The End of SFSS
Quite tired of sci-fi: today, I see no good reason to continue. But for me, and I hope for you too, it's been a lot of good times since 2019. All the best to you.
Edit: changed my mind.
Old MechWarriors Never (1998) – Ken St. Andre
I strongly suggest that you listen to your favorite instrumental (words deconcentrate) music while reading this piece of art.
The Valor of Cappen Varra – Poul Anderson
“Let little Cappen go,” they shouted. “Maybe he can sing the trolls to sleep—”
Message from Space – Patrick Abbott
First encounter tales, especially with language being an issue, intrigue me because of the cultural exchange angle. Here, communication and interpretation are key, leaving the reader to decide what the message is and if it is a good or bad thing (Patrick Abbott)
One Faith
On the Art of Reading
Short interview: Wole Talabi
“Goodbye, Martian!” (1962) – R. Yarov
In this Russian story, a boy's nighttime forest journey sparks an improbable encounter (or so it seems).
On the future of SFSS
As you may have read earlier, I've taken a break. Today, I'm ready to relaunch SFSS in a new direction. I don't feel like publishing Western stories anymore, so I'm looking elsewhere.
The Game of Rat and Dragon (1955) – Cordwainer Smith
Among other things, Paul Linebarger (aka Cordwainer Smith) was heavily involved in developing psychological warfare techniques for the US military. He was also a close adviser to Chiang Kai-shek and the godson of Sun Yat-sen, the first leader of the Kuomintang (Wikipedia)