I've been reading the postings on fuel storage, and decided to post this
song. If nothing else, it offers an idea on the subject of emergency
fuel supply...
FOOL TO FEED THE DRIVE
A hundred parsecs out, on a ship quite second rate
The engineer, McQuillin, sent the word up to the mate:
"Our engine's out of steam," he said, "and soon our ship will die,
If we can't find a planet with fuel to feed the drive."
Now, our ship's a noble lady, and our captain, she is, too,
But our engineer is none too bright; the dimwit of our crew.
The captain said, "I thought you filled the tanks on Vega Five."
McQuillin just looked sheepish. He forgot to feed the drive.
Can curses stir the gods of space who dwell beyond the stars?
If so, they surely woke up then, for we used up most of ours.
We thought we'd drift forever, lost between the stars we'd die,
And all because McQuillin bought no fuel to feed the drive!
But then the captain's eyes grew bright. She said, "It seems to me
That a fusion drive burns H2O." McQuillin turned to flee.
"Grab him, boys, and hold him. He's no good to us alive,
But two hundred pounds of water will feed our dyin' drive!"
So once again we fly through space, avoiding all the stars.
Who knows what ruin will take us, what evil fate is ours?
We didn't find our planet, but we'll all but one survive.
As long as we are granted some fool to feed the drive!
--Jordin Kare
Filk to "Fuel to Feed the Drive"
by Cynthia McQuillin and Phillip Wayne