Malygris on 15/4/2009 at 05:24
Hi guys.
Years ago I read (I think) a short sci-fi/horror story and now I'm trying to track it down again. Despite the power of the mighty internet I've had no luck at all in coming up with anything even close to what I'm looking for. A description, then.
People drive on a stretch of a large, multi-lane highway (or is it actually a super-sized thrill ride?), rolling the dice that they won't encounter the Voom, a group of inhuman-sounding bad sorts who occasionally prowl the lanes in a large black car with tinted black windows. The name of the game is to get off the highway before the Voom can catch you; I also have a vague memory that staying silent while you drive might keep them away from you, but if you screamed, you were dead. I think all anyone ever saw of them was their long, spindly arms reaching out the windows of their car as they approached their victims.
The only title I can put to this is one that's stuck with me through the years, even though I have no idea if it's even close to accurate: Horror Howse for the Voom. (Yes, "Howse." I suspect Horror might actually be "Horrer" but I'm not sure.)
The memories have been filtered through more years than I care to consider so I can't be much more helpful than that. I do think, however, that it was a Golden Age story, although that might be a false impression based on the fact that that's pretty much all I read as a kid.
This has been driving me absolutely batshit for weeks. Help?
Stitch on 15/4/2009 at 14:35
More importantly: where the hell have you been, dude?
Malygris on 15/4/2009 at 14:46
Busy! Well, no. Just drifting, I guess. But I missed you guys and this awful, awful madhouse and this looked like a good opportunity to maybe slip back in through the back door.
Seriously, this is driving me insane. I know I read this somewhere. Either that or I'm losing my mind but if that's the case I have a frikkin' awesome idea for a short story.
PigLick on 15/4/2009 at 14:52
I have an awesome idea for a short story, buy you know, sci fi is more important
yeh!
unfortunately, cant help ya
Malygris on 16/4/2009 at 02:43
As lovely as it is to have been missed (really, that was quite a pleasant surprise) if I don't figure out what this story is there's a very good chance my head will explode so for God's sake SOMEBODY help a brother out.
Tocky on 16/4/2009 at 03:49
Well it's not "The Roads Must Roll". I loved those old science fiction hall of fames and golden age stuff too but I'm fairly certain it wasn't in any of those. Maybe Robert Blotch? Sounds like something he would write. Google him and see if any of his titles stand out. Something about that Voom makes me think so.
Hewer on 16/4/2009 at 04:03
I liked "The Roads Must Roll", too. Mention of a large multi-lane highway reminded me of that story, too. But, yeah- not the one.
Sulphur on 16/4/2009 at 04:13
I didn't have much to do, so I thought I'd help track this one down for ya. It's "Horrer Howce" by (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_St._Clair) Margaret St. Clair. Enjoy your new-found peace of of mind. :D
Malygris on 16/4/2009 at 04:27
Nope, not The Roads Must Roll. No luck with Bloch so far, although it does sound like something he'd do.
What's particularly frustrating is that while I'm searching through various titles and authors trying to track this down, there's really no doubt in my mind that Horror Howse for the Voom is the title and looking at anything else is just a waste of time. I know it. I'm just not sure...
Enchantermon on 16/4/2009 at 04:41
Quote Posted by http://www.gwthomas.org/voom.htm
HISTORY: St. Clair claims her inspiration for this story was the brand-new Disneyland.
:weird:
Of course, Sulphur finds the answer while I hit up Google and have to sift through vampire lesbian erotica and TTLG hits. Figures. :p
