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A Problem in Translation
What is humanity to do when faced by aliens whose language is vague at best? What is humanity to do when faced by aliens that are worshipped or feared by almost every other species in the universe? What is humanity to do when faced by aliens that make decisions that seem completely illogical?
These are the questions that must be answered by Captain Shiro Takahashi and the crew of the Astrid, and failing to come up with the right answers could lead to the annihilation of humanity at the prehensile limbs of the Lemec.
Governing, but not governing, most of the nearby galaxy, the Lemec are a powerful species that no one really understands, and this is just how the Lemec want it. Captain Takahashi is trying to understand, but the Lemec try to block his actions at every turn. How can he ever hope to save humanity, and do the Lemec even care if humanity is saved?
These are the questions that must be answered by Captain Shiro Takahashi and the crew of the Astrid, and failing to come up with the right answers could lead to the annihilation of humanity at the prehensile limbs of the Lemec.
Governing, but not governing, most of the nearby galaxy, the Lemec are a powerful species that no one really understands, and this is just how the Lemec want it. Captain Takahashi is trying to understand, but the Lemec try to block his actions at every turn. How can he ever hope to save humanity, and do the Lemec even care if humanity is saved?
150 pages, Paperback
First published February 29, 2012
4 people want to read
About the author
J. Alan Erwine
109 books44 followersJ Alan Erwine is a science fiction writer and editor with more than 40 short stories sold to date. In addition, he has three short story collections currently available. He has written three novels, The Opium of the People, Red Moon Rising, and his third novel, A Problem in Translation will be released on March 1st, 2012.
As an editor, J has edited more than a dozen books for such publishers as ProMart Publishing, Sam's Dot Publishing, and Nomadic Delirium Press. He also does freelance editing in his free time...ha ha...
He is also the co-designer of the Ephemeris Science Fiction Role Playing Game.
As an editor, J has edited more than a dozen books for such publishers as ProMart Publishing, Sam's Dot Publishing, and Nomadic Delirium Press. He also does freelance editing in his free time...ha ha...
He is also the co-designer of the Ephemeris Science Fiction Role Playing Game.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 11, 2016
typical space-opera first contact story. Erwine enjoys linguistics, and presents here conundrums in translation. The humans have automatic translators, that in theory are still working correctly, but struggling with alien languagues that are vague, without structure, and possibly pronounless.
The humans come across a few alien species, with two focused heavily on, the Lemec and Kulnar. The Lemec appear to be "running" the universe to an extent, but not in the same sense humans have created empires on Earth. The ship's captain and crew making first contact struggle to understand the Lemec, their intentions, and the views of the Lemec held by other species.. possibly the Lemec are to be greatly feared. The Kulnar are difficult to converse with as well, but easier, and serve as translators between humans and the Lemec. The Kulnar seem willing to help humans to a point, and seem loyal to the Lemec to a point.. again, the intentions of the species the humans come across are almost undefinable due to translation issues.
In the end the human government and the ship making first contact find themselves in quite the confusing situation on the brink of war and peace.
The humans come across a few alien species, with two focused heavily on, the Lemec and Kulnar. The Lemec appear to be "running" the universe to an extent, but not in the same sense humans have created empires on Earth. The ship's captain and crew making first contact struggle to understand the Lemec, their intentions, and the views of the Lemec held by other species.. possibly the Lemec are to be greatly feared. The Kulnar are difficult to converse with as well, but easier, and serve as translators between humans and the Lemec. The Kulnar seem willing to help humans to a point, and seem loyal to the Lemec to a point.. again, the intentions of the species the humans come across are almost undefinable due to translation issues.
In the end the human government and the ship making first contact find themselves in quite the confusing situation on the brink of war and peace.
August 8, 2012
This is science fiction at its best. Love the multiple meanings of "translate"
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews