Work is work, right? It is the thing that we get up and do everyday in order to fund (pay for) the fun. Some are more successful and funding the fun than others. I think that I have a pretty good time, but the human nature is always wanting, and saking, “could I be earning my way to more fun if…”Anyway, Space Inc is all about work in space, the jobs that being in space will create. “Ferret and Red” is a story about two Mechs, mechanics, which have an unfortunate run in with the Ateil, an avian race that think of themselves at the True People.
Red is your classic red haired Anglo-Saxon with an over achieving work ethic. He is partnered with the narrator of the story, Ferret. Ferret is a humanoid that looks like the Earth mammal. She has another name, her real name, but it is never said because humans cannot appreciate it anyway.
Red and Ferret take a job fixing an Ateil ship that is docked at the space station. Red is very reluctant having a bad past experience with the so called True People. As it turns out the Ateil are very sensitive to color and are superstitious of the color red.
One thing leads to the next and Ferret and Red are arguing with one of the Ateil about their work. It turns bad. However, Red and Ferret finish the job. Mech’s have a deep sense of honor about the quality of their work.
The rest of the story is about how Red and Ferret get out of pretty big jam. It seems that the work they did on the Ateil ship was faulty causing an explosion and killing one of the True People. You will have to read the story to find out more.
I’m normally not a fan of talking and walking critters, ferrets and birds or what have you. Yet, this story did not feel fuzzy at all. I really liked the characters and the plot kept me reading. It had a real Star Wars feel to it.
I hope that you take the time to read this little mystery.
Sherman, Josepha. “Ferret and Red.” Space Inc. Ed. Julie E. Czerneda. New York: DAW, 2003. p 63 - 80
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