A classic science fiction scenario: the multi-generational spaceship heading out into the hard vacuum, away from the sun. Sounded like a good idea to the scientists who got on board it. But Al, he wasn't consulted about this. So there are consequences. 6,559 words. First published PREMONITIONS in 2004, ed. Tony Lee.

        Give up our guns? No way! Albert McSparrow — Shotgun Al to all his friends — was very clear on that.
        "But, son," said his father, Mac McSparrow. "There's been a major tragedy. The worst thing since we left Earth."
        "Leaving Earth," said Al sullenly. "That was the tragedy."
        Yes — tragedy, big time. And what really burnt Al up was that nobody had asked him. He hadn't even been born at the time. Hadn't even been conceived.
        "You talk a lot about the rights of the unborn child," said Al to his father. "What about the rights of the unconceived?"