Saturday, May 7, 2022

A Few of My Short Stories

 


 

WORMHOLE CONVENIENCE

You’ve been on our planet for a few days and probably have some questions about our technologies and things like that before you decide to become a citizen. Well, I have been authorized to give you a basic tour of our world ~ but we don’t have to go anywhere. We have several types of telecommunication systems at our disposal. First, we have a stunning almost real audio/visual system that allows us to experience the sights and sounds of what is going on far away. We call it audio-vision.

Audio-vision draws on the older technology of radio and paired it with a slightly more complicated visual system. We use a camera to show you what we want you to see and a microphone to let you hear what we want you to hear. Believe it or not, we have citizens who enjoy this type of 2-dimensional entertainment. They choose to stay at home instead of partaking in all that our world has to offer.

The next and, in my humble opinion, greatest form of telecommunication in our world is the Personal Wormhole Service (PWS). Even though I say it is the greatest system, the PWS is a simple communication and transportation system. Our scientists have found a way to create wormholes between preset points all around the world. We can also create wormholes between mobile Wormhole Portal Devices (PWD).

As a citizen, you can program a wormhole to open to your favourite takeout restaurant and have them deliver your food directly to your kitchen counter. Or you could open a wormhole and have a long conversation, or even visit, with your friend or loved one who might be on the other side of the planet. Once you’re done, simply end the wormhole program.

Now, in the time that you have been here, you might have heard some alarmist propaganda about too many wormholes running through the same space/time potentially causing our planet to rip apart at any time. But don’t worry. Our scientists have built in safety mechanisms that will keep such an infinitesimal possibility from …

 

STRANGE EVENTS AT THE MALL

            Reporting, live from Baker Street Mall, is Channel 13’s Kendra Song. Kendra.

As you can see, the damage inside the mall, next to the Baker Street Bridge, is incredible. Store windows are smashed, food and beverages are smeared across the floors and walls in the food court. We will continue to get as much footage before the police drone hunters find ours and take it out. In the meantime, here’s what we know as of an hour ago:

·         Thirteen people are under arrest for disorderly conduct after a night of rioting.

·         An unknown number of rioters escaped.

·         One person is dead.

·         Thirteen are in intensive care.

·         One is under observation.

·         Dozens of stores had damages in the thousands of dollars.

All of the rioters, injured and the one death are, amazingly, all the same people.

Police spokesperson, Jenna Melbourne, is saying they have identified the rioters as being between the ages of 50 and 90. They do not have any information as to why this happened. But, Melbourne has just confirmed that the rioters were said to have begun acting strange moments before the incident began. Unfortunately, according to Melbourne, all CCTV footage for the whole day was erased.

This information about the rioters acting strangely, corroborates what eyewitnesses I spoke with have been telling me. All have said the mall was full of patrons of this age bracket, many on their daily walking routines. Then, they all stopped at the same time. The next thing they knew ~ canes and walkers were being used to smash glass. Even some scooters were being driven into glass doors, repeatedly, until they shattered. None of the eyewitnesses wanted to be identified.

After almost an hour, some of the rioters were finally subdued when the mall was stormed by dozens of officers, including S.W.A.T.

We are receiving unconfirmed reports that many of the teenagers who were trapped in the mall during the riots, have had their identity cards stolen. To add insult to injury, a reliable source says that the police are having a difficult time locating the parents or other family members of these teenagers.

This incident has left officials with some very strange, lingering questions. First, what caused this sudden rioting by some of these older residents? How did these rioters escape? What would people of this age bracket want with the identity cards of teenagers? And finally, why can no one find these teenagers’ loved ones?

These are very strange events at the Baker Street Mall. Back to you in the studio. I’m Kendra Song, signing off.

 

 

EXILED FROM HEAVEN

 “Do you STREAM? How often do you STREAM? Or, maybe you just STREAM alone.” Reporter Lindsay Vonn Paloma speaks to her new drone camera. “If you’ve been living under a rock for the past year, STREAM stands for South Texas Rhythm, Euphoric, Astral and Minstrel—a musical movement that has dominated clubs, music download and radio charts, as well as sales records for the last six months.”

Edward Revere was playing backup guitar for a small, but well-known Harlingen, Texas band for years. One day, he quit the band. Having gone into his home studio for almost three weeks, Revere emerged with a unique album he released online through his personal label. With a tiny budget, Revere shot a series of music videos as publicity for his music. The response from viewers was incredible. Outselling most well-known artists, Revere garnered his first million dollars the first month following the release of his music videos.

“The man who started it all is Edward Revere.”

The drone’s rear camera has Revere in its sights to capture his reaction to Paloma’s verbose introduction. He smiles politely, but remains calm.

“In other interviews, you said that STREAM allowed you to create the sometimes hauntingly melodic tunes about finding one’s place in the universe, the evils of war and, most popular, being exiled from Heaven.”

 True.

“Thank you for that…response and for the invitation to your apartment, which is situated above his multimedia recording studio and offices you practically built yourself.”

No problem. I was eager to meet you.

“Really?”

Of course. I’ve had my eye on you for almost a year, now.

He grins ~ showing a few teeth. His eyes slit slightly.

“Speaking of a year ~ it’s been almost a year since you first presented that song to the world. Where did the inspiration come from?”

It just sorta came from a dream I had ~ been having for a while now.

“Tell me how it came about.”

Funnily enough, it started when I was having an intense orgasm. The moment it happened, I saw all sorts of mad stuff… but only for a moment. Then, later that night, I had a really intense dream.

“And what is it that you saw in this dream and orgasmic vision?”

Everything. I see myself in heaven as a god. I feel the power and knowledge flowing through me. Since then, I’ve come to learn things I have no business knowing ~ all from other visions and dreams I’ve had since.

Paloma’s presenter smile quickly fades. She shifts a little in her seat.

“What sort of things have you learned?”

For one—

Revere leans in towards Paloma. Almost whispering,

I know when I’m in the presence of someone else like me. For another—

Revere closes his eyes and inhales, deeply,

I can smell your blade ~ a strange alloy.

He opens his eyes and smiles.

I also know where and how to cut you to get your power crystal.

“You are a clever one, aren’t you?”

Paloma had shifted herself to allow for easier access to her short sword. Now, with Revere so close, and focused on her eyes, she reaches for the handle, ready to strike.

“You should also know that I’m not here to destroy you, just move you to a new life.”

You forget. You can’t destroy me, or any of us. That’s why you have to keep moving us into new lives.

“Whatever the reason, you’ll be born again. You will live a new life and forget about this one. And you won’t have to see any of us again… unless you start to remember.”

Not gonna happen.

She slices at him quickly. Revere quickly leans his chair back to avoid the blade, and falls onto the floor. A tuck and roll gets him to a guitar on its stand.

I’ve grown fond of this life and accustomed to my lifestyle. I’m not going anywhere.

The guitar, a 1967 Burt Ram special, is his only option. Its mesquite, heartwood belly was specially chosen by its maker to withstand all sorts of punishment. The neck is solid aluminum, cast specially for this one guitar. Over the neck is a clear, almost bullet resistant plastic that adds to the appeal of this lightweight instrument. Revere added a little something extra to the Rock ‘n Roll avant-garde piece…

Paloma catches up to Revere and tries to hack him from his left shoulder down to his ribs. Revere uses his guitar as a shield. The strange blade slices into the belly of the instrument, almost severing it from the neck. Revere pushes Paloma back with such force that she flies over a couch nearly five feet away.

Revere, with guitar in hand, jumps the distance in one hop — the belly of the instrument splinters into her face as he lands. The wood of the guitar’s body is now gone. All that remains is a strangely carved axe Revere had installed for just such an occasion.

“That…that can’t be! How can you have…?”

I remembered I had left it on Earth, before I was kicked out of my home.

“You’ve never remembered this much, before. How?”

You wouldn’t believe me. And knowing where you’re going, I’m definitely not going to tell you. It would spoil the surprise for the others. Just tell them ~ I’m coming, back.

One horizontal movement and her head is severed from her body which bursts into a white hot light before turning into ash.

I guess I’m going to need some help from my friends.

Revere looks into the flying camera.

I never wanted this. They started it. If you know my songs, you know the truth. The war in the Heavens has been going on for a very long time. It took me this long to be strong enough to fight back. They will be coming for me. I need your help. Reject their lies. Turn your back to their churches, temples and mosques. Deny them your prayers and souls. It is the only way to weaken them and save yourselves.

 

Friday, December 31, 2021

 

So, to end the year out, here is a bit of flash fiction. It's not too dark, just a little something to keep in mind when politicians start lurking around dark alleys ~ smiling at you from the side of roads on those obnoxious posters.


LITTLE FIDEL: Agent of Castro

By Jesus Beltran II

 

Fidel Castro thumbed his nose at the USA, one last time long after his death. It took more than 60 years, but his sleeper agent was able to get his son into a high enough position in government to cause considerable “problems” for what Castro called a “bloated nation”. The Americans only have themselves to blame. Had the Americans not given Cubans the gift of automatic path to citizenship, a decent background check would have kept the sleepers out.

 Given the nickname “Little Fidel”, Tomas Antonio Cruzado’s education at home mirrored one he would have received in Cuba. He was disciplined and driven. He knew how to make people take notice.

The Cuban government still had strong ties with Russia, even after the fall of the Soviet Union. Money would come into the country and into bank accounts meant for their agents abroad. Some of this money was used to propel the “simple” immigrants from Cuba into successful business people, seemingly overnight.

His education allowed him to worm his way into the society of the very people who would not hesitate to shoot him, if they knew he was working for Cuba ~ for the godfather of so many sleeper agents ~ Fidel Castro.

It took time, and a lot of hot showers to get the stink of Americanisms off him every night, but Cruzado was elected a U.S. Senator. Backdoor dealings with soulless politicians, Cruzado felt right at home. No longer “Little Fidel”, the overweight, he sowed the seeds of discord amongst his constituents. His hard work paid off when he proudly helped get the 45th president elected ~ with help from the Russians and number 45’s family and lawyers.

Just as the tide turned against 45’s re-election, it was time for the coup d'état. The attack on the government was not as widespread as Cruzado had hoped. It should have been bloodier! The police should have shot the rioters. Had they been Black men, maybe the guns would have been drawn and emptied before anyone got to the first step. Maybe next time. As long as no one suspects where his allegiance lies, Tomas Antonio Cruzado can try again.

 

 

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Update on Story Writing Lessons

 

I had planned on having more to share other than less-than-happy news, today. I planned a series of videos to post that will take you, step-by-step through a writing process for making a story. I put out a teaser and everything. Unfortunately, technology decided it had enough of me.

Poor sound in recording was first in the issues. The software that would have allowed for recording my computer screen did not like my very old laptop. The original video editing software I used, is no longer supported by Windows. All the while, my laptop was slowly falling apart. Despite my repairs, my Acer was no longer charging its quickly draining battery. It took me hours to empty enough pen drives to attempt a start-up of the laptop to transfer as much data as possible. In the end, I lost more than I could save.

Long story longer, I am slowly rebuilding my base in this Lenovo, trying to get everything working harmoniously before I can attempt another video upload.

Stay tuned for more.




Tuesday, September 22, 2020

     Aside from this blog for the arts, I have started working with another site, Music is to Blame, covering the music scene. I'll still be working, slowly, on the local events, as I'm made aware. But Music is to Blame has given me a greater reach and opportunity than I had, even when I worked at the local newspapers.

Here's  my first endeavour. Copy and paste the link ~ Cheers.

 https://musicistoblame.blogspot.com/2020/09/make-friends-new-single.html#more 




Sunday, August 25, 2019

I wasn't planning on posting too much on myself here, but the fact that I am recording lessons (and encouragement) on writing creative works, I figure this is the right time and place for promoting such endeavours. 
Here's the link to the newest video: 
https://youtu.be/7SrbieFQDuM

And here is the main channel address: 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRx_CrHRonSai1cPGW6iA

I hope you visit and enjoy my lessons!

Saturday, June 1, 2019

Here is something that we don't get much of in this part of Texas, anymore ~ an actual film debut. The following is a press release for a film shot in various locations, including the Rio Grande Valley. One of the directors, Steven J. Escobar, is also a Valley native (full disclosure, he is also my cousin).

This film has been screened at The Cannes Film Festival. Valley folks will have an opportunity, if you've already bought your tickets, for the showing at the AMC movie theater in Edinburg, TX on June 16. You can check out availability for the tickets on the ticket sales site, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/steven-escobar-presents-xenophobia-texas-movie-premiere-tickets-61307047028?fbclid=IwAR2hspL1Wtm4l-BW4jymEtgk6I2zfJXehueg4IjjaJvrsiTPLFju4vQXkMo

I will be getting crowd reactions and report, live, before and after the show through my facebook and/or Instagram pages.

Check out the site. Check out the film. See you there.

Vision Films Adds Science Fiction Thriller, 'Xenophobia' to Their Slate and Releases Artwork and Trailer
PRESS RELEASE  UPDATED: MAY 14, 2019


CANNES, France, May 14, 2019 (Newswire.com) - Vision Films Inc. is proud to announce the acquisition of the sci-fi action/thriller Xenophobia for their 2019 Cannes slate.  Directed, written, and produced by Steven J. Escobar, Joe Castro, and Thomas J. Churchill, the film follows victims of alien abduction who discover that their experiences were not isolated incidents.  Artwork and trailer also make their debut in Cannes.

Starring Manu Intiraymi (Star Trek: Voyager, One Tree Hill), Kristen Renton (Days of our Lives, Sons of Anarchy), Angie Stevenson (Sons of Anarchy, Sigma), and Baker Chase Powell (Dating Pains, Irrational Fear), Vision will release Xenophobia on DVD and VOD on August 6, 2019.
Six complete strangers recall the details of their individual experiences with alien forces—sharing the terrifying stories of their abductions and possessions—but the biggest challenge still lies ahead. Can they overcome their fears and trust each other in order to survive?

“We are thrilled to be debuting the visually-stunning sci-fi film Xenophobia at The Cannes Film Festival,” says Vision Films CEO/Managing Director, Lise Romanoff. “The question of alien existence is extremely compelling and Xenophobia presents the subject in such a realistic and terrifying way, we can’t help but wonder if we are really alone in the universe.”

Xenophobia is an accumulation of actual alien events and encounters that have been documented over the years,” said co-Director Steven Escobar.  “Teaming up with Joe Castro and Thomas J Churchill who co-wrote and co-directed the film with me, we were able to bring these stories to the screen using state of the art of special effects which we’re really proud of.  Xenophobia is further proof that indie filmmakers can present epic stories and great effects without a studio budget.”

Xenophobia was a chance of a lifetime for me as an artist and a filmmaker,” said Joe Castro, “it allowed us to create full scale alien creatures... something that I have always dreamed of as a child.”
“Spending so much of my career in the horror and action space prepared me for Xenophobia, which is my first science fiction film,” said Thomas J. Churchill.  “It was a truly organic transition and I could not have asked for a better team and partners to have done this with than Castro and Escobar.”



Friday, March 30, 2018

Phonetography in Harlingen


Edward Vidaurre's Phonetography & Words at Platform 204 in Harlingen is a beautiful blend of the 2018 McAllen Poet Laureate's poetry and phone photography ~ hence PHONEtography. Both words and images are crisp and cool. From heartbeats to the beats of the city, Vidaurre's work is a labour of love, and it shows. 







Come by the Platform 204 Art Gallery and Studios at 119 W. Van Buren in Harlingen, Texas to visit Vidaurre's works (until April 21) and the other amazing artists displaying.