The Pathmaker

[Basil]

Here we see a photograph of the CSNISS* Pathmaker, the first space ship to use a pseudo-space drive. Unusually, this photo was taken in real space; it was a happy accident that an amateur astronomer snapped a pic just as the Pathfinder went by.

 

To be more accurate, this is a picture of the "referent"; that is, of the "reflection" into real space of a pseudo-space object. This accounts for its translucent and blurry appearance. The brightly glowing spot towards the right is the exhaust of the nuclear engines, which make up the diffuse area towards the center. Due to the perspective as well as the nature of a "referent," the multiple nuclear engines, and the fuel tanks for them, appear lopsided.

 

The living quarters, included the control room, etc., are to the left. In this picture, they have mostly faded from view; such is not unusual in "referents." All in all, though, this is a historic picture, of a historic space ship. After the loss of the Pathmaker, this, some publicity videos, and a few blueprints are the only remains of that glorious ship and its brave, doomed crew.

 

*Co-ordinated Solar Nations' InterStellar Ship

 

 

Actually, it's a comet passing in front of the Pleiades; here's details. It was too gorgeous a picture not to share; as for relevance--well, it's a comet. BTW, I'm multi-posting this to the "Neat Pictures" thread.

 

[Nyrath]

Re: The Pathmaker

 

But that is a green comet. Have you not read Jack Williamson's THE COMETEER?

 

Well, true, that story came out in 1936, but it was re-published in THREE FROM THE LEGION, which is relatively recent at 1979.

 

Anyway, in the novel, a green comet turns out to be an artificial solar system inhabited by evil energy beings who consume human beings for food.