The Malcontent of Mars

The Malcontent of Mars

The Malcontent of Mars

being a chronicle of events some centuries from the present day and time

an anti-space opera

taking place within the bounds of our own solar system

by
C R E Mullins


Some centuries from now, the human race has successfully left Terra and colonised the Solar System. Terra, the foremost military and political power in the Solar System, is entirely reliant on Mars for resources after an ecological catastrophe.

Ten years have passed since a devastating war between Terra and Mars, a catastrophic war of attrition which killed billions, and shattered the lives of many more.

Enter Ralph Kowalski, pilot of the Martian frigate California Dreamin’. Ten years ago, Kowalski suffered a tragedy beyond comprehension. Now he’s hell-bent on revenge. And he’s just found the man behind it all…


Contents

ARC ONE

Chapter I – California Dreamin’

Chapter II – London Calling

Chapter III – Cities in Dust

ARC TWO

Chapter IV – Bad Penny

Chapter V – Rock Lobster

Chapter VI – Disintegration

Interlude – Time Out for Fun

ARC THREE

Chapter VII – Sour Times

Chapter VIII – Runaways

Chapter IX – That’s When I Reach For My Revolver

ARC FOUR

Chapter X – The Killing Moon

Chapter XI – Day of the Lords

Chapter XII – The Chain

Epilogue – Life on Mars?