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Wendy E Gamble
a rough-cut book bubble about
Shoot for Earth: MedSci Missions 3
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Author Insight
Adding Adages
We’ve all heard many old adages. “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” “Birds of a feather flock together” , , , There are new ones, though. Each one of us has experience, knowledge, and wisdom. We impart little nuggets of them to those we interact with. Why not write them down? One of them could become an old adage. Exactly when a new adage becomes an old one is a whole other question, but if it’s meaningful, the matter is moot anyway. Earth hopes that the crew and specialists on its first ever deep spaceship, Chiron, have enough wisdom to solve the puzzle of the alien pandemic wreaking havoc on the planet. They depend on Joe to keep cleaning bots programmed and running, and to look after the onboard garden. In his own way, he could be a deeper thinker than any of the brilliant minds working the labs to cure Earth. Perhaps he will add an adage or two to the universe. Enjoy this tiny excerpt from the trilogy finale that opens a universe of further adventures. (Click “View Profile” or my website to see my science fiction books currently available.)
Book Excerpt
Shoot for Earth: MedSci Missions 3
Joe was in awe of what he couldn’t have. The public green on the grounds of the Fabarian city center was certainly that. Green, green, green. From the ground to the tip of an arbour, there were leaves. Some perfectly round, others cupped. He meandered past ones that were small, large, irregular, fan-folded, or the spade-like shape often seen on Earth. He paused to look up at some multi-pointed leaves fluttering on their twigs. He mused that shiny green leaves against the sky are stars. Shiny green leaves along the forest edge are a solid wall.
Joe’s gaze shifted to stare deeper into the surrounding plants. There was actually a complete spectrum of colour. Red vines were revealed in the shadowy depths, and a rainbow of blooms shot up or laid flush to leaves, walls, or the earthen floor. Shades of pink and purple pollen dusted random patches, tinting leaves with greys to browns over areas protected from wind. The scent of it wafted about, one minute sharp and citrusy, then honey sweet, depending on which flower gave sway. Breeze-blown foliage sparkled as fronts flipped to shiny backs and occasional spots of light infiltrating the canopy shone bright. Walking brought tickles of plush velvet, or if one ventured off the path, prickles. A small animal startled him, jumping from low tangles in front of him to a crevice in a boulder; right over a bunch of beauties. Those who leap should go back and discover what they’ve passed over, he thought.
After recording all he could on his Pocod, Joe gave a long sigh. Time to get back to the ship. This could have been his work for the rest of his life, but now that almost all humans had been booted off the planet his place was back on Chiron. He’d briefly considered the kind offer by the Fbarian council to stay and look after the garden here, but then who would look after the one on Chiron? Everyone chosen for the journey here had a vital role to play, and though he didn’t interact with the crew or specialists much, he felt a responsibility to look after them.
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