[ Monday, July 05, 2004 ]
Book Four: Space Oddity
Chapter One: The Mysteries
In the 22nd century, Gabe is aboard the International Mars Lander headed for the red planet. There’s been a murder, and as he’s a stowaway, he’s the chief suspect. The murdered man turns out to be an aged doppelganger, whom Gabe decides to avenge because he
reminds Gabe of his father. The murderer turns out to be a stray micro-wormhole that passed through the ship, which also explains various malfunctions the craft is experiencing.
(The intent is to emulate Arthur C. Clarke.)
Chapter Two: Life on Mars?
Lost on a Martian city in the 853rd century, Gabe comes across an ancient creature who recalls the heroic age of old earth. He had been a hero there. Perhaps he still is. (This time, very Ray Bradbury.) The creature helps Gabe recover gear from the old
earth probe and fashion an escape vehicle. Meanwhile, it has been carving a face into the mountainside with its heat vision.
Chapter Three: Looking for Satellites
Adapting robot tech from the Mars Lander along with the Martian tech, and draining energy from the OmniChron to power the escape ship, Gabe voyages back toward earth. Caught in paradox loops of thought because of the time tech’s effect on its positronic
circuits, the robot malfunctions, and Gabe crashes onto the moon and is losing air. (This time, very Isaac Asimov.) In the last panels, he looks up and thinks he sees another astronaut.
Interlude: Strangers When We Meet
A standalone tale of meeting his younger self, revealed at the end to be told from the POV of an even older self watching the meeting. Gabe is in Paris, watching the construction of the Eiffel Tower, and giving himself advice about meeting a girl. The oldest of the Gabes then sends the youngster away while he takes the girl for himself. It’s okay. He’ll thank himself later.
Unknown [5:59 PM]
