Mix Transformers with UFC and you get an idea of the world in this first story of the September issue of Clarkesworld magazine. The main narrator, Fiona, tells the story of how she designs the death creatures that challenge the humans in their oversized mechanical fighting machines. All of this for a huge televised galactic audience. Fiona’s secret girlfriend is the number one fighter for whom she reserves her best designs. But what will happen when the management tells her that she needs to design to the same level for the other fighters? And who is the source of this revelation that management has come to? Fiona’s sister.
The writing is gritty and down to earth. The hard scrabble life shines through the prose as does the desperate need for love and connection that are challenged by the characters’ circumstances. Amidst all the darkness of violence, lies, and business dealing is a love story. Actually two love stories: one of lovers, the other of sisters. As you read it isn’t clear that either of them will survive.
Length: 5,830 words (about 25 minutes)
My rating: 4/5
