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Updated on 14 May 2015
Welcome to my launching point. I am “Dialecticdreamer” on this site, Sarah Williams in the boring world of bills and politics and running errands. A note for anyone who subscribes: I don't have hidden posts unless I'm actively wrestling with the HTML/editing on same. This whole blog is as up front as I try to be in person; read at your own peril!
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The Rewards of Fishing (part 3 of 4, complete)
Saturday, 26 September 2026 19:21The Rewards of Fishing
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 3 of 4, complete
Word count (story only): 1590
[6 pm on Saturday, 9 December of 2017]
:: As guests arrive for the feast of sheepshead, Jules spends more time with Japonica and Madelyn. Part of the Lodestar series in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
Back to part two
On to part four
Jules stared at his hand as it trembled ever so faintly, and picked up the handset of the old-fashioned land line. After the Quake, the waiting list for those who wanted backup for their cell phone stretched and stretched until even now, new applicants had to wait for three hours. Jules tucked the phone to his ear. “Yes?”
“Are you in a position to speak freely?” a woman asked in French-accented English.
“Not really.” Jules marched to the refrigerator, watching the phone coil stretch. He collected a bottle of fruit juice and put a glass on the counter, then turned his back on both.
“I’ll give you yes or no questions,” she began. “You sent a message to the security pasture, yes?”
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 3 of 4, complete
Word count (story only): 1590
[6 pm on Saturday, 9 December of 2017]
:: As guests arrive for the feast of sheepshead, Jules spends more time with Japonica and Madelyn. Part of the Lodestar series in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
Back to part two
On to part four
Jules stared at his hand as it trembled ever so faintly, and picked up the handset of the old-fashioned land line. After the Quake, the waiting list for those who wanted backup for their cell phone stretched and stretched until even now, new applicants had to wait for three hours. Jules tucked the phone to his ear. “Yes?”
“Are you in a position to speak freely?” a woman asked in French-accented English.
“Not really.” Jules marched to the refrigerator, watching the phone coil stretch. He collected a bottle of fruit juice and put a glass on the counter, then turned his back on both.
“I’ll give you yes or no questions,” she began. “You sent a message to the security pasture, yes?”
( Read more... )
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The Rewards of Fishing (part 2 of 4, complete)
Friday, 25 September 2026 19:53The Rewards of Fishing
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 2 of 4, complete
Word count (story only): 1220
[6 pm on Saturday, 9 December of 2017]
:: As guests arrive for the feast of sheepshead, Jules spends more time with Japonica and Madelyn. Part of the Lodestar series in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
Back to part one
On to part three
Saraphina tugged on Aidan’s hand, murmuring in a mix of languages, none of them English. He picked her up and hugged her, murmuring back in another, apparently, singular language. “Drew?” he asked. “Saraphina would like a bath. Would you keep her company? You’re better at cooking, and I’d like to have an opportunity to practice without someone calling the fire department in advance. Would you?”
Bennett nodded easily. “Use my bedroom as a quiet room. Don’t turn on the jacuzzi function in the bathtub, though, even at her standard bath temperature. It’s not safe for her yet.”
The auburn-haired teen nodded. “I know. I’ve got early childhood care certs and first aid certs that run from birth up.” He lifted Saraphina and cuddled her for a moment, then spun to carry her out of the room.
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 2 of 4, complete
Word count (story only): 1220
[6 pm on Saturday, 9 December of 2017]
:: As guests arrive for the feast of sheepshead, Jules spends more time with Japonica and Madelyn. Part of the Lodestar series in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
Back to part one
On to part three
Saraphina tugged on Aidan’s hand, murmuring in a mix of languages, none of them English. He picked her up and hugged her, murmuring back in another, apparently, singular language. “Drew?” he asked. “Saraphina would like a bath. Would you keep her company? You’re better at cooking, and I’d like to have an opportunity to practice without someone calling the fire department in advance. Would you?”
Bennett nodded easily. “Use my bedroom as a quiet room. Don’t turn on the jacuzzi function in the bathtub, though, even at her standard bath temperature. It’s not safe for her yet.”
The auburn-haired teen nodded. “I know. I’ve got early childhood care certs and first aid certs that run from birth up.” He lifted Saraphina and cuddled her for a moment, then spun to carry her out of the room.
( Read more... )
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The Rewards of Fishing (part 1 of 4, complete)
Thursday, 24 September 2026 19:15The Rewards of Fishing
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 4, complete
Word count (story only): 1283
[6 pm on Saturday, 9 December of 2017]
:: As guests arrive for the feast of sheepshead, Jules spends more time with Japonica and Madelyn. Part of the Lodestar series in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
On to part two
The enormous metal bowl on the counter held an assortment of lettuces, torn into bite-sized pieces. Aidan stepped back, smiling. “I had an idea for the rest of the salad ingredients. How many variations of fish are there?”
Bennett pulled the older man into a one-armed hug, then turned back to the refrigerator. He retrieved a heavy white bag full of fish. “This one is marinating for cajun style, the teriyaki is ready to go in the oven with just a few minutes to come up to room temperature, and I was thinking that we could put a simple lemon drizzle on others, then plop them on the grill.”
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 4, complete
Word count (story only): 1283
[6 pm on Saturday, 9 December of 2017]
:: As guests arrive for the feast of sheepshead, Jules spends more time with Japonica and Madelyn. Part of the Lodestar series in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
On to part two
The enormous metal bowl on the counter held an assortment of lettuces, torn into bite-sized pieces. Aidan stepped back, smiling. “I had an idea for the rest of the salad ingredients. How many variations of fish are there?”
Bennett pulled the older man into a one-armed hug, then turned back to the refrigerator. He retrieved a heavy white bag full of fish. “This one is marinating for cajun style, the teriyaki is ready to go in the oven with just a few minutes to come up to room temperature, and I was thinking that we could put a simple lemon drizzle on others, then plop them on the grill.”
( Read more... )
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Protest Party (part 2 of 2, complete)
Wednesday, 23 September 2026 17:47Protest Party
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 2 of 2, complete
Word count (story only): 1169
[8 am on Saturday, 9 December of 2017]
:: With their purchases dropped off, the group heads immediately to the protest site. Part of the Lodestar arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
Back to part one
:: Thanks for reading! ::
A new voice spoke up. “That was the protest against the district automatically enrolling kids that they suspected of being soups in the home study program.” The redhead smiled at him. “Hi. That particular protest was before my time. Call me Loudmouth.”
“Bodhi,” he returned, then shook hands with her. “Nice to meet you, Ambassador.”
“Will he fit in the protest?” Torrin asked quietly. “We’re not expecting trouble, but we prepare for it to make a problem as small as possible.”
Loudmouth grinned. “He’s good. The local cops aren’t likely to resort to anything worse than sarcasm. They’ve had a year of training from our playbook, after all.”
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 2 of 2, complete
Word count (story only): 1169
[8 am on Saturday, 9 December of 2017]
:: With their purchases dropped off, the group heads immediately to the protest site. Part of the Lodestar arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
Back to part one
:: Thanks for reading! ::
A new voice spoke up. “That was the protest against the district automatically enrolling kids that they suspected of being soups in the home study program.” The redhead smiled at him. “Hi. That particular protest was before my time. Call me Loudmouth.”
“Bodhi,” he returned, then shook hands with her. “Nice to meet you, Ambassador.”
“Will he fit in the protest?” Torrin asked quietly. “We’re not expecting trouble, but we prepare for it to make a problem as small as possible.”
Loudmouth grinned. “He’s good. The local cops aren’t likely to resort to anything worse than sarcasm. They’ve had a year of training from our playbook, after all.”
( Read more... )
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Protest Party (part 1 of 2, complete)
Tuesday, 22 September 2026 18:47Protest Party
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 2, complete
Word count (story only): 1376
[8 am on Saturday, 9 December of 2017]
:: With their purchases dropped off, the group heads immediately to the protest site. Part of the Lodestar arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
On to part two
Jules linked arms with Bodhi, pointing up at the enormous monkey puzzle tree in the center of the park that faced city hall. Protestors had taken up every corner, carefully away from the sidewalk, and a row of blue awnings had been set up on the side of the park farthest from city hall, facing the library.
“What’s with the awning areas? And the two green dome tents?”
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 2, complete
Word count (story only): 1376
[8 am on Saturday, 9 December of 2017]
:: With their purchases dropped off, the group heads immediately to the protest site. Part of the Lodestar arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
On to part two
Jules linked arms with Bodhi, pointing up at the enormous monkey puzzle tree in the center of the park that faced city hall. Protestors had taken up every corner, carefully away from the sidewalk, and a row of blue awnings had been set up on the side of the park farthest from city hall, facing the library.
“What’s with the awning areas? And the two green dome tents?”
( Read more... )
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Dawn Discovery (part 2 of 2, complete)
Monday, 21 September 2026 22:19Dawn Discovery
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 2 of 2, complete
Word count (story only):
[6 am on Saturday, 9 December of 2017]
:: At the farmer’s market, different personalities emerge as they pounce on an unusual find. Part of the Lodestar arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
Back to part one
:: Thanks for reading! ::
“I’m in,” Bennett agreed.
Aidan laughed warmly. “I’ll go. I want to invite her household down to visit, anyway.” He gestured. “What would you like to shop for, Bodhi? The fishing is recovering from the Quake, and some of the best comes through this small farmer’s market every week of the year.”
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 2 of 2, complete
Word count (story only):
[6 am on Saturday, 9 December of 2017]
:: At the farmer’s market, different personalities emerge as they pounce on an unusual find. Part of the Lodestar arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
Back to part one
:: Thanks for reading! ::
“I’m in,” Bennett agreed.
Aidan laughed warmly. “I’ll go. I want to invite her household down to visit, anyway.” He gestured. “What would you like to shop for, Bodhi? The fishing is recovering from the Quake, and some of the best comes through this small farmer’s market every week of the year.”
( Read more... )
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Dawn Discovery (part 1 of 2, complete)
Sunday, 20 September 2026 19:26Dawn Discovery
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 2, complete
Word count (story only): 1438
[6 am on Saturday, 9 December of 2017]
:: At the farmer’s market, different personalities emerge as they pounce on an unusual find. Part of the Lodestar arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
On to part two
At five minutes to six, Jules and Bennett unstrapped Blainn’s Surrey from the bed of Bennett’s pickup truck while Blainn set the narrow metal ramps in place. He gave them quick nods an whispered thanks, then set off in the sodium-yellow light of the thirty-year-old streetlamps to meet Jaliya. Waving, Jules and Bennett waited for the teen to slip behind a panel van, then the pair jogged to the main entrance of the farmer’s market held under the freeway overpass near the center of Mercedes. “Are you sure it’ll be safe for him to drive for that first trip?” Jules worried. “It’s dark and, well, for California, cold. That makes people sloppy.”
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 2, complete
Word count (story only): 1438
[6 am on Saturday, 9 December of 2017]
:: At the farmer’s market, different personalities emerge as they pounce on an unusual find. Part of the Lodestar arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
On to part two
At five minutes to six, Jules and Bennett unstrapped Blainn’s Surrey from the bed of Bennett’s pickup truck while Blainn set the narrow metal ramps in place. He gave them quick nods an whispered thanks, then set off in the sodium-yellow light of the thirty-year-old streetlamps to meet Jaliya. Waving, Jules and Bennett waited for the teen to slip behind a panel van, then the pair jogged to the main entrance of the farmer’s market held under the freeway overpass near the center of Mercedes. “Are you sure it’ll be safe for him to drive for that first trip?” Jules worried. “It’s dark and, well, for California, cold. That makes people sloppy.”
( Read more... )
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Ten Thousand Days (Part 4 of 4, complete)
Saturday, 19 September 2026 10:18Ten Thousand Days
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 4 of 4, complete
Word count (Story only): 1258
[2018]
:: Elisabeth plans a surprise for Graham, and enlists Zipper's help (among others) to celebrate a milestone in their relationship with more than one sunset. Part of the Finn Family story arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe, this story was sparked by![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
callibr8, in the August 2026 Feathering the Nest prompt call, and sponsored by the person who helped out sovay. Thank you for your generosity! ::
Back to part three
:: Thanks for reading! ::
Elisabeth’s smile clung to her skin as they teleported away from the compass pad in the Urbanburg skyscraper lobby. It widened when they reappeared in a low-slung, wide room set with multiple Spanish arches, each marking off a small dining area, rather than booths. Smaller, two-person tables dotted the open area. As Graham took a deep breath, the sound of soft Spanish-style music seemed to float above the aroma of tomatoes, garlic, onions, and roasted meat.
Aidan waved. “We’ve got the private dining room,” he greeted. “Josue is telling Saraphina a story, but it’s more to keep him calm. He’s nervous about the ‘fancy restaurant’,” the auburn-haired man confided.
Drew approached from a small hallway labeled with a glowing dottie symbol, then sped up to hug his father, then his mother. “How’s the un-niversary going?” he asked them both.
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 4 of 4, complete
Word count (Story only): 1258
[2018]
:: Elisabeth plans a surprise for Graham, and enlists Zipper's help (among others) to celebrate a milestone in their relationship with more than one sunset. Part of the Finn Family story arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe, this story was sparked by
callibr8, in the August 2026 Feathering the Nest prompt call, and sponsored by the person who helped out sovay. Thank you for your generosity! ::Back to part three
:: Thanks for reading! ::
Elisabeth’s smile clung to her skin as they teleported away from the compass pad in the Urbanburg skyscraper lobby. It widened when they reappeared in a low-slung, wide room set with multiple Spanish arches, each marking off a small dining area, rather than booths. Smaller, two-person tables dotted the open area. As Graham took a deep breath, the sound of soft Spanish-style music seemed to float above the aroma of tomatoes, garlic, onions, and roasted meat.
Aidan waved. “We’ve got the private dining room,” he greeted. “Josue is telling Saraphina a story, but it’s more to keep him calm. He’s nervous about the ‘fancy restaurant’,” the auburn-haired man confided.
Drew approached from a small hallway labeled with a glowing dottie symbol, then sped up to hug his father, then his mother. “How’s the un-niversary going?” he asked them both.
( Read more... )
Tags:
Ten Thousand Days (Part 3 of 4, complete)
Saturday, 19 September 2026 10:16Ten Thousand Days
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 3 of 4, complete
Word count (Story only): 1355
[2018]
:: Elisabeth plans a surprise for Graham, and enlists Zipper's help (among others) to celebrate a milestone in their relationship with more than one sunset. Part of the Finn Family story arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe, this story was sparked bycallibr8, in the August 2026 Feathering the Nest prompt call, and sponsored by the person who helped out sovay. Thank you for your generosity! ::
Back to part two
On to part four
As the world darkened around the pools of old-fashioned, yellow-tinted lights in the lampposts, the couple held a conversation with the reminders of family who could never meet the next generations. At each headstone, Elisabeth passed Graham another carved stone heart, and placed one herself. They spoke as if the family members had just stepped into another room, though their funeral had been held before Tolliver and Graham were old enough for nursery school.
When the words were exhausted, they began roaming along the path, pausing to admire the Celtic knotwork on a few of the older headstones.
They didn’t need words, just the link of their hands twined together, swaying slightly with each step.
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 3 of 4, complete
Word count (Story only): 1355
[2018]
:: Elisabeth plans a surprise for Graham, and enlists Zipper's help (among others) to celebrate a milestone in their relationship with more than one sunset. Part of the Finn Family story arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe, this story was sparked by
callibr8, in the August 2026 Feathering the Nest prompt call, and sponsored by the person who helped out sovay. Thank you for your generosity! ::Back to part two
On to part four
As the world darkened around the pools of old-fashioned, yellow-tinted lights in the lampposts, the couple held a conversation with the reminders of family who could never meet the next generations. At each headstone, Elisabeth passed Graham another carved stone heart, and placed one herself. They spoke as if the family members had just stepped into another room, though their funeral had been held before Tolliver and Graham were old enough for nursery school.
When the words were exhausted, they began roaming along the path, pausing to admire the Celtic knotwork on a few of the older headstones.
They didn’t need words, just the link of their hands twined together, swaying slightly with each step.
( Read more... )
Tags:
Ten Thousand Days (Part 2 of 4, complete)
Saturday, 19 September 2026 10:14Ten Thousand Days
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 2 of 4, complete
Word count (Story only): 1152
[2018]
:: Elisabeth plans a surprise for Graham, and enlists Zipper's help (among others) to celebrate a milestone in their relationship with more than one sunset. Part of the Finn Family story arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe, this story was sparked bycallibr8, in the August 2026 Feathering the Nest prompt call, and sponsored by the person who helped out sovay. Thank you for your generosity! ::
Back to part one
On to part three
“I hope that you’re ready for breakfast,” Zipper declared, after the sound of his teleport had faded. “That’s after our next stop, but there is food waiting for you to nibble on.”
Elisabeth laughed. “Ready, Graham?” She kissed the hollow of his throat, whispering in Gaelic.
“Of course. I trust you.” He winked at Zipper. “Both. I just wonder how long you spent planning this.”
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 2 of 4, complete
Word count (Story only): 1152
[2018]
:: Elisabeth plans a surprise for Graham, and enlists Zipper's help (among others) to celebrate a milestone in their relationship with more than one sunset. Part of the Finn Family story arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe, this story was sparked by
callibr8, in the August 2026 Feathering the Nest prompt call, and sponsored by the person who helped out sovay. Thank you for your generosity! ::Back to part one
On to part three
“I hope that you’re ready for breakfast,” Zipper declared, after the sound of his teleport had faded. “That’s after our next stop, but there is food waiting for you to nibble on.”
Elisabeth laughed. “Ready, Graham?” She kissed the hollow of his throat, whispering in Gaelic.
“Of course. I trust you.” He winked at Zipper. “Both. I just wonder how long you spent planning this.”
( Read more... )
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Ten Thousand Days (Part 1 of 4, complete)
Saturday, 19 September 2026 10:13Ten Thousand Days
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 4, complete
Word count (Story only): 1078
[2018]
:: Elisabeth plans a surprise for Graham, and enlists Zipper's help (among others) to celebrate a milestone in their relationship with more than one sunset. Part of the Finn Family story arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe, this story was sparked bycallibr8, in the August 2026 Feathering the Nest prompt call, and sponsored by the person who helped out sovay. Thank you for your generosity! ::
On to part two
“Dear,” Elisabeth began, smiling at her husband, “We’ve both got time to ourselves tomorrow, before the winter holidays really kick into high gear… I’ve arranged for Zinat to come watch Edison and Wren, with a plan flexible enough to allow me to pop home to soothe Wren if we need to. The day will start incredibly early for us, but there’s plenty of flexible time. I hope.”
Graham chased a wisp of a frown off his face. “Why are you so nervous about this? A day off with you, even an hour to ourselves is an incredible gift already. We could be spending time together washing the dishes, just like we did on plenty of dates in college.”
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 4, complete
Word count (Story only): 1078
[2018]
:: Elisabeth plans a surprise for Graham, and enlists Zipper's help (among others) to celebrate a milestone in their relationship with more than one sunset. Part of the Finn Family story arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe, this story was sparked by
callibr8, in the August 2026 Feathering the Nest prompt call, and sponsored by the person who helped out sovay. Thank you for your generosity! ::On to part two
“Dear,” Elisabeth began, smiling at her husband, “We’ve both got time to ourselves tomorrow, before the winter holidays really kick into high gear… I’ve arranged for Zinat to come watch Edison and Wren, with a plan flexible enough to allow me to pop home to soothe Wren if we need to. The day will start incredibly early for us, but there’s plenty of flexible time. I hope.”
Graham chased a wisp of a frown off his face. “Why are you so nervous about this? A day off with you, even an hour to ourselves is an incredible gift already. We could be spending time together washing the dishes, just like we did on plenty of dates in college.”
( Read more... )
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That’s Not Nothing (part 1 of 1, complete)
Friday, 18 September 2026 18:06That’s Not Nothing
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1522
:: Kate is in the middle of a bad day that’s getting worse. An unexpected encounter changes her view of the whole day. This story was prompted for the September of 2026 Magpie Monday, from an idea suggested bycallibr8. The story is posted in thanks for those who have been helping sovay with unexpected medical costs, with my thanks! ::
The first fat drops of rain happened just as the engine coughed and a greasy, dull gray smoke began to pour from the exhaust. It was supposed to be outside the vehicle, but Katie could smell it, stinging the hairs in her nose. She checked her location, then pulled off the two-lane road into a narrow parking lot that served three small businesses, two of which had prominent “FOR LEASE” signs on the boarded windows.
The doors of her van were already locked, so she set the parking brake and focused on retrieving her phone from the cup holder. It wouldn’t power up. She frowned, checked the charging cable plugged into the otherwise useless lighter, and frowned. The end with the USB port wiggled and flopped, and looking more closely, Katie scowled at the hairline crack in the white cable.
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1522
:: Kate is in the middle of a bad day that’s getting worse. An unexpected encounter changes her view of the whole day. This story was prompted for the September of 2026 Magpie Monday, from an idea suggested by
callibr8. The story is posted in thanks for those who have been helping sovay with unexpected medical costs, with my thanks! ::The first fat drops of rain happened just as the engine coughed and a greasy, dull gray smoke began to pour from the exhaust. It was supposed to be outside the vehicle, but Katie could smell it, stinging the hairs in her nose. She checked her location, then pulled off the two-lane road into a narrow parking lot that served three small businesses, two of which had prominent “FOR LEASE” signs on the boarded windows.
The doors of her van were already locked, so she set the parking brake and focused on retrieving her phone from the cup holder. It wouldn’t power up. She frowned, checked the charging cable plugged into the otherwise useless lighter, and frowned. The end with the USB port wiggled and flopped, and looking more closely, Katie scowled at the hairline crack in the white cable.
( Read more... )
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Help out a friend, get stories!
Friday, 18 September 2026 15:39 SIGNAL BOOST
The US insurance system is being cruelly indifferent and dogmatic. As per usual. This time, a friend of a friend is in the grinder:
sovay needs help paying for antibiotics, but the price point is breathtaking.
https://sovay.dreamwidth.org/1695511.html
( Read more... )
The US insurance system is being cruelly indifferent and dogmatic. As per usual. This time, a friend of a friend is in the grinder:
sovay needs help paying for antibiotics, but the price point is breathtaking.https://sovay.dreamwidth.org/1695511.html
( Read more... )
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September 2026 Magpie Monday report
Friday, 18 September 2026 12:06Errands cut into writing time, slowing my response, but I made the last stories longer than promised in return. With only five prompts for this event, the word count of 6,837 seems modest. It is, however, a lovely turnaround time for the last person to receive their reading copy. To keep this brief, I’d like to ask for feedback in how to make the next prompt call more engaging. All ideas welcome!
( Read more... )
( Read more... )
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Dessert and Deals (part 2 of 2, complete)
Thursday, 17 September 2026 19:21Dessert and Deals
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 2 of 2, complete
Word count (story only): 1784
[10 pm on Friday, 8 December of 2017]
:: Jules takes Bodhi to his motel suite, and when they meet with Aidan, the conversation is interrupted by the reveal of one of Bodhi’s “secrets”. Part of the Lodestar arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
Back to part one
:: Thanks for reading! ::
Aidan shrugged expansively. “I have one daughter and my nephew, who is within a few months of your age, and there are days I’m sure that everyone around me can tell that I’m desperately trying to learn to juggle, even as four more things land in my attempt at a fountain.” He smiled at Jules. “Especially my daughter and my nephew.”
Bodhi laughed. “My son was an only child for medical reasons, not preference. I used to joke with my wife that we should plan on having our own American football team, and her only argument was that she preferred soccer.”
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 2 of 2, complete
Word count (story only): 1784
[10 pm on Friday, 8 December of 2017]
:: Jules takes Bodhi to his motel suite, and when they meet with Aidan, the conversation is interrupted by the reveal of one of Bodhi’s “secrets”. Part of the Lodestar arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
Back to part one
:: Thanks for reading! ::
Aidan shrugged expansively. “I have one daughter and my nephew, who is within a few months of your age, and there are days I’m sure that everyone around me can tell that I’m desperately trying to learn to juggle, even as four more things land in my attempt at a fountain.” He smiled at Jules. “Especially my daughter and my nephew.”
Bodhi laughed. “My son was an only child for medical reasons, not preference. I used to joke with my wife that we should plan on having our own American football team, and her only argument was that she preferred soccer.”
( Read more... )
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Dessert and Deals (part 1 of 2, complete)
Wednesday, 16 September 2026 18:40Dessert and Deals
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 2, complete
Word count (story only): 1635
[10 pm on Friday, 8 December of 2017]
:: Jules takes Bodhi to his motel suite, and when they meet with Aidan, the conversation is interrupted by the reveal of one of Bodhi’s “secrets”. Part of the Lodestar arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
On to part two
“Oh, I can see why you’re driving a Surrey now,” Bodhi declared, taking his feet off the pedals to give an exaggerated, almost straight-legged stretch as Jules applied the brakes. The Surrey stopped an inch away from the white concrete block in the parking space and did not move.
Jules applied the parking brake anyway. “I missed Jaliya’s cooking as much as I missed her, and we’ve known each other since first grade.” He shrugged expansively. “I suspect I know where the bread pudding recipe comes from, but the really great thing about the recipes that Jaliya gets permission to use, and then learns directly from an authentic source, she also has permission to teach them.”
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 2, complete
Word count (story only): 1635
[10 pm on Friday, 8 December of 2017]
:: Jules takes Bodhi to his motel suite, and when they meet with Aidan, the conversation is interrupted by the reveal of one of Bodhi’s “secrets”. Part of the Lodestar arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
On to part two
“Oh, I can see why you’re driving a Surrey now,” Bodhi declared, taking his feet off the pedals to give an exaggerated, almost straight-legged stretch as Jules applied the brakes. The Surrey stopped an inch away from the white concrete block in the parking space and did not move.
Jules applied the parking brake anyway. “I missed Jaliya’s cooking as much as I missed her, and we’ve known each other since first grade.” He shrugged expansively. “I suspect I know where the bread pudding recipe comes from, but the really great thing about the recipes that Jaliya gets permission to use, and then learns directly from an authentic source, she also has permission to teach them.”
( Read more... )
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Small Steps Forward
Tuesday, 15 September 2026 10:31Small Steps Forward
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1156
[Saturday, May 28, 2016, 4pm]
:: This is the moment that the Big One hits one person, one family, and one small part of Mercedes. Robert Cort’s reactions could begin a long arc of not grand stories, but heroic ones in the small scale. Prompted bysiliconshaman for the September 2026 Magpie Monday, I’m posting this for everyone to enjoy, with my thanks. ::
Robert Cort leaned back, automatically closing his laptop as the eighth floor of the hospital trembled under his feet, barely enough to make the art prints on the wall behind him shiver. He winced as the power went out, floor by floor, in the hospital. He looked out, down to the treetops, and noted the sharper descent into unlit windows, an eclipse of power across the city. Even as he turned away, lights burned in the northeastern quarter, still. Several buildings were already re-lit. He collected the emergency binder and flipped it open to the tab marked Power Outage.
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1156
[Saturday, May 28, 2016, 4pm]
:: This is the moment that the Big One hits one person, one family, and one small part of Mercedes. Robert Cort’s reactions could begin a long arc of not grand stories, but heroic ones in the small scale. Prompted by
siliconshaman for the September 2026 Magpie Monday, I’m posting this for everyone to enjoy, with my thanks. ::Robert Cort leaned back, automatically closing his laptop as the eighth floor of the hospital trembled under his feet, barely enough to make the art prints on the wall behind him shiver. He winced as the power went out, floor by floor, in the hospital. He looked out, down to the treetops, and noted the sharper descent into unlit windows, an eclipse of power across the city. Even as he turned away, lights burned in the northeastern quarter, still. Several buildings were already re-lit. He collected the emergency binder and flipped it open to the tab marked Power Outage.
( Read more... )
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Magpie Monday (September of 2026)
Monday, 14 September 2026 08:56Welcome to the Magpie Monday prompt call for September of 2026! Was it just me, or did this year fly by? Did someone replace the seasonal rheostats with yes/no gates as well? I mean, last week it was 90F here, and today there are brown leaves falling on my lawn!
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Welcome Return (part 2 of 2, complete)
Sunday, 13 September 2026 16:27Welcome Return
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 2 of 2, complete
Word count (story only): 1536
[8 pm on Friday, 8 December of 2017]
:: In the evening, Jules meets Bodhi at the small train station, and the older man surprises him very much. Part of the Lodestar story arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
Back to part one
:: Thanks for reading! ::
“We’re here,” Jules told his guest cheerfully. The Surrey jostled as the front wheels hit the ramp for a driveway marked out for a food truck.
Someone hurried out, her jet black twists plastered to her forehead beneath a white bandana with black paisley markings. She skidded to a stop. “Oh, thank goodness! Jules, are you any good with panicky people having PTSD? One of the patrons is in the walk in fridge, and I can’t figure out how to get them calm enough to get them out. Meanwhile, there are open containers of food in there and the health inspector is going to have a litter of platypi when they hear about this.”
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 2 of 2, complete
Word count (story only): 1536
[8 pm on Friday, 8 December of 2017]
:: In the evening, Jules meets Bodhi at the small train station, and the older man surprises him very much. Part of the Lodestar story arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
Back to part one
:: Thanks for reading! ::
“We’re here,” Jules told his guest cheerfully. The Surrey jostled as the front wheels hit the ramp for a driveway marked out for a food truck.
Someone hurried out, her jet black twists plastered to her forehead beneath a white bandana with black paisley markings. She skidded to a stop. “Oh, thank goodness! Jules, are you any good with panicky people having PTSD? One of the patrons is in the walk in fridge, and I can’t figure out how to get them calm enough to get them out. Meanwhile, there are open containers of food in there and the health inspector is going to have a litter of platypi when they hear about this.”
( Read more... )
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Welcome Return (part 1 of 2, complete)
Saturday, 12 September 2026 19:53Welcome Return
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 2, complete
Word count (story only): 1569
[8 pm on Friday, 8 December of 2017]
:: In the evening, Jules meets Bodhi at the small train station, and the older man surprises him very much. Part of the Lodestar story arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
On to part two
In the small train station lobby, barely large enough to seat thirty people in the half dozen pews arranged around the perimeter of the room on three sides, Jules scanned methodically through the half-full pews, looking for a familiar face.
Footsteps approached from the dark hallway marked with a flickering ‘exit’ sign. Someone whistled the melody line of a Bollywood musical so popular when Jules had been visiting New Delhi that it was suddenly appearing in ads for everything from face cream to sports cars. Jules turned, and clenched his jaw for an instant to try to keep his expression neutral.
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 2, complete
Word count (story only): 1569
[8 pm on Friday, 8 December of 2017]
:: In the evening, Jules meets Bodhi at the small train station, and the older man surprises him very much. Part of the Lodestar story arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
On to part two
In the small train station lobby, barely large enough to seat thirty people in the half dozen pews arranged around the perimeter of the room on three sides, Jules scanned methodically through the half-full pews, looking for a familiar face.
Footsteps approached from the dark hallway marked with a flickering ‘exit’ sign. Someone whistled the melody line of a Bollywood musical so popular when Jules had been visiting New Delhi that it was suddenly appearing in ads for everything from face cream to sports cars. Jules turned, and clenched his jaw for an instant to try to keep his expression neutral.
( Read more... )
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