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Darker Matter: On-Line Science Fiction Magazine Issue 4, June 2007. Editor: Ben Coppin
01/07/2007 . Source: Rod MacDonald 
check out website: www.darkermatter.com. Buy Darker Matter in the USA - or Buy Darker Matter in the UK  For those who read my previous review, be assured the design has stayed the same and I am focusing on the content.
I.E. Lester's article about life in space explores the subject of interstellar travel. It's an interesting piece, the third of three articles so far, but it is also depressing to some degree. The sad fact is that he's probably right in that there seems to be no other way at the moment to travel to other stellar systems in any practical way that we could manage.
The facts of the matter are thus: Science Fiction has taken us to all worlds in space and time for some years now to the extent that virtually everyone believes it's possible. 'Star Trek' and the cacophony of other shows convinces us to believe that the space warp drive is real and that it remains a matter of time before it is invented. On the other hand, humans have only made it to the Moon and that was almost 40 years ago. Travelling faster-than-light is likely to be impossible thus making much of our fiction a lot of bunkum. As a species we have ideas above our station!
Well, that's the reality of the situation. How can Mr. Lester be so cruel as to put forward such ideas, suggesting that wormholes and warp drives are not possible, so shattering our illusions? It is, however, thought provoking stuff and I inferred as such myself in my book 'Alien Psychology' which was a spectacular failure. It seems to be the case that if you say that, for example, the Bermuda Triangle, flying saucers, space warps, ghosts and paranormal phenomena exist then people want to listen but if you suggest the reverse, they don't want to know.
What about the fiction? There were five stories, all of which were enjoyable. You can read them for free on the website! My favourite in this issue was 'Head On A Stick' by Charles Richard Laing. In the distant future, an interstellar war is in progress and the weapons are horribly effective. Reminds me slightly of 'Starship Troopers' where the soldiers are patched up in any way possible so that they can contribute to the war effort. However, Laing takes this one step further.
There's also a continuing interview with Douglas Adams which is worth reading. For those of you of a confused nature, I know the Hitchhiker author is no longer with us but this interview was made some years ago before he made a reservation for the restaurant at the end of universe.
I reviewed this e-magazine a couple of issues ago, saying that I like the style and found it an interesting read. My opinions have not changed and I look forward to future issues.
Rod MacDonald
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