Asimov, Peril and the Lunar Archives

by Dylan
(Illinois, Wisconsin)

Greetings, OSS!

Been a while since I was able to write, ordinarily I would like to post one response for each of these subjects. Today, however, I'm playing catchup!

So, we'll start with the smallest item - Peril on Pallas is number four on the most viewed list! Congratulations, Zendexor.

In regards to the recent Asimov page, I'm happy to see him get an official page at last. As I've stated before, he's a beloved author of mine. I'd say your criticisms were fair, he doesn't offer much in the way of colorful settings, instead relying on the reader to fill it in. But he has a brilliant mind for plot, which, I think, is essentially the point you made about him.

As for the wonderful Archives of the Moon, well, what can I say? It was a wonderful bit of reading! I enjoyed the Lunar writing, the possible progenitor of the "Ultimate Language" in Valeddom. The story was well paced and well written, with an aura of mystery and ancient evil. I especially enjoyed the segments set on the ancient, inhabited moon, and learning about the Lunar Empire.

I'm currently working on both a Mars and Europa story, myself, although I am quite amateur. I have so far left Mission untouched, to see if another will add to it, but soon I intend to pick that story up again.

Note from Zendexor: Great to hear from you again, Dylan. Can't wait to receive your Mars and Europa tale or tales (not clear whether it's one of each or a combined one). Nothing amateurish about your contributions so far; except in the literal sense of their not being paid, which is regrettable - but then I don't suppose Homer was paid for the Odyssey either, except in renown and influence! However, if a billionaire contributes substantial largesse to the site, I'll see that you get your cut.

Re Mission to the Tenth Planet: it doesn't look as though anyone else is contributing so the story is languishing at the moment. I'm relieved to hear you intend resuming it at some stage. I don't think I could manage to finish it on my own, and besides, its developing contrasts make it a natural for collaboration.

Re Asimov - his plots are indeed the thing! - especially the way he can produce drama out of an idea. The idea is the hero, in a way; and though that may sound bloodless, it works - and I suppose that to make a thing succeed which ought in theory to fail is, one might say, the definition of genius.

Re The Archives of the Moon: if only we had more of the ancient OSS, e.g. from the days of the Lunar Empire. The scope is tremendous, but I can't very well presume on RG's good nature to produce another such freebie. Let's hope other contributors will follow his lead.

Re Peril on Pallas - the congratulations are mutual, needless to say. An experimental yarn, not perfect but successful in arousing interest and, we hope, emulation! I found the collaboration to be great fun.

Comments for Asimov, Peril and the Lunar Archives

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Jun 11, 2016
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Reply to requests for info on next novel
by: Robert Gibson

The new novel will be suitable for treatment on your site insofar as it comes under what you call the "Earth shimmer" - a darned useful label! Earth is, as you say Zendexor, an exceptional planet, extruding extensions of itself, counterparts, dimensional augmentations... My story is set in a universe prior to ours. In that previous universe, we find a foreshadowing of Earth.

A far cry from Valeddom and Uranian Gleams, you may say; have I then abandoned the more traditional OSS? No - the following book will be a return to that theme. The fact is, what with having a number both of "normal OSS" and of "Earth-shimmer" plots in the pipeline, I feel compelled to alternate them, to avoid being typecast as one or the other kind of writer.

Jun 09, 2016
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I'm Curious As Well
by: Dylan

I came just short of asking that myself. I'm sure whatever it is, it will find promotion here!

In an unrelated note, I've just thought of a setting I've never seen used. Theia, the Mars-sized planet which collided with Earth to form the moon and eventually make life here possible, could be an excellent setting for a Minerva-style story.

[Comment from Zendexor: A tale set on Theia - now that would be something. Moreover, you could also have a story set on "Mearth" (later to become Earth-plus-Moon) - the world about to be hit. "Mearth" could have a personality of its own, perhaps inhabited by an igneous race.

I need to add these suggestions to the "Tales Unwritten" page.]

Jun 09, 2016
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What an honor!
by: Dylan

How very generous of Mr. Gibson! I think, Zendexor, that if you do not take him up on his offer, then you are a fool.

Just speaking as a fan, I'm excited to hear that a new novel is indeed in the works. Whether it's an expansion of a world you've already taken us to or a trip to a new one, I'm sure it will be excellent.

[Comment from Zendexor: Don't worry, Dylan, I won't pass up the chance to get the names Harlei and Stid immortalized in RG's next novel. If their heads swell too much, we can always remind them that they don't exist. On the other hand - they do seem to have developed a certain dynamic of their own. Tricky business, this topic of existence. Reminds me of the shadow people in Simak's Way Station. I personally think they were real, and that the hero was wrong to reject the shadow-girl.

By the way, RG, can you give us any advance information about the setting of this forthcoming novel? Is it OSS, and if so, can you tell us what world or worlds it will take us to?]

Jun 08, 2016
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response to Dylan and Zendexor
by: Robert Gibson

Many thanks Dylan for your positive remarks re The Archives of the Moon. And Zendexor, you're welcome to the "freebie", the more so as I am a professional writer only as far as novels are concerned - anything shorter is, for me, a completely different art-form, one which needs to be mastered separately, as if a boxer were to try his hand at cricket. That's why I am progressing so slowly with The Arc of Iapetus - it's hard work resisting a short story's constant pressure to expand into a novel. As Churchill once said, "Sorry about this long letter - I did not have time to write a shorter one."

Now for an announcement full of chutzpah:

As a reward for your support in your pages, Zendexor, I propose to put the names of your alter egos "Harlei" and "Stid" into my next novel. What do you think about that? I almost decided to use your name too, but ran out of impudence. After all, you exist, whereas with Harlei and Stid I reckon I am safe enough, as imaginary people can't sue. (Provided they remain imaginary and don't materialize like Stephen King's The Dark Half.) Of course I'll give due credit on an acknowledgements page. How about it?

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