Greetings, fellow travelers, and welcome to this important update. Yesterday, I welcomed you to The Monthly Story and made mention of the first offering being part of a serial. Today, I've decided that the serial option is out... for now. I may come back to it but for now, it's stand-alone tales. Below is a schedule of postings for the first twelve postings:
"The Monthly Story" #1 - "Captain Lester's Command"
"The Monthly Story" #2 - "What's In a Name?"
"The Monthly Story" #3 - "Christmas Crime"
"The Monthly Story" #4 - "The Egg Mother"
"The Monthly Story" #5 - "Verity's Transfer"
"The Monthly Story" #6 - "Fooling Around with Mother Nature"
"The Monthly Story" #7 - "Sonny's Party"
"The Monthly Story" #8 - "Mitzi's Breakdown"
"The Monthly Story" #9 - "At Death's Door"
"The Monthly Story" #10 - "The Road to Iowa"
"The Monthly Story" #11 - "Assigned to the Bridge"
"The Monthly Story" #12 - "The Werewolf and I"
As you can see, the first offering now is a story called "Captain Lester's Command" It's part of a series of tales called "D Life". It's about two ensigns, Billy and Pat, trying to stay alive on board the Enterprise NCC-1701-D from "Star Trek: The Next Generation" as it travels to new worlds and new civilizations. At the same time, the two fight over the affection of the civilian crew member Verity. It's part of a concept I've had of imagining "Star Trek" as a sitcom. If the show must come back to television, it's the best way I can think of.
It starts in season one of TNG, during the events of the episode "Too Short a Season". Billy and Pat are bored one day and decide to search the library computer. There, they learn about the events of "Turnabout Intruder". On a whim, they go to the Holodeck and have a what-if program where Dr. Janice Lester; as herself, was captain of the Enterprise. Billy is Spock and Pat is McCoy. They soon see that maybe the Enterprise of those days was in good hands. There are several more tales in line for Billy and Pat, allowing you to see "Star Trek" from a unique and interesting set of eyes, with humor and good-natured plans going astray.
The following month will be a tale I've already finished called "What's In a Name?". It's an Oddley story and the first in its own series. It's a re-launch of a character, now as a father of sorts to a daughter we is forced to take of. Hopefully, you'll enjoy this new version of one of my favorite characters. Next, for Christmas, the story is "Christmas Crime". It's a humorous tale of a Wal-Mart store detective facing his own crime wave during this most joyous time. Then, for the new year, it's time to redefine motherhood with "The Egg Mother". it's a string of interesting off-beat stories that will get your mind the food it likes that follows from that.
I created The Monthly Story as an outlet for the stories and ideas that share space in my head. I plan to write novels as another outlet but for short bursts, this is the way to do it. I hope that my work here will find an audience from month to month. Hopefully, you'll like each and every tale according to your tastes. If you don't like, it's your opinion. As with all Internet postings, please leave your opinions in the comments below. It's the best way. I don't want my e-mail filled with bad opinions and it's best for all of us if I have no way to talk to you. So, enjoy this posting for October 1st, the first story of the month will appear...
Until then, this is John Maxwell, your Fellow Traveler, saying goodbye for now!
