by Joe Monson
First published 2023
A consultant learns to bridge the communication gap with ancient alien species whose worldview differs completely from humanity's understanding. When death strikes, one person finds heroism in actions taken beyond the grave. A transport worker faces the classic dilemma of weighing individual needs against collective survival. Madness proves unexpectedly useful when fighting to prevent catastrophic loss. Through seventeen stories, alien observers study humanity's conflicting drives for both freedom and connection. The collection spans space opera adventures and rigorous hard science fiction, featuring established voices like Nancy Fulda, Kevin J. Anderson, and Brad R. Torgersen alongside emerging writers. Each tale examines the difficult decisions people make when protecting those they love, whether the threat comes from the vastness of space or the complexity of first contact with utterly foreign intelligences.
Genres: science-fiction, space-opera, hard-science-fiction
Vibes: emotional, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Space
Period: 21st-Century
308 pages · Paperback · Hemelein Publications