Challenge 114

After the Ends

Challenge 113 talked about dei ex machinas. In Byron Bailey’s “Impasse of Arms,” how does the topic work in the case of Jeffrey Vashon? At the end, one might say that Charon becomes a deus in machinam after a fashion. What kind of afterlife might the enterprising demigod create? And what kind of marketing strategy do you think he might adopt?

Steven Francis Murphy’s poem “Mars, One Each” complements his “Earth, One Each” and alludes to others’ visions of Mars. A whole cycle of short poems become possible, one that would embrace the Solar System. Can you write us a similar poem about any body in the Solar System other than Earth or Mars?

Thomas Lee Joseph Smith’s “The Last Oil Well” is obviously a cautionary tale for our times. As such, it must have a moral, such as “Don’t brag about your natural resources” or “Don’t shoot goats.” That’s just for starters. I’m sure you can you think of two better ones.

Michael J A Tyzuk’s “Through a Glass, Darkly” does not conclude with part 6, but that’s all we have at present. Will Martin and Michelle wangle their way out of captivity? Escape? In either case, how?