Quest for Props

ThinkGeek had a sale on the Ion Nebulizer and Vox from "Galaxy Quest." Unlike the TOS phaser I picked up a few months ago, these are unassembled ABS plastic kits. Not sure when I would have time to assemble them, though!

Also just re-read a couple of the Telzy Amberdon/Trigger Argee stories by James Schmidtz. I'd still like to make one of the emblematic weapons from written science fiction -- weapons (or other props) that haven't been realized on screen. Various random ones leap to mind.

For Trigger, it is her "beloved Denton." No real description is given, but it can be inferred from business such as her hiding it in a spring-loaded holster built into a cosmetics purse that it isn't huge. It is, however, at least large enough to be accurately sighted; Trigger has no qualms about making a shot at fifty yards. Similar business suggests it doesn't have a lot of bits that stick out and could get caught on clothing, but it isn't described as being sleek or slim. Just as a readily recognizable boutique side-arm; expensive, but worth it to the professional. It also may have indications as to the usual owners; sportsmen, hunters, and well-to-do ranchers on remote planets with larger than usual wildlife. All in all, probably not a pocket pistol.

A rather different affect is given by Kimball Kinnison's signature twin DeLameters, in the various Lenseman stories. These are described as a standard side-arm for the Patrol; available to civilians but considered a bit over-powered for casual carry. In character as asteroid miner "Wild Bill" Kinnison carries them openly (and uses them several times to good effect). In a different scene, Worsel describes them as big, loud, and inefficient, but the latter at least is just Worsel. The general feel seems to me like a long-barrel Colt or something with a similarly no-nonsense mass of metal that has seen good use. Kinnison may be an excellent shot, but the major intimidation factor of the DeLameters is their sheer destructive power. One often gets the impression of more like a machine-pistol; too heavy for most people to tote one-handed.

For a complete change of style, the not-particularly-fond-of-weapons Andre Norton seems to make a point of describing mass manufacture, plastics and composites, standardized power packs and (although I may be reading too much here) not necessarily the best ergonomics. That, and her tendency to describe much of her tech in terms of the closest Platonic Solid makes me think the standard Beamer and Stunner have simplified shapes without much surface detail. And I can't help think that many of them are shiny plastic or otherwise have a similar feel that is closer to consumer appliance than it is to weaponry.

Just random thoughts. I'm too far behind to want to take on new projects. So better to write them down and thus put them out of my mind.