David Selby was born and grew up in Berkeley, California. He taught elementary school in California, Mexico, and New Mexico for thirty-six years. He and his wife live in Northwest New Mexico.  He has written many short stories including the Joe the Man with Gills series. Mica is his first novel.

Mica, an expert navigator, uses the currents of the Darkstream to pilot his ship across the galaxy to join his love, Olivine. On the way, he befriends Ronnie, a stowaway who can look like a coat or a first aid kit, the mysterious Vuud, and the translucent “Slight People”. They experience the savage planet of Carnage and the whirling destruction of the Moon of 10,000 Drones before they even reach Olivine in the brand-new city of Garner in the midst of an unknown world.


Mica

"I know," I whispered. "When their grandparents first descended from space on Marble, they had left Earth in a hurry.There was massive fighting and bloodshed and disagreement; factions. They almost didn't make it; it almost ended in those first few months. I know gov. did it for the good of the group. But were they right? I still often have dreams of longing for my parents---."


"All true, Mica. But really, what do you really know about these families you see and envy? Not all children are on loving terms with their parents."


"I'm sure you're right, Vuud. But look-I have never forgiven gov for that. I really think I'd take the worst parents who would love me instead of no one who did."


"Boy, Mica, I've never heard you so sad, so soft," said Ronnie.


"Huunh," I moaned. Vuud looked at me seriously, sympathy wrapped in peanuts, mushrooms too.


"I found out something the other day," said Ronnie. "It's kind of unbelievable but I can really understand it: You can rent kids here!"


Chapter 30: Gofee With Friends, Part 2