(urth) Faterh Inire Theory cont.

[Gerry Quinn]

From: "David Stockhoff" <dstockhoff at verizon.net>


>I remember that now. Yes, the painted ceiling is not in a starship. Thanks.

Why not?  Must starships always have bare, metallic ceilings?

It could be that some starship captains prefer a more ornate decorative 
style.  What sort of image would they choose?  Well, if one were travelling 
on long voyages away from Urth, why not something that would remind homesick 
sailors of their home?  Clouds and birds, perhaps.  Clouds and birds on an 
Urthly ceiling would be a little pointless after all, when one can just go 
outside and see the real thing.  One might argue that the clouds and birds 
are therefore actually a hint that the ceiling is that of a starship!

Or maybe the clouds could refer to the name of the ship:  the Fortunate 
Cloud.

- Gerry Quinn


> On 12/11/2010 3:12 PM, Jerry Friedman wrote:
>> *From:* Gerry Quinn <gerryq at indigo.ie>
>> **
>> > From: "David Stockhoff" <dstockhoff at verizon.net
>> <mailto:dstockhoff at verizon.net>>
>> > > So a drop ceiling is simply a cover---in plain sight---for
>> something Wolfe does not reveal at all.
>> ...
>> Actually, he does reveal it.  "Beyond it I saw a network of slender metal 
>> bars, and through
>> them a vaulted ceiling with many moldings and a flaking painting [of] 
>> clouds and birds."
>> (CotNS, Ch. XVI.)