Have you read this MURDERBOT short story from 2021?

[alfreda89]

This story (with its long title) came out as a bonus if we pre-ordered NETWORK EFFECT, which I did. And now Tor/Reactor offers it freely to you to read.

I really enjoyed it from Ayda's POV, seeing what SecUnit is and means to her, its confidence in its own realms.

https://reactormag.com/home-habitat-range-niche-territory-martha-wells/

Comments

[estara]

Thanks for the tip, I don't think I did.^^

[alfreda89]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[estara]

Absolutely. Doing a short story internal monologue of a severe PTSD episode while having really important dialogue about the main character and it not even being in the room but making its presence and attitude felt throughout is so amazing to me.

[alfreda89]

I'm not sure I've read all the Murderbot short stories. But of the ones I've read, I thought that this was the best inside the world, and a very strong story by Martha. I'm glad it has gotten out for more folks to see.

[estara]

I still have this underlying hope that the big media will finally discover other female written sf&f and Martha is just the start.

We could have gotten the Vorkosiverse, we could have gotten Michelle West's Essalieyan stories, we could get more Ursula LeGuin or C.J. Cherryh ... - and if one of them hits it big maybe they start investing more

[alfreda89]

They've never discovered the Liaden books, either.

I've had some people try for the Alfredas, but they were trying to scoop up entire series for a song and it didn't go far.

Since the two most qualified people in US history to run on major parties for president were both scuttled because of their sex, I don't know if I can hope to see any other SF by women in this lifetime. I was astonished Murderbot found a home, but the guy who bought the option isn't a typical US team, and they put together a tremendous production team.

Look forward to seeing it eventually, but I go dark for a time after the 4th of July. So not until I get back.

They did get a second season for Murderbot, at least

[estara]

You do have a good point. Hope dies last, I hope ^^.