Lodi (eBook)

Marcus Carter (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2024 | 1. Auflage
210 Seiten
Bookbaby (Verlag)
979-8-9917710-0-9 (ISBN)

Infos

--- --- Lodi is a compelling collection of short stories that transcends time and explores the depths of human experience. Seamlessly blending the past, present, and future, Marcus Carter masterfully intertwines themes of mystery, technology, and morality, inviting readers to contemplate the intricacies of existence and innovation. In the title story, Lodi, an emancipated slave makes a startling discovery-an advanced form of technology capable of rewriting history. This life-altering find sets off a sequence of events that reshape the present and irrevocably alter the future. The Urban Hacker takes readers into the heart of Silicon Valley, where a group of visionary tech wizards race to create an app designed to disrupt the global financial system. As ethical dilemmas arise, the adrenaline-fueled competition gives birth to a new form of activism, where technology serves as both a weapon and a tool for justice. In The Neighbor Next Door, suburban life in the near future takes an unexpected turn when one neighbor purchases a cutting-edge robot companion, Robo Pal 1. Not to be outdone, a jealous neighbor buys their own, sparking a fierce rivalry. As tensions escalate, the story reveals that despite advancements in technology, the age-old flaws of human nature-jealousy, pride, and insecurity-continue to shape our lives. In Future Sleep, a young couple enters a sleep chamber that promises to solve all their problems, only to awaken to a future fraught with even greater challenges than the present they sought to escape. The Castle in Your Mind follows the murder of an up-and-coming entertainer that shocks a small town, dominating headlines. As the chief of police, grappling with his own unresolved family issues, interrogates the young suspect, he uncovers a complex web of spiritual connections tied to melanin, vibrations, and energy. His investigation forces him to question not only the crime but also his own beliefs as he confronts unseen forces that defy logic.

--- **Marcus Carter - Celebrated Author and Visionary** Marcus Carter is a celebrated author known for his visionary storytelling, exploring the human condition and the limitless possibilities that define it. Inspired by the stories his father shared, Marcus has always been captivated by how ideas once considered science fiction have evolved into today's scientific realities. His works push the boundaries of imagination, inviting readers to reflect on the ever-expanding horizon of what it means to be human. Through his thought-provoking narratives, Marcus rewrites the way we view the future, blending timeless wisdom with cutting-edge concepts. He challenges us to ponder the mysteries of what lies ahead, reminding us that the only limit to our possibilities is the extent of our imagination. ---

---

Lodi is a compelling collection of short stories that transcends time and explores the depths of human experience. Seamlessly blending the past, present, and future, Marcus Carter masterfully intertwines themes of mystery, technology, and morality, inviting readers to contemplate the intricacies of existence and innovation. In the title story, Lodi, an emancipated slave makes a startling discovery an advanced form of technology capable of rewriting history. This life-altering find sets off a sequence of events that reshape the present and irrevocably alter the future. The Urban Hacker takes readers into the high-stakes world of Silicon Valley, where a group of visionary tech wizards race to create an app designed to disrupt the global financial system. As ethical dilemmas arise, the adrenaline-fueled competition gives birth to a new form of activism, where technology serves as both a weapon and a tool for justice. In Future Sleep, a young couple enters a sleep chamber that promises to solve all their problems, only to awaken to a future fraught with even greater challenges than the present they sought to escape. The Castle in Your Mind follows the murder of an up-and-coming entertainer that shocks a small town, dominating headlines. As the chief of police, grappling with his own unresolved family issues, interrogates the young suspect, he uncovers a complex web of spiritual connections tied to melanin, vibrations, and energy. His investigation forces him to question not only the crime but also his own beliefs as he confronts unseen forces that defy logic. In The Neighbor Next Door, suburban life in the near future takes an unexpected turn when one neighbor purchases a cutting-edge robot companion, Robo Pal 1. Not to be outdone, a jealous neighbor buys their own, sparking a fierce rivalry. As tensions escalate, the story reveals that despite advancements in technology, the age-old flaws of human nature jealousy, pride, and insecurity continue to shape our lives. Lastly, in The House of EREBOS, the last remnants of life on a desolate planet belong to a lone cyber man. For centuries, he has wandered this barren world, his only purpose dictated by his programming: to log and study the remnants of a civilization long gone. His existence is a mechanical routine, devoid of deeper meaning. But when he uncovers the secrets of an ancient civilization, everything changes. These revelations force him to question his own purpose in the universe. With Lodi, Marcus Carter challenges readers to look beyond the surface of everyday existence and contemplate the deeper forces at play in our lives whether they be technological, spiritual, or existential. Each story pushes the boundaries of genre, blending speculative fiction with deep philosophical questions that resonate long after the last page is turned. ---

Textauszug

The Urban Hackers

As the bell above the restaurant’s entrance door rang, signaling the arrival of a newcomer, two young men sitting at the counter swiftly turned their heads in curiosity.

In the meantime, Mia made her entrance. She was a striking young woman, her complexion a rich, velvety shade of dark brown. Her medium, wavy hair framed her face elegantly, wearing thick, framed brown glasses and dressed in a pristine white blouse that contrasted beautifully with her blue jeans.

Dwayne, a 24-year-old with a studious appearance and medium build, followed suit, strolling in behind her. Standing at 5 foot 9 inches, he had a deep complexion that radiated confidence. Dwayne was clad in a sleek black shirt and fitted gray jeans, adding a touch of relaxed, casual elegance to his appearance. His demeanor suggested a blend of seriousness and approachability. His dark-framed glasses perched on the bridge of his nose completed his studious look.

Finding a cozy corner in the neighborhood diner, Mia and Dwayne settled into their seats, each with a steaming latte in hand. The ambient noise of animated conversations, the gentle clinking of cutlery, and the bursts of laughter from other diners enveloped them in a comforting, homely atmosphere, as if they were part of a cherished tradition in this corner of the world.

Dwayne glanced around the diner and then turned to the waiter, a friendly face who had just delivered their drinks. “Anything else sir?” the waiter asked. “Nothing,” Dwayne replied, a faint crease of concern on his brow.

“Oh, but is it possible for us to get a booth? We’re expecting two more people, and we have some important business to discuss,“ Dwayne said, his tone polite but direct.

The waiter, wearing a crisp white apron and a warm smile, nodded understandingly. “Of course,” he said with a friendly demeanor. “We have a booth in the back, right by the window. It should provide you with the privacy you need for your meeting,” the waiter informed them.

Dwayne’s mind was clearly preoccupied, leaving him silent. Mia, perceptive as ever, noticed Dwayne’s deep thought and took it upon herself to speak on his behalf.

Appreciating the waiter’s accommodating gesture, Mia said, “That’s perfect. Thank you so much.”

They were then seated, and the waiter inquired, “What can I get you two to start your meal?”

Dwayne considered the menu for a moment before deciding, “I’ll have the grand breakfast with sausage and another latte, please.”

As the attentive waiter diligently noted down their order, the atmosphere in the diner was charged with anticipation. It blended seamlessly with the enticing fragrance of freshly brewed coffee and the warm, comforting ambiance of the establishment.

The waiter turned to Mia, inquiring, “And may I take your order, miss?” Dwayne said, “Order anything you want Mia, my treat.”

Mia replied with a smile, “I’ll have the same as him, please, except substitute sausage for bacon and add spinach to the eggs.”

Observing the situation, Mia couldn’t help but comment, “Treating me to breakfast, you must have something really important to discuss.”

Dwayne’s hesitation was palpable as he responded, “Life-changing.” “Life-Changing? ….What? Is Mosi upgrading his gaming console again?” Mia asked.

“Because it’s a bit too early for anything too dramatic, isn’t it? And Dexter can’t even decide on a muffin flavor before 10 o’clock in the morning.”

Dwayne noted the delay and remarked, “Seems like both Dexter and Mosi are running late today.”

Mia playfully retorted, “Why should today be any different from any other day?” Speaking of life changing.

“By this time next week, you’ll be standing on the prestigious podium at Silicon Valley Tech Xpo,” Mia proclaimed, her eyes intently focused on her computer tablet. Her voice held a sense of anticipation as she continued, “Listen…Today’s news briefing revealed that there will be over 14,000 distinguished individuals in attendance, representing no less than 150 esteemed companies; and that’s not all, Dwayne! There will be more than 32 angel investors attending the event.”

Mia paused for a moment, allowing the weight of these numbers to sink in.

She then leaned in, her enthusiasm bubbling over, “Just think about it, Dwayne. What a tremendous boost for our community tech center. We’re talking about the potential for millions of dollars in funding; It’s the key to propelling us toward making our InstaBed a statewide App. And if they make InstaBed a pre-installed App on a smart phone, absolute game-changer for us!”

Her excitement was unmistakable as she laid out the vision, “Imagine this: when we take home the win from this contest, in just a year or two, our company goes public; the IPO would go through the roof! The start of Oakland turning into the Bay’s Area new tech mecca.”

“Large Billboards would feature us all over the state, InstaBed recognized as the company that dramatically reduced homelessness,” She continued.

Dwayne pondered, hearing Mia but not truly listening, her voice trailing off as his mind wandered, burdened with thoughts far removed from the present discussion.

Despite Mia’s infectious enthusiasm and the vivid picture she painted of their potential success, Dwayne seemed ensnared by his own reflections, a distant look in his eyes.

“Dwayne, this is the kind of recognition you’ve been seeking since you dropped out of high school,” Mia pointed out, trying to reel him back into the moment and the magnitude of the event.

“I walked out,” Dwayne corrected, emphasizing the distinction. His correction, sharp and immediate, showed that the narrative of his past was important to him, a point of pride rather than shame. This statement shook Dwayne out of his reflective state, momentarily pulling him back to the present and the conversation with Mia. It highlighted the complexity of his journey and the personal stakes he had in their shared venture’s success.

“Okay, walked out,” Mia conceded, acknowledging Dwayne’s correction with a slight wrist bend.

“But let’s not forget, it’s not about us or the center. It’s really about the students,” she continued, redirecting their focus to the core mission of their endeavor.

Mia then reflected, “Remember when we first met at that coding workshop? You were so passionate about using tech for social good even then.”

Dwayne responded, “Yeah, and you had that ‘I can do anything’ fire in your eyes, talking about bridging the digital divide.

It’s what drew me to you. Mia then asked, “Do you recall when the CityTech Center first opened its doors? We began with just eight young adults. Now, look at us—a booming class of 32 tech-savvy youngsters, all in just two years.”

“You and Dexter came and turned it around. You had faith in those renegade students,” Mia continued, “I use the word ‘renegade’ with love.”

“The transformation in those kids is undeniable, and now even their parents are getting involved,” Mia noted, highlighting the broadening impact of their work.

“Ah, those days! Remember how I couldn’t even get them to come to the meetings on time? It felt like every day brought a new challenge, from loud music and stolen computers to baby mama drama,” Mia lamented.

She continued, “It seemed like I was cursing someone out every other day.”

“You were,” smiled Dwayne, acknowledging her efforts.

“Maybe, but you know me, I’m not like that. That’s not my personality,” Mia clarified, her body tensing just from the memory of those early struggles at the tech center.

“When I first started, I knew I was just a computer geek with an edge assigned to oversee a young adult tech school, but you and Dexter were more skilled at handling these young adults. You did a great job, Dwayne.”

Dwayne interjected, “No, we did a great job, Mia.”

“Now we’ll be attending the tech expo with 33 of our brightest students,” Mia said, her voice tinged with pride. “Well, actually 31. I texted you earlier, Lucas and Lonnie won’t be joining us because of some legal complications,” she added.

“Okay,” said Dwayne, unsurprised.

Still in thought, Mia continued, “And Dwayne you leading the presentation on stage at the Silicon Valley Startup Xpo, it’s going to be even more remarkable,” looking towards Dwayne with a mix of admiration and expectation.

Dwayne’s tone turned solemn as he replied, “I’ll be just one of the 54 participants, delivering a six-minute presentation, that’s all.”

“Listen to yourself, what’s wrong with you?” Mia mockingly imitated Dwayne’s non-enthusiastic voice, ‘We will be just one of 54...

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 27.11.2024
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Romane / Erzählungen
• ISBN-13: 979-8-9917710-0-9 / 9798991771009