E-Book Overview
The future isn't here yet. But don't worry. It will be. Welcome to Orion's Arm, a scenario set thousands of years in the future when civilization spans the stars. Godlike ascended intelligences rule vast interstellar empires, and lesser factions seek to carve out their own dominions through intrigue and conquest. And out beyond the edge of civilized space and the human friendly worlds, adventure awaits those prepared to risk all. Collected here for your consideration are twelve stories exploring the Orion's Arm universe, spanning years and light-years to examine a complex and diverse future from its beginnings in the colonized Solar System to its continuing advance toward an uncertain destiny. About the Orion's Arm Universe Project Orion's Arm is a work in progress, a space opera setting like no other. It spans the next ten thousand years of galactic history, from the near future interplanetary colonization to distant eras when humanity's descendants have split into millions of different species ruled by superhuman machines. It incorporates hard science, and the "soft" or social sciences to create a rich and complex vision of a world that might someday be. The Orion's Arm Universe Project is continually growing and evolving as more contributions are added, and will therefore never be complete. We invite you to join us on this journey of imagination; after all it looks like we've barely gotten started, and there are still many worlds left to explore.
E-Book Content
After Tranquility Tales from ORION’S ARM Volume 2
Orion’s Arm Universe Project
This is a work of fiction. The events and characters described herein are imaginary and are not intended to refer to specific places or living persons. The opinions expressed in this manuscript are solely the opinions of the author and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of the publisher. The author has represented and warranted full ownership and/or legal right to publish all materials in this book. After Tranquility: Tales from Orion’s Arm Vol. 2 All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2014 Edited by the Orion’s Arm Universe Project Posh Girls copyright © 2000 by M. Alan Kazlev Midwinter copyright © 2012 by Stephen Inniss In the Hall o f the Flesh Sculptors copyright ©2004 by David Jackson Severing copyright © 2006 by Josie Goodman Ghostkill copyright © 2012 by Steve Bowers The Passenger copyright © 2000 by Anders Sandberg Chaos Under Heaven copyright © 2001 by Jim Wisniewski Bunny Love Has No Limits copyright © 2010 by Daniel Eliot Boese The Immortalist copyright © 2012 by Darren Ryding New Home copyright © 2012 by Ron Bennett The Fabulist copyright © 2006 by Todd Drashner Homecoming copyright © 2007 by Chris Shaeffer Introduction copyright © 2014 by Bill Ernoehazy Cover Artwork copyright © 2012 by Arthur Kohorn Edited by Todd Drashner, with the Orion’s Arm Editing Team Special thanks to Chris topher Spiel This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
Contents Introduction Glossary of Terms Synopsis: Posh Girls Midwinter In the Hall of the Flesh Sculptors Severing Ghostkill The Passe nger Chaos Under Heaven Bunny Love Has No Limits The Immortalist New Home The Fabulist Homecoming About the Cover Artist About the Authors
Introduction The Future Isn’t Here Yet… In 2000, two science fiction fans, M. Alan Kazlev and Donna Hirsekorn, were engaged in correspondence about the kinds of stories they would like to read. They wanted stories set in a future which might really happen; one which was utterly fantastic and wondrous, yet grounded in the most accurate scientific knowledge we possess. They were interested in stories of space travel, and m