Friday, June 7, 2013

GATOR MEAT

Below is a snippet from "Gator Meat," my short story about space walks for the terminally ill. It explores social injustices in the future.

"Gator Meat" can be read in its entirety in SPECULATIVE JOURNEYS, my anthology of previously published short stories found at amazon.com. in paperback or kindle format. This excerpt is well into the story after Becka Tubbs decides to leave her home in Florida's swamp land to accompany Baxter on his final adventure.

***

Leaving Swamp Town was the easiest thing Becka had ever done. It was Baxter's twenty-first birthday. After a brief celebration eating alligator jerky, she packed a small bag, nailed a plank across her swamp hut entrance to keep intruders out, threw half a decayed gator carcass onto the deck of her
least favorite neighbor, and then hitched a ride on a harvest truck with Baxter. Baxter didn't pack a bag.

They drove north up the coastline and then stopped when they reached the Cape. Becka helped Baxter off the truck, her faded khaki short spotted with peach pulp. Launch pads sat in the distance, a few with ships on them. Baxter led the way to a large steel complex with doors high enough for a mega giant's largest cousin to walk through. 

"All you need to do is stroll along like you own the place and nobody'll bother you," Baxter said.

***

Thanks for stopping by, and feel free to leave comments below.

11 comments:

  1. Great snippet, nicely paced and it's all very clear what's going on. Nice touches give cool insight into the character - I like throwing the gator carcass onto her neighbor's deck. Awesome.

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  2. I'm with Cary. That "gift" says it all about Becka. :)

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  3. Wonderful world-building, T. M.! I'm completely intrigued and waiting for what happens next.

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  4. Wow. Great stuff. Love the touch about the gator carcass..hehe, I know a few people I'd like to do that to. I think I'll just get this story!!

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  5. You had me at "Gator Meat." Excellent characterization.

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  6. An interesting concept, space walks for the terminally ill. I'm interested to see what happens next.

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  7. This is great set up and world building! I want to know what's behind those giant doors and how Becka handles herself inside.

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  8. We've gotten a good look at this world, and a good introduction to Becka in this snippet. The good-bye gift was a great touch.

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  9. What a great premise and rich with details. I think my favorite part was that Baxter didn't even a bag - what a great detail thrown in at just the right time. Immediately drew me in and, sadly, like all our snippets, left me all too soon and wanting to read on.

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  10. Great snippet! I love the idea and all the little details like nailing a board across the door and the tossing of the carcass.

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  11. Lol, well that method has always worked for the Doctor.

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