Part-Time God

By E.W. Pierce

Diplomacy by the payload.

In the near future, combat drones exact America’s foreign policy. Sleek and deadly, the drones require pilots with equally quick reflexes, a trait in short supply among the military. They need pilots weaned on video games. They need teenagers.

But in this game there are no respawns.

A science fiction short story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: E.W. Pierce
• Release date: Apr 25, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311748287

E.W. Pierce

E.W. Pierce is the writing handle of Eric Pierce. Raised on a steady diet of Star Wars, cowboy movies with his great-grandfather, and lots of pretend, he developed an early interest in the making of make-believe. Eric discovered the fantasy genre via the Dragonlance novels, and shortly thereafter, was introduced to the tabletop roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons. His world was never the same. Eric writes Fantasy and the occasional Science Fiction or Horror story. He lives in Michigan with his wife and their two children. You can follow him at http://ewpierce.com, where he blogs about fantasy books, roleplaying games, and other geeky pursuits.

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PART-TIME GOD

E.W. Pierce

Smashwords Edition. Copyright © 2014 E.W. Pierce All rights reserved.

This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. Reproduction in whole or part without express written consent is strictly prohibited.

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It was during sixth hour that I first noticed her. I was slumped in my seat, pretending to listen as Mr. Neilson walked through the elements on the periodic table but really just watching the seconds tick past. It was a Tuesday, so no combat drills, no getting out of school early.

She was fiddling with her shirt, a rough-looking, wool shawl that looked like a blanket with an opening for her head. It reminded me of something I had seen before on the net, but didn't look right on her.

She happened to turn then, and her eyes locked with mine. She was pretty, in a plain kinda way, with bright, green eyes and a small, freckled nose. Caught staring, I felt my cheeks burn. I offered her a smile, but she scowled and turned back around.

The bell rang.

I was heading for my locker when Judy Tredo caught-up with me. Jordan - wait a sec.

I slowed and half-turned. There must have been a football game because she was in her cheerleading outfit- sleeveless blue top and a short, ruffled skirt. The effect was altogether too much bare skin for me to deal with.

I didn't know where to look; my face started burning. I scratched the back of my head. Hey Judy.

Everyone's saying that you're some kind of soldier now.

Ah... yeah. I guess so. I paused, waiting. Judy was one of the pretty, popular girls. Snotty, until they wanted something, then hideously sweet.

Her eyes widened. Aren't you scared?

I stammered for a moment. No. It's not real. I mean, it is, but we're not really there. They call us the VCF - Virtual Combat Force.

It's pretty cool that you're fighting. My older brother is over there, you know.

I knew about her brother. I knew a lot about Judy, more than I wanted her to realize. I played dumb. I didn't know that. What's he there for?

Counter intelligence or something like that. She shrugged. "Anyway, I just wanted to say I thought it was cool that someone from our school was picked.