Elephants and Corpses

Title: Elephants and Corpses
Author: Kameron Hurley
Published: Tor.com, May 2015: http://www.tor.com/2015/05/13/elephants-and-corpses-kameron-hurley/
Description, by Lois Tilton [Locus]: "Nev is a body mercenary, which means that in the course of his work he inhabits corpses that he purchases on the docks, if they’re not too far gone. Thus his skills include those of an undertaker, to preserve the goods and keep them in good condition until ready for use. This time, however, there’s a different kind of trouble, as an armed gang bursts into his workroom to steal the body he’s just purchased. It seems the corpse is a member of a religious cult, and incidentally his assistant’s sister. Now they’ve burned his workshop and gratuitously murdered his pet elephant, as well. Tera wants her sister’s body; Nev wants revenge for Falid....."
Category:Best Short Story