HOWZAT

So, in 2004, do we need science fiction? Some features of the world of 2004 resemble science fictional dreams of the past; some science fiction scenarios are obsolete. But history hasn’t ended yet. In the coming few years climate adjustments alone will ensure that whatever else we run out of — oil, fresh water, clean air — change itself will not be in short supply. There will be no shortage of raw material for science fiction literature, whatever becomes of genre categories in bookshops.

And in the coming dangerous century, we will need minds capable of coping with change more than ever before.

Time’s Eye by Arthur C. Clarke and Stephen Baxter is published by Gollancz, £12.99 (offer £10.39; Buy the book)

From Time's Eye

A UN helicopter patrolling the Indian-Pakistani border in 2037 is shot down. The crew — a man, Casey, and a woman, Bisesa — come across a British outpost of troops from 1885. Among them are two journalists, Josh and Ruddy.

“Perhaps there is a boundary near here,” Bisesa breathed. “A boundary in time. What a strange thought. What is happening to us?” She lifted her face to the Moon. “Oh. Calvius is gone.”

Josh was at her side. “Calvius?”

“Calvius Base.” She pointed. “Built into a big old crater in the southern highlands.”

Josh stared. “You have cities on the Moon?”

She smiled. “I wouldn’t call it a city. But you can see its light, like a captured star, the only one in the circle of the crescent Moon. Now it’s gone. That isn’t even my Moon. There is a crew on Mars, and a second on the way — or there was. I wonder what’s become of them . . .”

There was a grunt of disgust. One of the soldiers had been rooting at the bottom of the foxhole, and now emerged with what looked like a piece of meat, still dripping blood. The stink was sharp.

“A human arm,” Ruddy said flatly. He turned away and vomited.

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