Ficlets

Up to Spec

From: Fischer, Ishmael
To: Rannigan, Frederick
Cc: Talbot, Jim; Cevik, Marco
Importance: High

Subject: RE: Deployment

Acceptable limits. Proceed with Epsilon induction.

- IF
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

From: Rannigan, Frederick
To: Fischer, Ishmael
Cc: Talbot, Jim; Cevik, Marco
Importance: High

Subject: Deployment

Mr. Fischer,

As requested, here are the most recent deployment projections:

Full Dispersal: [99.21%] HIGH
Control Risk: [0.14%] LOW

Time Lapse: 7.1-10.4 sec

Target Environment
Volume: 4000 m³
Temp: 25ºC
Density: 1.184 kg/m²
Impedance: 410.0 s/m²
Subjects: 6
Control: 2

Payload
Volume: 0.0025 m³
Effusion Rate: 1.069 µ/s

I’ve copied Jim and Marco on this so that, if necessary, they can provide you the results of the latest sequencing tests.

Regards,

Fred

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

“Find anything juicy?” Jen blurted.

“Nope.” I tried to hide sounding disappointed.

After lunch, U.N. special forces broke through the door. Those guys never just knock.

Comments

Average Reader Rating:

Up to Spec
John Perkins
Posted 2 months ago

I think you did an excellent job in accomplishing your goal here. I love the nonchalant demeanor in which Phil somewhat expects the UN raid, like it’s a monthly inspection or something.
I’m not quite geeky enough to understand what that email says, but I love the authenticity of it. It feels very natural and real. Very well done.
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THX 0477
Posted 2 months ago

I’d have to echo John on the authentic, gritty feel to it all, not at all dressed up for the sake of drama but left ‘as is’.
Up to Spec
Steve Fairweather
Posted 2 months ago

Thanks guys, authenticity was exactly what I was going for here. John put us into a great position to turn the tables and arm our protagonist with some valuable information. I always enjoy when that sort of thing isn’t delivered on a silver platter but the characters have to work at it.

The email format for the ficlet was something I was also waiting for an opportunity to play with and I’m semi-satisfied with the results.
Up to Spec
Ridcully Calvert
Posted 2 months ago

Very nice. Now I am going to have to rack my brain for a suitable follow up – should have something by tomorrow. Good night, all :-D
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Browncoatben
Posted 2 months ago

It’s great…I haven’t read the prequel, so there’s a wonderful mystery to this due to my lack of context.

Thoroughly enjoyed!
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PyroPunk 51 (PPP LoA)
Posted about 1 month ago

Nice job with the very technical and believable e-mails and description of the UN troops as if this happens every day.
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thebetweenspace
Posted 27 days ago

I’ll echo the sentiments of the others in saying it seemed realistic enough of an email, although I have no clue what it’s talking about. And the response to the raid was priceless.