The Bounceabout is the crew’s nickname for exploration ship XP-13. Why? Well, to explain that I need to explain a bit about how faster-than-light travel works in my universe.
I know, it’s not really possible to go faster than the speed of light. But how do you have an interstellar plot if you cannot assume simultaneity, which is ruled out by relativity? So I am making the following assumptions:
1. Electromagnetic radiation does indeed travel at the speed of light.
2. Esper talents (telepathy, telekinesis, levitation, teleportation) are instantaneous, as are their mechanical versions such as sub-light communications and jump gates. However, they are subject to distance limitations.
3. Interstellar travel is accomplished via “jump points” (you can call them wormholes if you prefer) which can be flagged with sub-light beacons. Transit between two jump-points is reasonably smooth if the exact positions of both are known.
4. Unflagged jump points can be detected via electromagnetic radiation, but of course if a jump-point is five light-years away, what you will detect is where the jump-point was five years ago. Transition to an unflagged jump point (location not precise) is (a) rough and (b) tends to do strange things to artificial gravity fields and force fields. As a result of this, exploratory jumps are taken in free fall with all people on board physically webbed into place – and they need to be!
The practical result is that while travel within the known parts of the Confederation is fast and reliable, the expansion of the Confederation, depending on exploration, is slow and the Confederation itself has a very strange shape.
In Homecoming, even Lai quickly comes to call the XP-13 the Bounceabout!
I’m doing my A to Z blogs from my books, both characters and background information. For characters I’ll introduce them quickly, say what point of time they’re talking from since their situations change drastically through the books, and let them talk. Background information will vary according to what I’m talking about. All of these blogs will be scheduled to go live just after midnight Alaska time.
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'Homecoming' Blog 
I like the idea of naming a ship the bounceabout. I conjures up images of a tennis ball and sounds a bit like something Douglas Adams would come up with. Great post.
It’s not officially named the Bouceabout, that’s just what everybody on board calls it. Except Zhaim, but his name couldn’t go in a g-rated blog.
What intriguing and original concepts – great post.
Well, since I used to teach physics, I had to work out something for faster than light travel that at least sounded reasonable. Stop by to find out more about the Confederation.
I’m with Jess. Great name. Like you theme, too!
With characters like Zhaim and Xazhar, how could I not use them?
Esper talents include all those I like. The cover of your book is really nice and the concepts appealing. Good!
Father Dragon Writes
I’ve tried to make esper talents adhere to the conservation laws of physics.
I like your scientific thinking.
30 years on the physics faculty is hard to shake off.