From: ted@loft.tnolan.com   
      
   In article <10kll0a$f468$1@dont-email.me>,   
   Tony Nance   wrote:   
   >   
   >Have there been SF works that had life (inhabited planets/moons) in   
   >white dwarf systems? I'm thinking "surely there have been - probably   
   >several", but I can't think of any.   
   >   
   >Tony   
      
      
   	"My wish would be to stop by a pleasant way-station where   
   	we could breathe new air and enjoy the glamour of strange   
   	landscapes and quaint villages, where the folk still abide   
   	by their ancient customs."   
   	   
   	"All very well," said Myron. "No doubt these picturesque   
   	places exist, but if we deviate from our planned course we   
   	may not so easily return anywhere near our destination,   
   	which is Naharius."   
   	   
   	Dame Hester seemed not to hear. "I have read of native   
   	markets where unique goods can be had: fetishes and masks,   
   	emblems of fertility, exotic fabrics. There are true bargains   
   	to be found if one is prepared to haggle a bit."   
   	   
   	"Yes, yes, of course! Nevertheless, such worlds are not to   
   	be found everywhere."   
   	   
   	Dame Hester lurched up from her position on the sofa.   
   	"Please! Myron! I have stated my needs! Be good enough to   
   	implement them."   
   	   
   	Myron spoke with harried patience. "My dear Aunt Hester,   
   	if I could produce a world of such gorgeous romance for   
   	your pleasure, I would do so on the instant. I would be   
   	performing a miracle!"   
   	   
   	Dame Hester spoke icily: "In that case, perform the miracle.   
   	Are you finally aware of my mood?"   
   	   
   	"Yes," said Myron. "It is clear."   
   	   
   	"Good!" Dame Hester resumed her supine posture on the sofa.   
   	   
   	Myron bowed, and went off to consult his references.   
   	   
   	Presently he returned to the saloon. "I have studied Handbook   
   	to the Planets at length," he told Dame Hester. "The most   
   	accessible world is Dimmick, in orbit around the white dwarf   
   	Maudwell's Star. It would seem queer enough and odd enough   
   	even to gratify the most avid taste.   
   	   
   	"The references are somewhat ambiguous, but none seriously   
   	emphasize the world's allure. Let me read from the Handbook:   
   	'Dimmick is not a world of halcyon charm, although the   
   	topography often displays a rugged grandeur. The surface   
   	is for the most part covered under harsh stony mountains   
   	and glaciers. A number of small circular plains depressed   
   	below the surface are in fact meteor craters. In these   
   	parts, the air temperature is modified by ground heat to   
   	the threshold of livability. The town Flajaret and the   
   	spaceport are located in one of the craters.'   
   	   
   	"'Dimmick and its people, to say the least, are unusual,   
   	though sensitive visitors may not be captivated. The efflux   
   	of hot springs creates tunnels through the glaciers, providing   
   	shelter for a debased caste of dog-breeders known as   
   	'spockows'. The upper castes keep dogs in their homes, and   
   	dress them in fancy suits. There is an undercurrent of   
   	hostility between the castes, since one eats the creatures,   
   	while the other pampers the animals in their homes and feeds   
   	them tidbits from their tables.'   
   	   
   	"'The principal sport is dog-fighting, which is important   
   	since it sets the tone for the society. Gambling is obsessive.   
   	Even small children crawl to the arena, to bet coins upon   
   	their favorite beast. Another vehicle for gambling is the   
   	penal system. Near Flajaret is a large lake crusted over   
   	with mats of dried algae. On this precarious surface the   
   	penal exercises are conducted, to the great interest of the   
   	public at large.'   
   	   
   	"'Dimmick is not known for its gracious cuisine, since few   
   	if any natural foods are consumed. Ordinary victual consists   
   	of synthetic gruel, enlivened by artificial flavoring, then   
   	fried, baked, boiled or shirred, to much the same effect.'"   
   	   
   	Myron paused. "Shall I go on? The Handbook provides several   
   	recipes for boiled dog which may interest you."   
   	   
   	"Thank you, no."   
   	   
   	Myron looked sidewise at Dame Hester, trying to gauge her   
   	mood. Often she could be perverse, simply to inject drama   
   	into a situation. He risked an opinion: "I suggest that we   
   	bypass Dimmick. We are approaching Port Tanjee on Taubry,   
   	which will surely be far more entertaining."   
   	   
   	Dame Hester spoke decisively: "We shall land at Flajaret,   
   	and briefly explore this benighted world. Then we shall   
   	also halt at Port Tanjee. In this way we will be able to   
   	compare the good with the bad."   
   	   
   	Myron performed a crisp bow. "As you like."   
   --   
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