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San Cibernético

An orphan discovers a mummified cyborg while hiding from scientists on his worldship and turns it into a cult saint.

Somnambulant

After a waking nightmare that continues to haunt her, Elisa experiences increasing episodes of disassociation. As her sense of self unravels, she gets closer to the horrifying truth.

The Brides of Dracula Ponder the Manson Murders

By Avra Margariti

(What are humans but an amalgamation of meat and electricity?) Read this unsettling poem by Avra Margariti.

The Itch

By Mark Towse

Ever had an itch so intense, you want to tear your skin off?

A Gardener’s Guide to the Apocalypse

By Lynette Mejía

A story about disaster and how we endure in its aftermath, "A Gardener's Guide" follows its protagonist and her partner through a year post-apocalypse; watching their garden grow as the world slowly dies around them.

Fringe Benefits

By Larina Warnock

In a dystopian society where employees are covered by productivity insurance, benefits are earned by competing in deadly company picnic games. Unfortunately for Veronica, sleeping with the boss's wife makes her a prime target.

One Shot

By Tiffany E. Wilson

What happens when a pandemic hits the failing US healthcare system? When Kiara becomes sick, she can't afford to admit her infection and miss work or even go to the doctor to treat it. Failed by the system, she searches for any way to survive.

In Bocca al Lupo

By MJ Mars

When climate change brings about the New Ice Age, along with the hatching of a hoard of monstrous Ningen, it is down to the five remaining members of the Polaris military base to lure the monsters to their doom. Only, the theory behind the lure isn't all that sound. And the Ningen are like nothing they have ever faced before.

Darkroom Liaisons

By Avra Margariti

The poltergeists leave the darkroom the way they came: faceless. Read this beautiful poem by Avra Margariti, only on The Dread Machine.

Three Data Units

By Kitty-Lydia Dye

An AI reviews the data units of three disabled mecha—a blackbird, a caregiver, and a gatekeeper—whose stories entwine, and profoundly change the AI's understanding of humanity and the role technology plays in their lives.

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UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES AND PROTAGONISTS

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