Neon Dreams Neon Dreams Neon Dreams Neon Dreams
Memoirs of Jennet
Damien Rivera
So it's finally happening... We’re leaving Earth. After everything with my father and his ‘righteous’ crusade, the government let us leave. I want to say they begged us to go but who am I kidding, its the Federation they don’t care either way. When we get on the ship, it will be the first day our family lives free from Earth's hypocrisy and everything having to do with the Federation.
We’re going to have to hurry and finish packing today. Mom is helping Theo pack right now while he’s trying to convince her to leave with us. She already told me last night that she’s staying.
“This is our journey, not hers. I’m done traveling.”
She said, sorry, Theo.
I can hear Tim running around, he’s excited to see space, well he’s also excited to be a big brother whenever this little one comes in. Gladly, Theo agreed with me, finally, that if it's a boy, we’re naming them Kyle, and if it’s a girl, then Sofi. And honestly, it’s a girl, I can tell.
Maybe I’ll get lucky and find one of those Tresec soothsayers to make sure.
...It’s crazy, you know, leaving Earth, my home... my old life. It's the only thing I ever knew, the only place humans ever knew. Now we're going to some far-flung planet called Terra Nova. It's not even in the same system, they said.
I should hold off on writing more. I was told to start writing down my experiences to help cope with the coming changes, but it will be a long trip, and I need something to do. I'll do a sign-off, too, it's only for myself, right, haha.
Jennet–
Incident Report #346
Industries
Crowe
Julia and Marchel Finex Murder –(Unsolved)
Source: Video evidence from Brightlanes CCTV security footage
Location: Brightlanes Project (Crowe Industries Worker relocation house units)
Date: [Redacted]
Status: Video corrupted / no color / audio enabled
Caution Graphic violence and footage of criminal activity.
For Mars Law Enforcement and Crowe Industries Security eyes only
Damien Rivera
“Faster! Jesus, keep running!” Marchel cries. A lavishly dressed Marchel and Julia dart in and out of the trash-filled streets of New Demos. The couple passes some monitors as a news station plays. They talk of a string of murders occurring on the planet Mars. The news station suddenly switches to a flashing red banner of a recent attack at a Marian political gathering called the TEV (Traditional Earth Values) Gala.
The Marchel desperately pulls down trash piles. He hopes to slow down whatever is hunting them.
Echoing, a calm voice of a young woman calls out to the couple. “Mom! Dad! Why are you running?” The voice bounces off the grimy alleyway walls.
Tossing her heels, Julia covers her ears, “Shut up, you horrible monster!”
Frustrated, Marchel pulls on his wife harder, hurting her. They get out of the alley into half-constructed abandoned streets. He shouts to the stagnant air, “Where the hell are we? Fuck! We’ve gotta get out of here! Find the police, military, anyone!”
Noise springs under a blanket next to them, and Marchel lashes out. Grabbing a degraded metal post, he strikes the shifting blanket. He attacks it, and it begins to yelp; something inside begs to stop until there is nothing but silence. The blanket, now forming a dark red stain, pools blood underneath. Using the post, the husband moves the veil to see that he killed a homeless woman. He drops the murder weapon. His heart races, eyes burning as he stares at the corpse.
Julia comes close, holding Marchel’s arms. He tells her, “It’s fine, they were just homeless trash—”
“Dad! Why did you hurt that poor lady?”
The voice echoes in the street, catching the attention of other vagrants. Sounds of metal dragging come from the alley they left. “Were they being naughty, like me?”
“You are not my daughter!” Marchel yells, his voice cracking.
Some vagrants notice the scene and approach anxiously to see who they’d attacked. Frightened, the couple kept running. Many of the vagrants shout to stop them and call for help. Some local homeless try to grab them, but the couple pushes them away as they escape.
“Uh-oh! You guys are in trouble.” The voice follows the couple. The vagrants stop and look around as they hear the voice, too. “Haha, don’t worry, Dad can fix this. He can fix anything.”
Nearing a metro station, the holograms around the building are operational. A red glow casts over the metro entrance. The news station shows images of brutalized bodies as they report on the attack at the gala. They speculate it is related to the local murders that have been happening. The holograms begin distorting and muddling with the red banner. Letters appear spelling out. Mom, why did you leave me alone?
Julia breaks down at the entrance. Marchel tries to get her back to her feet before deciding to drag her. She pulls away as she cries out. An image of a winged eye stares at them from the monitors and holograms, and an electric voice calls from the speakers. “We. Are. Watching.”
Marchel looks at the metro stairs as Julia loses herself to her tears. Holding her, Marchel says, “Hey, hey, hey, Look at me! I’m going to check the station, okay? Stay here, and if you hear or see
anything, run. God, please run, okay?” She responds with a pitiful nod. With that, Marchel rushes down the stairs.
In the grimy metro station, Marchel looks for help. The light is numbingly bright as they are uncovered. Filth and trash had collected for weeks, the local homeless tipping the bins over, looking for anything worthwhile. The station’s help desk is covered in graffiti with a yellow sign saying “Closed for cleaning” on it. Nothing was left of the security office as a fire had destroyed it. Luckily, the station’s itinerary screens are active. They play the news while informing Marchel when the next train will arrive.
“Three minutes. Okay, okay...” Taking a breath, Marchel calms himself. His heart beats, drumming his ears, muting the news station. Marchel looks up when he hears footsteps up the stairs.
“Did you find help?” Julia asks.
Relaxing, Marchel goes back to looking at the monitor. “Yeah, in about two minutes, we will be out of this nightmare.”
“That’s good, but why did you leave me up there?” Julia’s voice digitizes.
“What? I didn’t?” Marchel turns around. “I told you–” Dread grips his throat, face turning pale.
At the base of the stairs stands a stranger wearing a silver mask. Lined slits replace the eyes and mouth. The stranger wears a blue jacket with the hood up, fresh blood sliding off it. The stranger’s gloved hands are tightly gripping a metal bat with an odd thick ring at the end. Flesh flings on, and blood drools from it.
Julia’s voice came from the stranger: “Why did you leave? Why did you hurt me, them, everyone?” The stranger’s silver-buckled boots step toward Marchel. Each footstep leaves a bloody mark.
Fear saps the strength from Marchel’s legs. He falls to the tile floor. Dragging himself, he holds his hand out. “Please, don’t kill me.”
Julia’s voice returns. “It’s too late for that, honey.” The stranger flicks a switch on the bat. The ring on the bat hums, flinging the flesh off. With one arm, the stranger apathetically swings his bat. It touches Marchel’s hand.
He hears the thud and follows it with his eyes, seeing his own hand, the wedding ring still attached, flying toward the wall. It came off so quickly the pain wasn’t processed yet. Looking at the stump where his hand was, agony shocks Marchel.
He holds his wrist, trying to stop the bleeding. The stranger looms before him, their bat rising. Marchel cries, “Please, I didn’t mean to do it!”
The stranger watches him in silence. Flashing red banners return on the monitors in the background. Then, the bat comes down. It smashes Marchel’s body, crushing him with immense force, impact tearing at his flesh and shattering his bones. Blood gushes everywhere, painting the station. The blood-filled screams from Marchel call for help only for advertising to stare back. The bat rises and falls, Marchel’s body contorting. Slowly, the stranger turns a human into a heap of meat, blood, and broken bones on the station floor.
“I deserved this. Thank you,” says the stranger in the husband’s voice. They leave the station. A fresh pair of bloody footprints lead up the stairs. The train finally arrives, and screams erupt from the station. (End of video)
SCAN FoR MoRE FRoM thIs AUthoR &
stUDENt At CSN
Notes: CCTV evidence was given to the New Demos Metropolitan Police Department by request from Crowe Industries Security office. The footage shows the couple, Julia and Marchel, running through the New Demos Brightlanes construction project. Scans show the couple chased by a suspect, who is confirmed to be known serial killer Malaka. Other reports suspect wanted terrorist hacker Gabrial, assisting Malaka.
POP Western
Despite the treasures
This place boasts, all the halls gilded in gold, none of it is my home.
For the warmth you once bestowed it is something I can find no more. The luster of gold fades away, for you were not allowed to stay.
Now! I’ve found you once more!
You’ve carved out a new home, under the dark sky you reside. Among the red halls you belong. If there you are known, If this place respects you, Then would you let me make here my new home? Let Me Anonymous
Poetry
The Lan’s are haunted by ghosts, and not the ones which you can disperse. No, those would be easy to deal with.
These ghosts are those of the past, those that should have been long gone yet still linger. They’re souls no longer here yet they’re still everywhere. In their rules, their routine, their traditions.
If you looked closely, maybe you could still see them engraved into the shadows of the living.
Perhaps it is because of how ancient their home is. Perhaps it is because they are cultivators. Perhaps it is because of the tragedies their home had witnessed.
The entrapment and slow, painful, bleed of life from a once free bird.
The seclusion and slow decay of a man that was dead long before his time was due.
The pressure made to form children into perfection, demand it of tiny bodies and confused, curious, minds even. The restraint branded into their very bones and souls, tied to them with a simple white ribbon.
The countless punishments for nearly impossible and inhuman rules, the scars those left, the impression impossible to forget. Those thousands of rules, the legacy of those long passed. Truly the cloud recesses are overrun by ghosts.
Have you ever wondered… Why, fish can swim, and birds can fly? Wouldn’t it be weird and neat, If fish could fly and lemons sweet?
If books could be turned back into trees, And snot would fly back when people sneeze, Then summer would be a great time to freeze, And only rude people would ever say please!
If stars in the sky could sprinkle the ground, And the balls were all blocky, and blocks were all round Then kings would be poor and peasants be crowned, And all the lost things would then all be found.
Far in the future, a long time ago, Lived a famous person that no one did know. He burned some ice and froze some fire, Truthfully saying that he’s a liar. This tall man was short, so skinny and fat, Upon his feet he wore his hat. Before he was born, he passed away, Alone, with friends, he’d stargaze by day. He spoke with his eyes; from his mouth he would see, He heard from his shoulders; from his nose on his knee.
As he swam through the sky, He flew through the sea, Got locked up in prison and shouted, “I’m free!” Then he frowned with delight and was sad with a grin, Because now it is time for this rhyme to begin.
BY MATTI HEPPENHEIMER
O CTOBER H OROSCOPE
You are called to remember ancient wisdom and commit to a timeless vision. Bring bold action and emotional depth.
How can you balance passion & emotion to stay true to your vision?
Your power comes from offering your gifts with respect & purpose. Emotional intelligence & sharp clarity break self-imposed limits.
What gift can you offer, & how can it help you overcome self-doubt?
You are a peaceful warrior, guarding truth & justice while protecting your space. Independence & justice arise through perseverance & boundaries.
How can you stand firm in your truth while creating sanctuary in your life?
Deception & confusion cloud your path but will fade when returning to your inner light. Look inside to bring clarity, & with the right choices, you’ll find emotional fulfillment.
How can you navigate through confusion toward clarity?
Your boundless energy is a key to expanding your potential. Leadership combined with perseverance requires moments of rest.
How can you balance your drive for success with the need for rest?
Magnetism is calling in a soul connection & kindred spirits. Emotional release leads to victory & stability in relationships. What emotional release can help you attract deeper connections?
Your wounds awaken you; healing your inner child brings peace. Release control through bold action and self-reflection. How can you release control & allow your wounds to guide your journey?
Fear of failure & resistance are keeping you stuck in old patterns—break free. Loss & conflict demand balance & adaptability.
What can you do to unblock your intuition & regain inspiration?
Suppressed intuition blocks your path— reconnect with your inner wisdom. Balance between giving & resting allows for clarity.
What can you do to unblock your intuition & regain inspiration?
You are in a flow of abundance & beauty— nurture yourself to embrace your creativity. playfulness brings abundance & strength.
How can you nurture your creativity to bring more abundance into your life?
Spiritual initiation reveals truths— trust your divine connection. Conflict & completion shape your journey, demanding clarity & strength.
How can you navigate challenges to emerge stronger & wiser?
Lead with action & strength in pursuit of truth. Hardship & emotion ignite your creative connections.
Where can you lead boldly while staying true to your emotions?
BY COSMICSoulja
Alezei AlexRamosInterview W//
New album, Princess Universe
Alex: Hey, Alizei, thanks for agreeing to an interview. First, introduce yourself to our readers: who is Alezei? Why do you make music?
Alezei: I grew up in between Cali and Vegas. I am passionate and multifaceted: I sing, write, paint and even run my own candy business. I grew up listening to Green Day and Lana Del Ray. Music is therapeutic to me, amplifying my emotions. It’s like stepping into another dimension for me, where I can see sound in color. Music helps me process my own emotions. It’s transformative.
Alex: Your Princess Universe album was a big undertaking. What would you like your readers to take away from the experience?
Alezei: This album is about embracing the existential and connecting with my inner child. We’re stardust; not just scientifically, but emotionally too. I’d like listeners to know they’re special. Live fully and embrace the magic around you.
Alex: You’re performing at the Choir Club’s Showcase on the 26th, tell us more about what it means to perform your music live.
Alezei: Performing live is such a different experience than recording in person. There’s an emotional connection with the audience that you can’t really capture in a studio.
Alex: Finally, what’s one thing you’d like to tell readers?
Alezei: College is hard, it’s a transitional point in life. We’re growing up. Everyone’s on different paths. I’d like to tell readers that now is the time to make mistakes. Don’t cling to stability now: take risks and do what you love. You owe it to yourself.
