From: utzoo!decvax!ucbvax!sf-lovers Newsgroups: fa.sf-lovers Title: SF-LOVERS Digest V6 #110 Article-I.D.: ucbvax.426 Posted: Sat Dec 18 17:15:18 1982 Received: Sun Dec 19 08:43:54 1982 >From SFL@SRI-CSL Thu Dec 16 15:18:13 1982 Reply-To: SF-LOVERS at SRI-CSL To: SF-LOVERS@SRI-CSL SF-LOVERS Digest Saturday, 18 Dec 1982 Volume 6 : Issue 110 Today's Topics: Books - Brunner's THE SHEEP LOOK UP T.V. - "The Invaders" Misc - explosive decompression, Star Trek crosses Known Space Movies - Fantastic Voyage, SW/TESB/ROTJ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 15 Dec 1982 21:45:18 EST (Wednesday) From: David Mankins Subject: The Sheep Look Up, by John Brunner I just finished "The Sheep Look Up" by John Brunner (having read "Stand on Zanzibar" earlier this year). It is a pessimistic, although not exactly depressing, novel about the effects of pollution. It is set in the early eighties and describes a polluted world in which the Mediterranean, Baltic, and Caspian have suffered the same fate as Lake Erie in the 60s, where you can only see a blue sky from the windows of airplanes, and where the rain is so laced with insecticides and defoliants (weed-killers) that gardens wither and die. In short, it describes the world James Watt, Ann Gorsuch, and Ronald ("Prexy") Reagan would like us to have. A world in which the entire United States is a Love Canal. Indeed, Brunner depicts a President of the United States who is always going somewhere on vacation, and who is continually making ignorant remarks to the press about events, leading me to suspect that Brunner modeled the character on Ronald Reagan. Though I suppose most Presidents look this way from across the Atlantic, Ronald Reagan just more so. I say the book is not depressing for a pair of reasons. One reason is that here it is the 1980s, and things really aren't as bad as he describes, and probably aren't going to get quite that bad (although try listening to the news describe the dieldrin contamination in Missouri, and Love Canal, and PCB contamination in Michigan without thinking about this book). The other reason is that it ends on a hopeful note. Actually, its REALLY depressing if you end up considering the way it ends as being a hopeful note. It is written in much the same collage style as "Stand on Zanzibar." If you liked that novel, you should like this one, too. "Zanzibar" seemed "louder" than "Sheep"--I suspect Brunner uses fewer capital letters in the latter novel. It is more than just similarities in style that link the two novels. In addition to being about environmental concerns ("Zanzibar" is about over-population, "Sheep" about pollution), both novels have prophets who are honored, but ignored. Both prophets (Clyde Mulligan in "Zanzibar" and Austin Train in "Sheep") spend some years wandering in the desert after they've achieved fame. Both return to the limelight to tell us how much worse things have become. ------------------------------ Date: 15 Dec 1982 1304-EST From: Mike First Subject: "Invaders" TV series query Remember the TV series "The Invaders"? It is rarely mentioned on this list although I remember it as being quite good. Was it really good or is it just that I was much younger when it was aired (and is RARELY syndicated). One possible explanation for its relative lack of success is the fundamentally depressing nature of its theme. Essentially from week to week, our hero never achieved his goal (i.e. convincing the world that invaders had already landed) nor did he make even minor progress--whenever he would succeed in the beginning of an episode to convince some people of the truth, they would be destroyed or otherwise incapacitated by the end. Not very satisfying for the mass audience. QUERY: Did the series have a planned ending (i.e. did it end by having David Vincent convince the world that the invaders are here) or did it die out abruptly due to cancellation (a la "Time Tunnel", "Lost in Space", etc.) Also, is there some sort of episode guide available? Did any prominent sci-fi writers have anything to do with it? --Michael (FIRST@NLM-MCS) ------------------------------ Date: 15 Dec 82 21:12:32-EST (Wed) From: Ron Natalie Subject: MCP's and Who's Who. Someone was complaining about SF being the last haven of the MCP's. But, if the Master Control Programs don't belong to Science Fiction, where else can they go? In the last series of the Tom Baker Dr. Who shows, there was this planet who were beaming equations out into deep space to restore order because the entropy level was getting too high. Anybody have any scientific or mythological feelings about this? I also saw someone putting down the New Who on the list because he had question marks on his shirt collars. Look closly at Baker, he has them too. -Ron ------------------------------ Date: 16 December 1982 01:45-PST (Thursday) From: Allan M. Schiffman Subject: More explosive decompression: SFL V6 #99 From: "ISHTAR::FELDMAN c/o" Date: 30-NOV-1982 09:51 Subj: explosive decompression. ... Finding a vacum chamber at your friendly local highschool or college science lab, and observing a beaker of water in it would help you understand. ... Wouldn't the experiment be more appropriate if the water is in a sealed plastic bag? You might want to trap as little air as possible, and leave some slack in the bag. Even better if the "plastic" was some kind of gas-permeable membrane. -Allan ------------------------------ Date: 15 Dec 82 20:56:41-EST (Wed) From: Ron Natalie Subject: Fantastic Voyage and Star Trek. About the Sixty Gallon Drum of Water injected into the guy... You will remember watching the "radar" picture of the needle while the submarine was carefully (lest it fall out on the floor) driven to as close to the end as possible. This was done to prevent as much water as possible from entering the guy. Something that was left out of the movie however (but was explained by the book) is what happened when this large metallic submarine that they abandoned in the guys brain regained normal size (you'll remember that they exitted through the eye without it). In the book, one of them drags the partially decomposed thing out with him before it gets too big. As for those who have been second guessing James T. Kirk about the use of the Shuttlecraft and the Transporter in emergency situations: You may submit your applications to the acadamy for mthe next term. -Ron ------------------------------ Date: 15 Dec 1982 1056-EST From: Stephen R Balzac Subject: Vader death count Which is more evil: killing someone with your own hands, or hiring someone else to do your dirty work for you? Besides, Vader does appear to be into torture, which a number of people seem to have overlooked. ------------------------------ Date: 13 Dec 82 13:02:42-PST (Mon) From: decvax!decwrl!sun!megatest!fortune!dsd!atd!avsdS.steve at From: Ucb-C70 Subject: re: light saber how about simply believing Obi Wan when he said that the light saber was a more elegant weapon for a more civilized time? It seems throughout history that the hand weapon is usually replaced by the "NEW and IMPROVED" versions of projectile weapons as they are developed( the long bow by the cross-bow, the Springfield by the M-1, etc...). Current military customs usually provide for the wearing of the dress sword only on special occasions. How practicle would a sword (or even a light saber) be in stopping an opponent at 50 yards? I would appear that Darth Vader took on Obi Wan as a matter of pride. The sensible thing to do would have been to stay back and lay waste to the corridor, including Obi Wan, with a suitable weapon. That, however, never seems to happen (the bad guys never take the easy way out--they like to gloat!). How to obtain a new light saber? Check out the local antique gun shoppe. I'm sure someone's grandfather had one at one time but it outlived it's usefulness and was traded-in for something more appropriate. (you gots to look at realities (?)). If not, well, the plans coulden't have all been lost. (After all, it was THE WEAPON of the Jedi for a thousand generations!!!). Just run down tho the local smithy.l Besides, if you can still get battries for it, there must be some, somewhere. If you gots to get caught up in the story, you gots to start believing more and stop putting in so much sweats over the unessential. ------------------------------ Date: 15 Dec 82 13:19:29-PST (Wed) From: decvax!ittvax!neiman at Ucb-C70 Subject: Re: Food for thought...........TESB, the "other, etc. The other day, I saw TESB for the second time. The scene in which Darth Vader wards off Han's blaster fire using the force answered one of those questions which had been bothering me since I saw Star Wars for the first time, to wit, how can our heros stroll through barrages of enemy fire without getting even singed while the Imperial Troopers fall right and left. Obviously the force (as well as the necessity for character continuity) protects them and redirects enemy fire. And I thought that the guys in white armor were just incredibly bad shots... DanN ------------------------------ Date: 14 Dec 82 12:02:10-PST (Tue) From: harpo!ihnp4!ixn5c!inuxc!pur-ee!CSvax.Pucc-H.Physics.els at From: Ucb-C70 Subject: Re: Food for thought...........TESB, the "other, etc. Another thing I forgot to mention.... When speaking about the dark side of the Force, Yoda says something to the effect that once the dark side takes over, you are forever in its sway. That would tend to rule out a turnabout by Vader. Does anyone remember the exact quote?? els[Eric Strobel] pur-ee!pur-phy!els ------------------------------ Date: 14 Dec 82 20:52:26-PST (Tue) From: decvax!utzoo!watmath!bstempleton at Ucb-C70 Subject: Re: Vader death count There are many death counts greater than those of Vader and Tarkin. For example, the Vogons in The Hitch Hiker's Guide ttG destroy Earth and no doubt many other planets. We're also told of whole planets destroyed in games of galactic Billiards. Many grandiose stories outdo even this. Consider the tally against Boskone by the Kinison clan. I think top billing goes to good old Nathan Brazil, however. Anybody got a case that can top him? ------------------------------ Date: 14 Dec 82 12:32:49-PST (Tue) From: harpo!ihnp4!ixlpc!tomoc at Ucb-C70 Subject: The Emperor I caught Empire the other night and did remember at the end to see who played the Emperor. I can`t remmember his name, but I know it was NOT Alec Guiness! However, as noted before, Obi Wan and the Emperor did look strikingly alike. I think some people have come up with some very interesting ideas about him, Vader, etc. but I`m just going to wait for ROTJ to find out who`s who. Tom O`Connor ixlpc!tomoc ------------------------------ Date: 14 December 1982 00:06 est From: Schauble.Multics at MIT-MULTICS Subject: StarTrek crosses Known Space One of the animated Star Trek episodes, titled "Slaver Weapon", is virtually identical to the Larry Niven story "The Soft Weapon". This is not surprising, since Niven did the script for that episode. This episode caused all of Star Treks history to be re-written to include Kzin, Slavers, and so on. I am told that anti-gravity for Star Trek was discovered because of a flying belt found in a stasis box. The following is a combined chronology for that universe. It is taken from another bboard, but attributed to NEXUS magazine. Y1 First contact between Humans and neighbors. Y4 Federation formed. Y32 Federation sub-light CL in service. Y33 Romulan Warbird in service. Y34 Gorn sub-light battleship in service. Y36 First Gorn-Romulan War begins. Y38 Lyran-Klingon War begins; no details known. Y39 Gorns lose first Gorn-Romulan War at Gorn-Shima. Y40 First Federation-Romulan War begins. Lyrans attack what they believe is a Klingon mining colony. The outpost is, instead, from the Hydrans, and not previously known to the Lyrans. Thus begins the first Lyran-Hydran War. Y42 Lyran-Klingon War ends when several Lyran clans abandon the war to protect their homes from the Hydrans. Lyrans are forced to accept an unfavorable settlement. Y43 Lyrans defeat Hydran invasion, but reach negotiated settlement rather than continue the war. First Lyran-Hydran War ends. Y45 Cruiser design introduced by Federation. Y46 First Federation-Romulan War ends with ceasefire. Y48 First Lyran-Kzinti War begins. Y50 First Klingo-Kzinti War begins. Y56 First Lyran-Kzinti War ends. Y62 Federation launches first warp-powered cruiser. Klingons launch first warp-powered D6. Second Gorn-Romulan War begins. Y63 Kzinti's develop warp power. Federation begins converting thirty old-style sub-light cruisers to warp power. Y65 Hydrans develop warp power. By a fortuitous chance, the current sub-light ships adapt very well to warp power. Conversion of these ships begins. Federation CA, DD, SC in service. Klingon D6, F5, E4 in service. Kzinti CS, CL, FF in service. Drone I in service. Y66 Gorns develop warp power. Gorns could use this advantage to destroy the Romulans, but choose to fight defensively. Incidents along Hydran-Klingon border. Klingons want settlement rights on oxy-nitrogen planets in Hydran territory; Hydrans want same rights on methane worlds in Klingon space. Y67 Lyrans develop warp power. Y68 Gorns win second Gorn-Romulan War. Lyran CA, CL, DD, FF in service. Second Lyran-Hydran War begins. Y69 Gorn CA, CL, DD in service. Y71 Federation forms the United Star Fleet. Member planets begin disbanding their "national" fleets. Second Lyran-Hydran War ends when improved Hydran weapons give them a decisive advantage over the Lyrans. Y72 Federation Tug, Cargo Pod, Starliner, Police, GS cruiser in service. Klingon-Hydran "incident." Y73 Hydrans attack Klingons. They do not have a formal alliance with the Kzintis (who are still at war with the Klingons), but are considered as co-belligerants. Klingons are hard-pressed to fight a war on two fronts. A new Hydran weapon gives the Klingons much concern. Y74 Freighters and Q-ships generally available, except to Romulans. Y75 Badly outnumbered Klingon fleet defending the Hydran Frontier is decisively defeated by the Hydrans. Klingons agree to a peace settlement granting the Hydrans trade concessions, and allowing them to colonize several methane-atmosphere planets within Klingon Empire. Kzintis howl with rage because Hydrans will not continue the war. Klingons purchase much war material (at rediculously inflated prices) from Hydrans and turn on Kzintis. Y77 Drone II, IV, V in service from this date. Y82 First Klingo-Kzinti War ends. Klingons capture three key planets. Y83 Federation CC in service. Tholians first encounter by the Klingons. First of several vicious border wars lasts two years. PC in service. Klingon D7, F-5S, E3, G2 in service. Klingon Tug-B, Cargo, Power Boost, Transport pod in service. Kzinti Scout in service. Drone III in service. Y84 Klingons, having defeated Kzintis, attack Hydrans. This is known as the "Second Klingo-Hydran War" to Federation Historians, as the "War of Retribution" to the Klingons, and as the "War of Infamy" to the Hydrans. Lyrans attack collapsing Hydran border and capture several planets, but are not formal allies of Klingons at this point. This is the Third Lyran-Hydran War. Y87 Klingons smash Hydran fleet. Hydran colonies are destroyed. Many attrocities are committed by the Klingons. All Hydran ships larger than police frigates are destroyed, and the Hydran Kingdom is reduced to a client of the Klingons. The Klingons established governors on Hydran planets. Due to the difference in atmospheres, however, these governors are never really able to control the populace and usually rule from orbiting satellites. These satellites have powerful weapons aimed at the planet below, but are poorly defended against attack from space. Y88 First Federation-Kzinti War begins as Kzintis attack. Second Lyran-Klingon War begins as arguments develop over division of the Hydran Empire. In the confusion, the Hydran colonies of Altroth, Minxitith, and Krooth have not been noticed or occupied by the Klingons. These colonies were established by major merchant guilds of the Hydran Kingdom, and the later power of the Guilds stems from this period. The Guilds maintain the monarchy through Prince S'Lenthna, the last heir of Hydraxan IX. The Prince is a virtual puppet (the Guilds hold the real power), but his presence is important in rallying the Hydrans. Y89 Kzintis makes gains, capturing several planets. Romulans attack Tholians, but abandon the "First Romulan-Tholian War" in less than a year. Y90 Third Gorn-Romulan War begins with Romulan attack. Gorn Fleet Tug, Cargo, and Transport Pods, Starliner, in service. Civil wars in the Hydran "lost colonies", as Prince S'Lenthna tries to break the power of the Guilds. Y91 Klingons begin conversion of D6 class, increasing engine power from 24 to 30. All are converted by Y93. Klingons and Lyrans settle their differences by negotiation. The Klingons are anxious to do so because they plan to attack Tholia. Federation begins counter-offensive to regain territory occupied by the Kzintis. Y92 The Great Klingo-Tholian War begins. First Federation-Kzinti War ends, with border re-established in the original location. Y93 Extended range drones available. Y95 Kzinti Fleet Tug, Pods (C, LSD, T), in service. Y96 Third Gorn-Romulan War ends. Y101 Hydran civil wars intensify. Much of Minxitith rendered uninhabitable. Y102 Klingons abandon war against Tholians. Y103 Second Klingo-Kzinti War begins. Y104 Kzinti Drone Frigate in service. Y106 Kzintis win second Klingo-Kzinti War, regain planets. Y109 Second Lyran-Kzinti War begins when a Kzinti CS destroys a Lyran exploration ship. The Lyrans claim a moral outrage over the attack, but ignore the fact that their "exploration ship" was exploring Kzinti territory for new colony sites. Y110 First Federation-Klingon War. Y111 First Federation-Klingon War ends inconclusively. Y113 Federation completes the disbanding of the "national" fleets as the Federation Star Fleet is completed. Sixteen Orion ships and 9,000 skilled crewmen mutiny and disappear. Y114 Second Lyran-Kzinti War ends. Klingo-Tholian "incident." Y115 Federation Battle Pod in service. Y117 Orion CR, DR, Slaver, LR observed in operation. Y119 Klingon Battle Pod and Tug-A in service. Y120 Fourth Gorn-Romulan War begins. Y121 Gorn Monitor Pod in service. Klingo-Tholian "incident." Kzinti Battle Pod in service. Y123 Third Klingo-Kzinti War begins. Y125 Fourth Gorn-Romulan War ends. Gorns have claimed some territory. Lyrans attack Kzintis with part of their fleet, taking advantage of the concurrent Klingo-Kzinti War. This is the Third Lyran-Kzinti War. Y128 Hydran civil wars end as Prince S'Lenthna abdicates in favor of his grandson. Under-age, all of the boy-king's regents are heads of Guild houses. Y129 Hydran "lost colonies" begin preparations for restoration of the kingdom. Technology is acquired from unknown foreign sources, later said to be Kzinti or perhaps Orion. The great 22nd century journalist Rod N. Berry suggest that the Orions were operating under a contract with the Federation G.I.A. Y131 Third Klingo-Kzinti War ends, with inconclusive results. Y132 First Orion CA sopotted during this year. Hydran agents begin infiltrating the Klingon-occupied planets of the kingdom. Y133 Gatling Phaser developed by Hydrans. Y134 Hydran Ranger, Lancer, Scout/Hunter in service in the "lost colonies." Y135 Hydrans from the lost colonies under King Hydraxan XI attack the Klingon satellites over the Hydran planets. In a swift campaign lasting only a few weeks, the Hydran Kingdom is restored. The personal popularity of Hydraxan XI makes him "unacceptable" to the guilds, and he dies under mysterious circumstances. While Hydraxan XII ascends the throne, the guilds solidify their power. Y136 Second Federation-Kzinti War begins as Kzintis attack border stations. Y137 Third Klingo-Hydran War begins when Hydrans attack Klingons. Y139 Klingo-Tholian Incident. Y141 Third Klingo-Hydran War ends. Hydrans have gained no territory, but have regained their self-respect. For reasons that remain obscure, four new kings take the throne in less than one year. The last, Hydraxan XVI, manages to hold power for two years. Y142 Second Federation-Kzinti War ends with no change in border. Y143 Brief Fourth Lyran-Hydran War begins and ends as Hydrans recapture two planets from Lyrans. Lyrans are unable to devote full attention due to troubles on Kzinti border, and agree to ceasefire. Y144 Fourth Lyran-Kzinti War begins. Y145 Kzinti renegades (members of a neo-samaurai cult) raid Allen's Planet, slaughtering all 3,000 colonists, and kidnapping a human infant named William S. Gerard. "The Marquis" (the Kzinti noble in charge of the border) captures and executes the renegades to preserve peace on the border. Y146 Hydran "civil war" begins, but all combat will take place within the palace over the next five years. Y147 Tholian Cruiser in service. Y149 Klingo-Tholian Incident. Y150 First Orion Salvage Cruiser spotted in operation this year. Y152 Hydraxan XXIII ("The Great") ascends the throne, which he will hold for almost two decades. Y154 Second Federation-Romulan War begins. Y155 Treaty of Pelione re-establishes the Neutral Zone, and ends the second Federation-Romulan War. Ensign Phillip Kosnett graduates from Star Fleet Academy. Ensign Ardak Kumerian graduates from Deep Space Fleet Academy. Fourth Lyran-Kzinti War ends. Orions destroy border station K4. Y156 Second Federation-Klingon War begins. War ends the same year, with the Organian treaty. Orions destroy a Kzinti border station. Kzinti-Hydran Treaty signed. Each pledges to attack the Klingons and Lyrans if the other is attacked by them. The Klingons and Lyrans sign a joint defensive treaty six weeks later. Many Lyran clans oppose this treaty, resulting in a sporadic civil war. Y157 Gorn-Federation "war" starts as the result of a small incident. Both fleets mobilize, but no actual fighting takes place. The "war" ends only six weeks later with signing of the Treaty of Algoran. Treaty of Friendship signed. Fifth Lyran-Hydran War begins. Lyran civil war ends abruptly. ECM and scrambling drones available. Y158 Fourth Klingo-Kzinti War begins. Citing their treaty, the Hydrans almost immediately launch an attack against the Klingon border squadrons. The Lyrans join the Klingons in fighting both Hydrans and Kzintis. The Federation, anxious to reduce the threat to their security posed by the Klingons, shifts fleet units to the Klingon border, and discusses with Organians the possibility of limited action by the Federation to restore the "Balance of Power." This is, however, a "hoax" (the Federation would never consider military power as a solution to the problem), intended to influence the Klingons to negotiate an immediate settlement to end the war. The plan backfires. Y159 Klingon-Romulan Treaty of Smarba signed. Klingons begin supplying advanced technology to the Romulans, allowing experimental conversion of six Warbirds to War Eagles. These increase pressure on Federation Border. Federation transfers elements of the Star Fleet from the Klingon to the Romulan border. This allows Klingons to transfer ships to fight Kzintis. Federation attempts to use the "threat of force" as a substitute for simple force has failed, and resulted in a dangerous situation that may eventually destroy the Federation. Y160 First KR and KF5R ships transferred to Romulans, in service next year. Phillip Kosnett becomes captain of the Heavy Cruiser Kongo. Y161 Kzintis introduce attack shuttle. Federation-Klingon "Hostage Incident." Romulans acquire freighters and Q-ships. Y162 Kongo converted to Command Cruiser. "The Marquis" sends William Gerard home in a Fighter-Shuttle. Fifth Lyran-Hydran War ends. The Bezwell Index episode. Romulans begin regular conversion of Warbird ships to War Eagle class, at the rate of two per year. Fourth Klingo-Kzinti War ends with inconclusive results. Y163 Klingo-Tholian Incident. Kongo conveys delegates to conference that will organize anit-pirate forces. Orions attack ship and try to stop conference. Y164 Romulan Pelican and Falcon in service. Kongo enters time warp and returns. Y165 Kzintis launch first carrier. Y166 Series of incidents on Klingo-Kzinti border (undeclared war). Kumerian destroys Kzinti shuttle squadron #26, and is promoted to command the D6 "Destruction." Klingon D6 "Devastator" operates as experimental semi-carrier. Conducts several raids on Kzinti frontier to test fighters. William Gerard graduates from Star Fleet Academy. Orion Pirates attack Zeta Omicron station. First encounter with an Andromedan. Kzinti CV, CVL, and CVE in service. Federation-Kzinti articles of agreement. Y167 Kzintis introduce improved fighter (can guide its own Drones). Kumerian, now in command of the "Tholian Frontier Harrassment Squadron", makes a "demonstration" attack against Tholians. Y168 Federation and Klingons introduce Dreadnoughts. Chaff pods available. Klingon CV(T) and Hanger Pod in service. First General War begins when war erupts on the Lyran-Kzinti border. This is firt known as the Fifth Lyran-Kzinti War, but rapidly escalates. Y169 Klingons join Lyrans and declare war on Kzintis. Hydrans attack both Klingons and Lyrans. William Gerard serves as an "observer" with the Kzinti fleet. Tholian Black Widow and Dreadnought in service. The "Cutlass Episode." The Klingon D6 Destruction, commanded by Ardak Kumerian, raids Sherman's planet. Warp-powered version of Romulan Warhawk in service. Kzinti Space Control Ship in service. Klingons begin construction of B-10 Battlewagon "Invincible." Y170 Klingon D6 Battlecruiser "Destruction" mutinies, and is interned at Federation Starbase 16. Returned to Klingons next year. Klingons are outraged that the Federation dismantled the Ubitron Interface Module. Klingons want to declare war on Federation, but are restrained by the Organians. Kumerian, captain of the Destruction, is demoted in disgrace. His son Kollos graduates from Deep Space Academy, but is refused a naval commission. He transfers to the Security (Police) Forces. Klingon CV(T) "Berzerker" lost in combat (circumstances unknown). Kzinti Hangar Pod in service. Romulan Condor in service. Orion CVL spotted operating. Lyran Lion DN in service. Hydran Paladin, Dragoon, Knight, Cuirassier, in service. Y171 The Organians disappear. Several races are blamed for this, but none know the true situation. Klingons declare war on Federation and attack Federation outposts. Federation CV, DE, CLE enter service. Three carrier groups formed. Gorn DN in service. Y172 Federation responds to Klingon attack with raids by new carriers. Federation fleets are sent to assist the Kzintis, and a Federation expedition (Operation Hydra) unsuccessfully attempts to penetrate Klingon space to reach Hydra. Y173 Hard-pressed by the Federation, the Klingons convince the Romulans to attack. The Romulans declare war on the Federation and launch a massive attack. Y174 Gorns Join Federation. First General war has now reached virtually complete escalation. Grand Alliance (Gorn-Federation-Kzinti) fleets battle Romulan-Klingon-Lyrans. Hydrans have co-belligerant status with Grand Alliance, but are not formal allies. Orions begin operating against the Grand Alliance, using unprecedented numbers of ships. Responding to a Peace initiative from the Kzintis, the Admiral Kang sets out on it most excitin voyage. Y176 Klingons and Romulans attempt massive operation to destroy Tholians. Hard-pressed, the Tholians join the Grand Alliance, but will not allow Federation ships into their territory. Y177 Desperately besieged, the Tholians agree to let ships of their allies enter the Holdfast, but only those of the Gorns and Kzintis (since they would not pose as much of a later threat). Ardak Kumerian restored to rank as Captain of D6 "Destruction." Y178 Lyrans introduce Psuedo-Fighters. Y179 Klingons begin operating Pseudo-Fighters. Two flotillas are formed: 700th (LDSF personnel) and 701st (ISF personnel). Kollos Kumerian's 701st Gunboat Flotilla ("The Bounty Hunters") begins a reign of terror that destroys 135 Kzinti fighters in a year and a half. Ardak Kumerian promoted to commodore. Y180 Hydrans and Orions begin operation Psuedo-Fighters. Three Federation DN's converted to DN+. Y181 Federation CV "MacArthur" crashes into Romulan capitol during "Operation Remus." Kzintis begins operating Psuedo-Fighters, and add Pseudo-Fighters to their Space Control Ship Dreadnoughts. Gorns, Romulans, and Tholians begin operating Pseudo-Fighters. Ardak Kumerian promoted to Admiral. Phil Kosnett promoted to Commodore. Y182 Operation "Cavalry." Gorn fleet units transfer to Klingon frontier for major assault in cooperation with Kzinti and Federation units. Y183 Repeated carrier battles between Federation/Kzinti and Klingon forces. Federation CV "Napoleon" heavily damaged and out of the war. Y184 Pleiades Turkey Shoot, "Cracker Jack" Radey saves the fleet. Y185 Organians return and halt the war. They offer no explanation for their absence, but express hope that the "Lower Empires" (as they call the othes) have "learned the futility of war." ------------------------------ End of SF-LOVERS Digest ***********************