Plot Summary
Disappearance on the Edge
Investigator Mossa travels alone to a remote, fog-shrouded platform on the ringed world of Giant, where a stranger has disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Locals assume suicide, but Mossa's instincts suggest otherwise. The platform's isolation, the lack of witnesses, and the stranger's last meal at the pub all point to something more complex. Mossa's methodical questioning uncovers only vague details: the man was boastful about his work at Valdegeld University, then simply gone. The emptiness of the platform and the swirling gases below create an atmosphere of melancholy and uncertainty. Mossa's curiosity is piqued, and she resolves to investigate further, setting her sights on Valdegeld and an old acquaintance, Pleiti.
Reunion in the Storm
Pleiti, a Classics scholar at Valdegeld, returns from her parents' farm to find Mossa waiting for her at the station. Their reunion is tinged with nostalgia and unresolved tension from their past relationship. Mossa requests Pleiti's help with the investigation, leveraging Pleiti's knowledge of the university and its social intricacies. As a tempest rages outside, the two retreat to Pleiti's rooms, sharing scones and tea while Mossa explains the case: a missing academic, Bolien Trewl, last seen at the Preservation Institute before vanishing. The emotional undercurrents between the two women—regret, affection, and professional respect—set the tone for their renewed partnership.
Scholar and Investigator
Mossa and Pleiti begin interviewing Bolien's colleagues at Valdegeld. The missing man is universally disliked—arrogant, self-absorbed, and obsessed with his research on altitude and organism distribution. No one believes he was suicidal, and no one seems to have been close to him. The investigation reveals little about his recent activities, but a thread emerges: Bolien's last known destination was the Preservation Institute, a place central to both academic research and the preservation of Earth's lost species. The duo's dynamic—Mossa's methodical probing and Pleiti's social insight—proves effective, but the mystery deepens.
The Preservation Institute's Secrets
The Koffre Institute for Earth Species Preservation is a sprawling complex dedicated to maintaining living examples of Earth's extinct flora and fauna. Mossa and Pleiti visit, seeking clues about Bolien's visit. They learn that access to the habitats is tightly controlled, and that the Institute is under constant pressure to justify its use of valuable platform space. Staff recall Bolien as a demanding visitor, uninterested in collaboration. No one remembers seeing him on the day in question, but the Institute's political vulnerability and the tension between preservation and progress become clear. The setting's grandeur and melancholy underscore the stakes of the investigation.
A Cat Among Theories
After a fruitless day of interviews, Mossa and Pleiti walk one of the Institute's observation paths. Suddenly, a caracal—a large wild cat—attacks them. Pleiti manages to drive it off, but Mossa is injured. The incident is highly unusual; animals never escape their enclosures. The attack feels targeted, a warning or an attempt to silence them. As Pleiti tends to Mossa's wounds, the two reflect on the risks they face and the possibility that someone within the Institute is involved in a larger conspiracy. The emotional intimacy of their care for each other contrasts with the lurking danger.
Wounds and Warnings
Back at Pleiti's rooms, Mossa's injuries are more serious than she admits. Pleiti's care is both practical and tender, rekindling old feelings. They discuss the implications of the attack: it was likely orchestrated by someone with access and motive. Mossa's determination to continue the investigation is undiminished, but Pleiti worries for her safety. The episode cements their partnership, blending professional collaboration with personal vulnerability. The threat is now personal, and the stakes have risen.
The Preacher's Fate
News arrives that Rechaure, a local street preacher known for his apocalyptic warnings, has been found dead at the station. Mossa deduces that his murder is connected to the larger case—he likely witnessed something he shouldn't have. The investigators' world grows more dangerous, as the conspiracy appears willing to kill to protect its secrets. The death of Rechaure, a fixture of Valdegeld, brings a sense of loss and urgency. Mossa is drawn deeper into the web of intrigue, while Pleiti is forced to confront the darker side of their society.
Academic Intrigues
As Mossa investigates Rechaure's murder, she uncovers layers of academic rivalry, ambition, and resentment. The university's administration is implicated, and the lines between personal and professional motives blur. Pleiti's own position becomes precarious as she is drawn into the political fallout. The investigation reveals the fragility of the institutions that preserve knowledge and culture, and the ease with which they can be undermined by self-interest. Mossa and Pleiti's alliance is tested by the pressures of loyalty, ambition, and the pursuit of truth.
The Modern Geographer's Map
Seeking to understand Bolien's movements, Mossa consults a Modern geographer. They discover that the platform where Bolien disappeared is the easternmost on its ring, with no further stations beyond. However, a forgotten suspended railcar system may have allowed him to travel unseen. The geographer's calculations suggest that someone could traverse the planet's circumference in secret, using abandoned infrastructure. This revelation opens new possibilities: Bolien may not be dead, but hiding or meeting someone in a remote location. The map becomes a key to unraveling the conspiracy.
The Stolen Cells
The Preservation Institute reports that several genetic samples—frozen germinate cells—have been stolen from various habitats. While not unique, their loss could undermine the Institute's credibility and survival. Mossa suspects the theft is linked to Bolien's disappearance and the broader plot. The theft's apparent randomness masks a deeper pattern, one that Pleiti, with her expertise in ecosystems, begins to discern. The stakes are now planetary: the future of Earth's restoration may hinge on recovering the stolen material.
Catnip and Conspiracies
Investigating the site of the caracal's release, Mossa finds traces of catnip—evidence that the animal was deliberately set on them. The attack was not a random accident, but a calculated move by someone with access and knowledge. The investigators piece together the likelihood of an inside accomplice at the Institute, possibly working with Bolien or another conspirator. The pattern of thefts, attacks, and murders suggests a coordinated effort to sabotage the Institute and its mission. Mossa and Pleiti realize they are up against a network, not a lone actor.
The Suspended Railcar
Mossa and Pleiti travel to a remote, abandoned gas compression factory, following the trail of the suspended railcar. They discover a secret platform beneath the main station, evidence that Bolien used this forgotten route to evade detection. The journey would have been perilous, but it allowed him to rendezvous with his co-conspirators far from prying eyes. The investigators' pursuit becomes a race against time, as they realize the conspirators may be preparing to use the stolen genetic material for a radical, unauthorized experiment.
Factory of Shadows
In the depths of the abandoned factory, Mossa and Pleiti are ambushed by Bolien and an unknown accomplice. A violent struggle ensues; Pleiti is injured, but Mossa manages to subdue Bolien. The encounter confirms their suspicions: Bolien is at the heart of the conspiracy, but he is not acting alone. The factory's isolation and the physical danger underscore the lengths to which the conspirators will go. The investigators' resilience and trust in each other are tested, but they emerge with a prisoner and new leads.
The Confrontation Below
Recuperating in Mossa's home, Pleiti and Mossa interrogate Bolien. He is unrepentant, mocking their efforts and refusing to divulge his accomplices. His arrogance and ideological fervor reveal a deeper motivation: a belief that the Institute's cautious approach is too slow, and that bold action is needed to restore Earth. Mossa and Pleiti realize that the theft is not just sabotage, but an attempt to force a new beginning—one that could have catastrophic consequences. Their emotional connection deepens as they grapple with the implications.
Sembla's Garden
Amidst the investigation, Mossa and Pleiti find a moment of peace in Sembla's gardens. They confront their shared history, the reasons for their past breakup, and the changes they have undergone. Vulnerability and honesty allow them to rekindle their relationship, accepting each other's flaws and strengths. The garden, a symbol of renewal and adaptation, mirrors their emotional journey. Their partnership, now both professional and romantic, becomes a source of strength as they prepare for the final confrontation.
The List's Revelation
Pleiti analyzes the list of stolen genetic samples and realizes they form a coherent ecosystem—an attempt to recreate a specific Earth environment. The conspirators plan to launch these samples to Earth, bypassing the careful, collective process of restoration. The revelation is devastating: years of scholarship and planning could be undone by a reckless, unilateral act. Mossa and Pleiti race to the spaceport, determined to stop the launch and prevent irreversible harm to Earth's future.
Race to the Spaceport
Armed with their new understanding, Mossa and Pleiti rush to Uliram, the planet's spaceport. Along the way, they receive confirmation that the university's rector, Spandal, is missing—implicating him as the mastermind. The spaceport is eerily deserted, and the countdown to launch has begun. The tension is palpable as they navigate blast walls and launch pads, knowing that failure will mean disaster for both Giant and Earth. Their determination and teamwork drive them forward, even as the odds mount against them.
The Rector's Gambit
On the launch pad, Mossa and Pleiti confront Rector Spandal and Professor Porbal. Spandal, driven by impatience and hubris, intends to launch himself and the stolen ecosystem to Earth, believing the scholars' caution is holding humanity back. A violent struggle ensues; Mossa is injured, but Pleiti manages to subdue Porbal. Spandal initiates the launch, escaping in the rocket as the investigators drag themselves to safety. The rocket's ascent marks both a failure and a turning point—the consequences of unchecked ambition and the fragility of collective endeavors.
Aftermath and Adaptation
In the wake of the launch, Giant's authorities scramble to respond. Bolien and Porbal are arrested; Spandal's fate is uncertain as a probe is sent to follow his rocket. The Preservation Institute's future hangs in the balance, and the academic community is forced to confront its own rigidity and the dangers of impatience. Mossa and Pleiti, changed by their ordeal, find solace in each other and in the possibility of new approaches—flexibility, collaboration, and adaptation. The story ends with hope: for their relationship, for the restoration of Earth, and for the capacity to learn from both success and failure.
Characters
Mossa
Mossa is a Senior Investigator on Giant, known for her methodical, logical approach and her unyielding pursuit of truth. She is emotionally reserved, often prioritizing work over personal connections, which contributed to the end of her earlier romantic relationship with Pleiti. Mossa's sense of justice is strong, but she is not immune to self-doubt or guilt, especially when those around her are harmed. Her development is marked by a gradual opening to vulnerability, particularly in her renewed partnership with Pleiti. Mossa's analytical mind and willingness to take risks make her both a formidable detective and a complex, evolving character.
Pleiti
Pleiti is a Classics scholar at Valdegeld University, specializing in the reconstruction of Earth's ecosystems through ancient texts. She is empathetic, socially adept, and deeply invested in the preservation of knowledge and life. Pleiti's past relationship with Mossa left her with lingering feelings and unresolved questions, but her willingness to collaborate and adapt is central to the story. She provides emotional intelligence and context to Mossa's investigation, and her own journey involves balancing personal desires with professional responsibilities. Pleiti's growth is seen in her ability to forgive, to change, and to embrace uncertainty.
Bolien Trewl
Bolien is a Classics scholar obsessed with his own research and status. Disliked by colleagues for his self-importance, he becomes the focal point of the investigation when he disappears after visiting the Preservation Institute. Bolien's actions are driven by a belief that the Institute's cautious approach is too slow; he seeks to force progress by stealing genetic material and attempting to restart life on Earth. His psychological rigidity, lack of empathy, and willingness to collaborate with dangerous conspirators make him both a victim and a perpetrator. Bolien's downfall is his inability to see beyond his own ambitions.
Rector Spandal
The rector of Valdegeld University, Spandal is a powerful figure frustrated by the slow pace of Earth's restoration. His impatience and sense of entitlement lead him to orchestrate the theft of genetic material and the unauthorized rocket launch. Spandal's actions are motivated by a mix of nostalgia, ambition, and a desire for personal legacy. He is willing to commit murder and sabotage to achieve his goals, rationalizing his actions as necessary for humanity's future. Spandal embodies the dangers of unchecked authority and the perils of prioritizing individual vision over collective wisdom.
Professor Porbal
Porbal is a Modern geographer who becomes entangled in the conspiracy through his connections and expertise. He assists Spandal and Bolien in navigating the planet's infrastructure, enabling their secret movements and the theft of genetic material. Porbal's motivations are less ideological than opportunistic; he seeks advancement and recognition, aligning himself with powerful figures. His involvement in violence and sabotage reveals a willingness to compromise ethics for personal gain. Porbal's eventual capture and betrayal of his co-conspirators highlight the fragility of alliances built on self-interest.
Cyla
Cyla is a staff member at the Preservation Institute, responsible for managing access and security. She is knowledgeable, cautious, and deeply committed to the Institute's mission. Cyla's interactions with Mossa and Pleiti reveal the challenges of balancing openness with protection, and her pragmatic approach is tested by the theft and subsequent investigation. She represents the institutional perspective, wary of both external threats and internal weaknesses. Cyla's role underscores the vulnerability of even the most well-intentioned organizations.
Rechaure
Rechaure is a street preacher in Valdegeld, known for his apocalyptic warnings and outsider status. His murder is a turning point in the investigation, signaling the conspiracy's willingness to kill. Rechaure's presence is both a reminder of the planet's traumatic history and a symbol of those marginalized by progress. His fate evokes questions about who is protected and who is expendable in the pursuit of grand projects.
Frefor
Frefor is the Director of Operations at the Preservation Institute. He is protective of the Institute's reputation and resistant to outside interference, especially from Investigators. Frefor's reluctance to share information and his dismissive attitude complicate the investigation. He embodies the institutional inertia and fear of scandal that can hinder transparency and adaptation.
The Caracal
The caracal, a large wild cat, is released as a weapon against Mossa and Pleiti. Its attack is both a literal danger and a metaphor for the unpredictable consequences of tampering with nature and institutions. The caracal's role highlights the vulnerability of even controlled environments and the ease with which order can be disrupted.
The Platform Community
The residents of the remote platform where Bolien disappears represent the broader society of Giant: isolated, interdependent, and wary of outsiders. Their responses to the investigation reveal the psychological effects of isolation, the importance of community bonds, and the challenges of uncovering truth in closed systems.
Plot Devices
Dual Investigation Structure
The narrative employs a dual investigation: the disappearance of Bolien and the murder of Rechaure. These threads converge as Mossa and Pleiti uncover a conspiracy that threatens both the Preservation Institute and the future of Earth. The structure allows for the gradual revelation of connections, building suspense and deepening the emotional stakes. The use of alternating settings—university, institute, remote platforms—mirrors the characters' internal journeys and the broader themes of adaptation and restoration.
Foreshadowing and Symbolism
The story is rich in foreshadowing: the swirling fog, the isolation of platforms, the precariousness of constructed habitats all hint at the fragility of both personal relationships and societal projects. The caracal's attack, the preacher's warnings, and the theft of genetic material serve as symbols of disruption, loss, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. The recurring theme of "mimicking known successes" underscores the tension between tradition and innovation.
Emotional Arc and Reconciliation
The evolving relationship between Mossa and Pleiti is both a subplot and a central device. Their reconciliation, built on vulnerability and acceptance, mirrors the story's larger message: the need for flexibility, collaboration, and the willingness to change. The emotional arc provides a counterpoint to the intellectual and procedural aspects of the investigation, grounding the narrative in human experience.
Science Fiction Worldbuilding
The meticulously constructed world of Giant—with its ringed platforms, atmospheric hazards, and preservationist ethos—serves as both backdrop and catalyst for the plot. The setting's constraints and possibilities shape the characters' actions and the unfolding mystery. The interplay between technology, ecology, and society is woven into the narrative, making the world itself a character in the story.
Analysis
Malka Older's The Mimicking of Known Successes is a masterful blend of science fiction, mystery, and romance, set in a world where humanity clings to artificial platforms above a gas giant, haunted by the loss of Earth. The novel interrogates the tension between preservation and progress, caution and ambition, individual vision and collective responsibility. Through the intertwined investigations of Mossa and Pleiti, Older explores the psychological costs of exile, the fragility of institutions, and the dangers of impatience—both personal and societal. The theft of genetic material and the unauthorized launch to Earth serve as metaphors for the risks of unilateral action and the hubris of believing one can shortcut complex, communal processes. At its heart, the story is about adaptation: the need to balance reverence for the past with openness to change, and the importance of relationships—romantic, professional, and communal—in navigating uncertainty. The emotional arc of Mossa and Pleiti, from estrangement to reconciliation, mirrors the broader hope that humanity can learn from its failures and build a future that honors both memory and possibility.
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