“It’s a magical world, Hobbes, ol’ buddy….Let’s go exploring!” –Bill Watterson, “Calvin and Hobbes” “Ten unis that we find microbial life there, sir?” “I’m not betting with you, Ted,” Cmdr. Tatenda Marechera chuckled. “Even if I win, what will I spend it on?” “Hala? Viktor?” “No chance, Ted,” Maj. Hala Nejem said. “One, my dad …
Author: D.X. Machina
Chapter One: This Little Light Titan: Contact by D.X. Machina
“In the starry realms above/God will mete as we may measure.” –Friedrich Schiller, “An die Freude” Shang Xiao Xú Mùlán sat up, icy gel sliding off her body with a sickening thwuck, which was soon replaced by the even more sickening retching of Xú. “Easy, Ma’am,” the quiet Australian doctor said. “Just lie back. You’re …
Biographies Titan: Contact by D.X. Machina
Crew of the Stanisław Lem Shang Xiao Xú Mùlán, Commanding, TSS Stanisław Lem Age: 39 Height: 5’8” Birthplace: Shanghai, People’s Republic of China Home: Shanghai, United Chinese Republic Xú Mùlán served as a pilot during the Short War, and that convinced her that she didn’t want to fight for a living. Instead, she turned to exploration, …
Chapter 7 Titan: Campaign by D.X. Machina
“Winning may not be everything, but losing has little to recommend it.” —Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Cal. Loona stood on the stage, and at the same time, she felt very much as if she was standing beside it. It seemed impossible. And yet here she was, standing before a cheering crowd, smiling to her supporters. Her …
Chapter Six Titan: Campaign by D.X. Machina
“Those who cannot understand how to put their thoughts on ice should not enter into the heat of debate.” —Friedrich Nietzsche Two weeks before Election Day, and Tannhauser West was as close as it could get. The Kokinae Report had moved the race from “Leans Incumbent” to “Toss-Up,” and polls all put Armac and Zapat …
Chapter Five Titan: Campaign by D.X. Machina
“When I ran for governor, was I ambitious? Yes. Anyone, male or female, who goes through the trials of a campaign must be ambitious.” —Ambassador Madeleine M. Kunin The house was full-to-overflowing with guests, and Loona moved between them fluidly, like she’d been doing this her whole life. “So nice of you to come, Judicator. …
Chapter Four Titan: Campaign by D.X. Machina
“The hardest thing about any political campaign is how to win without proving that you are unworthy of winning.” —Sen. Adalai E. Stevenson, D-Ill. “’Of course Titans are bigots.’ That’s what Loona Armac’s friend believes. Does she believe it too?” “That’s not what I meant!” Nonah yelled at the vidscreen. “She damn well knows it!” …
Chapter Three Titan: Campaign by D.X. Machina
“A gaffe is when a politician tells the truth.” —Michael Kinsley Loona had to admit, she’d feared that her entrance into the race would spook Zapat, that he’d hold off on switching caucuses now that a challenger had arisen. But the legislature had come back into session, and Zapat had been handed the chair …
Chapter Two Titan: Campaign by D.X. Machina
“Frankly, if you do politics, you should not be thinking about your dignity.” —Aung San Suu Kyi “So how did you like Mikel?” “Ugh. Don’t start with this again, Pryvani,” Loona said. It had been a week since Pryvani had floated the idea of her running, and while Loona had to admit, she was toying …
Chapter One Titan: Campaign by D.X. Machina
“Politics is not a game. It is an earnest business.” —Sir Winston Churchill Loona walked through the door, leaned up against the wall, and sighed. Thirteen years, it had been, since she helped Niall Freeman win his job at Tannhauser. Thirteen years since she helped save Darren. And in many ways, those thirteen years had …