Re: Cynthia Higgenbotham: Reprocessed Algae
Pathetically, I never got to go to Epcot Center. I was terribly deprived
as a child. I did get to visit Chester's Land of Desert Amusements here
in Tucson, which had fun, hands-on activities like the popular
"Lick the Hantavirus Rodent" exhibit.
In reality, I was using food as an over-simplified example. What I was
trying to get at was that a perfect closed ecosystem does not exist, and
will not exist at TL15. The problem might be due to trace elements missing
in food, or an inability to crack sufficient oxygen from ice asteroids in
the Glisten Belt; the cause is basically irrelevant. The effect is that Glisten
might be militarily powerful, but still be unable to withstand a long-term
siege. Entropy is just as powerful in TL15 Glisten as it is in a TL8
Biosphere. Think of it as punishment for living in a hollowed-out rock
instead of a proper world with an atmosphere.
However, the Aeroponics would be a very good idea for a Glisten type
closed ecology. It would be far less unpleasant than Algae extracts, and
require less lifting power than a comparable hydroponics plant. This
would make it more viable for starships as well as orbital habitats and
similar closed environments. It would also be a nice scenic diversion,
almost a park-like setting for the tunnel and dome dwellers of Glisten.
And far more romantic than a walk past the algae vats.
PS - The Gestapo did have more stylish uniforms than the BATF.
None of the above reflects the views of my employers. We dont have
stylish uniforms either.