CJ Cherryh is a fairly prolific writer who is well known for her fantasy and science fiction. I'm not so much into fantasy, but I am in awe of her world-building abilities, and I *love* a good space opera, which she excels at. When I saw a request for something based on Cyteen/Regenesis wherein the poster said they'd be thrilled with ANY story in that 'Verse, well, I was all over that. I've had a few Cherryh-inspired ideas in mind---there are so many intriguing characters and subplots floaring around this fantastic universe!
These two novels collectively run about 1600 pages, and that's just one corner of her Union-Alliance universe which combines science, space opera and a web of politics. "The Cuckoo's Agenda" is set in the 25th century, when most of humanity has spread from Earth to various space stations. (Habitable planets are at a premium.) Goods are carried from station to station by an alliance of merchant ships, most of which are crewed by large family groups. Even in the distant future, people still care about family, worry about who they are in the greater scheme of things, and above all, they have their own complicated motives for their actions. I've tried to write it so it'll be self-explanitory to readers who aren't familiar with the books (without overmuch exposition for the folks who are).
This is one of those stories that went in unexpected directions while I was writing it. I had a very thorough beta from
karaokegal after the second draft. She made some helpful suggestions; I did a couple more drafts and analyzed my characters' motivations. It's a much better story thanks to her. The recipient was quite enthusiastic about it, and I'm gratified that "The Cuckoo's Agenda" has had the most responses of anything I've written for Yuletide (going back to 2004!).
Here's hoping you enjoy
The Cuckoo's Agenda
.
These two novels collectively run about 1600 pages, and that's just one corner of her Union-Alliance universe which combines science, space opera and a web of politics. "The Cuckoo's Agenda" is set in the 25th century, when most of humanity has spread from Earth to various space stations. (Habitable planets are at a premium.) Goods are carried from station to station by an alliance of merchant ships, most of which are crewed by large family groups. Even in the distant future, people still care about family, worry about who they are in the greater scheme of things, and above all, they have their own complicated motives for their actions. I've tried to write it so it'll be self-explanitory to readers who aren't familiar with the books (without overmuch exposition for the folks who are).
This is one of those stories that went in unexpected directions while I was writing it. I had a very thorough beta from
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Here's hoping you enjoy
The Cuckoo's Agenda
.