The Lister Gestalt

LISTER GESTALT: A virtual reality environment containing a specific arrangement of audio-video-tactile stimulation, which interacts with the human nervous system in such a way as to set up patterns of electrical feedback, resulting in immediate and total cascade failure, complete loss of higher brain functions, and death within 10 hours. Although the Lister Gestalt is commonly considered to be nothing more than hacker folklore, believers are quick to point out that no human could survive contact with the Gestalt, and that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. Every hacker, it seems, has a friend of a friend who knows someone who died after exposure to the Lister Gestalt.

The AI community has declined to either confirm or deny the existence of the Lister Gestalt.

-The Boy Who Cried 10111011110110000110 and Other Cyber Legends
by Dr. Brand Danjun, Norton, 2018

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Find out more in Dance for the Ivory Madonna by Don Sakers

So You’re Going To Geled…

(Galactic Traveler, April 6484 CE)

The most difficult adjustment for non-Geledi tourists is to the odd Geledi calendar. No matter what your local system, you are probably used to a Terran Standard calendar of 24-hour days. A year is 365 such days, arranged into 12 months of three tendays each, with five vacation days scattered throughout.

Geled is the only major Imperial splinter state to abandon the Terran Standard. The Geledi Standard Day last 22.4 hours; a year is 292 days (1.3467 Geled years equals one Standard year). The year is divided into 16 months of 37 days each. Each month consists of six weeks (called nyeedyeh) of six days each, plus an additional day (Prahznyeh) at the end of the month.

The days of the Geledi week are Senkyeh, Mahnyeh, Tarehyeh, Vrenzyeh, Geletyeh, and Soobtayeh. The months of the Geledi year are Yeenvahr, Fyeevahr, Vyeesyahbr, Mahrt, Ahpryehl, Migh, Lyehyahbr, Iyon, IIyul, Ahvgoost, Ossyahbr, Syeentyahbr, Ahktyahbr, Nahyahbr, Zeemyahbr, and Dyeekyahbr.

And just to make things more interesting, every so often there’s a leap year, in which the 37th day of Zeemyahbr is dropped.

Tourists are advised to purchase conversion software for datapads and headsets. In addition, inexpensive Geledi timepieces are readily available at tourist shops and in spaceports—these usually run for a few centuries without adjustment, and make fine mementos and gifts once your trip is over.

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Find out more at the Scattered Worlds site

Are You One In A Billion?

Located in Alexandria, Egypt, the Grand Library is the central repository of all information known to the Human race. The Library's information is available from terminals all over the Galaxy. The Grand Library receives billions of inquiries every day. And each day, thousands of those inquiries require the personal assistance of a Human Librarian.

These Librarians are among the most talented and highly-trained professionals in the Galaxy. Ten times rarer than chess Grand Masters, Grand Librarians are gifted with a remarkable intuition, allowing them to sift through vast amounts of data to pinpoint exactly the information to answer any question.

The Grand Library is always in search of new Librarians. Only one in a million are neurologically able to undergo the delicate surgery that links the mind directly to the great databases. Only one in a billion have the combination of intuition and imagination that make a Grand Librarian.

Are you one in a billion? If you think so, contact the Grand Library for recruitment information.

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Find out more at the Scattered Worlds site

The Kala Phenkae

(from Encyclopedia of the Interregnum, edited by Oskar Bartlett, Terra-Prime Publishing, 20,832 H.E.)

Little is known of the origins of this secretive breeding program. During the First Terran Empire, various Idara conducted programs of genetic enhancement, most notably Idara Kuchta under Sten Kuchta (TE 123-237) and the Hoister Family. By TE 250, many of the veterans of these programs had joined an ongoing effort under the sponsorship of the Idara Kristeller. The combined program settled in permanent headquarters on the planet Obron.

By TE 320 the program coordinated two hundred six distinct bloodlines, on about four hundred planets; thus, it was popularly referred to as "the Two Hundred Six." During the Interrregnum, the program became known as The Kala Phenkae, supposedly from "Cealla Faenke" ("Two Hundred Six" in the Heloxan language). The Kala Phenkae included Idaras Adelhardt, Carroll, Loewenger, and others, as well as many non-Idara bloodlines.

Over the millennia of the Interregnum, the bloodlines were kept reasonably pure. During this time, the Kala Phenkae were one of the few institutions that remained Galactic in scope, although communications difficulties and political circumstances often limited the program's effectiveness.

In many parts of the Galaxy, and particularly in the Credixian Imperium, the Kala Phenkae wielded great political influence, even though it was practically unknown to the population at large.

Due to the security surrounding the program, the mission and ultimate goals of the Kala Phenkae remained a secret until the time of the Second Terran Empire….

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Find out more at the Scattered Worlds site

Aladdin Systems: Not Your Greatmother's Autoservants

Who could imagine life without autoservants? They cook and clean for us, tend our homes and businesses, keep everyting in good repair, and take care of our every need. Servs and mechs and cybs are indispensible to modern life.

Yet how often do you think about your autoservants? If you’re like most people, seldom. You inherited them, or they came with your home, your business, your ship. They work perfectly—and when they don’t, mechs fix them.

Would it surprise you to know that your autoservants may have been in service for thousands of years? It seems incredible, yet it’s true: the average autoservant in today’s galaxy dates back to the days of the Terran Empire.

What must fill your poor serv’s circuts. Think of the inevitable bloat and clutter of that long a lifetime. Your grandfather’s drink preferences. Great-Aunt Matilda’s favorite breakfasts. The social schedules of a hundred generations. Millennia of trivia.

At Aladdin Systems, we specialize in making old autoservants new again. We’ll clean out your servs’ memories, peel away generations of clutter, and update their software with state-of-the-art routines. You’ll find that your autoservants are more responsive, more efficient, better able to serve.

Touch here to contact a representative for a consultation.

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Find out more at the Scattered Worlds site

Medical First Aid Diagnostic Leech

Emergency Instructions

You will need:
• Series A-1 First Aid (red) or B-1 Diagnostic (white) leech
• Datapad(s) or dataspex
• Phone or other communications device

1. Peel back the leech’s transparent covering. Attach leech to patient’s exposed skin. (If the patient is wounded, attach the leech as near as possible to any wounds.)

2. It is normal for the leech to deflate as nanos enter the patient’s bloodstream. Leech casing will drop off or disintegrate when no longer needed.

3. Nanos will perform diagnosis and begin any necessary treatment. Consult your datapad and follow any instructions.

4. Provide phone for nanos to communicate with medical resources or authorities.

5. Further, specialized leeches may be required. Be sure to match color and number before attaching leeches to patient.

6. If medical professionals are available or needed, they will be summoned by nanos. Please be prepared to assist in locating patient for authorities.

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Find out more at the Scattered Worlds site

The Right Datapad Makes All the Difference

When you’re looking for a datapad, you want high resolution, quick response, durability, and compatibility. And above all, you want value.

All Ipuwer brand datapads feature near-molecular scale resolution, with nano-addressing to achieve results that exceed the limit of unenhanced human eyesight. With a refresh rate less than 0.01 seconds, Ipuwer datapads can display even the highest-speed video with no trace of breakups or artifacting.

Constructed from permaplast polymers that will last for decades of normal use, Ipuwer datapads are crumple-resistant and fully-rollable. And Ipuwer pads feature Snap-Smooth technology to eliminate folds and creases at the touch of a corner.

Ipuwer datapads are the most compatible on the market, fully compliant with all major data and networking standards, including FLBLA, Terran Empire Standard, and GalactiNet. Each Ipuwer pad comes with a minimum 2 TB of onboard memory, with access to local and wide-area network storage. Input methods include stylus, virtual keyboard, and auto-congifure data transfer from any system or network.

Ipuwer pads are available in all standard sizes, from wallet (5 x 7.5 cm) all the way up to Display (60 x 80 cm). Pads can be linked, physically and virtually, to make larger displays as needed. Available in multi-packs of 10, 25, and 50, Ipuwer datapads provide superior performance and value.

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Find out more at the Scattered Worlds site

Meet a Galactic Rider

(from Stars of the Galaxy, May 6482 CE)

For millions of years, the Galactic Riders have served the causes of peace and freedom in the Galaxy. Yet Humans know little about this ancient alien order. Recently, on the planet Dovan, we interviewed Tto Yachim, a Dorascan Rider who was happy to answer some questions. Like all of his people, Tto Yachim is a superb linguist and vocal mimic; he speaks Terran Standard perfectly.

Stars: So tell us, what are the Galactic Riders all about?

Tto Yachim: The Galactic Riders provide help to those in need. In addition, we assist the cause of freedom over repression, maintain cultural continuity, act as mediators, and provide role models.

Stars: What sort of training do you need to be a Rider?

Tto Yachim: We are extensively trained in music, history, culture, and the accumulated wisdom of the Free Peoples.

Stars: Galactic Riders are empowered to act as judge, jury, and executioner. Who oversees them; who prevents them from abusing their power?

Tto Yachim: Galactic Riders act with the full authority of the Council of the Free Peoples of the Scattered Worlds. Riders are responsible only to their own consciences. A Rider’s integrity is beyond question. On the few occasions that a Galactic Rider has misused power, other Riders have hastened to administer justice.

Stars: Where are the Galactic Riders based?

Tto Yachim: Our order is headquartered on Nephestal. Many individual Riders make regular circuits of various worlds and settlments, visiting each perhaps once a year or so. Some set up permanent homes, and operate out of them. Others consider their ships to be their homes.

Stars: Thank you for sharing this information with our readers.

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Find out more at the Scattered Worlds site

The Few, the Proud…the Imperium Space Corps

The bond that holds Spacers together was forged nearly four millennia ago. Every Spacer inherits a legacy of those who have gone before and every Spacer is duty bound to uphold the traditions and legacy of our Corps and pass that on to future Spacers. From its beginning the long-ago days of the Terran Empire, the Corps has strived to produce not only the best warriors, but the best people. They are men and women who live by a code which form the bedrock of good character. These values guide the Corps, as well as its individual Spacers.

Honor: Spacers are held to a high standard of the utmost ethical and moral behavior. Honesty and honor are held in great regard. Respect for others is essential. Every Spacer is accountable for his or her actions and meeting the highest standard of the Corps.

Courage: Courage is not the absence of fear. It is the ability to face fear and overcome it. It is the mental, moral, and physical strength ingrained in Spacers. It steadies them in times of stress, carries them through every challenge, and aids them in facing new and unknown confrontations.

Commitment: Commitment is the spirit of determination and dedication found in Spacers. Every aspect of life in the Corps shows commitment, from the high standard of excellence to the vigilance the Spacers show for training.

There is only one explanation for people who accept a challenge this difficult. They're called to do it. They understand instinctively that the greatest things they will accomplish in life are the hardest things. Which path is calling you?

Touch here, to contact a recruiter.

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Find out more at the Scattered Worlds site

Apologies

Apologies for the unscheduled hiatus. Don was in the hospital with a badly-infected foot, and is now recovering at home. Details are available on Don's blog at meerkatmeade.blogspot.com.

Regular posts should resume on Wednesday, April 11.

The Curious Voyage of the Maria Theresa

Perhaps the greatest galactic mystery is that of the Maria Theresa.

One of the legendary Imperial Starcruisers, the Maria Theresa was a passenger-and-cargo liner of unprecendented luxury. At an overall length of 8,000 meters and a width of nearly 500, the Starcruiser was a spaceborne city that could carry well over a million passengers. Each of the 25 Starcruisers endlessly plied the circumference of the Galaxy, making stops at each of the Provincial Capitals and completing a circuit in 11 days.

In TE 233, during a maintenance layover at the Tep Kecor shipyards, the presumed-empty Maria Theresa fired up her engines and, eluding pursuit, entered tachyon phase and was never seen or heard from again.

Lost along with the Starcruiser were her full complement of ancillary craft, including five fifty-meter liners, five twenty-meter cargo carriers, and one hundred ten-person escape boats. The liners and cargo carriers, respectable starships themselves, had FTL capability and limited weapons.

In TE 243, the Maria Theresa was replaced by a newly-constructed sister ship, the Maj Thovold.

Theories of the Maria Theresa’s fate include human or nonhuman pirates, other aliens, time-travelers, and unexplained behavior by the cruiser’s onboard AI software.

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Find out more at the Scattered Worlds site

Did Nostradamus Predict the Sack of Terra?

(Newschannel Six, 18 Sep TE 381)

Nearly a thousand years ago, the Earth prognosticator Nostradamus may have foreseen last month's attack on Terra by Patalanian Union forces. Nostradamus — Michel de Nostradame — is believed by some to have predicted many great events in history, including the rise and fall of Napoleon and Hitler, the bombing of Hiroshima, the terraforming of Luna, and the destruction of Cambolinee.

It looks as if Nostradamus also knew that the Sack of Terra was coming.

In Quatrain 4,8, Nostradamus says:

The great city by prompt and sudden assault
Surprised at night, guards interrupted:
The guards and watches of Saint-Quentin
Slaughtered, guards and the portals broken.

Is there any doubt that this describes the Patalanian surprise attack on the Empire’s capital? The reference to “the guards and watches of Saint-Quentin” can only refer to San Quentin Orbital, Terra’s largest prison facility — during the attack, this facility was targeted by Patalanian missiles. Many guards were killed, and many prisoners escaped.

In Quatrain 4,12, Nostradamus predicts:

The greater army put to flight in disorder,
Scarcely further will it be pursued:
Army reassembled and the legion reduced,
Then it will be chased out completely from the Gauls.

Sure enough, the Imperial Navy was chased out of the Solar System (poetically called “the Gauls”), but was not pursued by Patalanian forces; the Navy was able to regroup at Laxus, 3.4 parsecs away.

Finally, in Quatrain 10,49 Nostradamus wrote:

Garden of the world near the new city,
In the path of the hollow mountains:
It will be seized and plunged into the Tub,
Forced to drink waters poisoned by sulfur.

This plainly predicts that the domes of New York (the “hollow mountains” of the “new city”) would be cracked in the attack, allowing water to flood the city. The waters of the East River do indeed contain high levels of sulfur and other contaminants.

So there you have it: nearly a thousand years ago, this humble pretech soothsayer saw the disaster, and tried to warn us.

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Find out more in "Candelabra and Diamonds" by Don Sakers