[AAR] Reaching Duna [I'm back]

[Guest]

Reaching Duna

A story of expanding influence

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Chapters:

-Two

-Three

-Four

-Five

-Six

-Seven

-Eight

-Nine

-Ten

-Eleven

-Twelve

-Thirteen

-Fourteen

-Fifteen

-Sixteen

-Seventeen

-Eighteen

-Nineteen

-Twenty

-Twenty-One

-Twenty-Two

-Twenty-Three

-Twenty-Four

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Prologue:

The Kerbal Space Program had experienced many successes. From the rise of space exploration to the great Kerpollus Program; until the last of the shuttles flew. Now, manned flight has come to a close. Budget became tight as the public lost interest in space. Kerbals chose to send probes out of Kerbin, but all manned flights were conducted in Low Kerbin Orbit. No astronaut has left the safety of mother Kerbin since Kerpollus 17...but soon there had to be a change. This is the story of going back to the glory days of the space program, the journey to reach the Red Planet.

---

Chapter One: A New Race

Director Charlie: Everybody, I have news. The East Republic has launched a kerbal out of LKO!

Bill: What?! How?

Director Charlie: We've underestimated their funding. They sent three crew into a 300 x 300 km orbit.

Jameson: They probably won't stop there. They'll surpass us in no time at this rate!

Director Charlie: The President has called. He says Kongress has approved a double of our budget so we can continue manned space exploration!

Bill: I'll notify the rest of the board immediately.

Jeb: So, does that mean we'll finally be going to Duna?

Bill: Don't get your hopes up. I doubt we'll be going there anytime soon.

Sr. Engineer Lemcas: Don't worry Jeb, we'll be going to space, at least.

SE Lemcas: Sir, the Achilles is ready to go.

Director Charlie: That was fast.

SE Lemcas: Yes, the orbiter has been in the works for about a year. The launcher is simple. We strapped 2 skipper cores onto a mainsail core with some editing. It should be reliable enough to launch tomorrow.

Director Charlie: Sounds good. Get the crew ready.

Mission Control: T-minus 10 seconds...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...we have liftoff!

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Dean Kerman: Whoa! Mission control, abort system has been activated!

Mission Control: Launch failure, repeat, launch failure. Get the ground crew ready. Self destruction is complete.

Director Charlie: What was that!? Lemcas?

SE Lemcas: There was a decoupler failure. The boosters were released early and destroyed the central stack.

Director Charlie: Whatever. Just fix this thing, alright?

More about the program:

Administrators:

-Director: Munbrett Kerman

-Assistant Director: Jameson Kerman

Mission Control:

-Flight Director: Gene Kerman

-Payload Specialist: Samner Kerman

-CAPCOM: Lemgee Kerman

-Robotics Specialist: Halvis Kerman

-Range Safety Officer: Ronfield Kerman

Engineering and Research:

-Head Engineer: Lemcas Kerman

-Engineering Manager: Engas

-Head Scientist: Matinger Kerman

-Research Manager: Raymore Kerman

Astronauts:

-Jebediah-Commander 1st class, unassigned

-Bill-Commander Pilot, unassigned

-Bob-Commander Pilot, unassigned

-Dean-Commander Pilot, deceased

-Dudler-Commander Pilot, unassigned

-Shelgan-Module Pilot, unassigned

-Sidger-Module Pilot, unassigned

-Derzer-Flight Engineer, unassigned

-Munbree-Technician, disabled

-Tomzur-Technician, unassigned

-Scott-Scientist, unassigned

-Jordo-Scientist, ​deceased

-Desbro-Scientist, unassigned

-Sammy-Specialist, deceased

-Camzor-Field Specialist, unassigned

-Bartbles-Payload Officer, unassigned

-Adnand-Experimental Specialist, unassigned

-Kirfred-Experimental Specialist, unassigned

-Patrim-Flight Physician unassigned

​

---

United States of Kerbin: This is our nation, led by President Klinton. The USK Aerospace Association was created in the year of 2958, facing the Koviet Union in what is known as "The Space Race". USK finally landed a kerbal on the Mun in 2969. USKAA receives components and support from various companies throughout the nation.

Koviet Union: The relations between the USK and the Koviet Union have always been rough. Recently they have cut off alliances with USK and are supposedly working with the Eastern Republic. The KU is currently headed by President Rimidalv.

Eastern Republic: This totalitarian "republic" has caused much trouble for the space program (although they always deny it) and seeks to be the sole power in space. Despite their evil nature, they have been quite successful, but maybe that's because nobody knows about the failures. Prime Minister Sherberus is currently ruling in place of Kymjong Kerman, who's current location is unknown.

KerbolX: A private enterprise based in USK, KerbolX succeeds in commercial space-flight and routine missions such as station resupplying. Their endeavors have opened access to cheap and reliable transportation to LKO.

Celestial United: Little is known about them, other than the fact that they are a space program belonging to an unknown country. Intelligence suggests they are a small nation, seemingly centered around science and technology (and spaaaaaace!). The space program apparently has no trouble with funding, as they are directly involved in the government, along with other organizations. This means they have far more capabilities when it comes to space.

Edited September 13, 2015 by Guest

[Guest]

Chapter Two: Success and Expansion

Mission Control: T-minus 5...4...3...2...1...Blastoff!

Jeb: All systems nominal, engines at full power.

Mission Control: Commence roll program. Altitude 10 km.

Jeb: Roll program successful. Core stage is nominal.

Dean: Main stage has cutoff, stage!

Jeb: We're a bit stuck...throttling up...boom! We're out.

SE Lemcas: Yeah, that may have been a small oversight. Continue into a 400 km orbit.

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CAPCOM: Jeb, go ahead and conduct an EVA. Then retro-fire when ready.

Jeb: We did it! The first Kermericans out of LKO since Kerpollus 17 in 2972!

Director Charlie: Good job folks.

Director Charlie: Okay, everybody, this is our next objective.

Lemcas: Another Starlab?

Director Charlie: No. This is DeepLab one, the first space station outside of LKO.

Bill: That thing is so small though...

Director Charlie: [switches to another picture] Now this is the final result. Happy?

Jameson: Now that's more like it. How long will construction take?

Director Charlie: A module will be launched every 3 weeks. At this rate the station will be finished in 36 weeks.

Bill: Dang. That's quite a hurry. Do we have enough money?

Director Charlie: Kongress just gave us more funding after the previous success. We have more than enough money. Plus, our new partner, KerbolX, will take care of all supply missions.

Mission Control: Launch in 5...4...3...2...1...DeepLab Core is off to space!

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Mission Control: Station core deployment is a success. Crew transfer in 3 days.

Edited January 21, 2014 by Guest

[Guest]

Chapter Three: Ambitious Goals

Director Charlie: Everybody here?

Bill:All board members had reported, sir.

Director Charlie: Splendid. We have an important meeting today.

Director Charlie: Okay guys. I have something to tell you guys. After the end of the Kerpollus Program, I spoke with the president. Guess what we told me?

Jameson: Congratz?

Director Charlie: No, don't be a simpleton. He said he wanted to see that Kermerican Flag on the Red Planet.

Bill: What! That's crazy. It's been what, four decades since Kerpollus 17? We've made pretty much no progress. Don't tell me there's a deadline...

Director Charlie: ...3034...

Bill: Duna...in 20 years...I don't think so.

Jeb: Quit being so stuck up Bill. I think we'll do it.

Dr. Matinger: Actually, sir, I believe it is possible. With a high budget, that is. It'll have to be more than it is now. We need something to boost our money, or at this rate we won't make it.

Director Charlie: The Mun...

Dr. Matinger: Huh?

Director Charlie: Remember how much money we got for the landing? Not to mention reputation. If we return to the Mun, the public will get interested again. How we get there, that's for you, Lemcas.

SE Lemcas: Yes sir. Me and Dr. Matinger will get the research team online.

Director Charlie: Hey guys. What have we here?

Lemcas: This is the Achilles vehicle, atop a larger launcher variant. The primary objective is to scout the landing zone for the upcoming mission, which is well in the works, and the secondary objective is to perform an EVA around the Mun.

Flight Director (Gene): That''s right, we're about to launch. Achilles Munar orbit launch is a go. All systems green.

Director Charlie: Launch commence it is.

Gene: T-minus 5 seconds. 4...3...2...1...Engine ignition and liftoff, I repeat we have liftoff.

Dean: All systems are good, MC. I can feel a bit off wobble. Must be the extra engines.

Dean: 11 kilometers, booster separation is set. Checking the external camera...all seems good.

Dean: MC, Achilles has reached orbit. Commencing system checks...if only I can find that list.

CAPCOM (Maxon): This is KSC. How are things looking up there?

Dean: The crew is happy. Dudler and Sammy are having fun, aren't they?

Sammy: Copy that. Returning to the Mun after forty years.

Maxon: Sounds great. It's time for the transfer burn, roll prograde and re-ignite the engine.

Dean: [pushes a few buttons] Okay, there's no backing out now.

Dudler: Periapsis is set, sir. Can you see the landing site?

Dean: Video feed is coming through. God, we sure are close.

Sammy: I'm having second thoughts about this. Are you sure those calculations were correct?

Dean: I...think so. MC, what's our status?

Mission Control: *static*

Dean: Wait a minute...we're on the far side aren't we?

Dudler: Correct. We lost contact 2 minutes ago. Should we start the EVA?

Dean: No. Wait until we get a little higher.

Sammy: Altitude alarms are going off! 1000 meters and falling fast.

Dean: Outside! There's a mountain dead ahead!

Dean: BURN! Come on...

Dudler: We are clear! A record 56 meters above the Munar surface.

Dean: *heavy breathing* My God, that was too close for comfort.

Dean: Okay, we are about to land.

Dudler: Splashdown! Boy, I'm glad to put my feet on Kerbin again.

Mission Control: We got you guys. Air recovery is closing in...

Edited January 25, 2014 by Guest

[GamerMitch]

Great job so far! But I feel like some pieces are missing, like when jeb did the EVA, Everybody celebrated, then it instantly jumped to the mission briefing. Maybe you could incorporate some action instead of just dialogue. But you can completely ignore me if you want, I'm just some guy who likes to help improve people. I like it so far!

[Guest]

Great job so far! But I feel like some pieces are missing, like when jeb did the EVA, Everybody celebrated, then it instantly jumped to the mission briefing. Maybe you could incorporate some action instead of just dialogue. But you can completely ignore me if you want, I'm just some guy who likes to help improve people. I like it so far!

Yeah I guess you're right. That's the problem with clumping pictures, it doesn't flow with the storyline. Thanks for the advice, I'll take that into consideration in future chapters.

Edited January 23, 2014 by Guest

[Nahim]

More please!

#OccupyDuna

[Guest]

More please!

#OccupyDuna

More coming soon^tm! Glad you like.

[Guest]

The rest of Chapter Three is up!

[Guest]

Chapter Four: Dean Kerman

Director Charlie: So, tell me about this...Hercules?...vehicle.

Lemcas: Yes, sir. The Hercules MPCV is a new type of orbiter. The key feature is a spacious habitation segment designed to better accommodate crew on long missions.

Director Charlie: So...basically a rip-off of the Koyuze?

Lemcas: Well, while it is very similar to the Koviet vehicle, it has much more advanced technology. Everything was designed from scratch, with more range, lifespan, and safety.

Director Charlie:So, you guys going to launch it?

Lemcas: First manned launch is scheduled for next week. We'll test its capabilities by orbiting the Mun.

Mission Control: 5 seconds...4...3...2...1-engine start and blastoff of the Hercules!

Dean: All systems nominal. Engine thrust is at full.

Gene: Copy that.

Dean: Hercules-1 has achieved orbit.

Maxon: Okay. Are engines ready?

Dean: Affirmative. Munar transfer in ten seconds and counting.

Sidger: Everything is good. Me and Jordo are transferring to the orbital pod.

Dean: Alright. Get some rest, Munar insertion is in a few hours.

Jordo: Sensors show we are right on course. There's the Mun!

Dean: Thank God we're not passing as close as last time.

Maxon: Alright Hercules. You are go for return burn. Let's bring you home.

Dean: What was that? Why did the engine cut off mid-burn?

Jordo: The service module...it decoupled!

Sidger: We are so screwed. That's it, I'm going to lay down and die now.

Dean: No! Failure is not an option. We have one last hope-RCS.

Jordo: That won't work. With the current fuel and thrust, we won't have enough fuel to deorbit.

Dean: Wrong. This command module does not need to go with us.

Sidger: [confused] But, there are only two seats.

Dean: Who says I'm going with you?

Jordo: What?! We're not leaving without you.

Dean: Oh yes you are. [decouples orbital pod]

Jordo: That's it. Monopropellant is out.

Maxon: Don't worry. You are in an elliptical orbit, but we can still rendezvous with you guys. Help is on its way...

Sidger: What about Dean?

[GamerMitch]

Interesting twist! I wonder what will happen next.

[Guest]

Chapter Five: Rescued

Bob: Mission control, come in.

Maxon: This is mission control. How are you Bob Kerman?

Bob: I don't know. Dean was a great friend.

Maxon: These things happen. Are you ready?

Bob: No. But let's do this anyway.

...Back in the Hercules Orbital Pod...

Sidger: So...he's gone.

Jordo: I'm afraid so. The command module had no power. Batteries probably drained a few hours ago.

Mission Control: We lost contact 2 hours and 35 minutes ago. Dean was a true hero. How are rations doing.

Jordo: Oxygen is at 50%. We can't afford to run the purifier with just two panels.

Mission Control: Worry not. Bob is one hour out from your location.

Sidger: You see that Jordo?

Jordo: The Achilles! Bob is here.

Bob: This is Commander Bob, over. Docking in 30 seconds and counting.

Sidger: Hey Bob.

Bob: Connection successful. Come on in you two.

Maxon: Good, but we're not home free yet. Prepare to de-orbit, but don't let go of the orbital pod. We want to recover it.

Bob: You sure that's safe?

Maxon: You'll have to find out. That pod contains very valuable data from the Mun.

Bob: Okay...this better not screw us up.

Jordo: Temperature is rising. How are reaction wheels holding up?

Bob: Not good. We're starting to deter from the course.

Sidger: The thermal protection won't stand that. Our angle is way off. It's starting to flip!

Bob: KSC, we're out of control. The pod is getting fried!

Gene: Jettison! Now!

Maxon: But-

Gene: There's no choice. Undock immediately.

Bob: We are free. Heat-shield is now correctly oriented.

Mission Control: Contact lost with the crew. The ionized plasma is disrupting the signal, so it should last about 1 minute.

Gene: Achilles, come in. Achilles, I repeat come in.

Maxon: It's been two minutes...they should be landed by now.

Gene: Get the recovery team on search duty. Find them.

Bob: Where's the recovery team? Are we off course?

Jordo: I can see some lights!

Bob: [shouting] Over here! Over here!

Sidger: Yes! The helicopter is landing.

[Guest]

Chapter Six: We Must Continue

Dean Kerman was a highly decorated veteran of the space program. Having first flown in the days of the Kermini Program, he has innumerous space flights under his belt, including the first Munar orbit and one Mun landing. However, the first flight of the Hercules MPCV was his last. Dean Kerman was stranded in Munar orbit as the rest of the crew managed to return, and the hero was deemed KIA later that day. The pod, along with his body, cannot be retrieved at this point, as all connection has been lost. This was the first casualty since the Kolumbus disaster.

The kovernment was not pleased, and neither was the public. "Space exploration is dangerous," as stated by a politician, "We can't waste money and lives in a void we know little of, when we have bigger problems down here!" Funding began to dwindle as Kongress and sponsors lost interest. Now, 3 months after the incident, Director Charlie was determined to get the space program back on track.

---

Mission Name: Project Archon

Objective: Finalize and test the Archon Mun Lander

Crew: Kirfred, Test Pilot

Director Charlie: Listen up guys.

Bill: We're listening, except Jeb.

Jeb: [sets down phone] Sorry, jut playing some Angry Kerbals.

Director Charlie: Wha...nevermind. Anyways, here's the mission briefing.

Bill: Interesting. It looks pretty big with that hitchhiker module.

Lemcas: That's right. It is designed for long-term missions, up to 2 weeks on the surface.

Jeb: So, how does it work?

Lemcas: What do you mean? It uses a typical LV-T45. Unlike the Kerpollus landers, it has one engine, ditching the landing legs upon liftoff.

Jeb: [back on his phone]...sooo intriguing.

Kirfred: This is Archon-1, requesting permission for liftoff.

Mission Control: Liftoff is a go. Commence engine startup.

Kirfred: Wow. This thing has pretty good TWR for a Mun lander.

Mission Control: That's right. It was designed with speed and responsiveness in mind. Plenty of dV to spend.

Kirfred: Alrighty. I'm gonna attempt a landing on the VAB.

Mission Control: What-no, don't do it!

Kirfred: Too late, I'm already over the helipads.

Mission Control: Looks like we have another Jeb...just don't scratch the paint.

Kirfred: I'm down! What do you think? I say that was a 10/10 landing.

Mission Control: Good job. Some more stress tests, and we're going back to the Munar surface!

[Guest]

Chapter Seven: We're Back

After more than four decades, the Kerbal Space Program has finally decided to return to the Mun. They've been there. Now they're going back, with veteran Jebediah Kerman at the lead.

---

Mission Name: Archon-Achilles Munar Expedition

Objective: Land on the Munar surface and stay for 2 weeks. Crew will then return to Kerbin.

Crew:

-Jebediah, Mission Commander

-Jordo, Archon Pilot

-Kirfred, Achilles Pilot

Gene: This is it guys. Back to the Mun. The crew is entering as we speak.

Director Charlie: Good. How is the lander doing?

Gene: It was sent up yesterday, awaiting boarding in LKO at the moment.

Mission Control: Launch sequence is go.

Gene: Copy that. Blast off in T-minus 10 seconds.

Gene: 1...Ignition and lift-off!

Jebediah: This is Achilles, over.

Mission Control: Yes, Jeb, what is your status.

Jebediah: Crazy. Oh, you mean the ship?

Mission Control:...

Jebediah: Ah, don't worry. This baby's going to orbit smoothly.

Jebediah: Hello, hello?

CAPCOM: You guys are in orbit. Prepare to rendezvous with the lander.

Jebediah: Got it. Stand by for target burn.

Jebediah: 50 meters off the port. Coming in close...and docked!

Kirfred: Sir, we are ready to start transfer to the Mun.

Jebediah: Yes, yes. Go ahead and do it already, I wanna' land on that thing.

Kirfred: Periapsis is 30,000 meters. Orbit established successfully.

Jebediah: Yeah!!! Get in the lander Jordo, me and you are gonna' camp on the Mun.

Jordo: Altitude warning is going off. We're going to fast downwards!

Jebediah: 500 meters, according to radar. Burning up at 100% throttle...

Jebediah: Contact light! Aww yeah. Perfect suicide burn.

Jordo: [shuddering] Please...don't...do...that...again.

Jebediah: Cheer up! Let's go and pose for a shot.

Jebediah: One small step for a kerbal, one giant comeback for kerbal-kind.

Jordo: Famous words, sir. The camera is up and running.

Jebediah: Look at that. We actually got the flag to face the right way.

*Two weeks later*

Jordo: Can we go now?

Jebediah:Okay, okay. Ascent sequence start.

Jebediah: We are now in Munar orbit. Mission control?

CAPCOM: We read you loud and clear. How's things going?

Jebediah: Life on the Mun is a lot more mundane than I thought. I'm glad to be gettin' home.

Jebediah: Lander has been ditched. Commencing escape burn in 10 seconds.

Kirfred: Okay. Let's get out of here.

Jebediah: Here we are! Re-entry flames are getting bright.

Jebediah: Parachute cut and touchdown! KSC, we are home.

[Guest]

Any feedback on the last few chapters? Chapter 8 should be up tommorow.

[Guest]

Chapter Eight: Next Stop

The success of the Achilles-Archon mission quickly spread. The kerbals cheered as Jebediah, Jordo, and Kirfred Kerman were picked up from the ocean west of KSC. Jebediah was the first kerbal to land on the Mun twice. Funding began to pour in again.

---

Bill: Where's Director Charles?

Jameson: No idea. I haven't seen him since the debriefing.

Jeb:The guy retired.

Bill:What?! After such a success?

Jeb: He said he was tired...wanted to spend time with his family.

Jameson: Does that mean I have to take over?

Jeb: Kongress assigned a new director by the name of Dan Kerman.

Director Dan: [walking in] That would be me.

Bill: Hello there Dan.

Director Dan: You will address me by sir. Is that clear?

Bill: [shocked]...

Director Dan: I said, is that clear?

Bill: Y-yes sir.

Director Dan: Good. How are we today?

Jeb: Good...sir.

Director Dan: Former director Charles has left me some goals; ones that will lead us to Duna. Before he left, he wanted us to put an astronaut on Minmus.

Jeb: That little ball of mint ice cream?

Director Dan: [annoyed] No, the second moon.

Bill: So...what are we doing, sir?

Director Dan: Well, I have assigned new leaders for our R & D. Larren and Munton are on it.

Lemcas: But Matinger and I have lead them for two decades! You can't just-

Director Dan: I can, and I just did. Now I suggest you keep your mouth shut before I demote you even more.

-Four months later...

Mission Name: Cirrus LGR Minmus Deployment

Objective: Land a buggy on Minmus for use by astronauts upon reaching Minmus.

Crew: None

Mission Control: T-minus 60 seconds. All personnel clear the launch site, repeat all personnel clear the launch site.

Mission Control: T-minus 5 seconds. 4...3...2...1...Liftoff!

Payload Specialist Samner: Cirrus LG Rover is off. Minor oscillations detected, nothing problematic.

Mission Control: 300 m/s and climbing, gravity turn initiated.

Mission Control: Booster cut-off and separation. Staging successful.

Samner: A lot of vibrating going on. This could be bad. Give me a check on fairing internal. Some of the struts are loose. Looks like they weren't attached properly.

Gene: Can it hold?

Samner: Throttle down that Mainsail. It's causing too much wobble.

Mission Control: Payload has reached orbit. Transfer stage activated.

Samner: Running checks...it seems the rover is fine.

Mission Control: Landing is about to begin. The craft is skimming over the terrain.

Mission Control: Radar is reading 500 meters and counting. Mono-propellant engines are at full thrust.

Mission Control: 10...5...and contact!

Samner: Two of the legs are dead. But the rover is completely intact and rolling along nicely.

Edited February 15, 2014 by Guest

[Rhyunix]

Well... this is... fantastic! I love the chapters, the Mun lander is beautiful and this has played out nicely! Got yourself a fan!

[Guest]

Well... this is... fantastic! I love the chapters, the Mun lander is beautiful and this has played out nicely! Got yourself a fan!

Thanks! Glad you like it

[Guest]

Some peaks of the next few chapters (expected next week):

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[Scotius]

Looks like there might be some action in space. And explosions

[FlamingPotatoes]

I...love...this

[Guest]

I...love...this

Glad you like it!

[Commander Zoom]

Just found this thread, and I like it. Nice lander design, and I chuckled at Jeb's status report.

[Guest]

Chapter Nine: Minty

The space agency was about to commence it's greatest mission since Kerpollus: Landing on the second moon. Minmus has been long neglected by kerbals. Many myths referred to it as worthless and weak. Even in modern times, not much is known of it. In fact, only 2 satellites were ever sent to that moon, and only one surface landing. But, Project Odyssey would prove to be one of kerbal-kind's greatest achievements, rival of the great Kerpollus program.

---

Mission Name: Project Odyssey

Objective: Land two kerbals onto the Minmar surface and return them safely using the Odyssey Lander and Achilles MPCV.

Crew:

-Bill, Mission Commander

-Camzor, Odyssey Pilot and Geologist

-Alan, Achilles Pilot

---

Mission Control: This is Achilles green for launch.

Director Dan: Good. Crew prepare for boarding.

Mission Control: Bill, Camzor, and Alan are now boarded.

Bill: Roger that, crew is ready for launch.

Mission Control: Launch sequence start. T-minus 10 seconds...engines warming up...

Mission Control: 2...1...Clamp release and blast-off!

Bill: All systems nominal.

Gene: Altitude 10,000 meters. Velocity 265 m/s. Roll program commence.

Bill: Roll program is go. Everything's looking a-okay.

Bill: Close approach with target is set. Preparing for orbital injection in 20 seconds.

Gene: Good. Crew status?

Camzor: All crew is reporting healthy.

Bill: Achilles is now orbital. 96 x 87 km orbit.

Gene: Copy. Prepare for docking maneuver.

Camzor: Odyssey lander is in view. Relative velocity minimized.

Bill: Set up docking approach.

Bill: Ports linked successfully.

~64 hours later

Bill: We've broke the record.

Camzor: For amount of snacks ate? No way, Jeb is way ahead.

Bill: No! We are further from home than any kerbal has ever been. As for the snacks, I'm getting close.

Alan: I guess we are truly far from home, eh. Mother kerbin is but a dot in the sky.

Bill: Look...[staring at the window]

Camzor: It's...beautiful.

Alan: It reminds me of...something.

Bill: Mint ice-paste. It was a favorite of mine way back.

Camzor: Yeah...I never knew it looked so...edible.

Bill: Minmus orbital insertion complete. Crew is fine.

Gene: Good. How's the view from there?

Bill: It's amazing alright, pictures and video feed coming through.

Gene: The public will surely love this! An alien world, yet so similar to everyone's favorite dessert.

Bill: You ready for this?

Camzor: *deep breath* Yup. As ready as I can be.

Bill: Okay. Have fun up here, Alan.

Alan: Sure. See you guys in a couple weeks.

Camzor: De-orbit burn complete. Man, so little is known about this place.

Bill: Yeah. Data from Min-1 showed it has very low gravity, and these flat areas.

Camzor: Make's me wonder. Could there have been lakes on this little thing?

Bill: Possibly, but there certainly aren't any now. Any water would quickly likely freeze up or boil off. An atmosphere is completely non-existent.

Camzor: Radar altitude reading 2500 meters. Velocity 45 m/s.

Bill: Okay, bring it in nice and steady...can you see anything?

Camzor: No, pitch black outside. But wait, there's a light!

Bill: The buggy! We must be right on target.

Camzor: 100 meters, velocity 8 m/s.

Bill: Nice and easy there.

Camzor: Contact light! *sigh*

Bill: Phew. Let's wait til' sunrise, then we'll go on EVA.

Mission Control: Alright guys. The world is watching.

Bill: One slow-motion step for a kerbal...one minty leap for the kerbal race.

Camzor: That's right. I've got the flag here.

Bill: We did it! Flag is actually facing the right way. Say cheese!

Director Dan: Congratulations. A call from the president of the United States of Kermerica is coming through.

~1 day later

Camzor: Did you see that meteor?

Bill: I saw something, but it ain't a meteor. This rock has no atmosphere.

Camzor: What could it be...

[Guest]

Chapter Ten: A visitor

"Last night there was a strange phenomenon in the sky. There were two possibilities: artificial light, or hallucination. Both were equally worrying. When sunrise came, we went outside to perform the experiments we were supposed to do."

-Commander Bill Kerman, +72 hours on Minmus

---

Bill: Buckle up Cam.

Camzor: I don't think seat-belts really matter, we barely surpass 5 m/s anyways.

Bill: Gene always worries about safety. Let's ride.

Camzor: Alright. Let's stop here and collect some samples.

Bill: Okay.

Camzor: Basic analysis shows it is crystalline salt.

Bill: Not ice-paste eh? So, what does that mean?

Camzor: Minmus flats once had oceans, which probably evaporated hundreds of millions of years ago.

Bill: Interesting. I'll pass you the drilling equipment.

Camzor: Okay, the stand is up. Samples coming through.

Bill: Careful, the surface is brittle here.

Camzor: Dangit! My foot's stuck.

Bill: Push. But don't-

Camzor: Woah!!! I'm flying!

Bill: Watch out!

Camzor: [falling through one of the panels] Dangit!

Bill: Camzor! Come in.

Camzor: *grunting* I'm okay. Can't say the same for the panel though.

Mission Control: Give me a damage report.

Camzor: Panel-1 smashed. No other damage.

Mission Control: Okay, good. The rover should still run, with a few stops now and then.

Bill: Okay, pack up the samples and let's go on.

Camzor: Roger, I'll just put some sensors here to monitor surface action.

Bill: Got the scanning station set up?

Camzor: Yup! We can return now. Tomorrow we'll come back and check on these.

~24 hours later

Camzor: The packages, they stopped transmitting?

Bill: Weird. What's the cause?

Camzor: No clue. KSC says we should go check outside.

Bill: They're gone. Dangit, we had some valuable data in there!

Camzor: What could be the cause? I'm reviewing footage from last night...

Bill: Freeze it! What's that right there?

Camzor: A light. Two. Surely, you don't think-

Bill: That's the logical answer. Get in, we need to find were they came from.

Camzor: 2 o'clock on the right. I see something.

Bill: Well that just confirmed it. It's a lander. Attempt radio contact.

Bill: This is Commander Bill Kerman of the USK space program. We are approaching your lander.

Anonymous: What is your business! Go away.

Camzor: [through private radio] He's got an Eastern Republic seal on his suit. Could they be spying on us?

Bill: [through private radio] This sure isn't a coincidence. He's got a mission, and it involves us.

Anonymous: I am exiting. Why are you two here?

Camzor: We know you stole those packages. You were sent to mess with our mission, correct?

Anonymous: I know nothin' of this. Now go back to your own turf.

Bill: *BOOM*

Camzor: Commander? Come in.

Bill: *swearing* He put explosives in the bin!

Camzor: WHAT?! [turning around]

Bill: Outrageous! He took off.

~on board the ER ship

Anonymous: Control, I am experiencing failures. Repeat, lander is encountering engine failure!

Control: *static*

Anonymous: CONTROL?! Launch sequence was aborted. What's going on?

Control: *static*

Bill: Contact lost. He's...gone.

Mission Control: This is bad. Return tomorrow. We need a full investigation on this.

[Guest]

Chapter Eleven: Rivals

"Mission control ordered us to return the day after the incident. The buggy was discarded, and only select samples could be returned, as the container was demolished by a small explosive that the astronaut had planted. We do not know when, but he likely did it during the night when he stole our instruments. Camzor and I prepared for the return."

-Commander Bill Kerman, +84 hours on Minmus

---

Camzor: Instruments, check.

Bill: Fuel?

Camzor: Fuel, check. Engines, check.

Bill: Ascent sequence ready. Liftoff in 3...2...1...

Camzor: Engine is at 100% thrust. Preparing to turn.

Bill: Apoapsis?

Camzor: 52 kilometers. We are on target for rendezvous with the Achilles.

Bill: Good. You have the data log?

Camzor: The what?

Bill: The data we retrieved from the crashed lander. You do have it right?

Camzor: Oh! Um...of course. Let me look...it should be in this box...

Bill: Camzor...don't tell me you left it!

Camzor: [setting the box down] Maybe.

Bill: *groan* That was valuable data for the investigation!

Camzor: I'm sorry! I think I uploaded some of it into the computer though. I'll try to find it.

Bill: You better.

Alan: This is Achilles, over.

Bill: We copy. Docking in 30 seconds.

Alan: Link successful. Come on over.

Camzor: Alright. Transferred all the data into the pod. Here's the samples.

Alan: That's it?

Bill: Yeah. Our buggy broke. Dang East Republic.

Alan: Escape burn commence.

Bill: Good. How was it up here?

Alan: Lonely. View is great though.

Bill: Alright mission control, we are on course for re-entry.

Mission Control: Okay. Temperature signals are rising...we're about to loose connect-*static*

Bill: Project Odyssey has landed. Do you read MC?

Mission Control: Loud and clear. We're picking you up now.

---

-One week later...

Director Dan: Gather around.

Bill: Yes sir. All members present.

Director Dan: Our team has been working on the investigation. Investigator Carson?

Carson: Right here sir. It appears that the East Republic sent a Minmus lander a day after us. How it came so close to our landing site, we do not know. I think we may have a traitor among us.

Jeb: That's ridiculous! Who would help the East Republic?

Director Dan: That is not for you to say. Now hush up and listen.

Carson: As I was saying, they came within 2 kilometers of the Odyssey. Their sole astronaut, whose name still remains unknown, was ordered to steal our instruments and plant a package of K4 explosives into the buggy container. It detonated when our astronauts went to confront the ER ship.

Bill: So...why did the lander crash?

Carson: According to the log, the computer was told to shut down all systems. We suspect this was the doing of the ER mission control in an effort to remove evidence. Luckily for us, the lander was more durable than they thought.

Jeb: Have you spoken to the East Republic?

Carson: Not yet. A call is going out now.

ER Prime Minister: This is Prime Minister Sherberus. What is your business?

Director Dan: Greetings, Prime Minister. I wish to speak to you about your latest space venture?

Minister Sherburus: And what would that be?

Director Dan: You know what I'm talking about. The Minmus mission.

Minister Sherburus: I have no idea what you speak of! [hangs up]

---

Jameson: Sir! We have an urgent transmission from DeepLab station!

Director Dan: Patch them through.

Kirk: This is the station commander. I am detecting an unidentified object approaching the station, fast.

Gene: Do you have a visual?

Kirk: No. Adnand is on EVA right now, trying to spot it.

Gene: This is bad! Everybody get inside the return vessel, that object is going to hit the station.

Kirk: I see the object...It's-*static*

Gene: Kirk? DeepLab station what is your status?

Kirk:*static*...hit...*static*...get...*static*...fuel modu...

Gene: Dangit! Repeat!