[WillAdams]

I don't like the simulation idea --- that's a very different story, see Vernor Vinge's novella "The Cookie Monster" or the short story "Lena":

https://qntm.org/lena

There was so much effort to do things biologically, that that needs to be an aspect of the story. Another author, more grounded who also wrote about such ideas was Hal Clement, see his short stories, "The Mechanic" and "Raindrop" (which are still relevant today).

[zabzonk]

ah well, the wonder of science fiction - not to be disparaging! and thanks for reminding me about clement.

[WillAdams]

His short story collection _Space Lash_ (originally published as _Small Changes_) was a big part of my childhood.