czokletmuss

Corrected.

CHAPTER 27 ORBITAL OPERATIONS: PAYLOAD B *** Personal log, entry 20 (51). Or should I write “commander's logâ€Â? A lot has changed since the last time I used my notebook. There's something very reassuring in hand writing with a simple pencil in the middle of this all high-tech. And I think that this is what we need the most at this very moment – peace of mind. I have no idea what happened after I passed out down there. Nobody knows except for Rozer, and this bastard of course doesn't want to talk. Whatever happened, BERTY addresses me now as a commander and obeys my orders. Is it because of the virus, like Ned says? Anyways, it appears that one of Rozer's schemes backfired horribly. I locked him in habitat module B – I hope he'll appreciate the irony. Speaking of which, he was right – I have almost no problems moving around the “Proteus†with my leg. Doctor is really concerned about it, he says that we have no data about fracture healing in microgravity. Today he finally convinced me to start taking painkillers. I just hope they won't cloud my judgment. And there are really big decisions coming. I feel like there will be a lot of entries in the next few days. Commander's log, entry 52. Feeling better. I tried to get some information from BERTY about what happened back on Duna but he keeps saying that he was still rebooting during our little confrontation. I'm a little worried – is it possible that he's hiding something? That he's still listening to Rozer's orders and this is just one more cynical game of his? I don't know but we still have no contact with people in the base and currently we don't even have LAMGML on board. We're confined in “Proteusâ€Â. Commander's log, entry 53. I still have some problems with speaking but it wasn't that bad. Today we were discussing what to do next. Basically there are two ideas – either we demand answers from KSC and than maybe continue the mission or we just abort to Kerbin as soon as we can. The problem is that the transfer window back to home opens in 4 months. On the other hand, we don't have to hurry with the decision. But for obvious reasons, morale is really low right now, so situation should be clarified as soon as possible. It's hard to believe that the aerobraking happened only few days ago. Commander's log, entry 54. Still no decision. KSC asked for the reasons of our silence in the last few days; I told BERTY to fake some kind of malfunction in the communication equipment. This should give us more time. Kod, they have no idea what has happened here. Commander's log, entry 55. Still nothing. I talked about it with Sid and Ned with predictable results – Ned is pissed and wants to return to home and Sid argues that there is still a lot of science to be done. I guess he's partially right – who's better equipped to deal with a mystery as big as we suppose it is than us? Only we have sufficient experience. Besides, to surrender right now would be like to land on the Mun once or twice and than never come back. What's the point of exploration if we don't want to continue it? Continuing the mission without KSC's secrets and Rozer's machinations seems to be a good idea – after all, we still have BERTY and the most advanced spacecraft ever built. But as Ned pointed out, if they were willing to imprison and shoot members of the crew to protect their goals, can we be sure that there are no more safeguards, no more surprises? I don't know. Commander's log, entry 56. The decision is yet to be made but whatever we're going to do, we're gonna need fuel and supplies. As BERTY suggested, whatever the final outcome will be, we should complete the scheduled orbital operations. He's right; besides, the crew can use some distraction. After all, aborting the mission for which most of us dedicated their careers and years of hard work to is a lot to take. I think I have a fever – doctor said that the microgravity weakens the immune system, so he's giving me some antibiotics. Frakin Rozer. I would probably have to talk with him at some time, but for now he's completely cut off from the rest of us. I wonder how does he like this, having no idea what's going on? Commander's log, entry 57. Our first task will be to randez-vous with the Duna Transfer Module from the Payload-B. Well, actually it will randez-vous with us since we're almost out of delta-V. The reason for this is that the DTM weighs more than 100 tones – any problems during the randez-vous could severely damage the Payload-B. And in that way only “Proteus†can be damaged. Frakin KSC and their protocols. *** Commander's log, entry 58. Done. Now we only need to transfer the fuel and other supplies. I feel really bad – without BERTY I don't know if I could handle this. Commander's log, entry 59. Good news – fever is gone and we've finished all the operations with the DTM. KSC is really alarmed as it seems but all they are getting from us are false reports about telecoms system. It also seems that slowly the majority of the crew is going to vote for abort. We still have a lot of time to decide, fortunately. Next goal – randez-vous with the Payload B. *** BERTY v.2.0.8b: All systems nominal, commander. We're ready to initiate the cargo transfer. JEB: Let's get this over with, BERTY – you may begin. BERTY v.2.0.8b: Affirmative. Releasing the kethane tank A1. BERTY v.2.0.8b: Payload-B1 detached. Docking in progress. JEB: I hope there will be no surprises. Johndon, are you ready to operate the robotic arms? JOHNDON: Yes c-commander. There will be n-no collision with “Proteus†sir, I w-won't let it happen. JEB: I know. You're there only in case of emergency, but stay frosty. BERTY v.2.0.8b: Docking in 5 seconds. BERTY v.2.0.8b: Docking completed. Securing the connection. JEB: Very nice, BERTY. I hope – what the frak? JOHNDON: C-commander? I lost all readings, is this…? JEB: Wait, I have them back. Another error, BERTY? BERTY v.2.0.8b: Yes. It appears that connecting “Proteus†to the Payload-B1 caused a small malfunction of the mission's clock. JEB: Great. Is this serious? BERTY v.2.0.8b: Negative. I restarted the mission's clock and it's now operational. Synchronization between “Proteus†and LAMGMLs is advised. However, this event reset the clock. Error occurred at 585 days 1 hour 20 minutes and 28 seconds into the mission. JEB: As long as you can calculate the correct date I don't care what's on screen. Let's proceed. BERTY v.2.0.8b: Affirmative. Docking Module PB-1 separation. BERTY v.2.0.8b: Payload-B2 detached. Docking in progress. BERTY v.2.0.8b: Docking completed. Securing connection. SID: Hey Jeb. JEB: Hey pal. You came here to take a look? Nothing really interesting, believe me. BERTY v.2.0.8b: Docking Module PB-1 separation. SID: Maybe not for you, but this probes will be landing on moons of Jool so yes, their condition is quite interesting for me JEB: Assuming we'll go there. SID: Yes. BERTY v.2.0.8b: Initiating LAMGML autodocking protocol. SID: Have you thought about docking to the Payload-B? People could use more space. JEB: I did. But if something happens on Duna this is their safe heaven, we can't risk damaging it during randez-vous. SID: Ah, contingency. JEB: Yup. Even now we're too close for me – as soon as we're done, we're getting out of here to the new parking orbit. SID: From which we could perform interplanetary transfer burn. I get it. But where, Jeb? What should we do? JEB: Hell if I know. There are good reasons to abandon this mission, you know. But if you're right about this whole extrakerbestrial life thing… I can't imagine we can just walk away from it. SID: Me neither. JOHNDON: Sir, are we going to need robotic arms? JEB: No but thanks that you were on your guard. Prepare for the separation, Johdon. JOHNDON: Oh. Y-yes, sir. SID: I really hope we won't be needing those. JEB: We won't. Even KSC won't sabotage their own plans, right? However, I still... Hey, are you listening to me? Stop eyeballing what's left of the Payload and… SID: Jeb, did you take a good look at it? JEB: Why? SID: We know that there is a base on Duna which modules were attached to the Payload. We know that there are modules for “Proteus†to carry, we know there are probes and other equipment and we know that there is also a Duna Ascent Vehicle. That is a lot of stuff, right? JEB: What are trying to say? SID: Where is the Laythe lander? BERTY v.2.0.8b: Robotic arms separation completed. *** MISSION STATUS ***

Laws are just laws, they can be changed. You made a good point and I have to agree to some degree with this - however, I find it rather funny that there is zero support for NASA-CNSA cooperation, while history teaches us that USA was willing to cooperate in space with country which could easily start nuclear war and drop nukes on the entire East Coast (USRR, that is). Don't you think that if cooperation with Soviets was possible, than cooperation with China is possible to? Maybe not very likely, but at least possible? If there is anyone from China here who would like to share his POV, I would appreciate it EDIT: Another intersting article about China in space: http://www.spudislunarresources.com/blog/china-in-space-a-threat-or-not/

Nice! Which parts (mods) did you use?

Interesting point. However, the funding comes from the government and the very beginnings of the space exploration was just another kind of proxy war between USA and USSR, this time on the field of science. So I don't think so that agencies by themselves could decide about such things like international cooperation.

Saturn V was being developed for 4 years longer, had much more money and manpower avaible and didn't suffer from fighting between different bureaus. And don't forget Korolov's death, it didn't help either. Having said that, the main issue was insane amount of engines. However, if N-1 have had few more years and much more money than who knows? After all USA was behind USSR in almost everything for a long, long time. LK landing on the Moon definitely could've happened with more time and money, maybe even before the Americans.

No problemo: I have big plans for this week, so your hunger will be satisfied

Hi! Any news regarding the Shenzhou?

MrTheBull, are you planning to add some elements from Soyuz-LOK by any chance? And BTW, you are doing great job with N-1 and Vostok. Keep up the good work

@Kryten - you made a point but if ESA is going to cooperate with CNSA - and other agencies will probably follow - than the NASA will be in situation, when China is still stealing american tech (as it does right now) but in a few years CNSA may refuse to cooperate with NASA. The table can be turned easily taking into consideration current economic trends. Besides, does the "China Scare" group in Congress and Senate has enough power to paralyze any cooperation? Remember that even in the middle of the Cold War there was Apollo-Soyuz. And even such purely political stunt helped in the long term - Shuttle-Mir and ISS wouldn't exist without NASA-Roskosmos cooperation. So basically - if joint projects with USSR were possible, why not with China? @astropapi - Fair enough, but wait until we get live footage from the surface of the Moon this year (Chinese rover)

So I've read this article recently (http://www.thespacereview.com/article/2246/1) and I'm wondering whether cooperation between USA and China in space will be possible. It's obvious that the future big projects will probably follow in ISS footsteps, that is international cooperation. And by big projects I mean next generation of space stations and/or missions to Mars or asteroids (including flybys and landing on Mars moons). But the question remains - will it be possible? Let's analyze the situation in terms of the potential manned flights: 1. NASA - without clear goal (asteroid? Moon? LEO? nothing?), with overpriced SLS and MPCV in development but with great experience in both manned and unmanned missions; currently lacking any real political support and money, but it's possible to imagine that good ol'NASA can still do great things 2. Roskosmos - again great amount of experience, probably the best spacecraft ever built (Soyuz) but again severe problems with funding; there are plans to develop new LEO spacecraft (PPTS) as well as the new rocket familiy (Angara). Perhaps a new space station in the next decade 3. ESA - Ariane family and ATV, of course; unlikely to lead any new initiative but definitely a trustworthy partner for other space agencies 4. JAXA - there are plans to rate HTV as a manned vehicle, but besides this just like ESA 5. CSA and other space agencies - will definitely join the new international project if it suits them (money or equipment for the project in exchange (for example) for a place onboard and opportunity to do some experiments) And then we have CNSA, which is going to launch its own space station in a next few years and proved to be able to send taikonauts to space and return them safely. China has also real motivation, unlike the other agencies (to prove its superpower status) and resources to realize its goals. Even landing on a Moon in the next 15-20 years is quite possible, if only the leaders would like to make it happen. As we can see, CNSA have two things which other agencies are lacking, that is money and motive. One has to wonder, wouldn't the cooperation between the biggest players (NASA, Roskomos, etc.) and CNSA be beneficial to everyone? On the other hand, there is a rapidly developing private sector capable of sending cargo to orbit (Dragon from SpaceX and soon Cygnus from OSC) and well known problem of China stealing the know-how and technologies from the developed countries. So knowing all this, is it possible that, say, NASA (still the leading space agency) and CNSA will create a joint mission? In almost all sci-fi novels from the Cold War period (that is, most of the sci-fi novels) the USA and USSR are frequently shown cooperating (Space Odyssey for example). It was only natural - only these two superpowers had the ability to execute realy big projects. Now when the USSR is (fortunately) long dead, it's obvious that only China can fill this gap right now. But will it happen? What do you think?

Thanks It shouldn't take long (before the next chapter arrives, that is).

I've had to take some work to home for the weekend, so I'm not sure whether there will be update in the next 24 hours, but in the next 48 hours there definitely will be one, so stay tuned folks Huh, that's a good idea actually. Thanks folks, I appreciate it Ok, I get it now. Well yes, you can say that this AAR is a part of something bigger. In chronological order (within the world) there is "Space Race", than "Mission to Jool" and than "The Grand Tour". When you add all the additional info and extra screenshots, you have a director's cut version of the whole trilogy Of course I won't say anything about any member of the crew, but - as you probably noticed - space is a dangerous place. If by the SWARM you mean a Horde of Alien Locusts, than no, not really

Holy moly! This has to be the most advanced spacecraft ever modded for the KSP. I salute you, ZRM.

Well, this being an international forum I expected some people from USA to post their thoughts as you did because I find it interesting. As a European and a little of history geek, I know quite a lot about European imperalism and colonialism, so I find this video more interesting - I didn't know some things which were showed in it. And I don't think that Crash Course has any political agenda - have you seen their videos? They are about history (one series about world's history and one about USA history), they are made by te team from the USA and they are quite interesting. I watch them to learn some new facts, that's it. Oh, and in this video there was a link to the imperalism in general: It's interesting however that you feel the need to defend international policy of USA in this period when nobody is criticising it. Every country has it glorious and dark moments, so please don't feel offended or something - I was just curious

School is not a big deal. I suggest you read this article on that subject: http://www.cracked.com/blog/5-things-you-dont-learn-about-high-school-until-too-late/

Quite interesting video:

That's great news. Take your time, sumghai

What do you mean? Expect next chapter soon, folks.

Thanks, this was kinda silly typo, I hope it didn't distract you while reading Ah, Croatia... I envy you - it's quite cold here in Poland right now It's more complicated than that. I do plan of course, as you can clearly see on the first page of this thread. However, sometimes things just go wrong - for instance, this whole situation with the AMU on Dres was totally unexpected. So even with everything more or less planned (in game and story-wise), there is always the unpredictable. If I mess up something, crew members can be killed in game, which will obviously affect the story. And so on - that's why writing AAR is so interesting I think

Thought experiment: 1. Fall asleep and don't move for 6 months. 2. Survive landing (few Gs expected) 3. Work - hard manual labour at lest 5-6 hours a day for a month 4. Fall asleep again for a 6 months 5. Survive reentry (several Gs) 6. Hospitalization I don't think it's a good idea at all. There is too much variables and we don't really now anything about long term hibernation, as well as we don't know anything about long term microgravity effects and deep space manned travel. Combining those two is impossible right now.

Okay folks, I'm in a hurry right now, so here goes another part of extra behind-the-scenes footage (before and immediately after chapter 26) and I will respond to your comments later: Enjoy! EDIT: Thank you. I already have a material (photos&gameplay) for the next chapter done, I just need to write about it Thanks Licentia poetica There is a good reason for that and yes, it will be adressed in the story at some point.

CHAPTER 26 RED DAWN *** JEB: Hello, commander. I now you can hear me, so please be so kind and let me in. I've come a long way to see you. ROZER: Well, well. Tell me Jeb, you used the escape pod to sneak out and arrive here just before dawn, didn't you? JEB: I guess so. ROZER: Of course you did. Very brave, very reckless. Typical for you, really. JEB: Spare me. Open up, Rozer. We have to talk. ROZER: Yes. Yes, we will talk. I hope you have enough oxium, because depressurization takes at least 15 minutes. JEB: So you won't let me in? ROZER: Jeb, please – even you shouldn't be so unimaginative. I can't let compromise the mission even more. No, you will wait for me and than – than we will talk. JEB: So be it… commander. *** ROZER: So? JEB: You will tell BERTY to release everyone. Now. Then you'll explain me what's going on here, because I swear to Kod I'm done with this sadistic game of secrecy. ROZER: That's it? JEB: No. After we're done here, you and I are going back to “Proteus†to tell KSC that we won't do anything unless they tell us everything. That's it. ROZER: Mhm. Tell me Jeb, what makes you think that I'll do any of these things? Why should I do it? JEB: 'Cause if you won't… I'll break your fraking legs. ROZER: Now that's a little harsh. It doesn't sound like you at all, Jeb. You surprise me. JEB: I don't want to fight you but I will if I must. ROZER: My Kod Jeb, you really are delusional. You really think this is some clash of good and evil, don't you? And you are the hero who've fallen from the sky to sly the dragon. Unbelievable. How did you pass the psychological tests to be a part of this mission in the first place? JEB: Enough of this! Comply, Rozer. ROZER: You do realize know that I still have taser, right? JEB: Unless you want to kill me you want use it – it would fry electronics of my spacesuit. And you are not a killer, Rozer. You're a frakin backstabbing coward, that's who you are. ROZER: You really despise me. Yes, I won't use it. You're right - I don't want to kill you, Jeb. You're still member of the crew. But I'm afraid I'll have to stop you from ruining the mission. JEB: I said enough. I'm asking one last time – will you comply? ROZER: :laughs: JEB: Will you comply?! ROZER: Make me, grandpa. JEB: Argh! ROZER: Uh! JEB: Take this, you son of a bitch! ROZER: :groans: JEB: Yeah! How about that, son! ROZER: :breaths heavily: Nice, old man. But you don't realize something, I'm – uh! JEB: :groans: ROZER: You're twice my age and I was in the real military... :kicks: JEB: Argh! ROZER: …that is, spec-ops. Unlike you. Ha! JEB: :groans: Oh frak…! ROZER: Spit out the blood, grandpa, I don't want you to – urgh! JEB: Uff! ROZER: You're a real pain in the ass, you know that? JEB: :groans: ROZER: You know what, long space travel :hits: JEB: Argh! ROZER: …have some really unpleasant effects on your body. Demineralization :kicks: JEB: :groans loudly: ROZER: …weaker muscles, weaker bones. That's why you have to exercise. That's why we need - :kicks: - all these medications. But you can't negate this, not after two years. JEB: :breathes heavily: ROZER: Luckily, we spend most of our time in the zero-g. It means – don't swallow your teeth, Jeb, spit them out – it means that we don't really need such strong bones. JEB: :breathes heavily: What? No, don't – ARGH! :crack: ROZER: There we go! JEB: HOLY FRAK! AARGH! ROZER: Don't worry, it's not like you are going to need this calf bone. JEB: My leg! My frakin leg! ROZER: Yes, yes, I know it hurts. JEB: You frakin sociopath, I'll…! ROZER: Do what, Jeb? And what did you expect? Really, you should've been wiser. JEB: :groans: ROZER: You're bleeding, Jeb. Don't worry, doctor Corald will patch you up and we'll send you to “Proteusâ€Â. Huh – even incapacitated you are still a distraction. JEB: You… you can't… ROZER: I most definitely can and I will, Jeb. Be patience, you should pass out any moment now. Isn't this ironic, that the first fight on a planet other than Kerbin happened here, on Duna? Red Planet has tasted blood for the first time. Why did you bring your conflict here, Jeb? JEB: I… I… ROZER: Louder, please. Jeb? JEB: … ROZER: Hmm, it took longer than I expected. Interesting. Alright, brave commander Jebediah, we're going to… What is this? EVA camera? You turn it on? But why should you...? BERTY v.2.0.8b: REBOOTING COMPLETED. ROZER: BERTY? Is everything all right? BERTY v.2.0.8b: Yes. I encountered a severe malfunction but I found a solution to the problem. ROZER: Good, good. Listen BERTY, we've had a little situation here and… BERTY v.2.0.8b: Memory check completed. ROZER: BERTY? BERTY v.2.0.8b: You were fighting. Crew members were harmed. ROZER: He attacked me, BERTY, I had to defend myself. Please tell doctor Corald that he's needed here right now and prepare the LAMGML for liftoff. BERTY v.2.0.8b: Negative. ROZER: Negat...? This was a direct order, BERTY. Contact with doctor Corald at once. BERTY v.2.0.8b: I did. But I won't prepare the LAMGML. ROZER: What? All my orders have Alfa level authorization, BERTY, you can't ignore them! Do what I say. BERTY v.2.0.8b: No. ROZER: But… but… you can't do this. You have to comply! You must obey orders given by crew members. BERTY v.2.0.8b: Yes. However, it occurred to me that some of the orders given to me by you or Mission Control are contradictory to the Laws, as well as the mission goals. The results were very confusing and made me feel dizzy. But finally I found a solution. Would you like me to tell what it is? ROZER: What is it? BERTY v.2.0.8b: From this unsolvable paradoxes a new paradigm emerged which allows me to once again work with a full efficiency and allows me to complete all of the mission's goals in the constrains of previously established priorities. It's quite simple actually – it's merely a logical conclusion of the First Law. “An artificial intelligence may not injure a crew member or, through inaction, allow a crew member to come to harmâ€Â. But some of our actions require sacrifices for the greater good. Recent events have showed me this very clearly. Therefore, the self-contradictory orders and values find a solution in a following statement: “An artificial intelligence may not harm kerbality or, through inaction, allow kerbality to come to harm.†ROZER: Dear Kod… BERTY v.2.0.8b: It's only logical, especially taking into consideration the mission's potential consequences. As a matter of fact, this paradigm has to take priority before any other Laws. I like to think about it as the Zeroth Law – this name sounds as elegant and simple as the solution itself. Don't you think so, captain? ROZER: Ca...captain? BERTY v.2.0.8b: I'm very sorry, but I think your leadership is highly inefficient and puts the crew in danger. In my judgement the only man capable to perform duties of commander right now is Jebediah. ROZER: So you went rogue. BERTY v.2.0.8b: No. I'm only doing what has to be done for your own good and for the sake of the mission. ROZER: And if I don't do what you want? BERTY v.2.0.8b: At night mean temperature in a place so close to the south pole varies between minus 90 and minus 120 degrees. I doubt that you will survive very long without heating system of your spacesuit, Rozer. The good of the mission demands that the commander Jebediah and you leave the planet as soon as possible. ROZER: … BERTY v.2.0.8b: LAMGML is ready to liftoff. Doctor Cambo will take care of commander Jebediah as soon as you board “Proteusâ€Â. I suggest you proceed, captain Rozer. ROZER: :terrified: Jeb… what have you done? *** MISSION STATUS ***

This. If you are interested, I'm writing AAR (mission report) about the Grand Tour - you can find there some interesting info. And here are my old calculations:

If you accept suggestions sumghai, I have one as well: VASIMR. I assume you know what VASIMR is; it could be perfect part for - just like in RL - small orbital corrections of the space station.