On October 1st, 1908, the first Model T Ford was put on the market, heralding a new era of travel. By making use of the emerging concept of the assembly line, Ford was able to drop his production costs so dramatically that he could manufacture a car for the average American.
Before that point, cars were expensive and unreliable, making them a toy only for the super-rich. Living in a vast country separated by mountain ranges, deserts, and vast prairies, the average person didn’t have any options for quick, affordable travel except by train.
With the arrival of the Model T Ford, however, Americans were suddenly able to travel. And not just Americans. As the Model T revolutionized travel in the U.S., the concept of a simple to maintain, affordable car spread to other countries. The world was on the move. And it all started with a new technology and some speculation.
The freedom and mobility offered by individual vehicles is a necessary staple of adventure writing, particularly science fiction. Where would Star Wars have wound up without Luke Skywalker’s X-wing and Han Solo’s Millennium Falcon?
In our upcoming issue, the crew of the Aim High space cruiser make their living by capitalizing on the mobility and freedom of their ship. Of course, in our story, it’s that same mobility - and their captain’s curiosity - that plunges them into trouble, and mystery.
Keep an eye out for the next issue of our e-zine, releasing this month.Until then, keep the spirit of adventure alive.