949 lines
34 KiB
Plaintext
949 lines
34 KiB
Plaintext
;
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; Sid Meier’s ALPHA CENTAURI
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;
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; Long Tech Descriptions
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;
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; Copyright © 1997, 1998 by Firaxis Games, Inc.
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;
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##Biogenetics
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#TECH0
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The alien environment on Planet brought a host of unforeseen
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health problems for the colonists. Early inquiries into
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{Biogenetics} center on the prevention and treatment
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of these problems. Researchers in this discipline seek
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an understanding of the entire genetic code.
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##Industrial Base
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#TECH1
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The first colonies lack any kind of factories or heavy
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industry, so the creation of an {Industrial Base} becomes
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a high priority for economic growth. This Industrial Base
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emphasizes small-scale manufacturing with primitive assembly
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lines and simple currency instruments.
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##Information Networks
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#TECH2
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Survival equipment from the [Unity] contained a variety
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of computers purpose-built for the needs of a frontier
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society. However, they must first be connected into
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{Information Networks} before scientists can utilize
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their power.
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##Applied Physics
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#TECH3
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The colonists must create new tools from the wreckage of
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the [Unity] to survive and expand. Early inquiries into
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{Applied Physics} emphasize this adaptation of existing
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technology for the new environment.
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##Social Psych
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#TECH4
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The overcrowding aboard the [Unity] following the premature
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wakeup caused terrible conditions for the crew, but also
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generated valuable data concerning humans under extreme
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environmental stresses. Analysis of this data provides
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the first comprehensive, mathematical insight into the
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{Social Psychology} of humans.
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##Doctrine: Mobility
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#TECH5
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The early colonists quickly learned the importance of
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reconnaissance and self-defense in this most alien
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of environments. {Doctrine: Mobility} formalizes
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these cornerstones of military might, representing
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the first attempts at an organized defense policy
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on Planet.
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##Centauri Ecology
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#TECH6
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Finding adequate sources of nutrients, energy, and
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minerals is the most immediate problem facing the
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colonists after Planetfall. An
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understanding of the basics of {Centauri Ecology}
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provides the new arrivals with the tools they need to begin
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shaping the world around them-how plants grow, what
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geological structures exist, and how natural energy
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sources may be exploited on Planet.
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##Superconductor
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#TECH7
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The power requirements of [Optical Computers (D3)]
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and the nascent [Industrial Base (B1)] stimulate
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research into high-temperature {Superconductors},
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an advance long considered a ‘holy Grail’ by physical
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chemists. A {Superconductor} is a material
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that does not resist a flow of electrons. Using a
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{Superconductor}, power can be transmitted at incredible
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speeds over vast distances with no degradation. Bulky
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and expensive cooling equipment for high-powered
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machinery or weaponry becomes unnecessary, because these
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materials remain cool and efficient as electricity passes
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through them.
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##Nonlinear Mathematics
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#TECH8
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By using the power of [Information Networks (D1)] to speed
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calculations and encourage collaborations, researchers
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make giant strides in the field of {Nonlinear Mathematics},
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with significant military applications.
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##Applied Relativity
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#TECH9
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Albert Einstein developed his theories of relativity between
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1905 and 1916; complete explanations of his work may be found
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in a number of sources. Later research into [Advanced Subatomic
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Theory (B3)] and [Superconductors (C4)] demonstrated that his
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postulates, though innovative for his time, were incomplete. {Applied
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Relativity} takes Einstein’s basic theories and updates them to
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encompass an understanding of newly-discovered phenomena.
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##Fusion Power
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#TECH10
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An extremely clean, powerful, and efficient source of energy,
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{Fusion Power} was known on Earth for decades as the reaction
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that powered the stars. However, scientists could not control
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the huge magnitude of released energy, so the only practical
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application for {Fusion Power} was in bombs of enormous destructive
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power. With the advent of [Superconductors (C4)], and by using
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[Pre-sentient Algorithms (D5)] to monitor and control the released
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energy, future scientists finally have access to cheap, abundant, and
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reusable power.
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##Silksteel Alloys
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#TECH11
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The growing field of [Industrial Automation (B3)] causes
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increased demand for new kinds of material that can withstand
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the incredible stresses of the robotic factories. Discoveries
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in [Advanced Subatomic Theory (B3)] provide engineers with
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these materials, dubbed {Silksteel Alloys} for their
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extraordinary tensile strength and flexibility.
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##Advanced Subatomic Theory
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#TECH12
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Discoveries in [High Energy Chemistry (C2)] point the way
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to a new {Advanced Subatomic Theory} that tries to detect
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and quantify the smallest possible underlying particles of
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matter. Using self-modifying [Polymorphic Software (D2)],
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the physicists developing this theory give mankind a window
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on the infinitesimal building blocks of the universe.
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##High Energy Chemistry
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#TECH13
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Breakthroughs in [Applied Physics (C1)] and [Industrial Base
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(B1)] lead to an understanding of {High Energy Chemistry}.
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This discipline seeks to understand the properties and
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behavior of matter at very high temperatures, and results
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in new types of materials that remain in a stable plasma
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state even when superheated by intense laser stimulation.
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#Frictionless Surfaces
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#TECH14
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Discovery of the [Unified Field Theory (D10)] allowed
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scientists to alter the fundamental properties of matter
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itself. The discovery of {Frictionless Surfaces} proves
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the most useful application of these techniques. As the
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name implies, {Frictionless Surfaces} consist of materials
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that remain unaffected by friction, a force that slows
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down motion by changing kinetic energy into heat energy.
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Moving objects made of these materials do not slow down
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as they come into contact with other matter.
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##Nanometallurgy
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#TECH15
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Driven by the requirements of [Doctrine: Initiative (E5)]
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and the mathematical models behind [Probability Mechanics
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(B7)], {Nanometallurgy} techniques allow engineers to
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manipulate metals at the molecular level.
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##Superstring Theory
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#TECH16
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One of the more contentious debates that ran through the
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physics community of 20th century Earth centered on the
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viability of {Superstring Theory}. This theory attempts
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to unify the theory of gravity and other fundamental forces,
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and posits that all characteristics exhibited by subatomic
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particles, such as protons and neutrons, may be described as
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vibrations of fundamental, one-dimensional ‘strings’. This
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concept had been abandoned as untestable, until the development
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of [Nonlinear Mathematics (C2)], which offers mathematical
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models supporting {Superstring Theory}.
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##Advanced Military Algorithms
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#TECH17
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Military requirements have historically pushed technology
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forward, and no better example can be found than sophisticated
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software development. From the first computers, designed to
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calculate artillery shell trajectories, to {Advanced Military
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Algorithms} developed from [Adaptive Doctrine (C3)] and
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[Optical Computers (D3)], mankind has worked to extend
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warfare into the digital world.
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##Monopole Magnets
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#TECH18
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Magnetism, like electricity and gravity, is one of the
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fundamental forces of the universe. Prior to research
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in [Superstring Theory (C5)] and [Silksteel Alloys (E4)],
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all known magnets were dipolar, with a north and a south
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pole. Development of a {Monopole Magnet} permits radical
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new applications for science and industry.
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##Matter Compression
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#TECH19
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Breakthroughs in [Nanominiaturization (B8)] and
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[Nanometallurgy (E8)] lead to complex {Matter
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Compression} techniques. Using these techniques,
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scientists can create materials as dense as the
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inside of a star, with significant military and
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industrial applications.
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##Unified Field Theory
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#TECH20
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Scientists have long worked towards a single theory
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that explains all fundamental forces in
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nature (gravity, magnetism, etc.)-a {Unified Field
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Theory}. Advances in [Monopole Magnets (B6)] and
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[Applied Relativity (D5)] help reveal these fundamental
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mechanics of the universe.
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##Graviton Theory
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#TECH21
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[Quantum Machinery (D12)] and [Mind\Machine Interface
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(B6)] pave the way for an understanding of gravity-the
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weakest fundamental force in the universe, but one that
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acts at infinite distances. With {Graviton Theory},
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physicists can detect and measure the long-predicted
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gravitons-particle strings that ‘carry’ gravitational force.
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##Polymorphic Software
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#TECH22
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On Earth, only theoretical mathematicians and entertainment
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software programmers used {Polymorphic Software}—self-modifying
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code—to any success. On Planet, the requirements of the budding
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[Industrial Base (B1)] and [Information Networks (D1)]
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spur widespread development of neural net applications that rewrite
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themselves in response to data inputs.
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##Applied Gravitonics
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#TECH23
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Once physicists discover [Graviton Theory (E13)], they
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turn their attention to {Applied Gravitonics}—the control
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of gravity itself. By controlling and manipulating the
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graviton strings that carry gravitational force, mankind
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can levitate objects regardless of mass or proximity to
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other objects.
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##Quantum Power
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#TECH25
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Earth scientist Max Planck first coined the term “quantum”
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to describe an individual particle of light. Planck though
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each quantum was indivisible, so that a fraction of a
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quantum could not exist. One of the more startling
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discoveries arising from [Unified Field Theory] was
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that individual quantum actually could be split into
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component sub-particles, much like atoms may be split
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through fission. The energy released by {Quantum Power}
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is several orders of magnitude greater than ordinary [Fusion Power].
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##Singularity Mechanics
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#TECH26
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Knowledge of [The Secrets of Creation (D11)] paved the
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way for understanding {Singularity Mechanics}. This
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technology seeks the physical causes and composition
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of black holes-phenomena produced by points of infinitely
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dense matter that warp the fabric of space and time
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itself. Probes guided by onboard [Self-aware Machines
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(B11)] transmit the data necessary to replicate this
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natural occurrence in controlled laboratory conditions.
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##Controlled Singularity
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#TECH27
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As engineers quickly discovered, it’s one thing to
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understand [Singularity Mechanics (D12)] and another
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thing entirely to attempt {Controlled Singularity}—harnessing
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and directing the powers of a black hole. Breakthroughs in
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[Applied Gravitronics (E14)] finally make this technology
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possible, with a host of amazing and potent applications,
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from radical new types of weaponry to global power sources.
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##Temporal Mechanics
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#TECH28
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Breakthroughs in [Eudaimonia (E12)] and [Matter
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Transmission (B17)] lead to the last great discovery
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of the physical universe: {Temporal Mechanics}, the
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manipulation of time itself.
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##Probability Mechanics
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#TECH29
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With operating systems powered by [Pre-sentient Algorithms
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(D5)], computers finally gain sufficient processing power
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to unravel the mysteries of {Probability Mechanics}. With
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this breakthrough, scientists can accurately predict many
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seemingly random events.
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##Pre-Sentient Algorithms
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#TECH30
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The philosophy of [Cyberethics (B4)] and the technology of
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[Advanced Military Algorithms (E3)] pave the way for
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development of {Pre-sentient Algorithms}. These open-ended
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neural net programs can sort and process exebytes of data,
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‘learning’ as they do so and adapting to the world they observe.
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##Super Tensile Solids
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#TECH31
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The requirements of [Advanced Spaceflight (E8)] and
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the possibilities inherent in [Matter Compression
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(C9)] lead to research in {Super Tensile Solids}. These
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materials possess such strength as to be functionally
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unbreakable in a natural environment.
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##Planetary Networks
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#TECH32
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Once the colonists discovered how to survive, they focus on recreating
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some of the organizational tools left behind on Earth.
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Following the implementation of simple [Information
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Networks (D1)], the creation of a standard for {Planetary
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Networks} emerges as a high priority for the scientific community.
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##Digital Sentience
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#TECH33
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When utilized as part of [Industrial Nanorobotics
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(B9)], the [Mind\Machine Interface (B6)] provides
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the key spark needed by computers to at last achieve
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{Digital Sentience}. These new artificial intelligences
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have all the hallmarks of an individual organism:
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they respond to their environment, adapt to stimuli,
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and even exhibit advanced ‘personalities’ based on
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their respective abilities and preferences.
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##Self-Aware Machines
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#TECH34
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Following the advent of [Digital Sentience (D10)],
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computers have only one great leap left: the evolution
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to {Self-Aware Machines}. Advances in [N-Space Compression [D11])
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provide the storage capacity needed for this technology.
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These machines are capable of complex, higher-order thinking,
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and value the experience of existence as much as any biological being.
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As with other living organisms, self-preservation is paramount
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for these specimens.
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##Doctrine: Initiative
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#TECH35
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The slow moving foils and transports developed under
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[Doctrine: Flexibility (E2)] provided an adequate early
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naval force. However, materials and manufacturing
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advances resulting from [Industrial Automation (B3)]
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make possible new classes of powerful ships developed
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as part of {Doctrine: Initiative}, which stresses the
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importance of global naval superiority.
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##Doctrine: Flexibility
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#TECH36
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Many radical young military officers felt that [Doctrine:
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Mobility (E1)] did not go far enough in the development
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of fast attacks and quick reconnaissance, because Mobility
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only takes land forces into account. These leaders work
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to create the first navies on Planet, based on {Doctrine:
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Flexibility}—co-ordination and co-operation between forces
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made possible by control of the sea.
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##Intellectual Integrity
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#TECH37
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The search for {Intellectual Integrity} arises from
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questions posed by [Ethical Calculus (E2)] and [Doctrine:
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Loyalty (C2)]. According to this philosophy, valid
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wisdom comes merely from asking questions unburdened
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by prejudices. Only by shedding those pre-conceived
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notions can we achieve the clarity of undistorted knowledge.
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##Synthetic Fossil Fuels
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#TECH38
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The extreme efficiency with which the neural net
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fungus managed Planet’s vast ecosystem kept extensive
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deposits of organic material from forming over the epochs.
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Because of this lack, the fossil fuels known on Earth
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never developed, forcing early colonists to rely on less
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efficient alternative sources of energy. However, advances
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in [Advanced Subatomic Theory (B3)] and [Gene Splicing (B3)]
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finally allow scientists to short-circuit the eons-long process,
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providing them with the {Synthetic Fossil Fuels} needed
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to build advanced vehicles and machinery.
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##Doctrine: Air Power
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#TECH39
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The colonists had brought the knowledge of atmospheric flight
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to Planet, but not the materials to build and maintain
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large quantities of aircraft in Planet’s harsh conditions.
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With the discovery of [Synthetic Fossil Fuels (E4)] for
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materials and a renewed emphasis on [Doctrine: Flexibility (E2)],
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pilots can again make the leap into the clouds.
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##Photon/Wave Mechanics
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#TECH40
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Physicists had puzzled over the mystery of light for
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centuries: Why does light exhibit properties characteristic
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of both a wave and a particle? In 1924, Prince Louis-Victor
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de Broglie, a French scientist, proved that all particles
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actually possess a wave aspect, which explained how light
|
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can act as a wave even though it does consist of
|
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particles, called photons. Following breakthroughs
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in [Silksteel Alloys (E4)] and [Applied Relativity
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(D5)], subsequent scientific inquiry focuses on the
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manipulation of {Photon\Wave Mechanics} so that light,
|
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even powerful laser beams or intense solar emissions,
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can be diffused and warped as needed.
|
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##Mind/Machine Interface
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#TECH41
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Research into [Neural Grafting (C4)] demonstrated that
|
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direct communications between the brain and a
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digital counterpart are theoretically possible. This
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{Mind\Machine Interface}, requested by leaders
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implementing [Doctrine: Air Power (E5)] for a new
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generation of aircraft, bridges the gap between the
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mechanical and the biological.
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##Nanominiaturization
|
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#TECH42
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[Monopole Magnets (B6)] and [Organic Superlubricants
|
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(C7)] lead to a revolution in engineering: {Nanominiaturization}.
|
||
With this technology, which emphasizes new assembly methods
|
||
and high-tensile strength materials, microscopic machine
|
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components can be constructed and all manner of bulky,
|
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heavy equipment can be shrunk to a fraction of its original size.
|
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##Doctrine: Loyalty
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#TECH43
|
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[Doctrine: Mobility (E1)] proved a sound dogma for the
|
||
early years on Planet. However, as the struggle for
|
||
survival against native Mind Worms and rival factions
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intensifies, many younger officers repudiate the old
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||
guard’s emphasis on Mobility as the dominant military
|
||
policy. Based also on the revelations of [Social Psych
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(B1)], the new {Doctrine: Loyalty} stresses extensive
|
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training, defensive facilities, and zealous dedication
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to faction leaders as the foundation for survival and
|
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success in combat. {Doctrine: Loyalty} emphasizes a
|
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two-way fealty—soldiers are expected to lay down their
|
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lives without question, but in return they receive
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respect, power, and positions of authority in the new
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social hierarchy.
|
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##Ethical Calculus
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#TECH44
|
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Throughout the history of mankind, philosophers have
|
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grappled with the question: ‘How shall we then live?’
|
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{Ethical Calculus} lays down mathematical principles
|
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uncovered by [Social Psych (B1)] to address this question,
|
||
essentially providing calculations and functions that
|
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determine appropriate behavior.
|
||
|
||
|
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##Industrial Economics
|
||
#TECH45
|
||
Early industry on Planet centered on the creation
|
||
of a frontier [Industrial Base (B1)] featuring primitive
|
||
assembly lines and simple currency instruments. Soon,
|
||
leaders in the financial sectors push for a more
|
||
comprehensive {Industrial Economics} policy to accommodate
|
||
free trade and other strategies for multiplying capital.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Industrial Automation
|
||
#TECH46
|
||
The creation of [Planetary Networks (D2)] and
|
||
widespread adoption of [Industrial Economics
|
||
(B2)] lead to rapid industrialization of the
|
||
virgin Planet. Lacking the traditional masses
|
||
of Earth’s working class, leaders must now develop
|
||
complete {Industrial Automation} for production
|
||
and assembly , building modest factories where
|
||
all repetitive non-skilled jobs, from janitor to
|
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VP of Sales, are handled by sophisticated robotics.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Centauri Meditation
|
||
#TECH47
|
||
[Centauri Empathy (E3)] and [Ecological Engineering
|
||
(E4)] reveal the vastness and complexity of the
|
||
ecosystem on Planet. Research into {Centauri
|
||
Meditation} illuminates the next, almost terrifying
|
||
step-the attempt to communicate directly with
|
||
Planet itself.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Secrets of the Human Brain
|
||
#TECH48
|
||
All past research on memory, learning, the senses,
|
||
and other aspects of the brain did not answer
|
||
one basic question: what is the biological mechanism
|
||
of self-awareness? Research into [Biogenetics (D1)]
|
||
and [Social Psych (B1)] finally resolves the last of
|
||
the {Secrets of the Human Brain}, providing an
|
||
understanding of the fundamentals of consciousness.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Gene Splicing
|
||
#TECH49
|
||
Widespread adoption of the philosophy of [Ethical
|
||
Calculus (E2)] removes opposition to genetic
|
||
experimentation in plant and animal DNA, while
|
||
advances in [Biogenetics (D1)] provide techniques
|
||
for the incipient field of {Gene Splicing}. This
|
||
technology allows researchers to insert new DNA
|
||
coding into existing genetic material so that
|
||
entire traits, from disease resistance to a stable
|
||
personality, can be copied from one organism and
|
||
transferred to any number of others.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Bio-Engineering
|
||
#TECH50
|
||
[Gene Splicing (B3)] and [Neural Grafting (C4)]
|
||
exemplify crude and invasive techniques for modifying
|
||
an organism. The more refined {Bio-engineering}
|
||
method arranges a desired genetic code directly
|
||
from the component compounds, enabling widespread
|
||
and economical cellular transplants for an entire
|
||
population.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Biomachinery
|
||
#TECH51
|
||
Early experiments in [Retroviral Engineering (C5)]
|
||
and the [Mind\Machine Interface (B6)] paved the way
|
||
for true {Biomachinery}—the full integration of
|
||
man and machine at the cellular level.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Neural Grafting
|
||
#TECH52
|
||
The insatiable drive for efficiency spawned by
|
||
[Industrial Automation (B3)] drives the development
|
||
of {Neural Grafting}. This new technology, based
|
||
on [Secrets of the Human Brain (D2)], allows
|
||
attachment of digital circuitry directly to
|
||
the neural cortex. With these implants, individuals
|
||
willing to undergo {Neural Grafting} can enhance
|
||
many aspects of their physical being, from heightened
|
||
senses to faster reaction times.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Cyberethics
|
||
#TECH53
|
||
Widespread adoption of [Planetary Networks (D2)]
|
||
and the philosophy of [Intellectual Integrity (E3)]
|
||
allows for a coherent system of {Cyberethics},
|
||
outlining the proper relationship of computers
|
||
to society.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Eudaimonia
|
||
#TECH54
|
||
{Eudaimonia} is a philosophical system that takes
|
||
its name from an ancient Greek word for fulfillment
|
||
and happiness. Based on economic equity made
|
||
possible by [Sentient Econometrics (E11)] and
|
||
rooted in opposition to the excesses of [The
|
||
Will to Power (E8)], {Eudaimonia} encourages
|
||
each citizen to achieve happiness through striving
|
||
to fulfill completely his or her potential;
|
||
freedom, creativity, and individuality flourish
|
||
in governments that adopt this philosophy.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##The Will to Power
|
||
#TECH55
|
||
Following the development of [Homo Superior (E7)], many
|
||
advocated a return to Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophy
|
||
of {The Will To Power}. This philosophy stresses
|
||
the importance of strength, asceticism, and
|
||
resolute action, often at the cost of compassion,
|
||
charity, and other traditionally religious
|
||
qualities.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Threshold of Transcendence
|
||
#TECH56
|
||
The [Secrets of Creation (D11)] and [Temporal
|
||
Mechanics (B18)] brought sentient beings to the brink
|
||
of a new era—the {Threshold of Transcendence}.
|
||
In this transitional state, individuals begin preparations
|
||
for the final stage of evolution, selling
|
||
possessions, cleansing their bodies according to
|
||
a new code of asceticism, and meditating alone
|
||
and unprotected in the remote regions of Planet.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Matter Transmission
|
||
#TECH57
|
||
[Matter Editation (B16)] and the [Secrets of
|
||
Alpha Centauri (D12)] point the way to one of
|
||
the most celebrated concepts in science
|
||
fiction—{Matter Transmission}. Transmitters
|
||
based on this technology disassemble objects
|
||
into the smallest component sub-particles, then
|
||
transmits those particles and their underlying
|
||
structural blueprint to a receiver. The
|
||
receiver reassembles these objects according to
|
||
the blueprint, recreating the original in
|
||
every nuance and detail.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Centauri Empathy
|
||
#TECH58
|
||
Based on [Secrets of the Human Brain (D2)] and
|
||
[Centauri Ecology (E1)], {Centauri Empathy}
|
||
espouses a philosophy of environmental harmony,
|
||
emphasizing the search for mankind’s proper niche
|
||
in the global ecosystem.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Environmental Economics
|
||
#TECH59
|
||
Industrial expansion often comes at the cost of
|
||
ecological stability. The business practice of
|
||
{Environmental Economics} addresses this problem
|
||
by finding and exploiting areas where
|
||
environmental and industrial concerns overlap,
|
||
such as sustainable resource use, eco-tourism,
|
||
and organic product development. By combining
|
||
the principles of [Industrial Economics (B2)]
|
||
and [Ecological Engineering (E4)] in this new
|
||
business model, ecological stability becomes
|
||
a profitable endeavor.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Ecological Engineering
|
||
#TECH60
|
||
Lifeforms have always shown remarkable skill at
|
||
innovation and ingenuity in the face of environmental
|
||
hurdles. Expansion on a new Planet highlights
|
||
these traits once again in the form of {Ecological
|
||
Engineering}. Based on the discoveries of [Centauri
|
||
Ecology (E1)] and [Gene Splicing (B3)], this research
|
||
leads to new ways of thriving within the existing
|
||
ecosystem, rather than competing with it.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Planetary Economics
|
||
#TECH61
|
||
Early industrial policy on Planet centered on
|
||
individual markets and sectors, such as
|
||
[Environmental Economics (B5)], but these
|
||
separate sectors create inefficiencies. Proponents
|
||
of [Intellectual Integrity (E3)] insist that these
|
||
inefficiencies are unnecessary, and work to create
|
||
a system of {Planetary Economics} where goods and
|
||
services can flow freely.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Adv. Ecological Engineering
|
||
#TECH62
|
||
The discovery of [Fusion Power (D6)] opened up
|
||
staggering possibilities in a number of endeavors,
|
||
including the field of [Environmental Economics
|
||
(B5)]. Based on the cumulative experience from
|
||
thousands of construction projects undertaken
|
||
since Planetfall, {Advanced Ecological Engineering}
|
||
marks a new milestone in man’s ability to manipulate
|
||
his environment.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Centauri Psi
|
||
#TECH63
|
||
[Centauri Genetics (E6)] and [Advanced Ecological
|
||
Engineering (B10)] revealed the physical composition
|
||
of native life forms, but did not explain the
|
||
mysterious and terrifying psionic attacks these
|
||
creatures employ. Unlocking the mechanics of
|
||
this directed, psychic assault requires intense
|
||
investigation of {Centauri Psi}—the method used
|
||
by the Mind Worms to communicate and co-ordinate
|
||
their assaults.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Secrets of Alpha Centauri
|
||
#TECH64
|
||
Some digital sentiences churn through exebytes
|
||
of Planet-related data in their never-ending quest
|
||
to untangle [Sentient Econometrics (E11)]. The
|
||
best of these sentiences do not stop at sorting
|
||
economic data, but extend their inquiries into
|
||
[Centauri Psi (E11)] and other Planetary phenomena.
|
||
They work to reveal these {Secrets of Alpha Centauri}
|
||
as a kind of personal challenge, to prove themselves
|
||
as machines that can not only conquer the intricacies
|
||
of society, but also the magnificent complexities
|
||
of a Planet-wide ecosystem.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Secrets of Creation
|
||
#TECH65
|
||
Those who embrace [The Will To Power (E8)] must
|
||
eventually confront the ultimate philosophical
|
||
question: What is the purpose and order of the
|
||
universe? Confirmation of the [Unified Field
|
||
Theory (C7)] finally gives mankind the tools to
|
||
answer this question in the search for the
|
||
{Secrets of Creation}.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Advanced Spaceflight
|
||
#TECH66
|
||
Resumption of {Advanced Spaceflight} begins
|
||
shortly after mankind begins [Orbital Spaceflight
|
||
(E7)]. With this technology, spacecraft can once
|
||
again reach the moons orbiting Planet and,
|
||
eventually, the stars themselves.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Homo Superior
|
||
#TECH67
|
||
Breakthroughs in [Biomachinery (B9)] and [Doctrine:
|
||
Initiative (E5)] paved the way for a new kind of organism
|
||
that is equal parts biological and computer. The biological
|
||
aspect thrives at physical manipulation and emotional
|
||
experience, while the digital aspect excels at
|
||
calculation and data processing. This {Homo Superior}
|
||
integrates the best of biological and machine.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Organic Superlubricant
|
||
#TECH68
|
||
Machines with moving parts have long been subject
|
||
to wear and tear as the parts grind against one
|
||
another. On Earth, traditional lubricants such
|
||
as oil were used to minimize these effects.
|
||
Planet lacks large reserves of such materials,
|
||
until the invention of [Synthetic Fossil Fuels
|
||
(E4)]. With {Organic Superlubricant}, scientists
|
||
can create lubricating compounds that act like
|
||
simple life forms, seeking out areas where they
|
||
do the most good.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Quantum Machinery
|
||
#TECH69
|
||
The discovery of [Quantum Power (B11)] ushers in
|
||
a new industrial revolution. In factories across
|
||
Planet, tiny {Quantum Machinery} built using
|
||
[Nanometallurgy (E8)] techniques provide amazingly
|
||
powerful and efficient labor for every imaginable
|
||
type of production and service.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Matter Editation
|
||
#TECH71
|
||
Not long after the breakthroughs in [Super Tensile
|
||
Solids (B10)] and [Self-aware Machines (B11)],
|
||
engineers clamor to research the last major hurdle
|
||
in physical manipulation—{Matter Editation}. This
|
||
technique actually changes the physical structure of
|
||
individual atoms, altering characteristics like
|
||
energy states, spin, atomic weight, and the number
|
||
of protons as though they were entries in a database.
|
||
This technology is the modern embodiment of the ancient
|
||
quest to turn lead into gold-transmutation of elements
|
||
made possible by atomic manipulation.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Optical Computers
|
||
#TECH72
|
||
The widespread adoption of [Polymorphic Software
|
||
(D2)] increased demand for faster computers. The
|
||
revolutionary {Optical Computers}, which use photons
|
||
traveling at the speed of light for binary
|
||
calculations, prove nearly 70% faster than old
|
||
electron-based devices. Based on successes in
|
||
[Applied Physics (C1)], {Optical Computers} also
|
||
exponentially improve storage capacities and access
|
||
times.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Industrial Nanorobotics
|
||
#TECH73
|
||
The business leaders of Planet quickly perceived
|
||
the commercial potential of [Nanominiaturizion
|
||
(B8)], and constructed factories based around
|
||
{Industrial Nanorobotics}. These factories
|
||
utilize traditional [Industrial Automation
|
||
(B3)], but at a fraction of the size and cost.
|
||
Productivity skyrockets along with profitability,
|
||
as tiny robots churn out new products for consumption.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Centauri Genetics
|
||
#TECH74
|
||
The first contacts with Planetary sentience during
|
||
research on [Centauri Meditation (E5)] caused widespread
|
||
excitement among the scientific community. They propose
|
||
using new [Retroviral Engineering (C5)] techniques to
|
||
unravel {Centauri Genetics}—the structural blueprint
|
||
of native organisms.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Sentient Econometrics
|
||
#TECH75
|
||
For all the sophistication of its mathematical models,
|
||
[Planetary Economics (B4)] proved no better at
|
||
predicting the actions of markets and populations
|
||
than Wall Street prognosticators of 20th Century
|
||
Earth-there are too many unknown variables with
|
||
unforeseeable consequences. Proponents of {Sentient
|
||
Econometrics} take the best ‘intelligent computers’
|
||
developed under [Digital Sentience (D10)] and set
|
||
them to identifying these variables and predicting
|
||
their consequences. Under their diligent efforts,
|
||
economics finally becomes a true science.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Retroviral Engineering
|
||
#TECH76
|
||
{Retroviral Engineering}, a specialized branch of
|
||
[Bio-engineering (B4)], uses engineered viruses to
|
||
deliver genetic alterations. This application can
|
||
be used for peaceful, healing purposes, but can also
|
||
be twisted by the same militant researchers behind
|
||
[Advanced Military Algorithms (E3)] into a weapon
|
||
of terrible destruction.
|
||
|
||
|
||
##Orbital Spaceflight
|
||
#TECH77
|
||
The early colonists certainly bring the technical
|
||
understanding of spaceflight with them, but they
|
||
lack the materials and infrastructure necessary
|
||
to construct spacecraft. Eventually, implementation
|
||
of [Doctrine: Air Power (E5)] furnishes the
|
||
infrastructure, while advanced [Pre-sentient
|
||
Algorithms (D5)] provide the tools for mankind’s
|
||
return to {Orbital Spaceflight}.
|
||
|
||
##Progenitor Psych
|
||
#TECH78
|
||
The Progenitors, an alien race with past ties to Planet,
|
||
return to reclaim their heritage. {Progenitor Psych} is
|
||
nothing more than a simple understanding of the aliens’
|
||
culture, language, and aims. Humans cannot talk to either
|
||
alien faction until they discover Progenitor Psych,
|
||
or until the Progenitors discover [Social Psych (B1)].
|
||
|
||
##Field Modulation
|
||
#TECH79
|
||
The Progenitor race can sense and manipulate local fields
|
||
an untrained human cannot perceive without mechanical aid,
|
||
including electricity and magnetism. Built on an understanding
|
||
of [Progenitor Psych (E1)] and [Centauri Ecology (E1)], the discovery
|
||
of {Field Modulation} allows trained and equipped individuals to
|
||
detect and perform basic manipulations of these ‘resonance fields’.
|
||
|
||
##Adaptive Doctrine
|
||
#TECH80
|
||
{Adaptive Doctrine} combines [Polymorphic Software (D2)] and
|
||
[Doctrine: Flexibility (E2)] into a new military philosophy. This
|
||
philosophy strives to match a doctrine to each battlefield,
|
||
rather than trying to making one supreme doctrine for all possible
|
||
environments.
|
||
|
||
##Adaptive Economics
|
||
#TECH81
|
||
Coming from an understanding of [Progenitor Psych (E1)] and [Industrial
|
||
Economics (B2)], {Adaptive Economics} can accommodate rapid changes in
|
||
economic systems to match the needs of the populace.
|
||
|
||
##Bioadaptive Resonance
|
||
#TECH82
|
||
{Bioadaptive Resonance} is a more advanced form of [Field Modulation (C2)]
|
||
that allows extensive manipulation of resonance fields. An understanding of
|
||
[Centauri Empathy (E3)] is essential to discovery of this technology.
|
||
|
||
##Sentient Resonance
|
||
#TECH83
|
||
{Sentient Resonance} is a further extension of [Bioadaptive Resonance (C4)]
|
||
and [Centauri Psi (E8)] that allows the creation of self-aware resonance fields.
|
||
|
||
##Secrets of the Manifolds
|
||
#TECH84
|
||
Planet is only one of the grand experiments, or Manifolds, seeded throughout
|
||
the galaxy by the Progenitor forebears. Discovery of the {Secrets of the Manifolds}
|
||
allows the perception and contact of these other Planetary Manifolds. This
|
||
technology is based on an understanding of [Sentient Resonance (C9)] and
|
||
[Secrets of Alpha Centauri (D12)].
|
||
|
||
##N-Space Compression
|
||
#TECH85
|
||
{N-Space Compression} is a Progenitor term that loosely translates as “The
|
||
shortest distance between two points is always 0, because any two points
|
||
in our perceivable space are actually contiguous in some other universe,
|
||
postulating infinity.” Compression simply brings things that appear to be
|
||
in one place (such as a bulky missile payload) to another place (such as
|
||
a missile warhead) at will (such as only at a time just prior to detonation).
|
||
This technology is based on an understanding of [Orbital Spaceflight (D6)] and
|
||
[Biomachinery (B7)].
|
||
|
||
##String Resonance
|
||
#TECH86
|
||
Based on [Secrets of the Manifolds (D10)] and [Controlled Singularity (C15)],
|
||
{String Resonance} allows the manipulation of resonance fields at even the “string”
|
||
level (the one-dimensional building blocks of matter). The ability to manipulate
|
||
the very structure of the universe allows for awesome destructive power.
|
||
|
||
##Transcendent Thought
|
||
#TECH88
|
||
Based on [Controlled Singularity (C16)] and
|
||
[Threshold of Transcendence (E19)], this technology
|
||
finally unlocks the keys to the final stage of
|
||
evolution with {Transcendent Thought}—the
|
||
ability to contain a self-awareness, or ‘soul’,
|
||
outside the bounds of a corporeal form. Those
|
||
who so choose may now complete the Ascent to
|
||
Transcendence, joining their consciousness with
|
||
the Planetary mind in ageless immortality.
|
||
|
||
|
||
# ; This line must remain at end of file |