“You write near science fiction? What’s that mean?”

This question often comes up in relation to the genre of my stories. In response, I explain these stories are based on current and/or theorised science pushed just beyond the bounds of what’s actually (or in some cases, ethically) possible. You may have seen a previous post on the challenge of when science catches up? In ten years, it has.

Remember how the Blaine Colton trilogy is founded on “revolutionary gene therapy”? To find a balance between “over science-ing” the story whilst leaving space for the imagination, the specifics and risks of this gene-modifying technology were not laid out in detail. Being new technology, many of the longer-term risks were extrapolated based on known problems of various delivery systems (for example, problematic levels of inflammation, immune interactions), but many remain unknown to this day. Instead I offer a hint here, a reference there. For this reason people sometimes ask for more.

Previously I had to explain types of delivery systems and mechanisms, the potential problems of integrating new genetic material into an organism, and more. Fast track to now, and I can simply say, “You know these experimental shots people are eagerly receiving for the current virus of interest …? Yeah, the fundamental concept is pretty much that.” And something I’ve recently learnt, not only can people develop allergies to GMO products (I knew that already, BUT), some individuals develop sensitivities to people who’ve taken these shots! (Keep an eye out for my soon-to-be released short story inspired by this scenario. 😉)

Against this rapidly changing backdrop, my stories have increasingly leaned towards fringe or even dystopian scenarios to stay a little ahead of the crush. In my “Crossed Spaces” short story Over and Out, I reference PICs—Personal Identification Chips—for the tracking and control of the population by the GG (Global Government), along with intrusive facial recognition technology that can see a person located and swiftly arrested within minutes of identification. I knew identification chips were a thing in some European countries, but not a widely accepted concept. As for facial recognition software, well, anyone been watching China lately …? However …

Little over a year since writing that story, we see Sweden implanting tracking/status chips into flocking recipients in the name of “safety”. (Really???) Not only is this the type of technology on which social credit systems are built and enforced, but intrusive facial recognition monitoring has even been proposed here in Australia by our leaders, with early reports by news outlets suggesting uses could include “enforcing social distancing, mask wearing etc”. Add to this the latest Digital ID legislation that’s being pushed through our parliament and the governing leaders would have capacity to identify, track and punish anyone who is deemed to have breached government-dictated behaviours through technology that allows citizen connectivity and biometrics monitoring for access to community services, travel and financial “credits”. If adopted, “Division 8, Northwest GG Quadrant” from Over and Out may not seem quite so farfetched. (It’s a fun story. If you haven’t read it yet, you should.)

I could detail other fiction I’ve penned that has become reality, from harvesting human embryonic organs to behaviour-modifying technology. No doubt I’m not the only science fiction author witnessing this trend. Like anything in science, just because we can, doesn’t mean we ought. And like any decision, convenience and fear should never be the driving determinants, but awareness should, and the capacity to see where seemingly beneficial technologies could lead without appropriate regulation.

I’ve a hunch we’ve only seen the tip of “near science fiction” proposed for our societies by certain well-resourced entities. No doubt more reveals will come. Hopefully most of us have our ears and eyes open so we can recognise when bounds are being overstepped, and can thus respond with future generations in mind to foster the good and question what is not.