Act One by Nancy Kress « Biology in Science Fiction: Free Fiction

Genetic engineering of children in the near future: are they advantaged or handicapped?

Title: Act One

Author: Nancy Kress

Length: novella

First Publication: Asimov’s Science Fiction, 2009

Awards: Nebula Nomination for Best Novella 2009; Hugo Nomination for Best Novella 2009

What the Story is About:

“I need so much to understand, Ishmael.If you genemod these little girls,one by one,you end up changing such a small percentage of the human race that …how many children have been engineered with
Arlen’s Syndrome?”
“We prefer the term ‘Arlen’s Advantage.’”
“Yes,of course. How many children?”
I held my breath.The Group had never given out that information.
Jane put an entreating hand on Ishmael’s knee.
He said loftily, hungrily, “That information is classified,”and I saw that he didn’t know the answer.
Ms.Resentful said,“To date,three thousand two hundred fourteen.”

Rachel Swirsky commented:

“Act One” is a contemplation of genetic engineering in the near future. The viewpoint character is an Achondroplasic dwarf — which, in combination with the topic, made me go, “Oh, god, please tell me you’re not going to use the Achondroplasia ethical dilemma” — which, of course, she did.

(read Swirsky’s post to find out the dilemma’s details)

Note: story is a pdf file. First part in HTML format

Rating: 3.5/5 (4 votes cast)

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