This science fiction narrative explores a collision between two timelines: a near-future rural American "stub" and a post-apocalyptic, high-tech future London. The protagonist, Flynne Fisher, witnesses a murder while piloting a drone in what she believes is a video game, only to discover she is actually remotely operating a "peripheral" body in the future. As she and her brother Burton navigate a dangerous conspiracy involving corporate kleptocrats and a powerful policewoman named Lowbeer, they must use advanced nanotechnology and time-bending communication to protect their family. The story examines the "Jackpot," a slow-motion global collapse that decimated the human population while leaving the survivors with godlike technological capabilities. Ultimately, the characters across both eras must form an alliance to influence political power and ensure survival in their respective worlds. This complex thriller highlights the ethical consequences of inter-temporal interference and the vast disparity between those living through catastrophe and those who inherited the ruins.

In this book, Mark Rowlands explores the foundational problems of philosophy by analyzing popular science fiction cinema. He argues that lowbrow movies often illustrate deep intellectual concepts more effectively than high-art films. By using titles like The Matrix and Total Recall, Rowlands examines the clash between internal and external perspectives on existence, knowledge, and personal identity. He specifically addresses epistemology, materialism, and the absurdity of human life through the lens of iconic characters and futuristic scenarios. Ultimately, the text serves as a conceptual navigation guide, demonstrating that philosophical inquiry is inherently tied to the stories we tell about ourselves.

Talking to Robots