In A World -- Karaoke Edition! posted by kza

Another nice set of five, Burley. #2 is really fascinating — the moral issues are front and center, which is a new one for us. And the specifics of it are really unusual — I like it. #3 (the creation and aftermath of a Prison Planet) is so obvious I’m kicking myself that I never thought of it. And #5: Prison Planet as Rollerball! Awesome!

And now, in this very special edition of “In A World”, I’ve decided to play a little game, and I hope Burley will join me. The rules are simple: Write five “In A World” story ideas as usual, but the inspiration must come from a different song, randomly chosen by iTunes. (I only let it pick songs that are rated 4 stars or better, cuz I didn’t want to be stuck with a song I didn’t really like; Burley may be a braver soul.) I’m not necessarily going to try and turn the song into a narrative per se (although some lend themselves to that kind of thing better than others), but there should be some kind of link, however obscure, from the song to the story idea. My criteria is this: if I come up with an idea that I normally wouldn’t have, then I’ve succeeded. Ready? I’m not, but here I go anyway:

In a world where the poor underclass are housed in giant, self-sufficient domes, violence rules the day. But one young man, after seeing his brother killed by the security forces that protect the rich, vows to break the domes open — any way he can.
(Inspired by “Fix Up, Look Sharp” by Dizzee Rascal)
In a world constructed for the pleasure of the ultra-rich, every vice can be had — for a price. But beneath the smiling exterior of the friendly staff, there lurks a growing resentment. When a group of ascetics destroy access to the planet’s hidden interdimensional gateway, the employees sieze the chance to declare independence from the governement and its backers. But as they take the profits and the pleasures for themselves, pressures and conflicting desires threaten to blow the planet to smithereens.
(Inspired by “Sin City” by The Flying Burrito Brothers)
In a world gone dead and grey from years of war and pollution, the last outpost in the Pacific Northwest attempts to survive from day-to-day in the hostile environment. Here, a little girl who’s never known the blue sky tries to keep her family from being ripped apart by hopelessness and the machinations of the Council, who will do anything to keep the outpost alive.
(Inspired by “Another Day” by Galaxie 500)
Rachel had it all: a promising new career, loyal friends, and a loving fiancé. But one morning, she wakes up to find it all gone — and discovers herself in a world of brick and glass, imprisoned by an architectural madman. She need only confess her love for him to be free — but Rachel is going to fight back.
(Inspired by “Rachel (My Dear)” by The Stag Party)
In a world of fist-pumping rock ‘n roll and outrageous performances, two musicians, Sara and Johnny, join the Non-Stop Rock Cabaret, a continuous tour through the world that guarantees success – if the performers can make the necessary sacrifices. But when Sara and Johnny fall in love, they become bound to each other, an unmovable object in a storm of drugs, booze and lust. But will their love be able to escape the irresistable force that is the Non-Stop Rock Cabaret?
(Inspired by “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” by Stevie Nicks & Tom Petty)