GriffonRider

By E. G. Fabricant

It's six weeks until the scheduled launch of the first manned Mars fly-by, when Diana Erden--one-half of the married "Phobonaut" crew--loses consciousness. The choice facing the TransMars Collective, a private venture on the threshold of history? Proceed as planned, or fail. Under the circumstances, the replacement they find has some issues but seems almost perfect. Almost. ADULT SITUATIONS.

I was invited by a genre publisher to submit a story for an anthology of stories featuring witches with attitude and embroidery--human or otherwise. I was reluctant, given my troth to the human condition, but I thought the stretch might be good for me. Long story short, I sent them "GriffonRider" and they didn't like it. Too much science and not enough occult, I'm guessing. I can't help it--I was raised by an engineer and lived through Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo. Anyway, I had fun writing it and I hope you enjoy reading it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: E. G. Fabricant
• Release date: May 13, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301472291

E. G. Fabricant

E. G. Fabricant is a writer living in San Jose, California, who’s interested in producing short fiction that’s contemporary, topical, and speaks to the human condition.His dormant interest in this pursuit was rekindled when he was selected as one of 10 finalists in the International Category of the Mark Twain Writing Competition: “A Murder, a Mystery, and a Marriage,” sponsored by the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library.E. G.'s determined to become the oldest, new best short fiction writer. He’s also interested in hearing from others with similar interests who want to become better at it.

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GRIFFONRIDER

E. G. Fabricant

Published by E. G. Fabricant at Smashwords

Copyright 2013 by E. G. Fabricant

Discover other stories by E. G. Fabricant at Smashwords.com.

GriffonRider is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Comfortable, Adam?

Morrie Gelt, external relations director for the TransMars Collective, closed the door and made a show of placing vending machine coffee in front of his seated subject. Skim milk and two sugars, right?

Adam Erden lifted his head from his arms cradled on the table. Uh-huh—but you knew that. He seized the cup, tested its contents’ temperature, and drained it.

Morrie bent and laid an arm across Adam’s shoulders. Look, Adam—I know this isn’t easy for you. You ready?

Adam rubbed his eyes. I dunno, Morrie. I’m—exhausted.

I know, Adam, I know. Morrie said, kneading Adam’s shoulder. "There’s still a chance we won’t have to go through with this. Diana could regain consciousness, but her short-term prognosis isn’t good. Every last partner of ours is all in, and the launch window closes in less than six weeks. We have