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M.P. Fitzgerald's avatar

Okay, I know Laika was the first dog in space, but her name means 'barker' in russian (I believe). Woof... if this wasn't intentional, please just say it was because that is a great layer that I really liked.

Thaddeus Thomas's avatar

It’s been a while since I wrote this. (There’s a great benefit in coming to Substack with drawers of material no one has ever read.) I remember looking up the name, so I must have known but completely forgotten. I can’t claim that I chose one because of the other, however. I brought the cover to Twitter and asked my followers for title suggestions. One of them came up with the perfect title, and a writer friend on Twitter suggested on the dog’s name. I can’t remember if they provided any other details. Thank you for the reminder. It’s a wonderful connection.

M.P. Fitzgerald's avatar

That's an interesting way this came about. Yeah, Laika was onboard Sputnick 2, I think, she was a stray, she was fed 'gelatin' in the ship, and because the craft had no radiation shielding...

Sorry, my microwave just dinged, I gotta go

Nick Winney's avatar

This is a beautiful read and I desperately want more. the dog is a superb touch. i feel extremely wistful now. all due to the emotive writing and delicately placed and balanced contextual tags.

very nice

Thaddeus Thomas's avatar

That's very kind! Thank you

Joseph L. Wiess's avatar

Very poignant.

Stefan Baciu's avatar

This first chapter is really something. You provide a lot of backstory with minimal details. The characters and the world feel alive already, and the sci-fi elements seem to have a symbolic meaning, the theme of the story resonating in each one.

Ashley Dyer's avatar

I’m glad I found this while searching substack for sci fi. Your a great writer

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Feb 18, 2025
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