I don't usually post things that I write, but I got an A on this in my recent Creative Writing class. It is a short story. A piece of sci-fi that has been bouncing around in my head for decades. I feel it could be set in the Firefly universe. I may re-write this as a much longer, more dramatic piece, if/when I get the time. Please take a few minutes to read and, if you like, comment on it, what you liked and/or didn't like (and please be honest, I'm a big boy, I can handle constructive criticism). Thank you!

NOTE: the original text has two different typefaces. One for the main character's present thoughts, one for the flash backs...to post it here, I simply went with bold and not-bold)

***********************************************

THE LAST SPACE COWBOY

By John Reyman

What the hell was that? Why is it so dark? Who is banging on the door? You’ve got to focus, Tholia. Open your eyes. There’s that buzzing noise again. Ugh, is that a proximity alert? Ok! I’m awake. Open your eyes!

Damn, that red light! It’s blinding. Flashing incessantly like that. And that alarm! It’s as though a wasp is in my skull, stinging my brain. I wish it would stop. Good god, my head hurts. The throbbing, it’s incessant, and my body…my body, why can I hardly move? There’s not much that’ll keep an Augmentoid down. We’re made tough. Tougher than our human genetic donors, right? Never mind that, pull yourself up. DO IT NOW! What a struggle this is, pulling my weight from the floor. I’m heavy, like a dead body. Muscles are rebelling. Thoughts are scattering like cockroaches from a light.

There now, on my feet. Wow, it’s cold in here. Makes the teeth chatter.

OK, OK! What is so important, you damned light? Tell me what it is before my head explodes.

Click. Woobleep!

Oh shit, you have got to be joking! What the hell is going on?!? This can’t be right. C’mon you stupid interface, show me – anything but that. Straight for