Minorly Alternate Universes

Posted by – November 24, 2008

Instead of the universe being one where the Nazi’s won, it’s a tiny tiny change — it’s a universe where all water is actually blue instead of clear (excepting seawater, which is green). Or a universe where people’s internal clocks are so slow to adjust that it takes immigrants years to sync up, condemning them to years of a nighttime existence. Each world could be a different episode.

I’m thinking they could be accessible via the alleys, since alleys are betwixt and between, themselves.

5 Comments on Minorly Alternate Universes

  1. Anthony says:

    i like this idea, and the alleyologisit…
    alternate universes, hmmm?
    same characters, but different in each universe?
    is the alleyologist like the bellhop in four rooms, or is he the A plot?
    what exactly is the problem? is it a sick city?
    or is the alleyology separate from the alt. universes?
    sorry, just a little confused being fresh here.
    or is this all still spitballing but we have a somewhat concept or theme?
    or no nothing has been fortified?

  2. Jim says:

    These are two different ideas with alleys in them. Just spitballing at this point.

  3. Sean says:

    I think it would be neat to have the ethics slightly different in each universe (rather than, or along with, something physical about that universe).

  4. Jim says:

    Or a ethical difference that comes from a physical difference.

  5. Sean says:

    Jim, do you have an example in mind?

    One thing I thought of: time is of utmost value, and there’s a direct correlation between time and money. There’s always a cost to using up another’s time. People don’t do favors for each other without being reimbursed with money and even being late costs you. All this is just a given.

    A few scenarios:

    Stephen and Sally are good friends. Stephen goes over to Sally’s house to help setup for Sally’s 8 eight year old son’s birthday party. He’s there for an hour and half, and everything is in place. While he was there, they took a 15 minute break to chat and drink lemonade and catch up. Afterwards, the script goes like this:

    Sally: so how much do I owe you?

    Stephen: I’m billing at $60 an hour these days, and I’ve been here for an hour and a half …

    Sally: …and we did take that break

    Stephen: ya, so I’ll knock 15 minutes off. That’s 75 bucks please.

    Another scenario:

    Jeff is waiting at the corner for Mike. Mike arrives two minutes late.

    Mike: I’m sorry I’m late. How much?

    Jeff (who bills $90/hour or $1.50 a minute): 3 dollars.

    Mike (pulls out i-gadget and transfers the money to Jeff): There you go. So what movie shall we see?

Leave a Reply