2009 - 2012
ENCOUNTER IN A YELLOW WOOD
Appeared in: Analog, tbd 2009, pg xx (Also available at Fictionwise
Created: January 2009 Sold: April 2009, Words: 5,000
Encounter in a Yellow Wood> arose from a pair of articles in Discover Magazine. The first dealt with phytoremediation as a solution to cleaning up hazardous waste sites while the latter was one on emulating the hydrostatic action of trees with micropipettes. Pairing the two and throwing in a little genetic tinkering, the conflict between preservationists and environmentalists, and mixing these two with a reunited pair of former lovers seemed to make a decent tale.
NO CORD OR CABLE
Appeared in Abyss and Apex, April 2009
Available at Abyss & Apex
Created November 2008 Sold: January 2009 Words: 8,200
No Cord or Cable is a short version of a much longer novelette that had far too many characters and details. The story is basically a retelling of Hamlet, albiet somewhat changed by the circumstance of society and history.
Throughout the story I tried to impart a baroque feeling to the society and the formal modes of speech, most clearly evidenced by Doctor Zg's conversational style. I also wanted to include the scientific view of the growth of the universe from nothingness through expansion, and fading into the infinite long night of heat death - all of which were metaphors for the protagonist's family.
The title comes from Robert Burton's oft-quoted "No cord or cable can so forcibly draw, or hold so fast, as love can do with a twined thread."
Created : 2008 Sold: January 2009 Words: 8,200
THE GLASS BOX
Appeared in So It Begins, January 2009 pg 157
Created July 2007 Sold: May 2008 Words: 5,000
The Glass Box is a grim little tale of one battle in the war with the Shardies that started with Bright Red Star (see below). In this case there is a more compelling reason to rescue a survivor and learn what she knows.
The morality at play in this story and the question it raises is whether truth really matters in the face of adverse circumstances, or even if it matters.
THE WINDS OF MARS
Appeared in Baen's Universe, June 2009 (Also available at Fictionwise
Created February 2008 Sold: July 2007 Words: 23,500
The Winds of Mars is the final novella in the Three Planet Sailing series that started with The Super, followed by Pumpkin, Primrose and Thorn, and Primrose Rescue back to back as a continuous narrative.
Winds was a challenge of physics in trying to figure out how you could sail on a dry, dusty place with almost no atmosphere such as Mars. Interestingly enough I discovered that not only was it possible, but actually designed a craft that could accomplish this feat.
I composed most of this story in my head since my right hand was in a cast for two months.