The Martian meets Dark
Matter in Edward Ashton's high concept science fiction
thriller, in which Mickey7, an "expendable," refuses to let
his replacement clone Mickey8 take his place.
Dying isn’t any
fun…but at least it’s a living.
Mickey7 is an
Expendable: a disposable employee on a human expedition sent to
colonize the ice world Niflheim. Whenever there’s a mission that’s
too dangerous—even suicidal—the crew turns to Mickey. After one
iteration dies, a new body is regenerated with most of his memories
intact. After six deaths, Mickey7 understands the terms of his
deal…and why it was the only colonial position unfilled when he
took it.
On a fairly routine
scouting mission, Mickey7 goes missing and is presumed dead. By the
time he returns to the colony base, surprisingly helped back by
native life, Mickey7’s fate has been sealed. There’s a new clone,
Mickey8, reporting for Expendable duties. The idea of duplicate
Expendables is universally loathed, and if caught, they will likely
be thrown into the recycler for protein.
Mickey7 must keep
his double a secret from the rest of the colony. Meanwhile, life on
Niflheim is getting worse. The atmosphere is unsuitable for humans,
food is in short supply, and terraforming is going poorly. The native
species are growing curious about their new neighbors, and that
curiosity has Commander Marshall very afraid. Ultimately, the
survival of both lifeforms will come down to Mickey7.
That is, if he can
just keep from dying for good.