Doc Osmium: Synchronius Maximus

By Postmortem Studios

Twelve digits, the best genetics science can buy, a PHD from the University of Life and a roaring muscle car. Almost everything a Science Hero could need to put the world to rights and to explore its mysteries but, perhaps, something remains that he could put to good use. A partner and - perhaps - a little humility.

Doc Osmium is the short, neo-pulp tale of a two-fisted scientist unravelling a chain of uncanny coincidence that leads him back to... well, you'll just have to read to find out.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Postmortem Studios
• Release date: Feb 9, 2012
• ISBN: 9781465998965

Postmortem Studios

Game designer, writer, self publisher, freelancer, rakish fop, gentleman bastard, ten times more charming than that Arnold on Green Acres.

Book preview

Doc Osmium: Synchronius Maximus

Smashwords Edition

Written by: James 'Grim' Desborough

Edited by: Salome Jones

Technical Assistance: Michael Garcia

Cover: Rowena Aitken

© Postmortem Studios (James Desborough) 2012

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Doctor Osmium

Synchronius Maximus

Part One: A Twist in the Tail

The phone rang, loudly. So loudly that the handset rattled in its cradle. José paused in his scraping underneath the car, unsure whether he'd genuinely heard the phone ring or not. He sighed as he realised it was ringing and slid out from under the car. Picking himself up, he dusted off his hands, the salt and sand that coated them leaving a drifting cloud behind him as he snatched for the phone.

Hola?

The voice on the other end of the line was sneering, superior. An Eastern accent. Bostonian maybe. José Rodriguez?

Yes. José frowned. He didn't recognise the voice and only a few people should have had this number. Certainly not whoever this was.

Or should I, perhaps, say Carlos Ortega?

José froze, nearly dropping the handset to the floor. I don't know who or what you mean.

If that makes you feel more comfortable. However, I’m a friend. I'm calling to inform you that Doctor Osmium will be at the run tomorrow. You should prepare yourself accordingly.

The voice cut off with a stark click and José put the handset down, biting his lip thoughtfully. He wrung his hands together nervously and went to the toolbox, sliding out the bottom drawer and taking out the Browning within. He felt the weight and the slickness of the gun oil in his hand and tucked it, carefully, inside his boiler suit. Better to be ready.

Far away another phone was lowered into its cradle and a hand descended down towards the desk