The story is available at Clarkesworld here -
http://clarkesworldmagazine.com/prasa...
Vina Jie-Min Prasad has a fine way with words, and this clever story is a fine example. It examines just how far the world of 3D printing might go, and just what uses to which it might be put. Well. fakes and forgeries of course.
Well, forgery is one great business opportunity. And Helena Li Yuanhui needs the opportunities. It is just that she has got in well over her head, has a past which needs covering up, and has an underworld opportunity she cannot refuse. She must print 20o plausible forged T-bone steaks. And if she does not deliver on time and to the satisfaction of the shady Mr Anonymous, well that will be just too bad.
Two Hundred forged steaks is a pretty tall order. So Helena needs an assistant. Enter Lily Yonezawa, who proves to be just what Helena needs, in a hyperactive whirlwind sort of way.
I most enjoyed the way the Prasad uses the developing relationship between the two women to reveal the tricks and pitfalls of the fake beef trade, their various backstories and motivations, and the means by which they can fulfil their obligations and secape the bind into which they have fallen. And it is all tied up in a most attractive bow. Because of course the very best forger are the ones that are never unmasked, never caught.
http://clarkesworldmagazine.com/prasa...
Vina Jie-Min Prasad has a fine way with words, and this clever story is a fine example. It examines just how far the world of 3D printing might go, and just what uses to which it might be put. Well. fakes and forgeries of course.
Well, forgery is one great business opportunity. And Helena Li Yuanhui needs the opportunities. It is just that she has got in well over her head, has a past which needs covering up, and has an underworld opportunity she cannot refuse. She must print 20o plausible forged T-bone steaks. And if she does not deliver on time and to the satisfaction of the shady Mr Anonymous, well that will be just too bad.
Two Hundred forged steaks is a pretty tall order. So Helena needs an assistant. Enter Lily Yonezawa, who proves to be just what Helena needs, in a hyperactive whirlwind sort of way.
I most enjoyed the way the Prasad uses the developing relationship between the two women to reveal the tricks and pitfalls of the fake beef trade, their various backstories and motivations, and the means by which they can fulfil their obligations and secape the bind into which they have fallen. And it is all tied up in a most attractive bow. Because of course the very best forger are the ones that are never unmasked, never caught.