= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Gloria has a different interpretation of The Forbidden Book What would you do if you knew that a book that everyone else thought was mindless pornography was actually a communications handbook? If you ain’t a Sci-Fi Geek, you ain’t going to like this one. Mild erotica, but very interesting Sci-Fi concept. ...
The lights in Linda Slater’s cabin came on, as they were programmed to do, and along with a gentle beeping awoke her much earlier than her assigned schedule suggested. Even though it was 18:00 (6 PM) she still preferred to consider it to be “morning”, although in space, “morning” and “night” no longer had any meaning. Schedules for the 300 passengers and crew were divided into shifts, each staggered so that the load on the kitchen and recreation areas would be distributed. During most of the voyage there was nothing to distinguish one time period from another. No day, no night, no weekends, no Friday nights. A few “days” at the beginning, and a few at the very end of the voyage were the exception. ...
“Tim to Collins.” “Collins.” “Captain, we’re just about done here, about to head to sector D14.” “Copy. Anything interesting?” “No ma’am, just more of the same, predominantly poppies.” “Copy.” “Hey! It’s 2400, happy birthday! The big 3 0, woohoo! I know we’re not on schedule, but maybe we could grab a little quality time when you get back”. In another time and place that would be insubordination, but in the space program sexual interaction among the crew was not only encouraged, it was required. In fact, sexual competency was considered a core function and ship crews were selected based on sexual compatibility. They changed partners regularly, according to the schedule, but often couples developed a special bond even if they were required to sleep with others. ...