John Kosichev

Four dystopian yet hopeful science fiction stories explore the power of determination, compassion, and endurance to turn anyone into a hero. Eric is imprisoned and condemned in the place of "John Kosichev," a rebel the police state has never been able to catch. A rebel Eric only superficially resembles, but whose myth could be broken if he's shown in defeat. Trapped in the lie, Eric finds his own truth and the courage to resist. Resisting her supposed duty to help restore the population, Sulanna seeks a way out through "A Marriage, Pure and Good" with Alex, who hides a secret of his own. Their uneasy bond buys time, but as they reckon with the costs of protection, they must decide if they can make anything more of it together. Eresbet finds shelter from the Sky Cities at the ramshackle homestead of mechanic Reila Klaes. Then she finds inspiration in "Reila's Machine," the ornithopter that claims the forbidden right to fly. Most of all, she finds love. But if they're discovered, what will be left of what she and Reila have built? In a secret facility, subjects undergo excruciating experiments to test their healing ability. For these captives, even death offers no escape. Their only hope is to "Outlive" and choose what they will become. This short story collection shares a range of thought-provoking and encouraging possibilities that show whatever form your strength takes, no regime is too powerful to defy.