Fabricating Futures: Envisioning Scenarios for Home Fabrication Technology - Creativity in the Digital Age - page 192

Fig. 11.3 A replicator
materializes a mug of coffee
in Star Trek: Voyager ( http://
www.startrek.com/database_
article/replicator )
Fig. 11.4 The faulty food
slot in Star Trek TNG,
Season 3, Episode 1 ( http://
en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/
File:Food_slot_malfunction_
evolution.jpg )
brilliant vernacular critique of how science fi ction envisions technology. The video
goes as follows:
“Computer, fi x the food slot,” Dr. Crusher demands. “The food slot is function-
ing properly,” the computer replies. The replicator continues to visibly malfunction,
spilling liquid out of a glass and onto the fl oor [Fig. 11.4 ]. “Well, check it again!”
insists Crusher. “The food slot is functioning properly,” the computer retorts, in
what is clearly a lie. “Computer, deactivate the food slot,” she tries, but the malfunc-
tion continues. “The food slot is functioning properly,” the computer says. Crusher
continues to throw commands at the system, hoping that one will work, but seems
to be caught in a loop. Finally, frustrated, she begins to walk way. The food slot
deactivates when her back is turned. She returns, and the malfunction immediately
begins once more. Crusher rolls her eyes and walks off in a huff.