190

8. Solrain
8.1. What is the Solrain society like?

Solrain society is probally the most like America, but with a greater emphasis on
capitalisim rather than religion. The Solrain, politically, are a republic. Anyone
can vote in Solrain society, but the right to vote must be purchased. Solrains
have rights very similar to those enjoyed by Americans (right to speech, right to
assembly, etc.) but one major difference is that Corporate entities are considered
to be individuals with regards to rights. In other words, a major corp on Solrain
has the right of free speech, protection from searches, the right to vote and even
the right to be elected to a position of power. (imagine if the coca-cola
corporation, for example, could be elected mayor of Antlanta. When a
corporation wins an election, they will appoint a management team to make
decisions. Currently corporations hold about 30-40% of all elected offices.)

9. Technical Questions
9.1. Talk a little bit about the genetic modification pilots undergo.

Gravitons (particles that allow for the formation of jump gates) have a negative
impact on the normal brain. Genetic modification is needed to allow for survival
under heavy gravitonic circumstances. The modifications leave pilots smarter,
stronger and more durable than the rest of their species... sadly it also prevents
them from landing on a planet ever again. Under normal gravity conditions, the
enhanced synapses of the brain will cause an "over load" of sorts, leading to a
physical condition similar to a stroke. Conspiracy theorists have said that this is
to keep pilots from becoming too strong a political force, but few believe this. The
TRI insists they are working on a retro-virus to correct this problem, but for over
two decades there have been no results.

A pilot could land on a smaller body with lesser gravity. The danger of flying to
close to a large mass is minimized since the gravity inside the ship is artifically
maintained by the engines.


9.2. What causes a gravitational anomaly to be formed? (Thatīs a regular
anomaly, not a jumpgate.)

Unknown. Although theoretical physics are are more advanced in the TRI
universe than our own, there is still no proof as to what causes gravitational
anomalies.


9.3. Why do lasers have such a limited range? (I'd have thought the
damage would drop with distance rather than the beam just stopping.)

It's a result of the method of focus used. The Tri-focus lenses create a pulse
beam that maintains it's strength but at a cost of limiting it's range.