Helva that is- and it certainly seems to me that her creation is a showcase of "The Wonders of Science" and of course technology.
Being born deformed, or with birth defects in Helva's universe need not mean a life of being marginalized as it does in our universe. ( Or at least it seems to me our universe marginalizes the disabled) It can mean a rich fulfilling life of service to all of humanity via the shell program.
But those who are not suitable are left to die, or is it euthanized? While those chosen are given no voice or choice in the matter. (Ick there go those thoughts on adoption again)
Not that I think it's a horrible thing that this was what happened to our heroine Helva. I think it's a marvelous thing. But again I have to question ethics here- (not to mention morals) I always remember that line from Jurrasic Park, "You were so busy doing this, that you didn't stop to think if you should" Or it's something like that anyway. Helva is a wonderous creation-she is in fact Cyborg/PostHuman and has seemingly limitless access to her brain. But she is also heavily conditioned-to be loyal, to serve. What about her wants and needs? Sure she can pay off the debt she owes from being created as a shell person-but what happened when she was on the verge of that? Yep, they reeled her back in. So how is it really ok for Helva to be treated this way if she's a human being? Is she supposed to be eternally greatful and loyal to those who "chose" her for this life? Or at some point will she be able to be her own person and live her life as she chooses? Yeah more stuff that makes me go hmmm....
It's been far too long~
7 years ago
You bring up some very good questions regarding Helva and what she has become. I think that line form Jurassic Park is very interesting as well. I think the difference though is that in Jurassic Park they werre creating something that did not exist anymore. Where as in The Ship Who Sang they are taking a fully functioning mind that is trapped inside a useless body into something that can benefit everyone. Helva may be a shell but she has feelings and thoughts and is able to express those thoughts. if she had not been put into the shell program she would have been euthanized or been made to live a life in which she is trapped inside a useless body. As a ship she can travel and explore as well as express herself. What I have a hard time dealing with is the fact that she is restricted because she is a ship. She cannot walk around and hug people, run or jump, or otherwise interact on a physical level with people. But that brings up a whole new topic. I think she is definitely freeer that she would have been if she had not entered the shell program. But it still does raise the question, just because you could doesn't mean you should.
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