IMPALA (Farside Saga: Book One)

Riding through the open plains of Nebraska in a black vintage 2016 Impala, Jason Dodge pressed the pedal further to the floor accelerating well past 100mph along the straightaway road. He could've gotten a hover version but he loved the feel of the pavement and the grip of the tires as he handled the on coming sways and curves of the road with precision further increasing his speed. The Impala was vintage by nature but was still equipped with a few required new tech. One such instrument that was a critical part of everyday travel now were 'lumitracks'.

In 2027, scientists have found a way to convert light into a solid surface. However, it didn't react to all materials, rubber being one and held the most resistance against bioluminescent light. Many implications came from that discovery and started a whole new chapter in technological wonders. Behind that discovery, a young college grad with a knack for creative ingenuity came with the idea of wrapping strings of bioluminescent fluid around an ordinary tire to give it resistance on a strip of solid light. That started a chain reaction of invents from city construction and roadway contractors and automobile industries to clothing apparel and toys.

Reflecting on this, Jason engaged the lumitrack tires as he came up on what was known as Rainbow Bridge. Even though the bridge itself is pure light, it was the only bridge that shimmered in a prism-like effect when a car's LED headlights splay across the surface. It still bothered him a little with the new roadways, especially this particular 1-mile stretch. He lost a best friend 4yrs ago on this bridge when an arc generator gave out making the bridge 'blink out' as the tabloids put it. He fell 438 ft before crashing into the wall of the canyon.

Reflecting on this, already halfway across at 148 mph, he pushed the pedal all the way to the floor. The 2016 vintage Impala held true to its name as it's speed literally jumped to 176 and climbing putting the car's aerodynamics to a real test of endurance. He shot off the other end of the bridge in a cloud of light and dust as he disengaged the lumitracks leaving behind a shimmer of neon blue sparkles as the light dissipated off the tires. He began slowing down as he came to a sign that read "Garian City: 3 miles Exit 32". He pushed the Bluetooth icon on the 7-inch display in the dash.

"Call Michelle" he spoke into the air.

The screen went black but began ringing in the background. After the second ring, an overly excited young dark-skinned child of about 8yrs old popped up on the screen.

"Uncle Jaaaay......." she screamed excitedly.

"Watcha get me watcha get me.....is it something hello kitty, I love hello kitty, you know I love hello kitty, mooooomm!! Uncle Jason on the phoooone and he got me something hello kittyyy...." she said all in one breathe excitedly before turning to get her mother before Jason could even say anything.

Starring at half a tan leather couch and the hallway towards the front door, in which the kitchen stood off to the right just before the door, Jason couldn't help but laugh as he pulled off the interstate into Garian City. After a few seconds, a tall slim dark-skinned woman with long black hair strung all around her face emerged from the kitchen rushing towards the phone. Covered in flower, she stooped down putting her disheveled face up close to the screen causing Jason to laugh even harder.

"Ok, what the hell am I about to walk into this time?" he asked between chuckles.

"Oh shut up, I'm baking cupcakes for Mindy's bake sale tomorrow at camp......" she said trying to sound angry but couldn't help but smile to herself as she thought about the inside joke between her and her ex-husband behind it.

"How long u gonna be? I'm almost done here just gotta clean up and put everything up. We're already packed." she said backing up from the screen standing back up.

"Bout 20 mins. Just got off the highway but I'm gonna make a quick stop when I'm headed to you. Is that enough time for yall to be already outside?" he asked as he turned down an old familiar street.

The houses along the block used to look prestige in their heydays of his childhood, but now look old and dilapidated as the drugs and crime took over the neighborhood.

"Yeah, that should be good. See you then," she said as he pulled up to an almost abandoned looking flat.

The only reason you knew someone stayed there is that you can see a ray of light through the reinforced aluminum window covers.

"Ok, I'll call you when I'm on the way." He said as he started reaching for the disconnect button.

He ended the call then put the car in park. Wiping his hands across his face, he stared at the tattered old brick house for a brief minute before turning off the engine and exiting the car. He made it halfway to the front door when the alarm on the car chimed on automatically causing him to falter, but just for a second. There wasn't a need for the alarm for his visit was the only occupant left in the whole neighborhood. He walked to the front door after a quick recovery and knocked softly. His third knock, being a bit more forceful, cause the door to creak open slowly. He palmed the door and slowly pushed the squeaky door open to reveal a pitch black foyer with an open archway across the small room.

"Frankie?...." he called out just below a yell. Nothing.

"Frankay....." he called out a bit more sternly as he stepped inside heading towards the archway.

"C'mon man quit playing I really don't have the time right now." he said as he crossed the threshold and was suddenly engulfed in a bright light causing him to quickly shield his eyes.