Gareth L. Powell was born in Bristol, England. He is the author of the recent SF novel Silversands, and the critically acclaimed short story collection, The Last Reef. His work has been published in magazines all over the world and featured in a number of recent anthologies, including Shine (Solaris, 2010). In 2007, his short story ‘Ack-Ack Macaque’ won the Interzone Readers’ Poll for best short story of the year. Gareth lives in the English West Country with his wife and two daughters, and can be found online at 
Ack-Ack Macaque by Gareth L Powell
“Let me get this straight. You’re a World War II fighter pilot,” I say to Ack-Ack, the one-eyed, cigar-chomping macaque as he leads me through the corridor of the airship.
“Right.”
“But it’s 2059.”
“What’s your question?” He glares, a daiquiri glass clenched in his left paw.
“How do you fit in, exactly?”
He spins to face me. “I’m the main character, aren’t I? Ack-Ack Macaque, that’s the book’s name. See? ‘By Gareth L Powell’ and everything.”
“No offense, but I’m not sure you are the main character. You’re certainly the title character, but you aren’t even the first one we meet.”
A woman with a sultry, French accented voice interrupts us. “Move it along, Monkey-Man. No time for exposition.” She looks at me. “I’m Vic... Read More
