Difference between revisions of "Uplift Universe"
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| − | The '''Uplift Universe''' is a [[fictional universe]] created by [[science fiction]] writer [[David Brin]]. | + | {{tocright}} |
| + | The '''Uplift Universe''' is a [[fictional universe]] created by [[science fiction]] writer [[David Brin]]. A central feature in this universe is the process of [[biological uplift]]. | ||
His books which take place in this universe: | His books which take place in this universe: | ||
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There is also a short story ''[http://www.davidbrin.com/aficionado1.html Aficionado]'' (originally titled ''Life in the Extreme'') and a novella ''[http://www.davidbrin.com/temptation1.html Temptation]'', both published in 1998, which are set in the same background. Brin also wrote ''Contacting Aliens: An Illustrated Guide To David Brin's Uplift Universe'' which is a non-fiction book about the background of the series. | There is also a short story ''[http://www.davidbrin.com/aficionado1.html Aficionado]'' (originally titled ''Life in the Extreme'') and a novella ''[http://www.davidbrin.com/temptation1.html Temptation]'', both published in 1998, which are set in the same background. Brin also wrote ''Contacting Aliens: An Illustrated Guide To David Brin's Uplift Universe'' which is a non-fiction book about the background of the series. | ||
| − | + | == Background == | |
| − | + | In this universe, a [[galaxy|galactic]] [[civilization]] with thousands of [[planet]]s has existed for billions of years. This civilization is perpetuated by the act of ''Uplift'', in which one sapient [[species]] [[genetics|genetic]]ally modifies a non-sapient species until it is sapient. When the modified species gains sapiency, the two species normally enter a master and [[indentured servant]] relationship, where the modified species serves the modifier species for millennia in "gratitude" for the modification. The modified species is known as a [[Indenture|client]] of the modifier species, which is known as the [[patron]] species. Through the history of this universe, most sapient species belong to [[clans]] in which they can trace their genetic heritage of clientship to patron species. At the start of the Uplift books, [[humanity]] has already uplifted two species—[[chimpanzee]]s and [[Bottlenose Dolphin|bottlenose]] [[dolphins]]—and has started the uplift of other terran animals. Humanity with its clients is known as Earthclan. | |
| − | |||
| − | In this universe, a [[galaxy|galactic]] [[civilization]] with thousands of [[planet]]s has existed for billions of years. This civilization is perpetuated by the act of ''Uplift'', in which one sapient [[species]] [[genetics|genetic]]ally modifies a non-sapient species until it is sapient. When the modified species gains sapiency, the two species normally enter a master and [[indentured servant]] relationship, where the modified species serves the modifier species for millennia in | ||
| − | Unlike most SF universes, humanity does not possess advanced [[technology]] in this galactic civilization. Though humanity is a space-faring species, it is several centuries behind in technology to the major galactic powers. | + | Unlike most SF universes, humanity does not possess advanced [[technology]] in this galactic civilization. Though humanity is a space-faring species, it is several centuries behind in technology to the major galactic powers. Mankind's position is made much more precarious by the fact that humanity has no known patron species. Most of humanity believes itself to be a ''wolfling'' species that emerged into sapiency solely through natural [[evolution]], without genetic manipulation of a patron species. This belief is considered [[heresy]] and ridiculous by most of the galactic civilization and has made most of the galactic powers to be enemies of Earthclan. The fact that Humanity had already uplifted two species when it encountered the galactic civilization gave Humanity patron status, which is one of the few lucky turns it has had in its difficult position as [[pariah]] in the galactic civilization. |
The tradition of uplift is attributed to the ''Progenitors'', the first sapient species in the universe. This species has disappeared into legend billions of years ago. Several galactic [[religion]]s have grown up around the meaning and | The tradition of uplift is attributed to the ''Progenitors'', the first sapient species in the universe. This species has disappeared into legend billions of years ago. Several galactic [[religion]]s have grown up around the meaning and | ||
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The galactic civilization is made up of mostly [[oxygen]]-breathing species. This oxygen-breathing civilization has known about other orders of sapient life, which include [[hydrogen]]-breathing, [[transcendent]], [[mechanical]], [[memetic]], and [[quantum]]. | The galactic civilization is made up of mostly [[oxygen]]-breathing species. This oxygen-breathing civilization has known about other orders of sapient life, which include [[hydrogen]]-breathing, [[transcendent]], [[mechanical]], [[memetic]], and [[quantum]]. | ||
| − | The first book of the series, ''Sundiver'', is a [[detective]] | + | The first book of the series, ''Sundiver'', is a [[Detective fiction|detective story]] which gives an introduction to this universe. The second book, ''Startide Rising'', is about the Earthclan space ship ''Streaker'' (crewed by uplifted dolphins and their human mentors) which finds a colossal and hidden derelict fleet. Rumors spread throughout the galaxy that this ship has found the remains of the ''Progenitors''. The third book, ''The Uplift War'', gives a local account of the galactic [[war]] that ensues with viewpoints coming from some uplifted chimps. |
| + | |||
| + | {{spoilers}} | ||
In the Uplift Storm trilogy, survivors of the space ship ''Streaker'' continue to evade the various galactic powers and along the way encounter a hidden planet where the inhabitants have avoided most of the uplift schisms which plague the galactic civilization. They eventually make contact with the other orders of life. | In the Uplift Storm trilogy, survivors of the space ship ''Streaker'' continue to evade the various galactic powers and along the way encounter a hidden planet where the inhabitants have avoided most of the uplift schisms which plague the galactic civilization. They eventually make contact with the other orders of life. | ||
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The short story ''Aficionado'' is the earliest set of all the currently written work and gives an account of the early days of the human uplift program. The novella ''Temptation'' was set just after the ending of ''Heaven's Reach'', and tells what happened to some of the characters from the trilogy after the main story ended. | The short story ''Aficionado'' is the earliest set of all the currently written work and gives an account of the early days of the human uplift program. The novella ''Temptation'' was set just after the ending of ''Heaven's Reach'', and tells what happened to some of the characters from the trilogy after the main story ended. | ||
| − | [[Ecology]] and stewardship of [[genetic diversity]] are major themes in these books. Religious [[orthodoxy]] and the behavior of static societies are also themes. | + | {{endspoiler}} |
| + | |||
| + | [[Ecology]] and stewardship of [[genetic diversity]] are major themes in these books. Religious [[orthodoxy]] and the behavior of static societies are also themes. | ||
==Planets== | ==Planets== | ||
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*'''Omnivarium''' — A world inhabited by birds that mimic any sound, a fact discovered when the birds started mimicking the sounds of explorers performing coitus. | *'''Omnivarium''' — A world inhabited by birds that mimic any sound, a fact discovered when the birds started mimicking the sounds of explorers performing coitus. | ||
*'''Tanith''' — The location of the nearest full Galactic Library branch near Terra. | *'''Tanith''' — The location of the nearest full Galactic Library branch near Terra. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Trivia == | ||
| + | The Uplift Universe has been mentioned as the inspiration for the universe of the [[Star control|Star Control]] computer games. | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
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[[Category:David Brin novels]] | [[Category:David Brin novels]] | ||
[[Category:Space opera]] | [[Category:Space opera]] | ||
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| + | [[de:Uplift-Universum]] | ||
Revision as of 19:59, 8 May 2006
Template:tocright The Uplift Universe is a fictional universe created by science fiction writer David Brin. A central feature in this universe is the process of biological uplift.
His books which take place in this universe:
- Sundiver (1980)
- Startide Rising (1983)
- The Uplift War (1987)
- The Uplift Storm Trilogy
There is also a short story Aficionado (originally titled Life in the Extreme) and a novella Temptation, both published in 1998, which are set in the same background. Brin also wrote Contacting Aliens: An Illustrated Guide To David Brin's Uplift Universe which is a non-fiction book about the background of the series.
Background
In this universe, a galactic civilization with thousands of planets has existed for billions of years. This civilization is perpetuated by the act of Uplift, in which one sapient species genetically modifies a non-sapient species until it is sapient. When the modified species gains sapiency, the two species normally enter a master and indentured servant relationship, where the modified species serves the modifier species for millennia in "gratitude" for the modification. The modified species is known as a client of the modifier species, which is known as the patron species. Through the history of this universe, most sapient species belong to clans in which they can trace their genetic heritage of clientship to patron species. At the start of the Uplift books, humanity has already uplifted two species—chimpanzees and bottlenose dolphins—and has started the uplift of other terran animals. Humanity with its clients is known as Earthclan.
Unlike most SF universes, humanity does not possess advanced technology in this galactic civilization. Though humanity is a space-faring species, it is several centuries behind in technology to the major galactic powers. Mankind's position is made much more precarious by the fact that humanity has no known patron species. Most of humanity believes itself to be a wolfling species that emerged into sapiency solely through natural evolution, without genetic manipulation of a patron species. This belief is considered heresy and ridiculous by most of the galactic civilization and has made most of the galactic powers to be enemies of Earthclan. The fact that Humanity had already uplifted two species when it encountered the galactic civilization gave Humanity patron status, which is one of the few lucky turns it has had in its difficult position as pariah in the galactic civilization.
The tradition of uplift is attributed to the Progenitors, the first sapient species in the universe. This species has disappeared into legend billions of years ago. Several galactic religions have grown up around the meaning and purpose of uplift and the intent of the Progenitors. Some of the most powerful galactic clans are fervent followers of these religions and the religious competition between them has been the source and excuse for much of galactic warfare.
The galactic civilization has several bureaucracies that are tasked with specifying how species deal with each other and the uplift process. One of the most widely used organization is the Galactic Library, which is the repository of all knowledge gathered from all of the galactic space-faring species. The origin of the library is another long lost mystery. The vastness and age of the knowledge held by the library has made it into something of an oracle among the galactic clans.
The galactic civilization is made up of mostly oxygen-breathing species. This oxygen-breathing civilization has known about other orders of sapient life, which include hydrogen-breathing, transcendent, mechanical, memetic, and quantum.
The first book of the series, Sundiver, is a detective story which gives an introduction to this universe. The second book, Startide Rising, is about the Earthclan space ship Streaker (crewed by uplifted dolphins and their human mentors) which finds a colossal and hidden derelict fleet. Rumors spread throughout the galaxy that this ship has found the remains of the Progenitors. The third book, The Uplift War, gives a local account of the galactic war that ensues with viewpoints coming from some uplifted chimps.
In the Uplift Storm trilogy, survivors of the space ship Streaker continue to evade the various galactic powers and along the way encounter a hidden planet where the inhabitants have avoided most of the uplift schisms which plague the galactic civilization. They eventually make contact with the other orders of life.
The short story Aficionado is the earliest set of all the currently written work and gives an account of the early days of the human uplift program. The novella Temptation was set just after the ending of Heaven's Reach, and tells what happened to some of the characters from the trilogy after the main story ended.
Ecology and stewardship of genetic diversity are major themes in these books. Religious orthodoxy and the behavior of static societies are also themes.
Planets
- Calafia — A water-world inhabited by humans and neo-dolphins, currently occupied by the Soro.
- Deemi — A world leased to humans on the condition that they run the Galactic prison. It is bathed in ultraviolet radiation. Most of its biosphere is aquatic.
- Garth — A planet with strange biology in Uplift War.
- Jijo — A planet in Galaxy #4 where humans and other sophont refugees have illegally hidden, in the case of the Humans to avoid potential extermination, and in the case of the G'kek, certain extermination.
- Jophekka — The homeworld of the Jophur, sapient and ambitious sap ring stacks.
- Kithrup — A water-world rich in heavy metals which form part of the biochemical structure of its life. Mildly toxic to non-native life. Also the "retirement" home of a neurotic race with enormous psi power. From Startide Rising.
- Omnivarium — A world inhabited by birds that mimic any sound, a fact discovered when the birds started mimicking the sounds of explorers performing coitus.
- Tanith — The location of the nearest full Galactic Library branch near Terra.
Trivia
The Uplift Universe has been mentioned as the inspiration for the universe of the Star Control computer games.