Accelerating Future (working title)
Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 1:02 am
First off, I'd like to say that it's been a long time since I dropped by. Finally finding a job, and now leaving that for an actual career in my field of study ( ), have sapped a lot of my attention, among other, personal things. In that time, however, I've been busy as ever worldbuilding when I get the chance. I've decided to be much more active on O1 because I see no point in letting all my worldbuilding go to waste. And, honestly, I think O1 needs some good old fashioned worldbuilding, you know, getting back to our roots.
Which brings me to Accelerating Future. Essentially, AF is the synthesis of several distinct concepts that have been floating in my mind for the past two years or so. The project really took off after I decided to end my first great worldbuidling attempt, The Eternal Game. I had a lot of fun with that 'verse, and it did serve as a good exercise for me, but I ultimately outgrew it. Of course, I was 17 when TEG was conceptualized and I have changed considerably in those years since, so there you go. There are several ideas that I've developed an avid interest in and a desire to experiment with in a worldbuilding setting. Stuff like transhumanism, postscarcity, aternative future political and economic systems, and the technological singularity (at least when it comes to a soft singularity) are concepts that fasincate me, and I've definitely wanted to explore them after reading many radical hard SF that incorporates and explores these concepts. I've also been fascinated with galactic-scale empires, mostly because of the sheer complexity and magnitude of political complexities/intrigues of such a behemoth polity, as well as the sheer epic-scale of every facet of such an empire in order for it to operate smoothly and cohesively. Since so much science fiction that features 'galactic' empires barely qualifies at all, I decided that my next project would delve into that concept as well. Finally, there's the other favorite genre of mine for SF, new space opera, a fusion of traditional space opera with the various game-changing technologies and concepts present in more radical SF to create a universe of baroque wonders that - gasp! - occasionally has a connection to science. The Culture series and Alastair Reynolds’s works, particularly House of Suns, are prominent examples of the movement. The sheer potential of the genre is a major appeal to me and a major motivator in creating Accelerating Future. Anyway, let's talk about it, shall we?
Introduction and History
To modern eyes, it is sometime in the 60th Millennium (possibly the 100th, depending on how long civilization mucks about with lighthuggers and, later, wormholes). Transhumanity, through trial and error, managed not to completely fuck over Earth and settle/exploit Sol before stepping out into the wider universe. Through von Neumann probes, lighthuggers, and seedships it managed to push far out, encountering a multitude of alien civilizations - some equals with the transhuman polities, some well behind, and others uplifted to interstellar standards - and forming the beginnings of the transgalactic community. While colonizing quite a bit of the galaxy, interaction was limited by the lightspeed barrier, as was any meaningful attempt at large-scale interstellar polities. The wormhole gates completely transformed that paradigm, sparking a renaissance in technology, culture, and politics. True FTL, first through space warp engines, then quantum teleportation, and finally the hyperdrive, would accelerate these changes in later epochs. The polities and galactic common institutions of the Milky Way, and by this time the early colonies in the closest dwarf satellites, would become increasingly interconnected and interdependent on one another. Eventually, the great powers in the galaxy hit upon the idea of turning the transgalactic community, already a de facto union, into a de jure transgalactic federation, one that would purge the remaining red tape and act as a bulwark against threats to Civilization (the capitalization is important). Lot of people like this, but lots of other people, namely hyperimperialist empires and barbarian fiefdoms, don't since this means an end to their pillaging and conquest sprees. The Unification Wars take off, as the proto-Commonwealth fights the anti-unification alliance to the death, smashing the galaxy in the process. In the end, the last die hard opponents flee to the fringes of civilization, and the Transgalactic Commonwealth is finally formed.
The Commonwealth, referred to commonly as the Union or Civilization, has ruled for millennia (tens of millennia?) and things couldn't be better. Under its protective and nourishing umbrella, the member polities of the Commonwealth and its citizens have flourished. Postscarcity technology coupled with a universe of raw materials and energy has created tremendous levels of wealth for all sophonts, as well as facilitating cyclopean examples of megaengineering. Science and technology, along with improving the sophont form, are advancing at a breakneck pace, while the overwhelming military power of the Union keeps the peace within its borders and beyond. After a period of isolation, the Commonwealth surged forward in its exploration, colonization, and exploitation of the dwarf satellites and the Magellanic Clouds, eventually pushing to the fringes of Andromeda and now exploring the Local Supercluster and even beyond. Culturally, society is wonderfully colorful and diverse, with postbeings of titanic power at one end pushing the boundaries of science to countless permutations of nearbaselines living out an innumerable number of lifestyles at the other. Utopia is a loaded word, but things truly are semi-utopic, an oasis of prosperity in an ocean of indifference.
Since utopia where everything is 100% super is boring, there exist a multitude of problems and threats to this established order, both internally and externally. Imperialist-leaning member polities, devolved regional governments administered by overambitious governors, and insincere client and associate polities would love to expand their sphere of influence at their neighbors’ expense, or even declare outright independence and create their own would-be empires. Militant revolutionaries, terrorists, criminal syndicates, virulent fundamentalists, transgalactic conspiracies and simple psychopaths prowl the fringes of civilization, especially in the expansive Outer Rim Region. Barbarians from the galactic halo and void are a constant nuisance despite the Commonwealth's efforts to tame them, and foreign polities in Andromeda and beyond the Local Group - of which a few in the latter category can actually match the Commonwealth in a certain areas - add a new element of uncertainty. All these factions have access to potentially cyclopean quantities of resources, making them even more dangerous. And then there are those far away supercivilizations and eldritch entities so powerful that they make the Commonwealth look like a slime mold. Or those cosmic horrors so inscrutable that they drive even the most resolute person to utter madness.
Of course, there are many tools at the Union's disposal to combat these threats to Civilization. The Ministry of Public Safety, Commonwealth Intelligence Consortium, and Armed Forces of the Transgalactic Commonwealth act as the shining shield of the Union. Those aren't the only tools the Comonwealth has, however. The Deep Spacers, those famed explorers, adventurers, and diplomats of Civilization, frequently find themselves battling far-away threats to their homes beyond teh Known Universe. While typically not willing to start conflicts, they nevertheless will match wits with those that oppose the Commonwealth's ideals. Lurking in the shadows is another asset, the Commonwealth sanctioned but clandestine secret society/conspiracy known as Overwatch. Supposedly formed in the days of the proto-Commonwealth, Overwatch has but one continuous mission: the preservation of the Commonwealth and its citizens from all threats, internal and external, mundane and Outside Context. It's agents are everywhere, hiding in plain sight within the structure of militaries, intelligence and law enforcement agencies, government ministries, labs, hypercorps and economic collectives, and criminal syndicates. It's methods range from subtle diplomatic actions and conflict resolution to military intervention and planetary sterilization. While not the most pleasant entity, they have saved the Commonwealth more times than its citizens know.
The universe is dangerously indifferent and not for the timid, but exciting to explore and truly bountiful in its riches. The Commonwealth and her people are eagerly accelerating their interactions with the greater universe regardless of what lurks out there, confident that, together with new found friends, they can defend their oasis of prosperity from vigorous opposition and enter into a new, perpetual golden age.
Notes
Accelerating Future is essentially the story of the Commonwealth, her institutions and internal factions, and her people thrusting themselves into the wider universe, encountering friends, enemies, and who knows what else. They're optimistic and idealistic, but they're coming to realize that not everyone happens to share the same ideals as the Union; some are very much diametrically opposed to such annoying Commonwealth concepts as sophont rights, egalitarianism, technoprogressivism, autonomy, and, most dangerous of all, self-determination. The Commonwealth strives to live up to its ideals and routinely espouses them in order to create an intergalactic community of like minded polities, but is perfectly willing to play utterly ruthless hardball and kick people's teeth in if it’s well being is threatened. This apparent contradiction is not lost of people, and is a source of resentment among many who feel that the Commonwealth is betraying its principles at times. This ultimately ties into the recurring question of how far can a benevolent society violate its own ethics and ideals in order to ensure peace and prosperity (more on that later).
As far as themes go, there are many at work here. Among the many themes I hope to explore are:
Well, that about it for now. Next, I'll probably go into detail as to the workings of the Transgalactic Commonwealth; I have a monster of an article on it that needs a bit of a polishing up that should provide a general overview of the Commonwealth (specificalities would come in later articles). After that, maybe something on the deep spacers, Overwatch, and transophontism. A rough primer on some common elements of Accelerating Future might also be in order.
Which brings me to Accelerating Future. Essentially, AF is the synthesis of several distinct concepts that have been floating in my mind for the past two years or so. The project really took off after I decided to end my first great worldbuidling attempt, The Eternal Game. I had a lot of fun with that 'verse, and it did serve as a good exercise for me, but I ultimately outgrew it. Of course, I was 17 when TEG was conceptualized and I have changed considerably in those years since, so there you go. There are several ideas that I've developed an avid interest in and a desire to experiment with in a worldbuilding setting. Stuff like transhumanism, postscarcity, aternative future political and economic systems, and the technological singularity (at least when it comes to a soft singularity) are concepts that fasincate me, and I've definitely wanted to explore them after reading many radical hard SF that incorporates and explores these concepts. I've also been fascinated with galactic-scale empires, mostly because of the sheer complexity and magnitude of political complexities/intrigues of such a behemoth polity, as well as the sheer epic-scale of every facet of such an empire in order for it to operate smoothly and cohesively. Since so much science fiction that features 'galactic' empires barely qualifies at all, I decided that my next project would delve into that concept as well. Finally, there's the other favorite genre of mine for SF, new space opera, a fusion of traditional space opera with the various game-changing technologies and concepts present in more radical SF to create a universe of baroque wonders that - gasp! - occasionally has a connection to science. The Culture series and Alastair Reynolds’s works, particularly House of Suns, are prominent examples of the movement. The sheer potential of the genre is a major appeal to me and a major motivator in creating Accelerating Future. Anyway, let's talk about it, shall we?
Introduction and History
To modern eyes, it is sometime in the 60th Millennium (possibly the 100th, depending on how long civilization mucks about with lighthuggers and, later, wormholes). Transhumanity, through trial and error, managed not to completely fuck over Earth and settle/exploit Sol before stepping out into the wider universe. Through von Neumann probes, lighthuggers, and seedships it managed to push far out, encountering a multitude of alien civilizations - some equals with the transhuman polities, some well behind, and others uplifted to interstellar standards - and forming the beginnings of the transgalactic community. While colonizing quite a bit of the galaxy, interaction was limited by the lightspeed barrier, as was any meaningful attempt at large-scale interstellar polities. The wormhole gates completely transformed that paradigm, sparking a renaissance in technology, culture, and politics. True FTL, first through space warp engines, then quantum teleportation, and finally the hyperdrive, would accelerate these changes in later epochs. The polities and galactic common institutions of the Milky Way, and by this time the early colonies in the closest dwarf satellites, would become increasingly interconnected and interdependent on one another. Eventually, the great powers in the galaxy hit upon the idea of turning the transgalactic community, already a de facto union, into a de jure transgalactic federation, one that would purge the remaining red tape and act as a bulwark against threats to Civilization (the capitalization is important). Lot of people like this, but lots of other people, namely hyperimperialist empires and barbarian fiefdoms, don't since this means an end to their pillaging and conquest sprees. The Unification Wars take off, as the proto-Commonwealth fights the anti-unification alliance to the death, smashing the galaxy in the process. In the end, the last die hard opponents flee to the fringes of civilization, and the Transgalactic Commonwealth is finally formed.
The Commonwealth, referred to commonly as the Union or Civilization, has ruled for millennia (tens of millennia?) and things couldn't be better. Under its protective and nourishing umbrella, the member polities of the Commonwealth and its citizens have flourished. Postscarcity technology coupled with a universe of raw materials and energy has created tremendous levels of wealth for all sophonts, as well as facilitating cyclopean examples of megaengineering. Science and technology, along with improving the sophont form, are advancing at a breakneck pace, while the overwhelming military power of the Union keeps the peace within its borders and beyond. After a period of isolation, the Commonwealth surged forward in its exploration, colonization, and exploitation of the dwarf satellites and the Magellanic Clouds, eventually pushing to the fringes of Andromeda and now exploring the Local Supercluster and even beyond. Culturally, society is wonderfully colorful and diverse, with postbeings of titanic power at one end pushing the boundaries of science to countless permutations of nearbaselines living out an innumerable number of lifestyles at the other. Utopia is a loaded word, but things truly are semi-utopic, an oasis of prosperity in an ocean of indifference.
Since utopia where everything is 100% super is boring, there exist a multitude of problems and threats to this established order, both internally and externally. Imperialist-leaning member polities, devolved regional governments administered by overambitious governors, and insincere client and associate polities would love to expand their sphere of influence at their neighbors’ expense, or even declare outright independence and create their own would-be empires. Militant revolutionaries, terrorists, criminal syndicates, virulent fundamentalists, transgalactic conspiracies and simple psychopaths prowl the fringes of civilization, especially in the expansive Outer Rim Region. Barbarians from the galactic halo and void are a constant nuisance despite the Commonwealth's efforts to tame them, and foreign polities in Andromeda and beyond the Local Group - of which a few in the latter category can actually match the Commonwealth in a certain areas - add a new element of uncertainty. All these factions have access to potentially cyclopean quantities of resources, making them even more dangerous. And then there are those far away supercivilizations and eldritch entities so powerful that they make the Commonwealth look like a slime mold. Or those cosmic horrors so inscrutable that they drive even the most resolute person to utter madness.
Of course, there are many tools at the Union's disposal to combat these threats to Civilization. The Ministry of Public Safety, Commonwealth Intelligence Consortium, and Armed Forces of the Transgalactic Commonwealth act as the shining shield of the Union. Those aren't the only tools the Comonwealth has, however. The Deep Spacers, those famed explorers, adventurers, and diplomats of Civilization, frequently find themselves battling far-away threats to their homes beyond teh Known Universe. While typically not willing to start conflicts, they nevertheless will match wits with those that oppose the Commonwealth's ideals. Lurking in the shadows is another asset, the Commonwealth sanctioned but clandestine secret society/conspiracy known as Overwatch. Supposedly formed in the days of the proto-Commonwealth, Overwatch has but one continuous mission: the preservation of the Commonwealth and its citizens from all threats, internal and external, mundane and Outside Context. It's agents are everywhere, hiding in plain sight within the structure of militaries, intelligence and law enforcement agencies, government ministries, labs, hypercorps and economic collectives, and criminal syndicates. It's methods range from subtle diplomatic actions and conflict resolution to military intervention and planetary sterilization. While not the most pleasant entity, they have saved the Commonwealth more times than its citizens know.
The universe is dangerously indifferent and not for the timid, but exciting to explore and truly bountiful in its riches. The Commonwealth and her people are eagerly accelerating their interactions with the greater universe regardless of what lurks out there, confident that, together with new found friends, they can defend their oasis of prosperity from vigorous opposition and enter into a new, perpetual golden age.
Notes
Accelerating Future is essentially the story of the Commonwealth, her institutions and internal factions, and her people thrusting themselves into the wider universe, encountering friends, enemies, and who knows what else. They're optimistic and idealistic, but they're coming to realize that not everyone happens to share the same ideals as the Union; some are very much diametrically opposed to such annoying Commonwealth concepts as sophont rights, egalitarianism, technoprogressivism, autonomy, and, most dangerous of all, self-determination. The Commonwealth strives to live up to its ideals and routinely espouses them in order to create an intergalactic community of like minded polities, but is perfectly willing to play utterly ruthless hardball and kick people's teeth in if it’s well being is threatened. This apparent contradiction is not lost of people, and is a source of resentment among many who feel that the Commonwealth is betraying its principles at times. This ultimately ties into the recurring question of how far can a benevolent society violate its own ethics and ideals in order to ensure peace and prosperity (more on that later).
As far as themes go, there are many at work here. Among the many themes I hope to explore are:
- Idealism vs. Realpolitik: How is it possible to balance political/social ideals with the blunt realities of the outside universe?
- Life in a postscarcity society: If everyone's material needs are fully met, what do people strive for in life?
- Transhumanism: If death is the equivalent in severity to a broken limb thanks to backup technology, how to people react to risky situations? If people can routinely switch from biological, robotic, and information-based bodies at will, then what truly counts as a sophont individual? If someone splits their minds into distinct, sapient components and does not merge them back, what happens to continuity of conscience?
Well, that about it for now. Next, I'll probably go into detail as to the workings of the Transgalactic Commonwealth; I have a monster of an article on it that needs a bit of a polishing up that should provide a general overview of the Commonwealth (specificalities would come in later articles). After that, maybe something on the deep spacers, Overwatch, and transophontism. A rough primer on some common elements of Accelerating Future might also be in order.