Chameleon outtake

[velvet_mace]

This isn't really part of the Chameleon story. It's a backstory scene I couldn't figure out how to fit in. Anyway, I'm putting it up for funsies and to hold people over until I get the next chapter out

Comments

[swanpride]

I'm surprised that so many seemed to think that Moran is somewhat symphatic in this outtake. I was mostly struck by his hypocrisy. So it's okay to rape an unwilling guide, but gang bang, that's a horrible thing? And not because of the guide and his feelings, but because real Sentinel's would never share their territory? And rape is okay as long as the guide is passive and comfortable? Urgh!

[yeomanrand]

I have to admit that on finishing this my first thought was "Damn, Moran's a piece of work."

[velvet_mace]

Oh he isn't being hypocritical at all. Moran always approaches a situation from the perspective of himself: What will make his world better. He doesn't see himself as raping an unwilling guide (John) because he knows by the time any sex will be happening, John will be all for it.

He doesn't have any problem scenting an unwilling John, because from his point of view, John's the one in the wrong. Moran signed up when his powers came on line. He's put up with tons of crap he didn't particularly want to do. He's taken orders, and put his wants and dreams on hold plenty. It's not like he gets to decide where he lives and works, either. He does it because it's the way things work. Everyone has to pitch in and do their part.

Obviously, John doesn't have any real problem with Moran (from Moran's POV) because there is nothing wrong with Moran from his own POV. Besides, it's not like Moran has any choice in Guides, either. It's John or nothing for who knows how long.

[only_po]

I wonder . . . how much research and experimentation did the Tower et al do to create new Guides after WWII?

(ie, could normals be mutated into Guides? Could mutes be unmuted? Is it possible to alter genetics so that the child born would be a guaranteed guide? Can Guides be cloned? Are Guides *ahem* "strong encouraged" to procreate in hopes of breeding more Guides? What about IVF and multiples? eesh, I'm starting to get all squicked out now.)

[velvet_mace]

I fully expect that there is some extremely disreputable research being done in various places around the world. Especially in countries that took a major hit during the war itself.

But, none of the characters in Chameleon are engaging in them, and Home Office's official policy is to "let nature take it's course".

[only_po]

"OFFICIAL" policy . . . gotcha. *nudge nudge wink wink*

[essie007]

So I really don't understand why instead of trying to breed more guides through only allowing baby-making bonds they don't just set up a sperm bank. If breeding new guides is really the aim we have the technology.

[velvet_mace]

It'd be an image problem. It wouldn't be a surprise at all if there weren't guide sperm spiking the bank as it were, but most people have a problem with actively "breeding people" and many infertile couples would be less than thrilled to be part of a breeding program for the Tower. It smacks of eugenics, and even though it would make practical sense, it just wouldn't make emotional or political sense.

So the official line is that they are just letting nature take it's course. The unofficial, unspoken, plausibly deniable line is that they do whatever subtle things they can to help nature along.

Of course, Harry is also not a completely reliable narrator here. You have to keep that in mind.