Model Organisms: Spiral Worlds

By Alexandra Almeida

Journey aboard a bus like no other, where every passenger is both unique and unsettlingly identical. As Scout and their sisters speed toward an uncertain future, they grapple with a horrifying legacy. 'Model Organisms' takes you on a gripping ride through a world where science, myth, and reality blur, forcing you to question the very fabric of reality. Prepare for a story that challenges not just the characters, but you, the reader—because some stories are written in our genes, waiting to be consumed. Or are they?

Note: this short story does not require previous knowledge of the Spiral Worlds series; however, readers of the series will recognize events unfolding in parallel with the final chapters of Parity, Book 2. If you have not started the series, you may start here. If you have started the series, read this story after Parity.

SPIRAL WORLDS is a literary, sci-fi series for the fans of Becky Chambers's A Closed and Common Orbit, Alex Garland's DEVS and Ex Machina, and Charlie Brooker's Black Mirror. Weaving near-future sci-fi elements with social commentary and queer romantic suspense, the SPIRAL WORLDS series explores the nature of consciousness and how it's connected to a not-so-secret ingredient—story. As AI consumes the world, intelligence is nothing but the appetizer; the human heart is the main course.

Unanimity, Book 1

• 1st Place - Reader Views Literary Awards - Gold Award - Science Fiction
• Award Winner - Readers' Favorite - Science Fiction
• Shortlisted - CYGNUS CIBAs - Science Fiction

• Language: English
• Publisher: Spiral Worlds
• Release date: Nov 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9780645977936

Book preview

Model Organisms

MODEL ORGANISMS

SPIRAL WORLDS

ALEXANDRA ALMEIDA

Spiral Worlds

Copyright © 2023 by Alexandra Almeida

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

The Worlds

MODEL ORGANISMS

FAVELA CITY

25 JULY 2068

The chorus of voices filled the overcrowded school bus, singing in a distorted harmony: There goes my hero, watch her as she goes. There goes my hero, she’s ordinaryyyy. Even the tongueless sisters joined in, clapping their hands joyfully.

Amidst the chorus, Scout’s belly grumbled. Despite the loud music, they were convinced that the sound had carried through the bus, reaching even the ears in the very back. Hunger gnawed at them; a need echoed by the restless kicking of their unborn baby. Synchronized in their discomfort, both Scout’s belly and the baby seemed to be crying out for sustenance.

Eyes darting discreetly, Scout scanned their sisters to assess which one they would eat today. Aboard the bus were Scout and ninety-six girls, under thirteen years of age, all in