The Gadgets in Paradise 21
Every science fiction book has technological gadgets that do crazy things we only wish we could do in the real world. I had a lot of fun making up the following devices for Paradise 21. Every tool I used furthers the plot in some way, so it’s more than just a bunch of scientific nonsense!
Locators- Integral to the plot, locaters are tracking devices embedded in everyone’s arm on The New Dawn. Locators can be turned off when you eject the energy cell, but to remove it completely risks setting off an alarm. Lieutenant Barliss uses this device to find Aries once she escapes and crash lands on Paradise 21. Ironically, Striker uses Aries’ locator to find the coordinates of The New Dawn in order to get her back.
Ultrasonic tranquilizer ray- Lieutenant Barliss takes this weapon with him to Sahara 354 in hope of using it on Aries. One blast from an ultrasonic tranquilizer ray can knock the target out for days. This weapon employs basic ultrasonic principles. Ultrasonication generates alternating low-pressure and high-pressure waves in liquids, leading to the formation and violent collapse of small vacuum bubbles. This emits a shockwave which tranquilizes the target instantly.
Flurometric pliers- An instrument for detecting and measuring fluorescence, and removing certain particles within that spectrum. Striker uses this instrument to dislodge Aries’ locator. It’s not easy, but he’s the ultimate handy man.
A really neat website that can generate a bunch of science fiction names is Seventh Sanctum.
http://www.seventhsanctum.com
If you could design your own science fiction device, what would it be, and what would it do?
The inside of the pod rattled. Lifers never used or maintained the flight pods, so she felt lucky the one she’d chosen worked at all. Would the metal skin on this pod hold together as she entered an alien atmosphere? She could either take the risk, or circle this planet until the New Dawn came back to get her–the New Dawn with Lieutenant Barliss aboard. Holding her breath, Aries activated the final landing sequence. Even if the descent killed her, she’d rather perish on an alien planet than complete her ceremonial obligations.
The restraining bar of her chair shook violently, and she lost feeling in her arms. The air boiled in the small compartment, and her face burned. If she didn’t disintegrate, then her head would burst from the pressure. Tears flicked backward from her eyes while she held on, gritting her teeth. An alarm sounded, reminding her to release the parachute. She tried to move, but the force of gravity glued her hand to the armrest, stretching her skin taut. After counting to three, she took a breath and grunted as she yanked her arm up and pressed the touchscreen, hoping the chute would work.
A bright flash of light blinded her, and splotches exploded under her eyelids. The pod hit the ground, and her world went black.
Aubrie Dionne is an author and flutist in New England. After reaching a high point in her flutist career Aubrie decided to pursue other creative passions.
“I’d always loved writing and reading fantasy/sci fi books ever since I was little but I always pushed it aside for flute. I felt like I needed to explore more of my interests in life. Ever since I started writing, I couldn’t stop! I use what I’ve learned about craft, diligence, structure, from my flute playing. It’s exciting to start a new discipline and have no idea where my boundaries are: how far I can go with it, how good I can get.”
Aubrie is represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. Her short stories have been featured in Mindflights, Niteblade, Silver Blade, Emerald Tales, Aurora Wolf, A Fly in Amer, Moon Drenched Fables and various anthologies.
Her books are published by Entangled Publishing, Lyrical Press, Gypsy Shadow Publishing, and Wyvern Publications.
Aubrie’s Website
Aubrie Dionne is an author and flutist in New England. After reaching a high point in her flutist career Aubrie decided to pursue other creative passions.
“I’d always loved writing and reading fantasy/sci fi books ever since I was little but I always pushed it aside for flute. I felt like I needed to explore more of my interests in life. Ever since I started writing, I couldn’t stop! I use what I’ve learned about craft, diligence, structure, from my flute playing. It’s exciting to start a new discipline and have no idea where my boundaries are: how far I can go with it, how good I can get.”
Aubrie is represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. Her short stories have been featured in Mindflights, Niteblade, Silver Blade, Emerald Tales, Aurora Wolf, A Fly in Amer, Moon Drenched Fables and various anthologies.
Her books are published by Entangled Publishing, Lyrical Press, Gypsy Shadow Publishing, and Wyvern Publications.
Aubrie’s Website
Aries has lived her entire life aboard mankind’s last hope, the New Dawn, a spaceship traveling toward a planet where humanity can begin anew—a planet that won’t be reached in Aries’ lifetime. As one of the last genetically desirable women in the universe, she must marry her designated genetic match and produce the next generation for this centuries-long voyage.
But Aries has other plans.
When her desperate escape from the New Dawn strands her on a desert planet, Aries discovers the rumors about pirates—humans who escaped Earth before its demise—are true. Handsome, genetically imperfect Striker possesses the freedom Aries envies, and the two connect on a level she never thought possible. But pursued by her match from above and hunted by the planet’s native inhabitants, Aries quickly learns her freedom will come at a hefty price.
The life of the man she loves.
Thanks for stopping by, Aubrey, it was a pleasure to have you here. Come back again sometime!
Have any questions or comments for Aubrey? Feel free to ask, she'd love to hear them!
Until next time, take care!
♥ Julie
Have any questions or comments for Aubrey? Feel free to ask, she'd love to hear them!
Until next time, take care!
♥ Julie
Thanks for hosting me, Julie! Hope you had a fantastic holiday.
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