To Ride Pegasus - Collection

Collection

• "To Ride Pegasus", original to the collection (Aug 1973)
• "A Womanly Talent", Analog, Feb 1969
• "Apple", Crime Prevention in the 30th Century, ed. Hans Stefan Santesson, Walker & Co., 1969
• "A Bridle for Pegasus", Analog, Jul 1973

The three older stories feature the Center and its community of resident Talents, under Darrow's successor Daffyd op Owen. Each one features particular Talents, active or latent, within or without the community, but the big picture the continuing establishment of Talents in society by internal reform, social education, and legislation. Owen, his staff, and public officials are important players and the play is about recruitment, training, registration, public education, professional ethics and liability.

"A Womanly Talent", Analog, Feb 1969

The campaign to win professional immunity for Talents is underway with a comprehensive Bill under consideration by a committee of the US Senate. The story at the Center features a young husband and wife who soon win permission to reproduce. Lajos is a precog specialist in fires; he is employed privately by the insurance industry and works with the Center to prevent or mitigate public disasters. Ruth's talent is barely detectable and unknown in nature.

"Apple", Crime Prevention in the 30th Century, ed. Hans Stefan Santesson, Walker & Co., 1969

The Bill providing comprehensive legal protection for Talents is now expected to pass in a few weeks. The story at the Center concerns a theft by teleportation from a Manhattan department store window, which is undeniably the work of some unknown Talent. Relations between the Center and Law Enforcement are strained at best and public relations disaster may be anticipated.

"A Bridle for Pegasus", Analog, Jul 1973

Ethnic tension is high in Greater New York and a summer of strife is feared. The story at the Center concerns another wild Talent, a musical performer unaware of her ability to manipulate the emotions of a crowd. She might be registered and trained by the Center, or recruited by the leader of one ethnic faction, or even kidnapped.