MYCROFTXXX'S BLOG

mycroftxxx

A tip of the hat to Robert Heinlein
Monday, January 2, 2006

Whether Joss W. realizes it or not, he's drawn upon one of my favorite Sci-Fi authors of all times when it comes to how humanity will colonize the stars. If you've never read "Time Enough for Love" or "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" take the time. In it Robert H. shows a future where it makes perfect sense to mix the super high tech of Star Trek with the 'primitive' aspects of pioneer life from the 19th century. He even makes the connection between a pregnant pig and the need to turn back to civilization should you not be at the half-way point to your destination with a pregnant wife. In my opinion, this is exactly how colonization of the far flung star systems will proceed. Not with all the high tech gadgets you see on today's TV Sci-fi but with just enough to get by (hires imagery from Landsats and other critical information to make your stake in the world.)

All this was predicted in the late 50's, early 60's which is both amazing and expected (Apollo moon mission succeeded with technology halfway between your digital watch and a digital calculator and LOTS of slide rules!)

To me, what makes Firefly / Serenity special is not the gee-wiz tecno-babble but the way it still takes that curiosity of what's really out there and make it compelling and how we fit into the 'verse. If I had my 'druthers I'd be on Serenity in a heartbeat if not for the adventure then for the desire to be a part of the human need to explore the deep crevasses of of the unexplained and the nature of the 'verse.

Now, if I could just figure a way to pay for passage on Serenity and make my self useful to Mal/Zoe/Kaylee et. al. so I can stay beyond a simple passage between the known worlds...


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