The Humans
Humans are one of the few intelligent beings in the galaxy who haven’t quite solved the problem of death. And yet they don’t spend their whole lives screeching and howling in terror, clawing at their own bodies, or rolling around on the floor. Some humans do that - I...
The Captain and the Glory
There were a number of possible replacements for the Admiral - a dozen or so crew members who had steered great ships before, who knew nautical navigation and maritime law. There were at least ten, in fact, who had worked on this particular ship for decades and knew...
Capital
‘Hello, I’m in a rush,’ her lawyer began, as he often did, ‘but there’s some news I wanted you to have and it’s not good news I’m afraid: there’s a rumour the high court is going to rule that it’s legal to deport failed asylum-seekers back to Zimbabwe. It’s because of...
The Dialogue of Two Snails
(A young lady with a lace parasol comes along counting her steps. Upon reaching a little brook, she hesitates. Then she jumps.) Black...
Descending Figure
PORTRAIT A child draws the outline of a body.She draws what she can, but it is white all through,she cannot fill in what she knows is there.Within the unsupported line, she knowsthat life is missing; she has cutone background from another. Like a child,she turns to...