Surprise. Gregory Benford's Ythris, in "Bloodpride," want to destroy the Ark hidden in the asteroid belt of the Solar System. They have made it a bloodpride matter to destroy all Arks because, when one such had entered their planetary system, they allowed organisms from it onto their planetary surface where the invasive life nearly destroyed their biosphere.
From this event, the Ythris concluded that the Arks had been sent as weapons. They had no understanding that they themselves were at fault for admitting invasive life without studying it first. In the Solar System, the Ark will be allowed to initiate an alien ecology inside a large, specially dug, rock chamber on the Moon. Thus, there will be no danger but much new knowledge which was the intention of the Arks' senders.
"Bloodpride" refers to "...Galactic Complex. That host of innumerable societies had largely, flourished long before humanity was born on the dusty plains of Africa." (p. 327)
I do not know whether this reference places "Bloodpride" in or out of Benford's Galactic Center future history.
3 comments:
I intended BLOODPRIDE to be outside my Galactic Center series. The Library within it isn't in the series, but on reflection, maybe all these events can occur without anyone in the series knowing of them. After all, the far future events are all far away at the Center.
Gregory,
Wow, thank you so much for commenting. I have very little idea who reads this blog so it is always good to hear from someone new.
Paul.
Hi, Paul!
I too am glad Mr. Benford dropped by your blog. It reminded me of how S.M. Stirling "visited" here one or two times. Who knows, maybe Greg Bear or Astrid Anderson Bear might also come here! I've definitely mentioned the "Poul Anderson Appreciation" blog to Mr. Bear.
Sean
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