The Daemon's Wish

By Chris Wright

"The year is 2410. Humanity is living in a golden age, having worked

together to stop global warming and bring world peace. Eventually

they launched themselves to the stars, colonizing first Mars and then

terraforming Europa. Jupiter's moon is a near Utopia for everyone who

lives there, until a series of terrifying murder

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ukiyoto Publishing
• Release date: Aug 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9789361721298

Chris Wright

Chris Wright is a young author who enjoys reading and is keen to share this joy with others. He lives in England, but he grew up in a small village in Hampshire. He wants to inspire young readers with his tales of a simpler time, outside among nature.

Book preview

Prologue

Approaching Europa, 2300

INT. SPACESHIP - DAY

A sleek, state-of-the-art spaceship glides through the depths of space. The hum of machinery and the soft glow of screens fill the air. A diverse group of explorers, scientists, and engineers bustle about, preparing for the journey ahead.

EXT. SPACE - DAY

The spaceship cruises through space, leaving Earth behind. The blue planet shrinks into a small dot as they venture deeper into the unknown.

INT. LAB - DAY

Scientists analyze data and simulations, studying Europa's unique environment.

INT. ENGINE ROOM - DAY

Engineers check the ship's engines, making adjustments and ensuring everything is functioning optimally.

INT. COCKPIT - DAY

The pilot sits in the cockpit, fingers dancing across the controls. They plot the course, guiding the spaceship toward Europa.

EXT. SPACE - DAY

The spaceship glides gracefully through the emptiness of space, a beacon of hope and exploration.

TESS (V.O.)

The future was not how many imagined it would be. After bringing planet Earth to the brink of destruction, mankind was able to reverse the damage they had wrought upon it. The Earth flourished as nature was given control back, with half of the world being turned into gigantic wildlife reserves. With a population that was still growing, mankind set out into the solar system, careful to spread itself out and keep each population manageable. It began with the terraforming of Mars, the most demanding and daring feat mankind had ever undertaken. This small stepping stone was a  success and the beginning of a new age of exploration. Jupiter’s moon, Europa, is the furthest outpost of the human empire, a world of water; after the completion of terraforming had melted the icy surface. Cities were constructed that floated effortlessly on the endless sea, maintaining their position as they counteracted the ebbs and flows of the alien ocean. Most of the cities were constantly bathed in the light of Jupiter that was suspended in the air like a planet sized light bulb and the others were dotted around the far side of Europa, cloaked in an eternal darkness.

EXT. EUROPA - DAY

The beauty of Europa and it’s divide of day and night is seen in all it’s glory as a spacecraft sails towards it.

FADE OUT.

Scene 1 – Submersion

Mid-District, New Varanasi 

INT. APARTMENT - DAY

Noah sits at his desk, closing a file and taking a sip of coffee. He reclines in his office chair, feeling a slight pain above his eye.

NOAH

(closing his eyes)

I can feel a migraine coming on. Maybe a moment of relaxation will help.

Tess enters the room, her voice filled with concern.

TESS

(affectionate)

Hey, sweetheart. Are you having another migraine?

NOAH

(noticing Tess's presence)

Not yet, but it's close.

TESS

(worried)

I'll leave you alone, then. I don't want to make it worse.

NOAH

(smiling)

It’s okay, your presence is comforting. I think I might need to have a lie down though.

TESS

(concerned)

Alright, if let me know if you need anything.

Noah appreciates Tess's care as he slowly makes his way to the bedroom, closing the door behind him.

INT. BEDROOM - DAY

Noah lies down on the bed, feeling the migraine aura intensify. His vision becomes disrupted, filled with flashing lights and patterns. The pain sets in, throbbing relentlessly above his eye.

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY

Tess watches her favorite soap opera, trying to distract herself while Noah rests. Suddenly, she feels a strange sensation, a wave of unease washing over her.

TESS

(startled)

What's happening?

She looks around, sensing someone behind her, but finds no one. The feeling of familiarity grows stronger, disorienting her.

TESS

(whispering)

I've experienced this before.

As quickly as it came, the sensation dissipates, leaving her slightly breathless.

TESS

(confused)

That was weird.

Curiosity gets the better of her, and she heads towards the bedroom, worried about Noah's well-being.

INT. BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

Tess enters the bedroom, calling out Noah's name, her concern growing.

TESS

(panicked)

Noah? Are you okay?

She notices the empty bed, the curtains drawn. Confusion and panic set in.

TESS

(worried)

Noah?

She searches the apartment, calling out his name, but he's nowhere to be found.

FADE OUT.

Undersea Submersion Adventures, Downtown New Varanasi 

INT. UNDERSEA TRAVEL AGENCY - DAY

Leah sits behind her desk, her attention now on a new customer. Darryl, a nervous and agitated gentleman, fidgets with his sleeve.

LEAH

(sympathetic)

Is everything okay?

DARRYL

(nervous)

Yes, I'm just a little... err...

LEAH

(encouraging)

Nervous?

DARRYL

(slightly embarrassed)

Yes, I've never done this before.

LEAH

(assuring)

Relax, everyone gets a little nervous the first time. So, what's your name?

DARRYL

(softly)

Darryl. Darryl Marsh.

Leah types on her Holo-Computer, checking the schedule.

LEAH

(gesturing)

Okay, you're scheduled for the next submersion. It looks like you'll be the only one in that slot today. Is that okay with you?

DARRYL

(worried)

There's no one else? What if something goes wrong?

LEAH

(calmly)

It's perfectly safe. Besides, I would accompany you. We can't launch a pod with just one person onboard due to health and safety regulations. Don't worry, I'll make sure to close the shop briefly.

DARRYL

(concerned)

But what about those accidents?

LEAH

(reassuring)

Those accidents happened years ago. Since then, our safety record has been impeccable. I understand your reservations, but we've taken all necessary precautions. So, what were you hoping to get out of this experience?

DARRYL

(anxious)

I don't know. I've never traveled, never left the city. I just want something that makes me feel like I've lived. But I'm afraid of getting stuck down there, or worse.

LEAH

(suggesting)

Have you considered visiting another city? There are boats, aircraft, and even the new submerged tunnel.

DARRYL

(nervously)

I can't do any of those. A boat might sink, and a plane might crash.

LEAH

(offering alternatives)

What about the new tunnel to Oscuro Cruz? It's perfectly safe and you won't even have to leave your vehicle.

DARRYL

(doubtful)

I don't trust it. It's too new.

LEAH

(trying to reassure)

The tunnel has undergone extensive risk assessments. I'm sure it's perfectly safe. In fact, I'm looking forward to experiencing it myself.

DARRYL

(reluctant)

I'm not ready to take that risk yet, not until I know it's one hundred percent safe.

LEAH

(slightly frustrated)

What about a vacation to Mars or Earth? Those are safe options.

DARRYL

(apprehensive)

You don't know that.

LEAH

(losing patience)

Look, space travel is safe. The chances of a crash or equipment failure are incredibly low.

DARRYL

(defensive)

It doesn't have to crash to be dangerous. What if I end up floating in space, starving and thirsty until I die?

LEAH

(exasperated)

That would never happen. Mr. Marsh, do you still want to go in the submersion pod?

DARRYL

(resigned)

I don't think so.

LEAH

(canceling the slot)

Okay, I'll cancel your slot then. You're free to go.

DARRYL

(quickly)

Alright, I'll go.

Leah watches him leave, slightly relieved. She deletes any reference to Mr. Marsh from her system.

Leah's attention is caught by another customer who enters the store, his infectious smile putting her at ease.

LEAH

(polite)

How can I help you, sir?

The man glances at the board displaying various undersea tours and experiences.

LEAH

(enlightening)

Our most popular tour is the Extremophile tour, which takes you deep towards the sea floor to witness incredible animals thriving under extreme conditions. It's a fascinating experience.

The man nods, still smiling.

LEAH

(realizing)

Okay, so you're interested in that?

The man nods again.

LEAH

(enthusiastic)

Great! We have a scheduled tour departing shortly. Due to low demand, it seems you'll be the only one on this tour. I'll join you and briefly close the shop. Is that alright with you?

The man continues to smile, his demeanor captivating Leah.

LEAH

(confident)

Perfect. Let's sort out the payment. Give me a moment.

Leah tries to enter the payment details on her Holo-Computer, but it freezes.

LEAH

(frustrated)

Ugh, it seems to be a glitch. We can sort it out when we return. I'm sure it'll be fine by then.

Leah gets up from her desk, smiles at the man, and walks toward the entrance. He follows eagerly, putting a small device back into his pocket at which point her Holo-Computer unfreezes.

Leah presses a button near the entrance, and the glass door flips, revealing metal bars. She walks past the man, smiling at him, and heads to a door in the corner.

INT. UNDERSEA TRAVEL AGENCY - CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS

Leah opens the door, revealing a brightly lit corridor with doors on each side. She stops at the third door, entering a passcode on the keypad. The door slides open, and she turns back to the man.

LEAH

(encouraging)

It's okay, come on.

Leah and the man step through the door. It slides shut and seals behind them.

INT. UNDERSEA TRAVEL AGENCY - SUBMERSION CHAMBER - CONTINUOUS

Leah and the man find themselves in a circular metal chamber with a glass bottom. Leah presses a button, and the metal covering of the pod begins to part. A hissing sound fills the chamber as misty substance oozes out of circular tubes.

LEAH

(excited)

Okay, ready?

The man nods, his smile lingering on his face.

LEAH

(realizing)

You seem so calm. Most people panic when they hear the hissing sound. It's just a chemical that prevents decompression sickness. Without it, we couldn't descend this deep.

The pod shudders as the water completely engulfs it, the hissing sound turning into a gentle hum. They descend down a ladder-like structure, surrounded by the beauty of alien fish and underwater life.

Leah notices that the man pays little attention to the mesmerizing creatures around them.

LEAH

(curious)

Aren't you interested in the native fish?

The man's smile takes on an eerie quality, unsettling Leah.

LEAH

(uneasy)

What did you say your name was?

The man continues to stare into her eyes, his smile now disturbing.

LEAH

(frightened)

Stay back! What are you doing?

She screams as the man approaches, fear gripping her.

Scene 2 – Bubbles

     INT. UNDERSEA SUBMERSION ADVENTURES - DAY

Peter arrives outside the store and quickly enters. He finds Zoey and Roman standing there, looking restless.

PETER

(concerned)

Hey, do you work here?

ZOEY

(upset)

Well, sort of. We've been waiting here for twenty minutes. Where is your staff?

PETER

(apologetic)

I'm sorry, I don't know. Leah should be here. Let me check.

Peter glances around the store, but Leah is nowhere to be found. He hurries to the store room, calling out her name. However, she is not there either.

PETER

(angry)

Leah, why would she leave the store unattended like this? Criminals could easily access sensitive information on her Holo-Computer.

ZOEY

(frustrated)

First, we couldn't get in. The store was closed. And when we came back, there was still no one here. This needs to be sorted out!

PETER

(apologetic)

I truly apologize for the inconvenience. Can you both give me your names? I'll make sure you get a free adventure of your choice.

ZOEY

(introducing)

I'm Zoey Stevenson, and this is Roman Abbar.

PETER

(nods)

Thank you. One moment, please.

Peter attempts to bypass the security on the Holo-Computer, annoyed that Leah hadn't set it up properly.

PETER

(irritated)

Leah, how many times have I told you...

Finally, he manages to access the system.

PETER

(determined)

Alright, what adventure would you like?

ZOEY

(curious)

What's your most expensive option?

PETER

(smiling)

Ah, I had a feeling you'd ask that. Our grand tour of the sunken first city is the longest and offers a fascinating history of our early colonization attempts on Europa. It's not wildlife-oriented, but it's a unique experience. Would that be alright with you?

ZOEY

(excited)

Sure, that sounds great!

ROMAN

(enthusiastic)

Yeah, let's do it!

PETER

(booking)

Fantastic! I've booked you for Sunday at 10 am. Just make sure to arrive before then. Again, I apologize for the inconvenience caused by Leah's absence.

Zoey and Roman thank Peter and leave the store. Peter follows shortly after, deciding to close up and investigate Leah's disappearance. He checks her desk, noticing her handbag and Holo-Phone still there.

PETER

(concerned)

Leah wouldn't have left without her phone or bag. Something isn't right.

He heads toward the corridor where the submersion pods are located, realizing it's the only place she could be. He walks down the corridor, checking each door. The third one is unlocked, and Peter breathes a sigh of relief.

Determined and angry, Peter marches down the final corridor toward the submersion pod. He reaches the door and pounds on it furiously.

PETER

(angry)

Leah! You can't leave the store unattended and come down here. You know better! You'd better have a good explanation!

He receives no response from Leah behind the thick metallic door.

PETER

(resolute)

I'm coming in, whether you hear me or not.

Peter enters his master override code into the panel, and the door slowly slides open. His expression turns to horror as he sees Leah's lifeless body inside the pod.

PETER

(in shock)

What the hell?!

Leah's body is sprawled on the floor, a ghastly incision from her pelvis to her neck. A samurai sword is sticking out of her, the blade buried a few centimeters into her skin. The pod is filled with blood and organs, creating a gruesome scene.

Peter loses control, collapsing to the ground in tears. The blood spills from the pod, flowing down the corridor, intensifying the horror of the situation.

FADE OUT.

Mid-District, New Varanasi

  INT. TESS AND NOAH'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Tess is relieved to find Noah returning to their front garden. She approaches the front door with concern.

TESS

(worried)

Where have you been? I was sick with worry.

Noah looks slightly confused, as if only partially aware of his actions.

NOAH

(confused)

I guess I went for a walk.

TESS

You guess?

NOAH

I remember lying down on the bed, and my head felt like it was going to explode. I closed my eyes to ignore the pain, and the next thing I know, I was walking back up the path towards the house.

TESS

Has your migraine gone?

Noah realizes that the migraine has indeed subsided, but he's puzzled by the gaps in his memory. He smiles at Tess, still perplexed.

NOAH

Yes, it's gone, but I can't remember where I just walked to. It's strange. These episodes of blacking out have been happening lately after migraines or epileptic seizures. I thought it was just a side effect, but now I'm not so sure.