[AAR] Reaching Duna [I'm back]

[Guest]

Chapter Twenty-Two: Intercept

~KSC

DIRECTOR DAN: Can you repeat that?

NEDREY: Dead.

DIRECTOR DAN: No, the part about the ship.

NEDREY: Advanced.

DIRECTOR DAN: ...elaborate

NEDREY: More than 2 km/s of delta-V. Cool lookin' solar panels. Just take a look at the capsule and you'll see.

DIRECTOR DAN: uh-huh. So let me get this straight. The Koviets grabbed you from the station, depressurized the thing, and stuck you into their new rocket, built with the ER. Then you guys took over the system and landed it...but what happended to Sammy?

NEDREY: ...he sacrificed himself to deploy the chutes. When I landed he was lying there. I tried to stop the bleeding...it was no use. H-he died several minutes later. I...[breaks into tears]...

DIRECTOR DAN: It's alright. Carson, escort him out. Tell the engineers to get me the analysis of the capsule by tomorrow.

---

~One week later...

GENE: Sir, we must launch. The asteroid has entered Kerbin's SOI and won't be here long. The re-director is ready to be launched. We can send it off tomorrow.

DIRECTOR DAN: Splendid. Fill it up and launch it as soon as possible tomorrow. We'll show those Koviets and Easterns who's the lead in space.

GENE: Alright. I'll notify the launch personnel.

...

GENE: Look at it go! 10 km and counting. What's the payload status?

SAMNER: Nominal. Everything's lookin' good...except for that thing on the fairing?

GENE: That? Probably camera glitch...or coffee stain on the screen. It's not affecting the flight at all, according to sensors.

SAMNER: ARC is one it's way to rendezvous with asteroid GTK...123...something. Who names these things?

GENE: The Plantary Science department is not exactly...creative with names.

SAMNER: Engine cut-off. There we have it, rendezvous within 3 km. Only a few more hours until we get a good look at this thing.

GENE: I wouldn't be too excited. It's just a boulder in space. "Class B" they say. Still, we'll get high definition images of asteroids for the first time.

GENE: This is it. Just like a docking, but with a rock instead. Claw?

SAMNER: Claw is GO. Floodlights on. Approaching at 0.5 m/s.

HALVIS: Alright folks. We have contact, aaaand we have connection! Analyzing center of mass right now.

GENE: Fantastic! Now we have to hope if this thing has enough fuel to move it into orbit. How massive is the asteroid?

HALVIN: Only 20 tons or so. It's not very dense. Definitely less dense than the rocket fuel we use. Calculating a Munar intercet trajectory. We'll have this thing in orbit by tomorrow.

GENE: Good work everyone.

HALVIN: Floor it, Samner. Passing through Munar SOI as we speak.

SAMNER: Affirmative. Vesta's working full. Around 800 m/s left after this burn.

HALVIN: Good. Just enough to circularize at 700 km.

SAMNER: We-we did it!

[personnel cheering and clapping]

GENE: Kerbin's first captured asteroid. Now, who's going to be visiting it?

---

~2 days later...

DIRECTOR DAN: Larren.

LARREN: Yes sir?

DIRECTOR DAN: I have a project that you and your fellow engineers may enjoy. [hands over a letter]

LARREN: A 7 kerbal pod? 3 meters?

DIRECTOR DAN: That's right. You have what you need from that recovered capsule, right?

LARREN: Um...yes sir. Looks like we can reverse engineer the advanced systems into the big capsule.

DIRECTOR DAN: So you can do it?

LARREN: Yyyes sir.

DIRECTOR DAN: Good. I look forward to seeing your progress. In the meantime, make sure the Achilles II is ready for launch by next week.

[Tw1]

Ooo. This story is not bad, you have some nice shots and planes.

Also "intercet" is missing a 'p'.

Edited June 25, 2014 by Tw1

[Guest]

Chapter Twenty-Three: New Moon

---

MISSION: Asteroid GTK-37a Investigation

DATE: 11-14-17

OBJECTIVE: Dock with captured asteroid and return with scientific data

CREW:

-Commander Bob Kerman

-Geologist Camzor Kerman

-Engineer Tomzur Kerman

---

BOB: This is Commander Bob Kerman speaking.

MISSION CONTROL: We read you Bob, what's your staus?

BOB: Everything's fine and dandy! How much longer?

MISSION CONTROL: You've got and hour until rendezvous. We'll check in before matching burn.

BOB: Roger that. I'll be taking a nap, wake me up later Camzor.

CAMZOR: But...oh fine.

...

CAMZOR: BOB! GET UP!

BOB: Wha-geez! No need to scream in my ear. You know I'm a light sleeper.

CAMZOR: Not sure what you define "light sleeper" as. Anyways, we have a visual on the target.

BOB: Oh, good. 500 meters out. Refining the approach right now.

TOMZUR: Wait a minute.

BOB: What is it Tom?

TOMZUR: Engine stats are out of whack. Start them up will ya?

BOB: Starting up...

[silence]

TOMZUR: Well crap. The fuel lines must have been damaged by the launch oscillations we had. The engine has no fuel.

BOB: Well...thats...bad. Mission control?

MISSION CONTROL: The guys are telling you to dock first. RCS is functioning, correct?

TOMZUR: Yup. We're about to close in right now.

MISSION CONTROL: Good. We'll try to find a solution for you guys, but for now just continue as planned. Should be a standard docking, just don't bump into the asteroid.

BOB: Gotcha'. Oh, and tell those engineers to stop screwing things up all the time!

MISSION CONTROL: Er...sure.

...

BOB: Alright, we have a confirmed dock to the re-director.

MISSION CONTROL: Copy that. Get the equipment ready for EVA, Cam.

CAMZOR: On it. Say, what's with these solar panels? I thought we were supposed to have those fancy 1x3 concentrating panels.

MISSION CONTROL: Yeah, but we didn't have the money to include them on this flight. We used some of the spare OX-4W's. Should be good for this mission, it's a short one. Any problem with them?

CAMZOR: No, no. They're just...old.

MISSION CONTROL: Hey, at least it has new tanks.

CAMZOR: Pfft. Jebediah's storage was going to run out sooner or later. Am I clear for EVA now?

MISSION CONTROL: Yup, have fun out there.

CAMZOR: Alright, time to drill this bad boy.

[drill activates]

CAMZOR: The probe sensors were correct. This rock is surprisingly light.

[bags samples]

CAMZOR: Great view out here, huh Bob?

BOB: It's a view I haven't seen in a while. Don't float too far, budget cuts also mean tiny amounts of fuel.

CAMZOR: They cut everything. If only we didn't spend so much making weapons to toss at the Easterns. Not that they don't deserve it, but still.

BOB: Don't worry, Kongress is about to see them, and the Koviets, launch into interplanetary space. "Stealing" their capsule may have set them back, but it won't take long before they build another spacecraft. I'm sure that'll spark a second space race.

CAMZOR: A bittersweet solution. Well, I've got the samples. Gonna' run some quick scans before we give them to the lab.

...

BOB: Okay, now how are we going to get back down?

GENE: We're going to use the remaining fuel in the re-director. It has just enough delta-V to get you guys into the atmosphere. Won't be able to choose where to land, but we'll worry about that later.

BOB: Alright. I'm undocking.

HALVIS: Turning it around for attachment.

TOMZUR: Er...isn't it going to make a hole?

HALVIS: Don't worry, it's got an electromagnet that they installed for...reasons. We'll be able to keep it powered until we deorbit. Alright, prepare for the jolt. This thing handles like a bus.

BOB: Ugh. Is it on now?

HALVIS: Yup. We have 20 seconds until the optimal time to burn. If you're lucky, it'll bring you down somewhat close to KSC.

---

~2 hours later...

BOB: Mission accomplished. Crew has touched down!

GENE: [cheering in the background] Well done. 80 kilometers wet of KSC. We'll get you guys home in a few minutes. Have the samples ready, I'm sure Munton and his team can't wait to get their hands on those samples. See you back at KSC.

---

~R&D, 5 months later...

LARREN: Sir, it is complete. It's ready outside, undergoing some testing.

DIRECTOR DAN: The pod? Very good. I'll meet you there. Gotta' go fill out some forms first.

DIRECTOR DAN: Impressive.

GENE: Impressive indeed. Tell us more about it, Larren.

LARREN: Introducing the Taurus, created in partnership with R&S Capsuledyne, the largest capsule ever created. It's capable of housing 7 kerbals comfortably, while being able to house smaller numbers on extended missions. It's interior is state-of-the-art. With high definition touch-screens and upgraded cushion seats, it's the limousine of space exploration.

DIRECTOR DAN: What are these extensions?

LARREN: Ah yes, that's the new light-weight, built in LES. It also has landing struts for a smoother touchdown on land.

DIRECTOR DAN: Fantastic job. I assume we will need a larger kerbal-rated launch vehicle to get it up?

LARREN: Yes. It's still in the planning stages. Some...disagreements in design. Anyways, the service module is under construction as we speak.

DIRECTOR DAN: Alright. I'll check on development later.

---

~EASTERN REPUBLIC LAUNCH CONTROL...

MINISTER SHERBERUS: How much longer?

ER MISSION CONTROL: 3 hours sir! Kadmon and Adverus are conducting some magnetometer tests right now. The moment they enter interplanetary space, we'll notify you.

MINISTER SHERBERUS: You better.

...

[FarShot]

S*** gets real.

[Sun]

So....

USK = USA

KSSR = USSR

Eastern Republic = North Korea

Celestial United = ???

[Guest]

So....

USK = USA

KSSR = USSR

Eastern Republic = North Korea

Celestial United = ???

Celestial United doesn't really have a real-life (real life? What's that?) equivalent. They're a little more...futuristic.

[kenbobo]

Kinda sad, this was my fav AAR other than Grand tour. It be dead, and this message probably won't be seen!

[Guest]

Chapter Twenty-Four: Recession

It's 9 months after the Eastern Koviet Alliance reached interplanetary space. They captured the planet's attention. Things didn't fare well for the USKSA. It's like the kovernment just gave up on us. It didn't end with budget cuts, though. Dan Kerman died. Murdered, that is.

It was January, one shot straight to the head. The assassin is still on the loose, undoubtedly working for the Koviets. The program was shut down completely. All our work was scrapped. Every single design, every single operational spacecraft shut down. We were all jobless for 6 months. But now it's back. We've received a mysterious donation, enough to jump start the agency once again. We had to start from scratch. But the agency must prevail. I will make it happen.

-Gene Kerman, 8-25-18

---

~North District, Kerbin City

JEBEDIAH: Munbrett! Open up!

GENE: You sure he's home?

JEBEDIAH: Positive. He's been cooped up in there ever since he's retired.

GENE: Wait, so you want to get a retired guy to be our new director? What have you been smoking?

JEBEDIAH: I know Munbrett. He was the greatest commander of his time. You ever heard of Polaris Orbitals?

GENE: Oh yeah, the company back in the 80's. They made several crew vehicles. Got shut down when he quit, right?

JEBEDIAH: Yeah. The company was his, but he decided to retire. I bet he hasn't been outside in the last decade.

[door opens]

MUNBRETT: What do ya people want? If it's money, I ain't got any for you.

JEBEDIAH: Munbrett! It's me, Jeb. How are you old man?

MUNBRETT: Jeb! I ain't old. Still in my prime, thank you very much. What do you need?

JEBEDIAH: We have a job for you. The USKSA needs a new director. You're the guy for the job, right? C'mon, get back in the game.

MUNBRETT:... I'm done with the space business. Find someone else. [starts to shut the door]

GENE: You'll be getting paid...double your old salary.

JEBEDIAH: [whispers] What? The kongress is giving us barely enough to feed ourselves!

GENE: [ignoring Jeb] What do you say? Interested now?

MUNBRETT: ...I'm in.

---

~KSC, Two months later...

LEMCAS: Introducing the Arcadian CV. She's built from the leftover part surplus we had before the shutdown. Tanks got a fresh coat of paint. Don't worry, it's actually quite advanced for a ship built from scraps. 1.2 km/s of dV, surface panels, RCS and docking, and an integrated abort system. Good as any other LKO vehicle.

MUNBRETT: Nicely done, Lemcas. Tell me about the abort system. It's internal, I'm guessing.

LEMCAS: That's right. No escape tower on this one. Four liquid fueled engines that double as a precision landing system as well. Good for making small corrections upon re-entry. Let me demonstrate.

MUNBRETT: Good, a brace system as well. I'm sure the crew will like not bumping their heads whenever they land.

LEMCAS: Yup. I've crammed all the systems in. Legs, capsule RCS, triple redundancy parachutes, and even a shielded port. Now all we have to do is build a launcher. We'll need to get some more tanks in. I'm sure KW rocketry will be glad to get some customers back.

---

~4 months later...

MISSION: Arcadian Test Flight

DATE: 2/4/19 to 2/5/19

OBJECTIVE: Reveal functionality of Arcadian CV

CREW:

-Commander Jebediah Kerman

-Engineer Derzer Kerman

-Engineer Tomzur Kerman

JEBEDIAH: All systems nominal. Good job on the struts, Lemcas. Surprisingly smooth ride.

GENE: Alrighty Jeb, it's time to start turning. We're going into a 95 km orbit.

[bOOM]

JEBEDIAH: That was loud. Are fairings supposed to be that loud?

GENE: It's cause your encased in it. Remember, your not on top of the fairings, your inside them.

JEBEDIAH: I see. Just don't want to, you know, blow up.

GENE: Hah, don't worry. Been a while since you did this huh?

JEBEDIAH: Yeah, gotta' get used to death again.

---

GENE: Good you're in orbit now. How's the view up there? Jeb? You didn't...

JEBEDIAH​: Yes I did. I'm enjoying the view alright.

[MadMooMan]

Wow, this is great stuff man! keep going, you just got another reader . . .

[Guest]

Wow, this is great stuff man! keep going, you just got another reader . . .

Thanks man! Glad people are reading it

[Engineer of Stuff]

I like it! Its really good!

Just a suggestion, write the story more like paragraph.

[Redchrome]

I just found this. This is great! Thanks for posting this stuff.

I'd write it differently myself of course, but that's the nature of stories.

What did you use for the Celestials' capsule and station?

You write in the prologue that:

Celestial United: Little is known about them. 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.

I would be amused to discover that the Celestials are using a very different definition of 'government' than the other entities. Then again, each social group has its own ideas about what constitutes a 'government', so the Koviets and the Easterners will have different ideas from the USK.

Now that the USK has (had?) a satellite monitoring the Easterners, they're more likely to detect Celestial rocket launches and other things. Regardless of what we see in James Bond movies, it's really hard to keep rocket launches secret.

[LuxStice]

:C chapter 25 isnt out

BTW the history is just amazing, it worth all the time that i spend reading it, but why did jebediah got scared by the fairings, if he is "the best" astrounaut of the complex? shouldnt be the GENE?

Amazing history Love it

[TaintedLion]

This may sound stupid, but what does AAR mean?

Great story by the way

[Commander Zoom]

"After Action Report" - that is, a report which is filed after the mission (or "action").

[Guest]

SURPRISE!

I'm back! (in case anyone cares) I had a lot of issues with my computer (and life wouldn't let me). But I'm able to get back into KSP now. I need your feedback on continuing this story: Should I continue as is, start a new series based on the premise set by this series, or start a completely separate series? Don't expect chapters too frequently (school) but I'll try to make a new chapter each week or two.

Of course any other feedback is welcome. Also note that the previous save file is gone, along with all the crafts.

Edited August 30, 2015 by Monopropellant

[LuxStice]

cant vote dunno why but continue this one, and make something in the universe that eat/destructed all th craft, maybe space pirates or an black hole (dont need imgs)

[davidy12]

Got a new reader here can't wait to see you get to Duna.

[davidy12]

PS: If you plan on using habs on Duna, I recommend Kerbal planetary base system.

[123nick]

i think you should continue this one, i like the premise so far.

[Guest]

cant vote dunno why but continue this one, and make something in the universe that eat/destructed all th craft, maybe space pirates or an black hole (dont need imgs)

Thanks! On the destruction part, I'm sure something will blow up! And that habitation mod looks amazing, thanks for letting me know.

I'll release a small chapter maybe Monday (I'm camping this weekend so not much time to write), but don't worry, the chapter after that will be much longer.

[LuxStice]

Monopropellant said:

Thanks! On the destruction part, I'm sure something will blow up! And that habitation mod looks amazing, thanks for letting me know.

I'll release a small chapter maybe Monday (I'm camping this weekend so not much time to write), but don't worry, the chapter after that will be much longer.

Nice, your historys are amazing... take the time u need unfortunetly this post isnt that recognized, but it will

Edited March 22, 2023 by Kemorno