I Read Stories: Baron Quits The Payloaders by Renan Bernado

 

Baron Quits The Payloaders by Renan Bernado in Escape Pod

Baron’s the lead singer of the Payloaders, the biggest band, able to sell out half a million tickets on their touring starship. Baron’s also the survivor of a tragedy, been byted down into a new body by their record label. And now he thinks it’s time to quit, quit playing, quit the band, byte back up out of his body.

Without Baron they’re no longer the Payloaders. And then the bassist has an idea. Why not have a final performance. Why not play Earth One? It’s s protected environment, going there would encounter fearsome bureaucracy. They’d even have to quit the label who are banned there for illegal business practices. But if he’s quitting, if he’s byting up, if he’s dying, then none of that matters.

One last gig and then gone. And as they prepare for it, maybe Baron can come to terms with the loss of his family. Leave something for his bandmates. A song for them, and the fans.

And one more surprise.

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