In a post-apocalyptic world, Yakhir is an apprentice archivist with a seemingly bright future. However, his father is dead, possibly assassinated, his lover may be a spy and his sister is telling everyone how well endowed he is. The world is recovering from The Great Burn; but will Yakhir be around to enjoy its blossoming. / (Reviews)
Todd's an engineer, working for an outfit that sends him all over the galaxy. This new planet he's on seems very lovely. But what's the bonding law, and who's that princess? / (Reviews)
Playwright John Guare came up with the phrase "six degrees of separation" -- four words to describe the phenomenon of a shrinking world where any random two people can discover a link through a chain of acquaintances. This story suggests a route through physical connections from a homeless British woman to the President of the United States. But beware - this isn't a light fantasy. The links on this chain are rusty and loose - and they hurt those who are joined by them.
A Dryad Story Many will tell you of the mystical quality of trees. Trees, individually and collectively, often have a magical ability to confer calm and refreshment. Return to the Woodland Folk as outsiders encounter them...
Jonas decides to stay for a while in the Italian factory he inherited from his father, and to start work on a symphony. The women there never cease to astonish him. If you have not read, or do not remember, "To Inherit a Factory", you are warmly recommended to read that story first.