- 1 - A TOWN AND HER SHERIFF The small town of Whisper was nestled alongside a deep ravine that held no name or charm, save the small creek slowly carving away at its bottom. Stretching a scant five blocks from end to end, the town was well protected by the natural landscape. The nameless ravine provided a barrier to the left, and miles upon miles of sun-scorched flatlands to the right. The world vanished beyond a horizon of shimmering heat, leaving Whisper quiet and alone. The risk of climbi...

Lying in bed each night, I think back over the last few years of my life. It’s soothing, helps me sleep. Ever since I returned from the surface of Mars, after those lonely days and nights amid the lifeless red surface, I’ve tried to dream my mother back to life. I’ve dreamt about her countless times, but for all I’ve tried…she remains dead. Wishful thinking, I suppose. She still lives on in my heart, and as sappy of a thing to say, she’s probably much safer there than if she were back on this...