Challenge 632

Undeliverable

In Channie Greenberg’s “Centripetal Vehicle,” assuming all the seats are occupied and the drivers are pedaling like crazy, where would the vehicle go or what would it do?
In Jack Bragen’s “Going Camping,” how does the story vindicate the pessimistic conclusions about human space exploration in “Space Colonies: the Dark Side”?
In Barbara Ristine’s “The Good Daughter,” at the end, Sara thinks of posting an explanation and confession. Do you think she will actually do it, or will she get cold feet?
In Stephen Ellams’ “Every Summer Has a Story”:
1. What is “Orphic headspace”? Where and what is “Palmerston Island”?
2. What is “the anguish I’ve caused you”?
3. What are the “reality demons / Anchored to family”?
In Noel Denvir’s “Glenn’s Comet”:
1. Who was the first U.S. astronaut to go into space? How do you feel about the use of a similar but not identical name for the astronaut in the story?
2. According to the story, how far beyond the Solar System could an astronaut travel in a hundred years at less than light-speed?
3. The alien space capsule’s advanced technology may indeed indicate that humanity is “not alone” in the universe. How might humanity feel about receiving not a reply but, in effect, an envelope stamped “Return to sender”?
In Ásgrímur Hartmannsson’s “Dog Life”:
1. Why might the title be more accurate than, for example, “A Dog’s Life” or “The Dog’s Life” or simply “Dog’s Life”?
2. Does the essay express cynicism or disillusionment? What least-effort changes might reverse the point of view and make it a paean to domesticated or wild animals?
3. What is the role of women in the essay?

Responses welcome!