The Currents of Space
In the grand tapestry of Isaac Asimov's future history, a period exists between the early days of human expansion into the galaxy and the far-flung era of the Foundation. This is the time of the Galactic Empire's growth, a period of consolidation and the ironing out of disparities between worlds. "The Currents of Space" takes us to such a juncture, where the nascent power of Trantor seeks to bring order and unity to a section of the galaxy still marked by independent entities and unequal relationships.
We find ourselves amidst a situation where the planet Sark holds sway over its neighbouring world, Florina. This dominion is not based on shared prosperity or mutual benefit, but rather on a stark economic dependency. Florina possesses a unique resource, a plant fibre known as kyrt, which is of immense value throughout the settled galaxy. This kyrt cannot be cultivated on Sark itself, nor, it seems, on any other world besides Florina. This monopoly has allowed Sark to accumulate significant wealth and to establish a social order where the native Florinians are relegated to a subservient position, their labour the foundation of Sarkite affluence.
Asimov, with his characteristic ability to draw parallels from our own history, paints a picture reminiscent of colonial powers and their exploited territories. The dynamic between Sark and Florina echoes the relationships of empires past, where one land benefits immensely from the resources and the labour of another, often with little regard for the well-being of the indigenous population. This sets the stage for potential conflict and for the inevitable reach of a growing Trantorian power that seeks to encompass all within its sphere.
Into this politically charged environment steps a man shrouded in mystery. He is known as Rik, and he is afflicted by a profound amnesia. His mind is a blank slate, and his apparent intellectual capacity seems diminished. Yet, within him lie dormant memories, fragments of a past that holds significance not only for his own identity but also for the delicate balance of power in this region of the galaxy. As these recollections begin to surface, a chain of events is set in motion that threatens the established order between Sark, Florina, and the expanding influence of Trantor.
The narrative unfolds with Rik at its centre, a figure trying to piece together the puzzle of his own existence while inadvertently becoming a key player in a larger political drama. He finds himself navigating the complexities of planetary law enforcement and the shadowy world of interstellar espionage, all while attempting to understand who he once was. The authorities on Sark are keenly interested in suppressing his emerging memories, recognizing the potential disruption they could cause to their dominance over Florina.
Asimov masterfully builds suspense not through intricate prose or dramatic action sequences, but through the logical progression of events and the gradual unveiling of crucial information. Like a detective in his own life, Rik slowly uncovers the nature of his past. It is learnt that before his memory loss, he held a specialized role, one that took him to the very edges of settled space. He was a "spacio-analyst," a unique kind of astronaut dedicated to studying the faint interstellar gases that permeate the vastness between stars. Their seemingly insignificant work, encapsulated in their motto "We analyze Nothing," holds a hidden key to the circumstances surrounding Florina and its precious kyrt.
The genius of Asimov often lies in his ability to weave scientific concepts, even if later proven inaccurate, into the fabric of his storytelling. In "The Currents of Space," a particular astronomical phenomenon becomes inextricably linked to the unique properties of Florina. The very reason why kyrt flourishes on this one planet, and why Sark holds such a powerful grip, is tied to a rare occurrence in the currents of space. This connection between the celestial and the terrestrial forms a crucial element of the underlying narrative, a secret that Rik unknowingly carries within his fragmented memory.
Furthermore, the story subtly touches upon the long and complex history of humanity's spread across the galaxy. Rik's origins are eventually traced back to Earth, a world now lost to radioactivity. This revelation, often a poignant reminder in Asimov's works of humanity's home planet, sparks a moment of contemplation on the vast journey that has led to the current galactic landscape. The idea that Earth might have been the original cradle of humankind is presented, adding another layer to the historical context of the narrative.
In its exploration of power dynamics, resource exploitation, and the stirrings of galactic unification, "The Currents of Space" stands as a significant stepping stone in Asimov's overarching vision of the future. While it predates the main Foundation saga in internal chronology, it clearly lays the groundwork for the societal structures and political forces that would eventually lead to the decline of the first Empire and the rise of Seldon's grand plan. The themes of justice, the rights of subjugated peoples, and the impact of scientific understanding on social order are all present, handled with Asimov's characteristic clarity and logical approach. The story, without revealing its specific twists and turns, guides us through a critical period in the galaxy's development, a time of shifting allegiances and the slow but steady march towards a unified galactic civilization under the banner of Trantor.
