This is the ninth in a deep-dive series on the stories in Rick’s newest book, Random Precision. The following blog includes spoilers.
“Moksha” has a surprising genesis: It was originally intended as a comic book. Upon reflection, I realize it probably wouldn’t have worked—too much talking, not enough action. But it was fun to think of it in a graphic novel kind of way.
The invitation came from some folks I met while working on Star Trek New Voyages. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity, and for the nice way they told me “Moksha” wasn’t a good fit. Still, I enjoyed doing my own take on Groundhog Day.
“Moksha,” oddly enough, has a tenuous link with an Open Door novelette I wrote in 1995, Something To Hide. While vastly different stories, both are inspired by the story of Queen Esther and how she was called to a great—and dangerous—mission. In Amit’s case, it was a mission he didn’t want and found it all but impossible to escape. But “relief and deliverance” (Esther 4:14) did come from somewhere else, even as Amit’s freedom perished.
“Moksha” does raise an admittedly uncomfortable question: If we truly believe we’re called to a specific purpose in life, and that purpose isn’t what we want it to be … what do we do? Fulfill that calling? Or turn our backs on it, even if that rejection costs someone else? Ponder that a spell.
Once again I experiment with a little humor despite the dire nature of the story. Extra credit if you pick up on the (deliberately vague) Monty Python reference.
“Moksha” has a surprising genesis: It was originally intended as a comic book. Upon reflection, I realize it probably wouldn’t have worked—too much talking, not enough action. But it was fun to think of it in a graphic novel kind of way.
The invitation came from some folks I met while working on Star Trek New Voyages. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity, and for the nice way they told me “Moksha” wasn’t a good fit. Still, I enjoyed doing my own take on Groundhog Day.
“Moksha,” oddly enough, has a tenuous link with an Open Door novelette I wrote in 1995, Something To Hide. While vastly different stories, both are inspired by the story of Queen Esther and how she was called to a great—and dangerous—mission. In Amit’s case, it was a mission he didn’t want and found it all but impossible to escape. But “relief and deliverance” (Esther 4:14) did come from somewhere else, even as Amit’s freedom perished.
“Moksha” does raise an admittedly uncomfortable question: If we truly believe we’re called to a specific purpose in life, and that purpose isn’t what we want it to be … what do we do? Fulfill that calling? Or turn our backs on it, even if that rejection costs someone else? Ponder that a spell.
Once again I experiment with a little humor despite the dire nature of the story. Extra credit if you pick up on the (deliberately vague) Monty Python reference.
RSS Feed
