A First Time Reader.

[Iolanthe]

Yes, Wayfriend, it is, I hadn't thought of it like that.

By the way, what is it that is referred to as "g"? Is it g force? I thought it was, but nearer the end it seemed to mean something else. Sorry if that's a stupid question, but this is the first sci fi book I've ever read. My knowledge is limited to Strange Encounters, ET and Star Wars

[wayfriend]

A "G" is a unit of force. It's an abreviation of "gravities", and is equal to the force of gravity experienced on the surface of the Earth. The effects of accelleration are usually measured in Gs. Too many Gs, and you are crushed.

Also, a "klick" is a kilometer, a "lightyear" is how far light goes in one year (which is very far), a "nuke" is a nuclear weapon, and "comms" is electronic communications gear.

That should get you by.

[Iolanthe]

Thanks, Wayfriend. I knew that g force was something to do with going very fast, but hadn't realised it had anything to do with gravity, which confused me. The Red Arrows talk about g force.

[Avatar]

...this is the first sci fi book I've ever read...

Wait, what? That's awesome. Although, since the Gap is some of the best sci-fi ever, you are starting on a dangerously high point.

And yeah...TRS leave me feeling for Angus too. Now that you've read it, you can check the dissection of it, where you'll see I said exactly the same thing in my dissection of Chapter 14.

--A

[Iolanthe]

Help, I'm having trouble here. Last night I read the Ancillary Documentation about Intertech, and understood hardly a word of it. Some words are in my dictionary, Amnion (a membrane?), polymerase, nucleotides. Mutagenic not in my dictionary, but I guess that means having the ability to be mutated. Cyrogenic is not in my dictionary, but google found it - to do with very low temperatures, so the freezing referred to earlier. This is like trying to speak a foreign language using a French-English dictionary or whatever.

So, they found a membrane that had enclosed a reptile, bird or mammal, and which was able to be mutated, or mutate? Or does Amnion mean something else, at it has a capital "A"?

Could someone please explain in simple language?

[I'm Murrin]

The Amnion is the name of the antagonistic alien species in the Gap. They use mutagens to alter genetic material in order to convert members of other species into members of their own race.

Not sure about the specific AD you're referring to, though - I'd have to look that up. Been a long time since I read the Gap.

[Iolanthe]

Thanks, Murrin. So they brought an alien creature back with them? It's the AD about Intertech, after chapter 6 and before a chapter about Angus which isn't numbered in Forbidden Knowledge.

I was just reading a bit whilst having a late breakfast and found a word I am actually familiar with! Parturition. Is this a word used regularly in the US? I'm interested because I've only ever seen it used in old documents. The Workhouse Medical Officers got 10 shillings for midwifery cases, more if it was a difficult case "with instruments" and it is often noted in the minutes as "parturition".

[Lefdmae Deemalr Effaeldm]

They brought the mutagen that could transform into alien creatures.

That AD is about the company named Intertech, it conducted various research, including genetics. Genetic experiments were not too popular with the general population already, and then the company received the alien mutagen to research. A volunteer mutated and died, an outrage against genetics started. The riots weakened the company seriously. It was forced to join Space Mines, Inc. (later the United Mining Companies).

[Iolanthe]

Even clearer. Thanks Eff.

[StevieG]

Oh, now you've really got me in the mood for a re-read

I wonder if I can squeeze it in before the Covenant re-read...

[Iolanthe]

I finished Forbidden Knowledge last night. What a brutal set of people, with almost no redeeming features, and poor Angus! I almost always only read in bed and have had some trouble getting to sleep after reading some of this. But now I'm hooked so when I get back on Sunday night I will order the next three books. I gather from some of the posts in this section that it gets worse. SRD must have one hell of an imagination.

Also I must confess that in my head I was saying "Thermopile" until Nick said it like that and I realised it should be "Thermopilee".

Does it say anywhere in what year/century the books are set? If it does, I must have missed it.

[Lefdmae Deemalr Effaeldm]

What a brutal set of people, with almost no redeeming features
...

Ah, and the set is not full yet) You haven't met yet, or have seen mentioned only, some of the most awesome and most horrid - not only in the Gap Cycle itself, but generally in all literature.

...
I gather from some of the posts in this section that it gets worse.
...

I'd say it gets much better, but well, that better is my view on better

...
SRD must have one hell of an imagination.
...

As if anyone could doubt that)

...
Does it say anywhere in what year/century the books are set? If it does, I must have missed it.

Don't remember anything like that either, I think SRD could wish to keep it "possible at any time".

[Stutty]

IO,

Nick's pronunciation of Thermopyle is his way of mocking Angus. Your proper Greek pronunciation is correct. Thermo-pile, in my mind at least, always suggested a big steaming pile of poop.

Finished my re-read of FB last night. My god I forgot how good this serious was, and I've consistently sung it's praise. FB has my favorite moment in it.

Spoiler

Paraphased: In some ways we've done you a favor. We've made you stronger, smarter, faster. But in others, we've committed a crime against your soul. It has to stop.

The greatest introduction of a character EVER!

Stutt

[Iolanthe]

Looks like we shall never know what your favourite moment was

I ordered A Dark and Hungry God Arises on Friday morning from Amazon thinking it might arrive yesterday (Monday) and then went away for the weekend. When I got back the postman had left a card having tried to deliver a package on Saturday (the next day!!) that was "too big for my letterbox"! It should arrive today as I've arranged re-delivery. Can't wait to start reading it.

[Avatar]

Uh, you can read spoilers by holding in your mouse button and "highlighting" the blacked out part...

--A

[Iolanthe]

So I can! Thanks, Av

[Iolanthe]

Well into Dark and Hungry God but came up against a strange problem. Bloke called Igensard - every time I read his name I see Ents and water! Also met Sorus. I didn't realise so many user names here came from the Gap books.

[Sorus]

Don't judge me until you finish the next book.

Then you're welcome to. I enjoy a good debate.

[Avatar]

So I can! Thanks, Av

No worries.

--A

[Iolanthe]

Don't judge me until you finish the next book.

Then you're welcome to. I enjoy a good debate.

Only met you a couple of times so far, judgement reserved.