I Know What They Are Read online

  I update the social media networks about the things I've learned. I quickly write the story of L. And share it with whoever will listen.

  Eventually I see my words parroted by others. Hundreds of emails about the plague pour in by the second. As I'm typing a reply to a worried mother in Europe, the power finally dies. I'm disappointed, but my mind is at ease because I've told people what they are.

  People know. The gospel will continue to spread.

  My apartment is dark now, but the glow of the burning city provides enough light to make my way to the kitchen. My part in this is done—I'm done. I find a Sharpie and some cardboard. I sit on the floor and scrawl the perfect message.

  I read the sign over several times while smiling. Once satisfied, I put it under my arm and leave my apartment to join the chaos.

  What better accessory could a woman possibly carry around when the world is ending?

  The sign read:

  Now you know what they are.

  Now they will find you.

  SORRY.

  Acknowledgements

  CERN does a lot of interesting things that enrich our lives. Keep up the awesome work.

  About the Author

  Kristopher Mallory has no interest in mastering kung fu or underwater basket weaving, but he does enjoy throwing out the occasional random non sequitur. As for favorite animals, he's a big fan of sloths and hedgehogs. In fact, he once owned a hedgehog named Princess Pokey. He hasn't devised a plan to obtain a sloth...yet.

  When it comes to writing, Kris enjoys horror and sci-fi. He's actively trying to be a gooder writer and hopes to one day join the SFWA. Another focus is the Daylight Dims horror anthology, and Stealth Fiction publishing.

  Outside of writing, he traveled the world while serving as an aircrew member in the Air Force and currently works in I.T. around the D.C. area. He lives with his Wife, Son, Daughter, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Beta fish, an imaginary Easter Bunny, and with luck someone will give him a Sloth.

  You can connect with Kris at the following locations:

  Website: KristopherMallory.com

  Social Media: Facebook

  What's Next?

  THE DEATH AGREEMENT

  By Jon Randon (Kristopher Mallory)

  Coming this November from Stealth Fiction Publishing.

  ~~~~~

  We made a pact. He lived up to his end by dying. I tried to live up to my end by following The Death Agreement.

  What you will find within these pages is a true recounting of a man's life as seen through my eyes. It's almost an impossible task when some of what you see can't be real and what is real you may refuse to see.

  Human beings have a capacity to dread the truth, to distort facts when they don't fit our predefined notions of how the world should work. We forget that reality isn't what we want it to be. We ignore the signs that our universe doesn't care about us. It constantly changes to suit its own needs. Nothing is perfect. This includes the focus of my story. People come and go. Pieces don't fit neatly together. Doubt clouds judgment. Mistakes are made. All hell breaks loose when no one is looking. I guess that's how life is supposed to be.

  For me, it doesn't matter anymore. What happened, happened, and I'm still bound by the terms set.

  Please consider this a warning sticker. Come in if you dare, leave if you don't. Some might call this experience horror. It is that, no doubt, but at the root I suppose it's a tale of transformation.

  Speaking of transforming: Have you ever stood in a dim bathroom and stared at a mirror? For the past 18 months, I've done that every day. What I see in the glass consumes me. My silhouette fades into a thousand different terrifying faces; each sharpens to crystal clarity before morphing into someone else. I don't know who these people are, but I recognize them all. I've learned that what we see isn't a reflection. We are the reflection.

  My name is Jon Randon and I'm going to tell you a story.

  More from Kristopher Mallory

  THESE BAD DREAMS COMBINED

  This suspense thriller is now available. For more information on this book, please visit the Stealth Fiction Publishing website.

  ~~~~~

  A man struggles to deal with severe nightmares. A new medical trial is his last chance at a normal life.

  ~~~~~

  Praise for These Bad Dreams Combined:

  "Twisted. Had me hooked from the first nightmare." – Anonymous

  MASTER STARGAZER

  This sci-fi story is now available. For more information on this book, please visit the Stealth Fiction Publishing website.

  ~~~~~

  Deep below the polar ice cap, the last great research station stands on high alert. Hundreds of the station's personnel fiercely do their part to manage the impending disaster. They had practiced countless times, every worker drilled repeatedly until they were able to perform their duties with a cold robotic grace.

  Now the time for drills is over; the culmination of the Stargazer's Thousand Cycle Plan is finally upon them. To the relief of all, the training held. There's no hesitation. Not a single worker deviates. Each member knows the consequence of failure is total destruction.

  While the station's personnel fight to save the planet's population, the forty-second Master Stargazer stands over his garden, watching drops of water bead across leaves. He gently touches the seed pouch of his favorite flower, and the realization that the time has come hits him with unimaginable force. Fully aware that his heart is beating dangerously fast for a man of his age, he repeats the familiar mantra:

  I must calm down if I'm to see this through.

  As the research station commander, Master Stargazer's job is to ensure all aspects of the Thousand Cycle Plan remain on schedule, and yet, he's the only staff member not where he's supposed to be. His place is on the command deck, but grief had overtaken him, so he had slipped into his office to give a final farewell to his beloved flora. For years, those plants had reminded him life exists somewhere high above the ice cap. Even now, they remind him it needs to be preserved.

  ~~~~~

  Praise for Master Stargazer:

  "Great piece of sci-fi." – Jack H.

  More from Stealth Fiction Publishing

  DAYLIGHT DIMS

  VOLUME TWO

  This horror anthology is now available. For more information on this book, please visit the Daylight Dims website.

  ~~~~~

  Darkness descends Again. Daylight Dims Volume Two features thirteen stories that cross the genres of surreal, dark fantasy, and heart pounding dread. This annual horror anthology is guaranteed to twist your perception of the horror. From the common, comfortable tropes, to the more taboo, these handpicked tales have a literary aspect designed to showcase what true horror can be.

  ~~~~~

  Praise for Daylight Dims Vol. 2:

  "This was probably one of the most entertaining collection of horror stories I've ever read. And I don't say this to suck up or to stroke any tail feathers. I was happy to have the opportunity to read through this before release and I implore anyone on the fence about picking up this up to do themselves a favor and take the plunge into the abyss. You will not be disappointed." – Human Gravy

  DAYLIGHT DIMS

  VOLUME ONE

  This horror anthology is now available. For more information on this book, please visit the Stealth Fiction Publishing website.

  ~~~~~

  The editors chose 13 stories of of over 100 premium submissions. DD contains some of the best horror around.

  ~~~~~

  Praise for Daylight Dims:

  "This is a fantastic horror anthology. All 13 stories are exquisite. The book was not what I expected initially as I thought that it might be all vampire or werewolf tales. Not so! These are original stories from authors of the macabre. From dark fantasy and pure suspense to classic horror tales, it shows the extraordinary scope of fantastical fright fiction. The stories in this anthology are a tour de force of fear, which will haunt you,
terrify you, and stay with you." – S. Mahaffey, "neverjudge"