Evan Quinlan

Impulse Buy

In Drabbles, Fiction, Short Stories on January 9, 2011 at 4:28 pm

Precision-engineering of humans revolutionized the world.  The problem was, everyone was too perfect.  Lifespans skyrocketed and too little genetic diversity stunted the species.  Nobody took chances on imperfect babies.  The solution came from Nickel Games, Inc., a manufacturer of antique entertainment devices.  Like old-fashioned intercourse, the innovation was simple, fun, facilitated by alcohol, and—most importantly—it produced random results.

“Look, it even takes old-timey metal coins!”  Kell slurred.

“Win me a cute one!”  Ayla said, sipping her margarita.

Kell fed the machine and the claw whirred to life.  Behind the glass, a dozen canisters lit up, waking the babies inside.


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  1. Unhappily, I can’t keep from continuing on with this. Unhappily – because it wasn’t my idea to begin with. . . the lines you cast in this story are tied with lures my imagination is finding difficult to resist. . . Thank you for the inspiration. Beg Pardon – if I “borrow” – I will credit where tis due!

  2. I love this. A lot. Probably has something to do with my love of A Brave New World.

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