and into the very heart of hell itself, before the multiverse falls to total darkness and her family is lost forever.</span></span></span></i>Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-42182950232042585102015-06-08T08:11:00.003-05:002015-06-08T08:11:59.052-05:00An Update and a Release!Been awhile since we've had an update around here because I've been knee-deep in the final phases of production for my new novel <em><strong>Rift Jump Volume 2: Sara's Song</strong></em>. I'm happy to report that we're almost there! The e-book will most likely be online this week, with the paperback soon to follow--if not released simultaneously. Ironing out all the kinks and getting it ready to unleash upon the world.<br />
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<em>Sara's Song</em> is meant to be the capper to my wild little ride through the multiverse and, believe me when I say, this is the biggest project I've ever done. There's some mind-bending, reality-warping, galaxy-shattering goodness going on in this thing. Think Lovecraft meets Star Wars with teen love thrown in the mix, all wrapped in a comic book package. This is a fantasy epic I've been working on since high school and I'm excited to share it with you all.<br />
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In the meantime, now is the perfect time to get caught up on the <em>Rift Jump</em> saga. <em><strong>The Revised and Expanded Edition</strong></em> is now available in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rift-Jump-Revised-Expanded-Edition/dp/0692385908/" target="_blank">print</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rift-Jump-Expanded-Greg-Mitchell-ebook/dp/B00U1JEKAG/" target="_blank">e-book</a>. Check it out and stay tuned for the big release of the epic finale!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHoo39XWECfAhiOqN7e-xcHMzepd25xhHAfCzdLqU-P6kvwTYq2axLzTZN8EWyGoA5PedJhxdxjvH-gyc5U9TSyxQtNlsvG_albgN5M62bGCzY_nlirRWazNO77a7DdpcBeRUKj9x6j2Z/s1600/RiftJump1Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHoo39XWECfAhiOqN7e-xcHMzepd25xhHAfCzdLqU-P6kvwTYq2axLzTZN8EWyGoA5PedJhxdxjvH-gyc5U9TSyxQtNlsvG_albgN5M62bGCzY_nlirRWazNO77a7DdpcBeRUKj9x6j2Z/s400/RiftJump1Small.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-62373611695941686782015-04-24T18:07:00.000-05:002015-04-24T18:07:38.123-05:00Don't Go in the Water! Zombie Shark is coming!At last the veil of secrecy is lifted.<br />
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As a follow-up to last summer's <i>Snakehead Swamp</i> (now available to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Snake-Head-Swamp-Ayla-Kell/dp/B00N1G1AMM/" target="_blank">own </a>and <a href="http://www.redbox.com/movies/snakehead-swamp" target="_blank">rent on Redbox</a>, I thank you :p), I'm thrilled to announce that my second Syfy Original Movie is headed your way this summer:<br />
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<b>ZOMBIE SHARK!</b><br />
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Still not sure how much I can say at this point, except that among its stars are Cassie Steele, Jason London, and Ross Britz (who you'll remember as the mega-jerk Ian in <i>Snakehead Swamp</i>). This is another fine film from the folks at Active Entertainment and is directed by the super-cool Misty Talley.<br />
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<i>Zombie Shark</i> comes as part of Syfy's summer lineup to celebrate the release of the latest installment in the blockbuster <i>Sharknado </i>franchise. Not sure yet on the exact date and time that <i>Zombie Shark</i> will be on the prowl, but here's the official press release in regards to Sharknado Week:<br />
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<i><b>SHARKNADO WEEK (PROGRAMMING EVENT)</b><br /> </i><br />
<i>Premieres Saturday, July 18 to Saturday, July 25</i><br />
<i>
</i><br />
<i>The second annual SHARKNADO WEEK will feature seven original movies, including:<br /> </i><br />
<i>· Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!<br /> </i><br />
<i>· Sharktopus Vs. Whale Wolf (Roger Corman’s third installment of the ‘Sharktopus’ franchise, starring Casper Van Dien)<br /> </i><br />
<i>· 3-Headed Shark Attack (starring Danny Trejo)<br /> </i><br />
<i>· Roboshark<br /> </i><br />
<i>· Mega Shark Vs. Kolossus (starring Illeana Douglas)<br /> </i><br />
<i><b>· Zombie Shark (starring Jason London)</b><br /> </i><br />
<i>· The world premiere of Lavalantula, starring Steve Guttenberg and
fellow Police Academy alums Leslie Easterbrook and Michael Winslow, as
they battle lava-breathing tarantulas threatening to destroy Los
Angeles.</i><br />
<br />
Be sure to set your DVRs!<i> </i>As always, stay tuned here for updates and the eventual trailer!Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-50310554962955002242015-03-16T07:27:00.001-05:002015-03-16T07:27:53.463-05:00Free Short Fiction--"Company Man: Finale"Welcome to the final installment of an all-new <i>Rift Jump</i> short story, exclusive to this site. In "Company Man", we explore the origins of the villainous Hooded Man from the original <i>Rift Jump</i> novel--now on sale in the new <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rift-Jump-Revised-Expanded-Edition/dp/0692385908/" target="_blank">Revised and Expanded Edition</a></b>.<br />
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<a href="http://thecomingevil.blogspot.com/2015/03/new-short-fiction-company-man-part-one.html" target="_blank">Click here to read Part One of our tale</a>.<br />
<a href="http://thecomingevil.blogspot.com/2015/03/free-short-fiction-company-man-part-two.html" target="_blank">Click here to read Part Two!</a><br />
<a href="http://thecomingevil.blogspot.com/2015/03/free-short-fiction-company-man-part.html" target="_blank">Click here for Part Three</a>.<br />
<a href="http://thecomingevil.blogspot.com/2015/03/free-short-fiction-company-man-part-four.html" target="_blank">Click here for Part Four</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbnZWTmZ-dylv3k2aZkyfjHpC6ci7oz5krD2818tnGEyX9v-t8iDq53F9CM0INw4BPqXMKSIDGjlNDKgGil_DRfqu3prsw9_ukAbiB3pr9_EuctymciXSIQyzNlPLI2SGXQRNMh7u8qcv/s1600/CompanyManTitle.jpg" height="207" width="400" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>PART FIVE</b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
lined up his shot, looking through the rifle scope at the deer that nibbled at
grass down range. Keeping perfectly still, hiding in the brush, Michael held in
his breath and slowly exhaled, pulling the trigger. A loud clap split the
countryside serenity and the deer bolted, only making four or five paces before
it collapsed—a fresh hole just behind the shoulder.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
grinned and stood. The winter cold assaulted his senses and he pulled his dirty
and tattered long coat closer, drawing the hood to shadow his eyes from the
merciless sun. He slung the rifle over his shoulder by the strap and trudged
through the icy river to his felled prey. It was a big one. The biggest one
he’d caught all winter. Sara would have her hands full packing the meat, but it
was sure to last them for months.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
bundled up the deer methodically, preparing to haul it back to his four-wheeler
some yards away. Even as he did so, he snickered, remembering those first few
months out in the Wilds, learning how to hunt. He’d been so green back then,
fearful of his own shadow, only good for scribbling figures for those blasted
machines. <i>So long ago…</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
hadn’t seen a machine since they’d escaped to the Wilds fifteen years ago.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">His
mind drifted back to that old life. Sometimes he felt that another person lived
those years. At the time, he’d not been aware how angry he was, but now he saw
how easily it had been for Rip to manipulate him—to control him, just as the
monitors had done.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
wondered where Rip was now. What terrible things he was doing across the
cosmos. <i>That could have been my life</i>.
But it wasn’t. His life was here, in the peace and quiet, with Sara at his
side.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Without
regret, he journeyed over the plains on his old four-wheeler, finally spotting his
and Sara’s cottage. He pulled the four-wheeler into the yard with his prize in
tow. Blowing hot breath into his hands to warm them, he pushed his way through
the front door. He slipped off his hood and called out, “Hey, I’m back.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sara’s
usual reply did not meet him. He stepped into the kitchen, but did not find
her. “Sara?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Moved
to the next room, their bedroom. Empty, too.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
stood still, his heart beginning to pound. “Sara? Where…?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then
he heard whimpering. From above.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jerking
his head skyward, he saw Sara pinned to the ceiling by some invisible force.
She wept, her long red tresses dangling down past her face.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Sara!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
reached for her, his mind whirring to figure out some way to get her down, when
a wave of unseen energy slammed him, shot him across the room, and pinned him
in place against the wall.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
grunted in pain and shock, struggling to move his arms—even his fingers—but he
was frozen solid. “Sara!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A
voice spoke from somewhere within the shadows of the room, low and calm. “Michael.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
twisted without success, tears building in his eyes. “Who are you? Why are you
doing this?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael’s
panicked eyes darted every which way, trying to find the source of the voice.
At last, the shadows parted and a tall, thin man in a black suit with coattails
exited. The pale man’s hair was wild and white, as though styled by static
electricity. His eyelids were half-closed, his nose upturned in a display of
arrogance. He nearly floated along the hard wood floor, coming to a stop before
Michael.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Who
are you?” Michael demanded.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
believe you once knew an associate of mine. Rip?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
swallowed hard. <i>No…please, no</i>.
Suddenly, Rip’s words returned to him, after fifteen years: “<i>You can’t run from us! You can’t run from
what you are!</i>”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You’re
Rip’s Boss,” Michael stuttered. “The one he talked about.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
thin man considered, then shook his head. “I’m more of a…conductor of a
symphony. Rip played for me, but we both make music at the behest of a greater muse.
Something greater than anything you can imagine. And he is not pleased with
you.” The man circled the room, casually eyeing Sara still sobbing on the
ceiling.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I’ll get you down</i>, Michael thought to her, meeting her
terrified eyes. <i>I’ll save you, just like
I did before</i>.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You
see,” the stranger said, “you’ve stolen from him.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
didn’t steal anything!” Michael blurted, tears spilling down his weathered face,
and he suddenly felt so very old. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Ah,
but you have. All that power, churning inside. It doesn’t belong to you, though
you’ve certainly profited from it, haven’t you? Leaving your mechanical oppressors,
building a life out here for you and your…<i>woman</i>.
All made possible by the Rage. And now it’s time to pay up.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
gnashed his teeth, trying to will himself to move. “Please, I’ll—I’ll do
whatever you want.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Michael,
no,” Sara sobbed.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
winced, and continued, “Rip said I was supposed to help make Chaos or something,
right? I’ll—I’ll do it. Just, please, don’t hurt Sara.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
thin man faced Michael, tapping his chin. The man’s long face was impassive,
devoid of all emotion. Just dead, staring eyes, and a put-upon air about him,
as though he had more pressing matters to attend to. “It’s too late for that,
Michael,” he stated without mirth. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
whimpered. “No, please…”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“We
have a new part for you to play. You see, we have another stray, running
rampant across the multiverse, causing us <i>a
lot</i> of trouble. Another Michael Morrison, as a matter of fact.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
blinked in surprise.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
thin man continued, “He, like you, thinks he can escape us, but he’s wrong.”
Leveling a disdainful glare on Michael, he finished, “You both are.” He paced
again, glancing to Sara on the ceiling. “You will help us find and convince him
that to flee from us is futile. We are your fate—the very reason you were
created. But to share that truth with him, you must share it from a place of <i>conviction</i>.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
man fixed a cold, unflinching stare on Sara, then lifted a hand and snapped his
fingers. Sara screamed, her body making terrible crunching noises. Bones
breaking. Michael grunted, trying to pull himself free. “What are you doing? <i>Stop!</i>”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
thin man spoke over Sara’s shouts, “You are an instrument, Michael, but one
that is out of tune. We have to refine you, to prepare you for my symphony.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sara
continued to scream, her body breaking at the demonic man’s command. Michael
wailed and raged against his invisible restraints. “I’ll kill you!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
man only shook his head. “Still out of tune. Come on, Michael. You are a
company man. You remember how this game works, or have you forgotten, living
out here in the Wilds? You have to be taught your place. You. Will. Heel.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Sara!”
he cried, his heart breaking, a thousand memories of their life together
passing before his eyes.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">But
Sara’s screams finally trailed off. Her head hung limp, her body still. The man
gave a wave of his hand and Sara collapsed to the bed, lifeless.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dead.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
wept deep ragged gasps that pained his chest.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">At
last, the man—this sick Maestro of misery—regarded him. “Ah, much better. The
song of your pain is beautiful—don’t ever try to hide that. Now you will be
able to sing with passion, to spread my music.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
bowed his head, weeping, his hood slipping over his features. At once, he was
released from his imprisonment and collapsed to all fours. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
Maestro moved to him, his polished shoes clicking on the hard wood floor. “Will
you submit now?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
thought to rebel, to punch and kick and die fighting. He’d been ready to die
when he left The Company, to be with Sara. He’d had fire back then, desperate
to be away—determined that his life would belong only to him.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">But,
in the end, maybe his father was right. Better to blend in. To obey.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">If
he had, Sara would still be alive.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
stood, his hood draping over his eyes, bathing his sight in shadow. “Yes.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>EPILOGUE</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
Hooded Man arranged Sara’s body on their bed and softly kissed her forehead.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then
he set the house on fire.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
stood now, wrapped in his tattered coat and hood, watching the last remnants of
his independence burn away. It’d been a good life, the last fifteen years. A
good distraction, but a distraction all the same. Rip had tried to tell him
that he was meant for more, but he’d refused. Resistance was useless. He
understood that now, here at the end, and he would teach it to this <i>other</i> Michael Morrison. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>You can’t run from who you
are.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
was a company man, through and through. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Are
you ready to leave?” the voice spoke from the shadows behind him.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
nodded, not facing the Maestro. “I’m ready.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Then
let us begin the concerto.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>To Be Continued In</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rift-Jump-Expanded-Greg-Mitchell-ebook/dp/B00U1JEKAG/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>RIFT JUMP: Revised and Expanded Edition</i></b></span></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Now on sale from Genre Experience</b> </span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>Copyright 2015 Greg Mitchell</i><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for reading, everyone. Go out and get your copy of <i>Rift Jump: Revised and Expanded Edition</i>, and stay tuned for the release of this summer's stunning sequel--<i>Sara's Song</i>!</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHoo39XWECfAhiOqN7e-xcHMzepd25xhHAfCzdLqU-P6kvwTYq2axLzTZN8EWyGoA5PedJhxdxjvH-gyc5U9TSyxQtNlsvG_albgN5M62bGCzY_nlirRWazNO77a7DdpcBeRUKj9x6j2Z/s1600/RiftJump1Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHoo39XWECfAhiOqN7e-xcHMzepd25xhHAfCzdLqU-P6kvwTYq2axLzTZN8EWyGoA5PedJhxdxjvH-gyc5U9TSyxQtNlsvG_albgN5M62bGCzY_nlirRWazNO77a7DdpcBeRUKj9x6j2Z/s1600/RiftJump1Small.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-20838792349446469532015-03-12T06:00:00.000-05:002015-03-12T06:00:05.448-05:00Free Short Fiction--"Company Man: Part Four"Welcome to the fourth installment of an all-new <i>Rift Jump</i> short story, exclusive to this site. In "Company Man", we explore the origins of the villainous Hooded Man from the original <i>Rift Jump</i> novel--now on sale in the new <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rift-Jump-Revised-Expanded-Edition/dp/0692385908/" target="_blank">Revised and Expanded Edition</a></b>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thecomingevil.blogspot.com/2015/03/new-short-fiction-company-man-part-one.html" target="_blank">Click here to read Part One of our tale</a>.<br />
<a href="http://thecomingevil.blogspot.com/2015/03/free-short-fiction-company-man-part-two.html" target="_blank">Click here to read Part Two!</a><br />
<a href="http://thecomingevil.blogspot.com/2015/03/free-short-fiction-company-man-part.html" target="_blank">Click here for Part Three</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbnZWTmZ-dylv3k2aZkyfjHpC6ci7oz5krD2818tnGEyX9v-t8iDq53F9CM0INw4BPqXMKSIDGjlNDKgGil_DRfqu3prsw9_ukAbiB3pr9_EuctymciXSIQyzNlPLI2SGXQRNMh7u8qcv/s1600/CompanyManTitle.jpg" height="207" width="400" /></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>PART FOUR</b></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
and Sara raced down the hall, pushing workers out of the way. More robots
joined in the pursuit, their metal feet clanking on the floor as they gave
chase, all the while shouting their commands to halt. Even some of Michael’s
co-workers hollered after him, telling him to give up, to give in, to blend in.
One man even reached out, anger marring his features.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“What
do you think you’re doing?” the man snapped. “Have you lost your mind?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Scowling,
he wrapped strong arms around Michael, to pin him in place, but Michael jerked
wildly, slipping from the grip. In one fluid move he curled his fingers into a
fist and punched. He’d never hit a man before, and was struck by how painful it
was. Nevertheless, it did the trick. Surprised, the co-worker sprawled to the
ground, his nose busted.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
stood over him, then regarded his shaking hand, exhilaration pumping through
his veins. He laughed, elated, until Sara tugged on his arm, grinning as well.
“Hurry!” </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">They
did. Michael saw a side door up ahead that would take them down the fire escape
to the floors below, but as they were about to reach it, anther monitor
emerged. It pointed at Michael, its feminine voice deeper and agitated, “STOP!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
and Sara slid to a halt as the robots closed in, blocking off every avenue of
escape. Sara clung to him, trembling, and Michael worried what their fate would
be. At the very least, they would be forever separated from each other,
re-stationed in two cities on opposite ends of the country.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">But
the likeliest outcome was that they both would be liquidated for their
rebellion.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I’m
sorry, Sara,” he shouted over the increasingly loud commands to get on the
ground and submit.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Don’t
be,” she said, looking into his eyes. “For a moment, we were free. Truly free.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
smiled and realized that, if these were his last moments on Earth, there was
only one thing left to do. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
leaned down and kissed her. She cupped the back of his hair, pulling him
closer, melting into him. Michael wrapped his arms around her, determined to
never let her go.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A
loud crash shattered their kiss. Michael parted from Sara and turned to the
glass wall at the far end of the hallway, looking out over the city. Presently,
a hovercar sat parked in the hallway, broken glass littering the carpet, and
one robot pinned underneath the heavy vehicle. In the cockpit—</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Rip!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
undid the hatch on the vehicle and stood, crowing. “C’mon, little brother, get
a move on, will ya!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
laughed out loud, clutched Sara, and made a run for the hovercar. Monitors
reached out for him, their cold metal fingers clamping the air around him,
missing him by inches. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A
phalanx of androids swarmed them, but Michael helped Sara into the cockpit as
carefully as he could. One droid secured his arm and Michael kicked at it,
roaring in rage and adrenaline. He wouldn’t go back! He would be free!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
stamped with his foot until the robot let go, its neck spurting sparks where
Michael had broken it. He scrambled into the hovercar as Rip pulled away. One
of the droids leapt through the broken window, sailing through the air and
landing squarely on the hovercar’s hood.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
floored the engine—somehow he must have rewired the controls and shut off the
automatic pilot—and swerved, trying to dislodge their unwanted occupant. “Thing
won’t budge!” Rip grunted, jerking the yoke, but unable to lose the mechanical
parasite. “You’re gonna have to go out there, dude!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
gulped and looked to Rip. “<i>What?</i>”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Go
on! You were born for this!” Rip guffawed, then reached up and jettisoned the
canopy lid. Hard winds pummeled them and Sara screamed, strapping herself in,
clinging to Rip’s tattooed arm as he drove. His long, braided hair whipped in
the gusts, and he just howled in laughter.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
felt like he would vomit, but steeled himself. Ahead, the robot’s fingers
punched holes in the hood as the thing pulled itself up slowly. Straining, the
mechanical beast reached out with a clawed hand, relentless in its pursuit.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Scribbler
Morrison, Michael A,” the woman’s voice remained calm, even as the robot
struggled to hold its grip. “Return to your designated station immediately.
Failure to comply will result in your liquidation.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Michael!”
Sara squealed.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
grit his teeth and wobbled to a stand in the cockpit, slammed by winds. “I’m
done taking orders!” he roared, the ferocious gale stealing his words, but not
his passion. Letting loose a roar, he dove forward onto the speeding car, grappling
with the robot. The monitor used its free hand to swat at Michael, and he took
a hard slap to the face, but he would not let go.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
rose up on the monster, yanking at it, trying to dislodge it, to save Sara. A
wild, uncontrollable rage coiled in his gut, swelling to consume every nerve.
It powered his fingers as he tightened his hold on the robot’s neck. Wires
popped loose, sparks shot out, and Michael grimaced, snarling now. “Die!” he
spat, cold inside. So wonderfully cold and numb to pain and fear and worry and
doubt.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
was right. He was a killer. An animal, caged for far too long.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
savagely ripped the monitor’s head off and heaved it over the side of the car. Sparks spurted from the
neck stump, and the robot’s body twitched, loosened its fingers, and slid off
the hovercar like so much useless junk.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
held onto the car as it sped on, breathing heavy, but cooling. He faced Rip who
offered him a hearty thumbs-up. “Always knew you had it in you, Mike!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
sneered, feeling powerful—indomitable. Godlike.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then
he saw Sara watching him, apprehensive. His rakish grin softened and faded to a
frown.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif;">* * *</span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">They
rode in silence for the rest of the trip once Michael pulled himself back into
the cockpit. At last they left behind the city, finally reaching a lush
landscape of green, teeming with real, organic life.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
Wilds.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
and Sara held hands as they soared over the mysterious forest, quietly savoring
the sight. Michael only spotted a few homes out here, small cabins hewed from
stone and straw, with pleasant smelling aromas wafting from their chimneys. At
once he was struck with terror. Where would they live? How would they eat?
Surely they’d have to eat <i>animals</i>.
The monitors forbade meat, keeping their human drones on a strict vegetarian
diet. Michael realized he would have to hunt, to kill. Learn to cook, to clean.
<i>Everything</i>. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">But
he would, he was sure of it. With Sara at his side, he could face any obstacle.
He’d scared her when he lost control against the monitor, but he wouldn’t lose
control again. He would protect her, clothe her, feed her. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You’re
safe now,” he told her, patting her knuckles. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">She
warmed, snuggling close. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
announced, “I think this is far enough,” and settled the hovercar in a soft
grassy field. Michael and Sara hopped out of the cockpit and knelt down on
their hands and knees, feeling the grass. Sara laughed and tore a handful of it
out, holding it under her nose. “Smell it!” she said. “It smells wonderful!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
did and agreed. Next, he unstrapped his boots and dug his toes in the grass and
soft dirt, finding it cool and refreshing. Rip, meanwhile, just leaned on the
car, crossing his arms, a bemused smirk on his whiskered face. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">With
his merriment finished, Michael stood, dusting off his pants, sheepishly.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Got
that all out of our system, did we?” Rip asked with a mocking smirk.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Sorry.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
shrugged, then looked back to the horizon, shielding his eyes against the light
as though he were searching for something. “No problem. Don’t worry—there’s
plenty more to see.” He sighed. “Yep, there we go.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sara
stood now, moving closer to Michael, interlocking her fingers with his. They
held close, joining Rip in watching as the sheet of paper from yesterday came
into view, rustling on the light breeze. At length, the paper touched down on
the ground and stilled. Rip presented the paper to Michael with an accomplished
bow. “Your chariot awaits.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
snickered, then looked to Sara. “What?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
rolled his eyes. “You think I busted you out of that joint just so you and Red,
here, could go live in some cave out here in the boonies? Ha, you got bigger
things ahead of you, Mike.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
released Sara’s hand, inching closer to the paper, captivated by it; by the
colors that danced on its surface: The rainbow from his dreams. In his heart,
he heard the whispers, the call, urging him to step into the paper, to join the
light and find his destiny. “What is it?” he whispered, tempted to run and dive
right into the paper, if such a ridiculous notion were possible.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">In
a suddenly reverent tone, Rip said, “Just the door, Mike. To take you to all
the worlds in the multiverse. See, this dimension of yours—as crappy as it
is—is only one in a <i>billion</i>. You
think the Wilds is impressive? Wait ‘til you visit the underside of the
Mountain of Or! You just <i>touch</i> the cave
walls, and they sing.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
took a step back, holding Sara’s hand again. “B-But, I’m not ready. I can’t.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
rubbed his eyes, and groaned. “I was afraid of this. Look, dude, this life
ain’t for you. I told you that. My Boss has chosen you. We’ve got things to <i>do</i>, little brother. You think those
robots were bad? That’s just the tip of the iceberg! The whole multiverse is nothing
but order and rigidity, instituted by a God whose only desire is to bend you to
his way of thinkin’.” Rip spread his hands wide, clenching them into fists.
“You and me, we were made to rebel, brother. To tear down the rules—the walls
keeping the worlds separated. Chaos, little brother! We gotta make some
beautiful Chaos! Set the captives free!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
frowned. In his soul, Rip’s words made perfect sense, as though he’d always
been waiting for this day, secretly desiring someone to say these terrible
things to him. But he feared their meaning and the reality of what he was being
called to do.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
shook his head, feeling dizzy. “No, I can’t. I’m not… It’s too much. I want to
stay here.” He held Sara closer. “With her. We’re just getting started. We’ve
been dreaming of this our whole lives.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
quieted, his eyes narrowing. Darkening. “Don’t do this, Mike,” he said, his
voice like gravel. “You’ll regret it. See, my Boss? He don’t take too kindly to
rejection. He’s got a lot invested in you. You felt it, dangling on that car up
above the city, wrasslin’ with that robot. That’s <i>Rage</i>, little brother. It’s a gift; makes you strong. But it comes
with obligations. You take off like a stray, he’s gonna tighten the leash. Make
you heel. And it won’t be pretty.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
swallowed hard, his throat dry. Shaking, he extended a hand for Rip to shake.
“I-I appreciate everything you’ve done, but my answer’s ‘no’.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
eyed the offered hand, then snarled, touching the tip of his tongue to a canine
in concentration. He grumbled and reached behind his jeans, retrieving a crude,
homemade knife with a lion’s head carved in the handle. “I didn’t wanna have to
do this, Mike. You Morrisons were always my favorite.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael’s
eyes widened as Rip lunged with the blade. Cold hate bloomed in his stomach,
injecting into every muscle, every nerve. Instantly, Michael danced out of the
way of the knife, catching Rip’s blade hand and turning it up. Rip loosed an
anguished grunt, and dropped the knife.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
glanced to Sara. “Get in! Quick!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sara
nodded and scurried to the hovercar, climbing into the cockpit.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“We’ll
find you!” Rip hollered. “We’ll find <i>her</i>!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
twirled with his free hand, slugging Michael hard in the stomach. Michael
doubled over in a cough as Rip groped through the tall grass, grabbing his
knife. As soon as he retrieved it, Michael hurried and swung a leg, catching
Rip in the side. The older man cried out and toppled over onto the soft earth. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
hurried to the car and got in. He powered the engines to life, the thrust motors
pressing down on the grass as the hovercar lifted off the ground. Rip stood,
out of breath, holding his side with a pained expression. “You can’t run from
us!” he shouted over the roar of the wind, waving the blade at the air. “You
can’t run from what you are!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
grimaced at the man. “Watch me.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">They
left Rip behind, ascending into the sky. Sara looked to Michael, small and
fearful. “Where will we go now?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
smiled at her. “Wherever we want.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Copyright 2015 Greg Mitchell</i><br />
<br />
<b>Tune in on Monday, March 16 for the conclusion to the Hooded Man's tale!</b>Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-22548283575035983562015-03-09T06:00:00.000-05:002015-03-09T06:00:04.017-05:00Free Short Fiction--"Company Man: Part Three"Welcome to the third installment of an all-new <i>Rift Jump</i> short story, exclusive to this site. In "Company Man", we explore the origins of the villainous Hooded Man from the original <i>Rift Jump</i> novel--now on sale in the new <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rift-Jump-Revised-Expanded-Edition/dp/0692385908/" target="_blank">Revised and Expanded Edition</a></b>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thecomingevil.blogspot.com/2015/03/new-short-fiction-company-man-part-one.html" target="_blank">Click here to read Part One of our tale</a>.<br />
<a href="http://thecomingevil.blogspot.com/2015/03/free-short-fiction-company-man-part-two.html" target="_blank">Click here to read Part Two!</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbnZWTmZ-dylv3k2aZkyfjHpC6ci7oz5krD2818tnGEyX9v-t8iDq53F9CM0INw4BPqXMKSIDGjlNDKgGil_DRfqu3prsw9_ukAbiB3pr9_EuctymciXSIQyzNlPLI2SGXQRNMh7u8qcv/s1600/CompanyManTitle.jpg" height="207" width="400" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>PART THREE</b></div>
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
stepped aside as Rip entered his apartment.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
whistled, looking around. “This is <i>it</i>?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
took a moment to consider his sparse living quarters. Like his cubicle,
everything was white or soft grey, with no sharp edges or textured surfaces. The
robots didn’t allow for personal effects: pictures, mementos, posters. A drone like
Michael had to be ready to leave one apartment for an identical one halfway
across the continent without hesitation or time spent gathering unnecessary
items.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“This
is home,” Michael shrugged, not finding the place all that bad. He hurried into
the adjoining kitchenette. “Can I get you a drink?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You
got beer?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
blinked. “Is that alcohol? Alcohol is—”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Prohibited,”
Rip grumbled, waving him off. “Yeah, yeah.” Spotting Michael’s small couch, Rip
flopped down on it, dust pluming off his filthy clothes, and propped muddy
boots on the nearby coffee table.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
gasped.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
saw him. “Let me guess. No feet on the furniture?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You’re
leaving a mess.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
chuckled. “That’s me. Leaving a mess wherever I go.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
poured himself a drink of purified water, rich in nutrients, and gaped at his
strange visitor. He was about to ask <i>something</i>—though
he had no clue where to begin—when Rip said, “Let me ask you a question, Mike.
You like living here?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
shrugged. “Where else would I live?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“<i>Damn</i>, man,” he huffed, and Michael’s
heart hitched at the curse word. “This whole planet sucks. And trust me, I’ve
been to some crappers before, but this ranks right up there on the scale of
dimensions that are better off getting blacked out. I’ve only been here a
couple hours, and this place is already about to drive me nuts.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
furrowed his brow. “A couple hours?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
stood, stretching his arms with a crack. “Looking for <i>you</i>, dude!” He clapped his calloused hands, then stretched his arms
over his head. “But now I’ve found ya. So let’s get out of here, huh? This
place gives me the creeps.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
set his drink down on the counter as Rip gestured for the door. “I’d say pack
your stuff,” the old man said with a snort, “But I guess you ain’t got none to
pack.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Wait,
what? Where are we going?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
narrowed his eyes. “You mean, you don’t know? Not a clue?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
balked. “I…”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You
been getting the dreams, right? The one with all the colors, man.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
stiffened, his mind snapping back to a thousand dreams of rainbow-colored lights,
calling to him, urging him to follow. “The dreams… The light!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Yep.
That’s the one. Well, let’s just say I’m here to make your dreams come true. There
are more worlds than these, little brother. It’s my job to take you to them.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
stepped closer, breathing harder. “Why me?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Who’s
to say? Just the way the Boss wants it.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Who’s
your Boss?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
snarled and waved his hand. “Look, we’ll talk more about that later. Right now,
all you gotta know is that you ain’t meant for this place, brother.” The shaggy
man stood and observed the tidy apartment with obvious disdain, sticking a
tongue to a canine. “This place is like a cage. You’re a tiger, Mike. A killer
tiger, and it’s high time you got out and stretched your legs.” A mad glint
crossed his beady eyes. “It’s time you <i>hunt</i>.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
shook his head, shrinking back into his kitchenette. “I don’t know what… That’s
not me.” He gestured to the four walls that hemmed him in place. “This is my
home. It’s all I’ve got. It’s all…” He slumped. “It’s all I’ve ever known.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
took two wide steps forward, invading Michael’s personal space. A rage flashed
across the old man’s bearded face, and Michael feared an attack. Instead, the
wiry man railed, “Ain’t you sick of this place? Come on, dude, you gotta feel
it, all bottled up inside! You got a dark <i>thing</i>
inside you, Mike. Those blasted machines—they’ve taken that away from you, but
you gotta get it back!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
shook his head, more furiously. “No. This is—”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
sent a backhand whizzing through the air, catching Michael hard on the chin.
Dazed, for he’d never been hit before, Michael staggered back, his senses
tingling. And something else tingled, too. A fury churned in his gut and his
hands trembled.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
barked, “Did you like that? Lets you know you’re really alive. Felt good,
didn’t it?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
reached to his lip, touched, and pulled back a spot of red. He looked down to
his chest, where another drop dotted his white shirt—the only spot of color on
him, in his clothes, his room, his world.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful
red, just like Sara’s hair.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
grinned. “Yeah. Yeah, it kinda did.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
reached out and Michael raised his hands in defense, but the wild man just
wrapped tightly coiled arms around him and gave him a squeeze. “Ha, ha! Welcome
to the fold, little brother!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
parted and gave Michael’s arms a strong pat. Michael beamed with pride.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>* * *</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael’s
smile didn’t leave him, but remained fixed to his face the next day. Rip had
stayed a while longer, talking at length about cryptic things like far off
adventures and worlds to explore. Whenever Michael asked him directly about his
origins and purpose, Rip dodged his questions. The best Michael could guess was
that Rip <i>was</i> from the Wilds, and had
every intention of taking Michael with him when he returned.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">They
talked well into the night—well past curfew—until Michael had finally fallen
asleep. He’d dreamt that night of other worlds, other cities, where the robots
didn’t rule, where men and women walked freely at all hours of day and night.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Where
men and women met and fell in love.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Everywhere
in those dreams, the rainbow trailed like a ribbon, worming its way through
every world, whispering promises to him of self-discovery and release. When
Michael woke that morning, Rip was long gone. He instantly missed the old man,
but didn’t fear. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
knew Rip would be back.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
caught a little more sleep during the ride to the tower, but still felt the
effects of his long night. His co-workers remained stiff and attentive, but he
slouched through the day, his writing sluggish, his mind distracted.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">His
eye continued to drift toward his window and the city outside—and beyond that,
the Wilds. His home, where he belonged. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
grin broadened and he felt tears moisten the corners of his eyes.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whirring
motors, a clank of mechanized feet stopping. A female voice asked, “Scribbler
Morrison, Michael A. Detected increase in heartbeat, rise in adrenaline levels,
and slight endorphin boost. Do you require assistance?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
faced the large photoreceptor on the robot, holding its cold gaze. “No, ma’am.
I’m doing just fine. How are <i>you</i>
today?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Every
pencil squeaked to a halt. The oxygen left the room and Michael realized that
everyone within hearing distance had stopped to stare at him, mouths hanging
open in shock and alarm.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
smirked, looking to the robot monitor again, waiting for an answer.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
robot stood frozen, no doubt processing the question. After a moment, the
pleasant female voice replied, “Invalid request. Please rephrase.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
set down his pencil and stood, straightening. It was then he realized how much
taller he was than these androids. A few gasps accompanied his rise to his
feet. He felt his co-workers’ eyes on him, sensed their fear. He was breaking
the rules, changing the routine.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">It
felt great.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Resisting
a laugh, he propped his hands on his waist, sucking in a deep breath. “Too
tough? Howabout this one, then? Howabout you get off my back?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">One
woman nearby yelped and clamped a hand over her open mouth.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
sneered, stepping closer to the robot, towering over it now. “I’m tired of you
looking over my shoulder every minute of every day. You regulate what I eat,
and when I eat it, when I sleep, when I wake up, who I can and cannot <span> </span>be friends with—and I’m <i>damn</i> tired of it!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">More
cries from the crowd of spectators, a crowd that continued to grow as others
across the room caught onto the scene.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
robot merely leaned back, its single lens expanding and contracting with a
comical buzzing noise as its processing unit worked to keep up with the
confrontation. “Vulgar vernacular is not tolerated, Scribbler Morrison, Michael
A. This is your first warning. After your second warning, you face a
reprimand.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
laughed in the robot’s lens, exhilarated. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then
he glimpsed three more monitors making a beeline his way. He blanched, his throat
suddenly parched. Swallowing hard, he felt beads of sweat emerging on his
forehead. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">His
co-workers leaned over into other cubicles, whispering about him, murmuring
about what had caused him to snap. Fear gripped him, strangling his throat, and
Michael thought to apologize. To return to his numbers. To blend in.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">But
he was done with that.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
let loose a roar and lunged, shoving the robot into the others as they
approached. Someone screamed at his outburst, and he raced for the door,
yanking papers off desks and hurling them in the air. “Yaaah!” he exclaimed
like an idiot, flinging pencils and garbage bins every which way, trashing the
place as he made his dramatic exit.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Behind
him, the four robots worked to untangle their gangly limbs and give pursuit. He
exited the room, looking either side in the hallway, trying to plot his next
move. A chime sounded overhead and he anticipated a tower-wide announcement
that they had a drone on the loose. Much to his amusement, though, he realized
it was the lunch chime. Doors opened all along the hall as the conveyors
started up. Drones exited in tidy rows, as usual, suddenly gawking at Michael
as he stood still, sweating and out of breath.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Cease
and desist all efforts to escape,” the monotone female voice commanded. He
whipped his head about, spotting the droids shuffling out of the office, trying
to navigate through the lunch lines to get to him.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
grinned savagely. “Bring it on! Come and get me!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
let loose a throaty laugh, but gulped when he heard his name called. He turned
and saw Sara amidst the countless drones, her bright red tresses separating her
from the sea of white.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Sara!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">She
gaped at him, just as stunned as the others, but the hint of a smile upturned
the corners of her lips. “What are you doing?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
shoved his way toward her and grabbed her hand, pulling her out of line. “Come
on! We’re getting out of here!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">She
caught her breath, looking at him with wide fearful eyes. Fearful, but excited.
“But-but where would we go?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“To
the Wilds!” He laughed. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sara
anxiously looked to either side as her co-workers paused to watch her reaction,
frowning in disapproval. From behind, Michael heard the robots gaining ground.
He took Sara’s other hand, giving them a gentle squeeze. “Sara,” he spoke
softly. “Don’t you want to see what’s out there?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">She
lowered her head. The robots’ warnings grew louder. Closer. Michael knew he
needed to run, but he couldn’t—not without her. At last she held his gaze, a
devilish smile coming to life on her porcelain face. “I do,” she said, then
giggled. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He giggled, too, like
a fool, and wrapped his arms around her, leading her away. “Come on!”</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>Copyright 2015 Greg Mitchell</i><br />
<br />
Tune in Thursday, March 12 for the next installment!Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2824909254164927666.post-49143023334302229302015-03-05T06:00:00.000-06:002015-03-05T06:00:05.452-06:00Free Short Fiction--"Company Man: Part Two"Welcome to the second installment of an all-new <i>Rift Jump</i> short story, exclusive to this site. In "Company Man", we explore the origins of the villainous Hooded Man from the original <i>Rift Jump</i> novel--now on sale in the new <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rift-Jump-Revised-Expanded-Edition/dp/0692385908/" target="_blank">Revised and Expanded Edition</a></b>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thecomingevil.blogspot.com/2015/03/new-short-fiction-company-man-part-one.html" target="_blank">Click here to read Part One of our tale</a>.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbnZWTmZ-dylv3k2aZkyfjHpC6ci7oz5krD2818tnGEyX9v-t8iDq53F9CM0INw4BPqXMKSIDGjlNDKgGil_DRfqu3prsw9_ukAbiB3pr9_EuctymciXSIQyzNlPLI2SGXQRNMh7u8qcv/s1600/CompanyManTitle.jpg" height="207" width="400" /><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>PART TWO</b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A
pleasant chime sounded once and the Scribblers vacated their cubicles in an
orderly fashion, following the conveyor belt down to the cafeteria. Michael
remained in his spot in line, collecting his pressed and recycled paper tray
filled with his allotted rations of organic foods and purified water. No one
spoke as they awaited their turns, quietly taking their arranged meals and
finding their assigned tables. More robot monitors patrolled, doing their best to
remain gentle observers and not interfere with the humans’ movement.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lunchtime
was the different divisions’ only time to see anyone from another floor. The
robots believed that humans were more productive when their brains received the
stimuli of seeing a different face for a limited amount of time. Their lunch
break was timed so that they had just enough interaction with their co-workers
to promote a healthier outlook on their lot in life—but not <i>too</i> much time, lest they grow lax in
socializing.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
navigated through the narrow aisles, moving for his table. Already, he spotted
her vibrant red tresses, and his heart quickened.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sara
Theresea was already seated, eating her lunch. In a sea of white and light
grey, her beautiful hair served as a startling splash of color. The robots
discouraged color, perhaps because they were unable to fully appreciate the
concept themselves, leaving the world drained of life and light. In Michael’s
dreams, he saw brilliant rainbow-colored light, reaching out to him, entreating
him to draw near.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">In
the waking world, Sara was his rainbow.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Hi,”
he greeted exuberantly, sitting across from her.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">She
brightened, her wide blue eyes coming alive as though an internal switch had
been flipped. “Hi. How are you?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Fine.
You?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Good.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
nodded sheepishly, then began to eat. The two of them exchanged pleasantries,
careful not to get too animated in their conversation. The robot monitors
didn’t like that and were sure to break up any conversation they deemed too lively
and unproductive. Nevertheless, Michael enjoyed his short time with Sara over
the years and felt she did, as well. At least, he hoped she did. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
and Sara both—everyone in their particular building, in fact—had been
designated by The Company at birth to remain celibate. Their genetic structure
had even been tampered with en utero, sterilizing them. Breeders were kept far
away from drones like him. Children remained with their parents in familial
camps until they reached the age of sixteen, then they were shuttled off to
whatever branch The Company had selected for them. All parental contact was
severed at that time, for fear emotional attachment would be detrimental to
production. Michael hadn’t seen or spoken to either his mother or father in two
decades. Every once in a while he thought of them, remembered his father’s
reprimand to blend in, to not stand out.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not
much of a legacy to leave one’s son, but it was the only legacy The Company
allowed.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
saw something strange today,” Michael said after finishing a bite.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sara
leaned closer, her face glowing with excitement. “Was it that paper outside
earlier?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Yes!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">They
leaned even closer together over their food, speaking in low conspiratorial
tones, attracting the disapproving glares of their co-workers. “What do you
think it was?” Sara asked in a whisper.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
shrugged, still smiling. “I don’t know. Maybe it was like an advertisement for
something? I saw moving pictures on it.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A
chime indicated lunchtime was over. Immediately, the Scribblers gathered their
trays and shuffled off to re-form in their lines. Michael and Sara, though,
continued to sit for a moment more, their smiles slowly fading.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Well,”
Sara began, a melancholy resignation in her voice, “I guess I’ll see you
tomorrow. Same place, same time?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
offered a smile, but failed to make it convincing. “Yeah.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">They
looked to each other, and Michael drank in the sight, knowing it would have to
last him a day. At last, Sara waved and stood, joining her co-workers. Michael
rose to his feet, watching her leave, those bright red tresses trailing after
her.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Move
it, Morrison,” one of his fellow Scribblers bellowed behind him. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
gnashed his teeth in frustration, but quickly submitted, heading back to work.</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">* * *</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
reclined in his single-seater car as it hovered on auto-pilot through the
transit tubes. He watched the other drones returning home on pre-designated
paths programmed into their vehicles. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">As
they often did, his thoughts drifted to Sara, and he wondered where <i>her</i> vehicle was taking her. They’d been
seated across from each other for ten years, but never spoke long enough to
discuss where they lived. In fact, all he knew about her was that she worked on
the thirty-sixth floor.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">That,
and she was very pretty.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">But
beauty didn’t factor into it. They were drones, not meant to be together.
Feeling a rush of anger, he formed a fist before the familiar woman’s voice
that was programmed into all of the machines soothingly chided him from the
console. “Adrenaline levels spiking. Do you require assistance, Scribbler
Morrison, Michael A?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
sighed. “No, ma’am.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
released his fist and cooled, closing his eyes for the rest of the trip home.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">* * *</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">When
he arrived at his apartment, Michael stepped out of his vehicle and watched as
the compartment in the street opened, swallowing the car into its parking space
until tomorrow morning when he was scheduled to leave for work.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
Company had a fixed curfew in place in order to guarantee that their human
charges achieved the maximum amount of sleep. Michael still had a couple hours
before then that he could call his own, though vehicle travel was strictly
prohibited in that time, to lessen the chances of an automobile accident—though
that seemed unlikely since the machines operated all vehicles by remote, but
Michael had learned to stop asking questions.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Seth
was likely coming over tonight for dinner. Michael saw his younger brother an
average of four nights a week. They had another, elder brother Edward, but he
had been reassigned to another city, and, per the robots’ orders, communication
was entirely severed. Michael enjoyed spending time with Seth, though
recognized that, at a moment’s notice, they could be separated by work—or,
worse, liquidated if they proved unproductive. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
had learned early in his life that everything was transitory, and it was best
not to invest himself in anything or anyone.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another
lesson from his father.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
stepped up to the building door, ready to ascend to his apartment, when he
heard someone clearing his throat, off to his side. Mildly curious, he looked
up and beheld a most strange sight. He saw a man, but unlike any he’d ever seen
before. The older man wore dark clothes, worn and dirtied pants and boots, with
a slick black jacket. Under the jacket, the man was shirtless, his tanned skin
adorned in mysterious markings—tattoos—that seemed to twist and swirl in the
light. The man’s white hair and beard were long and braided and, in his cracked
lips, he held a cigarette.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
man was the living antithesis of The Company’s parameters for acceptable dress.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
balked, sweat beading on his brow. “Um…hello.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
man cracked a grin, revealing extended canines. “Hey, there, Mike.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
looked behind him, to his side, then faced the strange man again. “Come again?
Do I know you?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Hell,
little brother,” the man guffawed, stepping closer. “We’re like family!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Cursing
is prohibited,” Michael stammered, bewildered. Then he rambled, “So is smoking,
long hair for males, tattoos, and exposing your skin.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
man stopped cold, clenched the cigarette in his yellow-stained teeth, and held
out his hands, as if in surrender. “Ya got me, dude. I’m a regular law
breaker.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
wasn’t sure what to do, his hand still hovering inches from the pad to unlock
his apartment building. The man surprised him by jutting out a gnarled hand for
him to shake. “Name’s Rip.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
eyed the hand suspiciously, wondering what germs might lurk there. Hesitantly,
he reached out and shook the proffered hand. “Michael Morrison.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
chuckled. “Don’t you mean Scribbler Morrison, Michael A? Damn, little brother,
what’d they do to you? Turned you into a regular pencil neck.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
shot worried glances over his shoulder, fearful that a monitor would be along
at any moment, and catch him talking to this rugged fellow. <i>Why is here? Why is he talking to me? Where
did he come from?</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then
the realization struck. Michael exclaimed, “A-Are you from <i>the Wilds</i>?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
had only heard of the Wilds in his youth—a place far from the cities and the
robot overseers, where trees and grass and animals still populated the Earth.
According to fables that children tell each other, some humans actually left
behind The Company and ventured out to the Wilds, to forge their own paths.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">It
was his most favorite story. Needless to say, his father quashed such tales.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Over
the years, Michael had all-but forgotten about those bygone fairy tales, but if
they were true—if a place like the Wilds really existed—then this smelly, dirty
man before him must hail from there.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip
paused for a moment, then shrugged. “You could say that.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Excited
now, Michael stepped closer. “Do you want to come in?”</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 17.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now Rip sneered.
“Thought you’d never ask.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<i>Copyright 2015</i><br />
<br />
<b>Come back Monday, March 9 for the third installment!</b>Greg Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09631434183155875197noreply@blogger.com0