An Immersion, an Origin, and One Big Shot

Here's the first of three posts for the day. It's another tardy short story post. Look for two more posts today. I will be very angry with myself if I do not get them up.

So, the stories. Let's make this quick and simple. We'll start off with Aliette de Bodard's "Immersion," followed by Ari Goelman's "Origin," and ending the post with "One Shot" by James Blish. Good stories. Hope you enjoy.




Immersion by Aliette de Bodard -- Clarkesworld Magazine
This is an interesting one. The first thing that caught my attention was that de Bodard bounces back and forth between third and second points of view. It's the story of a younger sister trying to follow in her older sister's shoes. And, by using technology called immersers, she can almost become her sister by covering herself up with an avatar and immersing herself in her sister's thoughts. The big themes include addiction and self-confidence, both linked to the usage of the immersers. There's also political/cultural strife with Chinese tradition versus the Galactics (western society). There is a lot going on in this story, but it holds together quite well.

Origin By Ari Goelman -- Escape Pod

This story may actually make a better listen than a read. You be the judge. The story follows a pregnant super heroine who is unsure of her position in life. Her boyfriend (the equivalent of their league's Superman) has larger duties to attend to than just her, so he's gone more than he is around. She doesn't really know what to do, but she is figuring out what to do every day. It makes for a good read, and perhaps an even better listen thanks to the reading of Veronica Giguere. Make sure to check this one out.

One Shot by James Blish -- Astounding Science Fiction, August 1955
A boat has dropped something upriver in New York. It could be a bomb, but no one knows. Authorities enlist the help of a professional gambler to determine whether or not it really is a bomb. It's a decent read. I don't know exactly how it's sci-fi though. Maybe it has something to do with parapsychology and always being able to make the lucky guess. But again, it is decent for a classic.