political-terrorism
Discussion of a terrorist attack on the Qubbat As Sakhrah and the covert involvement of American operatives highlights the political violence underpinning the narrative.
3 chapters across 3 books
The Yiddish Policemen's Union (2007)Michael Chabon
Detective Landsman is held in a sterile interrogation room by American agents who repeatedly question him about a terrorist attack and related disappearances, while refusing to share any information themselves. The dialogue between Landsman and Cashdollar reveals conflicting perspectives on political violence, religious destiny, and covert operations tied to the Holy Land. The chapter explores Landsman's internal struggle with his identity, loyalty, and the moral ambiguity of the forces manipulating him.
Cyteen (1988)C.J. Cherryh
The chapter depicts the aftermath of a bombing at a hotel in Novgorod, where key characters including Ari and Justin are grappling with injuries, chaos, and the implications of the attack. Ari takes command of Security amidst compromised conditions, while Justin struggles with shock and confusion about the attack's motives and targets. The narrative reveals tensions involving political factions, security breaches, and the personal stakes for those involved.
Ribofunk (1996)Paul Di Filippo
In this chapter, Little Worker, a genetically modified being with wolverine traits, awakens to find intruders—terrorists called the Sons of Dixie—invading Mister Michael's home. The terrorists capture Mister Michael, his wife, and their morphs, intending to use them as leverage, but Little Worker ultimately kills the intruders using her inherited animalistic abilities, saving her charges. The chapter explores loyalty, identity, and the tension between human and bioengineered entities in a politically charged environment.