Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

Science Fiction: Tragedies
Science Fiction: Tragedies
Science Fiction: Tragedies
Ebook45 pages38 minutes

Science Fiction: Tragedies

Rating: 0 out of 5 stars

()

Read preview

About this ebook

Written by Richard S. Levine, these short stories involve some form of disaster. "Seismic Morality" examines an earthquake warning system dilemma. "Into the Wind", a science fiction fantasy, is about a courageous woman and dangerous winds on an alien world. Wonder what a perfect mate is? Check out "Fitter." "Texting for Love" takes the reader on a universal journey.

LanguageEnglish
Release dateApr 25, 2011
ISBN9781458164155
Science Fiction: Tragedies
Author

Richard S. Levine

Richard S. Levine has been a math teacher, a software engineer, and a video games designer. Now he's busy writing speculative fiction. He has had stories published in Emerald Tales, OG's Speculative Fiction, Raygun Revival, The Fifth Di, The Lorelei Signal, and other online and print magazines. "A Comic on Phobos" received a nomination for Samsdotpublishing's James award. To learn more about Mr. Levine's writings and his award winning classic video game, "Microsurgeon", please visit his website. You can also check out my interests on Pinterest at pinterest.com/ricklev/.

Read more from Richard S. Levine

Related to Science Fiction

Related ebooks

Short Stories For You

View More

Related articles

Reviews for Science Fiction

Rating: 0 out of 5 stars
0 ratings

0 ratings0 reviews

What did you think?

Tap to rate

Review must be at least 10 words

    Book preview

    Science Fiction - Richard S. Levine

    Science Fiction: Tragedies

    By Richard S. Levine

    Copyright © 2011 Richard S. Levine

    Smashwords Edition

    Discover other titles by Richard S. Levine at

    http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/richardslevine

    * * * * *

    Smashwords Edition, License Notes

    This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

    * * * * *

    The following stories were written by Richard S. Levine. Each story involves some form of disaster. Seismic Morality examines an earthquake warning system dilemma. Into the Wind, more fantasy than science fiction, is about a courageous woman and dangerous winds. Wonder what a perfect mate is? Check out Fitter. Texting for Love takes the reader on a universal journey. This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidental.

    Contents

    Seismic Morality

    Into the Wind

    Fitter

    Texting for Love

    * * * * *

    * * * * *

    Seismic Morality

    This story was published in Raygun Revival (Feb 2008). I’ve lived in places where earthquakes can occur. I’ve lived other places where hurricanes sometimes visit. Both events can be devastating. I prefer hurricanes over large earthquakes, mostly because I can at least get a warning a few days in advance. What if a scientist could predict earthquakes with over eighty percent accuracy? How good would be good enough?

    * * * * *

    You were right! Our satellite received another Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) signal in the Ionosphere.

    Seymour Erdbe looked over the top of the computer monitor to see his young grad student, Stan Presley, staring at the data screen. He replied, It’s a clear night. Unlikely there’s any interference in the signal. Where’s it resonating from?

    Stan turned towards him, his eyes wide open. The signature is Memphis! I think it’s going to be a big one.

    If the New Madrid fault goes it could produce an eight or more on the Richter scale.

    Our software’s interpreting the frequency shift right now.

    Seymour stood up. His legs felt week, his footing unsure. He trembled, though the earth didn’t shake, at least not yet. It had been many years since his days as a second-tier researcher in Berkeley, California. He knew what an 8.5 could do.

    Visions of broken sidewalks, leaning buildings, and people lying under piles of brick and mortar filled his thoughts. He wiped his closed eyes, hoping the images would disappear. Impatient, as he squeezed the top of his nose, he asked, So what’s it say? How soon is it coming?

    Hold on. The analysis just completed. A 7.0 or greater earthquake may be coming in the next 25 hours.

    "Damn, we had hoped

    Enjoying the preview?
    Page 1 of 1