The Galactic Culinary Society: Song Of The Golden Brew By D.R. Schoel - Another Short and Funny Diversion Just For Fun

The Galactic Culinary Society: Song of the Golden Brew by D.R. Schoel

Song of the Golden Brew is the second story in D.R. Schoel's 'just for fun' series of comedic Sci-Fi short stories. This story sees returning characters set on a planet where the major product is a type of beer. Outside of the planet Kazaak, no one has tasted the "ethanolic" beverage which promises “mood improvement, feelings of euphoria, and one can drink as much as one likes without any negative side effects.” Kvass is touted to get one good and smashed and not suffer a hangover. It is a funny story with a few plot twists adding to the humor. It is a pleasant distraction from the heavy Sci-Fi I usually read.

Chef Hunter, Jeane Oberon of the Galactic Culinary Society begins her journey on the planet Cor Caroli. It is an ice-covered world with an ocean beneath the surface. She discovers the ingredients for a pickled sea cucumber, while at the same time, she learns about a type of beer produced on another planet. She learns about the beverage from her 'sidekick,' the greedy Greelon profiteer Xstersisiisterpeeze (whose name was thankfully shortened to 'Xstersi' for most of this story). After a close call with a fearsome creature, Jeane agrees to accompany Xstersi to Kazaak where she will attempt to discover the secret of a brew known as Kvass. Xstersi plans to strike a deal with the inhabitants to sell the beer to other sentient beings across the galaxy for huge profits. Jeane makes it clear she is only going to add to the knowledge base of the Society.

Upon arrival at Kazaak, Jeane and Xstersi find a society that is rife with conflict. But she is not there to problem solve, only discover the secrets of the Kvass. While Xstersi works to secure a bargain, Jeane learns there is only way she will learn about the brew is by winning a drinking contest. No doubt, good times are had by all, or not depending on your point of view.

What I most enjoyed about this story is the way Schoel writes about the relationship between Jeane and Xstersi. At first, one gets the impression that Xstersi is only a thorn in Jeane's side. Actually, these two have an amusing synergistic relationship where they get on each other's nerves, but one also seems to care about the other in a repugnant sort of way. In other words, they really do like each other, but neither one would ever admit to it openly. They have a chemistry I enjoy and want more of in future stories.

If you are looking for a short, fun distraction from the rigors of everyday life in the fast lane, I recommend Secrets of the Golden Brew. One does not need to be a Sci-Fi fan to enjoy this. It can be read in under an hour, but don't read it too fast so you can savor the flavor of the language the author uses. Along with this, I also recommend the previous (first) story in the series, The Secrets of Umami (reviewed on this blog). Both are great diversions for a break.

Schoel writes, "I am a writer and filmmaker with a Master's degree in film production. But they say it's the experience that counts: I've worked for nearly twenty years with the Inuit of the Arctic on many, many television programs. I've also worked with Chad McQueen (son of movie icon Steve McQueen) on an un-produced project for Netflix, and wrote a feature film about a Jewish-Arab love story, "Adam's Wall," released globally. I've presented a short film at Cannes (an autobiographical piece, "The Fantastic Bus"), won a Canadian Screen Award (the equivalent of the Canadian Oscars; is that worth mentioning?), and had a Top-10 documentary at the Toronto International Film Festival, "Sol," about an Inuit circus performer who died in RCMP custody. I like to travel, having been all across China - including Xinhiang, where Uyghurs were put into detention camps, and I had to go through police checkpoints, sometimes twice a day - to Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela, The Dominican Republic, pretty much everywhere in Europe, and the Arctic. Of course, I'm a lifelong fan of Sci-Fi and since I can't (yet) go into space... I like to dream about it.

"You can follow me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DRSCHOEL), and on Twitter (https://twitter.com/@drschoel2013).

"To keep up-to-date on all things related to The Galactic Culinary Society and intergalactic Chef Hunter, Jeane Oberon, you can sign up for my newsletter here: GCS NEWS."

Well, there it is...

Qapla!