Annal:2004 John W. Campbell Award

Omega

Jack McDevitt

• 2004 Campbell 1st
• 2004 Nebula nominee
• Score: 16.54

For a quarter of a century, mankind has known about the existence of the malignant omega clouds. Huge waves of deadly energy, they seem bent on destroying any civilization they come across. Now, Earth itself is in the line of fire—though not imminently. An omega is headed toward the planet, but it will not enter the solar system for nine hundred years.

Though research continues into the origin of the omegas and various theoretical scenarios for destroying them are suggested, there is no sense of urgency—until a Space Academy ship on a routine mission sends…

Natural History

Justina Robson

• 2005 Philip K Dick citation
• 2004 Campbell 2nd
• Score: 16.55

In the far future, humanity has engineered itself into new forms capable of spaceflight, the terraforming of planets, and the exploration of the deepest oceans. Evolution has reached a new zenith, and it seems there is no environment we cannot conquer. But when interstellar voyager meets a piece of alien technology in a head-on collision, the results go to show that the synthesis of the human race and its own technology is not the first or the most advanced of its kind in the galaxy.

The X-President

Philip Baruth

• 2004 Campbell 3rd
• Score: 6.54

A masterful blend of political satire and edgy social commentary, here is a wildly entertaining trip through recent American history and into the impending future. An incisive look at how we love and hate our political leaders, and how they love and hate us back, The X President touches the very heart of what it means to be president—and what a president means to America.

It is the year 2055 and America is entangled in a devastating world war—and losing badly. As the threat of homeland invasion grows stronger, the United States is desperate to change…