Had to use a spreadsheet to simulate a #spaceChase scene so I can figure out who's doing what when. I try to avoid lengthy exposition, but throwing in a few numbers (especially a ticking clock) adds verisimilitued. #amWritingSF

#Newtonian mechanics: So even though the pursuing ship has a faster drive, the head start of the pursued ship means it is pulling away from its pursuer. It will take several minutes for the faster ship to start closing the gap. Relative velocity and acceleration are two different things. This can add some tension to a #spaceChase #amWritingSF