When the Dark Sun Shines

by Matthew Hughston

Decades from now, in a dystopian isolationist American city, where many are far too familiar with apathy and cold weather dominates half of the year, a 30-year old man has his life turned upside down when he meets a young girl with a taste for the alternative -- barely out of high school. The oil reserves are dwindling, green energy has flourished where it could, and there isn't enough money to go around for all. Education is as weak as it's ever been and the quality of soil now dictates what can be grown and eaten around the world. The drama, action, and romance builds to self-revolution and empowerment when the two characters must decide to either stay in the city and rebuild or run from their old life and loved ones. The heavily guarded city walls keep anyone from leaving (for "our protection") except for transport trucks with essential supplies. There is gossip that all the remains in the world are empty suburbs, highways and barren land, but no one knows anybody who has actually seen it: the walls are simply too tall. New America has seen more depressions, another World War, and decades of suburbanites exiling back into these walled off cities for survival. But there is always hope.