The Rip Van Winkle Effect
By John Walters
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About this ebook
After a rebellion aboard a starship sent to colonize a new world is put down, the rebels are rendered immobile around an orbiting satellite. However, while the starship officers and crew oversee the initial stages of the nascent outpost, the rebels use virtual reality technology to invade their communications and initiate a propaganda campaign designed to turn the colonists against their erstwhile leaders.
John Walters
John Walters recently returned to the United States after thirty-five years abroad. He lives in Seattle, Washington. He attended the 1973 Clarion West science fiction writing workshop and is a member of Science Fiction Writers of America. He writes mainstream fiction, science fiction and fantasy, and memoirs of his wanderings around the world.
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The Rip Van Winkle Effect - John Walters
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The Rip Van Winkle Effect | By | John Walters
The Rip Van Winkle Effect
By
John Walters
Published by Astaria Books
Copyright 2018 by John Walters
All rights reserved. No portion may be copied, other than brief passages for review purposes, without permission of the author.
This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons places or events - except those in the public domain - is purely coincidental.
* * *
The Rip Van Winkle Effect
About a year after she emerges into this strange new world, Ruth searches for Steve until she finds him.
He is living with a small community of homeless men in a clearing surrounded by tall bushes near a freeway bridge in Seattle. He sleeps in a one-man pup tent-like contraption made of discarded lumber and thick translucent plastic.
Rather than confront him among his camp-mates, she follows him after he climbs up to the road in late morning and wanders across the freeway overpass, down Roosevelt Way, and across the bridge over the Ship Canal.
The air is cool and fresh.
On the way he hits up various passers-by for handouts.
On Eastlake Avenue she deliberately passes in front of him so she can make contact.
He says, Hey, could you spare a little change? Anything would help.
She tries to look him in the eye. Obviously he doesn't recognize her, but he isn't really paying attention. To him she is just another mark.
Are you hungry?
she says. I'd like to buy you something to eat.
He gazes at her a little more closely, as if evaluating the situation for potential threats. Sure, I'd appreciate that.
Let's go here.
They enter Eastlake Bar & Grill, and she chooses a table near a window overlooking Lake Union. It's a clear day with a deep blue sky. Numerous boats ply the lake.
He orders a large bacon and mushroom burger and some fries. She orders coffee and a croissant.
He asks, Can I have a beer?
The question surprises and disconcerts her, although it shouldn't. Sure, I suppose.
When the food arrives he chows down immediately. She waits