The Death Agreement (19 page)

Now the time for drills is over;
the culmination of the Stargazer's Thousand Cycle Plan is finally
upon them. To the relief of all, the training held. There's no
hesitation. Not a single worker deviates. Each member knows the
consequence of failure is total destruction.

While the station's personnel
fight to save the planet's population, the forty-second Master
Stargazer stands over his garden, watching drops of water bead
across leaves. He gently touches the seed pouch of his favorite
flower, and the realization that the time has come hits him with
unimaginable force. Fully aware that his heart is beating
dangerously fast for a man of his age, he repeats the familiar
mantra:

I must calm down if I'm to see
this through.

As the research station commander,
Master Stargazer's job is to ensure all aspects of the Thousand
Cycle Plan remain on schedule, and yet, he's the only staff member
not where he's supposed to be. His place is on the command deck,
but grief had overtaken him, so he had slipped into his office to
give a final farewell to his beloved flora. For years, those plants
had reminded him life exists somewhere high above the ice cap. Even
now, they remind him it needs to be preserved.

~~~~~

Praise for Master
Stargazer:

"Great piece of sci-fi." –
Jack H.

I Know What They Are

This short horror story is now
available. For more information on this book, please visit
the
Stealth Fiction Publishing
website.

~~~~~

A young woman interacts with the
city's homeless population as she walks to work each morning. Her
life takes a turn into strange territory when she meets a homeless
lady wearing a lab coat and holding a sign that reads: I know what
they are..

~~~~~

Praise for I Know What They
Are:

"This gave me chills." –
Jason W.

More from Stealth
Fiction Publishing

DAYLIGHT DIMS

VOLUME TWO

This horror anthology is now
available. For more information on this book, please visit
the
Daylight Dims
website.

~~~~~

Darkness descends Again. Daylight
Dims Volume Two features thirteen stories that cross the genres of
surreal, dark fantasy, and heart pounding dread. This annual horror
anthology is guaranteed to twist your perception of the horror.
From the common, comfortable tropes, to the more taboo, these
handpicked tales have a literary aspect designed to showcase what
true horror can be.

~~~~~

Praise for Daylight Dims Vol.
2:

"This was probably one of the most
entertaining collection of horror stories I've ever read. And I
don't say this to suck up or to stroke any tail feathers. I was
happy to have the opportunity to read through this before release
and I implore anyone on the fence about picking up this up to do
themselves a favor and take the plunge into the abyss. You will not
be disappointed." –
Human Gravy

DAYLIGHT DIMS

VOLUME ONE

This horror anthology is now
available. For more information on this book, please visit
the
Stealth Fiction Publishing
website.

~~~~~

The editors chose 13 stories of of
over 100 premium submissions. DD contains some of the best horror
around.

~~~~~

Praise for Daylight
Dims:

"This is a fantastic horror
anthology. All 13 stories are exquisite. The book was not what I
expected initially as I thought that it might be all vampire or
werewolf tales. Not so! These are original stories from authors of
the macabre. From dark fantasy and pure suspense to classic horror
tales, it shows the extraordinary scope of fantastical fright
fiction. The stories in this anthology are a tour de force of fear,
which will haunt you, terrify you, and stay with you." – S.
Mahaffey,
"neverjudge"