Archive for Archive for July, 2006
The Errand
Sonny Callen was half-way between Griven and Illa when he pulled off to the side of the road, and put his pickup in park. He’d forgotten why he was driving to Illa. “Confound It and Thunderation” he said, pounding the steering wheel, which was strong language for Sonny. He got out of his pickup and […]
The Mission: Ginny (part 4)
Ginny had been cleaning for a week, it seemed like. She worked on the beach house until it sparkled, and stocked the refrigerator with her brother’s favorite foods. Back at the hangar, she slaved over her Airstream until it gleamed like new, then washed the Dragonfly, because she knew that Ace would want to fly […]
The Mission: Mad Max (part 3)
Maxwell Madden was surprised and pleased beyond belief. “Oh that girl,” he said out loud. He’d already examined her resume and employment application; it was concise, precise, and impeccable. Ginny was one of Coastal’s new cartographers, hired last month for a large project they were starting. She also had a minor degree in Art. That […]
A Good Day for a Ride
The bike path was wide and well engineered. Designed by experienced bikers, Eric thought. Not a racing circuit, but shady and scenic; the noise and combustion of Houston was far way. The bicycle, generously offered—graciously accepted—was a Serotta, with a fixed, single gear. Not his normal ride, but it was light, and whisper-quiet. A joy […]
Who is Ginny?
I originally wrote part one of The Mission as a stand-alone story, but as it happens sometimes, there is a lot more to Ginny than I thought. The Mission is a complete work of fiction. Only the airplanes are real.
The Mission: Apology (part 2)
It took five minutes for Ginny to learn that the president of Coastal Mapping and Survey was Maxwell Madden, a retired Air Force officer with a distinguished career, and a decorated fighter pilot. Ginny spent a lot of time during the next week with her head in her hands. Would she never learn, she thought. […]
The Mission: The Elevator (part 1)
Ginny watched the man on the other side of the elevator for ten full seconds, then said, “You’re thinking about flying, aren’t you?” The ramrod straight, gray-haired man stared through her, then he slowly raised one eyebrow in response. “But you are, aren’t you—thinking about flying?” she insisted, flashing a blinding smile. ” I was,” […]
The Road Trip
Richard Gillette waited until his family had been eating about ten minutes, then raised his voice slightly and announced, “I’ve decided that when we drive to Grandmother Lovey’s house this weekend, we won’t listen to the radio or CDs, or iPods, Elizabeth. Instead, I want you girls to read aloud, from any book you choose.” […]