Blacktop by Gary Buffaloe
Inspired by Colter Wall’s Sleeping on the Backtop
I keep trying to change the channel, but everything is static.
"Someone forgot to pay the cable bill?" I shout back to no one in particular. In fact, there's no one here at all. The bar cleared out in a hurry. Now it's just empty and cold. I can see my breath, and there is water dripping from the ceiling. It's dripping on my nose and cheeks and in my eyes.
"Hey, buddy. Hey. Come on, time to get up, man," I hear someone saying in the distance. I wonder what’s going on. Am I dreaming or something?
Map Of The C.R.C. Fortress
Cycle One | A Noble Heist
I have never thought of myself as a paranoid person. I grew up around conspiracy theorists and apocalyptic preppers, but I trusted people. I believed the people in my life would generally do whatever was right. That was naive. The most dangerous people are those who believe they are doing the noble thing. Today is the first time I have looked over my shoulder, preparing for the worst from people who are doing what they are convinced is right. In the words of Captain Barbosa, "You best start believin' in [conspiracy theories, Mr. Narrator], you're in one."
A Welcome and a Warning
I have obtained clearance from the Narrator to release his story to social media. However, he wanted me to pass along a welcome and a warning:
The Narrator Changed His Mind
Canon I is the first installment of the history of the Barista Choice Society as told by The Narrator (not pictured here). With every letter The Narrator pens, he puts his life in danger.
The Narrator is Back
We have confirmation. The Narrator lives. He writes from relative safety and will be releasing updates to Canon I through the winter and intends to send us the manuscript for Canon II by spring.
An Announcement From The Narrator
As you probably noticed in his note at the beginning of Cycle Four - The Prince, the Narrator is in trouble. He wanted us to assure you he is safely sheltered in a secure location; however, he will be unable to release Lore for a short time.