Analog Science Fiction and Fact - April 2014

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This month, we have a blend of stories both serious and less than so, in honor of April’s silliest day—Tax Day, of course; what, you thought I meant something else?

An ecologist has to use his training to unravel a complex and dangerous mystery in Jordan Jeffers’ “A Fierce, Calming Presence”; tongue planted firmly in cheek, Lavie Tidhar tells a story that science fiction fans might find a bit . . . familiar in “Whaliens”; “The Oracle of Boca Raton” by Eric Bayliss suggests that artificial intelligences may not have any more patience for stupidity than the rest of us; Ian Randal Strock’s “It’s Not ‘The Lady or the Tiger,’ It’s ‘Which Tiger?’” is a tale of unintended lessons learned via time travel; and more, with stories from writers like
Don Webb and Diane Turnshek.

Our fact article is the next in Edward M. Lerner’s series looking at the science behind various SF tropes, this one titled “Alien Dimensions: The Universe Next Door.”

Finally, we have the white-knuckled conclusion to Karl Schroeder’s Lockstep. Toby has decided to face his pursuers head on, but when he confronts them, will family ties prove stronger than the
bonds of friendship? No matter who wins, the Lockstep Empire will never be the same.