This story is based on the idea of the human brain hosting microscopic components of a powerful integrated alien mind called the Omnitude that can shape the thoughts of the host's brain and also has ambitions to use such manipulated brains to help it expand through the galaxy. Amazing!
Parts of the story are written in the second person, where the Omnitude describes the POV of the person whose perceptions are being shaped by the alien entities that are manipulating its brain, and in turn this description is identified with by the reader. Wow, that's deep! The way this story describes the physical mechanisms that produce thought brings to mind Ted Chiang's brilliant 2008 Hugo-winning story Exhalation ( EP194).
The depth of the story is enhanced by the way the life cycle of a single colonist is traced, with emphasis on progressive neural stages and perceptions associated with childhood, adulthood, and senescence.
One thing that is missing is an explanation of how the Omnitude achieves integration without having to resort to woo-woo telepathy. Could it be that the matter constituting the planet, as well as the living beings on the planet, are all physically interconnected to provide a bridge that enables the integration of the Omnitude? Does it involve some sort of EM communication network? The story is so good that it deserves more thorough consideration of this matter.
« Last Edit: November 30, 2017, 12:08:17 AM by Piet »
It's not the destination...it's the glory of the ride.