# Bratton's Idea explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Manly Wade Wellman.

## What happens

Ben Gascon, a ventriloquist and former radio star, is kidnapped by two gunmen working for Tom-Tom, the criminal alter ego of his dummy. He is taken to a suburban cottage where he confronts the mob. Meanwhile, old Bratton, a janitor and secret mad scientist, dreams of creating life with electricity. The chapter also details a police raid on the Salters gang, where Juney Saltz is killed by a mysterious 'Squeaky-Voice,' and the subsequent kidnapping of Shannon Cole, Gascon's co-star.

## Themes in this chapter

### Science vs. Superstition

Old Bratton's attempt to create life with electricity contrasts with the superstitious fear of his 'mad scientist' persona.

### Evil and Moral Corruption

Tom-Tom's criminal gang and the kidnapping of Shannon Cole highlight moral decay and organized crime.

## Character check-ins

### Ben Gascon

Former radio star and ventriloquist; kidnapped by Tom-Tom's men; uses wit and a hidden weapon to survive.

### Shannon Cole

Contralto star and co-star of Gascon's program; kidnapped from her bedroom; Gascon is questioned about her disappearance.

### Bratton

Old janitor at Station XCV; secretly a mad scientist obsessed with creating life using electricity.

### Juney Saltz

Gangster; killed in a police raid by a mysterious figure with a high, squeaky voice.

## Key lines

> Electricity is life

Bratton believes that electricity is the fundamental force of life.

_Bratton's mantra, quoting Dr. C. W. Roback, justifying his experiments._

> I made you, and I can break you.

Gascon threatens Tom-Tom, asserting his control over the dummy.

_Gascon's message to Tom-Tom, showing his dual relationship with his creation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/bratton-s-idea
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters