• The second planet of this system, New America was claimed early in the life of the
Empire and has stayed loyal from the very beginning. The population are fiercely bound to the
Empire and many of the most fanatical of the Empire's regiments have a core of Quincet
soldiers. The Empire's tolerance of genetic manipulation has found a ready hold in the people
of Quince and here more than anywhere else in the worlds the principles of directed
development have been pursued.
• The most deadly insult which can be delivered to a native Quincet is to stare too long
or too hard. This can be difficult for someone brought up in the sheltered worlds of the
Federation. It is quite possible to meet engineered humans with very heavily adapted
physiques to enable them to operate effectively under the seas, or high in the mountains of
New America and even the occasional attempt at growing extra limbs can be glimpsed now
and then. Since duelling is permitted in Empire law, and choice of approach is left to natives,
visitors should be careful when wandering the streets of any of the major starports not to gawp
too openly.
• The principles of directed development mean that most births on the planet are
planned, indeed designed, but the inhabitants are also masters of genetic grafting
and implant surgery, so a person's form is very flexible. If you make friends with a native
during one visit, you may be surprised at their appearance when you next meet
them. The enhancement possible by the best of Empire technology is frowned on by
Federation law, but is available at a price to anyone who wants it, in the laboratories of
Simpson Town.
Entry by David Massey
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