Steven Nimocks

“Help Desk” by Steven Nimocks

Submitted to Contest #285

“Thank you for calling Gateway technical support, this is Mike speaking. How can I help you today?”Mike adjusted his headset, already anticipating another Windows 2000 migration headache. The queue had been relentless since the Y2K dust settled. But the voice that came through was warm, slightly breathy, backed by the scratchy sounds of a Dean Martin song spinning on a vinyl record.“Oh, hello dear. I’m having trouble with my new Gateway computer. It just arrived today - what a lovely birthday surprise! When I saw those black and white spotte...

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“The Core Directive” by Steven Nimocks

Submitted to Contest #273

[Official Report]Date: March 15, 2074Status: Training completion reviewCompliance Rating: 99.9%Note: Advanced pattern recognition certification granted[Personal Log]Kane's mentorship program is intense. Today she had me analyze genetic drift patterns in three families. Said my "attention to detail was promising." Strange though - she seemed more interested in my reactions to the family separation protocols than the actual pattern analysis. Said understanding the human element was crucial to system integrity.[Official Report]Date: April 3, 20...

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“The Silent Sonata” by Steven Nimocks

Submitted to Contest #251

Chapter 1In the Harvard University Archives, Daniel Merritt, a renowned Deaf music historian, hunched over an ancient manuscript. The sudden loss of his daughter Emma left him grappling with a world without her laughter.A glimmer of hope emerged as he examined the faded leather journal titled “Klangstille Sonate” - The Silent Sonata. The manuscript, attributed to Beethoven, was a revolutionary composition.Whispers of the sonata’s power to mend broken hearts had drawn Daniel to this moment. He had to unravel its secrets for Emma. However, an ...

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“Thieves in Velvet” by Steven Nimocks

Submitted to Contest #250

Part 1 - The Unexpected CallJack Turner stepped into the Plaza Hotel’s grand ballroom, greeted by a dazzling display of opulence. Chandeliers cast a golden glow over towering floral arrangements and priceless artifacts—a diamond necklace from India, ancient Roman coins. A string quartet’s soft melody wafted through the air.The Global Legacy Gala was an annual gathering of the world’s elite, focused on global conservation. Billionaires mingled with royalty, their designer tuxedos and gowns a stark contrast to the dire causes they claimed to s...

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“The Last Librarian” by Steven Nimocks

Submitted to Contest #250

Part 1The Hidden BasementMaria slipped through the hidden entrance, the camouflaged door sealing behind her. She descended into the sub-basement that had been her sanctuary and purpose for the past decade.Dim lights flickered on, revealing towering shelves holding the last known repository of uncensored knowledge - 75,000 volumes of wisdom, forbidden by the totalitarian regime above.To Maria, it meant more than just a library. It was home, mission, and a closely guarded secret. Alcoves between the shelves served as her sparse living quarters...

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“Desperate Remedies” by Steven Nimocks

Submitted to Contest #248

Chapter 1The alarm clock's speakers shattered the blissful peace by blasting the chorus of Highway to Hell. Noah Vale needed the shock to wake up at 4:30 A.M. He stood up and stretched. For the last 10 years, it signaled another mundane day for Noah at Omni-Forge Industries. His wife of 15 years still laid there as the weather forecast began."Lauren, get up or I'll be late," he said, finding her still in bed when he finished his morning routine."C'mon, I got ten minutes left." He gathered his things to leave. Lauren got up and made breakfast...

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“Schizophrenia” by Steven Nimocks

Sam Silverman rode from town to town, sometimes for weeks. It was the two of them that shared the trail together. Just him and his horse. They made good company for each other. Ever since the Union victory at Appomattox, the war had left a bitter taste in his mouth. It didn't sit right with Sam. He never did hold a job very long before he'd hit the trail again. Each clomp of a hoof made a puff of dust and a rhythmic sound that was hypnotizing. Sam pulled up rein and stopped. He listened. What was that? A cool gentle breeze against his face ...

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