Short Story

Travel with Pulp Fiction Character Captain Rick Curtis; boxer, pilot, med student, & lover as he battles Ogres and the dreaded Aclidians in a post-apocalyptic world. Entertaining & Fun. Provide your insight on the outcome of the last battle!

My jet roared over the southern Mediterranean at 1,200 MPH. I knew that the shells of the new “Super Hornet” F-18’s weren’t made for that speed but curiosity got the best of me. Since President Putin retook office, the Russians had begun an unapologetic build-up of their military. They were always testing new types of propulsion systems, and it was my job to see what the latest model was made of. First, though, I had to catch it. Even though I was already exceeding max flight speed, I pushed my Hornet faster, attempting to gain on the Russian craft that was still miles ahead of me. Just as I appeared to be pulling closer, my stomach became queasy. My head began to ache as if the pressure inside my skull was ten times more powerful than the pressure outside. My head felt like it was going to explode and my insides were going to be ripped out through my mouth. At the same time the heat from my engines became unbearable, and I knew I was in trouble. I attempted to slow the aircraft but it wouldn’t respond. In fact it appeared to be picking up speed! When flames appeared between my legs and the right wing splintered I decided it was time to eject.

As I floated to the ground, I couldn’t even figure out what land mass I was about to land on. I must have covered a lot of mileage at the speed, as I saw no hint of Mediterranean blue waters on the horizon. The land below was burnt and dry. I hit the ground a little harder than expected but my muscular legs absorbed the shock with ease.

As soon as I unhooked my harness, I gathered my parachute and camouflaged it just in case...

For search assistance:

Bilbo Baggins, JR Tolkein

Orson Scott Card Ender's Game

Frank Herbert Dune

Isaac Asimov Foundation

Douglas Adams Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Robert A Heinlein Stranger in a Strange Land

George Orwell

Ray Bradbury Fahrenheit

Arthur C Clarke 2001: A Space Odyssey

Isaac Asimov