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Author, Author
by
Stewart Walthal
Copyright © 2010 by the Estate of Rod Martin
An aspiring author works in a local diner while waiting to be discovered.
One day, a conversation between two customers gives him an idea for a novel that becomes an overnight sensation.
The new-found fame and fortune go to his head, He decides to go to Paris and write the great American novel.
Unfortunately, his success in that one book does not translate to success in either a second or his romantic life.
Not until he starts putting some of the pieces together.
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The Summer Place
by
Stewart Walthal
Copyright © 2010 by the Estate of Rod Martin
A pair of young clerks happily take leave of their mindlessly boring jobs to enjoy a bit of rest and relaxation.
Alvin has listened to his friend rave about his trip to the Four Winds the previous summer and is a bit anxious. He and his girlfriend have recently split-up and he does not know if he's ready to socialize just yet.
Still, the reservations had already been made and he grudgingly goes along.
Soon, though, a young lady catches his eye and Alvin is having the time of his life.
The fact that her own boyfriend came along on the vacation does little to dampen his spirits.
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The Last Voyage
by
Terry Martin
Copyright © 2010 by
Terry Martin
This is the classic tale of Christopher Columbus' voyage to "discover" America. Even though he feels compelled to accomplish
this feat he is plagued with feelings of doom and failure.
An unhistorical element is Amerigo Vespucci being one of the criminals
on this first voyage (in truth, he was not).
The ship and the islands get in on the story and the end resolves the title: less
than a month after completing the voyage to discover the New World, the Santa Maria ran aground on a sand bar and was left
to rot. Not a fitting end for such an important vessel, which is the vehicle for the tale.
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Check, Check, Checkmate!
by
Erik Pleasance
Copyright © 2010 by
Erik Pleasance
Beethen Camashaw, Senior Commander of the Lycron Federation Forces answers a plea for help and
winds up being kidnapped by the Noran Emperor. Before diplomatic leverage can be used to free
Beethen and his crew, Noran is interrupted by an Officer of the Kynor Empire who steals his
captives. They are to stand up in court for the crimes of Lycron against the Kynor people.
Attempts to free Beethen and his crew come up empty-handed as they are moved from location to location.
Eventually, the crew overcomes their captives and meet the rescue ship.
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Someone Out There Hates Me
by
Erik Pleasance
Copyright © 2010 by
Erik Pleasance
Vuch Zingin is requested personally by the Chairman of the Citizens' Council to protect him during an
appearance. After a couple of more close calls, Beethen begins to suspect the Chairman is not the target
after all, but rather his bodyguard, Vuch.
Setting up a ploy to bring the assailant into the open, Vuch acts as a decoy and discovers the perpetrator
is not in any way politically motivated.
Is is just another of Vuch's romantic partners who did not take kindly to being discarded.
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My Angry Friends
by
Erik Pleasance
Copyright © 2010 by
Erik Pleasance
Zik Caton is inspecting a mining facility on an uninhabited planet in Quadrant Four and discovers
the crew at the base beginning to display unusual and antagonistic behaviors.
Investigation leads them to believe at first that they have contacted some viral organism
on the planet, then they suspect some strange gas in the mines.
Zik uncovers the truth: an alien being that had been trapped in the mine for years, that
communicated through emotions and used anger, as it was the strongest emotion hoping
to make contact with the aliens.
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Scenes at a Picnic
by
Ælfred Stewart
Copyright © 2010 by
Ælfred Stewart
It is Washington, D.C. during the Civil War's last days.
A young woman is taken into custody during the investigation following Lincoln's assassination. She is not arrested, just held for questioning.
Maggot-infested food, fouled water, and unfit living conditions meet her and her cellmate during the duration.
She pleads to be able to go and visit with friends - also incarcerated - for several days before being allowed to do so.
Among those she meets is Mary Surratt, arrested for conspiracy. The mature woman is traveling through the prison giving aid and comfort to all she can.
Without being interrogated, the young woman receives word of her release.
She rails at the adjutant for wasting her and his time and prays to God that the rest are soon released.
Especially her new friend, that unselfish angel, Mary Surratt.
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