AI role playing

[nijntjepluis]

Hi all,

I had a fun idea that I want to tell you about.

I recently started a "no reload" science game, role playing as "Commander of the Space Fleet", with Google AI taking the other roles:

• Wernher von Kerman: Minister for Spaceflight
• Hyazinth Graf Strachwitz von Groß-Zauche und Kerman: Minister for Defence
• Marcus Tullius Kerman: Minister for Information

I love this way of playing the game! It's really adding another dimension to what would otherwise have been "another science playthrough."

I'm sell add the inter-agency letters, frantic telex'es and meeting notes here, and maybe add some nice screenshots of interesting moments. Anything coming from "Commander Nijn Kerman" is written by me, anything else is AI-generated.

Welcome, then, to my AI-powered  Kerbal Role Play game!

 

 

Edited September 17 by nijntjepluis
Removed interesting snippets, went to full text publishing

[Vanamonde]

Hello and welcome to the forum.  

[nijntjepluis]

Day one. The grass is green, and so are the men. This planet is at peace now, even if it wasn't always so. Only a few years ago, a great war ravaged these lands with such ferocity that the Kerbals decided "never again!". Where another, perhaps lesser spieces will just have said this and carried on the slaughter, these guys meant it. All weapons were destroyed (or so they thought) and all borders abolished. Going even further- all Kerbals were now Brother and Sister through the simple method of all accepting the same last name: Kerman. Being an enterprising people meant that they were soon bored, though, and ways had to be found to alleviate this. Motorcycle rugby was suggested, as was mud wrestling. This jolly nonsense went on for a while, until two men sat down to have a beer, in a shed, as it should be.

Commander Nijn Kerman, former Oberst of the Kerman Empire's air forces, and his friend, Wernher von Kerman, were going to take their people into space!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To: Oberst Nijn Kerman
From: Wernher von Kerman, Minister for Space Affairs
Date: 1 August 1948

Dear Commander Kerman,

It is with great pleasure that I hereby confirm your appointment as Commander of the Kerbal Space Fleet. Your experience and commitment to our pacifist values make you the ideal candidate for this crucial position. The future of our space program is in your hands! It is an exciting time for all of us as we explore the frontiers of the unknown.

To get a better idea of the current state of affairs, please provide a brief summary of the situation at the Kerbin Space Centre.

Your efforts and creativity will undoubtedly lead to groundbreaking discoveries. I look forward to working with you on this ambitious mission.

Sincerely,
Wernher von Kerman
Minister for Space Affairs

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Personal note]

Nijn,

It's great that we are going to conquer space together! Remember, we have all the time in the world. Let's make this into something special!

Wernher

Edited September 18 by nijntjepluis

[nijntjepluis]

To: Wernher von Kerman, Minister for Space
From: Commander Nijn Kerman
Date: 2 August 1948

Dear Minister,

it is my honour and pleasure to take charge of our space program. As you know, I have always dreamed of making our society -and myself- space-faring and now, I can! I'm really grateful for that; thank you so much to Her Majesty for the suggestion and to you for the appointment.

As you know, the space program is still in its early days, but we've already got some great Kerbals on board and we've got some basic kit: an old Heinkel He-111, a Junkers 42 torpedo plane and an Elephant truck. Would you like to know more about my team?

I think we should look at repurposing the old airfield on Doggerland as a project. You must know the island well, having crashed there so gloriously during the war! We could also make good use of the airfield in the Western Desert, but maybe as a secret base. It seems like a good idea to fly out to both places, to explore them.

Which brings me to the actual space program. Our design department is working on a basic rocket, which should be able to put lighter satellites into low orbit around Kerbin. They are also thinking about what sensors and measuring devices we can mount on such satellites. If your own ministry, or others perhaps, have suggestions, we would be happy to look into their feasibility.

Kind regards
Nijn Kerman,
Commander of the Space Fleet

[Personal note]
Dude, this is awesome! I can't wait for the first rockets to fly. Thanks for this opportunity! When your daughter finishes her studies, and she needs an internship, know that our door is open for her.

Edited September 17 by nijntjepluis

[nijntjepluis]

To: Commander Nijn Kerman
From: Wernher von Kerman, Minister for Space
Date: 3 August 1948

Dear Commander Kerman,

It is wonderful to see your commitment to our space programme. Your experience and leadership will undoubtedly be invaluabl

Regarding your request:

Personnel
An overview of your team would indeed be helpful. Their expertise will determine the direction we take.

Airfields
Reopening Doggerland is an excellent idea. The location is strategic and offers ample space for future expansion. The Western Desert would indeed be a suitable place for a secret base. I suggest we conduct a joint inspection as soon as the planning is done.

First rocket design
It is encouraging to hear that the design department is already working on a rocket. -  look forward to seeing their first designs! As for the sensors and measurement equipment, it would make sense to collaborate with the Meteorological Institute. They have expertise in atmospheric measurements, which is crucial for our missions.

Suggestions from my side
Cooperation with other ministries: Besides the Met Office, we can also seek cooperation with the Ministry of Education. They can provide us with young, talented scientists and engineers.
International relations: Although we are pacifist, it would be wise to connect with other countries. Perhaps we can collaborate on international space missions.
Long-term goals: It is important not only to focus on building rockets, but also to think about the long-term goals of our space programme. Where do we want to go? What do we want to achieve?

Sincerely,
Wernher von Kerman Minister for Space

[Annex]

• Draft agreement for cooperation with the Meteorological Institute
• Overview of potential international partners for space projects

[Personal note]
Nijn,
Thanks for the offer for my daughter. It's very thoughtful, and I will definitely suggest it to her. Let's conquer the stars together!
Wernher

[nijntjepluis]

To: Wernher von Kerman, Minister for Space
From: Commander Nijn Kerman
Date: 4 August 1948
Subject: Current workforce

Dear Minister,

In response to your earlier question, I hereby send you an overview of our personnel:

• Bigglesworth ‘Biggles’ Kerman, the famous pilot, ex-policeman and war hero, is our Head of Operations.
• Algernon ‘Algy’ Kerman is Biggles' best friend, and also a pilot. He is committed to training new astronauts.
• ‘Ginger’ Kerman: junior flight engineer, the young friend of Biggles and Algy
• Isambard Kerman, the world-renowned engineer, is our Head of Engineering. He once built the Great Steamship, so a rocket should not be a problem.
• Marie de Kerman became our Head of Science after winning the Nobel Prize in physics for discovering ionising radiation.
• Stalhein von Kerman is our Head of Security, a skilled pilot and spy. He is Biggles' former arch-enemy, but now they are friends. May have a crush on Marie.
• Hanna Kerman, who now understands that she was very naughty in the War. She is an extremely skilled pilot: for example, she once landed on a busy shopping street to pick up her boyfriend.
• Shinji Kerman was recommended to us by the Ministry of Education. We hire him as a junior flight engineer, as he is no longer interested in piloting Mechas or the attention of Miss Katsuragi.

You will also find some attached images of our currently available hardware. You will probably agree that this is quite meager for a robust space program! We would greatly appreciate it if you could release some funds to by supplies, parts and other equipment.

Over the next few days, I will have the airfields at Doggerland and in the Desert examined. Perhaps you would like to pay a working visit to either base afterwards?

Kind regards
Nijn Kerman,
Commander of the Space Fleet

The Heinkel He111-A

 

Junkers Ju-42

 

Olifant truck

 

Biggles' personal Martin Baker MB-9

Edited September 17 by nijntjepluis

[nijntjepluis]

To: Commander Nijn Kerman
From: Wernher von Kerman, Minister for Space Affairs
Date: 4 August 1948
Subject: Staff composition and progress of projects

Dear Commander Kerman,

Many thanks for your detailed overview of personnel and assets. It is an impressive group of individuals you have assembled! Their diverse backgrounds and expertise are very important to the success of our space programme. I am particularly encouraged that Isambard Kerman and Marie de Kerman have joined our team. They are two world-class specialists who will undoubtedly take our project to new heights!

I would like to know more about the current state of airfields on the island and in the desert. A working visit would indeed be useful to assess the possibilities on the ground. Perhaps we could fly there together to explore the sites ourselves?

Regarding the standard rocket:

• Design: I would like to see a detailed overview of current designs. What materials are being used? What is the estimated carrying capacity?
• Testing: When can we expect the first test flights? It is crucial to ensure the safety of our astronauts.
• Fuel: Do we have enough fuel for the planned missions? Should we consider exploring alternative fuels?

I would also like to highlight the following points:

• Training: It is essential that we develop a comprehensive training programme for our astronauts. They must not only master the technical aspects of spaceflight, but also be able to work together in extreme conditions.
• Simulators: It would be useful to set up a simulation centre where astronauts can train for different scenarios, such as launches, rendezvous and emergency landings.
• Public relations: It is important to get the public excited about our space programme. Perhaps we can set up an educational programme for schools, or open a museum where people can see our rockets and spacecraft up close.

I look forward to your further reports.

Sincerely,
Wernher von Kerman
Minister for Space.

[Annex]

• Draft outline of a training programme for astronauts
• Plans for a simulation centre

NB: I suggest we call a meeting soon to discuss the progress of our projects and set new targets.

Edited September 17 by nijntjepluis

[nijntjepluis]

[MEETING NOTES 5-8-1948]

Present:

• Wernher von Kerman, Minister for Space
• Commander Nijn Kerman
• Bigglesworth Kerman
• Marie de Kerman

Training centre
Algernon Kerman established a primary training centre and programme at the KRC. At that location, new candidate astronauts learn the theory of spaceflight, and practice on simulators. Practical training, of course, is not yet possible because we have not been to space ourselves. Algy's dream is to build a secondary training centre in orbit around Kerbin, where candidate astronauts can take their advanced training.

Communications
Public relations are not our expertise. The Minister for Space will enlist the help of Marcus Tullius Kerman, the Minister of Information, so that we can run a positive public campaign.

Development of the R1
A prototype of the R1 will soon be ready and tested. After this test, the KRC will prepare a full report.

Further development of the Heinkel He-111
We will equip our He-111 with the new jet engines and report on their usability.

Next meeting
There is no set date for a next meeting. It will be scheduled after the successful test of the R1.

[nijntjepluis]

From: Commander Nijn Kerman
To: Marcus Tullius Kerman, Minister of Information
Date: 6-8-24

Minister,

To get the public excited about space exploration, I would like to ask you to write a speech, because I'm not very good at that myself. You could mention the need for a survival strategy, or the honour and glory of our brave astronauts, or even the benefits to the general public, through, for example, medical equipment that can be derived from space technology.

heartfelt thanks,
Nijn Kerman, commander of the space fleet

[nijntjepluis]

To: Commander Nijn Kerman
From: Marcus Tullius Kerman, Minister of Information
Date: 7-8-24

Dear Commander Kerman,

Your request is clear and inspiring. It is an honour to contribute to this important task. Please find attached a draft for your speech:
 

My fellow Kerbals! We stand at the precipice of a glorious odyssey, a daring venture that transcends the boundaries of our tiny blue sphere. We are on the cusp of an era where Kerbin becomes a mere stepping stone, a launchpad for a future bathed in the light of a thousand suns.

Some, steeped in the comfort of the familiar, may question the purpose of this grand endeavor. They may ask, "Why venture into the vast unknown? Why expend our resources on rockets that pierce the celestial veil?" The answer, my friends, is as clear as the constellations etched in the night sky: survival. Kerbin, while beautiful, is finite. Resources dwindle, dangers lurk, and the whims of nature can be cruel. A wayward asteroid, a volatile solar flare – these are not distant threats, but potential harbingers of doom.

But despair not! For in the expanse of space lies not just peril, but opportunity. It offers a vast canvas for our ingenuity, a cradle for new frontiers. Imagine, Kerbals, a future where we establish thriving colonies on distant moons, where we cultivate resources on asteroids, and where we harness the power of distant stars to fuel our progress!

It has been said that the cost of this endeavor is prohibitive. But let us remember the words of the Great Explorer:  'A culture is stagnant when it does not look outward, and expand.' And let us not forget that it is precisely when faced with the greatest challenges that Kerbalkind has risen to its greatest heights.

But the benefits don't stop at the celestial doorstep. The very act of reaching for the stars pushes our limits, fostering innovation on a grand scale. The technologies we develop for interstellar travel – the life support systems, the advanced materials, the powerful engines – will inevitably trickle down, revolutionizing our lives on Kerbin. Imagine, Kerbals, a world where communication is instantaneous, no matter the distance. Envision a future where life-saving medical supplies reach remote villages in mere hours. These are the fruits of our celestial ambitions, innovations born from the fire of space exploration.

The cost of retreat is always greater than the cost of advance. This pursuit into space might be daunting, but it is precisely such challenges that have always defined our spirit. It is in our Kerbal nature to defy limitations, to reach higher, to dream of the impossible and then, with unwavering determination, make it reality!

The future, my fellow Kerbals, is not a preordained script. It is a blank canvas awaiting our brushstrokes. Together, let us paint a masterpiece on the cosmic stage! Let us answer the call of the unknown, push the boundaries of the known, and carve our place amongst the stars. For if not us, who? If not now, when?

 

Sincerely,
Marcus Tullius Kerman Minister of Information

 

(OK, I did help out the AI a bit on this one - ed.)

Edited September 18 by nijntjepluis

[nijntjepluis]

To: Wernher von Kerman, Minister for Space Affairs
From: Commander Nijn Kerman
Date: 9 August 1948
Subject: Speech and Pioneer-1

Dear Minister,

I suppose you also saw the speech yesterday on TV; both Marcus Tullius and Gigi gave it their best! Were you also surprised by our revelation that the R1 launch was successful? I was delighted that, during the speech, we were able to play the radio signal of our first satellite, Pioneer-1.

As you know, we have since launched a second satellite, and this is a specialised radio station. We named it ‘Arthur’ as a tribute to the famous professor; after all, he was the one who came up with the concept of communication satellites. That one is now in low orbit around Kerbin, dragging a metre-long antenna behind it. To maintain public enthusiasm, I want to give our people free access to the transmitters on this satellite so that broadcast amateurs and other hobbyists can use it. Subsequent, specialised communication satellites will obviously have a more closed system, which connects to dedicated base stations.

Last night, the Home Secretary called unexpectedly, insisting on calling a meeting later, but would not say what about. Actually, that's not convenient for me at all, I have enough to do already. Perhaps you know what this is about?

Warm regards,
Nijn Kerman, Commander Space Fleet

 

The R1 rocket

 

Pioneer-1

 

(with many thanks to Beale for his excellent parts set)

Edited September 18 by nijntjepluis

[nijntjepluis]

To: Commander Nijn Kerman
From: Wernher von Kerman, Minister of Space
Date: 10 August 1948

 

Dear Commander Kerman,

The launch of Pioneer-1 during the speech was indeed a great success. I am extremely proud of what your team has achieved! It is a milestone in the history of our planet. The idea of naming the satellite ‘Arthur’ is a nice tribute to the professor, and the fact that we are opening this satellite to the public is of course a great decision, which will undoubtedly lead to a new wave of innovation and creativity.

As for the unexpected meeting with the Home Secretary, I imagine it raises questions. He may be concerned about the potential military applications of our space technology. Or maybe he just wants to keep abreast of the latest developments. I will try to find out more.

As an aside, I have an idea for a new project: Now that we have laid the groundwork for satellite communications, we can start thinking about manned space flights. I suggest we set up a committee to look into the technical and financial feasibility of a manned mission to the moon. It would be an ambitious goal, but I am convinced we can achieve it.

With this in mind, what do you think?

Kind regards,
Wernher von Kerman
Minister for Space Affairs

[nijntjepluis]

To: Wernher von Kerman, Minister for Space
From: Commander Nijn Kerman
Date: 11 August 1948
Subject: Meeting with Minister of the Interior

Minister,

as you know, at least 2/3rds of our budget comes from the Home Ministry. In that meeting I mentioned earlier, the Minister suddenly demanded that we employ four of ‘his’ people. We are (unfortunately) talking about:

• Jebediah Kerman, the daredevil who tries to jump over things with rocket-powered vehicles, in my opinion a total attention whore.
• Bill Kerman, who as you may recall thought CFC gases were environmentally friendly and
• Bob Kerman, Bill's brother, who to my surprise is still alive after the asparagus incident and that plane bomb.
• Valentina Kerman, who is without question welcome in our midst. I can only say good things about this lady, she's proven herself a capable pilot and navigator.

I can NOT appreciate having people I don't want forced on me. The minister is threatening to withdraw his funding if I don't give these Kerbals a place in our organisation. Well, I will send those three idiots to the North Pole, where they can build a base and use a bulldozer to shove rocks into the shape of swear words. IF extra-terrestrial beings were to exist then, those words might be the first message they get from us....

Obviously, there is nothing you can do about it either, but I need to be let off steam against someone. And should you have alternative solutions on how I can have as little trouble as possible from these three, please, tell me.

Warm regards,
Nijn Kerman, commander Space Fleet

 

[nijntjepluis]

To: Commander Nijn Kerman
From: Wernher von Kerman, Minister for Space
Date: 12 August 1948
 

Dear Commander Kerman,

I fully understand your frustration. It is never pleasant to have people forced upon you, especially individuals with such a particular reputation. Clearly, the Home Minister has his own agenda. It is important for us to continue to work together, so we need to find a way to deal with this situation. I suggest the following:

• Valentina Kerman: Given her qualifications, she is a valuable asset to our team. Put her in a position where she can make full use of her talents, for instance as a co-pilot on one of our test flights.
• Jebediah, Bill and Bob: For these three gentlemen, we need to create a department where they can expend their energy in a safe and productive manner. I suggest we create a special department dedicated to testing new, experimental technologies. Here they can indulge their thirst for adventure, under the supervision of experienced engineers.

Possible tasks for the new department:

• Development of new rocket engines: Jebediah can indulge his passion for explosives here.
• Research into alternative fuels: Bill can use his knowledge of chemistry to develop new, environmentally friendly fuels.
• Design of unmanned probes: Bob can use his creativity to create bizarre and unconventional designs

By placing these three gentlemen in a department where they can indulge in their interests, we can minimise their negative impact on the rest of the team. Moreover, their experiments might just lead to valuable breakthroughs. I understand that this is not an ideal solution, but it is the best I can think of at the moment. So let's work together to get the best out of this situation.

Yours sincerely,
Wernher von Kerman
Minister for Space Affairs

[nijntjepluis]

DATE 151048
TIME 1800Z

[TOP SECRET] [YOUR EYES ONLY]

PIONEER-1 ULTRALONGWAVE ANTENNA HAS DETECTED UNIDENTIFIED RADIO SIGNALS FROM MULTIPLE LOCATIONS. SIGINT ANALYSIS INDICATES BASE-12 CRYPTOGRAPHY AND TARGETING AN UNKNOWN POINT DIRECTION JOOL. ASSUME EXTRAKERBIN ORIGIN. YOUR TASKS:

1. ATTEMPT DECRYPTION OF SIGNALS
2. LAUNCH EMERGENCY DETECTION SATELLITE INTO POLAR ORBIT TONIGHT
3. UTILIZE SIGNAL DETECTORS TO PINPOINT ORIGIN

COORD ALL ACTIONS WITH ASTROPHYSICS DIVISION / REPORT PROGRESS AND RESULTS IMMEDIATELY

GOOD LUCK
HGS

Edited September 19 by nijntjepluis

[nijntjepluis]

[SECRET MESSAGE]
15-8-48
TO: Commander Nijn Kerman
FROM: Minister of Space Affair

Dear Commander,

The telex from HGS is of utmost importance. The discovery of alien life could well mark a turning point in Kerbin's history.

Proposed measures:

• Strengthen security: It is crucial that this information is kept strictly secret. All scientists and technicians involved should be informed of the importance of discretion.
• Accelerate research: We must use all available resources to crack the code and locate the origin of the signals. It is essential that we learn more about this alien civilisation as soon as possible.
• Collaboration with other disciplines: We need to engage the expertise of linguists, anthropologists and other relevant scientists to help us interpret the signals and understand the alien culture.
• Preparing for all possible scenarios: We need to prepare for different scenarios, from peaceful contact to open hostility. It is important that we have a comprehensive plan for both communication and defence.

I suggest that we organize a secret meeting with all concerned parties as soon as possible to discuss this issue further.

Yours sincerely,
Wernher von Kerman
Minister for Space Affairs

[nijntjepluis]

TO: Hyazinth Graf Strachwitz von Groß-Zauche und Kerman, former Minister of Defence
FROM: Commander Space Fleet

Minister,

as you know, the Minister for Space Affairs is a peaceful man. However, we are not. I don't want to wait for an alien threat to suddenly materialize and overwhelm us. I want to be able to meet any ‘alien’ civilization in Space, armed and from a position of strength, and not on our planet, at the bottom of a gravity well. But I hope we don't have to use those weapons, that we can just be nice to them!

What weapons can we still have at our disposal? I know most of the weaponry has been publicly destroyed, but I know who you are and I am sure you have a secret stash. Maybe a walk on the Lunenburg Heath is an idea, so we can discuss these things a bit more freely.

Goodbye,
Oberst Nijn Kerman

Edited September 20 by nijntjepluis

[nijntjepluis]

Obviously, a German count with a long name speaks German...
--------------------------------------------------------------

• AN: Oberst Nijn Kerman
• VON: Hyazinth Graf Strachwitz von Groß-Zauche und Kerman

Oberst,

Ihre Nachricht hat mich erreicht. Sie sprechen von einer Angelegenheit von größter Bedeutung.

Sie haben Recht, ein friedliches Volk muss auch in der Lage sein, sich zu verteidigen. Und es ist klug, sich auf alle Eventualitäten vorzubereiten. Was Ihre Frage nach den Waffen betrifft, so können Sie sicher sein, dass einige Überraschungen auf Sie warten. Die Lunenburger Heide ist ein guter Ort für ein solches Gespräch. Ich schlage vor, wir treffen uns an der alten Eiche, am dritten Dienstag im Monat, um die Uhrzeit des Sonnenuntergangs.

Bringen Sie einen guten Wein mit, und ich sorge für die Geschichten.

Mit kameradschaftlichen Grüßen,
Hyazinth Graf Strachwitz von Groß-Zauche und Kerman

--------------------------------------------------------------

Let me translate that lyrical Teutonic for you...
 

TO: Colonel Nijn Kerman
FROM: Hyazinth Count Strachwitz von Groß-Zauche and Kerman

Colonel,

Your message has reached me. You speak of a matter of the utmost importance.

You are right, a peaceful nation must also be able to defend itself. And it is wise to prepare for all eventualities. As for your question about weapons, you can be sure that some surprises await you. Lunenburg Heath is a good place for such a conversation. I suggest we meet at the old oak tree, on the third Tuesday of the month, around sunset time.

Bring a good wine and I'll provide the stories.

With best regards,
Hyazinth Count Strachwitz von Groß-Zauche and Kerman

Edited September 20 by nijntjepluis

[nijntjepluis]

From: Commander Nijn Kerman
To: Wernher von Kerman, Minister for Space Affairs
Date: August 18, 1948

Dear Minister,

First of all, I would like to inform you that the emergency detection satellite has detected several Alien Signal Sources (ASS'es). These sources are all in remote, uninhabited areas, and are spread all over our planet. We will soon set up an expedition to investigate a number of them. Obviously, as soon as we know more, I will inform you immediately. Count S also informs me that, if necessary, we can respond with force to any threat on the Kerbin surface, but our striking power in space is limited.

In addition, I would like to inform you about the current state of affairs of our actual space program:

• For the current level of activity, our staff is sufficient, although I would like to expand our design team. At the moment, only Isambard is busy with design, while Ginger and Shinji are more practical engineers and prefer to build or fix things. Wallis Kerman, who developed the bomb for "Chastise" and the Tall Boy during the war, seems to me an excellent choice, if you can convince him to work for us.
• I suspect that expansion will be necessary if we are going to perform manned space flights. Can you suggest any experienced pilots who want to work for us?
• For the Galileo project, aka. the mapping of Kerbin, we are using sensors directly mounted on the upper stage of the R1. That is cheaper than designing independent satellites, but also less efficient. Within this mapping project, the RAM (Radar AltiMeter), ARSD (Anomalous Radio Signal Detector) and MARS (Multiple Antenna Radar Scan) satellites have been launched. These systems are already providing a much improved cartography of our planet, more insight into our geology location of previously unknown resources.
• The idea of communication satellites has proven to be very useful and usable, but at the moment the system only works when Arthur, our only radio satellite, is directly overhead. We will need multiple satellites, in different orbits. In the long run, we plan to launch a kerbo-synchronous communication satellite constellation.
• We have equipped our He111-B with small jet engines, which has resulted in an extremely useful aircraft. The range has decreased somewhat, but the speed has almost doubled!

Regards,
Nijn Kerman,
Commander Space Fleet

 

Heinkel He-111B

Edited September 20 by nijntjepluis

[nijntjepluis]

[TOP SECRET] [YOUR EYES ONLY]

Date: 260848
Time: 1435Z

URGENT

KERMAN RESEARCH CENTER UNDER ATTACK. RESEARCH FACILITY SABOTAGED BY UNEXPECTED HOSTILE FORCE: JEBEDIAH, BILL, AND BOB KERMAN.

MARIE DE KERMAN ASSASSINATION FOILED BY OBERST STALHEIN. COMPUTERS DESTROYED, DATA COMPROMISED.

HE111-B STOLEN, VALENTINA KERMAN KIDNAPPED AND FORCIBLY EJECTED MID-FLIGHT. VALENTINA EMPLOYED INNOVATIVE SURVIVAL TACTICS BY UTILIZING UNWILLING ENEMY AS SURF BOARD AND IMPACT ABSORBER. CURRENTLY RECOVERING IN INFIRMARY. CORPSE OF BOB KERMAN RETRIEVED FOR POST MORTEM ANALYSIS. BIGGLES NEUTRALIZED HE111B WITH PERSONAL MB9, DESTROYING HEINKEL AND OCCUPANTS.

KRC ON HIGH ALERT. SECURITY BREACHES SUSPECTED. ALL OPERATIONS SUSPENDED.

REQUEST IMMEDIATE DEPLOYMENT OF ADDITIONAL SECURITY PERSONNEL. IMPLEMENT COMMUNICATIONS BLACKOUT. FURTHER UPDATES TO FOLLOW.

SITUATION CRITICAL. REQUIRE YOUR URGENT ASSISTANCE.

CinCSpace

[TOP SECRET] [YOUR EYES ONLY]

Edited September 20 by nijntjepluis

[nijntjepluis]

FROM: Nijn Kerman, Commander Space Fleet
TO: Wernhet von Kerman, Minister of Aerospace
DATE: 28-8-48

Minister,

Now that the chaos and panic has subsided, it's time to cross some T's.

1- The Special Operations Group ('SOG') arrived here two hours after my call with two Land Rovers. They have taken charge of securing the complex. You don't see them, but they're there. That is very reassuring, and I was very pleased to spot Mr Skorzeny and Mr Stirling. It is great to see these illustrious commandos, once on opposite sides of the trench, now working together - just like Biggles and Stalhein. They are inspiring examples of professionalism and forgiveness.

2 - The post-mortem examination of Bob Kerman has been completed. We do not yet know exactly what we are looking at, but the anatomist's initial conclusion is that Bob was neither a Kerbal nor a living being in the literal sense of the word. He most closely resembles a biological but lifeless Kerbal puppet, animated with robotic parts. It appears to be of extraterrestrial origin, as the technology required is clearly still beyond our reach. This conclusion is also supported by the illegible writing on some parts. Fortunately, we have developed a simple method of detecting such bio-robots, so we hope to prevent further infiltration.

3- Biggles and Stalhein are true heroes of our time, worthy of our admiration. Both have risked their lives and unwaveringly dedicated themselves to their fellow Kerbals and society in general. It is my request that both gentlemen be recommended to Her Majesty for the award of the St George's Cross. Valentina has also acted heroically. She was seriously injured in the service of her planet. I propose that we a) make her an official member of our Navigator Team (with the wings that go with it), b) award her the Purple Heart, and c) have it pinned on her by the most beautiful young Kerbal we can find.

4 - Marie is in good health and she has a copy of the data that was stolen, so nothing has really been lost.  She has resumed her research and hopes to crack the code soon.

5- The preliminary conclusion we have to draw is that there are extraterrestrial beings active on our planet. They are in contact with a receiver or base station somewhere in our solar system. We can no longer detect individual bio-robots on the KRC, and we regularly monitor the current personnel. The unknown transmitting stations need to be investigated further; we now know the approximate location of about six of them.

With your approval, we intend to

1. set up a network of communications satellites so that we can respond more quickly and effectively to emergencies and threats
2. Investigate that beautiful stone next to the KRC which appears to be one of the transmitters. (SOG seems best suited for this mission)
3. buy a new He111, since the old one crashed during the crisis. We can also equip it with jet engines!
4. build an autonomous ground vehicle to remotely search for transmitters and hazards.
5. make the new high resolution land maps that we have thanks to our satellites available to the public as an 'open source' navigation system, so that every Kerbal can use them and never get lost again.

Yours sincerely
Nijn Kerman, Space Fleet Commander

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[Personal note]
Wernher,

we no longer know where it is safe and where it is not. If you would like your wife and daughter to stay with us for a while, we certainly have room, and the best soldiers on our planet to protect them. They would be most welcome.

Regards,
Nijn

 

 

[nijntjepluis]

TO: Commander Nijn Kerman
FROM: Minister of Space, Wernher von Kerman
DATE: 29th August 1948

 

Commander Kerman,

Your report of the attack on the Space Centre by Kerbal-like biorobots is both shocking and frightening. Fortunately, you and your Kerbals acted admirably, securing the future of KSC and perhaps our planet. The suggestion that these are alien Kerbots is both interesting and horrifying; we may be at the dawn of a new era in which we must become aware of our place in the universe.

Thank you for your suggestions. It is good to know that we can count on the expertise of the SOG in these uncertain times. I also suggest that this unit be used to scout the unknown transmitters and other alien installations. I will see to it that they are given all the resources they need to carry out their task.

Your operators Bigglesworth, Stalhein and Marie have proven themselves to be intelligent, adventurous and battle-ready Kerbals. Her Majesty has expressed that she wishes to visit the Centre herself to see them personally decorated.

On a technical level, we support your idea for a communications network, but we would like you to deliver a working system as soon as possible. A better 'second generation' system can be built later as a kerbosynchronous system, as you call it. Also, I think that publishing the new maps in digital form is an excellent idea that will surely contribute to a better world for all Kerbals.

 

Best regards
Wernher von Kerman
Minister of Space Affairs

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Secret order:
I have asked the (now not so ex-) Minister of Defence to provide us with personal weapons so that we can respond adequately to new threats, but he has refused. However, he assures me that in such a case he can respond immediately and forcefully without having to give weapons to clumsy scientists. I also strongly suspect that he has a secret, heavily armed base somewhere. What kind of weapons would he keep there? In any case, I want the vehicles under your control to all be capable of carrying weapons should the need arise.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Personal note:
Nijn, thank you. Therese and Ginny are on their way and expect to arrive this evening. I'm sure Therese will go straight into the kitchen to cook something delicious for everyone, but I'm worried about Ginny. Will she have anything to do? She gets bored so easily and I hope she doesn't get into any mischief....

[nijntjepluis]

FROM: Nijn Kerman, Commander Space Fleet
TO: Wernhet von Kerman, Minister of Space Affairs
DATE: 28-8-48

Dear Minister,

The SOG group has now been fully assigned to us by Count Strachwitz. The group now has four members, which at first glance is sufficient manpower.

• Colonel Sterling 'Geezer' Kerman: Strategy, Tactics, Weapons Systems. Unknown, inconspicuous, unseen, but very dangerous and crazy as hell.
• Corporal Elizée 'Guépière' Kerman: Disguise, infiltration, communication. Likes to disguise herself as a 'courtisane' to cause chaos and despair in the enemy's house.
• Captain Skorzeny 'Bubi' Kerman: Winter warfare, skiing, carving: Also a part-time ski instructor with a penchant for Heineken. Beer?
• Lieutenant Helga 'Blondie' Kerman: Marksmanship, sabotage, reconnaissance: Lies in a ditch for days, waiting for the right shot. Athletic, beautiful and very much in love with Biggles.

As these are experienced and quite dangerous soldiers, I would like your express permission for each of them to be recruited permanently. They are already improving the security of our facilities.

I would also like you to  to ask the following people to join us.

• Wallis Kerman: Skilled technical inventor, known for the 'Tallboy' and 'Grand Slam' bombs, and the attack on the Koehne and Keder dams.
• Douglas Kerman: Extremely skilled and brave pilot, with two prosthetic legs (his real ones were shot off during the war).
• Feynman Kerman: Science, inventor of Kuantum physics, bongo player supreme.

Do you know of any Kerbals who would be an interesting addition to our project?

I can also report that we

• have examined the monolith (#1) at the KRC. It is a seamless black object that emits a low hum and sends out noticeable radio signals into space. We have installed a flag, cameras, radio detectors, lidars and many other sensors there, and plan to do the same at the other radio sources.
• developed a parachute deployable research vehicle. This is a small robotic vehicle that can be dropped from an aircraft over the target area and survey the off-core facilities there; and
• want to drop this robot (called MARVIN) on a second monolith that we have triangulated about 50km to the west.

Can you think of a good acronym for the unknown off-core radio transmitters? That would make communication a bit easier.

Kind regards
Nijn Kerman, Commander of the Space Fleet

[nijntjepluis]

TO: Commander Nijn Kerman
FROM: Wernher von Kerman, Minister of Space Affairs
DATE: 03-09-1948

Dear Commander,

Your report is most encouraging. The addition of the Special Operations Group is a wise move, and the recruits you propose are an impressive lot. It is clear that we have assembled a team that is well-equipped to face the challenges that lie ahead.

I am particularly intrigued by the progress you have made regarding the monoliths. I have decided on the term 'Alien Signal Source' to be used for these mysterious emissions. It is of the utmost importance that we decipher the nature of these signals as soon as possible. Your proposal for MARVIN the research vehicle is excellent, I expect that it will be a valuable asset in our exploration of the monoliths.

Further issues that may need your attention:

• Your command and associated Kerbals have been under a lot of stress lately. Have you provides psychological aid to those who need it? I feel that especially the "strong" men need to be cared for, as they usually repress their feelings until far too late.
• Every single ASS on this planet needs to be marked and investigated. Please do this as quickly as you can, but in without letting the public know.
• Try to proceed with manned spaceflight as soon as possible, as a cover for our more secretive activities.
• The now again Minister of Defense assures me that the secret, underground base that I want already exists. Do you maybe know anything about that? You two know each other rather well.

I am confident that with your leadership and the dedication of our team, we will overcome any obstacles that may arise.

Sincerely,
Wernher von Kerman
Minister of Space Affairs

[nijntjepluis]

FROM: Nijn Kerman, commander of the Space Fleet
TO: Minister of Space Affairs, Wernher von Kerman
Date: 12-9-48

Minister,

To our great surprise, we have been able to reactivate the ‘corpse’ of Bill Kerman. That is, the biological body is largely broken and fractured, but some bits apparently provide enough energy to run the robotic components. The result is pretty terrifying, something that looks like one of us, but slightly exploded and with electric bits sticking out.

We were able to talk to the creature briefly. This is a transcript:

Q: ‘Hello, can you hear me?’
A: ‘Kkkzkkkzzzzzz gggzziiiiiiii krrrr can hear iiiiiiiiiiie’
Q: ‘Who are you? What did you come here to do?’
A: ‘Ggggggzzzzz...... pl...eat on iiiiiiiiizzzzzz side...... universu....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz’
Q: ‘A planet? What's it called?’
A: ‘iiiiiiii....Ter...gggzzghhh...us......’
Q: ‘What did you come here to do? Are you spying on us?’
A: ‘......oberen....zzzzggggggg......univers...m......million...ong....z....zzzzzziiiiiii’
Q: ‘What do you want with us?’
A: ‘Wiiiiiiiizzgggghhhh.Mule....find....here’
Q: ‘Mule? That's a kind of horse, isn't it?’
A: ‘iieeed d d d d d ....plan..llllleeeezzzzzzz’

After that exchange, the bio-robot's systems unfortunately melted, but what we could register was not explicitly hostile. Can you have your people research the semantic content of Bill's replies, and perhaps cultural references overlooked by us?

Regards,
Nijn Kerman
Commander of the Space Fleet

Edited September 24 by nijntjepluis