This story is set fifty thousand years after the fall of the First Empire. (p. 202) That Empire begins some time after the Third Dark Ages which in turn begin in 3200. (p. 218)
We are invited to imagine a very different Galactic periphery after the events of "The Chapter Ends." The comparatively few human beings that had remained in the Sirius Sector of the Galaxy after the fall of the First Empire were scattered through hundreds of planetary systems, including those of Sol, Alpha Centauri, Procyon and Sirius. However, all of these populations will soon be evacuated to join the human quadrillions and their non-human allies in:
"'...the great star-clusters of Galactic center.'" (p. 201)
The periphery will be occupied by the Hulduvians, inhabitants of gas giant plants like Jupiter and Saturn, who, centuries hence, will colonize such planets in the Solar System. Hulduvian brains utilize cosmic energies in a way that differs from and interferes with the way that artificially adapted human brains utilize those same energies. Hulduvians, propelling themselves across interstellar space without needing spaceships, will arrive in the Solar System but will have no need for any of the inner planets. On Earth, the ruined towers of Sol City and the City Hall, market square and fountain with its statue of a dancing girl in Solis Township will continue to crumble. Also crumbling will be the long dead body of the one old man who had refused to leave.
Try to imagine such a Galactic periphery - although we would not be able to visit it.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
And I simply don't believe such a fantastic premise, humans and Hulduvians being able to travel FTL merely by a mental effort. "The Chapter Ends" is best read, and enjoyed, as scientifantasy, not science fiction.
Ad astra! Sean
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