Had an interesting thought about the origins of the jump drive...

[pwilcox]

At least, as far as the Solomani are concerned. In the OTU, jump space is quite hazardous. Just looking at it can cause serious mental disorders, so all portholes are covered during transit. I imagine that the designers of the prototype jump ship were unaware of this fact. Now, using the 'jump webbing' theory I've heard - that is, there is a lattice-like structure built in to a ships' hull that creates a jump bubble when energized - suppose that this web also protects the crew from harmful energy rays/pulsations/etc that emanate in jump space?

Where am I going with this? Well, imagine what would happen to the crew of the first jump ship; a ship that was not equipped with such protections. What would happen to the crew?

To find out, go and watch the movie Event Horizon.

[This is just an idea that struck me like a brick to the head while I was at work today, do with it what you will...]

 

[GBoyett]

I always though the legendary Philadelphia Experiment was an accidental discovery of the jump drive. It failed on several reasons

1. In a gravity well
2. Improper energy timing sequence
3. Unbalanced wiring with impurities

 

[signless]

Which would offer a nifty explanation for how Vargr archaeologists have just unearthed an ancient Terran wet navy vessel somewhere in the Extents...

Heh.

 

[mike wightman]

Don't tell me, the Captain of the ship is Elvis

 

[Golan2072]

Originally posted by George Boyett:
I always though the legendary Philadelphia Experiment was an accidental discovery of the jump drive.

I remember an old Traveller setting with exactly that premise, dead for years now. It was made by someone called Michel Vaillancourt, and its remnants could be found here.