A Green Cloud Came

"A Green Cloud Came" by Robert W. Lowndes is a science fiction story penned in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds in a post-apocalyptic setting, where the characters confront an unforeseen disaster in the form of a toxic green cloud that has enveloped the Earth. The story likely explores themes of human resilience, love, and the complexity of relationships in crisis situations. The plot centers around two characters, Eric and Natalla, who find themselves trapped in a building shortly after the devastating cloud appears. While Eric struggles to comprehend the disaster and its implications, Natalla appears composed, hiding her own intricacies. As they navigate their fear and uncertainty, Eric confesses his commitment to Natalla, acknowledging his prior desire for emotional release from her. Meanwhile, Natalla secretly orchestrates a plan, revealing her own deception regarding the ominous cloud outside. The story culminates in a poignant reflection on love's endurance and the nuances of human connections amidst chaos, ultimately showcasing their bond as they face an uncertain future together. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Robert Augustine Ward "Doc" Lowndes was an American science fiction author, editor and fan. He was known best as the editor of Future Science Fiction, Science Fiction, and Science Fiction Quarterly, among many other crime-fiction, western, sports-fiction, and other pulp and digest sized magazines for Columbia Publications. Among the most famous writers he was first to publish at Columbia was mystery writer Edward D. Hoch, who in turn would contribute to Lowndes's fiction magazines as long as he was editing them. Lowndes was a principal member of the Futurians. His first story, "The Outpost at Altark" for Super Science in 1940, was written in collaboration with fellow Futurian Donald A. Wollheim, uncredited.