Virtual Quill

Yes, in addition to analyzing Francis, pondering the implications for my own future and maintaining my classwork, I’m also preparing Hare-Link for the release of MicroTalon’s new OS. And here I thought “nocturnal” meant you actually got to sleep during the day.
On the subject of Francis, further data hasn’t altered my original finding. If I have children here, they may spend a year or so as bats or hedgehogs, but they’ll become human within a year of their birth. My own genetics are similar to Danielle’s in that regard. Without getting too specific; it’s well known that there are many genes in every genome whose purpose is thus far unknown. Comparing the profiles of Danielle and myself, I’ve found some gene sequences that aren’t shared by the rest of the Domain population, of any species. My conclusion is that those are human genes that are recessive for one who crosses the portal, but become dominant in their offspring.
Fenton has been surprisingly supportive about this finding, although it’s true that he hasn’t told anyone in his family. I’ve told my family, of course, and their attitude is to be expected: At this point, what’s a little more diversity? I do wonder if Fenton’s reaction is one of slight relief: as Dad can attest, diapering a quilled species is a challenge.
So, do Francis and whatever daughters I have eventually lead to a race of humans on this side of the portal? Now, I’m inclined to doubt it. The issue of the Westermarck Effect was mentioned here this week, that says that children raised in close proximity don’t establish romantic relationships in later years. I also take a dim view of arranged marriages, for obvious reasons, and I can imagine them rebelling against the expectation of procreation.
As for my genetic duplicate on this side of the portal? Many social, legal and logistical forces stand in way of that, but none so much as my desire to eventually have children of my own.
I’d like to thank everyone who has replied with messages of support during the past week; I’ve needed them.
Today’s question (and returning to the title topic): How many of you are planning to immediately upgrade to Windows 7?