(SF) Badar has a 4-year contract sits all alone at a salvage site on Kepler-186f. (3,420 words; Time: 11m)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ Average
Recommended By: GDozois:4"Salvage Opportunity," by Jack Skillingstead [bio] (edited by Neil Clarke), appeared in Clarkesworld issue 114, published on March 1, 2016.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: The theme of this story is "how Badar learned he needed companionship." It kicks off with him wishing he could touch his companion. He's not thrilled with his companion's solution to that problem, and he even denies he really wants company, but when he says "I'm lonely" at the end, his journey is complete.
Con: Much of the situation is very contrived. The company didn't realize you need more than one person (or at least more support)? The android can't be switched off? Really?
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 114)
Jack Skillingstead Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Con: Much of the situation is very contrived. The company didn't realize you need more than one person (or at least more support)? The android can't be switched off? Really?
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 114)
Jack Skillingstead Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
A humorous but insightful look at introversion and introspection.
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