The Year's Top Tales of Space and Time 5

An unabridged collection spotlighting the best space adventures, alternate histories, and time travel stories published in 2024 by current and emerging masters of the science fiction genre, edited by Allan Kaster.- "Down the Waterfall" by Cécile Cristofari-a physicist travels in time by destroying and regenerating the cells in her body.- "Red Ochre, Ivory Bones" by Deborah L. Davitt-an enigmatic object, on a collision course with a space station orbiting the star Fomalhaut, is intercepted.- "Autumn's Red Bird" by Aliette de Bodard-a data artist shares recreations of her wartime experiences with a sentient mindship.- "I'm Not Disappointed Just Mad AKA The Heaviest Couch in the Known Universe" by Daryl Gregory-a stoner kid and his best friend are tasked with moving a couch during an alien invasion.- "How Sere Kept Herself Together" by Alexander Jablokov-a private eye investigates the disappearance of an alien that stalks humans.- "After the Winter Solstice" by Sean McMullen-a team of astronomers and noblemen forego hibernation to take measurements which will accurately describe the orbit of their planet. This story is a finalist for an Asimov's Readers' Award for best novelette of 2024.- "Charon's Final Passenger" by Ray Nayler-an American agent uses alien technology to read the memories of a dead spy in an alternate World War II. This story is a finalist for an Asimov's Readers' Award for best novelette of 2024.- "The Quietude" by Lavie Tidhar-an eclectic group, connected by a new form of art, become aware of a war unfolding against an alien species from the Oort Cloud.- "The Handmaiden-Alchemist" by Marie Vibbert-a baroness' handmaiden defends her honor from an unwanted suitor with her knowledge of natural philosophy. This story is a finalist for an Analog Analytical Laboratory Award for best short story of 2024.- "Heartshock" by Nick Wolven-the wounded captain of a warship must decide the fate of her vanquished foe on an alien planet.- "In Which Caruth Is Correct" by Carolyn Zhao-a woman navigates time loops with the aid of tempo-therapists.