"Panacea" by Jason Stoddard
This week’s SCI FICTION offering, "Panacea" by Jason Stoddard, is an alternative history tale, set in a world very different from the one we know—thanks to Dr. Pinkman’s Panacea, which grants immortality. In this world, in 1984 Thomas Edison is still alive and well, and working to provide centralized computing services. One of his employees, Grace Murray, has a passionate dream of introducing personal computing for the benefit of the humanity, and as an attempt to battle some old demons. While on a cruise at the Antarctic, Grace finds an unexpected ally—a young man named Bill Henry. The central premise is both well developed and thought provoking.
I was impressed with the detail and convincing depiction of the world in "Panacea." Mr. Stoddard extrapolates from a premise of what would’ve happened if people became immortal in the 1920’s. The speculation rings true, with its old-fashioned ambiance, centralized data processing, no sign of feminism, and chillingly efficient eugenics program. The historical personages are also used well—both Grace Murray (Hopper) and Edison are convincing, coming across as people of flesh and blood, and not pale and transparent encyclopedia entries.
My main gripe concerns the Panacea and the search for its source; this thread, while interesting, was not wrapped up, and served as a diversion from the main conflicts—between old and new, and the idea of "progress" as understood by Edison and Henry. While Grace Murray’s thread was left open too, the ending was still satisfying; not quite so for the panacea thread. I only hope Mr. Stoddard is working on the novel that will clear up my confusion. A very worthwhile read, especially for those who enjoy skillful character development and a fascinating science fictional premise.