by qhml1
i enjoyed your story very much to bad you did not make the contest i think it had a good chance of winning thank you for posting
I liked this story, though short, but found something puzzling (likely just a typo):
"Because of you, we moved from a 17% probability of extinction to a 63% chance of survival."
So, since a 63% chance of survival is a 37% chance of extinction versus their previous 17% chance, they actually are more than twice as likely to die out now that they've found love?
-An OCD Math Lover
The 17% extinction is indeed a typo. See the intro to the story which says 17.5% chance of survival. 63% is indeed a higher probability of survival.
Nice to read something where everyone is just nice. Made me tear up.
The love that brings two strangers together and overcomes all the adversity or different experiences they have known previously is something to behold...however fleeting it is in actuality.
Wow. This story is a gem. I liked it so much I'm going to read it again. Very simple, very clever, and unusually moving. Well done qhml1.
Came across this one again. Read it 6 weeks ago. Re-read today. Wow! Same punch the second time. Need to get the word out on Lit that this is a GREAT story!
...because I think you had the numbers wrong. When you said they had a 17% chance of extinction that means 17 chances in 100 of extinction or 83% of survival (9:10). Then when you said the now had a 63% survival chance means they are now more likely to join the passenger pigeon and dinosaurs than before. Otherwise a great story!
Good story, but...nah, good story. It's called the Medal of Honor, not congressional medal of honor. Keep up good work.
Search for the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, and read some of the award citations, and be inspired.
What a special and lovely story!! I'm not ashamed to say I cried reading it. I only wish it were longer, long enough so it could go in a collection of sci fi short stories or even better a novella or book! If you ever happen across this comment please consider my request and submit it for publication or self publish. This is a story that needs to shared with a much larger audience. Bless you for it. I know it is a story I will be rereading often.
Sigh, thank you for sharing this. It's a beautiful story and a joy to read. I feel like the future is full of love and hope after reading this. Soft, simple and full of love. ;-}
-pal
This story is worth reading again And I will. This is a 5*+story.
Ed Grocott
edgrocott@gmail.com
Superbly written, and brought an unbidden tear to my eye.
My one point of contention is that, unfortunately, the concept of "what is right" is not universal among humans. I agree with Jamie's fundamental philosophy, though. :)
A tad preachy, but really that was elemental to the story and brought some great insights.
Jason
I loved it!! You just keep on writing and I'll just keep on reading! Thank you for another wonderful story.
"a 17% probability of extinction to a 63% chance of survival"
So now they have a 37% probability of extinction!!
Do the numbers really matter? They went from facing extinction to probably surviving. This was a nice FICTIONAL fantasy story.
I am stunned by your ability to create stories so different I was lucky enough to find the story Air Possum through som like and I am hooked thank you for all your stories
Kurt Vonnegut had a similar story in Welcome to the Monkey House
I have read most of your other works and have enjoyed them very much....just as I did with this one. Good job.
On another note, it amazes me that some comments are about nit picky mistakes, at least in their minds. Does the fact that per percentages may or may not be off make this story any less entertaining. Not in my mind.
Keep up the good work sir. Chat at you again.
Woodmanone
nice story about visitors needing assistance from a less than stellar species-US,
good writing as usual.
I continue to be amazed at your writing abilities!
GREAT!
Please continue!
“Live Long and Prosper”!!
A 17% chance of extinction is a BETTER deal than a 63% chance of survival!
This story touches part of my heart that I sometimes forget is there. Thanks!
Well done. Needs to be edited to fix the errors, but it was still a good story even though short. Anony Mous
A very enjoyable story. I collect SF and Fantasy and I can honestly say I've paid good money for collections which include stories far worse than this, written by authors well known and respected within the genre, worth more than the 5 stars available
can i get ya a few extra stars somehow? honestly i am a bit of a si fi snob and had avoided this this is up there with alen dean foster call to arms would love to see an expation of it teared me up made me smile thax
Very satisfying, Wouldn't it be nice if the universe were of such a beneficial nature, instead of the insane soul killing march from the cradle to the grave that it seems to be? At least one can still hope and pray for an improvement in the very uninspiring humaman condition so far witnessed but denied by most.
This is my second reading of this story and my comment of 5 months ago still apply with the same intensity.
A while back, I read a story written by Randi Black and her story created in my mind a spark of a story that weaves very well with her story and yours. Down the road, I'll put it down on paper and offer it to readers.
Thanks for intensifying the spark.
5*
BJ
Wonderful little story. The way the prime mother moved to help Beth and Jaime first conceive and then win millions in Las Vegas as a reward for their pure hearts and his sacrifices in war, reminds me of how I thought God would act toward humanity when I was a young boy. As I got older, I could find no evidence of a loving God and gave up any pretence of belief.
WOW..What a concept. Doing something because it's the right thing to do! Pity more people cant grasp that concept. Five well earned stars. ✨
Very unique take on first contact and the strive for advancement can lead to extinction. Well done.