Wednesday 30 January 2013

Mer

by John Xero


Simon staggered and tried not to puke as the boat pitched violently. The ocean washed across him in shades of brine and bile. Mother Nature was angry with his trespasses.

With each heave of the ship, each glimpse of the sea, he saw them. Their lithe bodies, perfectly toned human torsos and sleek tail flukes. Their savage joy at the raging ocean, their hunger for him.

Orca DNA had seemed the right choice, a new breed for new times. But he could see their sharp teeth as they called to him. There was too much of the killer in them.





Author bio: When the sea levels rise John Xero will be safe in his castle atop the hill, and he will continue to write for the whales.
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10 comments:

  1. Peter Newman30 January 2013 at 20:25

    Some neat phrases here. "Shades of brine and bile" for one. It's probably the only time Orca DNA seemed like the right choice!

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    1. John Xero31 January 2013 at 14:30

      Mad science, emphasis on the mad... ;D

      Thanks, Pete. =)

      Delete
  2. R.S. Bohn30 January 2013 at 22:16

    Orca mer-people! Awesome! Orcas are a favorite of mine, and I love the idea.

    I hope when the seas rise that your writing impresses the gods of the new order -- the orcas. Because they have been known to throw themselves on land to snatch a seal. I'm sure one bookseller atop a crumbling castle parapet will be easy-peasy. :)

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    1. John Xero31 January 2013 at 14:33

      Can you see those little rounded, pointy teeth...? Don't they look nasty in a human mouth? ;)

      I'd be writing extra hard, and taking safety seriously when it comes to the orca overlords. ;)

      Thanks, Becky. =)

      Delete
  3. Angel Zapata31 January 2013 at 11:57

    Great story. Love the Orca DNA bit. Messing with mother nature never seems to work in anyone's favor.

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    1. John Xero31 January 2013 at 14:33

      They never learn, do they. ;)

      Thank you, Angel. =)

      Delete
  4. Steve Green2 February 2013 at 12:42

    Would this possibly be set in a world after the ice caps have melted? When science may be casting around for a new species for the new conditions?

    I like the thought of an Orca/Human blend, the new survivors... The new predators.

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  5. Cindy Vaskova6 February 2013 at 21:41

    "Their savage joy at the raging ocean" just how chilling of a thought and imagery that is.

    Pretty cool concept, I'd like to read a longer piece on the subject and follow the story of what happens when their call becomes too persistent...

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    Replies
    1. John Xero8 February 2013 at 15:58

      Thanks, Cindy. I have too many longer things going on at the mo, but it's great to hear when someone thinks the story could have legs. =)

      Delete

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