Yet more High Speed Projectiles

Houston, we have a problem...

If
Bertil is correct in his calculations (No I'm not going to double check)
It is impossible for the scout to reach .1c.  Insufficient total energy.

But, I might point out that in order for traveller engines to work, we must
accept the fact that
1	The scout ship has 2G capable engines.
2	The fuel volume is capable of lasting 30 days.

These are the underlying assumptions of all traveler designs.  The number of
Megawatts of power input is a guesswork based on metaphysics.  If your
argument is based on that fact then we are arguing about metaphysics.

My point is that starship engines are based upon the fact that they are
supposed to be capable of boosting a ship at accelerations from 1G to 6G
10 to 60 meters per second for a period of thirty days.

If you accept that fact, then .1c is in.

If you look at it from a total energy avaliable perspective, I would question
the basis of the equations you use for available energy.  If you base it upon
the megatraveller power plant output, then you are questioning the very basis
of the power plants.  But remember, the power plants were designed (by GDW)
to account for the performance of non existant forms of locomotion.

If as you suggest a ship has only 1/14th the required energy to reach .1c
then the ship should only be able to accelerate at 2/14 G's (1/7 G) and
so the scout chip can not perform as it is required to perform.

Some people say they miss High Guard.  I miss Book 2.  they didn't even try
to guess what a power plant could put out so conservation of energy wasn't
a factor.  (sigh)

Ah well, It seems to me it just comes down to what brand of metaphysics
you prefer.  How many ancients can dance on the head of a pin?

As to the point that the free traders and scouts are shy a few days of fuel:
Well, use your cargo bay to hold more.

As to the point of flying blind.  Of course you are!  But out of the eccliptic
you mightn't have too much trouble.  (Fred, you knew the job was dangerous
when you took it!)   You don't need to be in sensor range if your target is
in a fixed orbit or on the ground.  Just plug in that intercept course and
let her rip.

As to finding crews to do it...  Well, you might'nt volunteer, but I'll bet
anyone desparate enough to try this little trick could find some poor shmuck
desparate enough to try it.  Or, just put it on auto-pilot.  And if on
auto-pilot, and you got scout ships to spare, just send it in as the projectile.
The Japanese had quite a few people get in the cockpit of a Kamikazie (sp?)
That's just a recruiting problem anyway.

(I bet you could find some Vargr who'd do it...)
Fastest sentient alive... what a title...

So, whaddya say guys?

Mr. Scott
Silly physicist extraordinaire.