Source
r/firefly•
negativeview

Cybernetics in the Firefly Universe

I am currently running a campaign of the Firefly tabletop RPG (which I recommend if you're into RPGs, it's a good system even without the branding connection).

One of my players is a doctor with a specialization in cybernetics. I ruled that cybernetics wasn't going to be a common thing in this universe, since I couldn't remember any standout bits of cybernetics in the show, but it likely existed to some degree.

I just recently got a mental image of a strong black male with what appears to be cybernetic work done on his face. I think that I'm remembering a minor character from somewhere in the Firefly show, though I can't immediately place the episode or even the planet they were on. Anyone know who am I thinking of?

As a bonus question, are there other confirmed instances of cybernetics that I have forgotten about from either the show, movie, or the extended universe (which I am completely ignorant of, but willing to do homework if someone points me to something specific).

Posted Jul 29, 2016, 12:06 PM UTC

712
neiromaru•

I don't think I can remember any character in Firefly having cybernetics. In general it seemed like the smuggler lifestyle in the 'verse was too dirty and unreliable for cybernetics to be popular, considering the maintenance and extra costs and such they would require. This is supported by the lack of delicate robots outside of alliance facilities.

I could definitely see the alliance having better technology, but considering that even The Operative in Serenity doesn't appear to have any cybernetics it seems more likely that, if they existed, they were used for medical healing/prosthetic purposes, more than voluntary augmentation.

Of course, you should play your game however you want. Cybernetics are definitely cool, and could fit into the world nicely, I just can't think of any evidence in favor of them being canon.

Could the image you're remembering have been Crow and his circuitry-esque face tattoo?

4
negativeviewOP•

It wasn't crow. The image in my head is definitely a black guy and he has bits of metal poking through the skin above his left eye. It's possible it's not from Firefly at all.

Your view on cybernetics is similar to my own. No super strength is likely, and the character comes from the core where grit issues aren't a huge concern.

1
GeometryPrime•

A Reaver maybe?

2
negativeviewOP•

That's... possible. I should look at the handful of episodes that actually show reavers to see if I can spot the guy. Instead of cybernetics, it could just be part of the self mutilation.

1
HipsterRowdy•

I think the guy you are talking about is from a doctor who episode. I think with 11. It was like a cyborg bounty hunter.

1
Cern_Stormrunner•

or Mike Peterson from AGENTS OF SHIELD

2
Mutt999•

In the graphic novel "The Shepherd's Tale", Book has his eye removed and replaced with a camera.

In the comics, Dobson returns with a "cyber" eye after being shot by Mal.

2
negativeviewOP•

I was already borderline on trying the shepards tale. Now its a must. Is there any timeline problem with that being the first book I read?

1
Mutt999•

I don't think so. It's basically Shepherd Book's backstory and gives a lot of insight into who he really is and how he got there.

1
ElderMarakus•

Two by two, hands of blue...

1
Truthisnotallowed•

Considering Serenity's control system and seeming lack of computer assistance (most cars now a days have more of a computer interface than Serenity did) - I have always thought that 'Rare Earth' materials must be far more rare in The Verse, than they were on 'Earth That Was.'

Remember, even Simon and River, privileged as they were, did not have good computers when they were young - and that despite being part of the ruling class on a central planet. I have to think computers, for one reason or another, were just not as common in The Verse as we expect them to be in our future.

It is also possible that 'The Alliance' strictly controls computer distribution and access. In the U.S.S.R. they had very strict typewriter controls. You needed a license and a background check before you could get one, and you needed to show the State a good reason why they should let you have one. The U.S.S.R. did not want anyone typing up and distributing information which they had not approved. It is plausible that 'The Alliance' has a similar attitude about computers.

1
clermbclermb•

You are really just priming all of us to reach the series looking for cybernetics.

0