AEG clones

James Wynn · 14 Dec 2008, 05:38 · from 2008-December.txt.gz

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From: crushtv at gmail.com (James Wynn)
Date: Sat, 13 Dec 2008 23:38:20 -0600
Subject: (urth) AEG clones
References: <000901c95d65$1a9ac340$3dcf4a0c@rclackey>
Message-ID: <28BF0500BD5348C8B8159A932165B8FB@GATEWAY>

> Given my past antipathy for clone theories, I hesitate to even bring up 
> the
> subject, but it's mentioned in the book (p.-296) and I have a sinking
> feeling.

I have absolutely no aversion to clone theories per se, yet I think I can 
give you heartening news that I don't think any of this means Rian is a 
clone. Klauser IMO thinks Ries's fiance was a clone-daughter of the woman he 
is talking to in his living room. When she says she wants to bring her back, 
he presumes she means to create a new clone. She would not want to say more 
about it because it is an illegal activity.

Given that as an explanation (which I think is accurate), is there anything 
said that would be clarified by Rian being a clone of Bill Reis? I can't 
think of anything. I know you don't doubt me when I say I actually wish I 
could. Another thing, weight is to some extent biologically driven, but so 
are heart defects. Now Reis *might* had this sort of thing as a child or he 
might not. We aren't told. Maybe in a sequel. But I'll bet in that sequel, 
Rian is the high king of Takanga.

On the other hand, to have Cassie *never* meet Rian *is* suspicious in a 
Wolfe novel. There were innumerable opportunities before she came to the 
island and during her stay for Wolfe to have them meet (yes, I know we never 
meet Herbie either, but this is different.). But the picture of a younger 
Bill Reis is not telling, since Rian is sixteen and the youngest picture 
she's seen of Bill is when he's at probably twice that age, I'm not sure the 
picture would have raised any eyebrows. But, while Wolfe has left room to 
allow Rian to be revealed as a clone or any number of other things a sequel, 
I'm don't see anything *yet* that actually tips us toward that.

J

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