Date of Award
2024
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Department
English and Theatre
First Advisor
R. Dean Johnson
Second Advisor
Julie Hensley
Abstract
This is a satirical sci-fi novel set in the near future. Following the inadvertent melting of the ice caps, the United States splits—peacefully, like a mutual breakup—into four new countries. In an attempt to prove that the earth is flat, the Best States of America (BSA) have launched a replica of the Apollo 11 spacecraft with a child prodigy aboard, alone. Meanwhile, a disgruntled low-level government employee from the Left States of America (LSA) detects the launch with the help of his AI computer and makes contact with the BSA astronaut. The story follows everything that transpires to get Buzz to the moon (or the edge of the Earth) and back safely, while the governments and militaries of the BSA, LSA, USA, and Texas each try to exercise their own spin on the mission and its outcome.
Recommended Citation
McQueen, William C., "Edge of the Wagon Wheel" (2024). Online Theses and Dissertations. 847.
https://encompass.eku.edu/etd/847
