Persepolis Rising

Persepolis Rising

By James S.A. Corey (excerpt)

He didn't see the catastrophe coming. Even when the scope of it became clear, he struggled to understand it. Blindsided.

The talk in the station – the talk everywhere – was about Sol system and the surrender. Singh watched it play out in newsfeeds and discussion forums, taking the role of official censor more for the joy of being present in the unfolding of history than from any immediate need. The combined fleet of the Transport Union and the EMC beaten and standing down. The newsfeeds from the local sources in Sol System were anguish and despair, with only a few outlets calling unconvincingly for the battle to continue.

For their own side, Carrie Fisk and the Laconian Congress of Worlds proved to be an apt tool for the job, praising the Transport Union's capitulation as a moment of liberation for the former colony worlds. The rules and restrictions on trade are no longer being dictated by the generational politics of Sol. By being outside the system of favoritism, nepotism, political horse-trading and compromise, Laconia is positioned to bring exactly the reforms that humanity needs. He noticed that she shied away from mentioning High Consul Duarte's name. It was always just Laconia.

Which was fine. The two were essentially the same.

But it was the conversation beyond her and other specifically recruited allies that made him feel best. Governor Kwan from Bara Gaon Complex issued a statement of support for the new administration so quickly that Singh was almost certain it had been recorded in advance. Auberon's local parliament also sent a public message to put themselves in place as early supporters of the new regime. New Spain, New Roma, Nyingchi Xin, Félicié, Paradiso, Patria, Asyum, Chrysanthemum, Riocht. Major colonies, some with populations already in the millions, had seen the battle at Leuctra Point and drawn the only sane conclusion. The power center of the human race had shifted, and the wise were shifting with it.

The imminent arrival of the Typhoon also helped. He had known Rear Admiral Song since he'd entered the service. Not that they'd ever been close, but she was a face and a name that carried a weight of familiarity. He'd only traded a handful of messages with her, mostly to arrange the piece for the newsfeeds, but speaking to her had reminded him powerfully of home. The routines he'd had on Laconia, the taste of the tea, the little part where he would sit with Elsa when she was newborn and Natalia was sleeping. Watching sunbirds dive into the pond. Sending James Holden back had begun it, and the coming of the Typhoon would complete it. Traffic to and from Laconia. Proof that the great roads of space were open.

The longing it called forth in him was vast and complex. The open sky that he wouldn't see as long as he remained governor of Medina. The touch of his wife's skin against his, which he could look forward to. His daughter's laughter and the soft sounds she made at the edge of sleep.

There was a way in which every day since he'd stepped off the Storm had been a pause, like holding his breath. And soon, soon, his real work could begin. With the Typhoon in place and Sol system conquered, the empire would be unassailable, and humanity's future assured. He'd ignored his own anxiety and impatience, and now that he could almost relax, he felt them straining for the release.

Taken together, all the good news nearly made up for the bad.

This is the future the way it's supposed to be. Illustration by Elena.

Aquarius Friends and Family

Aquarius Friends and Family

• Strengths: Idealistic, universal, spontaneous
• Weaknesses: Bizarre, unreliable, uncertain
• Interactive style: Abstract, objective, cool

Friendship is extremely important to most Aquarians. For them, it often assumes an idealistic, global, and universal significance more than a personal one. Consequently, most of their friendships are tinged with a highly abstract and objective quality – cool rather than passionate. Rarely interested in committing themselves to daily or even weekly contact, Aquarians will contact you while they are on the run or when one their latest active exploits has simmered down or momentarily come to rest. Thus you should not count on them as a pillar of stability but rather as an interesting sidelight in your life – one that can be both entertaining and a bit special.

It's bet to have just one or tow questions for your speedy Aquarius friend – especially ones that can be posed and answered in a rapid-fire-interchange. As far as help with moving, planning, arranging functions, making lists for work and future plans, and shopping for hard-to-find items, you had better not count on it. To Aquarius friends, help is something they can offer only in their spare time, which is already probably extremely limited or nonexistent. Then there is the problem of contacting them, which is also difficult. It's best to leave a voicemail or give a heads-up email several days or even a couple of weeks before you need assistance.

Communication and keeping in touch with the Aquarius friend: Although they are generally good communicators, Aquarians are probably the ones who will contact you rather than the other way around. Not only are they difficult to reach, but they also prefer being the ones who initiate conatct, depending on when, where and how it suits them. Too often this will come smack in the middle of something you are presently busy with, and once you find it impossible to respond to their spontaneous gestures, they may prove even more difficult to contact in the future. Aquarians have to feel that you truly need them urgently, first of all, and, secondly, your attempt to communicate has to strike them in exactly the right way and at the right moment.

Borrowing money from the Aquarius friend: Don't depend on Aquarius friends for loans, even thous that have been agreed to or promised. Chances are that just before they are about to deliver, with all the best intentions, they spent the money elsewhere. So spontaneous are they with outlays of cash that they absolutely cannot be counted on to fulfill fixed financial obligations. If you can interest them in what you will do with the money, however, they may look on the loan as an interesting investment and come through with even more than you asked for. This awakening of their interest is worth developing over time, since it is likely to pay off in a generous outlay of cash.

Asking for advice: Aquarians are not ones to give lengthy advice. Normally they can tell you what they think in a few words and do not need time to mull things over. Usually they are perceptive when it comes to objective issues, but they are not particularly talented in the areas of psychological observation, human emotions, and the darker side of life. Sometimes they outright refuse to get involved in discussions of depressing or unhealthy matters, not only out of dislike but also out of principle. It's best to limit your requests for advice to areas that they have shown adeptness for dealing with, particularly in technical matters.

Visiting the Aquarius friend: It is difficult to visit and Aquarius friend since they are often not at home. Furthermore, if they are there but are fully engaged in a professional or private matter, they may not answer the bell or a knock at their door. Aquarians' full engagement with the matter at hand, which of course can change from minute to minute, frequently precludes even visits that have been scheduled well in advance, so be forewarned not to make assumptions or get your expectations up. You may find it better to suggest that they visit you, giving them a wide range of choices and allowing each of these to span a period of several hours or even days when they might drop in.

Celebrations and entertainment with the Aquarius friend: Fun-loving Aquarians enjoy celebrating special occasions and going out on the town for a good time. However, because of their rapidly changing schedules, it usually works best to make the decision to celebrate or go out on the spur of the moment. Following such impulses, you are both likely to have a great time in a wide range of activities, from a simple meal or drink to a full-blown binge of entertainment possibilities. You will find Aquarians inexhaustible in their ability to have a great time, only posing a problem when you try to put on the brakes and bring things to a halt.

Aquarians' fascinating qualities and quick minds attract people who seem willing to overlook or forgive their wayward tendencies. Illustration by Elena.

Aquarius: Love

Aquarius: Love

Strengths: Spontaneous, natural, enjoyable.

Weakness: Flighty, superficial, unreliable

Interactive style: Lively, animated, particular.

The Aquarius First date, suggested activities

Aquarius first dates are, for the most part, lively and fun-loving. Not interested in hassles or complications, these colorful personalities just want to have a good time. An opportunity to get to know you better and possible deep involvements lie somewhere way down the tracks.

To stay on the rails with Aquarius first dates, you should offer a few choices of restaurants, bars, clubs, or concerts for them to pick from  Don »t be surprised if they have already decided what they want to do, probably five or ten minutes befor you see them. This is not a good idea to make fixed plans before hearing what they have to say at the present moment.

Aquarius first dates move very quickly, both mentally and physically, and they are hard to keep up with. Moreover, you had better take advantage of the first few seconds that you have their attention or have caught their eye, for they are apt to disappear rapidly in the crowd. Do not be surprised if, when trying to pick them up, they suddenly drop all interest in you and turn toward someone else at a party or other social gathering. These ephemeral creatures are hard to pin down, particularly on fist meeting unless the find you highly attractive.

With Aquarians, the fist date is likely to be the last unless you come up with something unusual. Bored with the same old routines,m Aquarius first dates expect a special experience; in particular, they want an activity tailored to their peculiar needs and wants. Listen carefully to what they say and make decisions accordingly if you want to survive the first fifteen minutes together.

Activities involving media and music or danging are good bets. Staring off with a quiet dinner by candlelight is not usually. Aquarians' speed – your romantic intentions toward them will be too blatant, and the time required to sit opposite you in one place will be excessive.

Their first dates are turned off by assumptions you make about them or any obviously practiced routines you fall into that demonstrate your inflexibility and unresponsiveness to their individuality.

Aquarius first dates will be startled and impressed if you can manage to take the lead in whirlwind style and sweep them off their feet. Avoid penny-pinching attitudes such as patting yourself on the back for finding such a good deal for food or entertainment. While respectful or your Aquarius first date's privacy be your liveliest self by flamboyantly leading the way to the next mutually pleasurable experience.

Aquarius first dates will be impressed by the more unusual aspects of your personality and behavior. If they find you truly funny, this is a big step in the right direction. Most Aquarius first dates will show little if any interest in a depressed, unhappy, or troubled personality.

Normally, a couple of bad looks or negative remarks are enough to send Aquarius first dates scurrying off in a flash. Thus if you are truly interested in them, avoid sending any negative signals that could be even remotely interpreted as a brush-off. Smiling, laughing, and above all responding to their light chatter are recommended. Avoid teasing them about their little idiosyncrasies and peculiarities.

If they are not interested, you may never get a second chance since Aquarius first dates can be quite unforgiving of a premature advance. It may work out much better for you to hang back and wait for them to make the first move or, at the very least, flash an unequivocal green light for you to do so.

Governed by the revolutionary planet Uranus, Aquarians tend to be modern, forward-looking individuals who are unusual and accepting of this quality in others. Illustration by Elena.

Luna - Moon Rising

Luna – Moon Rising

By Ian McDonald (excerpt)

(A hundred years in the future, a was has broken out among the Five Dragons – five families who control the moon's leading industrial companies. Each clan does everything in its power to claw its way to the top of the food chain – marriages of convenience, corporate espionage, kidnapping, and mass assassinations).

The rule is this: women of a particular status, in their ninth decade, do not hurry. The do not scurry. A fussy bustle is permissible but it is the limit. A lady never rushes.

Lady Sun rushes, heels clip-clopping in and undignified trot down the palace's curving corridors. Caught between walk and run, here entourage struggles to keep pace with her. The message on Amada's secure channel had ordered her to come at once. Her granddaughter's suite is too near for a moto to arrive in time, too far to avoid the shame of haste. A palanquin, like the dowagers of old China. That would be the very thing. Like the Vorontsovs use to gad around St.Olga, powered by Earth-muscle and youthful enthusiasm. Perfidious Vorontsovs. Lady Sun will not soon forgive the humiliation of the Battle of Hadley, Marooned by VTO, taken in an upholstered cage to Hadley. The smirking politeness of the Mackenzies. Denny Mackenzie grinning his ghastly gold teeth. Grin while you can, golden boy. The power rests elsewhere and when you have served their purpose, the women of Hadley will arrange a boardroom coup, and it will cost you more than your finger. The ransom was insultingly low; Taiyang will recoup it through the breach of contract case against VTO, but it is another unforgivable offense.

Lady Sun instructs her sharp young women and men to wait outside Amanda Sun's appartement. Zhiyuan is present, Tamsin. The whole board. The surprise is Mariano Gabriel Demaria.

“Is it Darius?” Lady Sun asks at once. “What has happened to him?”

“Darius is well,” Zhiyuan says. “Mariano brings information about the Eagle of the Moon.”

“Lady Sun.” Mariando dips his head in respect. “Now that I have the board in full, I can deliver my information. Lucas Corta serves Amanda Sun, plaintiff in the case of Corta versus Corta, Sun and Luna Corta as an Academic Ward of the University of Farside, with a summons to satisfaction at the Court. The time and location of this satisfaction to be mutually agreed, but within one hundred and twenty hours.

“Satisfaction?” Amanda Sun says.

“Trial by combat,?” Lady Sun says.

“I know what it means,” Amanda Sun snaps.

“Ridiculous,” Zhiyuan says. “There hasn't been a satisfaction by combat since...”

“Since Carlinhos Corta opened up Hadley Mackenzie balls to voicebox,” Amanda Sun says. She twists open a vape, inhales deep, exhales slow. “The Cortas have form here.”

“He knows he was a weak case,” Lady Sun says.

Fascinating, ruthless. Every moment with his characters makes them precious, real, and alive. Illustration by Elena.

Exploring the Past and Present

Exploring the Past and Present

An information explosion has taken place, and scientists have gained vast stories of new knowledge in such fields as informatics, space and medicine. Mass communication has helped spread this knowledge. Schools and universities have expanded their courses of study to cover massive amounts of new information. In addition, an increasingly literate public is reading about the latest discoveries.

People are also taking a new interest in the past. Many records of the past have been stored in museums. In the postwar period (after 1945), museums have opened their doors to millions of people. They have mounted well-planned, lively exhibits. Science museums have let people explore complicated space age technology. Museums of art and archaeology have allowed people to learn about other societies.

Proud of their ancient heritages, nations as Egypt and China have allowed museums in other countries to display treasured artifacts. In the 1970s, an exhibit of treasures from Tutankhamon's tomb traveled to the United States and Western Europe. A world tour of Chinese artifacts included 3,000-year-old Shang bronzes and terra cotta figures that had guarded the First Emperor's gave. These exhibits have increased people's curiosity about other people's cultures.

Museums have also collected modern works of art. People flock to see the works of twentieth century masters such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Competition among museums and private collectors to buy modern works of art has caused prices of these pieces to skyrocket.

In the late XXth century, the center of the art world shifted from Paris to New York, and this brought tremendous changes to people around the globe. New nations emerged in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Since 1945, these nations and the developing nations of Latin America have taken a prominent role in world affairs. Improved communication and transportation have put people from different parts of the world in closer touch with each other than ever before. In addition, nations have been tied more closely together by economic needs.

In both developed and developing nations, education has contributed to wide-spread changes. In the United States and Western Europe, college attendance soared in the postwar period. Dozens of new colleges and universities were opened. In the same period, developing nations worked toward increasing literacy rates. Many students from these nations attended universities in the United States and Europe.

Important changes have occurred in the workplace. Working conditions, hours, wages, and fringe benefits have been improved. New inventions have led to the growth to revolutionize industry. On farms, new high-yield crops and machinery have changed the way food is produced.

The movement of people from rural areas to cities has been a worldwide phenomenon in the latest years. In cities and their suburbs, people have easier access to education, jobs, and various forms of popular entertainment. 

Patterns of change in the latest years have also affected women. In developed countries, women have entered the workforce in increasing numbers. Women in many countries have expanded their roles in public life.

All these patterns of growth and change continue to pose challenges to all nations. As in the past, individual societies are developing their own ways of meeting these challenges.

Research scientists working with engineers and technicians have made many advances in technology. Photo by Elena.