title: Velocity: Supercar Revolution
author:  John Lamm 
description: <div><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><I>New York Times, </I>December 2006</B>
zlib_text: 
  
  
  Chapter 34
  
  
  The aircar rocketed them at speeds in excess of R17 through the steel tunnels
  that lead out onto the appalling surface of the planet which was now in the
  grip of yet another drear morning twilight. Ghastly grey lights congealed on
  the land.
  
  R is a velocity measure, defined as a reasonable speed of travel that is
  consistent with health, mental wellbeing and not being more than say five
  minutes late. It is therefore clearly an almost infinitely variable figure
  according to circumstances, since the first two factors vary not only with
  speed taken as an absolute, but also with awareness of the third factor.
  Unless handled with tranquility this equation can result in considerable
  stress, ulcers and even death.
  
  R17 is not a fixed velocity, but it is clearly far too fast.
  
  The aircar flung itself through the air at R17 and above, deposited them next
  to the Heart of Gold which stood starkly on the frozen ground like a bleached
  bone, and then precipitately hurled itself back i