Clean Break by Roger Dee Aycock
A young veterinarian, Oliver Watts, feels trapped in a mundane life dictated by family expectations and societal norms. His dreams of becoming a wildlife trainer are stifled by his overbearing Aunt Katisha and his practical fiancée, Orella Simms. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he is summoned by the eccentric millionaire, Mr. Furnay, to treat a sick polar bear from a recently acquired menagerie. Upon arriving at the Furnay estate, Oliver discovers a vast collection of exotic animals, including elephants, giraffes, and various predators. He meets a mysterious girl, Perrl-high-C-trill-and-A-above, who assists him. As he attempts to treat the bear, chaos ensues when the bear escapes, leading to a series of comedic and dangerous events. Oliver's initial fears of the bear turn into a sense of adventure, and he finds himself drawn to Perrl-high-C-trill-and-A-above. After a tumultuous encounter, Oliver begins to suspect that Mr. Furnay and his associates are not human but rather extraterrestrial beings. His suspicions deepen when he connects various odd occurrences, including the strange behavior of the animals and the peculiar language spoken by Mr. Furnay. Despite his doubts, he feels compelled to rescue Perrl-high-C-trill-and-A-above, believing she is a captive. In a moment of impulsive bravery, Oliver crashes through the estate's gates to confront the aliens and save Perrl-high-C-trill-and-A-above. Upon regaining consciousness, he learns that she is not a prisoner but a performer in an interstellar circus, hired to train animals from her home planet. Mr. Furnay, revealed to be an alien, explains that they are scouting for new exhibits and that Oliver's skills could be valuable to their show. Perrl-high-C-trill-and-A-above expresses her desire for Oliver to join them, and he is swept up in the excitement of the intergalactic circus life. The story concludes with Oliver embracing this new adventure, leaving behind his old life and family obligations. He and Perrl-high-C-trill-and-A-above become a successful duo, traveling across galaxies and raising a family, while the mundane life he once knew fades into the past.
By Roger Dee Aycock · First published 1970 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure · 6,338 words
First lines
_A veteran veterinarian might have vamoosed -- but Watts had to help any sick animal._
Nothing more exciting ever happened to Oliver Watts than being rejected by his draft board for a punctured eardrum until, deferring as usual to the superior judgment of his Aunt Katisha and of Glenna -- his elder and militantly spinster sister -- he put away his lifelong dream and took up, at the age of twenty-five, the practice of veterinary medicine.
What this Textopian page supports
Clean Break is listed on Textopian as a novel by Roger Dee Aycock, dated 1970 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Roger Dee Aycock
- Date: 1970 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Humor, Romance
- Length: 6,338 words
- Structure: 1 section, 136 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for Clean Break by Roger Dee Aycock
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The plot involves extraterrestrial beings, a spaceship, and elements of adventure that are characteristic of the science fiction genre.
- Fantasy — The presence of unusual creatures and the fantastical elements of the menagerie contribute to a fantasy atmosphere.
- Adventure — The protagonist experiences a significant journey and challenges, including rescuing a character and dealing with wild animals.
- Humor — The writing style includes comedic elements, particularly in the protagonist's interactions and the absurdity of the situations.
Tags
drama · suspense · thriller · crime · mystery · relationships · betrayal · redemption · conflict · secrets · identity · survival