[AAR] Reaching Duna [I'm back]

[AtomicNinja17]

BUM BUM BUUUUUUM

What Someone had to do it

[Guest]

Chapter Twelve: Disconnected

"We had lost contact with DeepLab. Mission control can only assume that this object Kirk mentioned had hit the station. We await for connection to be re-established, if possible that is. Tracking satellites are working to locate the station or any debris."

-Flight Director Gene Kerman, 2 minutes after "impact"

---

Gene: DeepLab do you copy?

DeepLab: *static*

Gene: I repeat, do you copy? What is your status?

Kirk: We read *static* modu- *static* separated.

Gene: What? Module separated?

Kirk: The object *static* split the large hub and fuel module. Harlin *static* in the adjacent laboratory.

Harlin: This Senior Orbital Scientist Harlin, do you read?

Kirk: We copy. Status?

Harlin: What?

Kirk: Your status! I'm detecting an O2 leak.

Harlin: Affirmative. O2 levels dropping 1% every 3 seconds. I'll be dead in a matter of minutes! Temperature is rising too!

Kirk: Stay calm. Can you find the source of the leak?

Harlin: I see it. The tank is cracked, I can't fix it.

Adnand: What about EVA? Can you get across onto the main station?

Harlin: No suit. The airlock is inaccessible. How is the rest of DeepLab?

Adnand: We're spinning, but no leaks. No modules were actually destroyed, but the fuel tank is a dead joint now.

Harlin: 60% oxygen. Wait! Maybe I can start up the RCS.

Kirk: Careful. The module RCS is a short-term use. It may not work.

Harlin: I've got no other option. 58 meters out and a couple minutes of O2 left.

Kirk: Go for it. You'll need to dock the end of the airlock to the core module.

Harlin: Woah! COM is off. At least that means the thrusters function.

Harlin: 30%. Aligned to the port, one...one hundred meters off...

Adnand: You're drifting out. Fire forwards more!

Harlin: I'm trying.

Kirk: I can see you out the window...Reverse! You're off target.

Harlin: Can't...see. Too much CO2...30 seconds of oxygen in tank. *thud*

Kirk: Station is spinning again. Focus! I need you to dock. NOW.

Harlin: *heavy breathing* Almost...O2 out.

Kirk: You just connected. I'm opening hatches now!

Harlin: *gasp*

Adnand: Are you alright?

Harlin: I guess.

Gene: Thank kod. I thought you were a gone. We need to get this fixed.

---

-one month later...

Mission Name: AFTER Sat

Objective: Deploy a satellite into keosynchronous orbit powered by a fission reactor and propelled by a new thruster

Crew: none

"This mission was meant as a test for the next generation ion thruster. However, it's other intention is to spy on the East Republic. After several investigations, it is suspected the ER may be responsible for the DeepLab incident. Keeping a close eye on their space operations is key to maintaining the safety of our space program."

-Senior Engineer Larren

Director Dan: What is this?

Larren: This is our latest project. Our scientists have been working on ion propulsion for the last few years, and as you know we have used the PB-ION.

Director Dan: Yes. So what's this new engine?

Larren: The AFTER thruster is a higher power variant we have recently developed. It will be used in conjunction with a fission reactor.

Director Dan: Nuclear power in space?

Larren: It should be harmless. Mostly.

Mission Control: AFTER SAT is on its way to orbit. All systems nominal.

Mission Control:Apoapsis in 30 seconds. Communications deployed.

Mission Control: Payload is in keosynchronous orbit over the East Republic. Preparing to activate reactor.

Larren: It works! Look at that baby go!

Edited March 23, 2014 by Guest

[Guest]

Chapter Thirteen: Mun Mysteries

East Republic activity has pretty much been zilch. DeepLab is in stable condition after the incident, but construction has fallen far behind schedule. After much discussion, the space program's next goal was decided: Athena Mun Base. It was time to get back on track to the red planet.

---

Conner: Sir! Probe laboratories have discovered something!

Dr. Munton: What is it now?

Conner: Remember the scanning satellite we put around the mun last month?

Dr. Munton: Yeah. They wanted to map the Mun, right?

Conner: Actually it was looking for some resource...keh-than-ee?

Dr. Matinger: Ah yes, kethane!

Dr. Munton: What the heck is that?

Dr. Matinger: Kethane is a theoretical element me and some of the guys in the lab had been studying. We suspected it can be mined and converted into usable fuels.

Conner: That's right. Probe division says they have a hit.

Dr. Matinger: Is it true they discovered a kethane deposit?

Conner: Yes sir. Lots of it.

Dr. Matinger: Let's investigate it! I must speak to the Director.

---

...2 months later...

Mission Name: Kethane Scout Initiative

Objective: Investigate a kethane deposit and possible location for Athena Mun Base.

Crew:

-Commander Dudler Kerman

-Scientist Jordo Kerman

Mission Control: Where is Scott?

Gene: He got sick yesterday. Administration decided to continue the mission with only two crew.

Mission Control: Okay continue with the launch then. Is this a new rocket?

Lemcas: Yes. We redesigned the Hercules MPCV and created a new launcher.

Mission Control: Okay then. Spacecraft is now on internal power. T-minus 30 seconds.

Dudler: I'm not so sure about this launcher.

Jordo: Neither am I. It seems untested. My hands on the abort start-up.

Mission Control: T-minus 5...4...3...2...1...Liftoff, we have liftoff!

Dudler: Vibrations. Altitude is rising steadily...

Jordo: All systems nominal. Terminal velocity reached.

Dudler: We've broken through the clouds. A few seconds of booster fuel left.

Mission Control: Stage. Booster separation.

Dudler: Nice and clean. Gotta' love separatrons.

Mission Control: 50 seconds to apoapsis. Fire up 3rd stage.

Dudler: 4 LV-T45's at work.

*BOOM*

Jordo: What was that?

Dudler: Acceleration stopped. Mission Control what's happening?!

Mission Control: We lost the stage. Decouple, let's see if we can get into orbit with the spacecraft.

Jordo: I was right to have bad feelings about this launcher.

Dudler: We made it! Lots of fuel left...I say we continue.

Mission Control: Technicians are discussing...they say your a go for continuation.

Dudler: Transfer burn complete. 7 hours to Munar orbital insertion.

Mission Control: Alright. You are now in orbit around the Mun. Do you see the site?

Dudler: Let me go on EVA, can't see from here.

Mission Control: Go ahead.

Dudler: I can spot where it's saying the kethane is, but we'll have to go into a lower orbit.

Maxon: Okay, but wait. I'm seeing an unidentified object near your location. It's large. Location in feeding through right now.

Jordo: That's weird. I'm going to turn on the telescope.

Dudler: See anything?

Jordo: There, right in front of kerbin. It's...

Dudler: A space station...around the Mun?!

Mission Control: No space program has the technology, as far as we know. I want you guys to approach and attempt contact.

Edited March 23, 2014 by Guest

[Guest]

Chapter Fourteen: Pre-mature Mun Base?

The Kethane Scout Mission detected a space station around the Mun. This was the first time any station was known to orbit another celestial body. The agency knew nothing of this module, and attempts to contact it were unsuccessful.

---

Dudler: Are we go for EVA approach?

Maxon: Mission control says yes.

Dudler: I'm 50 meters off. Basic examination shows a hitchhiker and an unknown segment, which looks to be another crew tank.

Dudler: This is Commander Dudler Kerman of the United States of Kerbin...we come...in peace.

Station: *static*

Dudler: Nothing. I'm going to enter.

Jordo: Are you sure that's a good idea? What if they're hostile?

Dudler: [hesitating] Well...we'll have to see, won't wee.

*airlock hisses*

Dudler:​ ...

Jordo: What is it?

Dudler: [patching video feed] See for yourself.

Jordo: Oh my Kod. They're dead.

Dudler: Gauges show no O2 in the station. They suffocated.

Jordo: But...how?

Dudler: I have no clue. All systems look fine to me.

Jordo: KSC? What do we do?

Maxon: Administration wants to perform an investigation. Dock and retrieve the bodies.

Jordo: Ummm...

Maxon: What is it?

Jordo: RCS. It's dead.

Maxon: Can you find the cause?

Jordo: Monopropellant is full, so it must be the thrusters.

Maxon: How about two-control docking?

Jordo: Huh?

Maxon: Both spacecraft align with each other, so only forward movement is required.

Dudler: I'll see if I can access the station controls.

Jordo: Did it work?

Dudler: Yup! Ports are connected. Let's bring these guys into the storage compartment.

Jordo: Poor astronauts...

Maxon: Okay, leave the station. Now, lower the orbit over the site. It should be coming up again shortly.

Dudler: Burn complete. Ugh, I'm getting some deja vu.

Jordo: That Mun mission right?

Dudler: Yeah, I really don't feel like doing that again anytime soon.

Dudler: There it is. Running topography scans, it seems good.

Jordo: Burn up.

Dudler: What, now?

Jordo: Yes!!! We're on a crash course.

Dudler: Orienting...throttle 50...100%.

Jordo: It's not working! 100 meters and counting. Velocity 35 m/s.

Jordo: Oh Kod. *BOOM*

---

Dudler: Uh. Jordo? Jordo?! Mission Control?!

*silence*

Dudler: My Kod. Orb is gone. Jordo.

---

Flight Log, Elapsed Time-Unknown:

It was too late for Jordo. Electric charge is dwindling, carbon dioxide levels are rising. Only the command pod is left...and the service compartment. Maybe...no, surely it is too damaged. There's only one way to find out.

...

Miraculously, the service batteries and capacitors were unscathed. These new pipes sure are handy. Pod is now linked to battery systems. That gives me 3 days at most. I wonder what's going on at KSC...

---

-Back on Kerbin, KSC

Gene: What do you mean? Lives are at risk! We need to send a rescue mission now!

Director Dan: It will be too late by the time we get it prepped and ready for launch. But I have another plan.

Maxon: What is it?

Director Dan: Athena Solar Plant. The base module has been waiting in orbit last week, we can send it down to the crash site within the day.

Gene: Alright. Let's get on landing this thing.

-12 hours later...

Samner: Set her down.

Gene: Gosh, what is the computer doing with that RCS? Too sensitive.

Samner: Yeah, he'll have to push it. I'm re-establishing a communications link, let's hope everything's been okay.

[Guest]

Any comments? It's been just me and my thread lately.

[Guest]

Chapter Fifteen: Base Assembly

-Three days after the Kethane Scout crashed into Munar terrain...

Dudler: So this the the habitation module?

Mission Control: Uh...yeah. It was already on transfer, so we decided to send it down before a lander can bring you back home.

Dudler: Might as well get started on the base huh? What about Jordo?

Mission Control: His family has been notified. We're all sad. Somebody needs to fix that altitude control.

Dudler: Damn right.

Mission Control: *sigh* Well, go ahead and link up the new module. Shelgan and Munbree should be landing in 12 hours or so.

Dudler: Good news. I wanna' get off this rock.

---

Shelgan: This is Shelgan Kerman. Archon Lander is coming down near the base.

Dudler: Copy that.

Shelgan: Contact light. Prepare for EVA.

Munbree: So this is what the Mun looks like!

Shelgan: Definitely not your normal surroundings, eh? Get used to it, we're here for the next few months.

Dudler: Alrighty, welcome to Athena Mun Base folks. I assume the autopilot will handle ascent?

Shelgan: Yep, it's all in there. Alan will be up there.

---

Dudler: Hmm...let's see. Autopilot, autopilot...aha, there you are.

ACS-MKI: Automated Computing System online.

Dudler: Woah! This is new. Care to explain KSC?

Mission Control: Ah yes, the newly developed computer. R&D guys have been trying to incorporate an AI into flight systems for the past few months. They succeeded in giving the computer an intelligence similar to that of a certain kPhone AI.

Dudler: kPhones? Who needs those things when a flip-phone will do?

Mission Control: Jeb disagrees. Anyways, let's get going. Launch sequence is voice activated.

-In orbit around the Mun...

Alan: Welcome back pal! First kerbal to survive crashing into the Mun.

Dudler: Hopefully it will be the only time anyone has to experience it. Let's go home.

Alan: Sure thing. ACS, commence escape burn whenever optimal.

Dudler: We need a better name for that thing...

---

-2 days later...

*whirring*

Munbree: Kethane rig is up and running. Is it working?

Shelgan: Gauges are rising! We got kethane! Conversion is working as well!

Mission Control: Splendid. I'm sure the science guys will be very excited.

-4 days later...

Munbree: Extra habitation and fuel module linked. Base is now done; for now that is.

[Guest]

Chapter Sixteen: Leaks

Shelgan: How is it?

Munbree: The fuel tank looks fine out here. No leaks detected.

Shelgan: What? Did you check everything?

Munbree: I swear, the tank doesn't even have a scratch.

Shelgan: That can't be right. Fuel gauge is dropping.

Munbree:Alright. I'm coming back in. Maybe KSC has an answer.

---

-Kerbal Space Center

Gene: Alright guys, I want this fixed.

Larren: Any ideas, Siburry?

Sidburry: It could be an instrument malfunction. They'll need to check the-

Ronfield: Guys, we have an unidentified aircraft entering aerospace!

Gene: An aircraft?

Ronfield: Yes...southwest origin, 3 kilometers out.

Gene: What's it doing here? There's nothing on the schedule!

Director Dan: Calm down, it is just a USK fighter.

Gene: What the heck is a fighter doing at the KSC?

Director Dan: I requested it.

Gene: Why?

Director Dan: Security, of course. I thought you heard about the war.

Gene: War? What war?

Director Dan: With the Eastern Republic. They recently assaulted our island up north. Hundreds killed, millions in cost, all because the President insulted Minister Sherburus at the last international convention. Expect budget to get cut significantly.

Gene: Dammit!

Pilot: KSC, Phoenix has landed. Reporting for duty.

Director Dan: Finally. Come inside.

---

Munbree: KSC told me to check the tank valve inside.

Shelgan: Okay, go ahead.

Munbree: Nothing wrong with the- Kod, that's where it is!

Shelgan: What is it? Give me some video.

Munbree: Internal leaking. Fuel is all over the secondary habitation module.

Shelgan: Crap, that's gonna' be a prob-

[alarms go off] WARNING: FIRE DETECTED-HAB2

Shelgan: Fudge! Get out of there now!

Munbree: *static*

Shelgan: Munbree, come in!

Munbree: *static* extinguisher *static* fuel is *static*

*BOOM*

Shelgan: Munbree! *airlock hissing*

Mission Control: Athena Base what is your status?

Shelgan: KSC, we've had a problem.

[Guest]

Is anybody actually interested in this? I'm planning to make chapters longer, but there hasn't been a reply in ages. Feels like I'm talking to myself...any criticism at all?

[nuclearpower13]

Ive really enjoyed this seris. The drama and the disasters with some of the missions enhance the storyline. Keep up the good work.

[kenbobo]

Oh my god keep on going it is frakking amazing

[Guest]

Ive really enjoyed this seris. The drama and the disasters with some of the missions enhance the storyline. Keep up the good work.

Oh my god keep on going it is frakking amazing

Thanks for the support! Chapter 17 should be out this weekend.

[Guest]

Chapter Seventeen: Hope

Shelgan: [dragging Munbree to ascent vehicle] Mission control? Do you copy?!

Mission Control: *static*

Shelgan: Damn it.

*airlock hissing*

Shelgan: [turns systems online] C'mon! Faster

ACS-MK1: Life Support Online

Shelgan: Alright. Mission control, do you copy?

Mission Control: We *static* read you. Is *static* stable?

Shelgan: Yes...for now. We don't have much time. I'm getting us into orbit.

Mission Control: *static*

Shelgan: Not again. Ascent sequence-initiate.

ACS-MK1: Ascent Systems Online. T-minus 10 seconds

Shelgan: Argh.

...

ACS-MK1: Apoapsis is 51,287 meters. Periapsis is 49,562 meters.

Shelgan: Attempt to contact KSC.

ACS-MK1: Unable to connect.

Shelgan: Fuel levels?

ACS-MK1: 260 m/s remaining.

Shelgan: What?! This was supposed to get back to Kerbin.

ACS-MK1: Affirmative.

Shelgan: Crap. Send out a distress signal.

-Two hours later

Shelgan: Stay with me Munbree...

ACS-MK1: Unidentified craft detected. Distance is 300 meters and decreasing.

Shelgan: That sure isn't a USK spacecraft...attempt to hail it.

Commander Alwin: This is the commander of Komodo-1. I have received your distress signal.

Shelgan: Thank Kod! I have an astronaut that needs medical attention, and quick.

Alwin: I am docking to your lander. Come on board. We should be back to Kerbin orbit in about 7 hours. In the meantime, I have medical supplies on board.

Shelgan: Thank you. [hauling Munbree over]

...

Shelgan: So...er...what alliance are you from?

Alwin: Alliance?

Shelgan: You know...what nation? Program?

Alwin: None. As far as the world is concerned, anyways. It's a private enterprise...

Shelgan: Like KerbolX?

Alwin: In a way. But they are still controlled by the United States of Kerbin government, no?

Shelgan: So you're saying that this enterprise of yours is independent from any government?

Alwin: We ARE the government.

---

Alwin: We have docked. Hurry up and get in.

Shelgan: What's this?

Alwin: One of our space stations. It's small, but Doctor Meltop should be able to take care of...

Shelgan: Munbree.

Meltop: Alright, bring 'em in.

...

Shelgan: How is he, Doc?

Meltop: He'll live, if that's what you're worrying about, although he won't be flying again anytime soon. Suit had some heating problems, 2nd degree burns mostly, some 3rd. Both legs broken from the blast, but I can't help with that. He needs surgery back on Kerbin.

Munbree: H-hi Shelgan. Wh-where are we?

Shelgan: A station. Now relax.

*THUMP*

Alwin: What the hell was that?

Edited May 10, 2014 by Guest

[kenbobo]

cliffhangars... GRRR

[StratoK]

This is so awesome! Please continue

[Guest]

A sneak peak of chapter eighteen, which should be released tomorrow or Sunday.

Thanks for the feedback!

[Guest]

Chapter Eighteen: Home

...Latest signal received - 12 hours ago:

"This is Captain Shelgan of Athena Base. Current position-Low Munar Orbit. Medical assistance required ASAP. 2 kerbals on board..."

---

GENE: Get me their readings.

MAXON: ...we don't have any...

GENE: What do you mean we don't have any?!

MAXON: It appears that the lander is...empty. At least, that's what we think.

GENE: So they were rescued?

MAXON: Or they - never mind.

HALVIN: I have an idea. I'm going to need command of the AFTER Sat.

GENE: Granted. Just find out what happened.

~On board unknown station...

MELTOP: What's going on out there?

ALWIN: Bringing up external cams now...

MELTOP: It's dead.

ALWIN: Stay here, I'll go out on EVA.

ALWIN: Crap.

SHELGAN: Oh Kod, what is it?

ALWIN: Solar panel-1 blown to smithereens, same with the service module! Let's see...frak, the Komodo's pod just got breached!

SHELGAN: [looking out the window] Wait...

ALWIN: What is it?

SHELGAN: Check the life support tanks.

ALWIN: No...no...

MELTOP: Let me guess, this has to do with our O2 guages dropping like a rock, doesn't it?

ALWIN: I'm afraid you're right.

SHELGAN: We've got about 30 minutes before oxygen is depleted.

ALWIN: We cannot wait for a rescue.

SHELGAN: But we have no propulsion...except for-

ALWIN: RCS. It's our only hope.

~Kerbal Space Center, Probe Control Room

HALVIN: Lock orientation. Scanning now.

GENE: See anyting?

HALVIN: No...wait, there's an unidentified object entering the atmosphere.

GENE: Where?

HALVIN: It just passed overhead. Calculating predicted landing site now.

GENE: ...124 kilometers east of KSC. I want a search team out there ASAP.

---

ALWIN: Altitude 30 kilometers. What's the temperature on the shield?

MELTOP: Err...429 degrees Celsius...960 ablative capacity remaining.

MUNBREE: Uhhh! My legs.

SHELGAN: Hang in there. How many gees?

ALWIN: 3 gees and rising.

MELTOP: Damn, it's getting hot in here!

MUNBREE: ...uh...

ALWIN: Only a few more seconds! Heat shield...crap, down to 120.

MELTOP: Heat shield just blew!

ALWIN: It's okay. We're at 10 kilometers now.

ALWIN: Get out. Now.

SHELGAN: Just do it.

MELTOP: Crap!

*SPLASH*[station plunges into the ocean]

SHELGAN: Munbree?!

MUNBREE: I'm here! Floatation devices just deployed on the Komodo.

ALWIN: Everybody grab on. This might take a while...

~KSC Runway

PILOT: Pigeon-07 requesting permission for takeoff.

CONTROL: Permission granted.

CO-PILOT: Props up and running. Elevators online.

~2 hours later...

PILOT: Cameras on. See anything?

CO-PILOT: Yes! 9 o'clock.

PILOT: Signal the ship. Tell 'em we found the craft.

Edited May 10, 2014 by Guest

[spiritplumber]

Good stuff!

[Guest]

Chapter Nineteen: Detour

DIRECTOR DAN: Where are they now?

JAMESON: The...er...astronaut complex sir. They're waiting for you in room 42.

DIRECTOR DAN: Alright. Come along.

...

ALWIN: Hello director.

DIRECTOR DAN: [ignores Alwin] Carson?

CARSON: Here sir. I've just interrogated them. Meet Commander Alwin and Dr. Meltop.

DIRECTOR DAN: Greetings gentlemen. [looks down at clipboard] I hear you are from...Celestial United?

ALWIN: Correct.

DIRECTOR DAN: ...hmm...

ALWIN: ...

DIRECTOR DAN: [looks at Carson] Get them back home.

---

~Space Plane Hanger

MELTOP: So...

ALWIN: We can't give them our coordinates. I don't like that guy, Dan. He's got something up his sleeve. CU is already in enough trouble, especially with that damn Mun station we lost a few months back. What if we give them fake ones?

MELTOP: They'll know. Don't worry. I think I've got a plan...

---

PILOT: TA-SLR 02 is in the air. Setting course.

CO-PILOT: Altitude 5 kilometers...get ready for some turb-

[plane shakes]

CO-PILOT: -ulence...

PILOT: Speed?

CO-PILOT: 400 m/s. We're under high dynamic pressure.

PILOT: Alright, I'm pulling 'er up.

~2 hours later...

CO-PILOT: Um...

PILOT: What is it? You're not hungry again are you?

CO-PILOT: We lost connection with KSC.

PILOT: Strange. Probably just a glitch. How far are we from cooardinates?

CO-PILOT: About 30 minutes. I'm going to check on the guys back there.

...

ALWIN: Ready?

MELTOP: Ready. Let's do it.

CO-PILOT: Where are you-*gasp*

[falls down, unconscious.]

MELTOP: Go. I'll secure him.

...

PILOT: What is-uhh!

ALWIN: Help!

PILOT: *gasp*

MELTOP: I've got him...****

ALWIN: Doc! Damnit. [grabs the pilot]

PILOT: STOP!

[falls down, unconscious]

ALWIN: *heavy breathing* You okay?

MELTOP: *cough* Yeah, for the most part. Just fly the plane.

---

~Kerbal Space Center

DIRECTOR DAN: What did you say?!

JAMESON: Contact was lost with the plane, sir. We cannot track it's location and the pilots are not responding.DIRECTOR DAN: [slams fist onto the desk] Are you telling me, that we just lost the only source of information regarding Celestial United?!

JAMESON: Y-yes...

DIRECTOR DAN: Search planes out. Now.

JAMESON: But-

DIRECTOR DAN: Do I have to repeat myself? Do it now!

---

~TA-SLR 02...unknown location

ALWIN: Is it just me, or is this plane hard to fly?

MELTOP: What do you mean?

ALWIN: Nose is...really heavy. I can't even pitch up anymore. We're loosing altitude.

MELTOP: Can't see **** out there.

ALWIN: I know. Radar is outdated, too. We're about an hour out from home.

MELTOP: Kod, can't believe we're the "bad guys" now.

ALWIN: Nah, we did what had to be done. Who knows what could happen if they found us. Let's just hope we had made it out of detection range.

MELTOP: We're flying near a mountain range.

ALWIN: Yeah. I'm trying to gain altitude.

MELTOP: Look!

ALWIN: What?!

MELTOP: Bank right. NOW!

ALWIN: I'm trying! I don't see anything.

MELTOP: Screw it, eject.

ALWIN: Eject?

MELTOP [pushes abort button]

---

~5 hours later...

SEARCH 1: I see it.

SEARCH 2: The wreckage?

SEARCH 1: Yep...oh kod. The pilots are dead. But the foreigners...no trace of them. They must have escaped.

SEARCH 2: Damnit. I'll call in cleanup crews. But Alwin and Meltop...the director isn't going to be happy.

[Guest]

Chapter Twenty: Progress

JAMESON: Alright, alright. Calm down everyone, we have an important meeting today.

JEBEDIAH: Where's Danny?

JAMESON: I'm...not sure. He's been out this week. Anyways, err...[looking for papers] Oh yes, I have some good news and some not-so-good news. First of all, we are receiving a 50% boost in funding. What's not good is the reason why.

BILL:​ Which is?

JAMESON: The Koviet Union just discontinued their collaboration with us. Not only that, they're now working with the...Eastern Republic. They say that they'll be the first to go interplanetary.

JEBEDIAH: Pfft. Yeah right.

JAMESON: I wouldn't dismiss them. Intelligence says they already have a prototype of some sort.

BILL: We'll need to keep up then. [looks at Munton]

DR.MUNTON: Yes, of course. The dev team is hard at work on new engine prototypes. In fact, Matinger is somewhere in the labs right now playing around with...something of his.

JAMESON: Uh-huh. Also, one of our telescopes detected an asteroid last week. No...nothing to worry about, but it's passing by close, only a few million kilometers. It's a perfect opportunity to enact that asteroid redirect thingy...you know.

LARREN: Ah yes, the Asteroid Redirect Mission. I remember we scrapped that last year due to a lack of funding.

BILL: ...and now we can do it. It'll show those Koviets who's the boss here. Oh, and for the science of course.

JAMESON: Kongress has approved, umm...so I guess you should get on it. Asteroid arrives in 3 months. Board dismissed.

---

--Development Report: Doctor Munton Kerman-5/30/17

-Advanced Grappling Device:

Capturing an asteroid will require a way to attach to it. Originally we planned to use a bag to wrap around the asteroid, but a claw proved to be more effective. It works by having a heated tip, which melts the rock as it comes into contact with the asteroid. A pivoting joint is needed in order to orient the thrust vector through the asteroid's center of mass. Otherwise...well, bad things happen. Today we tested it on a couple of old kethane tanks that was never used for the now defunct Athena Mun Base.

It worked as predicted, although it should be pointed away from anything...important. That thing leaves some holes. Nevertheless, it's ready for use in space.

---

--Development Report: Senior Engineer Larren Kerman-7/2/17

-Sirius Redirection Spacecraft:

After a month of development, we've been able to apply the claw-thing onto working spacecraft. The Sirius is pretty much a re-purposed upper stage with 2 Vesta-VR1 engines to propel it. This gives it almost 7000 m/s of delta-V, enough to capture the 20 ton asteroid into orbit. We've decided to fly the asteroid into a Munar gravity assist in order to conserve fuel. The final location of the asteroid should be a 600 km orbit.

Plenty of reaction wheels to manuever the asteroid with, although RCS was not added due to fuel constraints. This is from flight test 1, flown to high kerbin orbit. All systems proved to be successful, except for the claw stretching out the adapter, which isn't causing any difficulties.

-Achilles Mark Two:

With new rocketry parts coming in, it was about time the Achilles MPCV received an upgrade. The old surplus tanks have been replaced with brand new tanks from KW Rocketry. The LV-T45 has been replaced by a KW Wildcat V engine. Its range has been decreased slightly, but we've added a lot more life support.

Also, we're about to make the Antares III kerbal-rated, so the spacecraft will also get a brand new launch system. It will completely replace the old mid-range launchers, if successful that is.

---

~KSC-Meeting Room

DIRECTOR DAN: *sigh* Have a seat gentlemen.

JAMESON: W-welcome back, sir.

DIRECTOR DAN: *grunts* I have some news. DeepLab station, you may know, was completed a few months back. However the project was incredibly behind schedule and over-budget. It's never recovered from the "attack" by the Eastern Republic. Well, Kongress has decided to abandon the project. The current five crew members are set to leave tomorrow.

JEBEDIAH: What? Are we deconstructing it?

DIRECTOR DAN: No. We're putting all our resources into the ARM. We're barely keeping planetary sciences alive, not to mention spend money taking apart the station. It will stay there.

~One day later...High Kerbin Orbit

PHIL: [looking out the window] Well, say goodbye. We're going home.

LODBERT: *phew* I'm getting tired of zero-G.

HALBUR: Alrighty, we're undocked. De-orbit burn commence in T-Minus 10 seconds. How are you guys doing over there?

NEDREY: Still on the station with Sammy. He's a slow packer. See you guys on Kerbin.

HALBUR: Alright, you've got 5 minutes, okay?

NEDREY:...er...

PHIL: What is it?

NEDREY: [looking at broken Achilles] I think we're going to need more than five...

Edited May 24, 2014 by Guest

[Guest]

Any more feedback? Comments, concerns, questions? Still feels like I'm the only one posting here.

[ste1701]

I like this story!!

Good work!

[Commander Zoom]

Nice designs, interesting story.

[Guest]

Chapter Twenty-One: Taken

~Kerbal Space Center, One Day Later...

DIRECTOR DAN: Where are they?!

JAMESON: W-who, sir?

DIRECTOR DAN: The two that were left on the station....Sam and Nodray.

JAMESON: Sammy and Nedrey?

DIRECTOR DAN: I don't care, just tell me where they frakin' are!

JAMESON: We...we-

DIRECTOR DAN: We what?

JAMESON: We don't know, sir. All we can assume is that they're somewhere in the Koviet Union.

[Carson Kerman runs into the room]

CARSON: *breathing heavily* A call from President Rimidak. [hands over phone]

DIRECTOR DAN:​​ What do you want?

PRESIDENT RIMIDAK: Ah, it is you. How have you been, Director?

DIRECTOR DAN: We know you're keeping two of our men, so quit the act before I get the military involved.

PRESIDENT RIMIDAK: Why so agitated? Is it because of how terrible your missions have been going recently? Mun base exploded, failing to uncover a secret nation, having DeepLab shut down, and now two astronauts missing?

DIRECTOR DAN: I know you fools have them! We'll have men tearing apart the Koviet Union.

PRESIDENT RIMIDAK: *chuckling* Ha, you think your empty threats scare me? I know the USK won't invade just to retrieve a couple of astronauts. Even if they did, they'll never find them.

JAMESON: Sir, we just received an update on DeepLab!

PRESIDENT RIMIDAK: Sounds like you have matters to tend to. We will speak later. [hangs up]

DIRECTOR DAN: What's new?

JAMESON: We've confirmed that DeepLab is gone. Looks like the Koviets de-orbited it or something after they took the crew.

DIRECTOR DAN: Well, we didn't need it anyway. I have to talk to President Klinton now. Alert me of anything new.

JAMESON: Y-yes sir.

---

~Three Days Later, LKO...

SAMMY: Looks like we're in orbit now...

NEDREY: Where the frak are we going?

SAMMY: No idea, the Koviets have total control over this thing. The map shows we're going...up.

NEDREY: Up?

SAMMY: Look. Apoapsis is rising...it's almost past Minmus now.

NEDREY: Ugh. Stage separation. Do you understand what they're saying down there?

SAMMY: Not a word, not a word. It doesn't matter, we're just guinea pigs to them. As long as the ship works, they don't care about us.

~2 days later, past Minmus orbit...

SAMMY: Wake up Nedrey.

NEDREY: W-what happened?

SAMMY: We're at apoapsis...further than any other kerbal. The view is incredible, isn't it? You can barely see Kerbin.

NEDREY: Dang. That almost makes up for being used as Koviet test subjects.

SAMMY: I found the flight manual.

NEDREY: Can you read it?

SAMMY: [flipping over the book] Now I can. There's an English translation inside. "The Open Dawn spacecraft...blah, blah...two crew capacity...advanced radiation shielding...320 days of life support...designed for reaching interplanetary space..."

NEDREY: Looks to me like they're ahead of us. The USK is about to get beat by the Koviets again. I have to admit, this capsule's pretty dang advanced. Fancy screens and everything. I always though they preferred the more robust and simple approach.

SAMMY: The Eastern Republic no doubt helped develop it. It's not just the Koviets who are going to surpass us this time. *sigh* I wonder what would've happened if all the nations cooperated. Where would kerbal-kind be right now?

NEDREY: We're kerbals, not perfect beings. There will always be conflict...

---

MISSION LOG:-SAMMY KERMAN, T+92 hours:

We're back in LKO after a long burn. Spacecraft still has about 1000 m/s of dV. I can hear the mission control, Koviet or Eastern, going on and on. Nedrey and I can do nothing but wait for them to initiate the de-orbit burn. What will happen to us when we return? Only time will tell. I doubt it will be pleasant though. Poor Nedrey is starting to freak out. I think this capsule keeps getting smaller.

...

-SAMMY KERMAN, T+98 hours:

After a few hours, we've made up our minds. We're taking over the craft. How? Well, the flight systems are managed by ground control, via radio telemetry. This means that if we cut off contact, we'll be able to re-program the flight systems...right? Only one way to find out. I'm going on EVA.

I had to manually disable the antenna. I had no idea what to do...so I just ripped it off. That thing could use some more duct tape. No more voices, no more control. Now all we had to do is tell it to bring us down over the USK. Unfortunately it turned out to be a lot more complicated than that. Much more complicated. I may or may not have broken the autopilot.

...

-SAMMY KERMAN, T+101 hours:

Well, after a few hours of joystick wrestling and button smashing, we got a re-entry trajectory roughly over KSC. Let's hope this thing won't break apart on re-entry.

---

NEDREY: Hitting the 25 km mark! G-forces rising...rest of the spacecraft just got vaporized. How is the shield holding up?

SAMMY: Very well actually, still above 80% integrity. It was probably designed for interplanetary re-entry, or at least more aggressive ones than this.

NEDREY: 10 km mark! Pop the chutes.

SAMMY: They won't deploy...Box is jammed.

NEDREY: Frak! What do we do?!

SAMMY: I'm going outside.

NEDREY: But-

[wind roars as the hatch opens]

...

SAMMY: Alright...crap. Okay, calm yourself Sam. Just gotta' get this cover off. C'mon! 5 km and falling.

...

SAMMY: *heavy breathing* Fraking chute is all tangled! Let's see. Oh to hell with it! [moves on to the next chute]

...

SAMMY: *heavy breathing* Yes! It's out. There's only one though. Kod knows if that's enough, let's hope the Koviets care about triple redundancy. I need to get back inside...

NEDREY: Sammy! Can you hear me?

SAMMY: Yes. I'm getting back in now.

NEDREY: Hurry! 5 seconds to full deployment, you're gonna' fly off like a- Sammy?

SAMMY: ...

~several minutes later...

Edited June 8, 2014 by Guest

[mythic_fci]

Wow, just wow... This actually partially inspired me to create my own Duna-based story, thanks! The suspense is blowing my mind... Also, what part mods would you recommend for interplanetary missions? I'm using KSPX right now, but the nukes are just WAY underpowered.

EDIT: Also, just noticed an error in one of the lines in the chapter above. It reads: "Lets-entr" while I'm guessing it means just "Let's".

Edited June 8, 2014 by FCISuperGuy

[Guest]

Wow, just wow... This actually partially inspired me to create my own Duna-based story, thanks! The suspense is blowing my mind... Also, what part mods would you recommend for interplanetary missions? I'm using KSPX right now, but the nukes are just WAY underpowered.

EDIT: Also, just noticed an error in one of the lines in the chapter above. It reads: "Lets-entr" while I'm guessing it means just "Let's".

I'm glad you like it! I recommend the FTmN Atomic Rockets. It adds new nuclear engines, including 2.5 meter ones (up to 280 kN of thrust, I believe).

I also like to use the Near Future mod, it adds advanced ion engines and plasma engines, which get you much more delta-V, but can be quite slow.

If you dwell deeper into the future, there is KSPI interstellar, but beware the complexity. I personally don't use it, but you can try it out to see if it suites you.

There's also the Stock eXTension pack (SXT), it's a bigger (but uses very little memory) mod that adds a few large nuclear engines.

Thanks for noticing the typo! Have fun

Edited June 8, 2014 by Guest