"Justina Robson - Quantum Gravity 01 - Keeping it Real" - читать интересную книгу автора (Robson Justina)

Earth, according to records made prior to 2015), a total of five other realities have been discovered.
They lie parallel to, or approximate with (all words, definitions and specu-lations are being assessed as
we write, since nobody has yet come up with a theory that can explain the phenomena completely) the
human universe.
The first of these is Zoomenon, the realm of the Elements. Zoomenon is hostile to human life and
manifests unpredictably in Otopian space
where it interpenetrates with it. Sturdily equipped expeditions replete with hardened adventurers have
reported the following: every raw element of the Periodic Table may be found there in abundance, from
Hydrogen to Ununbium; the primary colours may be observed there, randomly moving across the raw
rocks and sand of what appears to be the basic Zoomenon landscape, a place not unlike Earth in the
Hadean age; there are also beings here, of indeterminate energy composition, capable of forming
humanlike appearances - these are named Ele-mental, since they seem to be personifications of the
spirits of air, fire, water, earth, wood, metal. There are others, yet to be understood or met with. How
many others is unknown.
The second realm is Alfheim. Since early in 2016 a diplomatic relationship has been established with
the elves, as the inhabitants call themselves. The elves strongly dispute the QBomb theory. They claim
that they have known of Earth and Otopia since times that predate early human civilisations. Few
Otopian technologies function in Alfheim, which is the first of the Adept or Aetheric Realms. It is a
pristine Eden, untouched by industrialisation despite the complex civilisations that have risen and fallen in
its massive history. However, there are tensions within elf society and frosty diplomatic explorations are
the only contact that regularly takes place with them. Their borders are closed to immigration of any kind
and they allow only a few of their emissaries out in turn. Common people of Otopia know only stories of
Alfheim.
The third realm is Demonia. The demons are, like the elves, lifeforms which appear adept in magic
Demon scientists have assisted humans in their discovery of the physically real presence of
extradimensional regions (I-space) since 2017, regions of incredible power and vitality which seem akin
to spacetime itself, yet co-exist with it. This region is known to demons and elves commonly as
Aetherstream, though their scientists and researchers have agreed to adopt the human name of Interstitial,
or I-space. Demons do not recognise the QBomb event as historical fact either, and also claim a lengthy
knowledge of 'the fourth realm' - Otopian Earth.
The fifth region, is Thanatopia. This unlikely place is bound tightly to the I-space continuum. To cross
into Thanatopia requires death and return is not possible to those not greatly skilled in necromancy. Only
the Aetheric races possess necromancers, and not many of them. It is worth noting that so far no human
of Otopian Earth has displayed
anything other than the most fleeting ability to detect let alone manipulate, I-space. Certainly no one has
ever been to Thanatopia, or, if they have, they have not returned and its true nature is a complete
mystery. The only human knowledge of it has been given by demon necromancers whose strength in
I-space permits them access. Officially we may state that the Undead shepherd the Dead of all realms,
though what this actually means is anyone's guess. All other knowledge con-cerning Thanatopia is
classified, and as such may not be printed here.
The sixth realm, which most quickly adopted protocols with Otopia and has generated the most traffic
is Faery. Faery has issued tourist visas since 2018. Faery culture, as with all other realms, is unique and
complicated. Faeries assure us they have had a long association with certain regions of the Earth over the
more interesting parts of human history and the author is not willing to dispute the point, even -especially
- in writing.
For the last two years an increasing familiarity with and acceptance of the six-realm structure has led to
a steady popularity of migration and trade across willing borders, but human beings have a lot yet to
learn.
One year ago Alfheim closed its borders and cut off trade. It began an exclusionary policy which
diplomatic negotiations have so far failed to lift. The reasons for this change of heart are classified