Showing posts with label space. Show all posts
Showing posts with label space. Show all posts
Monday, July 30, 2018
Would you live on a space station? - by Vijaya Schartz
Imagine debarking from a spaceship into a vast array of wide corridors like an airport terminal. Except that the entryway seals are hermetic, and the side windows show black space, with spaceships anchored to the giant circular wheel encircling the space station, like the rings of a planet. The station floats in space, orbiting a small planet. Or it could be in the wide orbit of a faraway sun. The station, built and expanded over centuries, would be made of many different parts, some older, others brand new. Size is irrelevant in space. It can be as big as needed.
First, you would notice the lighter gravity. You might even get sick. If you spent much time in space, it would be familiar, but if you came from a heavy world like Earth, the change would be noticeable. You would probably grow taller over time, as gravity doesn't pull you down as much, but your bones might grow lighter and weaker.
Hundreds of thousands could live there. Even millions. They would have room for growing food without dirt in hydroponic tubs, they would manufacture artificial meat in labs, without raising animals, and they would make their own water and their own oxygen. The complex would function like a large city, not bound by the planetary cycles of day and night... although they may want to create a semblance of circadian rhythm for the comfort of their visitors and inhabitants.
The station could be a port for trading goods, with commercial docks and cranes to load and unload large containers from ships to dock and vice-versa. It could also be a pleasure destination. I imagine a Vegas type of atmosphere, with entertainment, gambling dens, spas, shopping, restaurants, and all the luxuries we imagine in the future, like cyber-pleasures... the legal and the illegal kinds. I personally like the idea of sex robots.
By the time we get to that level of sophistication, we may have made contact with other space-faring races, and that might bring diversity (and possibly discrimination) into our advanced society.
Such a place would need tight security. Space is not the safest place. There would be corruption, gangs, drugs, terrorism, and individuals striving for control. Delinquents would be detained in jail-like areas. There might even be a prison, but who needs metal bars when a clear titanium pane can do the trick?
At the core of the structure, would be a reactor to generate the energy needed to keep that city in space running smoothly. As we know, reactors can become unstable. More fodder for future stories.
But what would happen to those forgotten by the system? Orphans growing on the fringe of the affluent society, escapees, and stowaways might be reduced to hide in disaffected parts of the station and form their own society. They might steal in order to survive. So far from central power (and from the overseeing authority), such a community might recourse to shortcuts, unethical practices, and oppression of the underprivileged.
As you see, the world of tomorrow may not be so different from ours, because no matter how many advances we make in science, health, and space exploration, human nature doesn't change that much.
It's all about survival, and the balance of good and evil. And that controversy will not soon be resolved, so there is plenty of fodder for upcoming science fiction novels.
In the meantime, you can learn more about life on a space station by reading the Azura Chronicles. Book 1, ANGEL MINE is already out and Fianna, my heroine, is a bounty hunter. But she was born on the Byzantium-5 space station, orphaned as a teenager, then survived with the protection of a violent gang, the Dragon Squad.
What in the frozen hells of Laxxar prompted Fianna to pursue her quarry to this forbidden blue planet? Well, she needs the credits... badly. But as if crashing in the jungle wasn't bad enough, none of her high-tech weapons work. She'll have to go native, after the most wanted felon in five galaxies. It's not just her job. It's personal.
Acielon has never seen an outworlder like this fascinating female, strangely beautiful, and fierce, like the feline predator loping at her side. He always dreamed of exploring the universe, despite the legends... and the interdiction. Is it truly a hellish place of violence, lies and suffering? If it spawned this intriguing creature, it must also be a place of wonders, adventure and excitement.
Fianna's instincts tell her someone is watching. Sheba, her telepathic feline partner, doesn't seem worried... yet, something on Azura isn't quite right.
HAPPY READING
Vijaya Schartz, author
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Click to Vijaya's page on AMAZON - B&N - smashWords - KOBO
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| This is how I imagine Byzantium-5, the space station featured in the Azura Chronicles |
First, you would notice the lighter gravity. You might even get sick. If you spent much time in space, it would be familiar, but if you came from a heavy world like Earth, the change would be noticeable. You would probably grow taller over time, as gravity doesn't pull you down as much, but your bones might grow lighter and weaker.
 |
| Hundreds of miles of corridors in a wide circle around the core. Fortunately, there are also levitating cars and carts to carry the luggage. |
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| Parks and gardens would provide oxygen and relaxation |
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| Here the scale is misleading. The craft would be tiny as it approaches the behemoth of a station |
By the time we get to that level of sophistication, we may have made contact with other space-faring races, and that might bring diversity (and possibly discrimination) into our advanced society.
Such a place would need tight security. Space is not the safest place. There would be corruption, gangs, drugs, terrorism, and individuals striving for control. Delinquents would be detained in jail-like areas. There might even be a prison, but who needs metal bars when a clear titanium pane can do the trick?
 |
| Glass is not resistant enough and too breakable for these windows. I imagine they are made of transparent metal |
But what would happen to those forgotten by the system? Orphans growing on the fringe of the affluent society, escapees, and stowaways might be reduced to hide in disaffected parts of the station and form their own society. They might steal in order to survive. So far from central power (and from the overseeing authority), such a community might recourse to shortcuts, unethical practices, and oppression of the underprivileged.
 |
| Although this is a futuristic design for a train station, I imagine the style would fit a space station as well |
As you see, the world of tomorrow may not be so different from ours, because no matter how many advances we make in science, health, and space exploration, human nature doesn't change that much.
It's all about survival, and the balance of good and evil. And that controversy will not soon be resolved, so there is plenty of fodder for upcoming science fiction novels.
In the meantime, you can learn more about life on a space station by reading the Azura Chronicles. Book 1, ANGEL MINE is already out and Fianna, my heroine, is a bounty hunter. But she was born on the Byzantium-5 space station, orphaned as a teenager, then survived with the protection of a violent gang, the Dragon Squad.
Acielon has never seen an outworlder like this fascinating female, strangely beautiful, and fierce, like the feline predator loping at her side. He always dreamed of exploring the universe, despite the legends... and the interdiction. Is it truly a hellish place of violence, lies and suffering? If it spawned this intriguing creature, it must also be a place of wonders, adventure and excitement.
Fianna's instincts tell her someone is watching. Sheba, her telepathic feline partner, doesn't seem worried... yet, something on Azura isn't quite right.
HAPPY READING
Vijaya Schartz, author
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Click to Vijaya's page on AMAZON - B&N - smashWords - KOBO
Monday, May 11, 2015
HAVE WE ALREADY CONQUERED SPACE? by Vijaya Schartz
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| Alien base on the moon. NASA image Google |
If you believe the conspiracy theorists, since our first steps in space, we have discovered alien bases on the moon and later on Mars. Using reverse-engineered spacecrafts, we are making contact with other species, collaborating with aliens on top secret projects in secret US bases, in the name of science... even experimenting on fellow humans.
This would explain a lot of UFO sightings, abductions, animal mutilations, the men in black, our giant steps in new technology, and the $12,000 hammers and ridiculously expensive supplies purchased by the government over the past decades, as they served as a cover for the enormous amount of government funds diverted toward this top secret research.
According to same conspiracy theorists, we may have already mastered antigravity, cloaking technology, warp drive... wouldn't that be great? Of course, the governments of Earth aware of this collaboration remain silent on the topic, denying and debunking every witness reports, and rejecting questions with benign answers.
A sci-fi writer can only dream and speculate. For me, I like to think we are already in space. After all, in Stargate, the entire project was top secret and unknown to the public. It makes sense that if such a project existed, the governments would deny its existence.
Can you imagine
the world becoming what all these science fiction authors are predicting? While some authors paint a dark picture of our fictitious
future, I choose to present humanity with challenges they can ultimately handle and overcome... that's because I want a happy outcome. After all, my heroes and heroines do deserve to be happy in the end.
So, I choose to believe, and maybe, who knows, this will be the brainstorm starting point of my future sci-fi romance series. A writer's mind never stops speculating. My Ancient Enemy series is not so farfetched after all. Find all my books at: AMAZON - B&N - ARe - SMASHWORDS etc.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MY BOOKS AT HTTP://WWW.VIJAYASCHARTZ.COM
Monday, November 24, 2014
Kick-butt heroines of Sci-fi Romance by Vijaya Schartz
The wonderful thing about
writing science fiction heroines, is that they can truly be whatever I want
them to be. They don’t even need to be human. They take charge and operate
beyond petty gender discrimination, wielding the power of true freedom...
unless, of course, I blast an alien grenade into their sophisticated advanced
society. That’s always fun to do. After all, without conflict, there would be
no story.
But not all futuristic
societies are advanced. Sometimes civilization goes backward, my heroine is
whisked into a parallel universe (SNATCHED), alien intervention or human
warfare destroys dreams of freedom. Then my heroines must restore balance to
their world.
Sometimes they are hard core
military by choice, like Tia in Anaz-voohri or Zania in Snatched. Sometimes I
like to throw them into the fray against their will and watch them flounder and
cope, as I imagine the worst possible situations to defeat them. Of course,
among all these great qualities of strength and courage, they also have flaws
and weaknesses. They usually perform well under pressure... until I find their
breaking point. Even then, I still want to be them.
I love my kick-butt heroines.
Whether they wield a sword, like in the CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK SERIES, a
blaster, or a bazooka, like in the ANCIENT ENEMY series, they confront their
fears with courage, and after much suffering, they usually save the day... or
the man they love, like in ALIEN LOCKDOWN.
Fiction reveals the writer’s
soul. We usually write about what we know. Like my futuristic heroines, I’m a
meditator, a fighter, a former gymnast, a skydiver, and a Martial Arts black
belt (Aikido). I love Japanese swords and learned how to use them. I believe
that even in future warfare, there will be a place for sharp blades. If an EMP
(electromagnetic pulse) or a solar flare renders all electronics useless, say
goodbye to your fancy weaponry. My heroines can still rely on a length of good
steel.
No sniggering, erotica
readers. The blade is meant to slay whatever soldier, tiger, or alien demon
wants to ruin the day. Of course, there are sizzling love scenes in my books as
well. My heroines do deserve their rewards. But I prefer to avoid dubious
metaphors.
You can find all my titles in
eBooks mostly everywhere in most formats. I also have a few available in print.
Some are out of print and only available used. More print books are coming out
soon. Find my titles on:
Here are a few titles to
consider:
KICKING
BOTS - Ancient Enemy Book Three
Dr.
Melissa Campbell, head researcher at the San Francisco Center for Disease
Control, asks an eminent colleague for help to protect her precious vaccine,
one that could end the deadly alien plague. She didn't expect to get a crazy
renegade like Bennett Sevastian for a bodyguard. She hates military types, and this
genetically enhanced super-soldier is pure testosterone, hot-headed,
quick-tempered, impulsive, impatient, and downright impossible. But these are
dangerous times with riots in the streets, and rumors of alien invasion. In a
breathless race against time, experience the decisive battle for humankind, one
that will decide whether Earth belongs to humanity, or to a powerful alien
race...
“As
always, Ms. Schartz's dialogue is believable and authentic and her characters
hero-worthy. I loved Melissa's smarts, compassion, and daring... a veritable
thrill-ride, with some twists and turns... exciting, suspense… an unpredictable
path that so engrossed me, I found it hard to put the book down. Great ending
to a great series!” 4.5 lips - Two Lips Reviews
"Begins with a
bang and keeps the fireworks coming. As much as Melissa and Bennett try to
fight their feelings for each other, it is too strong for them to deny..."
Sensual Reads - 4.5 stars - Sultry
"... Bennett.
Sexy, balls to the walls Bennett. Ladies man, his own military militia and a
devilish sense of humor. A sensational and fantastical alternate universe,
painted and laid out for me with every wondrous word. I really enjoyed every
lie and betrayal, every scary new path on their journey to get to the truth and
save the world as they know it." Book Junkie
"I
really enjoyed this book. Even though I hadn't read the previous two... I have
always been interested in the mysterious disappearance of the Anasazi and this
story nicely filled in the blanks... exceptionally well written. I am
definitely going to have to find the previous books and check them out as
well." - The Romance Studio - 5 hearts - very sensual.
SNATCHED
Snatched from
a post‑apocalyptic battlefield by galactic traders, Zania is sold to a
clandestine ring of fighting Amazons, on a planet lush with green jungles and
teeming with deadly felines. She resents the gorgeous and overzealous Viking
champion, Svend, who saves her life but too easily accepts slavery. Adulated by
a woman who claims to know her, hated by the jealous Amazon queen who fancies
Svend, Zania seeks escape...
But Svend
knows the price of rebellion, and on this seemingly peaceful planet, ruled and
defended by machines, nothing is what it seems, not even Zania herself... Among
the rumbles of a volcano threatening to explode, an insurrection is brewing,
and no one is safe...
"...plot twists too numerous to
list... Alternate Earths... Zania and Svend fight for their lives... spurned
lovers... volcano... Can they find happiness when their world is coming
apart?" - Sensual Reads - Sultry - 4.5 stars
"Brimming with action from the first page... ripe
with hidden agendas, evil villains, toothy tigers, brave heroes, and cowardly
sneaks. Oh! And do not forget, exploding volcanoes. A well-scripted
adventure... thrills and chills on each new page... a diverse array of
characters endowed with personality and pizzazz. Pick it up and prepare to be
swept away in an escapade of intense science fiction excitement." -
Laurie, Coffee Time Romance - 4 cups
"I loved this book... a great
Sci-Fi Romance... action packed... mysteries and surprises everywhere... keep
you wanting to continue reading to find out what happens... Even if you do not
read much Sci-Fi romance, I would recommend this story... filled with
characters you love and hate... will leave you satisfied in the end." -
Paranormal romance Reviews
ALIEN
LOCKDOWN:
the year is 3033, and deep in
the bowels of the underground galactic prison, something has gone terribly
wrong. Rhonda Alendresis never wanted this prison job. When the civilians
vanish and an earthquake damages the nuclear reactor, she must go down to
repair it with Captain Perfect himself, Cole Riggeur, who always plays by the
rules and never trusted a woman in his life. But deep in the underground
penitentiary, the most wicked convicts in the Galaxy are loose, and a
treacherous shape-shifter plans his revenge. Disconnected from the Garrison,
against impossible odds, Cole and Rhonda now face their greatest challenge...
trusting each other in order to survive.
REVIEWS:
"The action
reminded me of an INDIANA JONES movie and the romance was equally
intense."
- Paranormal Romance Reviews
"...the fantastic anticipation only a ticking bomb can generate, I was enthralled from page one" - Ecataromance
"...suspenseful, gripping saga of survival, betrayal, and hope...the resourcefulness and courage that occurs when a person refuses to admit defeat and die." - Fallen Angel Reviews - 5 angels
"...the fantastic anticipation only a ticking bomb can generate, I was enthralled from page one" - Ecataromance
"...suspenseful, gripping saga of survival, betrayal, and hope...the resourcefulness and courage that occurs when a person refuses to admit defeat and die." - Fallen Angel Reviews - 5 angels
Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance
with a Kick
Monday, August 4, 2014
Futuristic Archangel by Vijaya Schartz - 99cts until 8-7
 |
| 99cts in kindle http://amzn.com/B004HO69RS |
"...relationships, angels, aliens and seduction... even Satanism... kept this reviewer riveted... you won't want to put it down... superior... enthralls, and, at the same time, awakens!" Richard Fuller, Metaphysical Reviews
"A mighty fine tale primed to read through in one sitting."
Curled Up With a Good Book - 5 stars
"engaging, fast-paced... harmonious mix of enticing story where real people do extraordinary things. Humorous, hopeful, fluid and entertaining, often droll dialogue. Marvelous tale of good and evil." The Charlotte Austin Review - 5 stars
"Lavishly described, expertly written with stirring descriptions that take one's breath away... a solidly absorbing, old-fashioned science fiction novel of good and evil, yes and no, the one and the many." The Book Reader
 | |
| Checkmate $2.99 in kindle http://amzn.com/B004KKY6CY |
The other book in this series of two, is Checkmate, where the same characters fight evil anew a few years later.
HAPPY READING!
Vijaya Schartz
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/vijaya-schartz
FB: https://www.facebook.com/vijaya.schartz
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vijayaschartz
Friday, March 21, 2014
Did You Ever Wonder
Once upon a time, a long time ago, I took an art history. One of the things that stuck with me was the impact technology had on art. Before photography, artists tried to meticulously recreate the world the saw. Afterwards, artists created the impression of what they saw.
It was a subtle shift, yet it gave birth to the many incarnations of modern art.
Now computers are changing the photography.
What will happen to art when we have interactive holograms and virtual reality?
What form will future art take? Will retro art have supporters or will everything be electronic and subject to anniliation by a stray solar flare? Would museums still exist? Would artists?
It's a silly question really. Humans will always interpret the world around them. And I strongly believe art is encoded in our DNA. I just hope I live long enough to visit a virtual Louvre or Tate.
It was a subtle shift, yet it gave birth to the many incarnations of modern art.
Now computers are changing the photography.
What will happen to art when we have interactive holograms and virtual reality?
What form will future art take? Will retro art have supporters or will everything be electronic and subject to anniliation by a stray solar flare? Would museums still exist? Would artists?
It's a silly question really. Humans will always interpret the world around them. And I strongly believe art is encoded in our DNA. I just hope I live long enough to visit a virtual Louvre or Tate.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Celebrate!
As we on Earth are sliding into the holiday season, my thoughts naturally turn to space. There's no doubt in my mind that when we look to establish bases beyond our planet we will bring with us our traditions.
You know what I'm talking about. That's right. The important thing.
The food.
Naturally we will bring with us seeds of our future but also as likely we will have to improvise as our seeds may not take. Which leads us to some potentially interesting plot twists. Remember those aliens that got drunk on milk? I'm sure some folks might claim that after imbibing in too much eggnog now:) Imagine if the alien substitute for yams caused the same thing. Or, for those who like a little holiday chaos, what if it mimicked ergot poisoning?
One thing is for sure, like space, the possibilities are limitless.
So I raise my glass of shoggerflost before digging into a helping of candied fizzigest, "Have a safe and wonderful holiday Eason and happy writing!"
You know what I'm talking about. That's right. The important thing.
The food.
Naturally we will bring with us seeds of our future but also as likely we will have to improvise as our seeds may not take. Which leads us to some potentially interesting plot twists. Remember those aliens that got drunk on milk? I'm sure some folks might claim that after imbibing in too much eggnog now:) Imagine if the alien substitute for yams caused the same thing. Or, for those who like a little holiday chaos, what if it mimicked ergot poisoning?
One thing is for sure, like space, the possibilities are limitless.
So I raise my glass of shoggerflost before digging into a helping of candied fizzigest, "Have a safe and wonderful holiday Eason and happy writing!"
Monday, September 2, 2013
NEW RELEASE: BOREALIS IX - AKIRA'S CHOICE - Vijaya Schartz
AKIRA'S CHOICE
Borealis IX
by Vijaya Schartz
kindle:
Nook:
AKIRA'S CHOICE, the 9th novella in the Borealis futuristic series, is out. It's a sweet futuristic romance full of action and adventure, set on the Borealis Space station. If you like kick-butt heroines, this one is a Samurai bounty hunter with a cheetah. As for the hero, he is a gorgeous rebel with a heart.
When bounty hunter Akira Karyudo accepted her assignment, something didn't add up. Why would the TPP want a kidnapped orphan dead or alive?
She will get to the truth once she finds the boy, and the no good SOB who snatched him from a psychiatric hospital. With her cheetah, Freckles, a genetically enhanced feline retriever, Akira sets out to flush them out of the bowels of the BOREALIS space station. But when she finds her fugitives, the kidnapper is not what she expects.
Markku, a decorated rebel soldier, stole his nephew from the authorities, who performed painful experiments on the boy. Stuck on Borealis, he protects the child, but how can he shield him from the horribly dangerous conditions in the lawless sublevels of the decrepit space station?
Akira faces the worst moral dilemma of her career. Law or justice, duty or love. She can't have it both ways.
EXCERPT:
Two thugs stalked away to follow the cheetah.
"Go after that cat and you're dead!" The strong baritone voice came from a tall man aiming a blaster at the two hoodlums.
He stepped out of the shadows, in full paramilitary gear. His left hand held a long knife. He sidled toward Akira, circling the thugs, who started to retreat at the sight of his blaster.
"Mind your own business." Akira didn't appreciate unwanted help.
The man stepped closer. "These goons know nothing about civilized rules of fighting. They want your body, your hide, your cat for its meat, and your armor and weapons."
"I know that." Who did this man think she was? A neophyte? "There is no honor in killing defenseless creatures."
"There is no honor in this place." His gaze skimmed the sorry lot holding an assortment of blades and clubs, some with protruding metal spikes. "Believe me, they are far from defenseless."
The thugs kept their distance from the blaster aimed at them, but they did not retreat.
"Still. I refuse to kill if there is another way." None of those rejects would threaten her individually, but their number could present a challenge. As more joined the group, she counted two dozen.
The louts glanced at one another with indecision. At least, they understood the warning. She was trained and dangerous. Not to be trifled with. They widened their half circle in front of her, still hesitating, but they held their ground. Chikusho.
In a few long steps, the stranger joined her side. From his walk and the way he held his weapons, she could tell he had military training. He didn't look like a TPP soldier, though. Something wild lurked in his clear blue gaze. A free thinker. A bounty hunter like her? Or perhaps a rebel?
"You look like you could use some help."
"Do I?" Unbelievable. "Why should I trust you?" She couldn't help the derision in her voice. "For all I know, you could be their leader, luring me into a trap."
He chuckled and shook his head. "I'm not one of them, and you are in more trouble than you know."
"Get out of my way." Akira clicked open the metal claws of her forearm braces then unsheathed a titanium short sword and adopted a defensive stance. "I work alone."
He laughed. "And I'm telling you, this is no place for a warrior from a distant past. Especially, one who cares about something as futile as honor."
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