Muse 9 (ONC 2020)

Memories aren't cheap in the world of the Grid, where Sable Huntris makes a living copying and selling the Kycenan elites' memories of the sunlight and fresh air to the residents of the underworld.

When Sable is approached by a couple strangers who force her into accepting a contract to recover the texts concerning the mythical Muse 9 rifle, the ideal weapon with which to track and capture memories that do not fade, she is forced out of her regular darkness into a deeper one. She must contend with her own past, as well as with monsters from the deep, to accomplish the mission given her.

For Sable must venture into the unknown and unmapped portion of the Grid, where science experiments gone wrong and other strange beings thrive. She must keep all of her wits about her as she sets out to track down the texts about the last Muse rifle if she is to protect the only person left to her.

As well as survive herself.

An Open Novella Contest 2020 entry, based on Prompt 30.
On the Round 3 Shortlist for the Open Novella Contest 2020.
Honorable Mention in Stunning Worlds for the Open Novella Contest 2020.
First place in the Aeryn Awards 2020 for Science Fiction.