Fiction
Polar Quantum
by Almudena Otero
Polar Quantum is a scifi novel set in the 22nd century. Global warming finally caused polar caps to melt and the air to become poisonous. To save humankind, two giant domes were built: one in Greenland, where rich people live; and one in Antarctica, for scientists and intellectuals. Antarctica is the sole remaining part of the Earth where some permanent ice survives, allowing for the development of a type of quantum technology to create a system of AI humanoid systems, that interact with humans being to save what remains of the planet. In this context, historian Gabriel Beristain moves to Quanta, in Antarctica, with his family, where he has been tasked with translating classic works of literature into Kunstig, a language developed to allow the interaction of humanoids and humans. What seems to be a fascinating project opens the door to a world of intrigue, betrayal, and violence that puts the fragile balance of Antarctica, and the survival of the world, into question. The purpose of Polar Quantum is depticing a world where the very essence of humankind is put to the test, and where the coexistence of synthetic humanoids and flesh and blood humans is possible…only if they work together.
