First of all, I have to say my prayers are with the people of Paris. Such a tragedy, so very sad….
Here’s the link to the Weekend Writing Warriors central page, so you can visit all the participants sharing excerpts today…a fun way to sample new books and find new authors! (Also welcome to the Sunday Snippet visitors!)
Today I’m giving a snippet from the WIP Star Cruise: Outbreak. Dr. Emily Shane has agreed to to take a temporary position as ship’s doctor on the Nebula Zephyr luxury cruise liner. Upon arriving at the clinic, she found a young passenger waiting, along with her large retinue and strange green pet. Continuing on from last week, with Jake speaking to the doctor:
“Sometimes our guests bring their pets along with them, yes. As long as the ICC regulations about inoculations are observed, no worries.” He got down on one knee. “What seems to be the problem, your highness?”
“She sneezes and won’t play or eat or anything.”
“Sounds like a virus, what do you think, doc?” Jake gave her a look. “You’re going to have to treat the little fluff, veterinarian or not.”
Emily unbent a bit. “All right, if you can bring the animal over here to the examining table.”
There’s no blurb as yet. This is a standalone sequel to Star Cruise: Marooned, and Meg and Red will appear as secondary characters. The Nebula Zephyr is a sister ship to the Nebula Dream, although there’s no crossover of characters between the two stories. At least not yet!
Oh dear, Veronica. I have a strong sense of foreboding about the “fluff’s” sickness! Such classic expectations from the non-medically minded: one doctor heals all!
This sounds like an interesting story. I have a vet student character who served as an army medic, so a people doctor could just as easily serve as an animal doctor if need be.
Hmm, I hope they’re able to cure the poor fluff. Interesting snippet.
If it’s got fluffy animals, I’m on board.
Hope the little fluff is gonna be okay. I love that line, by the way. Also, I totally think a crossover is a good idea. Just saying. 😉
Trouble afoot as i see it. Little fluff , cute or not, brings a bug or two. The doc is up the creek without a paddle.
Uh-oh. Knowing how much you like to cause trouble, I’ll bet this isn’t some harmless little virus. Don’t cough on anyone, green fluffy thing!
Boo for forcing a doctor to take care of sick animals. It isn’t fair to either the doctor or the animal, but alas, it’s kind of a standard expectation these days. 🙁
I am very interested to see where you go with this thread. I’m thinking cross-species infection, pandemic scenarios, etc. Maybe even a bug that does nothing lasting to the little fluff ball but causes dramatic problems for humans. I suppose we just have to wait and see! 🙂
I like how Jake drops to a knee to talk to the little girl. Very sweet:)
Something just clicked in my head – if they do allow animals on board, shouldn’t they have a vet? I’m sure you can account for that one way or another, you have a very clever mind 🙂
Otherwise great excerpt, as usual. It’ll be interesting to see how this goes.
Thanks as always for the comments – very helpful as this is a first draft WIP. Yes, I figure a human doctor can treat a pet and vice versa. Actually the issue is that Dr. Shane doesn’t even want to be on the ship, so she’s grumpy about everything. We’ll see how much of this scene stays in the final novel!
Hoping they can cure the poor fluff. Nice snippet!
Uh Oh, hope it’s going to be ok!
Oh boy. I have visions of that movie, Outbreak. Great snippet, Veronica. 🙂
I’m instantly warming up to Jake, but I have to say I’m worried about the fluff. Lots of nice things going on in this snippet.
As the owner of my own “little fluff,” I’m so glad she agreed to help! Great snippet that really makes me want to read more!
Aw, I like Jake. And I’m rooting for the little green fluff. (I sort of have it pictured as looking like a Tribble…)
Great snippet. Who doesn’t like fluffy animals. 🙂
Great snippet, i’m hooked! And i’m with P.T.–seeing a little green tribble. 😀
Poor little fluff. It could be allergies, too, I’d think. A spaceship has to have all kinds of new stuff on it.
Oh my, I wonder how she’s supposed to treat an animal? And is it going to be involved in the outbreak, hmm.
Yeah, she’s not happy about playing vet. But how’s Jake going to turn her tude around? Good luck to him. Liking this story!
Very intriguing. Wonder how they’re going to contain this? Really enjoyed the snippet!
Uh oh. I hope there’s no dreadful disease about to break out. On the other hand, it would make a good story.
A veterinarian would be better able to treat a human, but she’ll have to try.
Haha! “At least not yet.” Characters do have minds of their own. Especially the ones you write, Veronica. None of them are weak or needy. 🙂 Bringing pets into the story–nicely done. 🙂
Is there more to fluff’s illness? Just wondering. 🙂 Enjoyed the snippet and getting glimpse at the different personalities. They ring through in the snippet.
This is the first of your work that I am reading. Just in this snippet I get such a great sense of your doctor…and the green fluff that may contain more trouble than she is looking for. Very nice.
Great snippet. I have the strong impression that it’s going to be a tad more complicated than a virus. I look forward to reading more!
Let’s hope it’s nothing serious …. a sick pet on a ship … I can’t help but think …..
hum the kid was sneezing too, I wonder if that’s related.
Fun interaction. Of course, when I see the word, “fluff”, in a sci-fi setting I immediately think of Tribbles…
Hmm, trying to placate the little fluff’s owner and as a doctor she is probably the only one to do something. Just hoping that the “virus” isn’t going to turn into something quite a bit more sinister/