Migration

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raves for Julie E. Czerneda’s
Species Imperative
Series:

 

Praise for
Migration:

“Czerneda always tells a good story.”

—
Chronicle

 

“Czerneda’s characterizations, both human and alien, are as intricate and entertaining as the twisty plot. Fans of SF adventure and intrigue—and of C. J. Cherryh’s masterfully drawn alien cultures in particular—are in for a treat.”

—
Publishers Weekly

 

“. . . fascinating, action-packed . . . believable sentient beings. . . . Mac is a terrific heroine . . . the heroic thread that brings a fabulous science fiction thriller together.”

—
The Midwest Book Review

 

“Fascinating characters, including some delightfully wacky aliens, mixed with thrilling action make this an exciting read.”

—
Locus

 

Praise for
Survival:

“Brilliant world building, action-packed creative space opera . . . imperative for fans to read . . . the beginning of a delightful new series.”

—
The Midwest Book Review

 

“A rare blend of hard science fiction and exceptional characterization. Biologist author Julie Czerneda creates unusually believable aliens . . . building entire races and moving scenarios.”

—
Library Bookwatch

 

“Fascinating . . . intriguing new series.”

—
Locus

MIGRATION

Novels by
JULIE E. CZERNEDA
available from DAW Books:

 

 

IN THE COMPANY OF OTHERS

 

Species Imperative
SURVIVAL
MIGRATION
REGENERATION

 

Web Shifters
BEHOLDER’S EYE
CHANGING VISION
HIDDEN IN SIGHT

 

Trade Pact Universe
A THOUSAND WORDS FOR STRANGER
TIES OF POWER
TO TRADE THE STARS

Copyright © 2005 by Julie E. Czerneda.

All rights reserved.

 

 

 

DAW Books Collectors No. 1327.

 

DAW Books are distributed by the Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

 

All characters and events in this book are fictitious.
All resemblance to persons living or dead is coincidental.

 

The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal, and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

 

 

 

First Paperback Printing, April 2006

 

 

eISBN : 978-1-101-04382-0

Acknowledgments

Hardcover part deux! If I’d known the rush I’d get from signing these beauties, I’d have been too excited to finish writing the first one. My sincere thanks to all who took home copies of
Survival,
including the way you’ve brightened my days since with calls for “more Mac!” Here you go.

The gorgeous look and hopefully sensible contents of this book owe themselves to my always insightful editor, Sheila Gilbert, and the talented folks at DAW Books. A special thanks to Colleen Clarke, of Penguin Canada, for her enthusiastic support. I’d also like to thank these intrepid souls who read first draft: Jihane Billacois, Jana Paniccia, Ruth Stuart, Kristen Britain, and Janny Wurts. Your comments were more than helpful. As I wrote, I was reassured by the wonderful comments of C.J. Cherryh (fan-girl moment), James Alan Gardner, Robert J. Sawyer, Catherine Asaro, Doranna Durgin, and Jack McDevitt on
Survival.
Thank you all. And I’d be remiss not to mention the superb launch hosted by Bakka Books, where salmon was indeed served.

My first-ever visit to the west coast took place while writing this book. I’d like to thank my gracious hosts: in Seattle, Leslie Howle, Greg and Astrid Bear, and the SF Museum, Nathan Azinger, and Duane of University Bookstore; in Prince George, Rob Budde (UNBC), Lynda Williams, David Lott, Derryl Murphy, and Mosquito Books; while in Vancouver, Dan Archambault and Donald Derrick (Green College, UBC), Walter and Jill of White Dwarf (wow), Margaret McKinnon-Cash, Hazel and Fred Peschl, and Douglas Starink. Hugs to you all! Ahem. About this cover art. You know I wish only the best for Vancouver, but isn’t it glorious how Luis Royo destroyed it for me?

As for
Migration,
I’ve done my best to reflect what is known now, from geoducks to landscapes. My thanks to these folks for lending me their expertise: Kim McLean (geology and earthquakes), Nathan Azinger (food), Erin Kenny (language), Kevin Maclean (New Zealand), Isaac Szpindel (yet more optics), and Dr. Sally Leys (glass sponges). I was privileged to meet with Dr. Scott Hinch at UBC (a man who knows his salmon). Any factual errors in this book are mine. (If I’ve neglected anyone whose brain I picked for this, please accept my heartfelt apology and/or smack me with a salmon.)

There are real people whose names appear in this story. Gentlemen John Ward and Lee Fyock are back. From charitable auctions come: Frank Wu, who designed and commands his own starship, with teacup; Cathy Palmer-Lister, who named and runs a store in the north woods, and Wendy Carlson, a fine character. A newsgroup contest enlisted Lara Herrera and her son Rob to create a name for me, as did Bobbie Barber and Carol Gaupp, while David Brokman was his noble self. As always, any resemblance to an actual person is unintentional, except for the good bits.

A special note of affection and respect to my dear friends, the Heiers: Linda, Arthur, Mary, and, for always, Eddie. You’ve been with me from the start and I’ve appreciated it more than I can say.