Generation Ships

[mearrin69]

I might have missed someone else making this point but it seems the ship itself could be programmed to control population. Maybe it keeps tabs on active population (counting embedded RFIDs or whatever) and pumps the folks food rations with birth control substances when kids aren't needed. If it could do it in a targeted way (rather than just piping it through the ventilation system) then it could even select who has kids based on genetics or something. Of course this would all be a Big Secret. A great conspiracy for people to uncover...and then sabotage and throw the whole thing off balance.

I don't see the problem with alcohol, or even stronger substances? We're talking about a generation ship, not a Navy vessel with a skeleton crew and tight shifts where everybody has to be sober 24/7. Abuse might be an issue that needs to be dealt with but casual consumption shouldn't be a big thing...until the grain harvest fails and people have to decide if they want bread or beer.
M