Introduction and links (short story)

Introduction and links
Main character(s):	Kasterborus
Key crew
Writer:	Jim Sangster
Release details
Part of:	Zodiac
Release date:	6 March 2002
Short Trips
← Previous	The Stabber
Next →	The Tip of the Mind

Introduction and links was the introduction and linking material in Short Trips: Zodiac.

The story was comprised of a framing narrative that served as the introduction to each story within the anthology, which told a narrative about an astrologer known as Kasterborus.

Plot

Introduction

After a brief definition of astrology, a narrator tells us how, in the fourth millennium, we can see that almost all civilisations have looked up to the stars for guidance. The narrator tells us that the influence of the Osirans first appeared in circa 10,500 BC, and that other Earth civilisations adopted similar cultures of worship of the stars.

The Ancient Greeks were the ones to devise the zodiac system, in the Homeworld's solar system, these signs related to 'planets' in the firmament.

The Age of Reason took place in the second millennium of the Christian Era, where science took precedence, but in the third and fourth millennia, neo-astrology was formed when colonies separated ties with Earth. Kasterborus was mainly responsible for neo-astrology, and his name was used by Gallifrey to name one of their constellations after him.

Aries

Most of Kasterborus' calculations were lost in the fire that devastated capitol of Cyrrhenis Minima, but the remaining records show Kasterborus' care for astrology.

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and in Kasterborus' belief, he transcended to the firmament.

Taurus

The origin of Taurus dated back to Greek mythology, when Zeus seduced Europa, stealing her away to Crete, where she bore him three sons. It was observed that Kasterborus confused this legend with another, that of the Minotaur, attempting to find its counterpart in galactic folklore to form his take on astrology. This action was perceived by others to be too close to fictional writing, as Kasterborus gave Taurus a less than favourable depiction in his works. (It was speculated that Kasterborus did this as a dig at his publisher.

In Kasterborus' book, he compared Taureans to Nimons.

Gemini

to be added

Cancer

to be added

Leo

to be added

Virgo

to be added

Libra

to be added

Scorpios

to be added

Sagittarius

to be added

Capricorn

to be added

Aquarius

to be added

Pisces

to be added

Characters

• Narrator
• Kasterborus

Worldbuilding

• Mayan, Aboriginal, and Chinese cultures veered away from simple sun-worship, such as the cult of Orb.
• Sons of Earth is mentioned as being a "pressure group".

Planets

• Bellicantra, Stella Stora, and Japetus cut ties with Earth Central, and they adopted Kasterborus' neo-astrology.
• Chloris, S14, and Levithia also cut ties with Earth Central, but they adopted their own form of astrology.
• Mars and Estellios are associated with war.

Works

• Kasterborus wrote Our Destiny is in the Stars.

Notes

to be added

Continuity

• The Osirians, (TV: Pyramids of Mars) the Great Breakout (TV: The Invisible Enemy) and the Sons of Earth (TV: The Power of Kroll) are all mentioned in the context of astrology.
• The planets Japetus, (PROSE: Legacy) Stella Stora, (TV: Terror of the Vervoids) Chloris (TV: The Creature from the Pit) and Levithia (TV: The Ribos Operation) are all mentioned in the context of neo-astrology.