This Alien Shore

by Celia S. Friedman

An explosion in her habitat sends young Jamisia Shido scrambling through the corridors to an escape capsule. Intercepted by an interstellar passenger ship, she sets out for the stars pursued by inner demons, as well as terran and galactic pursuers. Demons hide in the depths of jump-space as well, much as killer whales pursue seals diving from one ice-flow to the next.

History of Interstellar Travel

The book takes place in the far future when interstellar flight have caused mutations in the human race. Some were minute differences, some to the point of grotesquerie. These mutations eventually lead to the cessation of interstellar flight, stranding a majority of the population away from their culture and supplies that were rooted on Earth. This causes worlds to reinvent themselves, with some coming out stronger. Eventually, one planet discovers a method of interstellar travel that does not cause 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 it quickly becomes a monopoly.

Computers advances

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 intricately tied into the body. 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; they refer to themselves as "moddies" or "being mod". In this future, it is extremely important to make sure that the best hardware is installed. The government in this future has guaranteed that all people shall be entitled to hardware, but the rich will tend to upgrade it for their children to guarantee them a better lifestyle.

The computers that are integrated into the brain help 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. Computer viruses have become more dangerous, as the computer can control base functions, thus making a person vulnerable to attack on a much different level.