Aging and the Vuduri

I have always thought it odd that the Vuduri did not conquer aging. The fact is, the 24th chromosome imbued them with a bewildering set of improvements to the human condition including a vastly improved immune system but it did not retard the aging process. We see this time and time again in all the novels of the Rome's Revolution series but never will it be so clear as when The Vuduri Companion is published later this year.

25 years after the events of The Milk Run, a 75-year-old Rome is confronted by an incarnation of OMCOM who has returned from the universe between dimensions. OMCOM is glad to catch up with her again but his livetar is dismayed to see her showing signs of aging. When he quizzes her about this, Rome replies simply that "The Vuduri believe that every tree must give way to the seedling." She added, “They believe that death is a part of life so each generation much yield to the next.” But why? Why not extend life? As OMCOM pointed out, surely it was within the Vuduri's technological prowess to do so.

I suppose it comes down to the Vuduri's view on life and the value of any human being. Since the Overmind pretty much runs things, any particular human is of lesser value than in our age where each individual is free to contribute to the betterment of society. It is pragmatic to assume that younger people have more vitality to contribute to an endeavor when compared to older people. The Overmind must prefer this situation.

I do not agree. I think that during each phase of life a person has something to contribute which they could not have done earlier and would not be able to do later. But the Vuduri do not think the way I do. They are their own culture and believe that youth is not wasted on the young. I think someday (maybe this year), Rome will go about changing this perception and Vuduri society.