i disagree with your starting assertion: that it's strange, or somehow
inconsistent, to allow grav and FTL but not robot troops. it's not a binary
choice between modern or SF: there is a ladder of advancement, starting with
minor improvements over current tech (eg ARs with thermal
imagers) and ending with the super space-age (eg robot troops). i think
the Tuffleyverse is halfway up this ladder - far enough to have FTL, PA,
some grav, and smart fire control, but not far up enough to have robot troops,
ubiquitous grav, personal plasma cannons, etc.
tom
** Tom, I'm afraid (unless I'm sorely mistaken) there is an entry in the GZG
canon history that indicates Grav is in common use. I'll have to look it up,
but if that is the case... then at least in that minor particular you're a wee
bit off. And since their is an Infantry Plasma Gun....;)
> i disagree with your starting assertion: that it's strange, or somehow
It is commonly available to those who can afford it, but it is very expensive,
quite delicate and difficult to maintain in a battlefield situation,
especially with a long supply line in colonial settings. Most forces still use
simpler and more robust stuff where they can, with grav
and similar hi-tech used only where it can REALLY be of benefit. Much
the
same with the Plasma Guns - anyone can buy one (if they know where to
shop... <grin>) but in most cases it is better to have something that costs
far less, and that the local colonial blacksmith can fix....
> On Thu, 17 Feb 2000, Thomas.Barclay wrote:
> i disagree with your starting assertion: that it's strange, or somehow
i got the impression they existed, but weren't common; i'd say grav was
ubiquitous when every logistics unit uses grav-trollies to shift crates
about, and i don't think the Tuffleyverse is in that state.
> And since their is an Infantry Plasma Gun.... ;)
not exactly a personal weapon, though. otoh, i've seen an SG2 UN TO+E
that suggests the UN infantry use plasma rifles, and i was (briefly)
considering them for the Dutch marines. i get the impression they're not
reliable enough to be deployed as a universal weapon.
in effect, i'm saying the Tuffleyverse is advanced enough to have this tech,
but not to use it! i think St^3 Jon's comments are sort of in this
direction, although i suspect i'm still somewhat to the high-tech side
of his vision:).
tom