Stardate...
"The image showed date and time in one corner." (p. 62)
"The screen blinked, the time indicated was half an hour later..." (ibid.)
"The screen blinked. The time displayed was two and a half standard days later." (p. 65)
Poul Anderson does not tell us any of these dates. We gather that, in FLAG, human interstellar civilization uses standard days and hours. If these scenes in FLAG were to be dramatized, then the screen on the screen would have to display some changing dates and times. They might be expressed in post-Arabic numerals although that is unlikely a mere thousand years in our future. In fact, if anyone can think of a way to improve on Arabic numerals, then I would be very interested to hear about it.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
While I will look up your link to "post-Arabic numerals," I find it hard to see how any number system can or will replace the numbers invented by some forgotten genius in India.
Also, I don't see our AD/BC era dating system being replaced any time soon--unless Western civilization is destroyed or conquered by non-Christians rejecting the faith which had so dominantly shaped our culture.
Sean
Post a Comment