In the library of the Peregrine, Trevelyan Micah reads the history of the Nomad ships which begins with the memoirs of the founding captain, Thorkild Erling, who was the first person narrator of "Gypsy," set three hundred years earlier. Thus, Trevelyan reads the text of "Gypsy," which was first published in Astounding Science Fiction in 1950 and which we read in The Complete Psychotechnic League, Volume 2. An earlier episode of a future history series is history in a later episode.
Trevelyan senses the glamor of the first years but also Thorkild's later disappointment as Nomad society diverged from what he had imagined but what had he imagined? Had he expected just to roam on forever as "Gypsy" suggests - round the galaxy or out of it?
A Nomad ship is self-sustaining with its hydroponics and synthesized food and vitamins. Trade with planets is "...easier and more rewarding..." (p. 94) although not essential. Nomadism continues because enough Nomads still enjoy forever roaming even though their journeys have become confined to known trade routes.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
It was probably that "routinzing" of Nomad life which disappointed Thorkild Erling. Well, what did he expect? That Nomadic life and culture would somehow transcend the dull ordinariness of everyday life?
Ad astra! Sean
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