Smolif

by Thomas C. Stone

Smolif is an off-beat science fiction story set in a distant future and concerns the fortunes of Contra Marlo, a retired, alcoholic, security specialist. Contra takes care of people, at least he did before he dropped out and became a full-time drunk. That's how Mr. Mortis, a Braithwaite Corporation representative finds him -- inebriated in a Bangkok bar.

Before Marlo can gather his senses, he's tricked into signing a contract employing his security services. The job is to go to one of the newest off-world colonies and rein in a rogue Braithwaite agent.

According to the terms of the contract, prior to the trip Marlo is sent to a rehab clinic and then to a conditioning camp where he meets the other members of his team. Along the way, he learns more about Curtis, the renegade company agent, and a connection to a mysterious drug called smolif.

It becomes apparent that more is going on than what Marlo has been told. Marlo must deal with his new-found sobriety, his inexperienced team members, and the lack of information about his mission -- as well as the dangers of an alien world and the man who would be king of that world.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2010

About the author

My fascination for speculative fiction developed during hot Texas summers filled with baseball, fishing, and reading. In college, I was a mediocre student, studying writing, classical literature, philosophy, linguistics, and computer science.

I have worked as a teacher, technical writer, systems analyst, martial arts instructor, and various other odd jobs.

My stories are primarily in the science fiction genre depicting characters under stressful and extraordinary settings. Even in a fantastic setting, I like to focus on my characters' reactions to what is happening to them.

Reviews

[Craig Russo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The narrator could use some practice, for sure. The story was pretty good though it was at times predictable.