Virtual Center and Other Science Fiction Stories

Discover a mesmerizing journey through futuristic landscapes with 'Virtual Centre and Other Science Fiction Stories.' This compelling collection of science fiction tales delves into themes of technology, identity, and societal evolution. The collection kicks off with the award-winning 'Virtual Centre,' a gripping narrative that examines the consequences of affluent individuals choosing to live their lives virtually, while the underprivileged are left to navigate their realities. This powerful allegory of social disparity challenges our perceptions of wealth and existence.

Explore the fascinating tale of 'Hatchling,' where the legendary tiyanak of Philippine folklore comes to life, or dive into 'The Creator Defends His Creation,' a thought-provoking story that illuminates the ethical dilemmas surrounding artificial intelligence and androids in politics. Allow the enigmatic figure from Venus in 'By the Light of the Moon' to captivate you, as she embodies the intersection of alien lore and human belief systems. 'The Sincerest Form of Flattery' brings forth themes of cloning and familial rivalry, raising questions about individuality and legacy. Finally, 'The Beautiful and the Whole' takes you through a stark post-apocalyptic world, where a nation strives to recover through stringent laws on marriage and reproduction, exploring the impacts of war on human connection.

Perfect for fans of speculative fiction and anyone intrigued by the future of humanity, this book is a must-read. Get your copy of 'Virtual Centre and Other Science Fiction Stories' now and be part of the conversation about our tech-dominated future!

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9789814882972
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 2021
Publisher: Penguin Random House SEA
Pages: 144


Description:
A collection of science fiction that borders on science possible, Virtual Centre and Other Science Fiction Stories brings to you some brilliant, adventurous possibilities of our tech-dominant lives.
Virtual Centre is the first in this collection and is the 2002 Palanca Awards first-prize winner for Futuristic Fiction. It tells the story of rich people who have chosen to live the rest of their lives virtually while poor people care for them-until a young anarchist attempts to disrupt the system. Hatchling refers to the monster tiyanak of Philippine supernatural lore. The Creator Defends His Creation is the testimony of a man standing trial for fraud for building an android and getting him elected as president. By the Light of the Moon introduces an alien figure from Venus who revels in being hailed as the goddess Haliya, protector of the timid moon god. The Sincerest Form of Flattery is the story of a girl who maintains a lifelong resentment against her younger sister, a clone of her grandmother. The Beautiful and the Whole is a post-apocalyptic story in which a
nation, in an attempt to rejuvenate its population after a devastating world war, has instituted restrictive laws regarding marriage and reproduction.