[One way stock 1.0 heat shielding is a bit unfair versus old DRE mod's heat sheilding.]

If you look in Kerbal Space Program\GameData\Squad\Parts\Aero\HeatShield\HeatShield1.cfg you'll see this line:

    PhysicsSignificance = 1

Changing that 1 to a zero should turn physics back on for that part. I'm going to give this a try myself right now, as yeah, heatshields seem quite broken right now making reentry with them next to impossible to survive, which is obviously not what one would expect

I tried FlowerChild's suggestion, and it seems to work for me. Placing a heat shield now moves the yellow CoM ball, and makes a chute+capsule+Science Jr.+heat shield combo go through reentry mostly as expected. I noticed that it still wanted to be a tad off-center, but it was very manageable and nothing blew up.

[Heat shield mass added to pod, heatshield physicsless]

I tried FlowerChild's suggestion, and it seems to work for me. Placing a heat shield now moves the yellow CoM ball, and makes a chute+capsule+Science Jr.+heat shield combo go through reentry mostly as expected. I noticed that it still wanted to be a tad off-center, but it was very manageable and nothing blew up.

[Steam In-Home Streaming - Can't control camera with mouse.]

I believe this issue is related to another one: The invisible mouse pointer problem. In trying to play KSP via in-home streaming, I discovered that if the host computer does not have a mouse connected, then you will not be able to see a mouse pointer when streaming a game (Win 8.1 host). However, the right-click-drag mechanic DOES work, even in KSP. I connected a garbage mouse to the host PC to fix the invisible pointer (which worked), but then I lost the ability to move the camera with the right-click-drag motion. As it is, I can drag the camera with the mouse or see my mouse pointer, but not both.

[First Flight (Epilogue and Last Thoughts)]

Thanks for another great chapter. The whole Kermol side of the story is what takes this from being just another fanfic to a deeply interesting and enjoyable story. I look forward to seeing where this goes!

[First Flight (Epilogue and Last Thoughts)]

Holy mackerel... What a story, KSK! I've read a lot of Mass Effect fan-fiction, but I never would have guessed that I'd find myself reading one about KSP. This is right up there with the best that I've read, and I had to make an account on the forums just to tell you how much I enjoy reading this masterpiece you're unfolding, and of course to subscribe! Keep up the good work, and I look forward to the next chapter. Riveting!