Piers and the Wolf (Bougene Station ATU)
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It could bee.
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I was going to spell it travel, but in the context of Travellers travelling, I went with travell. Sorry for causing a 'buzzz'.
That last buzzz is for you @Grav_Moped .
It could bee.
Indeed, they're great for conveying "learning each others' culture" episodes.
They're also very good for working out "fantastic racism" tropes and the LGBTQ+ analogues thereof (TVTropes.com -- "Fantastic" as in "fantasy" or fictional, not as in "awesome".)
And yes, they're a couple in a SF setting, which could get weird on worlds where "being a couple" has different implications than one would expect (for example, on Uakye/Regina (SPIN1805) "In an effort to increase Uakye's population, the government requires widows and widowers between the ages of 20 and 30 to remarry within a year. Divorces are not allowed between these age limits. ")
A trans-species polycule might be a good solution to having children in a cross-species relationship. IMTU, poly relationships exist (at least hetrospecies ones, and trans-species ones are likely possible) and aren't an issue as long as everybody who shows up on the Imperal Register is accounted for -- including their genetic profiles. Need to keep that kind of thing documented, you know. SOC 8 or less can do whatever they want since they'll never affect the bloodlines of the soi disant "important" people...
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It's the Final Index! [fx: fanfare]
This is the list links to this thread's posts containing only the narrative, without the digressions. You may find it easier to read it this way.
#1 Piers and the Wolf (character introductions, backstory in dialogue, and where I got the framing for it).
#2 Veronica's Backstory
#6 Steward walks in -- drink orders and fresh fruit.
#7 Boughene Station is the place for dancing and parties -- who knew?
#13 Piers's family. And maybe more than you wanted to know about Menorb/Regina.
#16 And it starts to get awkward. Plus gratuitous lyrics insert!
#17 The Look, and Veronica's little brother.
#20 Veronica and her mom each take a level in badass. And we finally find out why she was flying solo
#23: Language Difficulty
#25: Pulling herself together
#32: Jump Rituals
#33: (Continuation)
#36: Captain's Table
#37: The Real Story
#39: You should feel what I'm feeling, you should take what I'm taking. *
#40: No Parking on the Dance Floor
#41: I think they've got it!
#43: (It's Not Me) Talking
#44: Strange Things Happen
#51: World (The Price of Love) with art by The Pakkrat
Again, thanks for reading!
I may make one more editing pass and turn it into a *.pdf, if there's interest.
----------------------------
* from "Star Guitar" by the Chemical Brothers. It's pretty much the entirety of that song's lyrics... (YT link)
This is the list links to this thread's posts containing only the narrative, without the digressions. You may find it easier to read it this way.
#1 Piers and the Wolf (character introductions, backstory in dialogue, and where I got the framing for it).
#2 Veronica's Backstory
#6 Steward walks in -- drink orders and fresh fruit.
#7 Boughene Station is the place for dancing and parties -- who knew?
#13 Piers's family. And maybe more than you wanted to know about Menorb/Regina.
#16 And it starts to get awkward. Plus gratuitous lyrics insert!
#17 The Look, and Veronica's little brother.
#20 Veronica and her mom each take a level in badass. And we finally find out why she was flying solo
#23: Language Difficulty
#25: Pulling herself together
#32: Jump Rituals
#33: (Continuation)
#36: Captain's Table
#37: The Real Story
#39: You should feel what I'm feeling, you should take what I'm taking. *
#40: No Parking on the Dance Floor
#41: I think they've got it!
#43: (It's Not Me) Talking
#44: Strange Things Happen
#51: World (The Price of Love) with art by The Pakkrat
Again, thanks for reading!
I may make one more editing pass and turn it into a *.pdf, if there's interest.
----------------------------
* from "Star Guitar" by the Chemical Brothers. It's pretty much the entirety of that song's lyrics... (YT link)
Vignette -- Subway Series (1)
Menorb/Regina (Spin 1803)
Downport Station is pretty well hidden for a major subway stop. Menorb’s always been good about blending the transport infrastructure into its surroundings – mind you, it’s easy to find if you grew up riding it as I did. This was my home base, what with my folks living near Imperial House here in the Extrality Zone. So, first clear security, then load up the fare cards with credits, and down the stairs we go.
“Piers,” Veronica calls over my shoulder, following me down, “I’m so glad your parents like me.”
“I couldn’t imagine they wouldn’t,” I answer. We stay to the right as we descend from daylight to dimmer fluorescent lamps, with the arriving passengers – a mix of Human and Vargr -- climbing towards us on the left. There’s plenty of room during these off-peak hours. There are elevators; nobody uses them. Eastbound is on the near side -- pass the police on duty, swipe cards across the turnstile scanners, and go down another couple of flights of stairs to the platform.
“But, I’m not human.” The train arrives thrumming on its dozens of solid tires, and she has to raise her voice. “They didn’t seem to have a problem with that though – that’s a relief, but why don’t they?”
The doors open to us before the passengers finish exiting from the far side; more efficient than waiting. In we go. Eleven stops to the University Station and the Orange Line. I wait for the tinny announcement of the next stop in both Galanglic and Gvegh before answering. “Dated a few Vargr girls in high school. Didn’t work out – none of us were really ready back then, you know how it is – but my parents got used to it. Even took Masie Gshervrrdn to the Senior Prom; she was the runner-up for Junior Corsair Queen. Granted, I think she was mostly messing with her parents on that.”
As the subway accelerates with a loud whirr -- she asks, “Was she prettier than me?” Yikes. Only one good answer to that; fortunately, it’s the truth.
“To me, or to her fellow Vargr? Nevermind – doesn’t matter. No. I’ve never seen anyone with your eyes, your fur, or your ears before, and those are why you’re beautiful.”
“Good answer,” she comments, eyes sparkling and tail wagging. “You ever make out with her, or any others?”
“That was the fun part of being in the ‘Xeno clique’ in school – we could be as physical as we wanted without sex making our relationships weird. There were rumors of course, but I’m pretty sure it was just rumors.”
“Twenty-Second Avenue,” says the public address system, repeated in Gvegh a moment later. As I expect, the farther we get from the downport, the greater the ratio of Vargr passengers to Human ones.
“Three more stops,” I advise Roni, pointing up. “Route is on the cards near the ceiling over the doors, with the stops listed. We’re changing lines at COSTCO University station.
I turn her question around. “What about you? Have you ever…?”
“Not with a human, no. I mean, I’m twenty-six – and a girl has needs, you know. Nothing lasting though, and no pups… that I know about.”
“Um…” I start, with a sour expression. “I’d think you’d have noticed.”
She breaks out laughing, “Well, yeah, of course I’d have noticed!”
“COSTCO University Station, Orange Line,” says the subway car. We move to the doors and get ready.
“COSTCO, not COTCO?” she asks at the last moment.
“S for Syncretist,” I answer. “Vargr and Humans both have a place in Grandfather’s Plan. We’re all the Chosen Ones. Here we go – up the stairs, two flights, then right and back down one flight. Follow me.”
[Writer's Note: Obviously, more to come. Probably also will go out-of-sequence once I'm done with the Menorb Tourism bit, to write up the trip back to Feri (dropping off the Robot Unicorn's delivery crew) before the visit to Menorb.]
Menorb/Regina (Spin 1803)
Downport Station is pretty well hidden for a major subway stop. Menorb’s always been good about blending the transport infrastructure into its surroundings – mind you, it’s easy to find if you grew up riding it as I did. This was my home base, what with my folks living near Imperial House here in the Extrality Zone. So, first clear security, then load up the fare cards with credits, and down the stairs we go.
“Piers,” Veronica calls over my shoulder, following me down, “I’m so glad your parents like me.”
“I couldn’t imagine they wouldn’t,” I answer. We stay to the right as we descend from daylight to dimmer fluorescent lamps, with the arriving passengers – a mix of Human and Vargr -- climbing towards us on the left. There’s plenty of room during these off-peak hours. There are elevators; nobody uses them. Eastbound is on the near side -- pass the police on duty, swipe cards across the turnstile scanners, and go down another couple of flights of stairs to the platform.
“But, I’m not human.” The train arrives thrumming on its dozens of solid tires, and she has to raise her voice. “They didn’t seem to have a problem with that though – that’s a relief, but why don’t they?”
The doors open to us before the passengers finish exiting from the far side; more efficient than waiting. In we go. Eleven stops to the University Station and the Orange Line. I wait for the tinny announcement of the next stop in both Galanglic and Gvegh before answering. “Dated a few Vargr girls in high school. Didn’t work out – none of us were really ready back then, you know how it is – but my parents got used to it. Even took Masie Gshervrrdn to the Senior Prom; she was the runner-up for Junior Corsair Queen. Granted, I think she was mostly messing with her parents on that.”
As the subway accelerates with a loud whirr -- she asks, “Was she prettier than me?” Yikes. Only one good answer to that; fortunately, it’s the truth.
“To me, or to her fellow Vargr? Nevermind – doesn’t matter. No. I’ve never seen anyone with your eyes, your fur, or your ears before, and those are why you’re beautiful.”
“Good answer,” she comments, eyes sparkling and tail wagging. “You ever make out with her, or any others?”
“That was the fun part of being in the ‘Xeno clique’ in school – we could be as physical as we wanted without sex making our relationships weird. There were rumors of course, but I’m pretty sure it was just rumors.”
“Twenty-Second Avenue,” says the public address system, repeated in Gvegh a moment later. As I expect, the farther we get from the downport, the greater the ratio of Vargr passengers to Human ones.
“Three more stops,” I advise Roni, pointing up. “Route is on the cards near the ceiling over the doors, with the stops listed. We’re changing lines at COSTCO University station.
I turn her question around. “What about you? Have you ever…?”
“Not with a human, no. I mean, I’m twenty-six – and a girl has needs, you know. Nothing lasting though, and no pups… that I know about.”
“Um…” I start, with a sour expression. “I’d think you’d have noticed.”
She breaks out laughing, “Well, yeah, of course I’d have noticed!”
“COSTCO University Station, Orange Line,” says the subway car. We move to the doors and get ready.
“COSTCO, not COTCO?” she asks at the last moment.
“S for Syncretist,” I answer. “Vargr and Humans both have a place in Grandfather’s Plan. We’re all the Chosen Ones. Here we go – up the stairs, two flights, then right and back down one flight. Follow me.”
[Writer's Note: Obviously, more to come. Probably also will go out-of-sequence once I'm done with the Menorb Tourism bit, to write up the trip back to Feri (dropping off the Robot Unicorn's delivery crew) before the visit to Menorb.]
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He is to Vargr -- at least, their conception of him is.
Actually knowing about the Uber-Droyne individual, "Grandfather"? Can't entirely justify it except as an IMTU thing. It may be that they posit such an individual existed, but they’re wrong about what he looks like...
[Edit to add:
1. Vargr probably don't know why they call him that!
2. They "created" their conception of "Grandfather" from the premise that the greatest civilization ever [sic] must have had the greatest leader ever. So, he is assigned all of the attributes of a great Vargr leader.
3. This sort of maps onto the concept of an incarnate monotheistic deity too.
4. Again, they almost certainly are wrong about who/what the individual entity "Grandfather" is. But many are devoted to what they think he is -- and in broad strokes, they're not wildly wrong.
End of edited addition.]
COTCO (the Church of the Chosen Ones) is canonical -- it's main tenet being that Vargr have a special (and usually superior) place in the Ancients' plans because they were specifically engineered rather than naturally occurring.
The syncretist variant is my invemtion, or at least I dragged it back in time from the TNE description at the end of the article and added a name to it.
[Second Edit to Add:
The baseline COTCO wouldn't be terribly welcome on Imperial or most Human-dominant worlds; the syncretist variant (there's a plan for both Vargr and Humans as co-equals) would be perfectly acceptable -- especially if it can be used to culturally pre-empt the baseline version.
Also, tagging @kilemall in on this reply since I've edited it a bit.
End of second edit to add.]
Church of the Chosen Ones - Traveller
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On this instance of syncretism (music, not SF and only tangentially related -- feel free to skip it):
(Quote from about the 2:30 mark.)
Dada -- "Dog" (1992)
(Quote from about the 2:30 mark.)
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Haven't forgotten about this, just had a busy week. Should have something up here by this evening (PST).
Also contributing to the delay is that next scene or two are going to be a figurative train wreck (Spoiler: no fictional trains will be harmed. What kind of monster do you take me for?*)
---------------------------------
*not choosy, just curious.
Also contributing to the delay is that next scene or two are going to be a figurative train wreck (Spoiler: no fictional trains will be harmed. What kind of monster do you take me for?*)
---------------------------------
*not choosy, just curious.
Vignette -- Subway Series (2):
This train’s a bit more crowded – we’re strap-hanging here – and it’s mostly a Vargr crowd. There’s an animated LED advertisement on the tunnel walls, timed to the train’s speed so it looks stationary. They’re touting meatsticks; I remember the brand from my youth. Spicier than I like nowadays, but Veronica would love them. The car lurches a bit; the Heroes’ Line does a few dodges to clear other subway tunnels.
She reaches out to me, except she’s still holding the vertical bar with both paws and not reaching out.
Oh.
“Hi. Wish I didn’t have to do it this way, but there’s a couple of human males at the aft end of the car who followed us from the first train. Can’t get a good read on their intent from here, but I don’t think they’re friendly.”
“Good catch,” I mentally reply after cursing myself for not seeing them first. ”Four more stops to Heroes’ Plaza. Let’s overshoot that by three more – to Market Station – get off and then catch the next train back to the Plaza. Market’s where the Blue Line crosses, and we can feint toward it first. If they follow, we’ll know. Think we can take ‘em?”
“Of course we…” Her confidence shifts to realism mid-thought. “Ok, probably. I’ve got a taser, you’ve got the slapstick. They can’t have much more than that legally, but we can’t know if they’re staying legal.”
“Right,” I think back at her. “And we don’t know if they’ve got backup we haven’t discovered yet.”
[Author: yeah, it's not much, but I wanted to get something up tonight.]
This train’s a bit more crowded – we’re strap-hanging here – and it’s mostly a Vargr crowd. There’s an animated LED advertisement on the tunnel walls, timed to the train’s speed so it looks stationary. They’re touting meatsticks; I remember the brand from my youth. Spicier than I like nowadays, but Veronica would love them. The car lurches a bit; the Heroes’ Line does a few dodges to clear other subway tunnels.
She reaches out to me, except she’s still holding the vertical bar with both paws and not reaching out.
Oh.
“Hi. Wish I didn’t have to do it this way, but there’s a couple of human males at the aft end of the car who followed us from the first train. Can’t get a good read on their intent from here, but I don’t think they’re friendly.”
“Good catch,” I mentally reply after cursing myself for not seeing them first. ”Four more stops to Heroes’ Plaza. Let’s overshoot that by three more – to Market Station – get off and then catch the next train back to the Plaza. Market’s where the Blue Line crosses, and we can feint toward it first. If they follow, we’ll know. Think we can take ‘em?”
“Of course we…” Her confidence shifts to realism mid-thought. “Ok, probably. I’ve got a taser, you’ve got the slapstick. They can’t have much more than that legally, but we can’t know if they’re staying legal.”
“Right,” I think back at her. “And we don’t know if they’ve got backup we haven’t discovered yet.”
[Author: yeah, it's not much, but I wanted to get something up tonight.]
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Author's Note: I had an inspiration for the location of the Greater Thatho Temple in the Dro-Zhemm Hills (Trav Wiki), but it totally throws off the choreography of the impending fight scene.
Delays...
Inspiration:
San Cristóbal Hill (Cerro San Cristóbal); Santiago, Chile. (Wikipedia, as are all links in this paragraph.) It incudes access vis both an aerial tramway (Gondola Lift) and via a funicular. What more could you want -- a 22m tall statue of the Virgin Mary? It has that too (it's a couple of decades older than that better-known hilltop statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Just swap in the building that has the blindingly bright glowing orb, for the Virgin Mary statue and there you go. (TL-appropriate, too.)
Delays...
Inspiration:
San Cristóbal Hill (Cerro San Cristóbal); Santiago, Chile. (Wikipedia, as are all links in this paragraph.) It incudes access vis both an aerial tramway (Gondola Lift) and via a funicular. What more could you want -- a 22m tall statue of the Virgin Mary? It has that too (it's a couple of decades older than that better-known hilltop statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Just swap in the building that has the blindingly bright glowing orb, for the Virgin Mary statue and there you go. (TL-appropriate, too.)
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