SFFS: Snippet #9 From Inoculation (a DIRTY DOZEN story)

Welcome back, everyone, to another week of Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday.

I've now sent my next Aston West "series" novel, All Good Things off to its beta readers.

As mentioned in prior weeks, my new Aston short story collection Dirty Dozen is available over at Amazon, I figured I'd continue on with my snippets from the last several weeks.

First, the blurb:

Join space pirate Aston West in the second collection of short stories from his universe, featuring classic space opera tales by T. M. Hunter. Building on Aston's first collection (Dead or Alive), these stories feature even more wild adventures, unforgettable characters, and exciting plot twists to satisfy your space opera appetite.

So, here's the next snippet, from my short story "Inoculation":

The doorway was still out of reach, and I needed to stall while moving faster, before she realized my plan and somehow cut me off from the cargo hold. “Do you still believe the lighting system is operational?”

“Of course it is.”

“Well, I can still see that it isn’t. So, just to be on the safe side, I think I’ll check the cargo.”

I passed through the doorway into the cargo hold. Floorboards rested along the center corridor, leading all the way between the four cargo bays to the aft bulkhead. I was finally home free, and rushed toward the very aft-most floorboard.

Jeanie had deduced my plan as well. “Aston, what do you think you’re doing?”

“Saving us both before you do something you’ll regret.” I knelt down and unfastened the floorboard.

“You don’t want to do this.”

“It’s the only way,” I insisted, as I unlatched the final fastener and tossed the floorboard aside. Inside, the central power distribution panel was lit up like a welcoming orbital station.

Hope you enjoyed it! If so, pick up a copy from the link above.