Nesson is a serial novel about living with technology and sprawl in the near future. Learn more or start from the beginning.

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The door opened on seven people moving as if to conceal something. When they saw Moon standing silent and calm, they relaxed. She stepped in and Justin followed. “What is he doing here?” a hoarse, but feminine voice accused.

“It’s fine, he’s on our side.” What side is that? Justin wondered.

“We know that, but he’ll draw too much attention.” A man about his sister’s age said.

“Hey guys, I’m standing right here you know.” He had never seen sixteen eyes roll in unison before, it certainly did not instill self-confidence. Moon had lead him to this room, holding his hand tightly as they walked. He expected to be lead to a private room somewhere. That assumption was not wrong exactly, but this is not what he was expecting for the rest of his evening. This group was visually indistinguishable from the typical Open Acres resident: long hair, tattered clothing, and a pallet of facial expressions that mostly consisted of consternation or disconnection. For some reason, though, they were meeting in secret and Moon thought he might fit in. Continue reading →

Nesson is a serial novel about living with technology and sprawl in the near future. Learn more or start from the beginning.

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“Justin… Justin! Where are you going? Dinner is in the big house.” Moon had been following him around the moment he stepped foot in the place. The first time he saw her he did not know if he was afraid or intrigued. Her figure was imperial and round. Under dusty black hair was an observant and unkempt face. Her gold eyes were piercing. Moon appeared ageless, but after inquiring around, he learned that she was born a couple years before himself. Her features suggested a boldness, but she was soft spoken and usually found in corners and shadows. “Are… Aren’t you hungry?” She looked like she might collapse in tears at any moment, but that was just her neutral expression. Continue reading →

Nesson is a serial novel about living with technology and sprawl in the near future. Learn more or start from the beginning.

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It never occurred to Justin that the experiences of his that had value were the ones before he left home. For the New St. Louisians, his lifestyle was morbidly interesting. Beyond that, it was motivating. Everyone knew generally what American culture was like and how people lived, but how had everything become so stratified and isolated? It was not the facts that were shocking but the extremity. An outsider’s perspective of his old life revealed a disconnection that made no sense in a world so electronically connected. That the citizens of New St. Louis were looking at the situation from the other extreme was not a part of the conversation. Continue reading →

Nesson is a serial novel about living with technology and sprawl in the near future. Learn more or start from the beginning.

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Marcus sat in the boarding house, not exactly abandoned, but feeling excluded. He figured Helen, wait not Helen, Allison. He figured Allison had passed through New St. Louis before. She had to have to meet up with Earl and stowaway the way she did. He did not expect her to have personal business here though. He especially did not expect private business that she would not talk about.

She almost ran out of the door without saying a word. This was becoming a kind of habit, skipping out. She was pushing through the doors before Marcus could process her departure. He ran out and caught up with her walking briskly towards the center of the city. Continue reading →