Projections

I had never heard of Stephen Robinett until I read this collection of stories, but he is an above-average author. Most of the stories are fairly good. My only complaint is that many of them were too predictable. I saw the major plot points coming several pages in advance, and Robinett's style isn't enough to capture my attention when I have already guessed the plot. Fortunately the ideas in his stories are interesting enough to make me keep reading. This collection is worth reading. I recommend it.

• Helbent 4: Helbent 4 saves Earth from the Spacethings. Rather a boring story.
• Jenson's Folly: Jenson builds a matter transmitter for a madman.
• Cynthia: Quick travel between stars is possible by transmitting your mind into a willing host body at the other end.
• The Linguist: Memory engram transplants allow rich people to buy knowledge and have it impressed into their minds.
• The Satyr: Does a genetically engineered and articially created creature have free will, and is it responsible for its own actions?
• Tomus: By transplanting their minds into young bodies, the Longevitors can live forever. But only if they can demonstrate that their talents are worth preserving will they be reanimated.
• Pow Wow: Aliens camp out on the Moon and Chief Longlegs (with his infinite American Indian wisdom) is sent to negotiate.
• The Tax Man: Tax evasion is punishable by death.
• Projections: Is it ethical to use an advertising machine that shapes the thoughts of its audience?