Palantir

Thanks Nephylim,It's always a delight to hear someone is enjoying a story -with a bit of extra zest when it's a fellow author. Yes, you're exactly right about Jarra. He's a very serious little fellow who does a great job of shouldering the burden of his disability = among other things.

Thanks again. Jarra was born with a structural defect in the way his muscles function. There's no environmental factor at all.

Mparntwe Chapter 2. *** The visitor entrance to Mparntwe was positioned quite close to Jarra's Community and the gently sloping downward ramp was lined with amazing pictures and designs which slowed his progress till he saw Mirri with a large group of people. "Jarra!" The loud cry of recognition sounded and a few seconds later Jarra was hugged and lifted from his feet then hustled towards the smiling gathering. There were so many it was quite confronting till Baradin stepped close and Jarra

Welcome to Central Australia, Yes, the story has been in process since Attunga concluded but it's not finished and once again I've broken my rule about not posting till I at least have the final rough draft done. I felt my presence on the site as an author was fading because of too long a gap with no new material posted. Hmm! You'll have to wait for any appearances - by my calculation there's only one person with an adequate life span. I'm delighted you've taken to Jarra and Mirri and, yes, they are extraordinarily complemantary in their natures. Karmai (you'll meet him in chapter 2) is very enthusiastic about dolphins but, you're right, there can't be the same interaction.

zaf, the procedure itself is neutral. It hasn't got a conscience or free will. It's the use, which would be instigated by people, which can be perceived as good or bad. There are countries where being gay is punishable by death. Would it be good if the use of this procedure saved a life or would it be better that they die rather than use it? I think most people would choose life and a few with the power of strong conviction might not. Our perception of 'good' depends to a degree on our circumstances. In a completely enlightened society with full acceptance of sexual orientation a simple procedure for change would be looked on purely and simply as a matter of personal choice. We don't live in completely enlightened societies and I'm completely with you about the negative use a procedure like this would be put to. There would be terrible pressure to use it and people's rights would be trampled. With the rapid developments in gene manipulation and the possibility of 'designer babies' this issue might be facing us sooner rather than later

I'm not sure what kind of imaginary "medical procedure" we're considering, but regardless- it paints homosexuality/bisexuality as a disease to be cured of. SolarMaxx's original post simply posits a simple easy to use procedure. Any negative painting is in the eye of the beholder. Yes, of course the are social groups which will make that imputation. And of course there are situations where it's use would be perceived as positive. As with any tool mankind develops it could be used for good or bad - and the perception of that good or bad will vary.

lol - Here's another take. How many people would use that technology to change from straight to gay?

HAVE A GREAT DAY, KC!!

Thank you Brian.I'll be trying my best to make the journey memorable.

Yes, the disabilities very much a part of this story and I really hope it holds your interest, Nephylim. As mutch71 says in his review, Mirri has a special kind of innocence, and I see it as a major aspect I want to present.

Thanks again, Ron,It's thrilling for me when I hear my story has evoked a strong response.

Lol - the 1.1 percent makes for some interesting conjecture.

Yes, a lot happened in a short space of time with the Cadre reaching a new level of interference.You're right, Ron. The pico-factories are essential in many, many ways.

Once again, thank you, Ron.

Thanks Matt,I'm glad you like the new characters and innocence is a particularly appropriate word for Mirri - as will be revealed. The landscapes are all places I've been and the animals all ones I've seen and I try to pass on some of their magic to my readers. I hope you continue to enjoy the story.

The nature stuff features quite a few more times in the story.As you can probably guess, nature and science are interests of mine. I think that curiosity and wonder is an underlying link between them.

Good question Ron - yes, the dolphin info and meeting is restricted to Attunga and Warrakan. The security AIs monitor any off habitat transmissions and ensure that nothing untoward gets through.

Thanks robsd,yes, there will be adventures (lots of 'exploring') but the trio won't be appearing. Sorry, but this is set at the beginning of the diaspora, 120 years before their time.

Thank you Sam.I hope this one gives you some moments of enjoyment.

Mparntwe. *** The uncomfortable tingle started and Jarra smiled as the doctor took his hand. She was a nice doctor as far as he was concerned, and always stayed with him till he felt okay. The smile went away. The world went away. Everything always did for the few minutes while the effect lasted, then awareness returned. "Where is your walk taking you today, Jarra?" "The riverbed and the old gum tree." She knew the gum tree because twice she'd walked there with him and talked while they sat

Mparntwe is another tale of the Terran Diaspora. Set in an earlier time to the tumultuous events of 'Attunga', it is based in Central Australia and tells the story of two young people. Jarra and Mirrigan, both with serious disabilities, both with serious abilities, live in one of the first great underground communities and experience events which change the world.

Whoo! I didn't realise. but there is a definite discontinuity of flow from chapter one. -warranting a minor re-write.

Thanks Ron. I'm glad to hear you've enjoyed the start of the story - I hope that enjoyment continues for you.The truly amazing thing is that the dolphin welcoming is what really happens - at least with the Momkey Mia dolphins.