Just re-uploaded the Echo 4 manuscript so I could add a second author’s note. Should be added in a day or two. Here it is:
*Second Author’s Note (added 12/9/2018): I’ve thrown in a few exchanges where certain characters display aversion or attraction to the idea of homosexuality or transgender people. These dialogues are meant to be thematic tools in which I emphasize a dualistic viewpoint in relation to a nondualistic viewpoint, depending on the character and how that character perceives reality. None of these scenes are meant to be a statement for—or against—homosexual or transgender people. I have met many awesome and badass homosexuals, and a few that I did not care for. I haven’t met any transgender folks, but I imagine they break down like any other demographic: the majority are great, and a few not so much.
I’m kind of exasperated that I have to state this outright, but I understand we’re living in a turbulent time, and that disclaimers and redundance are often necessary in a time of turbulence. So apologies in advance if you find any of the dialogue offensive. It was not my intention to condemn or champion a specific demographic, simply to use the idea of sexuality to underscore the themes I’ve woven into this story.
Dirty Sci-Fi Buddha 
Having to include a disclaimer such as this is just evidence of how shallow, petulant, and thin-skinned our society has become. Can’t wait until someone is offended because I had the audacity to order a cheeseburger!
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Oh, I’m sure they have been. A lot of vocal non-meat eaters out there. 🙄
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I’d like to meet a militant vegan that can prove they’ve never accidentally eaten a bug while they’re sleeping.
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LMAO – I’m sure they are out there and willing to fight for their beliefs, too.
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Ha! The pendulum swings back and forth—I think we’re just at a particularly chaotic time right now. 🙂
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Sadly, the standard response to any perceived slight is immediate accusation, blame, and condemnation.
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I think it’s because our society is a little lacking in healthy forms of adversity. Without some kind of rite of passage, people seek unhealthy or unproductive channels in which to be combative and prove themselves.
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