Sentient World

Science fiction, end of world scenario with few people left comfortably changing to sea creatures, some not changing at all and some having minor changes. Changes are caused by archea viruses, combined with human DNA and another ancient virus carried down through a reptile line.

Book is anti-whaling novel which uses sick cetaceans to transmit a pathogenic virus to humans. The virus combines with another virus and kills most of human population. Some of the elite population goes underground and eventually causes a problem for the ones who did not go underground. Novel consensus by the book's heroine virologist is that the world was created to stop overpopulation by any one species and that humans are due to be thinned out. Some are spared by having been near the sea and picked up an archea virus, some are spared completely due to a virus passed down through the reptile line, and some change marginally according to their degree of association with the sea. The novel establishes a logical and appealing reason for mermaids and uses Australia as a venue. Changelings inter-marry and have offspring that will not change, but will be the new builders of human culture. Surviving humans are given the chance to be better and build anew. The final outcome is explained to the heroine by an old Australian aboriginal.

Benjamin Vance is a Pseudonym. The author is a retired U.S. Army Officer who was born and raised in Phoenix Arizona. He earned his commission through the Arizona Army National Guard and served in Viet Nam, The Federal Republic of Germany, The Republic of the Philippines and various stateside assignments, during his 30 year career. His last assignment was with the Department of Defense (DOD), in the Pentagon. His duties took him worldwide, where he gained experience with DOD and State Department interactions with foreign governments. He has a BS in business from the University of Alabama, an MBA from Florida Institute of Technology and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Virginia Tech. He has practiced Veterinary Medicine in seven states, is retired in Central Arizona and lives with his beloved wife, one dog, numerous outside cats and myriad wildlife, including hummingbirds. He writes for personal enjoyment, with a penchant for accenting the challenges of our times.