Author
John De Courcy
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Subjects
Books by John De Courcy
Goma's Follicles
"Goma's Follicles" by John De Courcy and Dorothy De Courcy is a science fiction short story published in the mid-20th century, specifically in the summer of 1948. The narrative revolves around the humorous and peculiar dynamics between human colonizers and the alien natives of Procyon IV, primarily examining the consequences of cultural misunderstandings related to something as ordinary as haircuts. The story captures the clash between the colonists' goals and the traditions of the indigenous people. The plot unfolds with Captain Webster of the spaceship "Franklin" making an unscheduled stop on Procyon IV to pick up a passenger, Sam Purcell, who is desperate for a haircut after spending years on the planet. The local chief, Goma, is initially embarrassed about his long hair, which has become a source of ridicule among his peers. A series of events culminate in Goma being persuaded to get a haircut, only for it to be revealed that the native's hair is linked to their sensory nerves, resulting in significant emotional fallout for Goma. To maintain his status as chief and avoid shame, Goma ultimately negotiates for land by agreeing that the barber should leave—highlighting the absurdity and consequences of intercultural interactions. The story blends humor with a critique of colonial attitudes and the often-comical misunderstandings that can arise from them.
The Night Has a Thousand Eyes
"The Night Has a Thousand Eyes" by John De Courcy and Dorothy De Courcy is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. At its core, the book explores themes of regret, moral dilemmas, and the human condition against a backdrop of a gritty space setting. It juxtaposes elements of crime and survival, following the consequences of a violent encounter in a rough interstellar bar. The story revolves around Captain Brace, a rough-and-tumble space pirate, who inadvertently kills a young man's sister after a violent confrontation. He quickly realizes he cannot let the witness, the sister, go free without jeopardizing his life and his crew. As he grapples with the moral implications of his actions, he feels an unexpected connection with the girl. This tension leads him to a crucial decision about her fate. Ultimately, Brace's internal struggle reflects his past traumas, as he remembers a lost love, creating a poignant contrast between his hardened exterior and the flickers of humanity that emerge throughout the tale. As the plot unfolds, it delves into Brace’s attempts to reconcile his violent life with his growing empathy for the girl as they both face the encroaching darkness of their predicament.
Foundling on Venus
"Foundling on Venus" by John De Courcy and Dorothy De Courcy is a science fiction short story likely written in the early to mid-20th century. The narrative is set on the harsh and inhospitable planet Venus, exploring themes of survival, humanity, and the influence of environment on behavior. It centers on a young, mysterious foundling in a society characterized by chaos and misery. The story begins with the introduction of a small child, abandoned and alone in the dangerous streets of New Reno, a rough settlement on Venus. Jane, a waitress, discovers him and, despite the harsh realities of their planet, takes him into a café to care for him. As Jane feeds and comforts the little boy, his background remains shrouded in mystery until a revelation occurs: he is not merely a human child but an alien being disguised in a mask. This twist emphasizes the themes of alienation and the capacity for kindness in a bleak environment, as Jane connects with the child on a deeper level, hinting at a larger narrative about identity and belonging.