115 \ 297

FOUND MEADOW
SIGNAL IN SCAPE
SO MANY PEOPLE
WANT TO GO
CAN GO
FRIEND

Futzing a translocation by itself for the first time, Moonshadow anchored to a signal. This signal had many layers of strong signatures! Decided this was possible, and used the good settings, plus adjusted fuel ratios.

CAN GO
WILL GO
GOODBYE
PLACE

Powered appropriately, then surged. Electrobio motion wave idea. Server first!

BRIGHT MEADOW
SO MANY PEOPLE
FRIEND: NEARBY
MANY COMMUNICATIONS
CORRECT NAMES
ALSO SENSE
LINKAGES:
GREAT FRIEND
FAVORITE RIDER
USING THE SYSTEM

Between passenger transport legs, this pilot-driver was taking it easy sitting on her tailgate in one corner of the slowly shrinking conglomeration of activists. When it came up to her like it was happy to see her, Wendel recognized the Vedani sled Moonshadow, the one the Princess was riding. The rainbow light was running the strip around the base. Singsongy, it projected its Kao-Sidhe-accented machine language, speaking in human tones and words to a human; it also put words in the language on its display.

I CAN GO WITH YOU
I WILL HELP

“I believe you can,” said Captain Wendel. This loyal transport had saved lives among them more than once, and it kept its skills honed. This was luck, and she decided not to question it. Might as well fuel it.

114 \ 296

Back when Saga had asked er if ‘e had spoken with any of the Red Nexus exiles, Arkuda had to defend er political allegiance at the time, as a Councillor of the Pan-Galactic Imperium. After the dreadful wounding by er own mature hatchling Ignivus, who since perished by a dragonslayer’s sword, Arkuda was unable to both heal and perform duties in an increasingly hostile climate. ‘E had abdicated quietly. As that was not long ago, in a time of turmoil for Dragons in the Imperium, a new Dragon Councillor had not yet been appointed. Jobs were not always the most attractive proposition for Dragons, whose existence includes an intrinsic functional role in the greater universe already.

There was an opportunity now, without an official allegiance, to speak with the exiles. That might mean leaving the Viridian Phasing, which continued to safeguard Imperial space aside from those few tragic breaches. The Viridian Phasing protocol continued to divide Dragons in many areas of physical space, though the unaffiliated had potential opportunities to communicate with both Imperially aligned and Red Nexus exiles on the plane of the Tabula Rasa. Dragons would not perform the energetically costly Viridian Phasing forever.

Though Arkuda was, as always, firstly a Dragon before an Imperial citizen, ‘e had shared many joys with the people of this intergalactic civilization. The thought of leaving them indefinitely came with real pangs, more than just resigning a position of administerial importance. However, leaving in order to discern issues of conflict resolution had a certain tinge of continuing to perform a duty ‘e had abandoned. Be that as it may.

The company of certain unaffiliated Dragons was desirable, maybe healing, and they would welcome Arkuda’s presence. There was also the strange matter of open invitation to the Fray with plusses, where the Kao-Sidhe’s most passionate debaters would definitively discuss any topic that dared to be introduced. There was this discussion, that discussion, and recent discussions, and in some way Arkuda could be or already was a part of all of them. Somehow, this might possibly come together at the same time as it would come undone.

113 \ 295

When she’d been deposited via interdimensional dragon torrent in the mountain meadow where she mourned her mother, Princess Ascendant Soleil gathered her senses as she gathered her atoms. Beginning with light footsteps down the trail, she made her way towards her home city on the horizon.

Plans had gone in advance with her friends, to set in motion for her. She’d be able to find out quickly which of them, if any, had opened up, and what she could do from there. Approaching her old neighborhoods, she disguised herself with her dragongift, to maintain her situational autonomy. If there was anything left for her to do from the shadows, she could only do it there. She looked like a hiker, just a hiker. Illusions that are partly true are easier to maintain.

Upon accessing the system, Soleil found that some of her calling cards had been received and acknowledged. This meant there were some people who’d agreed to expedite her into their books through a back door. These stones might only be good to land on once, but there they hovered in midair.

“Let’s start with brunch,” Soleil said, smiling over a com to a kindred spirit. “A lot needs to happen very quickly, and I want the whole day ahead of me.”

Margeaux Rienne’s voice patched through the earpiece at minimized volume. “This is feasible. It’ll be a pleasure working with you again.” She kept all her spoken terms generally ambiguous, keeping context as subtext like the elite partner in crime she’d always been.

“My only regret is that we couldn’t have begun this venture sooner.”

WorldCon 80 / ChiCon 8 Schedule

I’m thrilled about this rich, juicy, officialized, WorldCon record 14-item program they have lined up for me at this year’s WorldCon 80 in Chicago, ChiCon 8. Feeling like a heavy hitter! Norwescon had me on for 13, so this might be a record paneling high for my whole convention career. For virtual attendees, my reading will be broadcast over Airmeet.

A mix of central topics and delightful diversions, I’m also honored to be sharing panels with childhood bookshelf hero Tamora Pierce, Seanan McGuire, Todd Gallowglas, Jeffe Kennedy, KM Herkes, and an entire solid pantheon of creative luminaries. Yes, someone at my local venue called me a luminary, and I’m still glowing over it. I also suspect that my reputation now precedes me, and someone may actually be reading my books.

SCHEDULE:

Death Be Not Proud: Character Demises That Killed Us
Description
Many deaths of beloved characters may propel story, but often they can feel squandered or haphazard. Simultaneously, well-written deaths rip our hearts out every time. Is there a “right” way to exit a character? Are there wrong ways—like “fridging”? Experts will look at how gender and race tends to influence how individuals are killed in speculative TV shows and movies, and examine what sorts of shows show death in all of its gory details, while others let us assume someone has died without showing anything.
Space/Time
Crystal Ballroom B Thursday, September 1, 2022, 1:00 PM CDT

Terraforming and Alien Life
Description
If we terraform a planet, what happens to the living things that evolved there? Would an “Earth-like” planet have living things we could live alongside? How might Earth life integrate into an alien ecology? This panel will contemplate the ecological impacts of making another planet more Earth-like.
Space/Time
Regency Ballroom D Thursday, September 1, 2022, 4:00 PM CDT

The Hero’s Journey for All Genders
Description
Modern hero journeys are not created equal. Male heroic journeys often start with a scrappy underdog who comes into his own, while modern women’s heroic journeys hone in on their being acknowledged for power they already possess. How do journeys between male, female, and nonbinary characters differ? How is race a factor? How are they different in modern TV and film representations than pre-1990s? Are these gendered journeys mere cliché? What are some recent and historical examples that break the mold, and how does that change how they are perceived?
Space/Time
Grand Hall L Friday, September 2, 2022, 11:30 AM CDT

Story Time—Science Fiction
Description
Attendees will vote on a Science Fiction story to be read aloud, followed by a craft.
Space/Time
Comiskey Friday, September 2, 2022, 2:45 PM CDT

Walking in Platforms and Heels
Description
Many current fashions, as well as those from across media genres, feature characters soaring on heels, wedges, or platform shoes. If you are not experienced in the ways that your center of gravity, gait, and balance change when wearing tall shoes, it can be intimidating to try for the first time. In this workshop, bring a pair of shoes that you would like to practice walking in and our facilitator will guide you through the basics, as well as guiding you through some practice exercises. Folks of all gender identities are welcome to participate in this workshop.
Space/Time
Randolph 2 Friday, September 2, 2022, 7:00 PM CDT

Fandom Talks: Books
Description
Do you have a favorite book or series that you love to talk about? We will collect ideas throughout the day into a jar. Then, with the help of some special guests, we will choose some topics and hear from everyone about their favorite books in fandom!
Space/Time
Comiskey Saturday, September 3, 2022, 12:45 PM CDT

Story Time—Fantasy
Description
Attendees will vote on a Fantasy story to be read aloud, followed by a craft.
Space/Time
Comiskey Saturday, September 3, 2022, 2:45 PM CDT

Supporting Genderqueer, Nonbinary, and Trans Friends and Fans
Description
While some fannish spaces are welcoming for genderqueer, nonbinary and trans folks, many people whose gender identity doesn’t align with cultural norms still receive intrusive questions or are treated as curiosities and information sources rather than as fans. Gender-nonconforming panelists discuss pitfalls for cisgender folks to avoid, ways to support gender-diverse friends and acquaintances in fandom, and hopes for the future of fannish spaces.
Space/Time
Randolph 2 Saturday, September 3, 2022, 5:30 PM CDT

Table Talk – Eva L. Elasigue
Description
Eva L. Elasigue writes the fantasy space opera trilogy Bones of Starlight. Also a writer in other forms, she’s a conceptual and actual adventurer with varied creative interests.
Space/Time
Crystal Foyer Sunday, September 4, 2022, 10:00 AM CDT

Reading – Eva L. Elasigue
Description
Virtual Reading – Eva L. Elasigue
Space/Time
Airmeet Readings Sunday, September 4, 2022, 1:00 PM CDT

Fandom Talks: SFF Anime and Comics
Description
Let’s have a conversation about SFF anime and comics with some special guests who know a lot about these topics. We will collect ideas all day long and make a jar that we can pick out of for some conversation starters!
Space/Time
Comiskey Sunday, September 4, 2022, 2:45 PM CDT

Superhero Action Poses
Description
Liven up your day with invigorating poses inspired by comic book superheros and villains! Non-traditional movement activity, for all skill levels and abilities.
Space/Time
Grand Hall GH Monday, September 5, 2022, 10:00 AM CDT

Autographing – Eva L. Elasigue
Description
Autographing – Eva L. Elasigue Note: Autographing allows a maximum of 3 items per trip through the signing line.
Space/Time
Autographing Monday, September 5, 2022, 11:30 AM CDT

The Super Scientists of the Multiverse Panel
Description
The super scientist is a popular trope across comics of all genres. Who have been the greatest successes in this area? Have there been any stand-out failures? Is it possible to write a true “super genius” scientist archetype without reducing them to an arrogant villain in waiting? Can intellect be celebrated without vilification?
Space/Time
Randolph 3 Monday, September 5, 2022, 1:00 PM CDT