The Keep of the Thirteenth Hour

Heroes of the Hour - Daida

Daida's History

Background

Medy is in an area of a Universe where some of the laws of physics are different. In particular, vigorous molecular and atomic movements are severely dampened, in comparison to the universe we know. Slower atomic and molecular reactions do behave as normal. This means that powerful electric currents are mere trickles of electrons. An atomic bomb when triggered only gets warm, chemical explosions are mere farts compared to normal, an ordinary gun would only generate enough force for the bullet to drop out of the barrel. Normal electrics will not work on this world, advanced low- power electronics would work but have not been developed. Combustion does occur, but only in the open where pressure will not build up and trigger the dampening effect. An internal combustion engine would not work because the spark plug would not spark enough and even if it did the reaction of the petrol/air mixture would just be a controlled slow burn. Medy is in a close orbit with a huge Antares size star, as the life zone‘ around the star in this area of the Universe is very near to the star owing to the slow, albeit significant, rate of nuclear fusion reactions, and the relatively low amount of heat being generated. The sheer size of the star means that sufficient heat and light is produced for Medy. Whilst Medy appears to be technologically backward, as there are many mechanical devices in use, such as wind and water mills to grind grain and power engines, candles for light and the use of swords and catapults in military warfare. It is technologically advanced with respect to Metallurgy (non-electric, so aluminium is rare), Medicine and all the biological sciences, especially genetics (biological computers are at the calculator stage, cloning and genetic engineering of animals is well established, but cloning and modifying of humans is against the law of all nations, even though some does occur), Optics and Photonics (although limited with no electronics being used), normal electronic devices have not been developed as their electrical precursors of dynamos and generators only produced the weakest of currents, Vacuum tubes would just not work. Lightening bolts on this world are a long slow sizzle. Biological germ warfare is looked on with horror, and is viewed as a crime against all Medy, as in the past several nations have wiped the enemy and themselves out with various man-made plagues. And only the rapid development of vaccinations saved the rest of the planet. Long distance communication on Medy is via Optics, both optic fibre and laser line of sight, and specially bred messenger birds with a high speed and good location sense. However, war is more sophisticated on Medy, than you may think, even without the use of explosives. A variety of modified animals form key roles in combat. Large flying creatures perform all the roles of planes, with large bombers, being a modified pteradactyl like creature and fast flying fighters being a large hawk. Large mammoths are used as tanks, and whales used as battleships, large cat like creatures are also used in a fighting role. Missile weapons are only mechanically assisted with the use of catapults and ballistae, gatling type devices are in use. Bombs are heavy weights or chemicals, such as acids and poisons or napalm! Daida proved to be a hero early in life by rescuing his fellow orphans during a fire at the orphanage. Daida used his incredible strength to hold up part of the structure of the building allowing everyone escaped from the blaze, despite being badly burnt himself. Fortunately, medical technology on Medy is such that cosmetically perfect skin grafts are routine. Daida went to military academy at an early age on a scholarship when he showed an extreme aptitude for military warfare. Then it was a rapid rise through the ranks during a period of heavy action for Akai‘s military forces. Daida displayed military acumen and flair, personal skill and bravery of note and was decorated several times during these wars. One incident of note for which he received the highest award for bravery was when he found himself behind enemy lines, cut off from his troops and then discovered they had been taken prisoner and were being marched to a Benzean death camp. Capturing an enemy Riding Falcon he flew along the expected route, encountering and fighting through heavy opposition, downing 2 Bomber Pteradactyls and then using strafing and fly-by tactics destroyed the POW guard force and led his troops back through heavy fighting to the front line. For much of his life Daida has been a career soldier, there have been a number of girlfriends but no-one for very long. Now having reached the pinnacle of his military career, he has branched out into philosophy and developed his Chi powers. Medy in general and Akai in particular is a source of positive Chi. Dadai teaches Tae-kwon-do and Kendo to the kids at his old orphanage, as well as teaching students in his own Dojo. Lately Daida has given thought to going into politics and has been lobbying for the political-executive role of head of the Dept of Defense. Culturally, Akai is somewhat a mixture of feudal Europe and Japan and modern Europe and Japan. It is one of the largest of about 30 nations that exist. Akai has some 50 million peoples in a total population for Medy of 500 million. There is a single super-continent, but with many promontories and peninsulas. 50% of the surface of Medy is ocean and lakes. The average Akai citizen is healthy, literate, well educated and informed. It is a constitutional monarchy with an appointed executive government. The current Emperor is enjoying some good popularity in a time of hard won peace and excellent relations with neighbouring nations. In Akai (and surrounding nations), equal rights exist for both genders and almost as many women are in the armed services as men.



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Page Created 05/07/2003 Last Updated 05/07/2003