What do you think?
Rate this book
The Conclave
A short story about humanity’s insatiable hunger for belonging.
The year is 2360. Elysium Biodome V, an isolated yet prosperous poultry farming colony on Mars, has discovered the secrets to human harmony.
Their secrets blend ancient 20th century social media wisdom with sustainable farming practices. Their chickens are worshiped, not as gods, but as the inspirational embodiment of a life well-lived. Gone are ancient obsessions with skinny bodies. Corpulence is the ascetic citizens strive to achieve.
The community gathers for its 280th annual Conclave. As this joyous celebration of love comes its climax, the chickens must be fed.
The year is 2360. Elysium Biodome V, an isolated yet prosperous poultry farming colony on Mars, has discovered the secrets to human harmony.
Their secrets blend ancient 20th century social media wisdom with sustainable farming practices. Their chickens are worshiped, not as gods, but as the inspirational embodiment of a life well-lived. Gone are ancient obsessions with skinny bodies. Corpulence is the ascetic citizens strive to achieve.
The community gathers for its 280th annual Conclave. As this joyous celebration of love comes its climax, the chickens must be fed.
Audible Audio
Published January 4, 2026
About the author
Mark Coker
14 books76 followersWriter of short science fiction. Also gardener, husband, founder of Smashwords, patent-holding inventor, and Chief Strategy Officer and board member of Draft2Digital, the leading distributor of indie ebooks.
Author of:
Science Fiction Shorts:
Drone Wars
- the future of drone warfare; the urge to look away
The Fish of Terran 19
- mmm...fish
The Conclave
- mmm...chicken
La Petite Mort (novella)
- learn french
Long Fiction:
Boob Tube
- novel of the behind-the-scenes of daytime Hollywood soap operas back in the day.
Non-fiction:
The Smashwords Style Guide (how to create and format an ebook); The Smashwords Book Marketing Guide (how to market any book); The 10-Minute PR Checklist (how to implement a strategic PR program)
Author of:
Science Fiction Shorts:
Drone Wars
- the future of drone warfare; the urge to look away
The Fish of Terran 19
- mmm...fish
The Conclave
- mmm...chicken
La Petite Mort (novella)
- learn french
Long Fiction:
Boob Tube
- novel of the behind-the-scenes of daytime Hollywood soap operas back in the day.
Non-fiction:
The Smashwords Style Guide (how to create and format an ebook); The Smashwords Book Marketing Guide (how to market any book); The 10-Minute PR Checklist (how to implement a strategic PR program)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 10, 2026
Short but spiky!
OMGOODNESS! I was not expecting such dramatic ending!
The story began with a nice pace, depicting a utopian community on Mars, living inside domes, as small towns. It was all so pure, and lovely, people bestowing love on each other, caring, living in harmony that it felt too sweet and sticky. I did think it was too sweet to be that natural. lol.
OMGOODNESS! I was not expecting such dramatic ending!
The story began with a nice pace, depicting a utopian community on Mars, living inside domes, as small towns. It was all so pure, and lovely, people bestowing love on each other, caring, living in harmony that it felt too sweet and sticky. I did think it was too sweet to be that natural. lol.
March 1, 2026
A quick read about the only successful biodome on Mars. As the story concludes you find that success has a disturbing price. Like his last short this leaves me looking for more of Mark's shorts.
February 22, 2026
Deliciously dark
This deliciously dark tale contains all the ingredients I enjoy in a story. It's science fiction that gradually morphs into horror as the story develops. The twist at the end is one I started to suspect about two-thirds of the way through the read, and the ending did not disappoint. Also, there are chickens, and I do adore my little feathered friends.
I recommend you give this one a read. It's well worth the while, and for the price, you have nothing to lose!
This deliciously dark tale contains all the ingredients I enjoy in a story. It's science fiction that gradually morphs into horror as the story develops. The twist at the end is one I started to suspect about two-thirds of the way through the read, and the ending did not disappoint. Also, there are chickens, and I do adore my little feathered friends.
I recommend you give this one a read. It's well worth the while, and for the price, you have nothing to lose!
February 24, 2026
obesity wins.
This is the book of the future of life in the biodome on Mars. Chickens are the ultimate recycling machine. Don't be a skinny vegan be plump and in a wheelchair. Very well written and was quite a bit of meaning.. I will not ruin the ending by telling you how the doctor was re-welcomed into his loving community
This is the book of the future of life in the biodome on Mars. Chickens are the ultimate recycling machine. Don't be a skinny vegan be plump and in a wheelchair. Very well written and was quite a bit of meaning.. I will not ruin the ending by telling you how the doctor was re-welcomed into his loving community
March 9, 2026
Surprise
Well told. The ending hits you over the head and scares the heck out of you. I recommend this to everyone except children
Well told. The ending hits you over the head and scares the heck out of you. I recommend this to everyone except children
February 26, 2026
Horrendously Stupid.
April 6, 2026
You'll see the ending of this short story from a mile away. Same idea as a very classic story everyone's read in school or at least heard about the twist.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews