This one was definitely worth the re-read. Although as part of the Night Watch Illuminati, I have had a little more time to think about the story than most of you.
<br>I'm only
former Illuminati--(What's the proper term for that? Disavowed? Fallen? I got it! The correct label for an ex-Illuminati would be...
Shark Bait.:-X)--Anyway, I think perhaps your knowledge of upcoming events may have helped you through. I've read it 3 times now, and still don't see it.<br><br>
As for the story, it was wonderfully complex and full of very cool tech stuff. My physics background is nuclear, but I've always loved the intricacies and counterintuitive realities of orbital mechanics. Put it this way. . .in free fall. . .you have to speed up to slow down. And Jeff did a bang-up job at making the whole experience feel right.
<br>I'll go with you there. When somebody starts inputting Verb 37 or Noun 13 (or whichever), I can't help but picture an Apollo computer panel. The going into space plotline was good, and I liked it. <br><br>However, without a more obvious connection, I kept wondering why I was reading it, and that blew my suspension of disbelief. Moreover, I thought the Simon plotline, even though it started off hot, couldn't sustain it's own momentum. To me, it felt like it sputtered and dragged until the end, as if it was only there to drop those hints at the end.<br><br>Interesting notes on the solid fuel boosters. I never would have thought of that. (Yes, that's a compliment. Even I have weak moments.;))<br><br>
I do wonder whether Doctor Simmons actually works for S.E.T.I., seems that would make her too highly visible and accessible now that Prometheus is 'out of the bag.' Stephanie Keel could be reading her email and using her eBay account before lunch.
<br>Perhaps now, Stephanie will be, but Simmons was so brash about it, I'd suspect that she will be professionally untraceable, or that it's a trap. However, I have to side with Jeff on this one. What better way to keep their communications secret than to be a grumpy SETI expert, explaining away every misplaced tidbit as background noise or some new satellite. I'd believe her.<br><br>Nate