Slip/Through: Black Syn

By Daniel Viau

Noir goes science fiction with this adult thriller.

Two detectives from opposing factions - one is human, the other is cybernetic - track down an elusive serial killer known only as Black Syn.

A murder connected to the space tourism industry forces their paths to cross. The impending collision will unravel a mystery involving artificial intelligence vying for control of the distant planet.

This serialized novella series launches right into cyberpunk action with Book One, while also focusing on hard-boiled crime, strong themes, and provocative characters.

Aiming to satisfy readers with busy lives, this story is available in easy to consume volumes that can be finished in one sitting.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daniel Viau
• Release date: Sep 22, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370716562

Daniel Viau

Experienced screenwriter, ghost writer, editor, and decade long video store owner, turned novelist. A cinephilian outcast, Daniel has always been fueled by creativity. Starting Virdon Publishing from the ground up, this passionate nerd hopes to spotlight provocative voices and compelling visions. Several novellas are on the way, published in an easy to digest format. Busy lifestyles mean we don't always have enough time to consume a 1,000 page novel. These Netflix-style binge watching serialized books aim to satisfy your cravings in snack size editions. All entertainment is available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book editions with combined volumes available upon series completion for traditionalists. Daniel's favorite films are 'Pulp Fiction' and 'E.T.' (for very different reasons). Current fav novel: 'Ready Player One'. Fav authors: Philip K. Dick, Michael Crichton, Chuck Palahniuk, Raymond Chandler.

Book preview

EPILOGUE-00

Heavy boots stepped into a thick muddy puddle. Steaming food vendors lined the muddy Strip, as workers strapped with backpacks skulked along, smoking handmade cigarettes. Most of them, men and women alike, had shaved heads with varying lengths of stubble.

     A worn man in his thirties wiped his wet bangs from his forehead before he shoved a scoop of shaved meet into his mouth with his fingers. While most of the workers huddled under their coats to avoid the mist of rain, the veteran knew there was no point. These may not feel like the thunderstorms from back home, but he knew it would pass all the same. At least the cultured meat tasted better than when he first arrived nearly a year ago.

    Although it was a relatively new vacation destination, Minerva-3H was quickly resolving some of the creature comforts from home. Unfortunately, paved roads were never deemed necessary. The tourists never reached this corner of the small planet.

    The night sky was spattered with the distant light of dying stars. Two bright moons lit the long stretch of land. The Strip was pockmarked with tall pillars of domiciles, while the horizon was lined with glamorous hotels. This Vegas of the stars shined with holographic neon logos, flaring into the night. False beacons of hope offered every sin and temptation humanity desired. The rich may have a new playground, but the poor would still be required as their slaves. This trendy hot spot needed to run smoothly. From the point of view far atop the slender hotels, workers were a necessary evil.

    The veteran worker continued to trod along the muddy Strip, slamming the slathered meat into his chomping maw. As he made his way home to one of the apartment residences, he noticed an angry vendor arguing with a disgruntled customer. Hoping it would escalate and provide entertainment for his dinner, he stopped to watch while he continued his meal.

    As the argument got more heated, something suddenly crashed onto the roof of the vendor's stall. The two men looked up. Whatever it was, it sounded like it was rolling. They waited and watched as the bloody stump of a severed arm splashed into the mud below.

    Gasping at the sight, the veteran nearly choked on his food. The vendor left the safety of his cart to gaze skyward. He joined his customers just in time, as a body fell and crumpled the stall like it was made of paper. The man was missing most of his arm. There was a gash in his chest and pulpy guts were strewn across his torso.

   Several stories up, standing in the frame of a shattered window, was a dark and slender figure with glowing violet eyes. The people below could barely make out