★★★☆☆ Average
(Colony SF) When humans arrive at an alien planet, the local hive minds struggle to decide how to respond to the invasion. (2,569 words; Time: 08m)
"The Selves We Leave Behind," by Gwendolyn Clare [bio] (edited by Trevor Quachri), appeared in Analog Science Fiction and Fact issue 03-04|18, published on February 15, 2018 by Penny Publications.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: It’s an excellent description of how we might meet a race so alien to ourselves that mutual misunderstandings lead to war.
Con: There are a number of contradictions or at least implausible elements. We’re told that, Kappa’s loss is hard to bear, but then Gamma’s suicide is a relief. In a mass mind, you’d think the units would be expendable. Also, you wouldn’t think the strategy of lying still and not moving would extend to letting yourself be dissected. And why couldn’t the humans tell Kappa was alive, even if it wasn’t moving?
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 03-04|18)
Gwendolyn Clare Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
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Con: There are a number of contradictions or at least implausible elements. We’re told that, Kappa’s loss is hard to bear, but then Gamma’s suicide is a relief. In a mass mind, you’d think the units would be expendable. Also, you wouldn’t think the strategy of lying still and not moving would extend to letting yourself be dissected. And why couldn’t the humans tell Kappa was alive, even if it wasn’t moving?
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 03-04|18)
Gwendolyn Clare Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Follow RSR on Twitter, Facebook, RSS, or E-mail.
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