The Draco Tavern

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Bartender Rick Shumann at his Siberian tavern, which caters to aliens, shares 26 intriguing tales. Among these are "The Subject Is Closed," exploring whether AI might cease its pursuit of life after death, and "Table Manners," where Rick finds himself questioning if he is the hunter or the hunted amidst five Folk aliens. Another notable story, "Losing Mars," addresses the anger of Martian aliens over humanity's neglect of their planet. The collection features a variety of short stories, including "Grammar Lesson," "Assimilating Our Culture, That's What They're Doing!," and "The Schumann Computer," each delving into unique aspects of alien interactions and human experiences. Other stories like "The Green Marauder," "The Real Thing," and "War Movie" further enrich the narrative landscape. The anthology also includes "One Night at the Draco Tavern," "The Heights," and "The Wisdom of Demons," showcasing a range of themes from cultural assimilation to existential musings. With tales spanning from 1977 to 2006, this compilation presents a rich tapestry of speculative fiction that invites readers to ponder the complexities of life, both human and alien.