CHAPTER ONE
Dad had his belt ready, yet again.

“Billy boy, this going to stop, one way or the other”

Four strokes that time, me bent over the arm of the settee so he could get a decent swing in. At least he left my trousers on while he hit me.

“Room. Now. Or you get another one”

Change of the Mask: New Beginning

Lilly85

This is a story I have had on the back burner for awhile and I decided to start writing this again to share with all of you. As far as descriptions go I had no idea what to put for this as it’s a bit different than what you might expect. This isn’t my typical story but I hope you all enjoy this journey.

Chapter 1

I sat in what was obviously an interrogation room, staring at my fingers. I was pretty sure that what I was experiencing was real life, despite the silver or light grey colouration of my skin. I was moving my elegant hands marvelling at the realism. Truthfully, I couldn't tell from sensation the difference between my digital life and my real one.

Once they were both back at Harry’s and Bill had unloaded the Market Stall bits and pieces, he went in search of Harry.

He found him fast asleep in a chair by the range in the Kitchen. His snores told him that he was ok but he recalled his ashen face from earlier and realised that he was sicker than he was prepared to admit to Bill. Bill guessed that he didn’t have long to go but was willing to wait for Harry to tell him just how bad things were.

For the next few hours, Bill busied himself around the house.

Author retains all rights to this original work of fiction.

Part Seven

The next morning everyone at the repository was still buzzed about the rescue. Including the federal employees working to destroy the chemicals, even though they hadn't been involved. Melody managed to get several interviews with various participants in the operation, as well as updates on how the refugees were faring. Then she just hung around the computer room, where the performance of the new device in planning the operation was being evaluated.

“Oh man, I love it here.” Sophie was enjoying their training in the rainforest. The past few days have been nice.

“I know what you mean. I wish we had this the first day of our survival training.” Jerry finally secures the zip line they were helping the forest rangers install.

Jerry looks over towards Zak, as he tightens up the bolts holding the zip line. Him, Zak and Sophie were working together.

“Guys join us back at camp. Becky just received orders for us from Gina.” Tammy’s voice comes over their mikes.

he minute I stepped into the hallway, I found myself surrounded by boys who like me had been drafted, volunteered or had been volunteered into dawning a dress for charity. Most of them tried to pass and most did pass. Many of them where being interviewed by the varies reports that where covering the event. Lana Lightcap of WBT had just finished interviewing somebody when she spotted me. She smiled and motioned for the cameraman to follow her as she approached me.

Thomas Allan Wehl’s silver tongue has got him out of many tight spots. From age thirteen he has finely tuned his skills in conning bartenders to serve him beers to the point that here he is at age fourteen and seven-twelfths quaffing pints and abetting in the delinquency of pretty minor girls. Can her silver tongue get him out of trouble as fast as it’s getting her in to it?

The Wager Part 8
The story starts to near its end. Jen and Sam think that they are making good progress in thwarting Justin's plans. There is reason for some optimism but then the story reaches a dark place. Is it the dark before the dawn?

For a rescue to be successful, those being rescued must still believe it's possible.

There were a lot of tranzies around Ridgewick these days. Seemed like every second kid you met was one - although you probably wouldn't have known, not unless you'd lived here all your life. Half the time, you hardly noticed they were even there...

Stuck in a Rut.
By Rosalie Redd

Casey Church is a normal 13 year old girl, But in a world where there hasn’t been a girl born in over 100 years, Casey adjusts to her new life as a girl. Can Casey cope with everything that comes with being a girl, or will others conspire to ruin her life?

Chapter 33

The Plan-B Bust: 1 / 5

An Altered Fates Story
by Iolanthe Portmanteaux

“Look at her! There is nothing she can do that isn't sexy!" Joseph exclaimed. "That woman is a living, breathing sex bomb! If the atom bomb could be a woman, it would be Caresse Desmesne.”

“That makes no sense whatsoever,” William replied, “but I know what you mean, brother!”

In the newly assimilating areas, the Clan Corvo crushed the rigid class systems that existed in the overwhelmed empires. Those striated societies were totally dominated by the elite upper classes consisting of about 5% of the conquered peoples. Another 5-10% formed a sub-elite class. Beneath them were the lower classes, totally beholding to the upper classes. They had no opportunity to advance and no means to do so even if they tried. Those downtrodden masses, 85-90% of the conquered, eagerly allowed themselves to be swept into the classlessness of the Clan Corvo. For the first time, those long downtrodden people had hope of improving their lives. They eagerly accepted the education opportunities offered by the Clan Corvo since it meant a way to improve their lives.

Raven was on her way to work when she spots a car with the hood up and a young woman with long auburn hair standing in front of it. She pulls up behind the car and gets out and walks towards the young woman.

“Car trouble?” Raven was watching the woman.

Clair knew she should have the water pump taken care of, but she has been too busy at the Library covering people’s shifts. She hasn’t had the time to take the car by a mechanic to get fixed. Now, here she was stuck on the side of the road. She spots a small dark green pickup truck pull behind her car.

Sam's pregnancy becomes real. Jen's relationship with Mike continues to develops and young Liam becomes reliant on his Aunt Jen. Jen spends the night with Mike. Research into Justin's criminal activities continues. Time is passing quickly and relationships are becoming increasingly strained.

Stuck in a Rut.
By Rosalie Redd

Casey Church is a normal 13 year old girl, But in a world where there hasn’t been a girl born in over 100 years, Casey adjusts to her new life as a girl. Can Casey cope with everything that comes with being a girl, or will others conspire to ruin her life?

Chapter 32

Hello, readers. I should say long-suffering-probably-given-up readers. I plan to post more and longer chapters, but this one at least moves everyone off the terrible cliff I left you handing from in chapter 18. Enjoy and many apologies for the long wait.

Chapter 19

"Here they are," called Carla as the car pulled into the driveway.

Melissa sprang from her bed and turned down the music they had been listening to. "This is going to be so great." She took a seat by Carla at the window.