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“Walking John and Bird” is the fifth story in the
Runcible Tales. However, since it features Dragon on Aster Colora, it
shows that the Runcible Tales are not in chronological order. John Walker
has come to Aster Colora to find out more about Bird, his constant
companion. Unfortunately, in his audience with Dragon, the leviathan just
talks in riddles - riddles that would even have perplexed Oedipus.
'Walking John and Bird', as they are collectively known, are legendary, and
it's not long before the local press - in the form of Dawn Keltree - is
requesting a meeting. Since John has not received any answers from
Dragon, Dawn suggests that he consults a telepath, like Horace Blegg or John
Tennyson. By a strange coincidence, Dawn knows what planet Blegg is currently
on. However, an even bigger coincidence leads to John finding Blegg's
direct location. Blegg suggests that John might have more joy through a
direct encounter with Dragon, before Bird nearly kills him as he probes John's
link with Bird. John willingly agrees to follow this course of action,
despite the suspicion that he is being followed. After all, doesn't Bird
always react when she perceives that his life to be in danger? John sets
out to find the answers to some basic questions, like: just how long has he
been travelling with Bird? Trouble is, he might not like the answers...
Neal Asher has chosen to tell this
tale in the first person, and it's a very effective approach, and very
appropriate for this story. We also get to see a bit more of Blegg, and
the enigmatic Dragon, and Skaidon Iversus is also mentioned. It's also
refreshing to see that you can still buy Indian Pale Ale in the future, along
with the ubiquitous curry. This story also clearly articulates why Horace
Blegg can't stand Separatists: "because the fragmentation of human
civilization greatly increases the possibility of war and war is
unthinkable." Dragon's body is consistently conveyed using sexual
terms: "The hiss became a scream as the three pseudopodia retreated into
the ground spattering all around the milky fluid that was Dragon's blood
here" - no doubt an influence from Alien - but Dragon is the more
interesting extraterrestrial due to his ability to talk (despite the fact that
much of what he says is unclear). Perhaps Bird could be sent into battle
with a future recalcitrant Dragon sphere? Although it/she may be too
small to combat a whole sphere. This another one of Neal Asher's
enigmatic endings, but you feel sure that he has worked out his conclusions far
more effectively than China Mieville tends
to. Besides, this leaves ample room for the reader to apply
their own imagination to the tale. This is yet another fine example of
Neal Asher's storytelling prowess.
Authortrek Rating:
10/10
|
Visit our Neal Asher page,
for a Neal Asher biography, Neal Asher bibliography, Neal Asher short
stories, and interviews |
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