The Mermaids of the Darian Coast
by David Wesley Hill
"The Mermaids of the Darian Coast" is a short story that takes place during the 1577-1580 circumnavigation of the world by Francis Drake. It is a companion piece to the author's critically acclaimed novel, At Drake's Command.Fractime’s story tells of key times surrounding the Universal War, a conflict pitting humanity against machine and itself throughout time.When John Mackinac stumbles upon a means to stop the enemy entering his universe involving the reversal of the Earth’s magnetic poles, an ancient and secretive society, the Family, comes to the NGA’s aid in this seemingly impossible feat. The Family, citing an archaic legend, enlists John to their cause claiming he is the key to ending the Universal War. (ver 2.0)