[TML] Lower-tech colonies

[Jerry W Barrington]

On 7/15/08 6:01 PM, "Ewan Quibell" <ewan at quibell.org.uk> wrote:

> OK, they don't want to give them a TL14 base because that can be self
> sustaining at very low population levels (releasing their need for
> contact with the mother world).
> 
> So they set them up with a TL where the colony has to stay in touch with
> the mother world because if they didn't there would be some dire
> consequence, (failing world, death, barbarism), but at a level where the
> colony is at least viable in the medium to long term and provides a
> return on their investment (i.e. high enough to make some money).

But, once set up, the colonists are going to set about rectifying their tech
deficiency.  They will build infrastructure, and the tech info is already
available.  With a population of millions, within 100 years they will be up
to TL 14.  The homeworld would have to take *extreme* measures to prevent
this, which just foments rebellion.

And is setting a colony up *really* about making money?  If the colony is
that low tech, what value does it produce for the homeworld?