As a variant Virus plot, how is this for a variant of how the Impirium dies
by technological means---------------
While reading through the mailing list, an idea occurred. Unless the
virus is actually physically mobile, it should be able to produce
non-standard technologies and devices which are not succeptable to it
(such as non-Imperial standard transceivers). However, the Imperium
has this famous set of standard equipment and vehicle designs which
have been used for years and spread through-out the universe.
First point: In the Imperium, standardization would be important.
Letting one computer network be compatible with another, or allowing
all standard devices to exchange data easily would be beneficial.
For obvious reasons, this technology would spread slightly beyond
the area of the Imperium, and alien to Imperial adapters would
undoubtedly be developed in these fringe areas so that the
Imperial tech is usable by the other cultures. Which brings us
to the big point:
The Virus was designed to exploit a fundamental yet subtle design/
security flaw of standardized imperial technology. Being slightly
incorrect in design, 'Internet Worm' syndrome occurred, with the
time for communication increased to 6-8 days minimum. One field of
genetically hemogenous wheat vs. tailored predator. Predator wins.
End of technological society, and hello barbarism.
Oh, and BTW: The Spinward Marches are isolated from the mainstream
of Imperial culture/advances/stagnation in a big way. Thus, they
were less succeptable to the virus, and able to produce variant
technologies fast enough to prevent major loss outside of the border
areas.
- ----------------------
Results:
Collapse of Impirium, with the effects lessening as the distance from
Core increases (the standards relax, and are slightly out of date
due to travel concerns).
Don't ask me to explain how this is feasible. I don't write standards
for non-existant technology, let alone existing technology.
NO INTELLIGENT PSUEDO-ALIVE HARDWARE VIRUS.
Spinward Marches have a feasible reason to advance in tech
(the standard less likely to apply to the above-average techs).
Reasonable reason for aliens to be affected.
Transponders are still forgeable.
- --Brad