Find an Author
Issue Points
Bibliography
Stephen Baxter
|
 |
|
SYNOPSIS |
|
Michael Poole's father, Harry, twinkled into existence in the middle of the Hermit Crab's lifedome. Glimmering pixels cast highlights onto the bare, domed ceiling before coalescing into a stocky, smiling, smooth-faced figure, dressed in a single-piece sky-blue suit. It's good to see you, son. You're looking well.'
Michael Poole sucked on a bulb of malt whisky and glowered at his father. The roof was opaque, but the transparent floor revealed a plane of comet ice over which Harry seemed to hover, suspended. 'Like hell I am,' Michael growled. His voice, rusty after decades of near-solitude out here in the Oort Cloud, sounded like gravel compared to his father's smooth tones. I'm older than you/
Harry laughed and took a tentative step forward. I'm not going to argue with that. But your age is your choice. You shouldn't drink so early in the day, though.'
The Virtual's projection was slightly off, so there was a small, shadowless gap between Harry's smart shoes and the floor; Michael smiled inwardly, relishing the tiny reminder of the unreality of the scene.
|
|
|
