18 Comments
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Michael S. Atkinson's avatar

Oh yikes.

This is bad. This is bad bad bad, to quote a character from the Magic School Bus show I watched when I was a kid.

Also, side note, the Sino-American War? As an alt-history fan, I am intrigued and also unnerved.

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The Chronicler's avatar

😬 let’s hope everyone pulls through

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Stephanie Loomis's avatar

“It’s deeper than it looks.” Oy

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Caitriana NicNeacail's avatar

This is terrifying, and I love it! So many details, gonna have to read it again now

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The Chronicler's avatar

Thank you! Can you believe I had to chop this entry in half!?

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Joseph L. Wiess's avatar

Alrighty Neighbor, I'm casually interested. This is as good as an original x-files story.

I love the alt-history stuff.

I love the riptide and blackwater stuff.

Well done.

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The Chronicler's avatar

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed!

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Yakubian Ape's avatar

There's this phenomenon on Twitter of people who will go on a post where their hometown is mentioned and say "PHILADELPHIA MENTIONED!" or "NEBRASKA MENTIONED!" and that's how I feel about seeing the Dr. DiMassi name-dropped, but Substack doesn't allow picture replies so I can't make a silly image macro for the occasion.

Anyways, I'm intrigued to see where this goes because, when it all started, I imagined Elysium to be like a sort of Aperture Science kind of organization, but the more they're fleshed out, the more they seem a lot less "ethically questionable" and more like Resident Evil's Umbrella Corporation style of "just out and out sinister" and "tampering with forces best left unmolested".

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The Chronicler's avatar

It rather seems that way! I imagine that Elysium began “ethically questionable”, but hired the wrong man for the job. Then again, I suppose a company specializing in immortality would be a little wicked!

I loved finding places to slot in characters from other authors’ stories. In my very honest opinion, I wrote/edited this while quite sick (I think it could’ve been better) but I’m glad you enjoyed!

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Yakubian Ape's avatar

Well, I appreciate that you found a spot for her. Your story is shaping up to be delightful, regardless of the state you wrote it in, and I look forward to the rest.

Also, I think we could say that about a few "ethically questionable" companies in our own time and place, too ;)

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The Man Behind the Screen's avatar

I get the distinct impression that Sari's going to be in need of some serious saving real soon.

Also, General Zhao? Was that an Avatar: The Last Airbender reference, or is this just coincidence? :3

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The Chronicler's avatar

She's gotten herself into a real pickle.

As for Gen. Zhao: total coincidence, but a happy one now that you've reminded me!

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The Man Behind the Screen's avatar

Well, she hasn't gotten into that pickle just yet.

Dr. K still needs to brine her!

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The Chronicler's avatar

😂

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Bridget Riley's avatar

Oh no, Sari!

This is such a fun, thrilling, and intriguing read. I’m really enjoying it, and I can’t wait for the next one!

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The Chronicler's avatar

Thank you so much! This series has been so much fun to participate in 😊

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Jon T's avatar

Love the escalation. The details are awesome. You also demonstrate far more restraint than me. 😑

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Katharine Perry's avatar

Very much enjoying this series, love the atmosphere.

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