While single-gender worlds are not new in science fiction, this is a rare consideration of the start of such a transformation, by way of a sexually transmitted disease that renders the infected person’s gametes diploid. For men, the result is infertility. For women, the result is the capacity to reproduce asexually: spontaneous pregnancies (unless they take a hormonal contraceptive) of genetically identical clones. As the story guides readers through the initial outbreak via journalistic and personal lenses, a range of reactions is highlighted: legislative action, scientific study, religious outrage, and burgeoning panic. This is a timely story, given the current political climate in the United States (where the story is set) with increasingly invasive attempts to police bodies across gender lines.
Greg Egan3.5 Another great entry. Years earlier when Vesta was colonized, all agreed that their decedents would share equally in the any profits made. The Sivadier family brought more to the effort and their offspring would be paid more and this was agreed to by the original settlers. Generations later, a campaign was started by, let's face it, envious, people to label the ancestors of the current generation of Sivadier's as cunning thieves who stole from the others and were now demanding that the “freeloaders” pay them a tax. Because they are such a minority the tax passes and a bit of a peaceful rebellion breaks out. A Sivadier is beaten to death in public and then the rebellion turns nasty leading to persecution and the only thing to do is escape Vesta by riding the large pieces of basalt that are being sent to Ceres, a neutral outpost. A ship visiting Vesta decides to carry eight-hundred “wanted” criminals off the asteroid, heading for Ceres. When Vesta sends a warship they are left with a choice of handing over the eight-hundred or risk the lives of the four-thousand riders of basalt, the courses of which have been slightly altered by Vesta.
David D. Levine0.0 In the extremities of war, we may know what we've been, but not what we will become. "Damage" is a tale of desperate times, desperate measures, and the inner life of a fighter spacecraft.
Sarah Pinsker5.0 In a near future of decaying infrastructure, isolation and widespread fear, Luce Silva is perpetually on tour with her punk band in an aging van. Audiences are enthusiastic but tiny, since most people prefer immersive holo music performances in their own homes. Luce lives for the interaction between musicians and listeners in live performance, but she is fully aware that the band's existence is marginal, so an offer from a holo company creates a real dilemma.
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