the scrimshaws of space
Apr. 18th, 2016 08:48 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
marycatelliIf space is an ocean -- which is the commonest metaphor -- what are the sailors doing while sailing the spaceways? Especially if we have no FTL communications (or at any rate, none faster than the ships.) Making scrimshaws?
Unlikely. Bones and teeth being rare. Though you could do some interesting things with metallic meteor bits. Or even the rocks. If your shields protected you and let you get the objects.
Not mention that they could bring things. Knitting, for instance, was a long standing custom. Or more elaborate work. A mathematically minded sailor might turn to making intricate lace to mathematical patterns.
And much would depend on the planets involved. A chance to trade would help.
Unlikely. Bones and teeth being rare. Though you could do some interesting things with metallic meteor bits. Or even the rocks. If your shields protected you and let you get the objects.
Not mention that they could bring things. Knitting, for instance, was a long standing custom. Or more elaborate work. A mathematically minded sailor might turn to making intricate lace to mathematical patterns.
And much would depend on the planets involved. A chance to trade would help.