“Mountains of Mourning”—The past haunts all of us, on micro and macro scales. Miles is haunted by his grandfather’s legacy and his perceived inability to live up to the exacting standards of genetic perfection that are expected for someone of his station. When he must travel to a backwoods community of his father’s district to investigate an infanticide, Miles is haunted by the traditions of centuries that led up to the crime. Facing down the ideologies of ignorance brings Miles face to face with his personal ghosts, and his decision brings justice and healing to both himself and the community he serves, with a poetic flair that makes the justice extra sweet.
“Labyrinth”—I love Taura’s rescue story. If you’ve known Miles for very long, you know that there is no way he would leave her behind when he met her. Of course he would substantially increase risk to himself and his crew to bring her with them. Not even a thought. In the background, the tangle of Jackson’s Whole politics is almost humorous. Miles’ initial meeting with Taura and his realization of her humanness launches a relationship that carries sweetly into the next stories because of his unique position to SEE her.
“Borders of Infinity”—Sent into a Cetegandan prison camp to rescue a military genius, Miles decides he would rather free all 10,000 prisoners. You know, as one does. An excellent study of leadership, the art of persuasion, and choosing (or not) the compromises required to achieve an objective, this story, in many ways, captures Miles in an effective snapshot. That is, if you could get Miles to hold still for a snapshot. He tends to move at movie speed, and this story is no exception. In fact, it would translate amazingly to a movie.
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That Lady Who Reads A Lot 
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