Sci-Fi and Hi-Fi: The Microstory of a Storyteller Who Delivers Both

But "we wanted Karl to explore the idea in a way that would shed light on what purpose you'd put one to," he says, "and also think about what some of the unintended consequences might be.And he had to do it in 2,500 words, which is a very tight fit for a story."As for the accompanying nonfiction annotations, Choi's brief was to work with Cass and Schroeder to make sure that the story, although fantastical and set in the far future, was sufficiently grounded in ideas that scientists and futurists are taking seriously today.And of course, any good sci-fi story needs some cool art.For that, Deputy Art Director Brandon Palacio chose Andrew Archer, whose work has a terrific balance of realism and stylistic flair.Historically, many science-fiction stories and books have had accompanying art that's only barely related to what happens in the text, but Archer worked with us to make sure his work really fit "Hijack" [p.34 and the cover].Deft storytelling is something Cass himself delivers in this month's Hands On: "Vintage Hi-Fi Enters the 21st Century" [p.16].Not only is he our in-house sci-fi expert, he's also our staff do-it-yourselfer.This month, he resurrects a vintage hi-fi that came from his wife's family.