Intro: Pounding bass note and a stirring fanfare of horns. Welcome to another edition of Things to Think about. Here's Stacy. The horns continue with a keyboard note held.
Content Warning: This episode contains depictions of forced pregnancy.
Relaxing piano music is in the background. Welcome to the Things To Think About Podcast where we use fables and fairy tales to come to deeper truths about our subconscious world. I’m Stacy Casson and today’s story explores frame of reference. I visited an exhibit where we were able to view a historical event using virtual reality. Being immersed in the space provided a unique experience. We will dive into this topic in a tale I call, Perspective. And now, get comfortable and relax. Take a Deep Breathe in and exhale. A Deep Breath in, and exhale. A Deep breath in and exhale. And if you'd like, you can slowly...close...your eyes.
Once upon a time, Daygar was scared. The coldness of the aluminum table seeped through the sterile paper covering, through his thin hospital gown, and into his bones. He felt no pain due to the strong anesthetics but a dullness settled on his heart as if an elephant were toying with him. “I do not want it,” Laranae had said. According to the laws, life was sacred. Daygar had to do his duty whether he wanted it or no. After all, he had been responsible for ensuring the ritual was successful. Have you ever kept your eyes open while rolling down a hill? Laranae’s words tumbled around his mind topsy-turvy leaving him weaving and wobbling to find purchase in reality. The Great Role Reversal had happened sometime before he was born. He had heard the old tales of how the Bearers had travelled the hidden ways in order to gain their freedom. The journey a was treacherous own and the scars stained their very DNA; passed down through each generation. He felt a pressure and tugging near his stomach area. He would bear scars of his own after the procedure.
When he awoke again, Daygar sat up and winced. The operation site was very tender. He began to sob as he envisioned his transformation. Would he waddle like a silverback gorilla on two legs? Bitter tears leaked from his eyes. He did not blame Laranae. She was within her rights even though he did his best and followed the ritual exactly. Perhaps the membrane had broken and they had not noticed in their ecstasy. Would she check in or want to see it? New Thessalonia was a large enough city that he would be able to walk the street for days and never run into her. The Council of the Bearers were kinder than the age from which their ancestors had revolted. He would at least be supported and get regular health checks to ensure his precious cargo remained healthy. The nurse came in with some water and a pain pill. He looked at Daygar with pity and awe. Would this be his life? Everyone tut-tutting him in their mind?
“I’m Doctor Aparit,” said the lady in the white coat. “Your surgery was successful. We inserted the biowomb and the blastocyst attached itself. We will monitor you for another twenty-four hours and then send you home. It is important that you sign up for Bearer Benefits to ensure that you receive your supplemental food and income. We will schedule a follow up for two weeks. Soreness and tenderness is normal. Please avoid heavy lifting. We will ensure you have a home aide that will visit you in the morning and afternoon to help with those chores until you are cleared. After that ensure you follow the discharge instructions. Every life is sacred.” Daygar responded, “And I bear the divine.” The doctor nodded. “Do you have any questions?” “No,” he responded. “None that you can answer,” he thought.
He was learning how to cope. The morning sickness had taken Daygar by surprise and thankfully passed after the first month of the operation. He was able to do light activity and would eventually be able to return to his beloved swimming. Dr. Aparit had encouraged him to continue his strength training once he was cleared to ensure a healthy outcome and reduce the recovery time when they harvested him in a few months. He was surprised at how he gently would cradle the little bump of his growing biowomb and marveled at how his skin had adapted to the growth. He wondered if it would have Laranae’s striking eyes. She had sent a message via her lawyer that it would have access to her medical history should the need arise. He would be on his own. She remained unmoved and he endured unwanted. As the months sped by, he resented how his life had changed as he wondered about the early Bearers facing the same fate. He put his hand on his growing stomach and pulled it back as if from a hot fire. It kicked. His baby had kicked. Once again he was tasting the salty trail of tears and whispered, “I bear the divine.”
I was curious about the future of science and what would it mean if we would share roles. If the shoe was on the other foot, how would we treat people who once held power? How do they influence us? And now, you can take a deep breath in and exhale. A deep breath in and exhale. Deep breath in, and exhale. And when you’re ready, wiggle your toes, wiggle your fingers, and slowly open your eyes. If you are enjoying this podcast, please subscribe and never miss an episode.
Closing: Closing jazzy keyboard and thrumming bass. Hope you enjoyed today's segment. Tell a friend. See you next time. Music fades.Ju
