This month's featured story from Lightspeed Magazine is “Mother’s Hip,” authored by Corey Jae White and Maddison Stoff. Set against the backdrop of the Amazon Rainforest, the narrative centers on a character named Hynd, who possesses a remarkable wingspan that casts a shadow over the battlefield.
As Hynd navigates the skies, she relays critical weather data to ground troops, despite her indifference towards them. Her unique biological makeup includes sixty-four wombs, which she uses to produce a swarm of combat drones. These drones, equipped with advanced technology, engage in tactical operations against anarchist forces below.
The emotional weight of the story is highlighted by Hynd's reflections on her children, particularly on her daughter Sheena, who shows resilience despite her disabilities. The narrative delves into themes of maternal instinct and the sacrifices made in the face of conflict, culminating in a poignant depiction of Hynd's desire to protect her creations as they embark on their perilous missions.