Today on Quantum Vibe: A matter of semantics Strip 703 - Click strip above to goto the next strip.
First Seen: Fri 2013-11-01
Story & Art: Scott Bieser - Colors: Zeke Bieser Sci-Fi Adventure Monday & Thursday.
Quantum Vibe
A thousand years in the future, humanity has colonized worlds in nearly
100 galaxies, thanks to Quantum Vibremonic technologies developed five
centuries earlier. Other new technologies have created various
off-shoots of humanity and extended life expectancies five-fold. The
story begins with how a mad scientist and his plucky assistant, along
with their robot friend, brought humanity to the stars, and continues
with the adventures of some unique people in fantastic places.
Panel 1
Exterior view of The Argosy flying through space.
Ringo (from ship): I hope you don't mind if I inquire about stories of pirate activity in this area, Captain?
Santos (from ship): Pirates? What Pirates? Don't listen to gossip, Senator.
Panel 2
At the Captain's table, Seamus is cajoling.
Seamus: Come now, Captain, I understand why the spaceliners would wish to keep such matters out of the public eye. But we're all adults here, and a long way from Terran space.
Seamus: You do have preparations made against an assault, yes?
Panel 3
Captain Santos lowers his head and speaks quietly.
Santos: Of course we have, do you take us for fools?
Seamus: No, but I would feel more secure if I knew what sort of defenses we have here.
Panel 4
Stockyard, Ringo and Seamus all lean towards Santos as he speaks.
Santos: I suppose I can trust you three.
Santos: We have four laser cannon in recessed mounts that can cover all angles of approach.
Santos: Five squads of combat 'bots you won't see unless they're called into action, in case we're boarded.
Panel 5
Stockyard and Ringo look uncomfortable.
Stockyard: Combat 'bots?
Ringo: I hope they can distinguish friend from foe.
Santos: Of course. They're not quite A.I.s but they're very sophisticated.
Panel 6
Seamus cocks an eyebrow as Santos explains.
Santos: They are linked to the ship's database, which includes biometrics of the crew complement and all of the passengers.
Santos: There is no chance of harming innocents.
Panel 7
Seamus smiles wryly at his own remark, but the others are not amused.
Seamus: 'Innocents' – I wonder if anyone aboard this ship is truly innocent.
Santos: Semantic games – you know what I mean, O'Murchadha.
Panel 8
Seamus grins an evil grin, and now the others look genuinely worried/confused.
Seamus: Don't under-estimate semantics, Captain Santos.
Seamus: The proper application of semantics, under the right circumstances, can change everything.