taw@s1-c.arpa (09/26/85)
From: Tom Wadlow <taw@s1-c.arpa>
Paula Sanch points out that the unknown map would not be
a Map of Pak because protectors would not be so sentimental as
to memorialize the Homeworld.
It seems reasonable to assume that, if a Map of Pak exists, the
Protectors would go to the trouble of seeding that Map with Homo
habilis, and possibly even Tree of Life. And not just for
sentimental reasons. Remember that one of the functions of
a Protector is to weed out mutations. This is because of the
relatively high level of radiation at the galactic core.
Perhaps the Protectors that built the Ringworld felt that a
"control" group of unchanged Pak breeders was necessary.
By duplicating the Homeworld, and populating it you could do this.
Another possibility is that the Map of Pak may be a giant
rest and recreation camp for Protectors. The Ringworld is *big*.
We don't know why the Protectors built the other Maps, either, but
you can't rule out sentimentality, or even laziness. If you can
copy a design for a part of the Ringworld, you don't have to think
it up yourself. If you've got adequate maps of some of your favorite
planets, why not use them, unless you can think of something better
to put there? You've certainly got enough space to indulge even a
planetary-sized whim......
Tom Wadlow (S-1 Project, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory)
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