Self-Review – None of This is Real

Let’s Look at None of This is Real

Check out None of This is Real.

I wrote this story during the first quarter of 2018. Although it may have been earlier.

Background for None of This is Real

It is entirely possible that I was thinking about the old Star Trek: Voyager episode, Fair Haven when I wrote this piece.

But do keep in mind: I never actually saw that entire episode! I just know about it from the internet.

Plot

Everything in Laurie’s life has the ability to change as she wishes, as a part of her overall entertainment program. This even includes what’s to be seen outside the windows of the offices where she works.

When she hires a new Vice President of Marketing, sparks fly. And as the café where they have lunch changes, so do dozens if not thousands of other little details.

But what’s real? Why, nothing, of course, except for Laurie herself. It’s just like the title says.

Characters

The characters are Laurie and Jason. The story is told entirely from Laurie’s point of view. She is the CEO of an unnamed company. Jason is a new hire, the Vice President of Marketing.

Memorable Quotes

Laurie stared out the windows of her high rise office. The view of Boston was, as always, spectacular. She waved her hand over the scene in a very deliberate way – left to right, fingers splayed, at eye level, and the outdoor scene changed to Jakarta. Another wave and it was Pittsburgh. Another and the scene became Nairobi.

A cough behind her interrupted her reverie. She turned around. “Oh, Jason, you startled me.”

“Sorry,” he said. “I can see what the perks are of being the CEO. A variant window! I never thought I’d see one.” He fiddled with his tie.

“Yours is nice, too.”

“It’s just Liverpool. Which is fine. It’s good to see home and all. But it never becomes anywhere else. At least the picture moves.”

“Right. You could be stuck with one of the stationary ones in Sales.”

“Or just a regular old view of Mars, like in Clerical.”

“Why did you come here? Are you dissatisfied with your new job and your new office?”

“Oh no, not at all,” Jason said. “It’s more that I was wondering if I could ask you to lunch. Is that allowed?”

“Hell, we could call it business, and it would all be deductible,” Laurie said, smiling.

“I, well,” he played with his tie some more, threatening to wrinkle the expensive green Chinese silk creation from the best-known Italian fashion house.

“Hmm?”

“I was kind of hoping it wouldn’t have to be business.” He paused and then face palmed. “I mean all business. I’d rather it wasn’t strictly, 100% business, if that’s okay with you.”

Genre and Overall Mood

The genre is hard science fiction. And so far as the overall mood goes, it’s kind of dreamy and a bit romantic. On balance, it’s a positive story.

Rating

The story has a K rating.

Takeaways from None of This is Real

I really love the premise for this one, and I think it’s got the makings of something more. But not necessarily about Jason and Laurie, per se. I think it’s a lot more likely that the concept of variant windows would work well in a universe.

Since this story already takes place on Mars, there is virtually nothing stopping me from setting it in the Obolonk universe and calling it a day. Hell, I might even add something like this to the third trilogy.

Want More of my Short Stories and Novellas?

If this story resonates with you, then I hope you will check out some of my other blog posts about my shorter works.

And finally, for a complete list of my shorter works, please be sure to check out the Hub Page—Short Stories.