"you can make your own choices even if they are mistakes sometimes"

September 9, 2024 5:20 PM

Two short scifi stories about the pain, hope, and fear that we carry. “What was it you told me that ‘dysphoria’ meant, etymologically?” “Something that cannot be carried. Cannot be borne.” "A Dragon in Two Parts" by Kiya Nicoll (published in audio and text in Escape Pod in 2021): a disabled person has reservations about biorefurbishment. "Hello aliens, I am scared of you so please turn around." “Letters From Mt. Monroe Elementary, Third Grade” by Sarah Pauling (published Sept. 3, 2024 in Diabolical Plots): kids and a teacher react, starting in 1967, to the prospect of first contact with aliens, as a generation ship approaches.
posted by brainwane (8 comments total)

I like your posts so much, brainwane. Thank you for making them.
posted by Adridne at 5:40 PM on September 9 [9 favorites]

Those were both so good!
posted by sixswitch at 7:12 PM on September 9 [1 favorite]

I kinda want to go to Chrysalis myself...
posted by stormyteal at 9:05 PM on September 9

I kinda want to go to Chrysalis myself...

Same, I am not enamored of my body at present, and I don't think I would mind being a dragon.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 1:02 AM on September 10 [1 favorite]

These are both great, and I appreciate you continuing to bring stories that hit me in my ex-teacher feels, brainwane (Sarah Pauling's story, for those who haven't read it yet).
posted by sgranade at 6:40 AM on September 10 [1 favorite]

The Pauling story was wonderful. When the student becomes Dr! I teared up a little. Thanks for posting these.

Their sociologists planned for a mutiny! I want to know more about them.
posted by Emmy Rae at 7:25 PM on September 11 [2 favorites]

Mod note: This excellent post has been added to the sidebar and Best Of blog!
posted by Brandon Blatcher (staff) at 7:38 AM on September 12 [1 favorite]

Wow, those were both wonderful stories! Thank you for sharing!
posted by tranquility at 8:25 AM on September 13