My story “The Authentic History” is out now in Abyss & Apex issue 86. It features the fall of the Perpetual Empire, the rise of which was described back in Aurealis issue 99.

This story was inspired by a lot of ideas, including what would really happen to your consciousness in Star Trek-like teleporters, how authoritarian regimes convince family members to betray each other, and how to find the truth when everyone around you is lying (and maybe you’re lying to yourself).

Originally, the story ended on a darker note. The editor asked me to provide a more positive conclusion, and I decided that might work. I think it did.

Go here for more stories about the Perpetual Empire.