This Alien Shore
This Alien Shore is a science fiction novel by the American author Celia S. Friedman. It was originally released in hardcover in August 1998 and in paperback in June 1999. This novel is one of the author's few standalone books to date.
This Alien Shore, which explores the second age of space colonization, was selected as a New York Times Notable Book of the Year.[1]
Plot
History of Interstellar Travel
The plot of this book is based in a far-future where interstellar flight caused mutations in the race as a whole. Some were minute differences, some to the point of grotesque. This eventually leads to the cessation of interstellar flight, stranding a majority of the population from their culture and supplies that were rooted on the Earth. This causes worlds to reinvent themselves and some to come out stronger. Eventually, one planet discovers a method of interstellar travel that does not cause the adverse effects. They create a company called the Outspace Guild. Due to the mutations, the Guild is the only one that can use this method of travel, and this quickly becomes a monopoly.
Computers advancement
Throughout this time, computers have advanced to a point that they are necessary for all facets of life. It is introduced early in the book that each person is entitled to have a computer installed in their brain at birth. Unfortunately, it is impossible to reinstall different computers due to the complexity of the nervous system and how it is so intricately tied into the body. However, it is possible to have additional "brainware" installed later in life, though this is both dangerous and illegal. Even so, some people have it done, and refer to themselves as "moddies" or "being mod". In this future, it is extremely important to make sure that the hardware installed is some of the best. The government in this future have guaranteed that all persons shall be entitled to hardware, but the rich will tend to make sure to upgrade this for their children to guarantee them a better lifestyle.
The computers that are integrated into the brain can help to regulate bodily functions, such as causing a regular release of adrenaline at a scheduled time. They can also set up tasks and reminders for the mind, and can be used for communication with others. Viruses have become more dangerous as the computer can control base functions, thus making a person vulnerable to attack on a much different level.
Characters
Dr. Kio Masada - A scientist from the Guild planet that works to learn about a virus that shows up as something that could destroy society in the current state.
Jamisia Shido - A female from a space habitat near Earth. Secret illegal therapy for a disaster that killed her parents has left Jamisia with an acute form of dissociative identity disorder and may have made her the key in the fight against the virus.
Alternate personalities residing in Jamisia Shido
Derik - One of only two (confirmed) male personalities residing in Jamisia, he is violent and reckless and considers himself the protector of the group. He usually swears profoundly when things go wrong.
Raven - A smart person taught how to fly spaceships by Shido Corporation as part of their plan to unseat the Guild monopoly.
Verina - The smartest person residing in Jamisia's body, she knows a lot, and gives the impression of being a more mature woman.
Katlyn - A female who enjoys seducing men and pleasures of the flesh.
Zusu - A girl who is always frightened, though not as much as the unnamed one. Her whimpering often annoys the Others, who usually tell her to shut up.
The Children - Several unnamed personalities who don't play much of a role in the story, but when they do appear, they usually just voice a child's concern about what is happening.
The Unnamed One - This unnamed boy spends much of the story curled up in a tight ball in a corner of Jamisia's brain, alone with his monstrous fears. He only speaks at the end of the book, to help Raven and Jamisia navigate the ainniq. He has Outpilot's Syndrome, the insanity required to see the sana (the most vicious predators known to humanity, they reside in the ainniq and feed on human souls).