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Wendy E Gamble
a rough-cut book bubble about
Shoot for Earth: MedSci Missions 3
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Author Insight
To Walk Amongst the Living
The Japanese, amongst other societies, have in the past had honourable suicide built into their culture. The concept is horrifying to me. In ancient times, Supuku, honourable suicide, was not just accepted, but expected at times. Imagine stabbing yourself in the stomach on command from a superior or from your own sense of dishonour. After growing up in modern western culture it’s hard to grasp the mindset of someone prepared to carry out the act. Thus, I have to use my imagination to show the reader how someone could get to the point of actually preparing for such a thing. It’s perhaps easier to imagine the Kishi kaisei process. The rising from death, or from the willingness to poof into that nothingness, is a fascinating journey as well. Enjoy this tiny titbit from book three of this adventure in space, as Woon starts to recover from the trauma endured in book one. (Click “View Profile” or my website to see my science fiction books available now.)
Book Excerpt
Shoot for Earth: MedSci Missions 3
As if in a dream, I heard the Captain finish speaking and wait for my response. Carefully I laid my ceremonial weapons in front of me and spoke my intent to honour the tradition of seppuku. I waited eagerly for permission to carry out the quick release. He was so incensed I expected quick acquiescence. It did not come, however.
The Captain’s incredulous reaction shocked me back to reality. We do not live in ancient Japan, in the time of the Samurai. We live on a medical ship full of doctors, including psychiatrists, as the Captain made clear. I was sentenced to live, to battle eyes beating at my brain. I must kishi kaisei; to pull away from death and truly walk amongst the living.
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