Inception Ch8 [Spoilers]

[GBLW]

Is it just me, or does anyone else see that hyperspace catapult as a very effective weapon? Of course its use would depend on actual dimensional data and acceleration factors of the catapult, but just imagine if a series of large rocks were sent through the catapult on an interception course with the invading fleet. (Mass x Velocity = BIG BANG!)

[Rabblerouser]

So was I the only one wondering if all the information of sectors was relevant to the plot line as it just seemed to jam up the flow of the story?
As the explanation would be helped by a diagram then perhaps a condensed form would have been better such as: they found signs of life in sector x which is about 3 o’clock from point y (perhaps terra, keris or centre of Galaxy.) and how many days travel?

It might be interesting but the chapter would have flowed better without it and allowed the plot to advance as I found myself trying to stop an figure it out (something I am unsure I have done correctly)

I am wondering about why keeping news about both twins secret? People might think it’s some sort of military alliance etc but somebody will leak the news and then the cover up is the problem. Keeping the Generations away will arise somebodies suspicions.

[AgCOtter]

Opening up a new oyster, there are soooo many things that can happen. Great new chapter sir.

As far as using the hyperspace catapult as a weapon, I would think that would depend on if the trajectory of the rocks launched by the catapult could be changed, and of course the range to where the rock would appear. Right there and right now, in your face, would be a problem, but given a decent amount of time, anyone near the breakout point could maneuver away from uncontrolled projectiles.

[GBLW]

Opening up a new oyster, there are soooo many things that can happen. Great new chapter sir.

As far as using the hyperspace catapult as a weapon, I would think that would depend on if the trajectory of the rocks launched by the catapult could be changed, and of course the range to where the rock would appear. Right there and right now, in your face, would be a problem, but given a decent amount of time, anyone near the breakout point could maneuver away from uncontrolled projectiles.

Ah, but I'd imagine that the ships traveling in hyperspace have an avoidance system so they don't hit any solid objects when they are traveling faster than the speed of light. Rocks wouldn't have that avoidance system and besides, how would the invaders avoid something moving faster than any possible means of detecting that object? That rocks still have mass and they still have velocity, so physics still applies and the kinetic energy would be applicable.

As for where to aim them, the Kimdori have already explained that the invading fleet must pass through a specific region of space and rocks are cheap, so you simply throw a whole lot of rocks at that region, timing the attack to arrive at or near the time the Kimdori expect the fleet to arrive there.

[arargh]

But, will the rocks STAY in hyperspace without an engine to keep them there?

arargh

[GBLW]

But, will the rocks STAY in hyperspace without an engine to keep them there?

arargh

Sure they will, until they hit something solid. To quote the old saw, "An object in motion tends to remain in motion." That's what keeps comets, asteroids and even planets moving in relation to the sun - nothing but momentum. In fact gravity is the only force keeping any of our solar system's components from flying off into space and momentum is the only force keeping them from plummeting into the sun.

Now I have a 'little' bit of writing to do while I'm feeling good enough to do it, then a hockey game or three to watch for the rest of the day, so excuse me if I don't respond for a day or so.

[kyli]

Hyperspace has different rules. I don't think a 3 dimensional object can remain in hyperspace without something to hold it there any more then multidimensional energy can. The energy from a torsion explosion for example escapes back into hyperspace pretty quickly once released.

[Fel]

But, will the rocks STAY in hyperspace without an engine to keep them there?

arargh

No, they won't. 3-dimensional objects can't stay in hyperspace unless something keeps them there.

So was I the only one wondering if all the information of sectors was relevant to the plot line as it just seemed to jam up the flow of the story?

I've been meaning to explain the sector mapping system for a while, and yeah, even I admit that it got a bit long. Call it trying to be as detailed as possible explaining something not easy to explain in a paragraph. But, despite the length of it, I thought it turned out well enough.

And as the story progresses and you see more and more of the galaxy, I figured people might like knowing where things are in a cartographic sense. It doesn't happen in this story, but the galaxy opens up big time in the later arcs.

[nicolai]

<snip> I've been meaning to explain the sector mapping system for a while, and yeah, even I admit that it got a bit long. Call it trying to be as detailed as possible explaining something not easy to explain in a paragraph. But, despite the length of it, I thought it turned out well enough.

And as the story progresses and you see more and more of the galaxy, I figured people might like knowing where things are in a cartographic sense. It doesn't happen in this story, but the galaxy opens up big time in the later arcs.

Any chance of seeing this diagrammatically? I'm sure the explanation made sense if you could see the diagram, but I couldn't visualize from the description. Just a basic layout over a generic spiral galaxy, with a marker or three.

[GBLW]

No, they won't. 3-dimensional objects can't stay in hyperspace unless something keeps them there.

Aw, nutzzz

Sorry to harp on it, but as an old time Heinlein fan I loved his idea of throwing rocks in a space battle (Used in "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.)

[arargh]

Sorry to harp on it, but as an old time Heinlein fan I loved his idea of throwing rocks in a space battle (Used in "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.)

Yes, but that was in normal space. Basically a huge coil gun with guided rocks.

Haven't read 'Moon' in years - maybe it's time again.

But, something very similar was used near the end of "John and Argent" by cmsix, IIRC. Projectiles from hyperspace, that is.

[ettoren]

No, they won't. 3-dimensional objects can't stay in hyperspace unless something keeps them there.

Aw, nutzzz

Sorry to harp on it, but as an old time Heinlein fan I loved his idea of throwing rocks in a space battle (Used in "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.)

Already have that. Rail guns. The "rocks" are just made of metal. Think of them as shaped and condensed metal composite asteroids if you wish!

[Fel]

No, they won't. 3-dimensional objects can't stay in hyperspace unless something keeps them there.

Aw, nutzzz

Sorry to harp on it, but as an old time Heinlein fan I loved his idea of throwing rocks in a space battle (Used in "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.)

This tactic was used in the first Consortium ambush. Kimdori towed asteroids behind them at very high speed then "bowled" them into the Consortium wave formations.

Low tech does not mean ineffective.

[GBLW]

This tactic was used in the first Consortium ambush. Kimdori towed asteroids behind them at very high speed then "bowled" them into the Consortium wave formations.

Low tech does not mean ineffective.

I did remember that, but was too dang lazy to go back through the whole series to look it up for a direct quote. (Sorry about that. )
Besides I was tied up doing my income tax over the last couple of days to spend the time. (My bad, doing them this late since the deadline is tomorrow, but I just got my last T4 yesterday! And before anyone points out the date and says I'm filing late - I'm Canadian. )

[Lochar]

This tactic was used in the first Consortium ambush. Kimdori towed asteroids behind them at very high speed then "bowled" them into the Consortium wave formations.

Low tech does not mean ineffective.

I did remember that, but was too dang lazy to go back through the whole series to look it up for a direct quote. (Sorry about that. )
Besides I was tied up doing my income tax over the last couple of days to spend the time. (My bad, doing them this late since the deadline is tomorrow, but I just got my last T4 yesterday! And before anyone points out the date and says I'm filing late - I'm Canadian. )

I won't say you're late, but aren't there laws about companies sending you the required documents fairly quickly?