Red Star Revisited

So I promised I'd get back to Red Star, Winter Orbit, so here I am. I've also been attempting to read Mirrorshades, but since it's been irritatingly difficult to find I only have Red Star to discuss today.

So, Red Star, Winter Orbit is pretty different than other stories of the Cyberpunk genre. It shows little of the culture of terrestrial Earth, not much is known of the situation, very much unlike more typical stories such as Johnny Mnemonic. However, the themes are the same. Dark, dystopian situations in an altered society.

The story involves a group of Cosmonauts on board a space station, some, especially the KGB agent, have become corrupt. Others, the plumber, try and hold onto the old ideals. The plumber laments on the abuse of the elderly, and historically important Colonel, and immediately proceeds to do something about it. Meanwhile, the KGB is more than happy to manipulate for his gain.

Corruption and control are part of the story. A fear inducing toxin is introduced in the story (Re: A dose of the Fear), and is a representation of how the idea of control has advanced in the society. Being able to induce symptoms of extreme paranoia is a powerful form of control, rendering the victim helpless in their own fear.

Decay and despair are part of the story as well. The United States is in decline, and their space program is reduced to mere high-altitude balloons. The Russians have gained supremacy, but even they have abandoned space. The Balloon's inhabitants are trying to expand, but are having to scavenge to do it. They even used extra boosters (they have them lying around apparently) to push the decaying station back into stable orbit.

The story has a strangely hopeful ending. Once the station had been damaged and its orbit decaying, drifters from the American Balloons arrive. They're after the true frontier, using anything and everything to advance themselves in space. It shows that holding to the core values provides hope and in their case, success. American history is known for the frontier spirit, the great expansion westward soon after the founding of the nation. The throwback to this endeavor adds a light hearted tone unknown to most of the genre.