Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 193 Extrapolating Military Technology, Interpolation and Combat Environment Suits

12 February 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 193 Extrapolating Military Technology, Interpolation and Combat Environment Suits

Announcement: There is action on my new novels.  The publisher renamed the series--they are still working on the name.  I provided suggestions as did one of my prepub readers. Now the individual books will be given single names: Leora, Leila, Russia, Lumiere', China, Sveta, and Klava--at least these are some of the suggestions.  They are also working on a single theme for the covers.  I'll keep you updated.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment)
9.  Costs 

I developed the Combat Environment Suit (CES) as an extrapolation of uniform technology for my Ghost Ship novels.  Now that we have defined a peak extrapolation, you should be able to interpolate from that point.  I put the CES as a 10,000 year extrapolation.  The 10, 100, and 1,000 year extrapolations should be relatively simple. 

Certainly, a 10 and a 100 year extrapolation wouldn't have some of the advanced characteristics of the CES.  The 1,000 year extrapolation would likely not have some of the electronic refinements.  The simpler editions of the CES would reduce the refinements.  In a science fiction novel that covers 10 plus years, the author might show some of the advances of the CES.  For example, a refinement of the camo display system that reduces the jitter or a new camo frequency.  Remember, changes are usually small and incremental--they are rarely earth-shattering and large. 

If interpolation is too difficult, go for extrapolation of current uniforms--just realize, the extrapolations will have to follow reasonable science.  For instance, chemical protection (along with space protection) will likely require tightly fitting suits.  The reason is that when you go from absorption to shedding as a protective measure, you need less (as little as possible) surface area.  Unless the uniform itself takes on certain capabilities, there is little purpose in improvements.  You might have a military with a uniform, like current ones, with limited capability and add-ons both under and over.  A cold weather overcoat or coverall.  A hot weather underwear that cools.  Armor and a gunbelt etc.  These are retrograde to the way the military seems to be going, but all retrogrades will exist along side the high tech.  The low tech will (or may) have problems as long as the equipment is reliable.  There is a great science fiction theme--the country that has high tech, but low reliability equipment fighting the low tech, but highly reliable revolutionaries.  Maybe that's an old theme. 

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 192 Extrapolating Military Technology, Protection and Combat Environment Suits

11 February 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 192 Extrapolating Military Technology, Protection and Combat Environment Suits

Announcement: There is action on my new novels.  The publisher renamed the series--they are still working on the name.  I provided suggestions as did one of my prepub readers. Now the individual books will be given single names: Leora, Leila, Russia, Lumiere', China, Sveta, and Klava--at least these are some of the suggestions.  They are also working on a single theme for the covers.  I'll keep you updated.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment)
9.  Costs 

I developed the Combat Environment Suit (CES) as an extrapolation of uniform technology for my Ghost Ship novels.  A CES is effective in normal human environments for protection from the environment.  It gives limited protection from space.  In very hot environments or very cold environments, the wearer will need more protection.  The point is then to move to into a vehicle for protection and mobility. 

The CES is a uniform.  The uniform provides basic combat functions for the wearer, but eventually, the wearer will need to get into a vehicle or operate a piece of military equipment.  In my extrapolation, the CES interfaces with many vehicles, weapons, and systems.  In the military, the CES is near universal.  In the civil world, the CES isn't universal and is usually demodified or decoded to prevent it from being universal.  Alas, I can't imagine a military that doesn't want to retain powers greater than the civil populace.

I didn't write a lot about the interfaces of the CES in my novels.  I did write about the use of the CES operationally and with other equipment.  I didn't write much about CES and vehicles or augmentation.  I know this is the proper and reasonable extrapolation of the use of the CES.  You can imagine the types of support operations in a Pluto-like or a Mercury-like environment will require.

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 191 Extrapolating Military Technology, Camo and Combat Environment Suits

10 February 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 191 Extrapolating Military Technology, Camo and Combat Environment Suits

Announcement: There is action on my new novels.  The publisher renamed the series--they are still working on the name.  I provided suggestions as did one of my prepub readers. Now the individual books will be given single names: Leora, Leila, Russia, Lumiere', China, Sveta, and Klava--at least these are some of the suggestions.  They are also working on a single theme for the covers.  I'll keep you updated.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment)
9.  Costs 

I developed the Combat Environment Suit (CES) as an extrapolation of uniform technology for my Ghost Ship novels.  One of the major capabilities of the CES is camouflage (camo).  In my technological explanations, the CES has an electronically sensitive exterior that allows it to project electromagnetic signals.  This means a CES can project the illusion of the terrain behind the wearer in every electromagnetic region, which would render the wearer invisible.  Of course, that means there are ways to detect a CES by exclusion (a dead spot or repetition) in the environment.  That also means there would be a method of jamming a CES so the camo wouldn't work.  These are very complex devices.  The first, a CES detector, might be included in the helmets of a modern CES.  A jammer might be extra equipment.

The camo from a CES would not render a person invisible, but it would give them some protection from human and automatic electromagnetic scanning.  The camo would be best if the wearer is still and not moving.  There would always be some delay in the CES ability to detect and reflect or show the scene behind.  There would also be possible discontinuities between the camo in the CES and the environment.  A good science fiction author would do well to use these capabilities in the writing to further the plot and storyline.  The CES also provides protection from the environment, but not all environments.

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 190 Extrapolating Military Technology, yet more Combat Environment Suits

9 February 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 190 Extrapolating Military Technology, yet more Combat Environment Suits

Announcement: There is action on my new novels.  The publisher renamed the series--they are still working on the name.  I provided suggestions as did one of my prepub readers. Now the individual books will be given single names: Leora, Leila, Russia, Lumiere', China, Sveta, and Klava--at least these are some of the suggestions.  They are also working on a single theme for the covers.  I'll keep you updated.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment)
9.  Costs 

I developed the Combat Environment Suit (CES) as an extrapolation of uniform technology for my Ghost Ship novels.  I mentioned the ways a CES would be used and made to protect the wearer.  These suits are not meant to be armored vehicles or muscular enhancement--there purpose is to act as a uniform and increase the protection of a soldier in any combat environment.  The suits have heating and cooling capability.  Their purpose isn't to protect from temperatures well outside the human norm, but rather to protect and provide cooling and heating under normal planetary and orbital combat. 

I hope you understand that outer space is neither hot nor cold--it is a perfect insulator and usually a spacesuit needs to get rid of heat more than make heat.  The CES would be great for Mars or Earth or orbital operations around Mars or Earth.  It would not be good for Pluto or any of the outer planets.  It wouldn't be good for Venus or Mercury.  The CES is only temporary protection for combat in space. 

In these other environments you will need more protection.  Before I write about that.  I want to get to a major capability of the CES.

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 189 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Combat Environment Suits

8 February 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 189 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Combat Environment Suits

Announcement: There is action on my new novels.  The publisher renamed the series--they are still working on the name.  I provided suggestions as did one of my prepub readers. Now the individual books will be given single names: Leora, Leila, Russia, Lumiere', China, Sveta, and Klava--at least these are some of the suggestions.  They are also working on a single theme for the covers.  I'll keep you updated.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment)
9.  Costs 

The trick with the Combat Environment Suit (CES) and a vacuum or chemical attack is the helmet.  There is much more about the actual suit, but let's talk about the helmet.  Since the helmet is a part of the CES, it should have the capability to integrate with the personal and heavy weapons systems the soldier will use.  In my Ghost Ship novels, these are the functions that have been disabled, but that my main character hacks into and enables.  He also enables the special functions of the helmet.  For example, you might expect the helmet to have the capability of pressurization and positive pressure for chemical attacks.  You also would expect night vision capability, but you wouldn't expect the chemical detectors or the other frequency detection.  All these give unique capabilities to the soldier that are force multipliers for that kind of work.  For the savvy civilian, these capabilities can be very helpful--this is especially true for the characters of my books who want to engage in special operations under cover.

Other capabilities of the helmet are location identification (GPS perhaps), ballistic protection, communications in all frequencies, encryption, jamming and anti-jamming, weapons aiming, enemy detection, friendly detection--there is all kinds of capabilities you can imagine in this kind of device.

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 188 Extrapolating Military Technology, Combat Environment Suits

7 February 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 188 Extrapolating Military Technology, Combat Environment Suits

Announcement: There is action on my new novels.  The publisher renamed the series--they are still working on the name.  I provided suggestions as did one of my prepub readers. Now the individual books will be given single names: Leora, Leila, Russia, Lumiere', China, Sveta, and Klava--at least these are some of the suggestions.  They are also working on a single theme for the covers.  I'll keep you updated.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment)
9.  Costs 

I am looking at the high end extrapolation of a military uniform.  I call this uniform a Combat Environment Suit (CES).  I mentioned that the CES provides protection from chemicals, radiation, the environment, ballistic attacks, etc.  I was going over the hows of the protection and capabilities. 

The CES is skin tight and provides protection from a vacuum for a limited period of time through constriction.  In a vacuum suit the air pressure in the suit is kept at a constant pressure that is safe for a human being--usually something close to 18,000 feet.  The human body can comfortably exist at this pressure--in fact the human body can handle pressures up to 50,000 feet--above 50,000 feet blood boils, so it isn't very healthy for the body.  In a constrictor vacuum suit, air pressure isn't what is holding the pressure for the person, the suit is.  The suit provides pressure against the skin everywhere except where there are orifices.  At those points, air pressure has to be kept at least 30,000 feet for safety.  This isn't as hard as it sounds.  You just have to keep the head and the crotch areas pressurized.  The head needs to be at about 20,000 with supplemental oxygen or at 10,000 without.  The crotch should technically be at the same pressure as the head to prevent blow-through, but you can have pressure differential, it just isn't comfortable.  The whole thing isn't very comfortable, but that's why it is temporary and for emergencies.  The point is that I can send a person in a CES into a potential decompression environment and know they will be safe through a decompression or the loss of oxygen pressure. 

I also know the soldier (person) will be safe during chemical operations etc.  In my Ghost Ship novels, I have the characters using CES and constrictor vacuum suits for emergency operations.  The constrictor suits are very interesting because they cause bruising all over the body.  The CES will likewise and under more than vacuum conditions.

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 185 Extrapolating Military Technology, Environments

4 February 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 185 Extrapolating Military Technology, Environments

Announcement: There is action on my new novels.  The publisher renamed the series--they are still working on the name.  I provided suggestions as did one of my prepub readers. Now the individual books will be given single names: Leora, Leila, Russia, Lumiere', China, Sveta, and Klava--at least these are some of the suggestions.  They are also working on a single theme for the covers.  I'll keep you updated.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment)
9.  Costs 

Environments means where you can expect to fight drives the equipment you will need.  Let's look first at individuals in an environment and move to vehicles in an environment.

We begin with uniforms.  Uniforms were specific clothing for the purpose of identifying fighting forces.  Uniforms began as purely utilitarian--think knights and moved to identification.  They have come back to utilitarian.  So, the army field uniform became camouflaged and other pieces were added. The basic uniform was for camouflage, but also the US Army field uniforms had some ability in the fabric to mask IR.  Let's start with that.  The ability to mask visual and to some small degree IR.  Air Force uniforms were mainly protective coverall for fire and ejection (flight suits).  They also had some small visual camo capability. 

Obviously, in both uniforms and in most uniforms, we see the concept of environments play out.  In other words, a uniform for cold weather and for hot weather.  A uniform for a desert environment and one for a wooded environment.  Each environment requires the proper uniform.  The Germans in WWII discovered that problems with not providing a proper uniform for the environment.  The result was their defeat and death of thousands of their troops. As I mentioned, the uniform is the basic part of the wear, the other pieces are important as well.

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

A New Novel, Part 70 A Transition and the Demon

Everything seems to be going well for Aksinya.  She and Natalya don't exactly fit in, but they have a place at the school, but we can never forget the whole point of everything...

Their next class was mathematics followed by history. Luncheon was simple and there was again tea. Afterwards, they attended literature, science, and theology. Luckily literature was in French. Aksinya translated during science and theology for Natalya. The science was simple for them both, the theology foreign.


They ended their first day at dinner, and the conversation at their table was muted, slightly tense, and definitely less exciting than the first day. They both had time to speak to the students and teachers and although they didn’t make any major inroads with them, they seemed to be accepted to a degree by both.

After supper, Aksinya and Natalya returned to their rooms to study at their desks. The gas lamps provided barely sufficient lighting—their rooms were filled with shadows. Natalya had already prepared Aksinya for bed. Aksinya sat in her silk nightgown with a sweater over her shoulders.

Aksinya struggled with one of the problems in mathematics. She was about to give up and ask Natalya’s help when she heard the door to her room open and close. She didn’t turn away from her desk right away. She was immediately happy that the Lady Natalya felt comfortable enough to come to her room without knocking.

The bed behind her creaked. Aksinya gave a happy sigh. She was about to turn around. The voice of Asmodeus startled her. It dripped with sarcasm and animosity, “Hello, Countess, did you forget about me?”

So we have a short synopsis of the day with a transition.  there is no need to show you directly the other classes or their lunch.  I do in the synopsis give you a lot of information.  At Sacré Coeur the language of literature is French--of course.  Theology is foreign because they are both Orthodox--did you expect anything else?  In this way, I can keep reminding you about their Orthodox roots.  The Catholic expression of faith is similar but different. 
Still in synopsis mode, we see through a window the dinner event.  Again, there is no need for great detail.  In just a few words, I give you the feel: muted, slightly tense, and definitely less exciting than the first day. 

So we get back to the rooms, and here we see some major scene setting.  I don't need to give you details about the room, I need to remind you about what I already told you and then set the differences.  I mention specifically desks and gas lamps.  Do you remember where they were?  That doesn't really matter, but the reason for mentioning desks and gas lamps is the gas lamps were above the beds and the desks.  This gives you an idea.  Then the differences.  The lighting is poor from gas lamp, and I paint you the picture.  You should have a good idea of the environment Aksinya is in.  I then show you a physical description of Aksinya.  She is dressed for bed and a reminder that Natalya dressed her in a silk nightgown, but because of the cold with a sweater.  You should have the entire picture now, cold and dark.

Remember that Natalya is very smart, so Aksinya with a problem in math thinks to get Natalya's help, but then Aksinya hears the door to her room open and shut.  The door is slightly behind her over her left shoulder.  It is dark.  She is concentrating on a problem.  She had Natalya in her mind, like I just put Natalya in your mind.  So you hear next the bed creak.  Aksinya is so happy with Sacré Coeur, Natalya, and her life, she has forgotten.

Asmodeus announces himself.  She did indeed for get about him and so did you.