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"One can see the free software movement as a precusor for a "free hardware" or "free wetware" movement--one that will provide free libraries of designs for biological or nanotechnological products that replicators can be programmed to churn out."
- Charles Stross
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| Krimskell Fiber | ||
| A "claw" fiber which will rubs against itself in such a way that, the tighter the rope is pulled, the stronger the knot becomes. |
This is conceived of as a natural product; but it makes me think of the ties that are used in electronics (zip strips). They can be tightened by degrees; but they are impossible to loosen.
| She began to feel her body, grew aware of bindings on wrists and ankles, a gag in her mouth. She was on her side, hands tied behind her. She tested the bindings, realized they were krimskell fiber, would only claw tighter as she pulled.
Jessica felt herself lifted, the wing shadow spinning--stars. She was pushed into the rear of the 'thopter, her krimskell fiber bindings examined, and she was strapped down. Paul was jammed in beside her, strapped securely, and she noted his bonds were simple rope. |
| Technovelgy from Dune,
by Frank Herbert. Published by Putnam in 1965 Additional resources -
|
According to Herbert, krimskell fiber is a natural product, woven from the strands of the hufhuf vine from Ecaz.
Compare Jessica Atreides' bonds with the FLEX-CUF Restraints, which were first introduced in 1965.They feature the Strength Barb System within the FLEX-CUF head, making it virtually
pick-proof. Unlike krimskell fiber rope, however, it is fabricated from materials specifically designed to
prevent injuries. Nylon
construction minimizes the
chance of abrasion or tissue
damage.
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