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Zero Hour Mind: A Sci-Fi Horror Short Novella
Time froze at 04:00. The crew stopped moving. And something began broadcasting through their minds.
Security officer Rafe Cordero is used to long, quiet shifts aboard Titan Delta Station. But when the station’s clocks lock at exactly 04:00 and half the crew goes silent—frozen mid-motion—he knows something is very wrong. The AI won’t respond. Neural implants have gone offline. And in the static, a signal begins to pulse.
It doesn’t come from Earth.
With the help of medic Elen Vark, Rafe traces the signal to a ship that vanished forty years ago—a vessel long presumed destroyed. But it’s not just back. It’s broadcasting. And what it carries isn’t a distress call. It’s an answer to every signal humanity ever sent into deep space.
Now the station is failing. The message is evolving. And something that was never meant to hear us… is already inside.
The Zero Hour Mind is a standalone science fiction horror novel filled with psychological tension, dark mystery, emotional depth and a touch of humor. For readers who enjoy character-driven thrillers with a creeping sense of dread, corrupted AIs, and the terrifying consequences of first contact.
Book 1 in the Beyond the Sci-Fi Shorts series.
Finish it in one sitting — if it lets you go.
Security officer Rafe Cordero is used to long, quiet shifts aboard Titan Delta Station. But when the station’s clocks lock at exactly 04:00 and half the crew goes silent—frozen mid-motion—he knows something is very wrong. The AI won’t respond. Neural implants have gone offline. And in the static, a signal begins to pulse.
It doesn’t come from Earth.
With the help of medic Elen Vark, Rafe traces the signal to a ship that vanished forty years ago—a vessel long presumed destroyed. But it’s not just back. It’s broadcasting. And what it carries isn’t a distress call. It’s an answer to every signal humanity ever sent into deep space.
Now the station is failing. The message is evolving. And something that was never meant to hear us… is already inside.
The Zero Hour Mind is a standalone science fiction horror novel filled with psychological tension, dark mystery, emotional depth and a touch of humor. For readers who enjoy character-driven thrillers with a creeping sense of dread, corrupted AIs, and the terrifying consequences of first contact.
Book 1 in the Beyond the Sci-Fi Shorts series.
Finish it in one sitting — if it lets you go.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
About the author
Ceri Clark
80 books26 followersHello, my name is Ceri Clark and I write children’s books, YA and Techie guides for everyone! I am a stay-at-home mother of an energetic 3 year old with no pets apart from the occasional spider which finds its way in. *shudders*
Would you like a free book? I’m giving away free copies of A Simpler Guide to Online Security and my Space: A Minkie Monster Coloring book!
If you would like one (or both) of these free gifts, go to:
COLORING BOOK: http://minkiemonster.com
ONLINE SECURITY: http://cericlark.com
****** Until September 1 (its launch week) I am giving away review copies of Space Puzzles: Minkie Monster and the Birthday Surprise. It is a puzzle/story book aimed at 3-5 year olds. All you have to do to get the free PDF for your little one to print out and puzzle over (and the chance to win prizes) is to register at MinkieMonster.com and choose the Launch friends membership! *******
What books have I written?
Puzzle books for up to 6 years of age:
Simpler Guides:
Secret Password Books:
YA Fantasy:
If you are interested in finding out more about me, keep reading! :)
Ceri Clark’s first book, Children of the Elementi was published in 2011. Since then she has published over 10 books, a couple of which she submitted to Readers’ Favorite and received 5 star reviews!
She lives in Wales in the UK with her husband and son. Although she has written several books, her heart lies with children's books.
She created Minkie Monster after playing around with a drawing app on her tablet. Her toddler (at the time) loved the character so much she began to tell stories about him and his naughty friend Bob. Visit http://minkiemonster.com to find out more about Minkie and Bob and the adventures they go through.
Would you like a free book? I’m giving away free copies of A Simpler Guide to Online Security and my Space: A Minkie Monster Coloring book!
If you would like one (or both) of these free gifts, go to:
COLORING BOOK: http://minkiemonster.com
ONLINE SECURITY: http://cericlark.com
****** Until September 1 (its launch week) I am giving away review copies of Space Puzzles: Minkie Monster and the Birthday Surprise. It is a puzzle/story book aimed at 3-5 year olds. All you have to do to get the free PDF for your little one to print out and puzzle over (and the chance to win prizes) is to register at MinkieMonster.com and choose the Launch friends membership! *******
What books have I written?
Puzzle books for up to 6 years of age:
Simpler Guides:
Secret Password Books:
YA Fantasy:
If you are interested in finding out more about me, keep reading! :)
Ceri Clark’s first book, Children of the Elementi was published in 2011. Since then she has published over 10 books, a couple of which she submitted to Readers’ Favorite and received 5 star reviews!
She lives in Wales in the UK with her husband and son. Although she has written several books, her heart lies with children's books.
She created Minkie Monster after playing around with a drawing app on her tablet. Her toddler (at the time) loved the character so much she began to tell stories about him and his naughty friend Bob. Visit http://minkiemonster.com to find out more about Minkie and Bob and the adventures they go through.
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