The Entrepreneur
Loira loaded hundreds of old bicycles in tight according to the computer-generated least space configuration and proper balance.
Later, bored in her assigned acceleration seat, she mentally calculated profits while waiting out launch from Luna. Finally, the cargo ship drifted in apparent zero-gee and velocity. She unbuckled and went to work.
Her rented hold was opened, and Loira strung bicycles like pearls on a string from the stern. In six months, she’d have her second-hand inventory repaired, polished, and ready for resale. With less than half Earth’s gravity, bicycles would be all the rage on Mars. She’d be rich!
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Friday Fictioneers: 100 word stories
photo prompt: Jellico’s Stationhouse
The Meta-Story: This idea isn’t mine. I ripped it off directly from Robert A. Heinlein, who conceived of teenage twin brothers with a great idea to sell bicycles on Mars, where the bikes were the choice of transport for miners. Like Loira, the brothers strung their bicycles out into space to fix them up while they traveled. Like Loira, they planned to make a lot of money on the deal, but circumstances intervened in comedic fashion. The resulting adventure was one of several in The Rolling Stones. If you ever get a chance, you should read it and Starman Jones, too. Both are great and classic story-telling by the master.
April 5, 2017 at 9:46 am
That was a fun story. I always enjoy hearing the origin of these ideas or the inspiration for them.
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April 5, 2017 at 9:51 am
Thanks, Mandie.
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April 5, 2017 at 9:46 am
Of course, she’ll spend the next forty years paying off the freight charges
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April 5, 2017 at 9:51 am
Hehe. Yep. Thanks for reading, Neil.
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April 5, 2017 at 9:55 am
So THAT’S where they all go!
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April 5, 2017 at 9:56 am
Haha! Thanks for reading, Martin.
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April 5, 2017 at 1:44 pm
Loved your story, even if it was “stolen”. I have read those books, and they are great!
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April 5, 2017 at 1:46 pm
Oh, I’m always thrilled to find another Heinlein fan. Thanks for reading my story. 🙂
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April 5, 2017 at 3:12 pm
It’s a great idea, whoever had it first, and it made me smile 🙂
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April 5, 2017 at 3:13 pm
He had a lot of great ideas. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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April 5, 2017 at 5:34 pm
Very imaginative.
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April 5, 2017 at 5:57 pm
Thank you.
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April 5, 2017 at 7:51 pm
Your welcome.
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April 6, 2017 at 2:00 am
I could just see those bicycles all strung out. Lovely idea.
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April 6, 2017 at 7:13 am
I wish I could claim the idea. In Heinlein’s book, the scene occupies a great deal more “space” and is infinitely more entertaining. Thank you for reading.
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April 6, 2017 at 7:38 am
I reckon even I could get up hills in lower gravity!
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April 6, 2017 at 8:29 am
It would be fun for a while–until our muscles atrophied. 😦
Thanks for visiting!
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April 6, 2017 at 8:38 am
There’s always a cloud inside that silver lining…
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April 6, 2017 at 10:23 am
Dear Kecia,
Fun story “inspired” by Heinlein. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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April 6, 2017 at 10:29 am
Hehe, thank you, Rochelle.
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April 7, 2017 at 1:10 am
Inspired from wherever it may be but Kecia, this was one super read.
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April 7, 2017 at 6:14 am
I’m really glad you liked it. Thanks.
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April 9, 2017 at 3:37 pm
Hah, biking on Mars, what an idea. I’ve read a lot from Heinlein, but missed out on the rolling stones. Or maybe I forgot, it’s been a while… Fun story.
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April 9, 2017 at 7:54 pm
You should look it up. I’m sure you’d enjoy it. Thanks for reading.
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April 10, 2017 at 6:09 am
I’ll do that, for sure.
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April 10, 2017 at 6:28 am
Nice idea, I think I’d cycle more if there was half the gravity
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April 10, 2017 at 11:33 am
It would be fun. 🙂
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