Aphelion

If there was editing needed, that was probably my fault. I experienced a serious life setback with the death of my father on June 1st, so it was a mad dash to get 10 stories out for our original deadline of the 16th.

I really, really liked this story and the classic feel to it, too. I liked the interplay between the two leads, and that's why I selected it.

Wow, lots of fun! Fast and smooth.

"Sleez" and "Skamm" don't bother me a bit -- I take 'em as the product of running their original names through an online translator.

Very satisfying level of plot complexity, and everything fits together just the way it should but never does in real life. Dialog and characterization are primo.

Mr. Hyatt, next time you're in Cleveland, look me up and I'll buy you a beer.