Matt Cowens' "No Hidden Costs" is a short but sharp look at the freedom vs responsibility issue that circles environmental issues - is it inevitable that as pollution/ climate change etc threatens humanity more and more, society will have to force people to be responsible, rather than just hoping that we'll change our ways? The solution in Matt's story would be a powerful way to influence people - and the story brings it out with pitch black humour. A cracking story that brings up a big issue but in an engaging and not preachy way.
JC Hart's "Birth Rights" treads on similar territory - forcing society to act responsibly - and asks the age old question of "who watches the watchmen?" JC's story is almost brutal, but its the characters and the harsh positions they are put it that pull the reader in. Again, short but sharp, making its points with a razor blade rather than a sledgehammer.
More stories to come...
And today's drabble brings us back to Pan, who has clearly escaped from jail and has some big plans....
The possums were arguing with the kangaroos. Pan worried that a gunfight would break out, but she needed the possums’ agility and the roos’ speed for the job.
“They’ll kill each other,” said Carlos the monkey boy, “and probably us too.”
She fired a round into the air. “Listen up,” she shouted, “any of you marsupials kill any of the other marsupials and I will kill all of you. Got it?”
The Roos and the Possums stopped arguing.
“That’s called leadership,” said Pan. Carlos was impressed.
“What about us?” said the Bunyips, aggressively.
Pan growled. The Bunyips, sensibly, shut up.
Thanks for the kind words, Richard!
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