Story: EN24-015

Eyes So Blue

Word count: ~6700

Original version: NL21-007 Ogen zo blauw

Comments

This story was crafted in response to a writing contest centered around the apocalyptic instrumental music of San Francisco-based artist IIVII.
"Objectief: Natuur" (original Dutch title) was honored with the third prize in this competition.

This was the report of the jury:

The story "Objectief Natuur" depicts a world in which Big Tech companies have taken over the world, which ultimately results in the destruction of the earth. It clearly refers to a number of contemporary issues (such as the forest fires, the pandemic and the erosion of democracy in which new rulers are suddenly creating a conglomerate). This brings the level of dystopia very close.
It is terrifying because the story, despite its very Hollywoodian and grandiose nature of the story, feeds you with the idea that this future might actually happen one day in real life. This plot reminded the jury of, among others, Dave Eggers "The Circle" and "Dark Matter" by Blake Crouch. A very clever and very well worked out idea with a strong plot twist at the end. There is a clear connection with the world of IIVII which is shown in the details, such as the lack of sleep that can only be solved in a medicinal way.

I changed the title of the Dutch version to Ogen zo blauw. It is slated for publication in issue 71 (Fall 2024) of "Fantastische Vertellingen," a prominent Dutch magazine. The English translation has yet to secure a publishing platform.