(SF) You're having a baby. The first Human-Tharkan hybrid. And everyone wants into the act--including both governments. (5,172 words; Time: 17m)
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ Not Recommended
Recommended By: SFRevu:4 RHorton:4"The Birth Will Take Place on a Mutually Acceptable Research Vessel," by Matthew Bailey (edited by John Joseph Adams), appeared in Lightspeed Magazine issue 71, published on April 1, 2016.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: It is very moving how the powerful mother-child bond makes itself so evident to the Tharkans that they insist the mother be granted her rights.
Con: The idea of a human-alien hybrid is so ridiculous that it's impossible to suspend disbelief for this story. The notion that governments would care about a hybrid birth (other than to demand it be aborted) is also impossible to credit. As is the idea of a human suddenly acquiring the aliens' ability to communicate via telepathy.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 71)
Matthew Bailey Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB
Con: The idea of a human-alien hybrid is so ridiculous that it's impossible to suspend disbelief for this story. The notion that governments would care about a hybrid birth (other than to demand it be aborted) is also impossible to credit. As is the idea of a human suddenly acquiring the aliens' ability to communicate via telepathy.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 71)
Matthew Bailey Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB
I was able to suspend disbelief and enjoy this. I thought the second person narration was done well and was a good choice.
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