future
Exploring the future of science today, while looking back on the achievements from yesterday. Science fiction is science future.
HIGHRISE SKYLINE
The traveler's battered motor struggles to carry his rusted boat over the outskirts of what used to be Fort Lauderdale, a concrete swamp abandoned by the corporate conglomerate that governed it after pushing the federal government out of the southeastern states, the US losing around half their now perpetually contested land in identical fashion. The rest of south and central Florida generally suffered a similar fate as the Atlantic Ocean continued to devour the state, driving away corporate interest. Still, first counts for something, capable of withstanding the cloud of toxic spores engulfing the dilapidated ruins, mutated alligators densely populate nearly every block. The traveler locks his gaze on 4 solar-powered air boats buzzing north into the decrepit city, each carrying a duo of Riptide reclamation officers, every one of them equipped appropriately, breathable Nanokevlar armor leading up to a lightweight, corporate-grade alloy filtration helmet, the dome outfitted with a heads up display detailing vitals and environmental info, everything marked with their signature tsunami logo. The traveler’s helmet, however was nearly opaque from condensation. He’ll be lucky to make it through without heat stroke. Functional A/C is typically standard in even the cheapest filtration units, popular after 2064 saw the climate’s true point of no return. Unfortunately, the edentate merchant in Orlando failed to supply or mention this basic component before charging full price and vanishing promptly.
By Chris Conway5 years ago in Futurism
The Dream Cradle
Mitta’s Dream Cradle inspired more engagement and artistic-cultural consequences than expected. After receiving the Sky Heron Grant for Integrative Arts (mostly a package of studio time, craft supplies, and food credit at the neighborhood cupboard), they were planning for a familiar trajectory. Generate a decent enough artist statement about liminality, dream healing and proto-language to entice a few people to risk the trip to the gallery. The installation would be mildly exciting, beautiful even, but also confusing and ultimately forgotten by the time people returned to the regular survival rhythm of their lives.
By Larissa Kaul5 years ago in Futurism
All that is left
They lay still on the soft earth, hands clasped as they gazed at the passing clouds. This evening was quieter than usual, the wind had died down and sun glinted gold in patches of unexpectedly blue sky. Perhaps the air was clearing; perhaps this was the break they had been desperately hoping for.
By Alex Wightman 5 years ago in Futurism
LOCKET
Locket by Patrick Wade I sat on the bridge dangling my feet over the railing. The clock above the bridge read 2:01 but the sun was beginning to set. This time of night, everyone with good intentions was headed in. I faced the city: while a complete deathtrap, it looked very pretty from this distance, the tallest buildings had neon lights, you could see smoke from something caught on fire, all sorts of things were burned in the city.
By Patrick Wade5 years ago in Futurism
Synchronized Shadows
Everything is better now. That's what they say. I usually think so. Somedays, I'm looking around like I don't know if I'm missing something. Can things be all right and all wrong at the same time? My teacher said something about the best and worst of times. Are we there right now? 2070 is supposed to be about fixing things from half a century ago. Or is it just the Upward Council blowing smoke?
By Paul Hanover5 years ago in Futurism
My Last Night
The human race had brought our planet to its knees. The air was toxic and the nothing would grow in the soil. We slowly moved indoors as our environment began to deteriorate. We became completely dependent on the hydroponic and animal factories which in turn meant that the corporation that owned them were able to completely control us. There was no more free will or choice, you did as you were told or you starved. Me, I was only 16 years old when the corporation decided to take me. I had what they declared to be desirable characteristics, long think hair, blue eyes, an above average height, and a delicate complexion. I would be part of the breeding program. A program designed by the corporation to keep the gene pool fresh for the elite. I would be taken to Renoir and sold off to the highest bidder.
By Ashley Diplock5 years ago in Futurism
