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nixite117 · 2 months ago

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Log P-217 | cycle xxxx |

It has been 11 turns since the creature in our ventilation system was detected, 3 since we discovered our stowaway.

Doctor Qynm had no idea what it was at first. We had theories of it being some poor stray animal. We weren’t entirely wrong but… feels wrong to call a kid a stray. Anyways, the doc said we’d have to wait until they woke up. The Yiquil rat was stressed enough I thought it was going to throw its spines everywhere, but Xiqi was able to calm it down before then somehow. It’s been a rough few days.

We were finally able to track the kid down. To be frank it’s embarrassing that a child was able to stow in the storage bay for so long without being noticed. And… somewhat concerning. The kid was terrified when we cornered them, and we couldn’t even get a good look at what it was before it started screeching. It wasn’t anywhere near the volume of a wailing spore, but I didn’t know mammals could make a sound that loud. It hit me that we weren’t dealing with an animal when I could actually understand what they were saying. Luckily both the creature and its little parasite friend both had communicator chips.

All the intimidation displays of a feral animal were there, so it’s not like I would’ve figured it out if they hadn’t spoken. Baring their teeth, squaring the shoulders to look larger, making loud sound, the works. Poor kid was terrified. What really caught me off guard was when they started grabbing things, then it hit me. Literally. The kid practically threw a whole box worth of tools at me. The squeal Captain Zytre made, however, was golden. We’ve agreed to never mention it so long as they don’t mention me getting hit in the knee with a flying pipe.

Then when she tried to grab them, like the genius she is, guess what they did? They fucking kicked her. Kicked. Like the spinners back at home. With less spinning, of course.

They were exhausted though, I could tell. Their clothes were practically hanging off their body. They were cornered, standing in front of the rat child and wailing for what felt like ages. Turns out, the little stand off lasted almost half a turn. We had to wait them out, and ended up being forced to take shifts. It lasted until Xiqi was able to coax them out of the hole they were hiding in.

They only gave in because Xiqi is the only one of us who seems to have a brain. She left out a large serving of bor, which our little stowaway hand fed to the vile lizard child. The odd part about it was that the rodent wouldn’t allow them to give it all their food. Xiqi even mentioned that the creature had to bargain with the child to get it to eat. It wouldn’t let them go without food for its sake… which just… can’t be right. Yiquils aren’t capable of empathy, the only reason that rodent allowed the other one to eat was because it needed their protection.

Xiqi took forever to talk the stowaways down, but the older one wouldn’t allow any of us near them.

Whatever the case, they were wounded sometime between finding them and feeding them. I’m not sure how or when it happened, but the wound was old by the time we realized how bad it was. Starvation, panic, and now blood? Yiquils don’t grow claws until they’re adults, so I’m not sure how it managed to slice its protector’s abdomen so badly. Originally I theorized that they may have been wounded at the first confrontation since they were bleeding then, too. There’s not much to back that theory since they would’ve been dead by now if that were the case.

And then another surprise. The ratling left the human alone. It’s spines were all on end, and it was barely understandable, babbling as it wailed with distress. It practically dragged Xiqi into the storage room and our guest was barely conscious with a high fever and some sort of yellow liquid caked over its wound. It’s unknown at this time if this is a natural reaction or not. After the doc had them in a pod though, he only seemed more confused with each passing moment as he looked up their features. I wasn’t exactly excited to stick my hands in their maw, but it had to be done.

Two front facing eyes, small nose, bipedal, mammalian, all of that. A predator animal, built for running efficiently. The way their leg bones are structured suggests a lack of quadrupedal movement. But the teeth suggest an omnivorous diet. While I wasn’t eager to observe their maw, I found they had small canines and multiple extra teeth under its gums. A short tentacle which I assume is the tongue, and a very, very moist environment behind their lips.

The type of animal that exists between predator and prey, but capable of nearly everything short of flying and breathing underwater. There was an odd perspiration to their hide, and only a few patches of fur on various parts of their body. Perhaps a temperature regulation method or a method of keeping the hide from drying out? Clearly a warm blooded mammal, likely an omnivorous pack, scavenger, and/or waiting predator. Their species clearly couldn’t run long distances, but somehow they maintained their ground for turns and turns on end despite being injured.

I was stumped, and it took Doctor Qymn, Xiqi, and I far too much time to research the creature and find what it was. We never considered that it could be a new, fascinating species that most of us barely even heard of. Only an idiot would think to suggest the obvious answer.

Turns out… they’re a human.

Captain Dimwit was the one who figured it out. Apparently she read about humans when they first made contact. This one was a teenager. As in… a child. Apparently a nearly grown one by human standards. But still. My kind have one of the shortest adolescent periods in the galaxy at about 6-7 universal cycles. Human adolescence only lasts up to 4.

Xiqi is keeping a close eye on the ratling now, though I think we should throw it out. It’s “friend” nearly died trying to protect it, and for what? So it can kill everyone on this ship and wander space? How did the human even end up with that parasite?

——-/——-

Log P-127-B

I think I’ve made a mistake.

Doc got the human in the healing pod to run some scans. They had no idea what type of medicine to administer, nor what a human was capable of withstanding. Apparently we don’t even understand human ethical values when it comes to medicine, so Dr Qymon was hesitant to try and treat them.

Whatever the case, it wasn’t enough. Maybe an hour later, the human was conscious once again. As soon as the medication ran through, they were on their- his feet. There’s legends of humans, most about their willpower. How they’ll wait until the job is done to let themselves rest, staying awake and/or alive against all odds through sheer force of will. Some say that when they kick, the very ground shakes. They bare their teeth for fun, the same teeth they use for ripping apart flesh and hide. I didn’t see any evidence of fangs on the boy, but their bite is rumored to be venomous.

I never believed the legends. Humans have no discernible traits that make them stand out amongst the many species of the universe. I don’t understand how anyone could believe they are some ferocious apex predator.

Perhaps I was a fool to not consider that mediocrity in every aspect is worth more than perfection in one. I was also a fool to disregard the intelligence of such a brutish species.

For starters, the human laid in wait while Qymon ran tests. We believed he was still groggy from the treatment, as well as exhausted from his injuries. As soon as he was left alone, he managed to escape the healing pod despite being secured by the safety straps. I only realized something was wrong when I heard glass shattering. One look at our security screen and I saw that he’d kicked it multiple times until it simply fell off its frame and shattered on the floor.

As soon as I was present, he’d already found… Delilah? He named the parasite apparently. Upon picking it up, he attempted to flee. The ship was experiencing some turbulence, and it knocked both of us off our feet. Before I could grab the slimy rat, the human was on top of it, shielding it with his body. The little rat had the audacity to cry as the human braced himself on his hands and knees.

I tried to pin him down, but that kick is no joke. I will be feeling that for a while.

Xiqi, the godsend that she is, was able to calm the situation and speak with the human once again. Turns out he found the parasite as an infant and took care of her as a result. Everything practically came to a halt. Xiqi tried to figure out why the human was protecting the damn

The human has since avoided me relentlessly. He’s persistent as hell, apparently it’s a natural thing for humans. If he wants something, he will not stop until he gets it. He’s started to warm up to a few members of the crew, and I think Xiqi already considers him a friend. Apparently humans can sing, so Captain Bird Mouth has already bonded with him over that.

I’d like to form a bond with the human as well, though I fear he may not be with us for very long. He must return to Terra, and the vermin should be brought before the Interplanetary Society to answer for its people’s crimes. They’ll take it from there. It should all work out.

#writing inspiration #science fiction #i just love the humans are space orcs trope #sci fi writing #original post #science #scifi worldbuilding #scifi #science fiction writing #scifi inspiration #writing #my writing #writing practice

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theplotmage · 2 months ago

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Hi, I was wondering if you could so some sort of rule set for time travel? I'm finding it hard to describe, and what rules there are on the subject.

Thanks!

Hello, I'm also writing a time traveling sci-fi fiction with a fantasy blend to it and here are some things that I find that could help us out!

Rule Set for Creating Believable Time-Traveling Fiction

1. Time Travel Mechanics

Mechanism Description

- Clearly explain how time travel works in your story. Is it a machine, a natural phenomenon, a magical object, or an innate ability?

Scientific Basis

- Incorporate real scientific theories, such as Einstein’s theory of relativity, wormholes, or quantum mechanics, to ground your story in plausible science.

Limitations and Costs

- Define the limitations of time travel, such as distance in time, frequency, energy requirements, or physical toll on the traveler.

2. World-Building

Historical Accuracy

- Research and accurately depict the time periods your characters travel to. Include cultural norms, language, technology, and major events of those eras.

Parallel Worlds and Timelines

- Decide if time travel in your story creates alternate timelines or if it follows a single, mutable timeline. Consistency is key.

Temporal Organization

- Consider the existence of a governing body or organization that regulates time travel. Define its structure, rules, and purpose.

3. Language and Communication

Temporal Dialects

- Characters from different time periods should speak differently. Use historical dialects, slang, and accents appropriate to each era.

Temporal Jargon

- Create specific terms and jargon for time travelers and the technology they use, such as “temporal jump,” “chrononaut,” or “time anchor.”

Code of Conduct

- Develop a code of conduct or set of guidelines that time travelers must follow, including how they communicate with each other and with people from different eras.

4. Character Development

Motivations and Goals

- Clearly define why characters want to time travel. Is it for adventure, to change a personal event, or for scientific exploration?

Personal Growth

- Show how time travel affects characters emotionally and psychologically. Do they struggle with the ethics of their actions or the loneliness of being out of their time?

Conflict and Tension

- Use the potential for paradoxes, rival time travelers, and moral dilemmas to create conflict and tension.

5. Ethical and Moral Implications

Paradox Prevention

- Address how your story handles paradoxes, such as the grandfather paradox. Use concepts like self-healing timelines or fixed points in time to explain inconsistencies.

Ethical Dilemmas

- Explore the moral implications of time travel. Should characters intervene in historical events? What are the consequences of changing the past Responsibility

- Emphasize the responsibility that comes with the power to alter time. Characters should consider the broader implications of their actions.

6. Plot Structure

Non-Linear Narrative

- Use non-linear storytelling techniques to enhance complexity and intrigue. Flashbacks, flash-forwards, and parallel timelines can create a rich narrative.

Foreshadowing and Payoff

- Plant clues and foreshadowing that pay off later in the story. Ensure that all plot threads are resolved by the end.

Multiple Perspectives

- Consider telling the story from multiple viewpoints to show the impact of time travel from different angles.

7. Integrating Science Fiction and Fantasy Elements

Scientific Plausibility

- Ground your time travel mechanics in plausible science, even if you incorporate fantastical elements. Use pseudo-scientific explanations to bridge the gap.

Imaginative Enhancements

- Blend scientific theories with imaginative elements, such as ancient artifacts, alien technology, or supernatural forces.

Explanatory Dialogue

- Use character dialogue to explain complex concepts in an accessible way without overwhelming the reader with technical details.

8. World-Building Consistency

Timeline Integrity

- Map out key events in your story’s timeline to avoid inconsistencies and plot holes.

Cultural and Societal Impact

- Consider how time travel affects society. Is it a well-known and regulated practice, or a secret known only to a few?

Technological and Historical Changes

- Explore how changes in the past affect technology and history in the present and future. Ensure these changes are logically consistent.

9. Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Avoid Overcomplication

- Keep the rules of time travel simple enough for readers to follow without getting bogged down in excessive technical detail.

Plot Holes

- Be vigilant about potential plot holes and inconsistencies that can arise from complex time travel mechanics.

Exposition Balance

- Balance the need to explain time travel mechanics with maintaining the story’s pace and engagement. Avoid info-dumping.

Rules for Time Traveling

1. One-Way Trips Only

Restriction

- Time travelers can only move forward or backward in time once without the possibility of a return journey.

Explanation

- This rule ensures that the timeline remains linear and prevents paradoxes caused by multiple interactions with the same time period.

Effect

- Limits interference with historical events and reduces the chance of creating alternate realities.

2. The Observer Effect

Restriction

- Time travelers cannot interact with their past selves or directly influence their previous actions.

Explanation

- Direct interaction with one’s past self could create paradoxes, such as the “grandfather paradox,” where altering past events prevents the traveler’s existence.

Effect

- Maintains the integrity of the timeline and ensures personal history remains consistent.

3. Fixed Points in Time

Restriction

- Certain historical events, known as fixed points, cannot be changed or altered in any way.

Explanation

- These events are crucial for the stability of the timeline and the universe’s structure.

Effect

- Prevents catastrophic changes to reality, ensuring key moments in history remain intact.

4. Memory Corruption

Restriction

- Excessive time travel can lead to memory corruption, where the traveler starts forgetting crucial details of their original timeline.

Explanation

- The brain struggles to handle multiple versions of events, leading to cognitive dissonance and memory loss.

Effect

- Ensures travelers use time travel sparingly and only when absolutely necessary.

5. Temporal Anchor

Restriction

- Time travelers must establish a temporal anchor, a fixed point in time to which they can return or stabilize themselves.

Explanation

- This anchor serves as a safeguard against getting lost in time or drifting uncontrollably through different periods.

Effect

- Provides a safety net for travelers, ensuring they have a way back to their original timeline or a stable reference point.

6. Butterfly Effect

Restriction

- Minor changes in the past can have significant, unforeseen consequences in the future.

Explanation

- The butterfly effect illustrates how small actions can ripple through time, drastically altering future events.

Effect

- Encourages travelers to be cautious and minimize their impact on past events to avoid unintended consequences.

7. Temporal Energy Consumption

Restriction

- Time travel requires a significant amount of energy, often depleting the traveler’s resources or affecting the environment.

Explanation

- The energy needed to manipulate time is immense, and its usage can lead to resource shortages or environmental damage.

Effect

- Ensures time travel is not undertaken lightly and that travelers consider the environmental and resource costs.

8. Chrono-Sickness

Restriction

- Prolonged exposure to different time periods can cause physical and mental ailments, known as chrono-sickness.

Explanation

- The human body and mind are not designed to handle the stress of moving through time, leading to disorientation, nausea, and psychological effects.

Effect

- Limits the duration and frequency of time travel, encouraging travelers to minimize their trips.

9. Temporal Interference

Restriction

- Time travelers must avoid interfering with major historical figures or events.

Explanation

- Interfering with significant events or individuals can drastically alter the course of history, leading to unpredictable outcomes.

Effect

- Preserves the natural flow of history and ensures major events occur as intended.

10. Temporal Paradoxes

Restriction

- Travelers must avoid creating paradoxes, situations where actions in the past contradict the present or future.

Explanation

- Paradoxes can destabilize the timeline, potentially leading to its collapse or the creation of alternate realities.

Effect

- Ensures travelers act responsibly and with caution, preventing actions that could lead to paradoxical situations.

***

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