17 Comments
User's avatar
David Sheley's avatar

OK, that was AWESOME! I could perfectly imagine the scene, the characters, the environment. The image just gives a little nudge, but you've filled in the gaps in such a way that I could feel the cold air coming from the window (I even shivered a bit). I know there's more to this story, but you've given me just enough to say, "Wow!"

Expand full comment
Scoot's avatar

Thank you so much! The image was too good not to write something dark and "tech-noir". I have a sneaking suspicion we'll see these characters again!

Expand full comment
David Sheley's avatar

I’m looking forward to seeing them again. They are reminiscent of Elijah Baley and R. Daneel Olivaw from The Caves of Steel. Ok, going to go watch season two of Foundation now. 😬

Expand full comment
Taegan MacLean's avatar

I love me some tech noir. Bladerunner is a top 5 GOAT universe for me. And this definitely scratched that itch!

Very cool prompt and enticing story to go along with it

Expand full comment
Scoot's avatar

Thank you so much Taegan!

Expand full comment
David Sheley's avatar

Bladerunner is a classic! Love the practical effects!

Expand full comment
Michael P. Marpaung's avatar

It was a murder disguised as a suicide. He was killed...

By a bounty hunter.

(just kidding)

Expand full comment
Scoot's avatar

Youre not far off though 😂 hopefully the crossover is a little subtle!

Expand full comment
Michael P. Marpaung's avatar

The robot was a dead giveaway :D

Expand full comment
David Sheley's avatar

I think you’re on to something.

Expand full comment
Walther Cantu's avatar

A murder disguised as a suicide...well, well, well.

Expand full comment
Redd Oscar's avatar

Great atmosphere right from the start. Love the poem too! I can see the story could continue but because of the poem it doesn't need too, it can sit in technoir smoke filled mystery quite happily. Bravo!

Expand full comment
Scoot's avatar

I can't take credit for the poem, that's just something I learned recently and I loved it. It's the last stanza of "Ode On Solitude" by Alexander Pope!

Thank you, though! "Technoir smoke filled mystery" is such a good phrase haha I am glad I hit the mark!

Expand full comment
Claire Walster's avatar

Like the others have said, the tech noir feel to this is great! Different from most of the things I read regularly, which is so nice! Wonderful job, Scoot!

Expand full comment
Scoot's avatar

Thank you very much!

Expand full comment
Derek Petty's avatar

What an excellent idea for a prompt AND an excellent story. I think the temperature actually dropped around me while reading! haha. Can't wait to find who he was.

And I too was really impressed by the use of poetry here.

Well done Scoot!

Expand full comment
Scoot's avatar

Thank you Derek! It was a fun mood to experiment with!

Expand full comment