Concepts in the Continuing Time Daniel Keys Moran

1 concepts in continuing time

1.1 crystal wind
1.2 images
1.3 living flame
1.4 great wheel of existence

concepts in continuing time

daniel keys moran’s continuing time stories cover abnormally large number of standard sf/f themes , story devices. there multiple universes, time travel, cyberpunk, alien invasions, martial arts, dance, paganism, politics of world government, interesting twist on non-violent protest, , number of everyday technologies unheard of in 1985 surprisingly common today.

the crystal wind

this fanciful name virtual space created global network of interconnected computers moran’s extrapolation of internet become. aside everyday uses in stories provides environment in , evil can battle. surprisingly, significant battle in series fight against excessive governmental control of fundamental quasi-public space.

as part of moran’s description of how ubiquitously available internet affect society (the long run, 1989), introduced concept of internet addiction disorder, called “data-starve”.

images

characters have significant presence in crystal wind called players, 1 such ‘trent uncatchable’ in long run. when players ‘dance’ in crystal wind can incur wrath of authorities, corporate entities, or other denizens of crystal wind. competent players craft image use interact virtual world. image set of customized code player builds , improves on time. primary tasks filter overwhelming amount of available data understandable information, , put effect (through complex technical means) wishes of player. in way, player automates of slow human search, analysis, actions , reactions faster using suitably advanced image algorithms , hardware, while concealing true identity authorities. in effect, player creates computer version of requires occasional input slower more complex human.

prior beginning of stories, aforementioned trent character spent years developing image called ‘ralf wise , powerful’. juvenile nature of name reflects trent s youth not yet teenager @ time. events in stories unfold, seemingly minor point when eleven-year-old trent forced circumstance abandon image code in net. trent s impressive capabilities confirmed fact image sophisticated enough make leap (with assistance) becoming full sentient ai. trent’s image online representation of skills, outlook, ethics , morals. independent being ralf closely adheres origins, , acts support trent in efforts serve greater according pacifistic moral code. should pointed out trent character portrayed exceptional player, perhaps best ever. after leaving ralf wise , powerful , trent created (and later semi-merged with) johnny johnny .

the living flame

a force of life can brought down mundane world gifted individuals, through dancing. of recent stories unknown effects flame has apart giving witnesses deep feeling of spirituality. denice castanaveras is, of end of last dancer person alive knows how invoke flame.

the great wheel of existence

the foundation of reality, holds different timelines together. in middle of wheel, there entity known chained 1 works wheel s source of power.