Because in some parts of our country it’s still Columbus Day and because so few of us really understand what Columbus (Christobal Colon) did, I offer this fictional re-imagination of the events of his landing on Hispaniola.
Divergence: 1276 CE
What if: Chinese refugees fleeing the Mongol conquest of Hangzhou sailed across the Pacific.
Summary: Two centuries later, Columbus arrives in Hispaniola and is told of the rich counter of the Northern Land. Subsequent events do not occur in his favor.
Published: In Paradox #8 (Winter 2005-2006).
Awards: Finalist: 2006 Sidewise Award for best short-form alternate history.
Click to download a PDF of O, Pioneer
