[TheForge] The True Path in the 24th century.

[Marc Godbout]

Through some weird combination of Internet server hookups and interstellar
subspace time-warp, I was able to intercept an exchange between Capt. James T.
Kirk and Dr. McCoy. It appears as if they both have taken up blacksmithing to
help relieve the stress of day-to-day Federation duty. Here's what I got. Some
things never change.

McCoy: Jim, I think you're missing the whole point. How can you call yourself a
true blacksmith when all your tools are 24th century? I mean, blacksmithing is a
craft rich in tradition. You and your directed pulse whatchama-gizmo may move
metal, but it's not traditional.

Kirk: It's a directed pulse tractor beam, and who cares how I bend the hot iron
around? The point is I'm able to put out some pretty nice stuff by hand. It's
just as good quality as the stuff you put out with your air-hammer, and less
noise. 

McCoy, Yeah, but it's not the way it's been done for centuries. And you don't
get those hammer marks that give it that personal touch.

Kirk: My design is my personal touch. Hammer marks are overrated. I'll bet you
credits to donuts that if Yellin were alive today, he'd have nothing but phasers
and tractor beams in his studio. And I can't believe a doctor would use propane!
Do you know what that does to your lungs?

McCoy: I take enough precautions. It's got to be healthier than being near your
tractor-framitz. And using a phaser for  heat? I'm hitting iron, not Ferengi! I
like the roar of the propane burners, the pounding of the hammer, the hiss of
the air cylinders. Makes me feel like I'm doing something. But if all you care
about is design, why don't you just draw it up on the computer and have a
replicator spit it out. I mean, you don't even use an anvil your way. What's a
blacksmith shop without an anvil? It just ain't right.

Kirk: I still need to move the metal with my hands. That's the part I like about
it. And after a day of battling Klingons and Romulans, I need the peace and
quite. I get enough sparks up on the bridge. What's up with all the sparks up
there anyway? I mean, it's nanovolt technology!

McCoy: Don't know about that- I'm a doctor, not an engineer. But I think you hit
on something. My day is too quiet. Nothing but the scanner thumps and beeps. I
probably need the noise.  

McCoy: I know there *is* something we'll both agree on, Jim - There just aren't
enough women in blacksmithing.

Kirk: Bones, when you're right, you're right.


-- 
Marc Godbout
http://www.ironringforge.com