Hardcover, 99 pages
English language
Published Nov. 1, 2023 by Avery Hill Publishing Limited.
The time approaches when the mineral that makes inter-system jump navigation possible will run out. When the last piece has gone the vast and scattered inhabitants of the galaxy will be stuck wherever they are. Some will have the means to choose this - others will take what they've got or at least what they can get. Either way, society as it has been for aeons will exist in a new state.
In the face of this impending seismic change the crew of a small cargo freighter will struggle to make a living amid the chaos and desperation. Survival would be enough but a chance discovery alters their plans and may prove to be a vital key to unlocking a future for all - no just the chosen few...
Per usual, Mr. Pomery can build the hell out of a world. The characterizations are great, the world has a novel flavor, and it’s a jewel of a slice. The only short coming is that unlike Victory Point, it doesn’t feel as complete. It’s a story that begs for more, and perhaps one day it might be a thing, but what’s here is great.
1) "The Hard Switch is coming. This is the name people have given to the point when alcanite runs out. The once commonplace mineral that enables inter-system jump navigation. When the last piece has gone, the vast, diverse and scattered inhabitants of the galaxy will be stuck wherever they are. Some will have the means to choose this. Others will take what they've got. Or at least the best they can get."
2) "'Welcome! Oh, what's this? A pet?' 'Don't... touch... the glass.' Hhhrrrkkk...! 'I'm an engineer.'"
3) "'Hallsman.' 'Fuck! You scared me. This is a very alarmist way to deliver my payment.'"
4) "'They increased the size of the landing disc to take mega-freight, in a bid to get as much mineral off-planet before The Switch. People here are working overtime to make as much out of it as possible before it all shuts down. Makes no sense though, …
1) "The Hard Switch is coming. This is the name people have given to the point when alcanite runs out. The once commonplace mineral that enables inter-system jump navigation. When the last piece has gone, the vast, diverse and scattered inhabitants of the galaxy will be stuck wherever they are. Some will have the means to choose this. Others will take what they've got. Or at least the best they can get."
2) "'Welcome! Oh, what's this? A pet?' 'Don't... touch... the glass.' Hhhrrrkkk...! 'I'm an engineer.'"
3) "'Hallsman.' 'Fuck! You scared me. This is a very alarmist way to deliver my payment.'"
4) "'They increased the size of the landing disc to take mega-freight, in a bid to get as much mineral off-planet before The Switch. People here are working overtime to make as much out of it as possible before it all shuts down. Makes no sense though, when all planets are isolated again, economies will become localised and no one has any idea what the Standard will be worth here by then. But no one is thinking long term, everyone believes they have a plan to get off-world before the bridges go down. They think they're unique in that too. But in reality the maths doesn't work. How about you?' 'Ah, don't worry about us. We've got a plan.' 'Haha. Of course.'"
5) "'Brace yourselves, this won't be graceful.'"
