Thermal Array – 3: Research Drilling Station, High Arctic
The drill core bit cleanly through the ice, the permafrost, and the rock below.
A low, steady vibration ran up through the frame as Matthias leaned into the rig, boots braced, gloved paws firm on the controls. The sound was constant, controlled—a deep mechanical hum cutting into the frozen ground beneath them.
Continue readingAt the remote TA-3 Arctic research site near Norðvik, a team drilling deep into ancient permafrost uncovers unusually well-preserved organic material and a hidden geothermal pocket. A minor, unnoticed breach during sample handling allows exposure to an ancient virus released from the thawing ground. As a severe storm isolates the base and systems begin to fail, the team evacuates—unaware the infection has already taken hold. In the days that follow, early cases appear, but the true source is not recognised in time, planting the seed for what will become The Great Collapse.
Read Episode 4.1: Well Preserved – here.
A new episode of this seven-part short story will be posted every Friday.
The Valleys: Winter Fire Circle
This short story takes place during a winter fire circle gathering, under the full moon.
Tonight the fire was not right.
It was burning — but only just.
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This short story takes place on the same night, directly at the end of: Episode 50 – Full Circle
The Valleys: The Last Fire Circle Gathering of Summer
The fire had burned lower now.
The great stacks of wood laid earlier in the evening had settled into a deep bed of glowing coals. Smaller flames licked quietly between the larger logs.
The heat was now soft, steady, and even. Marshmallows had begun to appear on the ends of sharpened sticks and sweet campfire tea from an ancient blackened cauldron had been ladled into mugs.
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Age: 14
Full Name: Dieter — Warrior of the People
Family: Son of Ambassador Schönheit & Anna, brother of Hanne
Species: Hunde, German Shepherd
Role: The Courage — bold, loyal, humorous, protective, direct, pack-driven; main protagonist
Best line: Come here, buddy. Sleep with me — I’m a bit scared too.
Funniest line: So what you’re saying is that we’re gonna fire a buzzy-bug straight up that bug ship’s whizz-stick?
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Age: 12
Species: Neko-Human snow-leopard
Full Name: Taqqiq — Snow on Ice
Family: Son of Gazza & Tag’s Mammy
Species: Neko-Human, Snow Leopard
Note: Will only wear a shirt when his mammy makes him
Role: The Heart, emotional courage, empathy, instinctive trust, compassion, moral compass, main protagonist
Best line: The stones have protected us so far.
I reckon the stones are on our side. They won’t let us down.
Funniest line: I ain’t gonna lie — this whole thing just about has me packing darkies in my under-jocks.
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Screw Pile Developments 