So I recently discovered that my science fiction comedy of bad manners, SIDESHOW IN THE CENTER RING, is a furry book. No, that doesn’t mean it’s bound in animal skin, you barbarian! Although The Little Fur Family was a favorite in our household.

ANYWAY, a furry book is one with anthropomorphic animals or animal-like anthropomorphic aliens. Here’s my description of the inhabitants of Marner, where my human main character goes with the group of terrible rich-and-famous people she wants to be part of.

I’d seen Marneri before, of course; not personally, but on holovision specials. They looked humanoid, with long bodies and limbs, and foreheads that sloped back sharply from their muzzles.

They made me think of cats, somehow, though they didn’t have tails or whiskers, and their ears were round and set on the sides of their heads. I guess it was the fur: its colors, variety, and patterns were very catlike.

In this excerpt, my main character, Connie, and her friend have been out of their hotel, exploring the city, when they see an armed native staring at them. They decide to go back to safety.

CONNIE IN PERIL

excerpt from SIDESHOW IN THE CENTER RING
by Marian Allen

As we came near to a large building of yellow stone, a Mocskan man came out, leading a Mocskan woman on a collar and leash. The woman was taller than he was, taller than I am, but maybe not as tall as Honey. Her fur was French vanilla and caramel and fudge, swirled and rippled. Her chin was up and her eyes were half-closed. Her collar looked to be of a supple and soft material, with bright stones dangling from it–a slave, and probably a high-priced one. The chain was so fine it was almost invisible: a token.

The man signaled for a double-sedan chair, and put the woman in first. The bearers moved off just ahead of us.

I was so interested in watching the Mocskan woman’s progress in front of me, I forgot to look behind. It wasn’t until we saw the man lead his slave out of the chair and into the Hilton that I remembered the armed Mocskan and turned around.

He was practically breathing down my neck.