I am sharing a few notes from chapter two of the annotated version of Abandon Hope, the first novel of the Shattered Universe series. I will probably publish this version during the summer months.
Here are three notes from Chapter Two.
Note #4: I chose the name Galileo for the grand director of this starship because he is an explorer and astronomer. There are personality characteristics and qualities the famous historical Galileo Galilei of the 16th century possessed that I wanted for this character. The original Galileo has also been presented in historical paintings and books as someone with a strong opinion and a flair for the dramatic. I liked that quality to be present in this character. There is no familial relationship intended.
Note #5: The book Virtually Human by Martine Rothblatt is a good book to study the idea of digital copies of personalities and artificial bodies. She presents the idea that human digital clones, in a different material substrate, based on a once organic individual are deserving of human rights and incorporation into society as equals.
Note #12 Hatshepsut was an Ancient Egyptian Pharoah. She was the fifth Pharoah during the eighteenth dynasty. Her name is translated to “Foremost of Noble Ladies.” She assumed the role of Pharoah or King in ancient Egypt. The names of the council members are meant to indicate high rank or to aspire to some association of legend or godhood.