Ellen Rothberg

Space City 6 is a collection of short stories from the weird to the wonderful, all with a Houston flair. We begin with the birth of Houston in a mosquito—and alligator-people—infested swamp where a mermaid is intent on stopping human encroachment. Fast forward to the 1940’s where we join a soldier and his new bride as they struggle with the challenges of separation due to World War II. We take a funny and fantastical turn with a Louisiana transplant who learns the hard way that jackalopes do exist. And they have a penchant for blood and hard liquor. And then we journey to a darker side of the city as we find out what happens when an unstable woman with a loaded gun wreaks havoc on an idyllic community. Follow us on another twist as we explore the ins and outs of discrimination – all the new professor wants is to fit in, but students and faculty shun her as readily as she shuns the light. What's a vampire to do? Finally, travel to the far future on a treasure hunt. The Houston tunnel systems are in ruin and a wealthy real estate tycoon wants to revitalize, but he soon discovers more than just real estate under the rubble. This collection is a must for Houstonians and others who love the city.