Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.3 4.3bsd-beta 6/6/85; site topaz.RUTGERS.EDU Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!harvard!seismo!columbia!topaz!taw From: taw@s1-c.arpa Newsgroups: net.sf-lovers Subject: Sentimental Protectors Message-ID: <3802@topaz.RUTGERS.EDU> Date: Thu, 26-Sep-85 15:48:05 EDT Article-I.D.: topaz.3802 Posted: Thu Sep 26 15:48:05 1985 Date-Received: Tue, 1-Oct-85 09:55:35 EDT Sender: daemon@topaz.RUTGERS.EDU Organization: Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J. Lines: 29 From: Tom Wadlow Paula Sanch points out that the unknown map would not be a Map of Pak because protectors would not be so sentimental as to memorialize the Homeworld. It seems reasonable to assume that, if a Map of Pak exists, the Protectors would go to the trouble of seeding that Map with Homo habilis, and possibly even Tree of Life. And not just for sentimental reasons. Remember that one of the functions of a Protector is to weed out mutations. This is because of the relatively high level of radiation at the galactic core. Perhaps the Protectors that built the Ringworld felt that a "control" group of unchanged Pak breeders was necessary. By duplicating the Homeworld, and populating it you could do this. Another possibility is that the Map of Pak may be a giant rest and recreation camp for Protectors. The Ringworld is *big*. We don't know why the Protectors built the other Maps, either, but you can't rule out sentimentality, or even laziness. If you can copy a design for a part of the Ringworld, you don't have to think it up yourself. If you've got adequate maps of some of your favorite planets, why not use them, unless you can think of something better to put there? You've certainly got enough space to indulge even a planetary-sized whim...... Tom Wadlow (S-1 Project, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory) MILNET: UUCP: ..!ucbvax!dual!mordor!taw ..!decvax!decwrl!mordor!taw Brought to you by Super Global Mega Corp .com