Black Projects, White Knights

Black Projects, White Knights is a science fiction collection that features interconnected short stories set in Kage Baker's Company universe. The stories follow immortal cyborg operatives who work for Dr. Zeus Inc., also known as The Company, moving through different time periods to collect artifacts and specimens that would otherwise be lost to history. The collection presents varied perspectives across time and space, from 19th century California missions to futuristic scenarios, featuring recurring characters like the botanist Mendoza and the mysterious Alec Checkerfield. Each story stands alone while contributing to the larger narrative of The Company and its complex operations throughout human history. The eleven stories in this volume include tales of artifact recovery, first contact situations between operatives and humans, and glimpses into the recruitment and training of Company agents. Previously published in Asimov's Science Fiction magazine, these stories were gathered by Golden Gryphon Press to expand the Company series universe. The collection explores themes of immortality, duty, and the ethical implications of manipulating history, while questioning the nature of humanity in a world where the line between organic and artificial becomes increasingly blurred.

Readers note this short story collection provides insight into The Company series' characters and universe, though several mention it works less well as a standalone book. Many reviews highlight "The Literary Agent" and "Smart Alec" as standout stories. Readers appreciated: - Background details that enrich the main novels - Focus on lesser-known Company operatives - Humor and wit in the writing style Common criticisms: - Stories feel incomplete without knowledge of the series - Uneven quality between entries - Some stories end abruptly Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (354 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (21 ratings) "A good introduction to Baker's imagination," writes one Amazon reviewer, while a Goodreads review notes "the stories lack the depth of the novels." Multiple readers mention the collection serves better as a supplement to the series rather than an entry point.

The Company Series by Connie Willis Time-traveling historians work for a shadowy organization while navigating complex missions through human history.

All Systems Red by Martha Wells A security robot gains consciousness and struggles with its role in a corporate-controlled future while protecting human researchers.

The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. by Neal Stephenson, Nicole Galland Government operatives use time travel and magic to alter history through a secret department.

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar Two agents from opposing factions communicate through time while carrying out missions to alter the course of history.

The Gone World by Tom Sweterlitsch A time-traveling federal agent investigates crimes across multiple timelines while working for a classified government program.

🔮 The Company series, including this collection, was inspired by Baker's childhood visits to California missions, where she wondered about the preservation of historical artifacts. 🌿 Kage Baker worked as a teacher at Living History Centers, which significantly influenced her detailed historical descriptions in The Company stories. ⚙️ The concept of cyborg immortals in the series was partly influenced by Baker's interest in the real-world development of medical technology and life extension research. 📚 The title "Black Projects, White Knights" references classified government operations (black projects) while playing with the moral complexity of supposedly heroic characters (white knights). 🎭 Before becoming a writer, Baker was involved in theater and Renaissance Faires, contributing to her skill in creating vivid historical atmospheres and distinctive character voices.