Sunday, May 3, 2009

Analog Science Fiction and Fact September 2002



Pretty good issue with very strong lead novellette.

Renewable Resources • shortstory by Jerry Oltion
A company wants to pump natural gas, but before that a great amount off
water must be pumped out. Conservationists and government agencies are
naturally against that. But there might be some solutions which are not so
obvious. Pretty good story, nicely written. Solution might be too
easy, but maybe worth of another story. ****
In Spirit • novella by Pat Forde
The ability to see and experience past is used to project the mental
image of a 9.11 convict to the actual happening. Maybe it is possible that he will get some understanding of the vastness of the catastrophe. Excellent, very
moving story. The technology is totally implausible, but that doesn't
harm the story. *****
Perchance to Dream • novelette by Lloyd Biggle, Jr.
Interplanetary relations bureau deals with a race that invades periodically another race to steal produce and slaughter innocents. Naturally they succeed, but not without some problems. Ok, pretty average story, nothing unforgettable. ***+
Protocol • novelette by Timothy Zahn
Alien species cohabiting humans on a colony planet demands that a very strict protocol is followed at every encounter with humans. Breaking the protocol causes instant death. Pretty good story - would like to read more detailed working of this world. ****
Chrysalis • shortstory by Larry Niven
Average Draco tavern story. A member of species which is sentient only in pre-adult form, seeks shelter as she isn’t too keen on growing adult. ***-

No comments: