Hidden Sci Fi
Pan has some wonderful Science Fiction novels and reference books, but just like the moons of Jupiter that one can only view with a telescope, Pan has some well hidden, but very remarkable original science fiction, if you know the coordinates.
The
most fertile ground for new novels, is Shortcuts, where anyone can create a story
and watch it blossom. Two such people are The Heretic and Nephologia Roca,
the
originators of SKAEL.
In Neph's own words, "We decided we wanted to write in a novel that had its innovative genesis in the authors' ideas, rather than further a story based on pre-conceived media, such as contemporary movies, television series, video-games and published novels. What was born of that desire, is SKAEL: Flock Of The Shepherd's Moon." From that idea has grown a story that is rich in detail, complete with it's own vocabulary, that is both compelling and thought provoking. Like a movie that you see more every time you watch it, SKAEL unfolds before the reader in complex layers, providing intriguing and intelligent entertainment.
Neph explains the appeal of SKAEL, as "There's so much potential for additional character play, because of the numerous castes within each of the several sentient species co-existing on SKAEL, and as will be made apparent, if not yet clear, there are abundant occupations (some odd, true!) and affiliations to explore. SKAEL's unfamiliar planetary setting affords writers both the liberty and the challenge of molding creative psychological and physical existences (flora, fauna, societal structure) nearly from scratch, bearing in mind communications about the originators' vision for SKAEL. Those of us already involved with SKAEL are falling in love with its hidden histories and gradually unveiling astronomy/astrology."
What kind of writers are behind such a vision? "The Heretic? He's the "Harbinger of imagination made manifest", in his own words! He has the most morbid visions of anyone I know, but they're terrific food for our collaborations. And me, Neph? I'm kind of a Dreamcatcher; or as my name (Nephologia) suggests, an "observer of the Nimbus", who in mythology, is a protector of Gods."
One gets the impression from reading that there are many nuances to and paths to explore, providing unlimited growth potential. Perhaps someday soon, SKAEL will leap from the pages of Shortcuts, and find it's own corner of the universe to grow and develop it's culture.
However, short cuts was not the only novel to hold a hidden ongoing science fiction story. For five months, Tempest's Sanctuary has held a tale of a living ship, and the creatures who call him home. Terran and alien, Aga has rescued many, hidden a few, offered passage or safe harbor, and even hired those unique and desperate souls who consider Agamimnon to be a friend and a sanctuary. They have endured boarding parties, alien red dwarf arachnoid spiders, and now even an alien creature infesting the captain.
The Voyage
Within started over a year and a half ago, back on Community Zero (CZ) with only two characters. In that time, it grew to encompass many who dream of the stars, and traveled to Pan with the Great Migration from CZ. Five months later, it threatened to burst it's boundaries, and a new novel was born. Expanded to encompass a whole galaxy, The Voyage Within now contains multiple location threads to hold not only Agamimnon and his crew, but also as many different ships as space can hold. There is also the Cantina, or the Tavern at the End of the Universe in the storyboards outside of normal space, to socialize and have a drink while watching the band. From it's humble beginnings, this is one of the success stories of Pan.
Another ongoing success in Pan is Paper Ships, dedicated to the art of writing.
Each member has their own folder and there are some hidden gems there of many
genres. However, for those with starry eyes, Paper Ships posted one of their
well known writing assignments dedicated to Science Fiction, and several original works reside there. Will you come see what lies within?
A second reference book also has some member written science fiction of note.
Poetic Joy has both a Science Fiction topic, as well as a poetry assignment inspired by the genre. Several pieces there crave exploration, teasing with tantalizing titles.
Whether you want to read sci-fi, or post a piece of your own, many worlds await you. Set your coordinates and explore the stars! |
