Thursday, August 28, 2014

Have nanites caused science-fiction to cross into fantasy? (part 4)


We were careful in our design of the Solar Echoes universe to limit the capabilities of nanites because of our concern that they could become a form of “magic,” which would result in a trend towards fantasy and not science fiction. We introduce nanites with this simple statement: “Nanites, while unable to create matter, may coordinate themselves into solid objects or assist in healing.” This sets up the boundaries immediately. In the Solar Echoes universe, nanites have been developed by the military to be useful on the battlefield. One such application is the nanite hedge, where nanites released from a small container will form an interlocking wall of filaments similar to steel wool. This wall of nanites can be used for instant cover, blocking sight and ranged attacks. Another military use of nanites in Solar Echoes is the nanite razor swarm, where a cloud of flying nanites can move and cut anyone caught within the swarm. Nanite swarms can also be used to obscure sight and slow the movement of opponents.

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