Prokaryote: Scum Sold Out For Money - The Pilot Program 2021

Yesterday, I wanted to kill myself. Today they’re trying to kill me. And for some reason… I ran.

- Come out, come out, wherever you are.

Where even am I?

- I swear, if I catch him I’ll stretch his innards like bubblegum, says one of the men.

- What the fuck is wrong with you? Why would you say something like that? Asks another one as his puts his hands on his hips.

What’s wrong with these guys?

- You have to be more menacing than that… I’ll split open his fucking head… Something like that.

- Like it matters. He’s vermin. Worthless. He doesn’t deserve such quality threats. So, if I want to say that I’ll chew him up and spit him out like the trash and tasteless chewing gum that he is, that’s what I’ll do.

Worthless? Why would he say that?

- Fine. Let’s just kill the useless piece of shit before the boss finds out he escaped.

What? Useless?

- Come out! They scream as they point their guns upwards and shoot a few rounds into the air.

I look around me trying to find some way out. Surrounded by wooden boxes, small carton boxes, large carton boxes, a few weird metal boxes and as I look up, I realize I’m in a giant metal box. A weird warehouse that is cold, sterile yet feels damp at the same time and on one of the walls has a big green sheet on it. A few bright lamps hang off the ceiling and illuminate the place as the men keep looking for me. My eyes try to wonder and find a way out. A way past the men and into freedom.

- Yo! Aren’t you guys done yet? What are you doing diddling around like that?

- We’re searching for the fucker.

- Searching? You let him escape?

- It’s not me. It’s Jack.

- Don’t use my name, you moron!

- Oh, I’m am sorry JACK… ASS… For you letting him go. You should’ve tied him up.

- But, he was unconscious and we had to unload the van. You asked me to, DICK!

Where did the third guy come from? Is there a door around them? Or do the doors blend into this warehouse? Why though? What do I remember? Two of them took me here, put me down and went out to the car. I woke up and instinctively ran and hid. But, I can’t for the love of me remember how I got here in the first place. I’d reach into my pockets to find something, but I’m afraid to make any noise.

- You guys sure he didn’t leave this place?

- Yeah, we sure, man. We were at that door, unloading the damn van. We would’ve seen him or heart him, at least, says Richard.

- But, you two know that this place has at least two more exists, right? Richard and Jack look dumbfounded at the third man. One’s there, in that corner. And one’s that big thing. How do you think they move these big and expensive things in and out of here?

Right. But that means we’re in an industrial park. Somewhere with many warehouses, probably. I can’t run faster than bullets, so trying to make a dash for it is irresponsible, probably. Wait… What am I saying? I was ready to shoot myself in the head yesterday.

- What’s this guy’s deal?

- Well, from what I’ve heard he’s scum. Pushed all his friends and family away. Everyone at his job despises him to the point that everyone only talks through emails with him. He hasn’t had a girlfriend in over ten years and spends all his time at home after work, doing jack all. And apparently his best friend sold him out to our boss, says Richard.

- Damn… Imagine your best friend selling you out like that. Must hurt, man.

I remember now. I was out with that fucking traitor, Alex. He sold me to the fucking mob? What the fuck?

- I wonder what the fuck must be wrong with guys like that to get here. How fucking bad must you be as a person for someone to fucking sell you like you’re just a bag with organs.

Fuckers. How dare you talk about me like you know me. Like you know what I’ve been through. The things I’ve suffered through.

- No wonder he wanted to kill himself, damn, says Jack.

I’ll show you motherfu… I push a stack of boxes towards them and start running towards one of the exists!

- There he is!

- Shoot him! Screams Richard.

I’ll show that fucker! I’ll show them all! You can’t fuck like that with DRAKE like that!

- Catch him! Screams Jack.

I’ve never felt more ALIVE!

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The Horrorscope - Episode 28: Find the X, Ask Y

Bag over my head, he pulls on me. Come on, move on. This feels so familiar, thinks Kei to himself. And here we are, he says as he pulls the bag off my head. Do you know why you are here? I shake my head. Do you know what you did? I shake my head once more. Well, I’d say you are clueless, but I know you are lying to me. So, of course we are from a government agency, secret service, yada yada. You get the gist of it, right? Now, we wanna know what you know so that we know where to start about all this. Well, unless you want to make this painful and fun. We might be immortal, but pain is still pain. And from what I understand, you’re not one of those that were born with the inability to feel any pain, right? By the way, you can call me X, for expository, I don’t care. What I care about, is whether you are going to cooperate or not. I imagine you think this took to long for the government to respond, right? Another person dead, ten years after a billion died. That’s quite the shock, am I right? I remember when they died, ten years ago. I thought that in 11 days, we’ll all be just… Gone… No one knew what happened. Do you know what happened, Kei? I shake my head. Well then, tell me what you know…

Mr. Ken, do you know where we are going? Ken shakes his head. I never understood you. Why are you like this? You always keep low, you always keep silent, you always shut up and don’t talk until the last minute. You’re like a weird sponge that just sits there, absorbs as much as possible and then lashes out towards whatever conclusion you think it’s the right one. Fascinating. Ken sits silently looking at him intensely. By the way, you can call me Yellow if you want. If you want to ask me any questions, go ahead. Ask me why. But, I will need you to tell me what you know. I’m just curious about your theory. For someone that absorbs so much information, you must have some thought on this whole disaster. Well, considering it’s your partner we are talking about. I don’t want to know how much you hurt deep down inside. It must have been quite the shock, for your friend to be the first and only person to die after ten years. A Scorpio, why? Why not a Cancer? Or any other zodiac sign? It doesn’t make sense, right? It’s not even the next one in the horoscope after Virgos. So why? Tell me, Mr. Ken, why?

Well, dear Kei. I wonder if what you told me really is the truth, says X. It is. There is no reason for me to lie to you, right? If you are who you say you are, you have known what I know already. So, if you think I lied to you, that’s because I might not know the truth you know. So, I have no reason lie to you. I don’t want to know the effort you had to pull to somehow find me and the luck you had finding the taxi driver. X starts laughing. Well, it wasn’t luck. It was skill, but yes, you are right. I wonder why he dragged you into this though. It doesn’t make sense. Can you read the horoscope? Kei looks confused and disgusted at X. What? No. X nods along. I see… I have no clue why you’re involved with this. Why are you involved with this? We’re talking the death of an immortal. Who are you to be involved with the grandest tragedy in our history? Who are you to learn about the most taboo thing of all? Who are you that you must know of death? Got a fetish for it? Life maybe too boring? Who are you, Mr. Keiteki.

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The Horrorscope - Episode 27: 'Nterogation

Well, until next time, N, says Wasa as he gets out the room. It’s your turn, he continued. What do you mean? asks Ram. I mean, go in there and talk to him, beat him, clean up, do whatever. But, bring me the bag. I forgot it in there. Ram stands next to captain Wasa. Sir… What if he is innocent? Wasa gets in his face. Then why isn’t he talking? He’s was the only Virgo left on this god forsaken planet and he had a weapon on him. Why not talk? Why not help to help yourself? Or to help those that suffered? Not like he’s the only one that has had some trauma after the fact. A billion died, Ram. A billion. That means another 9 billion suffered. The whole planet suffered, Ram! If he is innocent he should have said something a long time ago. We all lost someone that day. If you didn’t someone you know did. It’s been ten years. Any decent person would have said something, anything. We’ve poured time, money and effort into him. Giving him a safe place to live in, whatever thing he wished to eat, drink, snort, shit, piss, fuck and then some. When that didn’t work, we tortured him for a year. Guess what? Exactly… Nothing… Now go in there and see if you can figure this out…

As I enter, N is on all his four spitting out blood. I look around to see a mop with a bucket and a broom next to it. But first I go near N to try and help pick him up. As I reach with my arms, trying to pick him up he puts his hand out. I stop, grab it and pull him up. You are gorgeous! Did you know that? I couldn’t see your face until now, but you are god damn breathtaking. I just want to look at you. God damn, captain! You should’ve put him in the vault ‘ cause he’s a diamond! Here, use this to clean yourself up, Ram hands I’ll go get the mop, to clean this up. Go sit down somewhere. What the fuck. What is happening here? This feels like a joke, Ram thinks to himself as he pick up the mop. They should put you in a museum, man. And they say you’re how old? You don’t look a day over 125. Ram stops in the middle of the puddle of blood, mop in his hand, looking at N. This doesn’t make sense. Why don’t you speak? Why were you naked? I get the crying part. But naked when a billion, literally every Virgo but you, died, doesn’t. And you holding some metal contraption in hand, in public, doesn’t either. What was that? But then again, a billion immortal beings died suddenly… Well, not so immortal anymore, anyway…

N sits hunched down in a chair, hand with cloth over his mouth. You know, that’s not the only thing I don’t understand about you. The captain is right. It’s been ten years. Why haven’t you talked at all? If you’re innocent, you should say something. I don’t think anyone is just not going to believe you or incriminate you for what you haven’t done, right? I mean, think about it. If they did, you would’ve already been sentenced to jail for life and made a scapegoat out of you. So, I don’t get you. Because you don’t seem to be stupid to me. Someone reading this many books, can’t be that stupid even if it’s been just 10 years, right? So, I don’t get it. And even for motive. Why kill all Virgos but yourself? Wait, says Ram looking intensely at N. Were you trying to kill yourself but it all backfired? asks Ram while laughing like an idiot. That would be tragic, ironic and funny at the same time. You must have had your reason. What is it? N raises his head and looks at Ram…

The Horrorscope - Episode 26: The unkNown

Captain Wasa puts a bloddy cloth down. So, Telum was of no help. Sergent Ram, what do you think? He takes a moment to snap out of it as he looks at Telum. I think you are right. He seems mostly clueless, says Ram. Oh how the mighty have fallen, says Wasa as he closes up the duffle bag. Let’s go talk to N. Ram quickly interrupts him. Will he be okay? Wasa starts laughing. Yeah, don’t worry about it. Forget about all this morality stuff, he’s immortal. It’s not like he’ll die or anything. He probably saw it coming too. Didn’t you? He asks turning towards Telum. That’s what I thought, says Wasa as he turns towards Ram. Let’s go. I’m curious what you’ll make of N. Ram scratches his head as they leave the room. I don’t know, but you have built quite the character profile of him, says Ram. Oh, you haven’t the slightest clue what you got yourself into. The loneliest Virgo, the One Who Speaks Not, the Virgin Crier, he has had many names in this past 10 years. He became quite a legend in the first year or two, nowadays barely anyone remembers him or mentions his name. Some said they heard him cry 100 nights in a row. Some said he was laughing, some said he was humming, some said he’d read their minds. I think they were just bored… Now, let’s meet Mr. N.

A dark corridor and at the end a steel reinforced door. It looked like it was a stolen safe door from a bank. We stood at the end looking onwards, a chill ran down my spine, thought to himself Ram. Turn the light on, what are you doing? asks Wasa. Is that it? At the end of the corridor? asks Ram. What? No. That’s a safe door we needed for evidence. Get your head back in the game, man. It’s this one to your left, says Wasa as he pulls out his keys. Why would we hold in behind a safe door? asks Wasa as he opens the door. Darkness ahead and a cold breeze. This feels all so terrifying. I’ll see the man that killed a billion, thinks Ram. Sergent Ram? Have you thought about maybe turning on the light here too? Just saying… You could make yourself a bit useful today, says Wasa. I turn on the light, a face springs up behind the glass and I scream. Would you be fucking willing to act like a normal fucking person, Sergen Ram? asks Wasa in an aggravated tone. Yes. Sorry, says Ram. Do I have to explain to you what this room is or how this works? You’ve seen this in TV shows, right? asks Wasa as the face disappears quickly from the window. I’m going in. Sit here and pay attention…

As I get close to the window, I see captain Wasa putting down his bag by the door. My eyes start to wonder only to find a bookshelf, a TV, some chairs and quite the nicely lit room. And with the back to the captain was N. He was looking through the books on his shelf. I brought you something, says Wasa. I think you’ll like this trilogy. I’ve read them this past weekend, all of them. Can you believe that? asks Wasa as he sighs. You know I always gave you good shit to read, no matter how coy you play and try to ignore me, he says as he goes towards N. He puts his hand in his hair, clutches his hand into a fist and smashes N’s face into the bookshelf. Wasa pulls N back and trips him, N falling to the floor. As N tries to cover his face, Wasa starts kicking him. After a few minutes of stomping and kicking, Wasa goes to sit down in one of the chairs. Ten years, he sighs, you’ve said nothing. Ten years, I’ve brought you books, got you countless psychiatrists, got you this nice place, got you good food and nothing. You know that they’ll never have you leave this place, right? Which is infuriating. If you had told us what happened, we wouldn’t be here. You’ve got no one to blame, but yourself, says Wasa as he gets up from the chair.

Soulless Society - The Pilot Program 2021

In this world, we are born without a soul. For centuries they tried to artificially create souls and imbue them into people. Baptizing doesn’t work, prayer doesn’t work, science doesn’t work. Those with souls are said to become something more, as they are special. Which is why no one knows of their existence anymore. Sometime after the second world war, those that were special slowly disappeared from the public eye. Conspiracists still think they’re hidden somewhere inside the Pentagon, controlling the world. Yet, from what I understand, they were supposed to find themselves free after the war. Yet, with the Cold War they found themselves used again. Finding themselves in this situation, they fled. One by one escaped and were deemed the enemy of the public by both, the Soviets and the US. I don’t even understand how this whole thing works, in all honesty. From records it is said that some got a soul when they were born, some when they were teenagers and some only later in life. And that the one thing they all had in common was that they were exceptional people. Yet, we drove them all away into obscurity. We only discover them after their deaths. And only then we celebrate them.

Have you heard? I turn around to see a colleague looking at me with a big grin. He leans down to whisper. Your best friend might actually be special. I push him off and get up quickly looking for Adam. Yeah, he’s not here today, Dean. Supposedly he was almost hired as chairman and you know what that means, when one of us takes such a big leap forwards. I pick up my phone and get out to the stairs. I’m just telling you the truth, you don’t have to be such an asshole about it. I quickly call him. Straight to the voicemail. Damn. What is even happening? People usually exaggerate this stuff. So many were falsely accused of being soulful and had their lives ruined. Only to what then? Do nothing. They can’t even determine who has a soul or who doesn’t. They keep promoting less than stellar people to lead us because if he is capable, he might just have a soul and we don’t want that. These unremarkable, hateful, envious pieces of shit, I start kicking the wall in frustration. I need to go find Adam, I think to myself as I quickly make my way back to my desk to get my things. Where are you going? They’re looking for you, says the same colleague. In a panic, I pickup my things and run out.

Fuck this wicked world. Fuck these people. Fuck not putting any effort or being any good at something or you just might get lynched. These thoughts keep repeating in my head as I drive towards Adam’s place. I hope that moron was wrong and Adam is just out with a cold or something. Who was looking for me? Why would they want to have anything to do with me? I’m just a glorified secretary. Just as I arrive at Adam’s place I see police and a crowd gathered at his door. As I make my way towards the entrance to his apartment I hear people whisper that he is special and that they never knew they were so close to someone so dangerous. They bring Adam out and I can’t help but reach out. Is it true? Adam! He raises his head and turns around. Dean, no! I don’t know what’s happening. I haven’t done anything, I swear! Before I can say another word, I am hit over the head and fall down. I wake up later to a foul stench. Good, you are up. We have some questions about your friend. And, if you are good enough, you just might get to live and tell the tale of what happens with those that protect the soulful…

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The Horrorscope - Episode 25: Night of the Hunters

Have you ever hunted anything in your life, dear new member Mnmosyne? Asks Lelantos. Mnemosyne shakes his head. Well, not to worry. The one we are going after is called Carvaggio, a real scumbag. A mob boss that now pretends living in the woods is soothing and not something absolutely fucking insane. He puts his bag down and opens it. Here, this is yours, says Lelantos with a crossbow in his hand and a smile on his face. What? I thought you’d be more excited. It’s a crossbow, he says as he pulls out a shotgun and closes down the bag. I mean… That’s not why I joined this cause. I’m simply tired of living this horrible life. I didn’t think we’d hunt people for sport. Lelantos starts laughing at what Mnemosyne just said. I understand. But, we need to be swift and effective. Mnemosyne quickly stops him. Pretty sure, Z said that we should be discrete. Lelantos slaps him on the back. Potato, potato. If you move fast, act fast, get it done fast, it is going to be discrete as hell. Besides, we’re not the only ones doing such a thing. Pretty sure when we were young we’d shoot each other with guns and roleplay wars and stuff. Man, you must have had a boring life until now, says Lelantos looking at Mnemosyne’s disgusted face.

Selene, is this really the place we have to find Mary at? Asks Dione. Yes. Now please, lighten up a bit. Let’s have some fun. Remember who you are doing this for and for what reason. Dione nods as Selene holds her head into her hands. Good. Have you brought anything with you? Asks Selene as she shakes her bag. Yes, says Dione as she pulls out a small revolver. You are an adorable idiot. This is supposed to be discrete, remember? Dione starts giggling. And I thought you were a bit of a wild one. Selene looks at her with a confused expression on her face. I am… But that doesn’t mean I’m a dumbass. Damn, I really ought to spend more time with you all. Cause after twenty thousand years, y’all don’t seem to know me that well, says Selene as she opens her bag and takes out a paint gun. Here, take this. It’s light and should be fun. Does quite the damage too. Who knows, they might just faint from the pain and we’ll get her that way. Now dear, let’s open this baby up and let’s follow her into the sewers. From shit she was born, into shit she’ll forever return and live. Let’s give that pedo what she truly deserves. By the way, how come you decided to join me? Asks Selene. Well, I didn’t want to be a third wheel…

Tethys, my dear, says Oceanus, let’s find this filth named Brutus. My horns ache for violence. She turns towards him. Well, darling, do I have the surprise for you. You’ll finally get to use these big, brawny, shiny, beautiful muscles. You’ll get your horns dirty and your release soon. I got you a match with Brutus. Oceanus with a big stupid grin on his face puts his arms on his shoulders. I see you are full on ready and excited just by the thought of it. My, my, what am I to do with you. Oceanus kneels down, puts his hands on Tethys’ shoulders and looks her in the eyes. My dear, we’ll bring this monster down, together. There’s no excuse for someone that takes those he doesn’t like and throws them in the ocean tied to rocks to lie there for thousands of years. And I promise you that after, you’ll have your release too. She looks down between his legs. Well, we still have quite a bit of time before the match and you seem ready and more than capable to fulfill that part right now. With a red face and the same grin on, he stands up. No, my dear. I must use this excitement in the fight. I must punish. I must crush him. And once I do, you’ll get yours. I promise. Now, where will this match be? She smiles. Here. They both start laughing.

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The Horrorscope - Episode 24.5: Criminal

I should do something with my life. I can’t find my purpose. I have yet to live it either. I’ve been stuck trying college after college, trade school after trade school, courses after courses and nothing. No spark, no idea, no inspiration or love for anything. I hate this life - Caius, 34322 years old. Crime: Human Trafficking. Number of victims: Unknown.

Nobody trusts me to do anything. I have no privacy, I have no way to show them that I mean well. And all they do is persecute me. Man, the things I’ve done are in the past. Why don’t they understand that? It was so long ago, I barely remember it anymore. - Marcus, 17743 years old. Crime: Money Laundering and Fraud. Number of victims: 124043.

Woooo! Nothing like some cocaine first thing in the morning to jolt you right up. I missed this stuff. Ten thousand years in prison does stuff to you, man. Believe me. I’ve seen some weird shit. If you think you have some weird of fucked up kink, you should try getting into a jail and see the shit that’s going on in there. Damn! It’s good to be outta there. - Bessus, 20233 years old. Crime: Rapist. Number of victims: Unknown.

It feels good to be king. This ring is all I have left. They don’t know me, nor do I want them to. All I care is that they let me fight. My body is aching. I can’t wait for the match tomorrow night. I’ll fucking rip him to shreds. I haven’t felt this excited in a long long time. - Brutus, 120345 years old. Crime: Attempted murder by drowning. Number of victims: 1504.

Ten thousand years and they still won’t let me have a decent fucking job. This is so degrading. The fuckers didn’t even make me any papers and they have me wear this stupid fucking tracker to see that I’ve been working. I am so fucking done with this. This is not how you treat a woman. - Mary, 47743 years old. Crime: Child abuse and distribution of child abusive material. Number of victims: 120.

I’ve done good both then and now. I’ve helped struggling communities, I’ve done my job for society. And… Now what? I am cast outside it to be forgotten. I’ve paid for my mistake and yet I can’t seem to integrate back as I’d like. They cut me off. They ruined me! - Verres, 42865 years old. Crime: Corruption, money laundering, frauds and scams. Number of victims: 125432089.

Life is never easy, but I am young. At least that’s what I told myself. Now where the hell did I hide that money? I know it is somewhere around here. I’ve been searching fucking years for this. Damn it! - Bonnie, 21002 years old. Crime: Multiple robberies and scams. Number of victims: 55000.

I haven’t eaten in over fifty five thousand years. Maybe things changed. What should I try first? Maybe a desert? Nah, I want something to satiate my hunger. - Cornelius, 130231 years old. Crime: Child abuse, distribution of child abusive materials, public indecency and public exposure. Number of victims: 3300.

Fuck! Why don’t the fucking drugs work anymore on me? Why can’t I even get drunk anymore? What piss poor joke is this? The only thing that brought me pleasure has now dried up. Fuck! - Gordon, 55005 years old. Crime: Multiple crimes against humanity including human trafficking and a slave trade. Number of victims: 1320405.

Where should I go next? I’ve camped all around these woods and they’re absolutely fascinating. Maybe I should find my way to the sea or to an ocean. I haven’t smelled that ocean breeze in many years. Right, that’s what I’ll do next. - Carvaggio, 66054 years old. Head of a criminal enterprise. Number of victims: 250776.

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The Horrorscope - Episode 24: Worst of the Worst

These are the ten people I have found. The first one’s in the greater New York area. Who wants him? Asks Lelantos. We want him, say Crius and Eurybia. I’ll come help you too, says Dione. The rest groan and moan. Fine, we won’t go through with each one of them. Here’s the list, do as you please. But, be careful. They are dangerous. History may have forgotten their names, but not their acts of terror. These are some of the worst of the worst. It’s been thousands of years since they committed their crimes and yet, they are still outside of society. They aren’t normal, they are criminals, Lelantos finishes his passionate speech. I don’t understand, says Themis. How? How in a world where murder and drugs are legal, can anyone be a criminal? Themis slams his fist on the table. Darling, you can still steal and do other horrible stuff, says Selene. But WHY? Why would you steal? You don’t need to eat food, you barely need water, so why would anyone steal anything? Selene shrugs and silence sets before Themis starts ranting again. Just look at these ten idiots, Rapists, pedophiles, frauds, heists and other countless petty and hateful crimes. I don’t get it! Screams Themis. Now, now. Calm down, says Lelantos. You all decided on who you want? They all nod. Good, now let’s see who we will work with…

I told you to sit still. But you had to flail like a moron and suffer, says Perses. The door to his lab opens. Oh, Z. What a pleasure to have you with me today. To what do I owe you the visit? Asks Perses as he bows before him. I wanted to see your progress firsthand. Perses raises his head and turns towards the hospital bed. Well, as you can see… I have managed to at least put him to sleep with this, he says while handing out Z a can of something. Z starts to laugh at him. Is this what you worked on for over twenty thousand years with me? Sleeping pills? Dejected Perses snaches the can from Z’s hand and twists its two halves. The can starts to glow as it hovers over the person in the bad and pulls them into the air. See? Asks Perses as the can and the person both fall down. These aren’t sleeping pills. It drains them of their energy, basically exhausting him and putting him to sleep. I believe that if I can manage to create something stronger than this, I might be able to finally do it! Z sits down to ponder. I see my trust in you wasn’t misplaced. Thank you.

I have a gift for you. Another subject. He’s a bit headless, but, you can work with him, right? Perses nods with a big smile on his face. Good. The rest are also working to get you ten more samples for your tests. So you can have one of each zodiac sign. I think that’s what you requested last time we talked, right? Perses once again nods with excitement. Good. Now, how long do you think you’ll need for this to work properly? Perses starts to pace around his lab. I don’t know. I need to find a way to make this more powerful. We’re fighting nature. We’re revolutionizing. We’re creating something unholy. We’re creating death for all. Equality and equity for all. We’re giving them a purpose to live, to develop, to evolve, to grow beyond this. I’d like to tell you that maybe by tomorrow I’ll figure something out. But, I’m alone. One head can only take you so far. And no, I wouldn’t like someone else to help. Not now. This is my child. This is all my work. I don't want anyone else near it. I made this. Do you understand me? Z gets up with a big smile on his face and his fangs sticking out. Yes, I do. You have grown, dear Perses. You’ve become someone wonderful. And I can’t wait to see what you’ll do with the rest of your life. Oh, before I forget, there is one more thing I’d like to talk to you.

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The Horrorscope - Episode 23: The Law And Lawlessness In Our Blood

Twenty thousand years in the shadows. Twenty thousand years of being nobodies, he rubs his eyelids with his fingers. I thought I could do it myself, and the world said no. So I brought them on and things moved. But now it’s them who are trying to ruin me. Well, luckily no one knows who I really am. Being this old has its little perks. No marriage, child, child of a child, father and father of a father’s father really knows who I am, where I’ve been or what I am. And if all this goes down, I’ll take Perses with me and let them all burn down and turn to ash. All just so I can rebuild again. Twenty thousand years and it all feels like it started yesterday. He takes a deep breath. It doesn’t matter. Nothing is going to change. It didn’t change back then, it didn’t change ten years ago, it wont’ change twenty thousand years into the future. Time is on my side because I have purpose. I have my place in this world and I’ll have my rightful place in history. I’ll give them all the privilege of living a fulfilling life. He slams his hands on the table in front of him as he takes another deep breath. Now, let’s go to work, he says with a smile as he looks at his uniform.

Ten people, he says. It’s going to be easy, he says. We should be discrete, he says. There are ten billion people on this god forsaken planet. How are we supposed to find someone unloved, unhappy and without any sort of company? Asks Hyperion. Don’t you worry to much, says Thea. The rest of 28 starts talking one over the other. Dione screams over them as they slowly go silent. It is fairly easy, says Lelantos. We the outcasts. The bad guys. The scum of the scum. They all look confused. And where do you find them? Asks Metis. Under what rock did you guys live until now? Asks Lelantos. Listen, dear. We don’t all care much for what happens in this world. It is irrelevant, it’s plain, boring and nothing short of insufferable, says Eos. She’s right. Our focus has been on this. To gather our funds. To strengthen our bonds. Especially after what happened ten years ago, says Astraeus. Lelantos sighs. Well then… About a hundred thousand years ago, there was a law passed regarding all criminal activity. Fifty thousand years ago, it was amended to include solutions for those crimes and how to change the behavior of those criminals. And ten thousand years ago, it had its definite version passed into law. A law we still abide by today because we can’t change the fundamentals of our DNA and our personalities…

The twenty nine now are all a murmur as they discuss trying to figure out what Lelantos was talking about. Okay, but what is exactly your plan? And what is this law you are speaking of? Asks Crius. Lelantos starts smiling from ear to ear. It’s the literal law of equivalency. Why do you think the police, be it secret or not, even still exist? Why do you think we still have something so ridiculous as armies or borders? We can’t fundamentally change who we are. This law proves the need for all those services. Why? Because that means that no matter how many times you smash the brains of a man, woman or child, they’ll still grow up to be the same type of being. That’s what I am suggesting, to go after those criminals, those that give us the need for this law. The pedophiles, the rapists, the murderers and the psychopaths of this world. Sure, they can look like they live normal lives, but you can never know what they hide inside their sick minds.. Those are the people abandoned by friends, by family, by any sort of hope. How do we find them? Easy. There’s a public registry with each and every single one of their names and addresses. Now, each choose one. Follow them. See what they do. Who they work with. And if it’s safe. We’ll snatch them.

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The Horrorscope - Episode 22.5: 30 for 30

Asteria

Nothing like living on an island between islands of fools getting drunk and getting lost. Even better they sometimes was ashore my beaches. This will be easy. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think Z has something for me. Glad my husband is important enough to keep him at bay. Hah, I’m hysterical today.

Astraeus & Eos

My dear, my beauty. It is our duty to help Z and fulfill our dreams. Use your beauty to suffocate them and bring them to us. As she cleans her horns, she smiles. I’ll do you one better, I’ll have them beg.

Atlas

I’m going to kill him for what he did to my brother. He wishes for death, I shall give him that.

Iapetus & Clymene

That fool. To tarnish my name, my history like that. After what I’ve done for him, cries Iapetus. Clymene, dear, we need to make this up somehow. Find those twelve people. She looks at him with love. For you darling, anything. He smiles. Then, we’re going to sell you to get those twelve, one by one. What do you say? She smiles and nods.

Coeus & Phoebe

My sister, my love. Use your wisdom to guide us and find those twelve retched people. She looks at him as she opens her arms to welcome him. You know I can. I’m the smartest you know and I will get us there… He sighs of relief. You truly are my moon and my everything.

Crius & Eurybia

I do not care much about this or how it should be achieved, says Eurybia. I know. You just sit tight and don’t worry. I am going to handle this. Twelve for you, twelve for me.

Cronus & Rhea

How did we get here? How is he the one leading the way? What happened to us? She looks at him. Change happened. But don’t worry. When this succeeds, we will get back in our rightful place.

Dione

Well, maybe if I do this for him. He’ll take me back. I was his first wife, and I will not let him escape that easily. Now to just get my hands on twelve people.

Prometheus & Epimetheus

This isn’t going to end well for Z, says Prometheus. Nonsense, that’s the point of all of this, isn’t it? An end to it all, says Epimetheus. Prometheus sighs. I mean, I guess… But that’s not what I meant…

Eurynome & Ophion

I don’t know why I got involved with this. I don’t know why Z asked me to. But then again, he asked his first wife too. So stupid with these names too, when a few of us clearly know each other. Ophion stands up. You all are foolish and so young. Can’t wait for it all to end. I’ve lived enough…

Hyperion & Thea

I have a bad feeling about all this. As much as I love the idea of it all, the fact that it is a family and friends lead matter is worrying. She nods in agreement. Who knows how many hate him or despise Z for all he’s done. He goes to kiss her. You are so bright, my dear.

Lelantos

This is easy for me. They deserve what’s coming to them, they never saw what I saw, nor did they ever think to listen to what I had to say… So let them die…

Menoetius

Hello, sir. My name is… Z interrupts him. I don’t want to know your name. From now on, you’ll be known as the new Menoetius. You’ve served us well until now, so I expect more of the same. He scratches his head. But what happened to the old Menoetius? Z raises his hand and his claws pop up. What will happen to you too if you betray me…

Metis

I fell for it again. I believed him. I hate myself and it’s all his fault. And I hope this works, cause I’d love to see him die.

Mnemosyne

I wish I could tell my daughters about this. But, knowing them, they might already know about it. They can read anyone like an open book. I just hope they won’t hate me or their father for it all.

Oceanus & Tethys

My bull horns ache and they ache for release. Tethys comes to his side and starts to brush his hair. With time, this will come to an end. A beautiful end at that. Together we can stop the suffering.

Pallas & Styx

What privilege to be part of history. To mark a new era, a new beginning to this empty and depressing world. She turns towards him. You are right. They don’t even know what they are in for. It will be wonderful…

Selene

Who needs prudence when there’s the cover of the night giving us ample sacrifices to choose from. No sane man walks the night, no loved man walks alone. This is going to be wonderful.

Themis

They ruined this country. They perverted my laws, my work and everything I have ever done for these people. They are nothing but ungrateful scum and they will meet their end.

Perses

You’ll amount to nothing, all you do is destroy. Well, this feels a bit ironic now, doesn’t it. Come on now, don’t you scream anymore, it is just annoying. It is for your own good, trust me.

Hope you liked this introduction of the 30 and the extra chapter of The Horrorscope. If you want to help keep the short stories free you can always donate at https://www.paypal.me/RaulFO