Shotgun: Open Space Series, #7

By D.W. Patterson

Shot Gun: A Short Story

Small things make life bearable, such as coffee aboard a fusion ship two weeks away from its destination. But what happens if the small things go missing?

Usually nothing. But on a fusion ship in deep space it could be the catalyst for disaster.

Willis was on his dad's ship the Jackson. Because he had forgotten to check the store of coffee the crew was suffering caffeine withdrawal and was distracted.

Now a mishap had quenched the plasma in the fusion engines and there was only about thirty hours of backup power without those engines. Then it would be over.

But even worse, the spacetime they were traveling through was changing. Something had to be done and fast.

Shotgun is set in the future (2390s) and is a short story in the Future Chron Universe: Open Space Series.

Open Space is set in the much larger Future Chron Universe which contains 33 volumes consisting of 9 novels, 1 short novel, 15 novellas, and 8 short stories.

 

Open Space Series suggested reading order:

 

Open Space: A Short Story

The Old World: A Short Story

Insurrect: A Short Story

Second Beam: Short Story

All For One: A Short Story

One For All: A Short Story

Shot Gun: A Short Story

Allison: A Short Story

 

Hard Science Fiction – Old School.

Human-Generated-Content.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Future Chron Publishing
• Release date: Apr 20, 2024
• ISBN: 9798223599098

Book preview

To Sarah

CHAPTER 1

"You're leaving in two weeks to make the run to the Georgetown habitat dad?"

That's right Franklin.

His folks called him Franklin although everyone else called him Willis, his last name.

"That's going to take over two weeks in the Jackson isn't it?"

That's right Franklin. Six days there and six days back plus the layover which will probably be three days as the ship is unloaded and then reloaded.

You know I've got over four weeks before school starts back.

I know.

Well, I was thinking that maybe we should spend as much time together as possible in the time I have remaining.

That would be nice son but you are still grounded.

Yeah, but that's what is so great. It's not like I would be with my friends I'd be with you dad.

Nice to know that excites you so Franklin.

I didn't mean it like that. I meant we could be together and I could help out aboard ship. I can operate communications as well as anyone you know.

Captain Dan Willis stared at his son a moment. He seemed sincere.

Okay, I'll talk to your mom. If she says it's okay you can come aboard as steward.

Steward? That's the lowest position on ship.

It's the only one I have open son.

Okay, dad. Steward Franklin Willis reporting for duty, sir.

I don't know Dan. Not after that stunt he pulled with the flying wings.

I know dear but he's been grounded now for two weeks and serving as a steward aboard the ship isn't exactly a reward. It's the lowest job there is. And one other thing.

What's that?

It's not going to be long until Franklin starts the new school. And it's not going to be long before he's not going to be so eager to hang out with his father. Even if the job's not so glamorous.

You mean girls.

Yes. He's already interested in one.

I know, Allison Buckley. I've met her mom. They're a good family though somewhat superior acting.

Yeah, anyway this might be the last father-son outing we will have.

Okay Dan. Since it's just a freight run he can go.

Thanks dear. I'll let him know.

Dan Willis kissed his