By Denie (c) 1973 MTI , (c) 2003 TIC
(Special note from TIC: Historically in the world of
contemporary Bodybuilding and back in 1973 muscle magazine culture. This story which ends the chapter and concludes the book, has a special importance.
It was Physical Culture's earliest science fiction story to be published in a 'hardcore muscle building magazine'.
'Bodybuilding . . . World of Tomorrow' which was
supposed to be titled TOMORROW'S BODYBUILDING WORLD before an editor changed the word sequence. . .was the very first feature of it's kind projecting the art and culture of Bodybuilding and it's competitive sporting form into the SciFi genre.
And it has a novel relevence to this final TIC chapter. . .OFF WORLD TRAINING.
In 1973, an American Astronaut had already stepped foot on the Moon's surface previously in the of person 'weight training for fitness enthusiast' hardened former 'aviation test pilot' Neil Armstrong. That time frame was July 20 1969.
The original scifi Star Trek TV series had left the TV channels a few years previous to 73. . .leaving many of the authentic spaceflight planners stunned by it improbably technological database inadequacies-but still loyal fans.
Star Trek would not only be back. . .but it would never leave TV again for almost 4 decades. And still today defines the fictional Universe of space travel and exploration.
1973 was a time when NASA Skylab Orbital Space Missions were doing advanced heroic research on weightlessness in space and it's effects on the human structure.)
Ironco@webtv..net
***********
'TOMORROW'S BODYBUILDING WORLD' published as a 3 part installment feature, debuted in the May 1973 issue of Muscle Training Illustrated which I would become editor of about 7 years later. . . and begins:
In my life and training career three major influences have somewhat molded my philosophies. The influences were three people-
Leo Stern, Dr. Joyce Brothers, and most recently a short association with Arthur Jones.
Leo Stern once wrote in an early issue of a leading physique magazine, about Bodybuilding
vegetables, men living only for training. At this
point, having left high school to train, I returned for
my diploma.
Dr. Joyce Brothers, the famous woman psychologist, talked of muscle men as exhibitionists and insecure individuals. Of course this infuriated me to no end.
Arthur Jones, who seems to be revolutionizing the field with his theories, embraces much the same beliefs as Brothers and Stern. Consequently,
Jones himself has set about the impossible task of freeing men from gym slavery, if I may stretch a
point.
The object of this introduction is-how a thing is
used or abused depends on an individual's feelings towards it.
When you subtract, exhibitionism which exists in all people because of pride of achievement and want of admiration and identity, you destroy the democratic form of competition.
However, when you live and work towards unrealistic and unattainable goals apart from society, you diminish the normal grow of the inner
human being.
Looking at Bodybuilding rationally, it's growth and purpose could be the greatest materially beneficial force in the history of man. But of course, with such a rationale applying.
***********************
A lone rocket cargo ship streaks through space
in our solar system. It's cargo-the life- giving organic food and nutrients harvested on Kreb's planet will soon reach millions of waiting earth
people. This ship one of many in the Terran Nutri
Fleet, fulfills the job of shuttling our world's food
supply from the harvest planets.
In the pressurized cabin control and living unit section, sits Jeff Strange, Captain, alternately reading various reports and occasionally eyeballing the computerized instrument panel.
Earth time flashes across the 'solar systems'
times destination computer...
" 4 p.m. - Friday, March 24, Year 2050."
Thoughts of tomorrow crowd Jeff's mind. He has
been in space two months. During this time Bodybuilding occupied some of this waking hours,
all accomplished in the ship's mini-gym recreation
area. Soon the last workout before the big show
would start.
The Mr.Universe Show lays but 28 hours ahead in time, in the familiar solar system, Saturday 8 p.m. earth time. Human beings, men
of 30 colonized planets, usally competed for the
50,000 space credits grand prize. This year the show was being held at the World Fitness Center
on the moon, where earth's food processing and
storage depots were located.
It seems rather strange that a culture devoted
to war and strife, like earth, in 80 years could make a complete turnabout and become a physical culture oriented society embracing fitness
and health rather than strife and violence. Because
of the advent of direct space travel and outer planet colonization in the 1980's-earth's economical problems were solved and space technology strangled most common disease enigmas except one, the cold germ !
( TIC contemporary author's note in 2002:
Yes, I know the 1980's reference and more speculated fictional data to come dealing with colonization and social changes in the 3 decades since this feature, is way off the mark.
But, remember this was written in 1973 and the potential was there for this via the manned American Skylab MIssions' astoundingly successful experiences and experiments...it's not the speculative narrative's fault that the powers that be spent billions upon billions of dollars for technology research during the ensuing years dealing with spaceflight and have hardly gone anywhere physically, yet.
Nor do they necessarily even presently have 'precise' real understanding of how the human body reacts outside the earth's influencing forces in extended exploratory spaceflight conditions.
Many courageous pioneering astronauts and cosmonauts have died, proving that point, to gain this human understanding as a database.
There's a special emphasis here especially. Regarding the hundreds that died in the early attempted launches and accidents, during the secretive and unreported until recently- Soviet aspects of the less technologically adept programs they worked with.
The realistic process, of developing and entering spaceflight exploration is slow, intellectually laborious, critically and physically dangerous. Unlike, science fiction which often is not based on facts as it creatively speculates or theorizes. Because those facts have not been discovered or established, and tested for in reality yet, with thousands of step by step experimental human safety insuring protocols.
Those astronauts and cosmonauts technically considered exploratory athletes (including massive losses in ground support crew technicians-Soviets), that died or experienced later life physical impairment are heros of the first Physical Culture magnitude in earth's space program of slowly painstakingly moving forward and outward.
At present, a Mars journey is in the planning
stages and being trained for. Mars has a surface
G-force of 0.35. which is perfect for 2500 pound
full squats and possibly 1500-2000 pound bench presses.
So there's always the future, this story could well take place. Back to the storyline in 2050 and it's dated narrative.)
Storyline continues:
These problems having been somewhat eliminated opened new doors for mankind and probably in the nick of time.
The early 1980's had ushered in an era of almost complete dependence on synthetic food nutritionally. Pollution of the atmosphere had curtailed natural food production on the earth's surface at an alarming rate.
The synthetics were poor substitutes for bodies
craving natural substances. Only space held a hope for a dying race of people, who through ignorance had pushed themselves to the moment of truth...'live together as one...or die together as one'.
This, then, became man's drive, an inner drive of self development and interest while expanding the physical and spatial horizons.
During the ensuing years, outer planets were discovered and completely utilized for agriculture.
The earth magnificent old mudball she is, cleanse
her own atmosphere in 20 years and became green again.
As early as the year 2000, men started realizing
perhaps the food faddists and muscle freaks, who seemed to survive the hard years from the 1960's
to the late 80's had varied significance and entered a deep study, which resulted in changing attitudes
toward physical culture.
Since man had conquered a wide range of physical and emotional difficulties, why not perfect
man and of course women in appearance.
( TIC note:
Based on the way the world presently is at this 21st Century genetics obsessed moment . . . that last part is one hell of an overstatement as a 1973 projection. So, entering no further references about or regarding this . . . let's just judge the on going story as an alternate fictional reality dealing with OFF WORLD TRAINING.)
Many devices of training were studied and discarded leaving only a few old and new apparatus as recognized result producing training tools. The basic among these was the resistance equipment line, barbells and weights. A couple of hundred years had not killed them off.
However, in space and on various of the colonized stations, barbells were impractical,which gave rise to the hydraulics resistance systems for
muscle building and toning. The systems were based on various hydraulic pressures used as an impedence with cam and shafts and isolated body
movement for muscle contraction.
In the second half of the 20th Century a man named Jones invented the prototypes, and later
modified them into hydraulics, since extra weight was detriment to early rocket drive, and naturally
in gravityless space, weight doesn't exist so the barbell was only practical under a gravity like condition on earth and in the pressurized living
domes on the similar earth planets.
(TIC note:
In 1972 when this was being written while visiting with Arthur Jones in Deland Florida. Jones actually read the first long hand written
draft of this section the day after it was roughed out. He found it amusing, and hydraulic adaptations of his Nautilus Machines totally impractical as they were just evolving into public fitness consciousness popularity at that
time as the newest fad. )
Yes, many changes have taken place.
However, these events are from the lone cargo ship captain's thoughts.
While pondering Saturday night, he decides to take one last workout. A little mental psyching is in order.
Although the ship had computerized memory banks containing all the latest earth publications
and magazines that can projected on to a scanner screen, a touch of reality might be more apt at this time.
Opening a storage locker, he takes a couple of back issue magazines dealing with muscle training. They are 'Strength Of Body And Health
Of Mind', "Iron Man', and 'Space Training Illustrated'.
The reality of good pliable paper showing actual photos always had a good physiological effect effect. Tuning real pages instead of pushing buttons, was still more fun and gave a feelng of taking part, rather than being a spectator at an event.
Plus an added pleasure of knowing the paper mags were more expensive and collectible than memory tapes and therefore more precious, where
tape banks were not used for recreation.
The title page of 'SB and HM' some not very interesting data a contents. The articles were: "Can Vitacid C Cure Space Hives", " Training On
Norelco With Chuck Neff", "Cardio Vascular Efficiency Versus Hydrolics", "Results Of The Mr.
North Hemisphere", and others not particularly what he was looking for at the moment.
Deciding not to look at the table of contents
of STI, he flipped open to the middle or centerfold.
For a second his eyes widened.
"Was it ?"
" It was !"
The centerfold displayed a photo of his pal Crag from college. Crag Badal the 'Bulk Monster'
a nickname he received for extroadinary eating
habits.
Old Crag could guzzle 5 quarts of beer at oe sitting. not exactly a healthful practice, but since the alcoho level had been reorganized from 12%
to 2%, it made beer an excellent bulk food.
Bulk was not considered esthetic any longer by
popular standards and excess fat was extremely unhealthful. So Crag got tagged the 'Bulk Monster'
by his buddies and occasionally 'Pig' by the guys
he outlifted.
The face in the photo undoubtedly was Crag, but the body had changed.
"Formerly a 310 pound monster, the physique
had been streamlined to a hard 265 pound defined contest threat"...stated the photo caption. Further stating the Mr.Universe Contest was the man's goal.
Jeff's composure experienced a puncture, as he stared in shock at Crag's 23 inch arms and 58
inch chest. Remembering his plans for the final workout, he knew it had better be a blaster. Only a
super pumped condition cold nockout Crag for the
title.
Having seen the preliminary list of contestants
posted in the health emporium on the planet Scorpus when refueling 3 weeks ago, he's expected to nail the title easily. The awesome shock of the photo aroused some doubts. Crag might be a late entry. Two weeks were minimum
notice of contest entrance.
Earth time or space time wait for no man, and neither does computed training time. Months before, Jeff had his metabolism checked and growth rate analysized in preparation for the Universe event.
Everything was set to the last pump. Even this cargo job from Kreb's to Moon Process Base
was specially arranged for him. The TNF (Terran
Nutri Fleet), looked to him to uphold the honor of the service. He could not let them down, besides 50,000 space credits was a lot of fuel to burn on leave.
Intentionally, Strange requested a lone assignment, which meant complete solitude and
absolute concentration devoid of distractions.
With just computers, educational material and training, nothing could disrupt complete devotion to is personal goal, training for the Mr.Universe title during recreation periods.
And the time for the final recreation period
had come.
The last workout was vital and according to the accumulated data would polish his physique with the finishing touches. Nothing left but the fact,
last workouts were toughest and seem to drag for hours although in reality they last about 45 minutes.
His complete isolation for months was unnecessary, except Jeff liked people and having
a crew or passengers on board simply meant far
too much distraction. Isolation does funny things to men. Jeff was no different.
He'd become intense lonely and restless.
Utilizing the energy trapped within these feelings during the 45 minute workouts, instilled super human neuro drive, this was his outlet. It had all been 'Genetically Projection Planned' or
'GPPed', computed for peak physical capacity response quantums-and it was the way he wanted it.
Besides the crew's purpose varied between tending of perishable cargo materials or passenger service. Without a perishable cargo, and, of course, no passengers...a crew in the new computerized cargo rockets remained uneconomical.
Quickly, Strange rose from the captain's control panel lounge. A couple of moments later found him entering the physical therapy recreation
area. Nutri Fleet saw to it the big star ships carried the latest training apparatus. The Captain and crew's health, mentally and physically, were always important. So having the latest advanced hydraulic training systems before most space facilities was the general rule.
Jeff entered the compartment and surveyed the area thinking about the bodyparts he'd work.
" Let's see...all uppers today"...he murmurs.
Walking over to a large the size of an earth
orange crate, he took two small cuplike discs from a slot in the black machine and flipped a switch. A
bee-like hum came from a speaker in the upper left
portion of the unit.
Placing the discs one on either side of his
temples, the Captain spoke..." Okay, how do I stand Pat ?"
From the speaker droned a slow unemotional one toned sound..."Stand ? Stand
does not compute".
" Analyze my biochemical influx and output
ratios, I'm training all upper body today"...the Captain retorted impatiently.
P. A. T. : Practical Automatic Trainer went to work, sending a bearly audible electronic impulse wave out which was received by the left temple area cranial pulser attached in front of Strange's left ear.
At this point a low frequency 'type alpha class 9' wave, with some additional resonance micro waves piggy back on it, passed through skin, bone nerve, and brain tissue...stopping a microsecond to oscillate and be reconfigured at mid brain where pituitary, thalamus, hypothalamus, plus other various measuring glands are located.
Their function is regulating human body chemistry such as water balance, glucose levels,
hormone production and overall metabolism.
The AC 9 as a carrier wave with supplemental oscillations fined tuned for genetic
data pickup, is finely disrupted, and continues toward it's destination-the right temple pulser. Than is boosted back to the physio-chemical
computer for further analysis.
Exactly 19 seconds later, Pat moans..."Sir,
the followig conditions biochemically exist in your
organic reality structural zones :
"1. A weakness in connective tissues of the
lower extremities.
"2. A 9% below normal red blood cell count.
"3. A slight imbalance in free glucose, amino
acids saturation of the blood stream.
"4. Mineral balance in nerves and muscle tissue
compartments above average...Data complete."
Jeff recognized this biodata to mean he had not properly recurperated from the previous day's training session on lower body, legs with it's intense cardio interactive forces.
It also meant possible a loss of size. should he train hard at this point, the 9% gap might widen to 11% or 12 % and a miss of peak appearance at the contest would result.
" Okay, Pat, emergency recup process data please" . . . Jeff requested.
(Note from 2004:
I tweaked up the 1973 version here dealing with Pat's response. The intellectual 30 year gap and writer's ego temptation was just to strong. Plus I actually use variants of the stacking chemistry noted...and it works.)
A low buzz filled the speaker than, " Sir . . .compensation for maximum recuperation indicates the following :
"1. Ingestion of various nutrient formulas :
an amino acid solution saturated with glucose-750 grams combined with Polysaccharide Ionized Iron, Eleuthero Adapto-glycosides, Vitacids B complex, ascorbic acid, tocopherols, Kel-Fucus Studs, Nano Tyrosine L-Dopa Bang Switches, Nootropic Nonox Andro Drive and some oxygen capsules...should raise red blood cell production and reinforce anabolic endocrine priorities.
" Such a formulation produces no drain of current internal centripudal energy factors for the
following transitory genetic reasons:
" 1. The compounded amino glucoloids solution is immediately absorbed and usable at muscle cell oscillation receptor sites, therefore momentary time flux stored energy support system remain stable.
" 2.Vitacid products ampted with oxygen push factors additionally dampen ATP mass molecular breakdown by acting as electron donors
during the metabolic process.
" Using the oxygen capsules as a
permeator enable oxygen to be absorbed at the intestinal sites by hemo aerobic red recipients in the blood stream pick up system stabilizing systemic catabolic drifting shift.
" This will save lung and heart interactions
a 30% load of stress. Plus an increase in red blood cell count will be extrapolated at the hemotonic
curve cross Dibencozide anabolic genesis copper and cobalamin polarity.
"Final analytical material shows the 9% gap will continue to exist but can be neutralized by an extended 9 1/2 hour rest period ceasing all motion of body's skeletal muscle...
" It's indicated by this information. That in your last leg training period, you neglected to preload with the 'Cardio Grind' supplement. Thereby, cause this radical overtraining metabolic
underide....Data complete !"
" Patty boy, you're a space irradiated genes marvel...and you're right. I hate that 'Cardio Grind' gunk". . . Jeff said with a smile.
" Marvel and gunk does not compute"...
answered the computer.
Anxiously Jeff complied and concocted the formulas and drank them remarking to himself...
"Ah! Nothing like a cup of muck to start your workout."
The mixture quickly was absorpted and spread into his system. A feeling of elevated drive
took hold of him as he set the hydraulic pressure units on the variety of workout equipment for right contractile resistances.
First shoulders, using a tri-cycle of behind the neck overhead extensions on the press machine, with side levers on the deltoid riser machine following, capped off with rear deltoid contractions also on the riser machine.
A triple downloading non-resting array of set cycles did the trick and complete pumpout occurred.
Next after delts tanked it, whizzing through chest and back muscles in an alternating compound cycle with their variety of moves to achieve cyclo-pump, Jeff decided to rest a moment.
Pat wined..."Inactivity period not indicated at this point, Captain !"
Annoyed and slightly panting with only minor oxygen debt, Jeff answered the vocalized definitive Moog sounds coming from the computer . . . " You may be the perfect training partner, but heck, you've got no knowledge of human nature."
Pat toned out . . . "The nature of the human is
laziness, sir !"
" Who programmed that tidbit into you, Pat?"
" You sir !"...chimed Pat.
" Yes okay..I get the message. I sent it. I'm
banging out arms next. I need some psyche pressure...Arm machine set and ready, pace me!"
Jeff gripped the curling handle of the Bi-Tri
Rotary Unit proceding to curl. His computer partner
counted out the reps. Reaching the fifth rep, the
speaker loudly commented..."Rep out faster, faster!"
The Captain's biceps swelled, becoming irrigated with red pumping lactated blood from the
added speed.
Pat immediately harassed him, imploring, ordering..." More speed !"
Jeff felt the final rep had been performed
and proceeded to relax his grip.
Pat wailed..."Half contractions are still evident for complete capacity workload".
Strange tightened his grip, and also the now activated pain center in his brain. Ripping off the final half moves, he again attempted to relax since the set was now terminated.
The computer seductively purred..."Slight
isometric resistance potential remains."
Jeff complied with a hard stressing two second static contractile tension against the bar, which went nowhere. The biceps collapsed into a
temporary paralysis.
He relaxed...ten seconds brought renewed
vigor and eventually forty five seconds later, the
biceps internal conditions were normal except for the flushed activation of the area.
Triceps training which followed was inserted during that bicep 45 second recup pattern using that same contractile workload approach. He seesawed a half dozen supersets in this manner.
Finally, forearms contractiles completed the upper extemities catabolic inducing anabolic ratio parameters.
" Patty...my electronic pumping bully . . .thanks for the memory. It's been cool. Now
I'm ready . . . Don'tcha think?"...Jeff elated and inflated asked looking for a final ego swabbing.
"No sir...9 1/2 hours of immobility are required for the 'peak mass condition' as computed
for the GPP." was the technoperfect measuring reply.
Jeff stared for a second and co-opted with..."Check, and recheck...gotcha...!"
Removing the cranial pulsers from his
temples, he flipped Pat's cut off switch. Nothing left but rest, and hopes for the coming contest laid only hours and transending space distances ahead.
_________________________
The minds sleeps recharging it neurotransmission levels, the body rests and recuperates . . . dreams of glory, dreams of roaring crowds rush through Jeff's sleeping brain. Suddenly, tranquility is shattered by a shrill chiming
sound. Half awake, Jeff realizes his journey's destination lies only miles below and turns off the
approaching planetoid warning system on the panel next to his bunk.
Jeff consoles himself . . . "O.K. Baby, you're already for the U show...Jefferson Strange, Mr. Universe 2050...nice sound!
"I feel big, I'm ready !"
After showering and eating his first waking meal for all intents and purposes, breakfast-Jeff notifies
Moon Process Base Command to send up a group
of food technologists. And ferry the Detachable Storage Units (DSU) toward the market process areas on the surface.
Having performed the Captain's last official act,
he takes the ships space taxi down to the gigantic pressurized domes of Luna City.
Luna City not only houses earth's food process base but also 'Healthquarters Of The Worlds'.
The Healthquarters are a hub of all earth's physical culture technology. In it's amphitheater
is being staged the 2050 Mr. Universe and Man Power Shows.
On the way over to sign in for the evening show
Jeff sees two familiar faces coming his way.
"Wide Back Evans, you old hunk of horse meat,
how the heck are ya?"... Jeff yells.
Immediately Wide Back Evans and his companion, a power trainer and instructor named Chuck Neff, engaged Jeff in a barrage of questions.
" You made it here for the 'Uni' didn't ya kid?"...
asks Wide Back Evans..."You got it bad pal, Crag
is cut to the bone and big as a space dome !"
Chuck jumped in with..."Yeah man ! Glad that brute is only in the posing event, otherwise I'd hang up my lifting belt on this one !"
Jeff could feel defeatism and some bad mental overtones. In spite of not having seen his old buddies in a while, he cut the conversation
short and walked away. The artificial gravity of the
huge encompassing space dome, could not compensate for the degravitizing effects his confidence was experiencing.
Internally he articulated slightly below a mutter verbal frequency to himself..."Got to isolate myself and keep cool. Crag or no Crag talk like that can kill my whole posing routine !"
After signing in for the physique show, he went into the amphitheater to watch some of the "Man And Woman Power' event.
' Man And Woman Power' events were off
shots of the old 20th Century Olympic and Powerlifting trials. In MAW contests a contestant competed in five lifts which were occurring similtaneously in separate areas using three judges in each.
All information was fed into a computer outlet in each area leading to a central computer bank. It
was like a large processing station. As contestants
went from one lifting area to the next...requesting
particular poundages on the barbell at it's support level housing.
The audience could ebb and flow from section to section depending on their curiosity and personal interrest.
At the evening show prior to the posing,
the weight class finalists would face each other in a lifting dual based on bodyweight formulations.
Jeff read the computer score panel suspended in mid area. One of the boys in curling
competition had succeeded with a strict curl of 275 pounds at 178 pounds bodyweight, first attempt.
"Not bad"...Jeff thought.
The presser's poundage hovered below the 500 mark on first attempts for middleheavies.
Jeff felt a terrible need for solitude devoid of crowds, noise, friends, everything. His nerves were now starting the pre-contest feeling he knew
so well.
Where to go ? Where to disappear ?
Than he remembred the old 20th Century
Physical Pavillion, a favorite haunt of his spare time in Luna City when not carousing the night
spots which were always open since Luna City
was shrouded in constant night.
Finding the place deserted as usual, he
walked down the main corridor studying the 20th
Century antiquated training apparatus and bust of the great men, world famous in the period's early
Physical Culture field. Leaders, who had laid groundwork of what had passed, and evolved into
present practice.
Intently, he gazed at the many fine sculptures and plaques designating their history.
They were incredible pioneering fitness heros like:
The Golden Prussian Eugene Sandow,
strength history's most famous showman. "Kinda
light in the pecs"... Jeff thought to himself.
Further on..'Robert Hoffman, Father of Weightlifting."
" That's a strange pose, looks like he's going for a walk"...Jeff was always noted for his sense of humor especially during periods of stress.
As he strode deeper into the long hall a relaxed feeling grew. The marble images always
fascinated him.
"Hmmm ! Steve Reeves ! Reeves reined
reined supreme for 30 years in public popularity as the most symetrically developed human in the world. "
Daniel Lurie, Founder of Space Training Illustrated magazine (known originally as Muscle Training Illustrated), plus creator of the World Bodybuilding Guild.
A ponderous sculpture showing two muscular gentlemen hosting an ancient mail box
aloft, proclaimed the men to be the early American
kings of 20th Century Physical Culture mail order
phenomenon...Charles Atlas and Earle E. Liederman.
' John Carroll Grimek, Sergio Oliva, Lawrence Scott, Reg Park ' plus countless others
showing their likeness from all earth races....Afro,
Asian, European, Latin, were all represented in this quiet hall of time forgotten.
Surveying the room, an unattended dust laden bust of a man with long wavy hair in a semi
lat spread with one arm by his side caught his eye.
"Joseph E."...the name plate was broken off at this point. Engraved below it : "Trainer of Champions"
An archway bearing the inscription 'The
Power Domain' lead him to the strength records
room of the late 20th Century. Hundreds of old photographs and marble tablets bearing lifting records by decades lined the walls and exhibition
cases.
"April 7,1979-Moscow...Nemon Kolivkov,
Russian-World Record Press 550 lbs.
" April 29,1979-Dallas, Texas ,U.S.A.-
Thomas Wickery, American-World Record Press
551 1/4 lbs. "
"June 15, 1979-Russia-Nemon Kolivkov,
Russian-World Record Press 575 lbs."
" Mannn ! That was big iron 70 years ago"
...Jeff pondered.
Sauntering around through the various parts of the pavillion, Jeff looked up at a place which bore a familiar engraved inscription above a
dramatic mural depicting a super muscled man
wrestlng against a maddened bull. The effort was
being made to save a group of people clad in white
togas and tethered in chains. They were huddled in fear in a vast arena from a far past time.
(Scan down)
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physical being is in direct relation to the good such a man would achieve !" The mural's title was..." Roma...Quo Vadis ?" Feeling inspiration coarse through him, Jeff left to make ready. The physique contest was partially prejudged two hours before platform time. Five human judges and a visual scanning analytical computer chose the winner basing decisions on size symmetry, proportion, general appearance, and all other health factors. Ninety six men representing earth's many far flung colonies were this year's contingent. This large entry necessitated eliminations taken from groups of 10. The computer's visual camera scanned classing heights, weights, and scaled proportions down, dealing with individual potential in the categories. Fluoroscope and ray photos determining health factors, also fell to the 'morphogenic fields' computer systems. The five judges used these materials to eliminate the difficult chore of seeing every contestant pose individually. At night all would pose, but only a small segment of the overall number, around 10, would need additional scrutiny under the posing lights. Among the ten finalists, Jeff and Crag seemed the most evenly matched using the balancing factor system. For instance, Crag's frame held eye shocking separated mass and size looking similar to several different units of best bodyparts, but somewhat non-interlocking. Jeff, possessed a blending flowing line, very much reminiscent of the early 1980's physique school, only tremendously bigger. Here the balance was drawn, awesomeness or esthetics, brutishness or beauty. Who could choose? Both has achieved equal potential. However, the posing dias, often made or broke even the finest developed men. Every Mr. Universe posing event was a marvel of electronic wizardry, timing, and showmanship. Contestants were assigned to one of six warmup areas located privately behind rotating pedestals around the amphitheater walls. Each spacious compartment contained pump up facilities including barbells, cables, and assorted tension equipment. At an electronic intercom cue, the man would assume his position on the dark dias. His particular musical selection would begiin, similtaneously the overhead light woud illuminate his physique presence for the audience. The posing platform rotating slowly, while the physique athlete held his positions, the audience saw all angles of each pose. A computer telephoto camera rig scanned the Bodybuilder's frame and projected closeups of arms, legs, and each bodypart upon a screen in center stage used for motion pictures. The platforms worked alternately. When a routine was completed another man on an adjacent dias began immediately. A master of ceremonies stood centerstage slightly below the elevated movie screen, introducing the competitors. Each, had one and a half minutes to display his physique. At fifteen or twenty minute intervals, the exhibition halted and films or variety acts entertained the luna Healthquarters throng. The show ran smooth during a four hour period. A rare mood of satisfaction gripped the vast audience numbering approximately 3000. Early 'Man And Woman Power' finals established two new 'Universal Records'...and the physique competition, although large, was terrific in quality. Truly, the 2050 event was epic in relativity. Finally the ultimate moment in the physique event arrived. Two men finalists were called to face each other center stage. It was as anticipated by most fans...Crag and Jeff-who glanced at each other ominously in the electrified stillness. The M.C. read the decision..."Three judges vote Crag ! " The audience howled in unison their approval. " Wait, hold on !"...the M.C. shouted over the roars..."Listen to this ! Two judges vote Jeff Strange, but the computer has issued the following data: "Size- Crag "Potential- Crag "Definition- Crag "Appearance- Jeff Strange "Symmetry- Jeff Strange "Posing-Jeff Strange "Health factor report indicates the internal organs of Crag are in a severe condition of catabolic difficulty due to excessive use of thyroxic dehydro- gravobond-splitters." Jeff looked at Crag and quiered . . ." Don't tell me you started on the 'Anabolic Matter Clonal Drugs...and gravobond-splitters ? " Fa Chrissakes...that shit is only meant for use in Terraforming and lower animal genesis invironmental introduction. " Are you trying to mutate out, or what ? Man . . . what were you thinking ?" Crag tossed his head back, letting out some air with a hearty grunt growled..."In one word ? ...'WIN ! "WIN BABY!...'WIN'!" Jeff shook his head..."Well you took a chance, and I guess you got it...Congratulations ! "3 to 2 . . . That's space !" "Ladies and gentlemen"...the M.C. went on... "The computer seems to have invoked the Number 6 Morality Rule. It's analysis has the men tied. " Under the framework of the rule, use of potentially fatal to humans Geophysical Anabolic Clonals and Internal Gravoid Dehydro Products are neither legal or formerly banned at this time. But in the event of a tie, a judge can invoke this rule as a tie breaker dealing with questionable humanoid techno self-application of Artificial Genesis Products or AGPs ." One of the more hulky looking human judges jumped in bellowing loudly from his viewing position . . . "That things no judge, give the trophy, the win and prize to Crag !!!" " Hold it Maslow" yelped a judge who voted for Jeff. " That computer isn't suppose to but I can ! I call Rule 6 ! Hand the decision to the audience." The audience stunned, mulled in disbelief. The M.C. said..." Okay Rule 6 is called. You fellows start posing"...to Crag and Jeff. While the two men tensed and moved the audience remained quiet. A woman in the thrid row shouted..."Give me a man who is real and earns and fights for what he wants !" From the gallery a person of Latin origin bellowed in proud tones..."Viva Strangito ! Viva S-t-r-a-n-g-ee !" The crowd joined in the chanting: "STRANGE ! " "STRANGE ! " Feet stumping accompanied the pathos, and rolled from front to back in a resonating connecting rumble.. People rose to their feet crying, protesting, and proclaiming the name... "STRANGE !" The M.C. lathed himself somehow into the seething sonic verbal and stumping boom speaking into the almost pathetically inept microphone : "Ladies and gentlemen, the winner . . . cool down people . . . THE WINNER...THE WINNER OF MR. UNIVERSE 2050...'JEFF STRANGE' !!" Jeff took the microphone "I'm sorry but I must refuse this trophy. My friend Crag is the better developed man regardless. I cannot accept the award. This is my right !" The audience booed and cat called, arose and pushed forward toward the stage violently indignant. Crag ran to the microphone, and said to Jeff quietly in an agitated undertone from the corner of his mouth . . . "What, are you nutz ? The audience will tear this place apart . . .They want you !" Into the mike Crag defensively shouted a desparate diatribe: " Folks..cool it . . . any achievement is diminished by lack of fortitude and honest effort. In short, Rule 6 or not, I cheated !" The bellowing on coming audience remained undeterred as they mobbed the stage, grabbing and yanking at the two Bodybuilders in an almost passionate type of excitement. Crag misunderstood and started to fling his arms wildly at the oncoming people. Jeff disappeared into the throng, ripped from the floor protesting. Only to reappear again, atop the shoulders of two fans-a man and woman. The gent wore a T-shirt which bore the insignia 'MOON PUMPERS' , and the woman showing a nice set of delts acing out of her string tanktop which read on the well stretched busom area . . . ' Randi The Babe'. Jeff suddently realized from his new human based elevation point, he was being carried up the amphitheater isle victoriously-as a Luna ruling Universal like conquering Caesar in a hoisted repose. Following in the adoring procession, a large brace of cheering admirers transporting him into the streets of the domed Luna City. Mr. Universe had again been borne . . .283,000 miles from home and 105 years or so after the title's developmental physique genone beginning on Earth where Anglo-Saxon philosophy founded it's true purpose . . . " Human Genetic Potential Is The New Frontier !" The End ( or perhaps) The Beginning . . . NOW ! Send comments to: Ironco@webtv.net (back) TIC e-book http://community.webtv.net/powco/TICebook IRONCO WORLD (back) http://community.webtv.net/Ironco/DENIEIRONCOW |
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