Watched the first half of the first episode of Ascension last night. The premise is that, in the mid sixties, America launched an interstellar starship based on Orion technology in total secret to the stars, and now, 51 years later, their frozen-in-amber society is beginning to unravel.
Orion worked by shooting nuclear bombs out the back, and plus such a large ship would be easily seen being built in orbit, not to mention lighting up the skies. 51 years would barely get it out of the solar system, still hundreds or thousands of years from getting to the nearest stars, none of which had been confirmed as having planets in the 60s. It wasn’t until the 80s that we could even confirm other stars even had planets. Plus apparently they have gravity control? The ship interior doesn’t look like there’s any support for acceleration or maneuvering? A puzzling plot line back on present-day Earth?
No way. Calling it now. Project Ascension never left Earth. All those people are buried in a ship-shaped prison in a cave somewhere. When the Captain asked, “How did a gun get aboard the ship?”, it nailed it for me. I had to go to bed right at that point, but while falling asleep, all I was thinking was, they’re on Earth.
There’s been a couple SF stories about just such a thing.
It would be weird if I was wrong, but I don’t think I am. I bet next episode, someone sees someone they don’t recognize.
—
Roomba was sick last night. It had swept up some cat poop, and after I’d given it a thorough cleaning, it wouldn’t turn on again. No response, nothing. I removed the battery — looked fine. Since I’d used a damp cloth to clean it, I thought that might have been the issue. It looked entirely dead.
I’d miss the Roomba if it was gone! Of course, I’d get it repaired, because coming home to clean floors and a stress-free evening (without clumps of black cat fur all over the place) is something I would regret losing.
I eventually remembered that Roomba doesn’t like being on its back very much, as it was while I was cleaning it. I tipped it back and forth a few times and it came back to life. I was relieved, but concerned the Roomba is so easily crashed. I can see why it would want to turn off if it found itself belly-up, but why wouldn’t it turn back on again?
I did notice the free-turning wheel would spin but not turn. I don’t think this is a powered wheel. Something must be gunking it up. Didn’t seem like something I was supposed to maintain myself, though.
In just a couple months, it’s become an indispensable little robot. I want to keep it well-maintained. I honestly believe that “robot mechanic” will become the break-out star job of this century.
In the online manuals I read, iRobot warns people away from letting their pets play with the Roomba. All those Youtube cat videos… unsanctioned.
—
Roomba still sick. iRobot is sending a new right wheel module. Strange all these issues happening at once. Can’t be a coincidence.
I wonder if buying a “Get Well Soon!” card for Roomba would be weird.
