Different FTL methods - was FTL: ON TOPIC ADDED

> Brian Burger wrote:

> The problem I have with the 'every race has a different FTL method' is

Even in the real world there are different methods of powered movement: Deisel
engines, gasoline engines, electric motors, jets, rockets; all are used to
propellel automobiles, but rely an very different principles and equipment. I
don't see why 2 different races would have to use the same method for FTL
travel. Perhaps a race discovers a wormhole just
outside of there solar system when they reach a level of sub-light
propulsion to get that far, they would then lock on this method of
interstellar travel, perhaps bypassing several systems that they just couldn't
get to. A second race has there version of Zephram Cochran and invents a way
to bypass the speed of light and are able to go to any system they wish.

It seems to me that technology follows a rather linear progression
(with  the occasional side-step and leap) once a method of doing
something is discovered. This is the reason for +99% of autos being
gasoline or deisel, a method is invented/discovered and refinements are
made to the exclusion of other research.

Chan Faunce <channing@glasscity.net> said:

> Even in the real world there are different methods of powered

This reminds me of the Steve White book seriies where the usual method of FTL
is a version of "Warp Points" (Like his and Webers "Starfire" series) but a
scientist of one race involved in a war
comes up with a re-finment to allow travel outside of the warp lines.
This gives thier numericaly inferior forces a distinct advantage vs the more
numerous, but technicaly infirior race they were battling. As I recall the
"warp" travel was slowere than the "warp points".

Randy "Creative Financing is the key to any venture. Right John?" R. Hood
(Ret.)