Aurealis #67, February 2014Reviewed by Cyd Athens
“Transit of Hadley” by Tsana Dolichva
Colonists on Posidonius, with its rain and endless ocean that forces the population to live on pontoons, learn that Earth has become uninhabitable. Xia, a micro and microxeno biologist, is emotionally devastated. She gets depressed and contemplates suicide until her brother and his girlfriend—a relationship she was too obtuse to notice—give her surprising, and uplifting, news. This story moves slowly, and Xia’s response to the situation comes across as stilted.
“Flood Samaritan Law” by Jennie A. Rix
In this post-apocalyptic tale, Susan, now fifteen, was, as a newborn, rescued from the Flood by Pete who is partnered with Nate. This is a time when the water is radioactive, and prolonged exposure to it can cause radiation sickness or death. Pete has been diving for years to provide for the family. Because of the titular law, Susan is forced to give her recently located biological father, Darryl, a chance at parenting her. This intricately woven story addresses a number of issues—among them, being a teenager, same-sex relationships, and what really makes a family.
Cyd Athens indulges a speculative fiction addiction from 45ø 29 30.65 N, 122ø 35 30.91 W.