Fiction: Finding the God in the Gate
Nov. 15th, 2014 11:12 pm(This was inspired by a discussion between ![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
dialecticdreamer and ysabetwordsmith on the ethics of consent and bodily autonomy in science-fiction, and is set in the Blueshift Troupers universe, a sci-fi project about galactic exploration, organic technology, and shapeshifting. In brief, the Gates are techno-organic stargates in space. They have a high chance of altering someone's DNA or bodily structure when entered, causing many worlds to have people adapted for them. Because of this, teams of natural shapeshifters are in high demand in order to explore space and troubleshoot problems across the galaxy.)
Simon refused to look in the mirror the nurse brought. "I am NOT beautiful," the woman said. "I am handsome!" The nurse looked steadily at his patient. Simon continued, saying, "Handsome was once used for any good-looking thing, you know, person or otherwise." Then she narrowed her eyes. "So where is he? I know I'm going to meet God now. Where does he live?"
The nurse shook his head, and set the hand-mirror nearby. "You know they have minds of their own. I really do not understand this religion of yours, but I suppose you know what you're doing." The facts had already been discussed several times as new God-Seekers came through the local Gate looking for their god, who was supposed to be the prime controller of the Gates. They believed that the most faithful would be changed to look perfect, and would speak with Him once on the other side.
Doctor Elles walked in. "Nurse, would you step outside? I need a few moments with my patient." Once the nurse had left, he looked at the person on the bed. "Simon, I'm going to release you shortly. You check out as fully functional, with some extra benefits to boot. The Gate must have felt you needed upgrading. The MRI showed several small pumping muscles on your major veins and arteries, and the arterial sclerosis your prior records indicate has been cleaned up. Your hormones indicate a lower cortisol level than usual, and aside from the gender change, your system should be overall much more resistant to physical stress. I want to note that these changes are not unusual for the Turis destination, with its heavy-world gravity, but most of us don't need those particular alterations."
( Read more... )
dialecticdreamer and ysabetwordsmith on the ethics of consent and bodily autonomy in science-fiction, and is set in the Blueshift Troupers universe, a sci-fi project about galactic exploration, organic technology, and shapeshifting. In brief, the Gates are techno-organic stargates in space. They have a high chance of altering someone's DNA or bodily structure when entered, causing many worlds to have people adapted for them. Because of this, teams of natural shapeshifters are in high demand in order to explore space and troubleshoot problems across the galaxy.)Simon refused to look in the mirror the nurse brought. "I am NOT beautiful," the woman said. "I am handsome!" The nurse looked steadily at his patient. Simon continued, saying, "Handsome was once used for any good-looking thing, you know, person or otherwise." Then she narrowed her eyes. "So where is he? I know I'm going to meet God now. Where does he live?"
The nurse shook his head, and set the hand-mirror nearby. "You know they have minds of their own. I really do not understand this religion of yours, but I suppose you know what you're doing." The facts had already been discussed several times as new God-Seekers came through the local Gate looking for their god, who was supposed to be the prime controller of the Gates. They believed that the most faithful would be changed to look perfect, and would speak with Him once on the other side.
Doctor Elles walked in. "Nurse, would you step outside? I need a few moments with my patient." Once the nurse had left, he looked at the person on the bed. "Simon, I'm going to release you shortly. You check out as fully functional, with some extra benefits to boot. The Gate must have felt you needed upgrading. The MRI showed several small pumping muscles on your major veins and arteries, and the arterial sclerosis your prior records indicate has been cleaned up. Your hormones indicate a lower cortisol level than usual, and aside from the gender change, your system should be overall much more resistant to physical stress. I want to note that these changes are not unusual for the Turis destination, with its heavy-world gravity, but most of us don't need those particular alterations."
( Read more... )
