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Topic: Describe Something Scifi
Tom4Uhere's photo
Sat 01/28/17 03:12 PM
An exercise in creative writing. In a paragraph or three, describe something that fits into the Science Fiction genre. Something you made up yourself.
This is an open-ended exercise to help get those creative juices flowing.

Some Subject ideas:
>A futuristic weapon or weapon system
>A planetary defense system
>A spaceship or starship (Interior or Exterior)
>Futuristic clothes
>Scifi handhelds
>Futuristic computing systems
>Futuristic furniture or appliances
>Areas of deep space - voids, nebulae or clusters
>1st appearance of new planets or moons
>Effects of stars with different attributes than the Sun
>1st Sight of alien life
>Describe an intelligent alien
>A unique civilization
>A unique society concept
>The Effects of emerging from cryo-sleep
>The Effects of Faster than Light travel
>The Effects of high gravity on evolution
>The Effects of low gravity on evolution
>A habit of an alien culture (smoking, drinking, doing drugs, etc...)
>Futuristic human habits
>Futuristic human diseases/afflictions
>A new use for an old item

You should always feel free to chose your own subject matter. Just remember this is an exercise in creative writing. The main goal is to describe something so others 'see' what you intend them to 'see'. Another goal is to use known descriptive words and phrases that are common. Try to limit 'made-up words' as descriptors.
Try to address the senses; feel, taste, hearing, sight & smell.

Tom4Uhere's photo
Sat 01/28/17 03:15 PM
Ketchup - Who Knew?

Back in the early years of the 21st Century mankind was helpless against the effects of cosmic rays.
All until a simple space accident by hungry astronaut.

Randy Boudir haphazardly sprayed a packet of Ketchup onto a cosmic ray detector in the old ISS.
He hurriedly commenced to clean up that awful red mess from the sensor and noticed it had stopped registering any cosmic rays. As he wiped the mess away, the detector once again started spurting forth data.
On a hunch, Randy spread more ketchup onto the detector and it went eerily silent again. A simple swipe confirmed his discovery.

Next time you take your trip to one of the outer planets just remember that its only a thin film of ketchup that protects you from a relentless shower of deadly cosmic rays.

Thanx Randy!

Tom4Uhere's photo
Sat 01/28/17 03:28 PM
Anatomy of a Skwirlinator

HEAD

Unobtainuim Case
Triphasic Stratolayered Uphoeric Quantum Processor
Multiphasic Attatchment Node Units (4)
Trilinier Scopic Full Spectral Vision Optimiser
Onobtainium Plated Titanium Denture Set
Enhance Bulbous Olfactory Intergration Module
Amplified Predicting Wisker Group
Omni-Directional Auditory Enhancement with Range Expanders
Quantum Enhanced Reaction Module
Gangaloidal Backup System
5-Port USB Tri-fire Hub
Wireless Communications System
Interplanetary Internet
Encyclopedia Galactica Reference System
HitchHikers Guide to the Galaxy Reference System
Orion's Arm Psionics System
A Potato - Uncooked
LifeDrive Separation Module
Zero Point Energy Node
Negative Mass Tachyon Defense Module
8 Barrier Defense Field Generator

TORSO

Absolute Zero Heat Exchanger Unit
Gangaloidal Backup System
Zero Point Energy Node
Quantum Enhanced Reaction Module Slave Unit
Unobtainuim Stratocluster Framing Unit
Multiphasic Attatchment Node Units (128)
LifeDrive Separation Module Command Unit
Negative Mass Tachyon Defense Module
8 Barrier Defense Field Generator
Nano Construction Factory Unit
Tractor/Repulsor Beam Emmitters (2)
Holographic Display Emmitter
Triphasic Defense Assualt Cannons
Attachment Creation Nano Db
Nano-Factory Construction Accelorator Software
Personal Wormhole Unit
Dimensional Buffer Screw
Acrid Fart Simulator Package
All-Weather Fur (Flame-Proof)
One bottle of Scent of a Skwirl

ARM/HANDS

Instantaneous Reaction Units
Nano Slave Assembler Node
Gangaloidal Backup System
Unobtainuim Fineline Framing Unit
Unobtainuim Full-Motion Joint Reflex System
Weapon System Index Construction Library Modules
A Nutcracker
RF Insulators
Onobtainium Plated Titanium Claw Set
Pulveriser Attachment Module
Projectile Attachment Module
Energy Weapons Attachment Module
Phasic Weapons Attachment Module
Nano Resource Collection Module
Graviton Nullification Emmitters
Phase Transduction Amplifiers (4 per extremity)

LEGS/FEET

Instantaneous Reaction Units
Nano Slave Assembler Node
Unobtainuim Fineline Framing Unit
Unobtainuim Full-Motion Joint Reflex System
Onobtainium Plated Titanium Claw Set
Pulveriser Attachment Module
Projectile Attachment Module
Energy Weapons Attachment Module
Phasic Weapons Attachment Module
Nano Resource Collection Module
Graviton Nullification Emmitters
Phase Transduction Amplifiers (4 per extremity)
Gangaloidal Backup System
Zero-Point Induction Jump Jets
Random Kick Inhibitors (2)
Twitch Stabilizers
Nano-Dock Leg Chambers (Chromed)
A Clean Washrag
Enhance Traction Control
Proton Isolation Replusion Module
Absolute Zero Heat Exchanger Units (2)
G-Maximus Printer Port
Waste Projectile Cannon
Reproduction Simulator Module

TAIL

Twitch Stabilizers
Glorious Appearance Fur Fluffer Module
Unobtainuim Fineline Framing Unit
Unobtainuim Full-Motion Joint Reflex System
Pulveriser Attachment Module
Projectile Attachment Module
Energy Weapons Attachment Module
Phasic Weapons Attachment Module
Nano Resource Collection Module
Instantaneous Reaction Units
Nano Slave Assembler Node
Gangaloidal Backup System
Point Defense Tracking System
500 Free MP3s
Enhanced Fire Control System

General Trait

One Great Personality

Software Libraries

One Billion Nut Recipes
Repository Of Forest Creatures
Scampering 101
Nest Building in the 21st Century
Tree Superstructures and Highway Systems
Projectile Weapons Systems
Effective Clawing
When to Bite
Controlling that Twitching Tail
Terminator Series Nodes and Module Systems
Encyclopedia Universe Expanded Edition
Rodent Family Histories
Machine Language Db
Talking With Your Nanos
Cooling with Absolute Zero
Zero Point Diagnostics
Everything in a Nutshell

yruyrm's photo
Mon 03/13/17 07:50 AM
I have pierced 4 billion times, towards the nite sky.
In a matter of a few seconds, felt a love sublime.
They only see what's in front of them.
Incomprehensible is a matter of time...

no photo
Tue 03/14/17 11:50 AM
Okay, a little longer that 3 paragraphs... but since I enjoy Sci-Fi and writing... here's something I just wrote for this thread...

Earthlings Love Salad

The heat inside his pod was roasting him... he let out another string of curses as he wrestled with the pilot stalk, trying in vain to control his too rapid descent to the strange planet below. With all his remaining strength he aimed his tiny craft toward the shallow body of water indicated on the sensors.

At least the atmosphere is breathable, he thought thankfully, now with just a bit of luck..."

At that moment, the damaged engines shuttered sickeningly one last time, then seized completely, the green pod now careened downward completely out of control. Mercifully, he passed out from a blow to the head after his pod struck the muddy water and sank beneath the surface.

He awoke on the moss-covered deck, choking on the water that was rushing into his damaged ship. Alarms were sounding and smoke was filling the air. He grasped the control stalk and pulled himself unsteadily to his feet. The pain was immediate and excruciating. "Oh, my aching gourd!" he moaned aloud, grasping his head, trying to think straight, trying to think at all in the turmoil.

The emergency power had kicked in, enabling partial lighting - and alternately coughing and cursing, he waded toward the hatch through the thick smoke and rising water.

Somehow he had managed to find the strength and determination to exit his pod and make it to the shoreline. Completely exhausted, he lay panting for many minutes before he could move at all. Sitting up, bruised and dazed, he observed his surroundings. It was now twilight but he could see a lit structure in the distance. He finally got to his feet and forcing one weak step after another - he stumbled toward the huge edifice, hoping to find civilization and medical attention.

It was quite dark by the time he arrived and collapsed near an incredibly large rectangular entrance. His injuries and the long journey had taken a toll and he was barely able to keep his eyes open now. He was still sending out feeble telepathic calls for help but so far had gotten no response. He was floating in and out of consciousness by this point and finally gave up, unable to move.

Suddenly, the gargantuan entrance slowly swung open, casting light upon his collapsed form. He feebly looked up to see a giant of unbelievable dimensions reaching down toward him. With the last of his strength, he sent out telepathic thanks, explaining his crash and injuries. The giant gave no telepathic reply but carried him into the structure, gently laying him on a round bed that appeared to be made of sterile porcelain. "Oh, thank goodness, a medical unit," he mumbled, almost weeping in his thankfulness.

Letting out a long sigh of relief, he looked up to see the glint of the gigantic surgical blade held by the giant. Confused and in denial, he realized his fate too late, as the blade came toward him closer and closer. He screamed telepathically, begging, cajoling, cursing... pleading for his life - but the giant ignored his telepathic supplications, and simply and methodically, severed him into neat thin slices from top to bottom.

"Look, honey," the smiling giant said, holding up the plate to the other, "I found a cucumber on the porch... I'll add it to our salad."

Tom4Uhere's photo
Tue 03/14/17 04:05 PM
The Morning Ride

"I'll be taking the new buck stallion out today. He's not quite broken enough for the ride into town. Ya wanna come along?" Jark said. Minnis looked around the stable spying Jira looking excited for a ride in her enclosure. Jira is such an easy ride it might be peaceful taking her out for some morning sunshine. "Sure, Let me saddle up Jira" Minnis replied.
The two quickly saddled up their animals and filled the ration packs for a morning ride. Jark took extra care not to spook Miller. Miller was a fine animal, best of breed. The trainers had some trouble getting him to lead and carry but now it was up to Jark for the fine tuning. Today will be about focus. Miller was stud material and Jira was his prize if he does well this month. His overpowering musk filled the barn making Jira prance with delight.
Minnis lead the two out into the pasture and onto the northern trail. The morning dew glistening on the trees and bushes giving sparkles of reflected light from the sun. At first, Jark had to constantly restrain Miller from Jira. His excitement for the mating making him hard to control. Jark and Minnis both knew that if Miller couldn't be tuned to control himself they would have to sell him to a breeder. In town he would try to breed with every female he encountered.
"Easy boy," Jark quietly soothed the beast. "Just a bit more control and you get your prize" He assured. Miller smiled and nodded to show understanding. Jark hesitantly moved his mount closer to Jira. Minnis felt Jira shudder and get warmer. Jira inched her stride closer to the buck stallion as they entered a clearing by the pond.
"This is good" claimed Jark. They dismounted and set up a small picnic by the water's edge. Miller, tied on one side and Jira pacing on the other. Their eyes were locked on each other. If there was no picnic separating them mating would have been fast and brutal. "Are you going to unleash Miller today, Jark?" Minnis asked. Jark nodded, "but not right away. I think we should sit and talk for a bit and see if he can develop some control", He added. Jark put some feed out for the animals while Minnis prepared the picnic food. A fresh salad of worms and grubs and some chilled knarna blood. It was low-budget Knarna Blood but since it all must be imported to this planet, still a treat. The animals enjoyed their cheeseburgers and fry fries. It was strange that these animals liked water, eww! And it had to be purified water, LOL.
All during the meal the beasts behaved. Jark and Minnis slowly removed the saddles and as soon as Miller was freed he ran to Jira. But... Instead of mounting her as expected, Miller wrapped his arms around her and started pressing his lips to her face.
In awe Minnis looked at Jark and said "Silly Humans"

Tom4Uhere's photo
Tue 03/14/17 04:06 PM
Alien Chocolate

Back when ET phoned home it wasn't the Reese's Pieces that became the big hit in the galaxy, It was the Chocolate. When he left he managed to return with a sample that was studied and remanufactured.
A huge and lucrative business was created in this galaxy all based on our confection.
Well, I happened to get a sample of the Alien Chocolate and let me tell you. It looks like chocolate, It smells like chocolate but the taste is just terrible. Hopefully no alien race will taste real chocolate because if they do we will be invaded and robbed.
Keep a close eye on your chocolate. If you see some not under guard, buy it and hide it. I'm serious, Don't mess around with this. The only sure way to remove the threat is to eat all chocolate as soon as you find it. Do your part to help Save the Planet from Alien Invasion.

This is a public service announcement.

Tom4Uhere's photo
Tue 03/14/17 04:07 PM


Cell Theory

We thought we knew about plants. We were so wrong.
When Professor March devised a way to increase the sensitivity and speed of his galvanic sensors it was a minor scientific accomplishment. When he hooked them up to a Ficus he expected nothing more than just a bit more response signal. His discovery changed our very way of life.

During his test of the new configuration he externally stimulated different parts of the plant and recorded the results. What he didn't expect was results before the stimulus. The plant was anticipating.
The anticipation was not the only change his detector revealed. The plant was communicating. Communication so subtle and so fast that no detector had ever captured it.

On a whim, Professor March hooked the sensors up to a severed cell and found that not only was the communication happening, it was happening at the cellular level.

The Ficus was subjected to a series of stimuli that defined a yes or no answer. It was tested for prime number logic and not only did it learn quickly it was very good at it.

A Turing test was devised to determine if it had consciousness. The Ficus passed.

Professor March put together a team and started testing random plants the same way. They determined that all plants are conscious and intelligent. Work continues as the team attempts to teach the plants our language. Their response signals are so fast they are able to flash off alphabetical representations of letters with incredible speed. The team have dubbed this ability as "Cellular Response Typing".



Tom4Uhere's photo
Tue 03/14/17 04:14 PM
The Sculptor Void

Wormhole Leo1263b opened mankind to new galaxies late in the 31st century. After establishing commercial trade routes and habitat worlds were found we expanded like locusts. Leo1263b had been stable for the last 2000 years according to our historical records. All that changed 73 solar days ago when the wormhole lost stability. Over 1,000 vessels were lost and billions of souls were stranded in the Leo Supercluster. No hope of ever returning or even contacting our empire.
Our end of the wormhole remains stationary but the other end materialized in the Great Sculptor Void.
Probes sent to find the lost ships actually found them, frozen and dead. From the data we received from the probes, before they too went dead, indicated an intelligent force within the Void. A hostile intelligent force.

Their ships emerged into our space shortly after our last probe went silent. Huge black balls with no indications, lights or propulsion method visible. Their attack was strange. According to recordings salvaged later, the huge spheres released a flotilla of pitch black orbs that absorbed all the energy of the ships and crews. We found the ships and everything aboard them completely frozen.

No sign of the strange ship or the mysterious black orbs can be found. It is believed they returned to the Void and the wormhole remains stable. Our scientists are working on a defense for the energy depletion weapon but so far every attempt involves using energy which will just give them more of what they steal.

Back in the 19th Century mankind used projectile weapons. Our weapons currently vaporize their targets using high energy discharges. They are completely futile against this enemy. Projectiles carry kinetic energy which may or may not make them vulnerable to the enemy's absorption spheres. Tests are being made to try freezing the projectiles to near absolute zero in hopes of a stealth impact.

Zycroptionium (once called Dark Matter) may be a defense or a shield since it has properties similar to their orbs. Zy blocks the transference of energy like an inert mass. It neither absorbs or radiates energy. In fact, the enemy's ships appear to be made of it or something similar. Work is currently being done to find a way to coat our ships and the new projectile weapons with Zycroptionium. Zy is expensive and difficult to extract but it can be synthesized. The problem is that the synthesizing process creates a massive energy signature that is sure to be a bright glowing target for the enemy.

We just got notified that Leo1263b is now active. Probe telemetry shows two ships emerging...wait 16..no, 60! My GOD! Its a steady flow and not slowing! 1000, 2600, 4000...

Tom4Uhere's photo
Tue 03/14/17 04:19 PM
The Alien ship appeared in the center of the armada, pulsed once and disappeared again. I watched the horror unfold as the pulse radiated thru the fleet, jamming my control stick into a vertical dive to purchase safety from it.
The pulse passed thru the immediate ships effortlessly and continued out in a blossom of death. I watched in sadness as each ship slowly dissolved into atomic dust. The few ships that were able to maneuver from the horizontal radius of it streamed off in all directions like a swarm of bees.
There were some remaining ships that only partially escaped and they were dissolved in all manner of ways. Half-dissolved panels and structures littered space along with partially dissolved people.
The weapon they used was indefensible. It was some type of pulsing wave that destabilizes the atomic bonds that hold atoms together. Its edge cuts like a knife and the pulse wave scatters the elements that made the matter like a blast wave.
The only saving grace is that it radiates outward on a plane similar to a ripple in a pond and is only about a kilometer wide and dissipates in less than a minute. The biggest fear is we have no idea how to track the alien ships and the pulse recharge time is unknown.
Too small of an effect to endanger Earth but it would certainly split the moon.
Was this a small weapon or their largest?
Who are they and where are they from?
Are they heading for our Sol System?
Is there a defensive strategy?
How do we track their ships?

Too many questions, Too much death and destruction and this is but our first contact.

Tom4Uhere's photo
Tue 03/14/17 04:20 PM
Deep within the Earth's crust there are a series of fabricated shells of super density. Our hardest drill bits have no bite on that mysterious substance.
It wasn't until the late 21st Century that we discovered the true nature of these constructs.

During the early days of life on this planet all life was anaerobic. These life forms exhaled oxygen and polluted the atmosphere making it deadly to them. They moved underground to escape the hostile oxygen levels.
Over the eons these life forms became sentient and grew. Their scientists mastered the elements and created these huge shells as an airless habitat so they could flourish.
Three Billion Years of evolution resulted in a lifeform that is superior to the surface dwellers in every way.

Now, They want their planet back...

Tom4Uhere's photo
Wed 05/24/17 08:15 AM
cMNi Breakthru!

Spokesperson from Pioneer/BASF Laboratories has announced IsoFilm.
This flexible spray can be used to isolate MN effects on a variety of surfaces
including liquids and some gasses.
With its low cost and adaptive materials we will see wide-spread use within the year.


As you already know, Sandia National Laboratories developed the Mass Nullification Field during the mid 21st century. Over the 72 years of testing; Twice, Thrice and Quatra elements were made from Core Elements and are now in wide use around the globe. The main problem with MN technology has been that it can only be used in a controlled vacuum environment as evident from the many MN Element factories worldwide.

Mankind has been dreaming of anti-gravity technology for hundreds of years. Pioneer/BASF Labs has brought those dreams to a reality with IsoFilm. It is impossible to control gravity but with MN fields we can remove the mass from a substance within that field. Till now, there has never been a way to isolate the effect from other objects nearby. cMNi stands for Controlled Mass Nullification Isolation. IsoFilm is a spray that is flexible and creates a barrier to the MN Field. It applies like paint and can be added to manufacturing processes like pigments.

The mixture contains both core and thrice elements with a quatra activator. The precise mixture ratios and process is secret. Remember that Thrice elements are core elements like carbon that has been subjected to MN fields and displaced during deactivation sequence three times; Carbon3 (C3), Tungsten2 (W2), Lead4 (Pb4) and so on. Your ocular implants are constructed from quatra elements.

Light-Lift Corporation, a subsidy of Sandia National Laboratories, has developed a portable field unit. Printing sequences will be available online later this year. Using Light-Lift's PFU and IsoFilm you will be able to effectively render nearly any object weightless. You attach the PFU to a sled, spray the IsoFilm on it all and activate the field using a remote. Levitation fans allow you to set the desired height and control direction. There is no weight limit.

NTA (National Transportation Association) has already approved both commercial and private conveyance construction. Plans are being drawn for a city platform (our first ever floating city).

Tom4Uhere's photo
Wed 09/20/17 01:34 PM
Mother Seeder 221

Perseus Arm Colonization Project
Star: 1125330
Planet: 4
Moons: 1
Gravity: 1.0:1.0006 E
Radiation: .09:1.0 E
Biosphere: 1.50:1.0 E
Technology: 0.0:1.0 E
Length of Day: 1.008:1.0 E
Length of Year: 1.089:1.0 E
Seasons: 3

Initiate Colony 7 Protocol
Colonists: 500
Flora: Teleport specimens and seeding to related bio-regions
Fauna: Teleport specimens to related bio-regions
Initiate colonist memory restoration
Initiate colonist planetary simulation
Transport colony hardware to colony regions
Initiate transportation corridor clearing between colony regions
Transport automatons to colonies
Erect colony perimeter defenses
Erect communications facilities
Erect space production facilities
Erect support facilities
Teleport colonists to colonies
Monitor progress for 1 year

Proceed to next habitable planet to establish Colony 8 Protocol

The Perseus Arm Colonization Project is mankind's effort to seed the near galactic arm with human colonies.
Mother is a giant computer that is essentially a giant transporter buffer ship that is AI controlled.
It seeks out habitable planets to seed colonies. Currently, there has been seven planet seedings in 70,000 Earth years.

There are 500 Mother Seeders dispersed throughout the Orion Arm, The Perseus Arm and the Sagittarius Arms. Each Mother Seeder carries a cross section of Earth's biosphere in each of its buffers. The colonist count per seeding ranges from 500 to 1,000 humans. The flora and fauna survivability is assessed and selected based on its survivability to the new planet's biosphere.

The Mother Seeders have no life support facilities, no corridors or living compartments, no warehouses or factories. They are essentially massive computer systems. Everything is transported into their buffers and held until a suitable planet is found.
When a suitable planet is located, The patterns are materialized directly to their destinations. Construction is done via AI controlled nano-assemblers on the planet surface.

The human and animal essence is preserved by a simulated program within the buffer that mimics different factors related to the specimen. For humans, different civilization programs initiated creates the impression of multiple lifespans at different technological and civilization levels. As one expires (dies) a new simulated lifespan is created.

Upon deployment, Mother initiates a functional environment related to the planet that the individual will be colonizing. When Teleported to the surface the colonist will have working knowledge of their environment and the change is undetectable. Part of the conditioning is full knowledge of the facts of the mission and understanding of the mission.

The humans know they are being placed on a new planet. They know they have been in a simulation and that they are entering reality again. They know that they will be monitored for 1 year. They also know that after that year, Mother will proceed to its next destination, never to return.


But, something went wrong this time and Mother didn't catch it. Some of the colonists essence was transferred into the lower animal bodies.
Some of the animal essence was transferred into human bodies.

no photo
Wed 09/20/17 03:32 PM
We are Borg.

no1phD's photo
Wed 09/20/17 03:55 PM
Edited by no1phD on Wed 09/20/17 04:04 PM
I found myself startled from my sleep last night outside my window flashing lights and weird sounds.. when I got up to investigate ,the lights stopped and the sounds disappeared instantly.. . I returned to bed.. and fell back to sleep soundly instantly.. found myself having the weirdest dream.. as if' I was floating..
Then in an instant! I found myself surrounded by bright lights... I felt as if I could not move.. as if I was tied down..ohhhh.. I thought to myself it's one of those dreams... but then !out of nowhere I could make out. Silhouettes of strange creatures in the back ground... my heart started to race.. I beginning feeling panicky.. the Silhouettes moved closer to me !.I could here chattering between them oohs and aahs... then something are someone touched me.. not hard but Softly.. it tickled it felt good.. then I could feel another set of hands touching me..ohhhh.. I couldn't help but feel a little turned on.. I could hear what 'or whoever was touching me owing awwoying again... then I felt one of them touch me in my private spot..ohhhhh nooo. I screamed in my own mind. but it wasn't violent it was firm and comforting.. nice firm grip they had on me..
..ohhhh... I heard them chattering again..
It almost sounded like they had just seen something very impressive.. and where Amazed by it .. then I could feel something at the base of my private parts running all the way to the tippy top of me.. almost like they were measuring..me... I heard them gasp!!!.. in what I only I could perceive as amazement.. I could hear lots of oohs and aahs..from.them.... in almost a slight purring noise.. coming from them..
And then in an instant I felt a sharp pain on the side of my face.. my eyes opened .I was back in my bed ..back in my room.. opening my eyes to see my cat clawing at my face to wake me up so I would let him outside to do his business..lol

no1phD's photo
Wed 09/20/17 04:10 PM

Okay, a little longer that 3 paragraphs... but since I enjoy Sci-Fi and writing... here's something I just wrote for this thread...

Earthlings Love Salad

The heat inside his pod was roasting him... he let out another string of curses as he wrestled with the pilot stalk, trying in vain to control his too rapid descent to the strange planet below. With all his remaining strength he aimed his tiny craft toward the shallow body of water indicated on the sensors.

At least the atmosphere is breathable, he thought thankfully, now with just a bit of luck..."

At that moment, the damaged engines shuttered sickeningly one last time, then seized completely, the green pod now careened downward completely out of control. Mercifully, he passed out from a blow to the head after his pod struck the muddy water and sank beneath the surface.

He awoke on the moss-covered deck, choking on the water that was rushing into his damaged ship. Alarms were sounding and smoke was filling the air. He grasped the control stalk and pulled himself unsteadily to his feet. The pain was immediate and excruciating. "Oh, my aching gourd!" he moaned aloud, grasping his head, trying to think straight, trying to think at all in the turmoil.

The emergency power had kicked in, enabling partial lighting - and alternately coughing and cursing, he waded toward the hatch through the thick smoke and rising water.

Somehow he had managed to find the strength and determination to exit his pod and make it to the shoreline. Completely exhausted, he lay panting for many minutes before he could move at all. Sitting up, bruised and dazed, he observed his surroundings. It was now twilight but he could see a lit structure in the distance. He finally got to his feet and forcing one weak step after another - he stumbled toward the huge edifice, hoping to find civilization and medical attention.

It was quite dark by the time he arrived and collapsed near an incredibly large rectangular entrance. His injuries and the long journey had taken a toll and he was barely able to keep his eyes open now. He was still sending out feeble telepathic calls for help but so far had gotten no response. He was floating in and out of consciousness by this point and finally gave up, unable to move.

Suddenly, the gargantuan entrance slowly swung open, casting light upon his collapsed form. He feebly looked up to see a giant of unbelievable dimensions reaching down toward him. With the last of his strength, he sent out telepathic thanks, explaining his crash and injuries. The giant gave no telepathic reply but carried him into the structure, gently laying him on a round bed that appeared to be made of sterile porcelain. "Oh, thank goodness, a medical unit," he mumbled, almost weeping in his thankfulness.

Letting out a long sigh of relief, he looked up to see the glint of the gigantic surgical blade held by the giant. Confused and in denial, he realized his fate too late, as the blade came toward him closer and closer. He screamed telepathically, begging, cajoling, cursing... pleading for his life - but the giant ignored his telepathic supplications, and simply and methodically, severed him into neat thin slices from top to bottom.

"Look, honey," the smiling giant said, holding up the plate to the other, "I found a cucumber on the porch... I'll add it to our salad."

.. you are truly gifted. Its awesome

no photo
Wed 09/20/17 05:44 PM
My neighbor... I think she might be one of those pod people from "Invasion of the Body Snatchers."

Tom4Uhere's photo
Fri 09/22/17 01:23 PM
FTL Star Travel
Light speed is the limit a mass can move so warp drive is unlikely.

All is not lost.

Light is both a particle and a waveform.
The idea is called wave-particle duality.

Quantum mechanics hold promise for discovering the secrets of wave-particle duality.
If we can command wave-particle duality at will on any mass, we could unlock light speed travel. Not faster than light but possibly the same speed as light in a vacuum.

Since light can penetrate the bow shock boundaries of stars, essentially it would make it possible for a duality wave-mass to do so. Thus a ship that uses duality would be able to visit other star systems.

But...Light, whether in mass or waveform cannot penetrate objects.
We would either need to deflect and steer around masses on the journey (including small masses)or find a way to phase thru those masses.
Even a fist sized chunk of rock, or smaller can destroy a ship moving at the speed of light.
It would be unlikely that all potential collisions could be accounted for, then steered around moving at those velocities. Even shields would be penetrated like a needle and a cell membrane.

To phase thru matter we would need to develop a way to make the mass of the ship act like a neutrino.
Neutrinos pass thru us every second of every day.
Thru us, the Earth and those pesky asteroids.

So, we have a photon based ship using a neutrino based force.
Now we can safely move about the galaxy.
Problem now is the vast distances between significant destinations.
Even at the speed of light it would take about 4 years to get to the nearest star.
That is 4 years of TV episodes on the ship in space without even encountering a different planet.
If its a 5 year mission, you will only get to explore 1 planet and couldn't even get back home before your series is cancelled.

So, there needs to be a way to stop relative time.
Cryo-sleep will not change the duration time of travel, merely the effects of time upon the body.
Time will still pass as the ship speeds to its destination.

Time is based in relativity.
To create a way to travel great distances in space there will be a need to change the ships relativity to time.
One way is to change the scale.
To change the scale of something you could introduce a force between the atomic forces that separates them to a larger distance, that would cause the object to explode and lose integrity.
If you could do it while remaining intact and perceptive you could expand to the scale of the galaxy and merely move sideways a fraction then scale back down.
I have no idea how that could be done but the possibility of it validates the idea.
A concept used in the films Fantastic Voyage and Inner Space.

So now we have a photon ship using a neutrino force that varies in scale while moving at the speed of light.

Tom4Uhere's photo
Wed 02/28/18 09:02 PM
Oxygel​

This module is designed to acquaint you with Oxygel and how to survive emergency situations while on the Starship Halabride.

Before you ask, Qxygel composition is an industry secret. This module is only to provide you with information needed to save your life.

Oxygel
Oxygel is a compound used in standard ship construction. There are different types of it used in different structures around the ship. You are breathing a product of Oxygel right now.
Basically, it is a tetra-oxygen coupled to different compounds. It releases oxygen at different rates and strengths depending on the matrix of compounds coupled to it. What you need to know is that nearly every structure you come into contact on this ship produces oxygen.

Normal Operation
During normal ship function the structures around you produce oxygen minimally. The walls, floor decks and ceiling plates are producing oxygen. Support beams and most of the control panels you see are also producing oxygen. The vents in the deck plate and corners are pumping a computer controlled mix of gasses of which nitrogen is the major component. The computer controls the mixture for optimum human respiration.
This is why the 'air' seems fresh and clean to you right now.

Emergency Functions
The ship is constructed with voids that are filled with compressed Oxygel. There are a series of voids between you and the space outside. These voids occur in odd numbers. All habitat spaces are protected by seven voids. All structural spaces are protected by five voids.
Of these voids, for habitat spaces, the three inner void layers are fitted with high production Oxygel, one center void with high strength inert buffer Oxygel and three outer layers of high strength sealer Oxygel at the outer hull.
In the event of an impact, the voids slow the projectile while sealing the breach. If the impactor penetrates the center void, all subsequent voids release high oxygen content to the habitat section. In the event of a complete hull breach, it is imperative you activate your pressure nanosuit. Your nanosuit has its own atmosphere supply.
One of the benefits of Oxygel construction compounds is that it continues to react until pressure is reestablished. Which means, It will seal the breach allowing time to affect the proper structural repairs.

Personal Emergency
In the event you are caught off guard or forced to endure long durations without your nanosuit every compartment has multiple stations equipped with Oxygel paste applicators. Remove the applicator tube from the dispenser, place the dispenser nozzle in a nostril and squeeze. While it is best to use gel in each nostril it is not necessary. For long duration survival, with pressures stable, applying the gel on the upper lip is enough for 36 hours of oxygen. Oxygel paste has a normal duration of 72 hours per application. However, after 36 hours some people have adverse reactions.
In a confined space, Oxygel can be used to coat the interior without physical reactive states that happen with skin contact.

Respect the Strips
Around the ship you will notice strips of Qxygel. These strips are sensitive and calibrated to the needs of each compartment. Do not cover, scratch or otherwise damage the Oxygel strips. If you see a damaged strip, enter the strip locator designation into the damage control computer so repairs can be made.

Enjoy your stay on the Starship Halabride

Tom4Uhere's photo
Sat 03/03/18 09:49 PM
Edited by Tom4Uhere on Sat 03/03/18 09:58 PM
The Skwids of Laxia B​

The Spacefarer was met in orbit of Laxia B by a cylindrical craft emitting a series of rapid pulses.
Laxia, a star system of seven planets in the Perseus Arm of the Milky Way had signs of intelligent life.
Spacefarer is a special first contact envoy to contact whatever lifeforms might be responsible for the signals that attracted our attention. Manned by some of our top scientists in communications and alien life assessment, we were surprised by their eagerness to contact us.

The craft itself was an unmanned probe of sorts. The pulses seemed to repeat. Tho there was a pattern to the strange signal, it was beyond our ability to make any kind of significant reference to it. The craft, obviously under some kind of active control, met the Spacefarer and guided it back to a specific geographical region on the planet surface. An area of swampland dotted with some type of earthen structures, quite complex in nature.

As the Spacefarer made landfall, a series of lights appeared which indicated a landing 'zone' or port. The Spacefarer came to rest on a patch of ground amidst large earthen structures that resembled termite mounds or some sort of biologically exuded dirt structure.

For nearly an hour there was no movement. Our encounter crew made ready and existed our craft to search for the "city's" occupants. As soon as they exited our craft, three small forms appeared from one of the structures.
The lifeforms seemed to glide over the ground with a rippling effect at their bottom.

As our scanners gained resolution it became apparent that these creatures were some sort of land dwelling squid. Each 'entity' carried a different type of 'backpack' as they advanced towards the exiting encounter team. All came to a stop about two meters from each other.

The smaller squid raised its seven 'tentacles' revealing a series of smaller protrusions beneath its mass, supporting its weight. It moved the raised tentacles, first two, then four, then three and finally all seven at once. It repeated and lowered all of them. After a few minutes it repeated the same sequence of waving.
Our team responded with first verbal greetings in the 5 dialects of Earth. Then they flashed a series of colored light pulses, repeated and stopped.

The squid then started to tap the ground in a series of rapid sequences that were so fast and complex I couldn't keep up. There was a pause and the sequence repeated.

I guess they did not get the results they wanted because one of the other squids then opened its backpack and took out a roll of some type of metallic film. It then spread the film out around the one making the gestures, in a circle. The tapping resumed but now the beat was amplified and the different tones could be easily distinguished.

Our team made some adjustments to their equipment and responded with a series of test pulses, representing prime numbers, at different tempos and tone. The squid, repeated the sequence.

After what seemed like an eternity there was dialog happening. Our computers took over the conversation and converted the language matrix.

It seems that these ... 'skwid' communicate by using their extremities to tap out their ... words and emotions.
We have since found that the variations are significant for duration, timing, intensity and which tentacle they use to do the tapping. Basically, they talk by playing the drums.

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