[AAR] Destination Everywhere, a grand tour of the Kerbol system

[Itsdavyjones]

Destination Everywhere

Due to the forum purge, the story was destroyed, but is now being restored.

This AAR was begun for the grand tour challenge, also lost, with the goal of landing kerbals on every landable body in the Kerbol system and returning them safely back on Kerbin.

Chapter One-The Announcement

Chapter Two-Eve LAV

Chapter Three-Building “The Oracleâ€Â

Chapter Four-Supplying “The Oracleâ€Â

Chapter Five-Fly me to the Mun

Chapter Six-Munar Landing

Chapter Seven-Investigating the “Thingâ€Â

Chapter Eight-Beyond the Mun

Chapter Nine-Minimal Activity

Chapter Ten-Going Back Up

Chapter Eleven-Two Transfers

Chapter Twelve-Arriving at Jool

Edited May 20, 2013 by Itsdavyjones
Update

[Itsdavyjones]

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Edited May 19, 2013 by Itsdavyjones
Update

[Itsdavyjones]

PA system: ALL KERBALNAUTS REPORT TO THE BRIEFING ROOM 3.

Secretary: Boss, do you think they know what’s happening. I mean they all know that the space telescope is being aimed at the planets and moons.

KSP Director: I don’t think so. The space telescope isn’t just for the planets, but stars too, it’s just being used at this time to get images of the planets ahead of time to get some valuable data, like atmospheric composition and the like.

Earlier that day…

T-10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, engine ignition and liftoff of the Zeus Space Telescope, on its mission to view the stars.

Jeb: What a launch.

George: Yup, love watching launches, and it’s amazing that the launch vehicle is all private.

Jeb: Meh, whatever, a launch is a launch, can’t wait to see the pictures from the telescope.

George: That’s probably a few days away, with all the tests that need to be done an….

Jeb: Shut up. Do you take me as stupid? Good, let’s go.

At the meeting….

KSP Director: Looks like everyone is here, now. Do any of you know what the goal of the Zeus Space Telescope is?

George: To view the stars and other stellar objects of interests.

KSP Director: That is the second mission; its first mission is to gather images for our greatest mission of all times.

George: Being…?

KSP Director: The grand tour, to visit every planet and moon in the Kerbol System.

Jamison: But, wouldn’t that take decades, and why would you call us here if it’s a probe going?

KSP Director: It’s not a probe, but a manned vessel. Now, if you don’t want to leave home for decades, leave now.

*3/4 of the room leaves*

KSP Director: Right, now to present the greatest ship made ever, Th….

George: Probably got tossed together.

KSP Director: George, you’re out, that age has long since passed.

George: Shesh, and who knew making a joke was illegal around here.

*Slam*

KSP Director: Right. Where were we, ah! The Oracle.

*Mundane discussion*

KSP Director: So, seeing that you guys are still here, it’s time to select with our lottery. However, you will not know if you’re on until a few days before your launch.

[Itsdavyjones]

Jeb: Man, what a ship, and all for landing on Eve too, hecka this isn’t even the mother ship and it’s huge.

George: I know. I wish I didn’t make that comment. So who’s going?

Jeb: Confidential, not until the press release will everyone knows who got selected. Only us that remained, and the higher ups know.

George: You’re my best friend, can’t you tell me?

Jeb: Not possible, if I do, then I will be booted from the list and be replaced, if I am on the list. If I am on standby, then I will be removed from that list.

George: Oh, well I guess that I won’t know anytime soon.

*ALL PERSONEL VACATE THE LAUNCH PAD*

George: Well, let’s get far enough back to watch this launch.

KSP Security: Please look away at the initial launch, KSP will not be held accountable for any vision loss.

George: Vision loss, what are you talking about, I’ve watched many la…

Jeb: Just do as he says.

George: Fine….

5…4…3…2…1…*RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR*

George: my eyes!!!

Jeb: mine too, and mine were closed.

KSP Security: Now you understand?

George: I think everyone understands.

*Image captured, now displaying*

KSP Director: Ah, good to know we have at least one image for a press release.

Jeb: You can barely see it.

KSP Director: Well the plane is 10 km away, and the camera isn’t at the best angle, but at an angle where it won’t be fried.

George: Like our eyes.

KSP Director: It’s a shame that you had to say that comment; you would’ve been a great crew member.

George: I regret it heavily.

VAB Director: Sir, we ran the simulations. While it would be more time efficient to have as few launches as possible, it isn’t exactly possible, due to structural failure.

KSP Director: I presume you found a solution to this problem.

VAB Director: Yes, I have. It utilises KerbX’s falcon 9, and will just get into orbit to meet up with the lander, and will use RCS fuel to deorbit itself. The problem is it will take MANY launches to get the fuel up.

KSP Director: How many?

VAB Director: At least a dozen, but the calculations show that it will be similar in pricing in the end.

KSP Mission Planner: At least we have plenty of time until the launch window opens.

KSP Director: True, but with building The Oracle, it will take many launches to get the station built, and then ferry the supplies up… Time delays we don’t need.

VAB Director: But still within limits.

George: Man, I didn’t expect to see a falcon launch; I thought that it was going to be one big rocket.

VAB Engineer: Structural failures, we had to switch to a smaller launch vehicle to accommodate, this is number 6.

George: Six, wow, must be a tiny tanker then.

VAB Engineer: That’s limitations from the launch vehicle, but it’s still time efficient in a way, even though there’s a dozen launches planed. Now, you have your own work to do, and so do I.

VAB Director: Sir, the final calculation is in…. and you’re not going to like it.

KSP Director: *Sigh* what is it this time…

VAB Director: We finished the twelve launches, but the tank isn’t filled yet.

KSP Director: No, even though it’s best to completely refill the tanks, I will not launch a thirteenth flight if it’s the last thing I do. Besides, it can take fuel from the base, if needed.

VAB: Director: Yes, Sir. We’ll begin assembling the base.

*Door closing*

KSP Director: Jane, cancel all appointments for the rest of today. *muttering under his breath* He should know that I am superstisous.

KSP Director’s Secretary: Yes, Sir.

Bob: So you’re saying that whoever got selected to go on the grand tour will live in that for as many days as it takes for the main tank on the LAV to be filled, if it wasn’t filled before.

VAB Engineer: Yup, it will have plenty of food to, and with the fuel it makes, it can be made into water, but that tank will be filled long before they land. Now, we need to back off, it’s almost about to launch.

Bob: Right.

*Computer*3…2…1… and lift off.

VAB Director: Well, that went well, now off to make the space station to build the Oracle.

One Hour Later

Mission Control Representative: Sir we have a problem.

VAB Director: Did it fail to dock.

Mission Control Representative: Yes and no. Yes it originally failed to dock, and no, since the lander itself could partially guide it in. The problem was that it used up all its monopropellant, and, well, the lander itself needs more mono too.

VAB Director: ….

Mission Control Representative: Sir?

*Click* VAB Director: Clear the assembly bay, we need to make an emergency refueling tanker, get the spare lazor system with the transfer adaptor on it, have it so it delivers the most it can, this takes precedence, launch window in 45.

VAB Director: Anything else?

Mission Control Representative: No sir.

VAB Director: Good, I just hope they get it in done in time.

Engineer one: Darn and I just got on break too.

Engineer two: Happens, but you know you’ll get it afterwards.

Engineer one: True, but it’s still not fun.

*Grunting noises*

Engineer one: Why does the spare lazor system have to be the heavier version?

Engineer three: That’s how we got it; it was a spare from an earlier flight.

*Clank*

Engineer two: Right, we got it in place; at least the tanks will be lifted into place by the crane.

Engineer one: And the rest is already made too, so it’s just a matter of getting it to the launch paaaad. We have 10 minutes to get it in place.

Crawler Operator: Out of the way, it’s time to burn some steel.

Engineer one: Well if that’s the case, then we might just make it in time.

VAB Director: So you’re saying that if we don’t get it in 5 minutes, you won’t be able to do the checklist.

Mission Control Director: Yes.

VAB Director: Then do it as it’s on the crawler, we can get the crawler out in time for the launch, and the launch vehicle will get out of the way almost instantly with its available thrust.

Mission Control Director: Huh, it does seem possible, right start the checks.

3…2…1… lift off.

Mission Control Director: Well it worked, I’ll be damned.

VAB Director: The driver got the best seat in the house too, although he might not be happy.

*Shht*Boss, why’d you do that. You owe me big time. *shht*

*general laughter*

VAB Director: Well, I got some work to do, later.

One hour later

Mission Control Representative: It was a success sir.

VAB Director: Good to know, that’s one less stressor down, dozens more to go.

[Itsdavyjones]

KSP Director: So the construction of “The Oracle†will begin once the station is stocked and the construction crew is launched?

KSP VAB Director: Yes. It will take three months for construction to be completed.

KSP Mission Planner: The crew will be launched with all the food supplies needed, minimizing costs.

KSP Director: Well then, all seems to be in order, dismissed.

VAB Engineer: Still can’t believe it can be launched whole.

VAB Supervisor: Tell me about it, and we need to get to work, we have 34 supply launches planed.

VAB Engineer: Wow, better get going then.

Jeb: So this is the first supply launch to build “The Oracle�

George: Looks like it, since it is quite powerful.

VAB Engineer: It is launching 25 tons of supplies, and when it does get into space, it weighs a total of 40 tons, so it takes time for it to dock.

Jeb and George: Wow.

Jeb: And how long will it take to build when construction begins?

VAB Engineer: Not sure, I wasn’t told, but if I had to make a guess, probably 4 months minimum.

Jeb: Wow, that’s quite some time.

VAB Engineer: True, but it’s still fast considering the size of The Oracle.

Jeb: True.

34 painfully long launches later.

KSP Director: Well men, I bid you well travels, and expect you to work as hard as possible to get her done ASAP.

Carson: Yes sir, you can count on us.

*Clunk*

Gus: Well, three months in space isn’t too bad.

Jorlas: True, but we aren’t getting a g-ring, so rehab on the ground will not be fun.

Carson: Maybe so, but we’ve been handpicked for the job, so we at least get to leave our mark on history.

*T-5 minutes*

Edbert: Wake me when were there.

*T-5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and we have liftoff*

*Six Hours Later*

Gus: Hey Edbert, wake up; we’ve got work to do.

Edbert: Five more minutes…

Sigster: *Sigh* Let me deal with it.

*Pulls out air horn*

Carson: Hey, you know that yo*HOOOOOONNNNNNNKKKKKK*

*Thunk*Edbert: What the heck man, I was sleeping.

Edbert: We have work to do and you know it, and I brought the horn because of him and his sleeping.

Carson: Fair enough. I’ll let it slide this time, but next time, use a whistle. I don’t want an explosion because of that, so when you can, jettison it in its own pressurized container.

76 days later

Carson: Well, were just installing the internals now, it will be done in two weeks max.

Mission Control: Good to hear, we’ll inform the director so he can get the public announcement of the crew.

Carson: Well, they’ll love their rooms, once they unpack all the equipment of course.

Gus: They better like it, cost me a lot of blood and sweat getting it all packaged for storage.

Edbert: You don’t get enough sleep, that’s your problem.

Gus: Says the one that sleeps on the job whenever he can.

Carson: Enough, we’re all getting tired of being up here, just be happy that it’s almost over.

Meanwhile on the ground

KSP Director: Understood.

*pushing PA system button* KSP Director: Would the crew for “The Oracle†please report to the briefing room.

15 minutes later

KSP Director: Well men, at 10 tomorrow morning, we will have our press conference.

Jeb: So, will we have time to prepare a speech?

KSP Director: No, you will just be answering questions.

Obbald: Will the mission patch be ready by then?

Jeb: What do you expect; there will always be a mission patch at the press conference.

KSP Director: Not this time, a contest for the patch will be announced at the press conference.

The next day.

Announcer: Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m sure you are all eager to see who the crew is, and you mission patch collectors are probably more excited for the patch.

*General chuckle*

Announcer: Well, you patch collectors will have to wait, since the crew will be arriving right now.

Announcer: Our commander, a veteran of the space program, Jeb.

*applause*

Announcer: Please, leave you applauses till the entire crew has arrived. Next, is our navigator, Bill. I mean, we don’t want our crew in interstellar space because they didn’t stop in time.

*General chuckle and applause*

Announcer: I don’t know if you were applauding my joke or the crew member, so don’t clap until the last has arrived. Next is our communications officer, Bob.

Announcer: Next, our science officer, Richbo, I mean, we do want valuable data from this flight.

Announcer: Lastly, we have Obbald, our flight engineer, weird name, since he isn’t a Baldy, although that might change soon.

*Laughter and applause*

Announcer: Now for the mission patch. You all have a chance to submit a proposal for a mission patch. With a mission this great, we want the public to have a chance to put their mark in history. Now, the press has their chance to ask their questions to the crew.

One hour of questions later

Jeb: Finally, we can rest.

KSP Director: Yes, you can, for now. I do recommend saying your goodbyes, since there isn’t much time left before you go up.

Obbald: Don’t need to tell me twice.

Bob: You have nothing to worry about Baldy, not like any stress from not saying goodbyes will affect you.

Obbald: Shut it.

13 days later

Gus: Well there she goes.

Edbert: Almost like we’re losing a part of ourselves.

Gus: Well we did work on her for three months, it makes sense we feel like we’re losing a part of ourselves, it’s our baby.

Carson: We’ve did our job, we left our impact on history. Even though we aren’t going, we did our job.

Gus: And there she goes, we’ll only be able to see her for a few minutes now as she heads up to higher orbit.

Carson: Sad almost. Now, whens our ride getting here, I want to get home.

Mission Control: Your ride will be up in a few days, launch pad is scheduled for supply launches to The Oracle as well as the crew and miner.

Edbert: Well if that’s the case, wake me when the ride gets here.

*general laughter*

[Itsdavyjones]

Jeb: Well, this is it.

KSP Director: For many years, but we will all be with you, the whole world will be with you.

Jeb: Nice words. Hey George, later man, don’t do something bone headed when I’m gone.

George: Shut it, and have fun for me.

*Clunk Click*

Obbald: Readouts looking good.

Mission Control: T-30. Enjoy your flight.

Bill: Hey look, you can just see her from here.

Bob: That’s because you got a window seat on the right side to see.

Mission Control: T-10.

Jeb: Well, it’ll be a great adventure…Starting…..Now.

After MECO 1

Richbo: I can never figure out how you can get it right on engine ignition every time.

Jeb: By being a veteran of the space program, and having a great internal clock.

Bill: And just having good intuition.

Jeb: Yup, and I feel that I could use it too on this mission.

Obbald: Readouts good, main tank pressure good. Perfect, once we match our orbit, we can begin docking operations immediately.

Jeb: Great to hear, can’t wait to get onboard and see the gift we were given.

Bob: We were given a gift? When was that?

Jeb: The crew on the station made it from leftover parts.

Mission Control: Readouts of The Oracle are nominal; you can open the hatch immediately upon docking.

Obbald: Readouts confirmed, nice to hear mission control.

Jeb: Great news indeed, can’t wait to relax.

After matching orbits

Jeb: Well things could be worse; we could be 10 km out.

Obbald: RCS system online, computer activated, were going in.

Jeb: It’s amazing that we went from manual docking to it being automated in such a short timeframe.

Obbald: Not really, the only problem with it is it uses so much fuel if it’s a large distance. When it’s only a few hundred meters away, then it is perfect.

Jeb: Hmm, interesting. Ah well, it still helps a lot.

Obbald: Yup.

*Beep, beginning final approach*

Jeb: Wow, so close. Too bad you guys can’t see it, but it looks nice.

Bill: Can you not…

Jeb: Hey, relax. *Thunk* besides we’re docked.

*Docking complete*

Bill: Alright, let’s get unpacked as we wait for our supplies to be brought up.

Bob: You said it. I just hope it’s not impossible to move around.

Jeb: Well, it’s a tight fit in here, but once we get those g-rings open, and then we can move all this gear out.

Obbald: Hatches closed, dragon undocking… And the dragons out of sight.

*Click vrrrrrrrrrr* Jeb: Alright, g-rings opening, we have our home.

Several hours of unpacking later.

Richbo: Hey, what is this?

Jeb: Looks like our ship.

Carson: Oracle, space dock, like our gift?

Richbo: Looks nice.

Carson: The landers also go off, so if you guys have a problem, you can take it apart to see it, in a sense.

Obbald: Nice, I always like seeing a model over schematics any day. Of course, this will probably fade away from our minds since we’ll see it all the time. But still a nice gift.

Mission Control: Oracle, mission control your first package has arrived.

Jeb: Copy that mission control. Well, we got some more work to do.

Final cargo ship arrives.

Mission Control: Oracle, mission control, did somebody order seeds? Cause that’s what you got.

Richbo: Is there pizza with that delivery?

Mission Control: Yes there is, three months down the line. Oh, and if you want it, you have to work for it.

Richbo: Well, glad I brought those recipe books up, it’ll make the food less bland.

Jeb: Good thinking on that part, I have to say, but what do you think about our mission patches, there right on the hatch.

*cheering from the rest of the crew*

KSP Director: Glad you guys are happy, the announcement was made just as the ship docked, and your cheers were broadcasted too. Well, what are you waiting for, open up.

*original hand drawn version*

Jeb: These look amazing. Now, where’s the sewing needles, I’m putting this on right now.

Obbald: Too late, you have to wait your turn now.

Bill: Ah common, you had them in your pocket as soon as you saw them, not fair.

Obbald: Its fair, I just got them before everyone else thought of it.

Mission control: You got one hour to put them on, and then it’s back to unpacking your food supplies.

Jeb: Understood mission control. Obbald, you better hurry up with your sewing, we don’t have time for you to slowpoke.

Obbald: Says the slowest one of us.

Jeb: I’m only slow when I don’t have my morning coffee, and that’s not going to be a problem, since we got two coffee plants.

Bill: He’s not kidding, and mission control has the right idea to give us something to help us stay awake.

Obbald: Done, now get your slow body down here.

Jeb: If you’re done, go start unpacking. We don’t want to be late for our Muner transfer.

After the final cargo ship left

Bob: Phew, that’s was more tiring then I thought it would be.

Bill: No kidding and we still have to plant them too.

Jeb: We’ll rest until the miner gets up, we got a few hours of rest then.

Obbald: I’m game, wake me when its time.

Mission Control: No problem, Oracle, go get your rest, we’ll wake you when its time.

*muttering of approval*

Meanwhile on the launch pad

KSP Director: Well men, this is the last launch to “The Oracle.†You all did your job admirably. Soon, you will see the only way for us to do this mission. You all did what you had to do, to the utmost of your ability. Take a step back, and revile in your accomplishment. For without you, this mission would’ve never left the drawing board.

*T-10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1*

*And we have lift off*

*few minutes later*

KSP Director: Well, let’s hope that she makes it all right in the interplanetary medium, and having enough fuel from the miner to do so.

KSP VAB Director: She will. She will.

Back at “The Oracleâ€Â

Mission Control: Rise and shine, you have your crops to plant, and a final delivery to take.

Jeb: Where’s my coffee.

Obbald: Coming right up for everyone.

Bob: No thanks, I’m good. Jeb could use two though.

Obbald: Old news. I was planning on giving him two to begin with.

Jeb: Just hurry with it.

Bob: Hey mission control, I think you should swap commanders. Jeb’s too tired to do his job.

Mission Control and Jeb: Not happening.

*Beep, 100 meters*

Jeb: Get on it Bill.

Bill: Right.

…….

*Thunk*

Bill: Miners docked, we’re good for departure.

Jeb: Good to hear, and where is my coffee?

Obbald: Right here, just finished brewing.

Jeb: Good, well, take the coffee break, and then let’s get farming.

[Itsdavyjones]

Jeb: Crew, status report.

Obbald: All systems nominal.

Bill: All vectors added, computer aligning vessel for TMI.

Bob: Coms locked down for TMI.

Jeb: Right, TMI in T-10.

…….

*RrrrrRRrRRRrRrRRRRrrr*

Obbald: Well, there are more vibrations than expected.

Jeb: Well there is 2.5 MN of thrust, so lots of vibrations are expected, and at least we won’t be under high g, since we’ll refuel often.

Obbald: True, but oscillations are beginning.

Richbo: Probably from the miner, since it’s so far forward.

Jeb: 30 seconds till completion.

Obbald: Everything looks good still.

Bill: Engine throttle reduced to 5%.

Bill: Engine cut-off. We’re good.

Jeb: Well, that went well. Bob, set coms up ASAP, Obbald, do systems check. I don’t want anything wrong, and this will detect problems. Bill, begin calculations for MOI, and Richbo, you can begin preparing the SMC.

Bill: Aren’t you pressing us to much too early?

Jeb: Nope. When we are out of contact with mission control, we will need to do this ASAP. And besides, the faster we get the SMC in orbit to begin surveying, the faster we can get our boots on the ground.

Obbald: Not all of us though, due to the crops.

Jeb: True, but that’s after leaving Kerbin orbit. Since all the crops only need water right now, we can all land on the surface. When we get to Jool, someone will have to stay onboard, since we will be landing on two moons at the same time. At other times, two will stay onboard.

Bob: Mission control, how do you read?

Mission control: Loud and clear Oracle, TMI confirmed, ground tracking matches flight computer, no bugs detected.

Bill: Alright, computer will initialise burn automatically once at required altitude. And I took the liberty to upload flight path to the SMC for you Richie.

Richbo: Thanks.

Jeb: Well, looks like we got nine hours till MOI burn, so go relax.

Meanwhile at KSC launch complex

Mission Control: Hey Carson, your rides ready.

Carson: …Copy that mission control.

KSP Director: That pause seemed longer then it should’ve been.

Flight Director: It did seem like that. You, go do a software check. Let’s hope it will be a minor bug.

Mission controller: Sorry boss, I was uploading a software update for the space telescope.

Flight Director: Right. Hey, you don’t need to do that software check anymore.

KSP Director: Let’s just hope it was the software upload.

Flight Director: Did you say something?

KSP Director: No nothing, just talking to myself.

A few hours later

Gus: There’s our ride.

Edbert: Where?

Carson: There.

Edbert: Alright.

Carson: Pack your belongings; we got our ride home now.

*Thunk*

Gus: Alright, got the hatch, go on thru guys.

*few minutes later*

Carson: Mission control, Dragon, computer set for KSC landing.

Mission Control: Copy that Dragon. Photo ops will happen upon touch down, when it happens, step out of the craft and form a line outside with the dragon behind.

Carson: Copy that, mission control. Well, that’ll be fun. After spending three months in space, they expect us to walk right away. What are they thinking?

Gus: Doesn’t matter really, it just sucks.

Carson: Well, seeing that we having photo ops upon landing, let’s go for the bull’s eye. Let’s just see how close this computer gets us.

Edbert: Well, wake me when its time.

Jorlas: How is it you can sleep through launch and re-entry?

Edbert: Simple, I just do.

Jorlas: That does…

Carson: Just drop it.

*right over the space center*

Carson: Wow, this re-entry seems very close.

Edbert: mumbling just don’t slope it….

Gus: What?

Carson: I think he means this.

Edbert: HEY, I SAID DON’T SLOPE IT.

Gus: Dude, chill, it’s just a small slope.

Carson: Well, it seems like we got the fuel, so, might as well get the bull’s eye.

Mission Control: What are you doing?

Carson: A bull’s eye. We scavenged fuel from the station, so we’re doing better.

Mission Control: Negative *sssZZZZZcht*

Carson: Well done Edbert, I see you hate mission control then sloped landings interrupting your sleep.

*sssZZZZZch* Are you *ssZZZZcht* loss *scht*

Carson: Wait, Edbert, did you hit the circuit breaker?

Gus: He’s still asleep…

Carson: Crud, that’s bad. Please be our end.

*knock knock knock*

Edbert: Wha wha what?

Carson: Our ground operator probably, coms went out, so he’s probably out here to provide coms for us.

*click* Ground personnel: Do you hear mission control?

Carson: Negative, the odd word, and static is all. Tell them that we are getting out for the photo ops. Tell them to be fast with it too.

*a few minutes later*

Gus: We’re done right? Great, let’s go and rest. We might be able to see the station deorbit. Flight path is right over top.

One hour later

*sounds of amazement*

KSP Director: Is it sad to see your home destroyed?

Station crew: No sir.

Edbert: I’ll only miss it for the zero g sleeping, so restful.

KSP Director: Well, as it stands, you’ll all need to do your post flight medical. But the space program greatly appreciates your work on “The Oracle.†Also, we did a preliminary inspection of the dragon. It appears that during launch the antenna got damaged, and upon re-entry, it completely broke. So it appears that it was a one off.

Carson: Well, I can speak for the entire crew to say that we’re relieved. We were thinking that it was a circuit board that bugged out.

KSP Director: Nice to hear, dismissed.

Back at “The Oracleâ€Â

*MOI in 15 minutes, please return to your seats.*

Jeb: Ah, there’s my programing at work.

Richbo: Hey, why did the coffee maker start working on its own? I never knew it could be programed like that.

Bob: What… Wow your right. Who did that?

Jeb: Excuse me, that’s my coffee.

Richbo: Should’ve known you would do something like that, Jeb.

Obbald: It’s not that hard to do. Nor can you blame Jeb for wanting coffee before an orbital insertion.

Jeb: Well, get your coffee if you want, be in the command room in 9 minutes.

*13 minutes later*

Obbald: Engine readouts good, same for the reactor.

Bill: Computer following program nicely.

Jeb: Right.

*3, 2, 1*

Obbald: Full power on engine… Everything’s good.

Jeb: As soon as we’re in orbit, the SMC will disconnect immediately. And begin getting a high quality map. The old maps are too inaccurate for our use.

Bill: You happy to be back Jeb?

Jeb: Yes.

*Burn complete*

[Itsdavyjones]

Obbald: Quantum struts disengaged and it’s free

Richbo: Scanners activated.

Bill: Navigation computer is initiating orbital changes required.

Jeb: Well, it’s clear. And the engines ignited.

Bill: And now we wait.

Jeb: How long?

Bill: About 20 hours for the SMC to complete its coverage. Then it needs to land to get kethane.

Obbald: While we will have enough fuel to land in one of the dragons. Having the tanks topped off first is best.

Jeb: Right. So we have about two days till we go land. However, we shouldn’t idle in space next time. But then again, we are testing everything right now. And we don’t know how the miner will handle when loaded, so we should see how it goes first.

The next day

Richbo: Jeb, the last of the data arrived.

Jeb: Right. Bill, send the command to get it to an equatorial orbit. It’ll be easier to communicate with it when it lands, everyone else, to the dining room.

*few minutes later*

Jeb: So, here are the maps.

Richbo: Look at all those anomalies.

Jeb: Yes. There are a lot of anomalies. However, mission control has told me that landings are to be equatorial, to save fuel. They are giving us a 25o leniency. The miner, however, has to be as close to equatorial as possible, to deliver maximum fuel.

Richbo: Well, I can see that some kethane fuel deposits are in craters, so that’s where the miner should go first.

Obbald: Agreed. While the lander can take some uneven surfaces, it’s best if we limit that.

Jeb: Right. Bill, send the coordinates. Once it comes back, we’ll chose our landing site.

One hour later

Bill: Readouts are good.

Jeb: Good. Richbo, keep an eye on the kethane scanner. I don’t want it landing in a barren patch.

Richbo: Roger. It’ll be awhile till it approaches the field though. Bill, let me know when it’s almost there.

Bill: Sure.

*few minutes later*

Bill: Pay attention.

Richbo: Dam. It’s not in the field.

Jeb: Crud.

Bill: Landing autopilot disabled. Jeb, knowing you, you did that.

Jeb: Keeping it so it doesn’t crash as it flies over.

Richbo: Alright, it’s over top now.

Bill: Landing autopilot enabled.

Jeb: Obbald, help me get a program for it to automatically do that next time.

Obbald: Right.

Bill: It’s landed. Mining mode has activated.

Richbo: Wish they had more put more drills onboard.

Obbald: Meh, at least it gets the job done. You can’t complain about that.

One hour later

Jeb: Thanks Bob. *mumbles under breath* There. That should do it.

Obbald: Yup.

Bill: Alright, it’s beginning launch sequence.

Jeb: Already. Wow the time flew bye.

Obbald: I never noticed either.

Bob: Well you both had your noses pressed to the screens the whole time. I thought that getting you guys coffee would help. Bill, Richbo, there’s more if you want some.

Richbo: I’ll grab it.

Bill: Launch sequence is good. The techs back home did a good job getting this thing to work like a charm.

Jeb: I just hope it’ll work by Eeloo and Jool.

Obbald: It does have four RTG’s so it should be fine. And if it isn’t it’ll just take longer to convert into fuel planet side.

Bill: MECO. Now to wait for it to rendezvous.

Jeb: This job does have a lot of waiting in it. It’ll be worse after we do an interplanetary burn though. Since we’ll need to top the tanks up.

One orbit later

Bill: Navigation computer is all good. That’s one checkout complete, many more to go.

Obbald: That’s one way to look at it.

Jeb: I’m just glad that it works. I don’t want to be stuck in interplanetary space because we ran out of fuel.

Richbo: I’m just glad it can get core samples everywhere.

Obbald: That’s a lot of weight though.

Richbo: Whatever. We’re removing a lot of weight when we get to Jool as it is.

Bill: Alright, docking computer taking over.

Jeb: Looking good from here.

*Thunk*

Bill: And our fuel is here.

Obbald: Right. I’ll bring up the pipes

Jeb: Bob, inform mission control that we completed the first checklist. And that once it’s all converted, we will be going down.

Bob: Roger.

Obbald: Alright the converters activated, and we’re getting mono.

Richbo: Come to me, oh sweet cores.

Obbald: Really. You really like core samples more than others.

Richbo: Yes.

Jeb: Ah, that’s the old Richbo I know and love.

Half an hour later

Bob: Hey Jeb. I only just got to mission control, seems like they were having problems with the coms system. But they say they already fixed it.

Jeb: Probably just a bird in the control room, nothing to worry about.

Obbald: Right, that’s the last of the kethane. Didn’t even fill the tanks.

Jeb: Didn’t fill them, but it’s sure full. Now, let’s get into the dragon and decide our landing zone.

*few minutes of discussion later*

Bill: Landing computer has accepted the landing co-ordinates.

Jeb: Right, undocking.

Obbald: Engines activated, and it’s good.

Bill: You know what we didn’t take into account. If it was day or not.

Jeb: This dragon has more lights than KSC2. It’ll be fine.

*click*

Jeb: Huh?

*click click*

Obbald: Defective light bulbs. Who would’ve guessed.

*Click*

Jeb: Ah well, the lander does have a radar altimeter, so we’re good.

*Deorbit burn complete*

Bill: It’s right on target too.

Jeb: Ah, so nice to be returning.

Obbald: I’m sure. And I packed extra food too.

Bob: Sweet, give me one of the kernola bars.

Obbald: Here you go anyone else?

At 37km up

Richbo: Dam it just got cold.

*Thunk*

Obbald: Not for much longer. I’m so glad they put the RTG in with an internal radiator.

Everyone else: sighs of relief.

Jeb: This will be such an advantage out past Kerbin orbit.

Obbald: That’s why it was installed. I thought that the heaters would take too much power, so I suggested adding RTG’s for power and heat. And don’t worry, the heat is optional, it normally gets expelled by external radiators.

*closer to the surface*

Bill: Still on target.

Bill: What’s that supposed to be, anyways?

Everyone else *no idea*

Jeb: Well, whatever it is, we’re to investigate it. We have suit lights, so we’re good.

*WELCOME TO THE MUN*

Jeb: Well, let’s go see what it is.

Richbo: Shouldn’t we wait for day though?

Obbald: We should see what mission control wants. We have supplies for two days since I brought extra.

Bob: Right. Mission control, dragon, we landed in the shadow, do you want us to wait for day light before performing EVA?

Mission Control: Dragon, mission control, affirmative. You have about a 15 hour wait.

Bob: Copy that.

Jeb: Well, let’s get some shut eye then.

15 hours later

Jeb: Not good at all. One kilometer, I am not walking that, and neither are any of you.

Obbald: Really, and you would know better how?

Jeb: I’ve been on the Mun before, it’s very tiring. And we have enough fuel to shuffle the lander over.

Jeb: See, now we don’t have to move much, and we’re much closer.

Obbald: Guess you’re right, but there was a more efficient way to do it.

Jeb: Next time. Don’t want to get ourselves killed right away.

Mission Control: Begin EVA when you’re ready.

Bob: Copy that mission control.

Jeb: Let’s get going.

[Itsdavyjones]

I'd like to apologize for the lack of updates, but real life has gotten in the way, but an update will come later tonight.

[Itsdavyjones]

Jeb: Since I’ve been on the Mun before, one of you should go.

Bill: No, I disagree. Just because you’ve been here before doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t place yourself out of the loop for being the first of the crew on the Mun.

Obbald: I agree. Jeb, you should be first.

Richbo: Ah common, I wanted to be first.

Bob: I vote Jeb.

Bill: agreed.

Jeb: Well then, I guess it’ll be me first.

Richbo: Ah man.

Jeb: Don’t worry, you’ll be first next time.

A few minutes later

Bill: How’s it feel being back on the Mun?

Jeb: Feels wonderful. Almost like I never left.

Obbald: Hey Jeb, why are you up there?

Jeb: Just feel like checking the view. Well, I’ll get started going to that thing, you guys come out now.

Bob: Right, we’ll meet you there.

Jeb: Right, now let’s get the jetpack on… Perfect, thrusters… Yup, perfect, now let’s get going. Ahh, love that feeling, now let’s stick this landing… CRUD.

Jeb: Gah.

Everyone else: JEB.

Bill: You alright.

Obbald: Take it easy.

Richbo: Really…

Jeb: I’m alright, nothing broke.

Obbald: You should really take it easy, you’re older then you were last time you were here.

Jeb: Don’t need to remind me old fart.

Bill: Really guys, do you really have to start arguing.

Richbo: Ya, let us investigate this thing.

Jeb: I know, I know, I should take it easier, but it’s so fun to be jet packing on the Mun again.

Obbald: I’m sure.

Jeb: My Kod, this thing is huge.

Richbo: What does it look like, material wise.

Jeb: Looks like grey granite. Get over here with that geology hammer. I’m going up top.

Obbald: Take it easy, you just tripped.

Jeb: I’ll be fine; the view should be amazing though, seeing that it’s so tall too.

Jeb: Wow, looks like a lander, an old style lander. And some flag. Never seen it before though.

Richbo: I’m going to start taking samples.

Jeb: Well that was fast of you Richbo.

Obbald: Richbo jet packed his way over, a little safer then you though, but not by much.

Jeb and Richbo: Hey.

Obbald: What, it’s true. Anyways, were all coming up now, did you see anything else?

Richbo: I saw a metal object on one of the sides.

Jeb: Really, let me see.

Richbo: What does it say?

Jeb: Can’t read it. Took a picture though, let’s see if the brains back home can translate it.

Bob: Wow, that’s very interesting. It does look like some lander.

Bill: Never seen this design before, must be some alien design.

Jeb: Really, you really believe that junk. SETI never found anything.

Richbo: Hey guys, I can’t get a sample, it seems like it’s covered in a transparent layer that’s impenetrable.

Obbald: Diamonds, it has to be.

Jeb: But how would diamonds be on this thing?

Bill: Aliens.

Jeb: Ah common.

Bill: Well, if there were advanced aliens, they might be able to manipulate the elements, and place diamonds on top of the granite. It would protect it, since diamonds are very strong.

Richbo: Makes sense.

Obbald: Does seem likely, but there could be a normal answer though.

Jeb: Bah, please. The grey things could never lift something this large and bring it here. Nor could they have a building facility hidden or have no trace.

Mission Control: It’s Alien. It’s emitting a field, and there are a few sites on Kerbin that emit similar fields.

Jeb: Oh common, everyone knows that the grey men never existed.

Bill: Maybe they don’t exist now, but did exist. They could’ve been killed by their home star going supernova, or they killed each other.

Mission Control: We want you to go back to the ship. We still don’t know much about these fields.

Everyone: groans of disappointment.

Mission Control: Do you want us to send a replacement crew?

Jeb: Hey, I have an idea; let’s see who jet packs closest to the lander without tripping.

Obbald: I have a feeling that’s a bad idea.

Jeb: Relax, I got the feel now, and it’s not like it’ll break, seeing what it went through already.

Richbo: Alright, let’s do it.

Jeb: I’ll go first.

Obbald: I still think it’s a bad idea.

Jeb: Don’t worry, I’m about to stick this land wow.

Obbald: Told you so.

Richbo: Looks like he’s going to crash…

Jeb: Ow.

Obbald: What did I say.

Bill: Everyone stay, I’ll get him back in first, if anyone else falls, we don’t want more collisions when we’re right there.

The others: Agreed.

Bill: Jeb, you alright?

Jeb: Ow, did I just get run over?

Bill: In a way, you went under the dragon.

Jeb: I hope I didn’t break the lander.

Obbald: You should be more worried about yourself.

Bill: The landers fine, and if the heat shield is damaged, we can repair it.

Bill: Let’s just get you seated. You guys can start coming over.

Obbald: I’ll head back last.

Richbo: Let’s see if I can do it better then you Jeb.

Bob: You two are like kids.

Richbo: Hurry up and get inside already.

Jeb: Relax, ow, I’m almost in.

Richbo: Alright, I’m on my way.

Obbald: Somehow I can just feel it’ll be the same thing.

Richbo: This is easy.

Jeb: *groan* that’s what I thought.

Richbo: WAA

Obbald: Here we go again.

Jeb and Bill: Whaa

Obbald: Right under the dragon.

Obbald: I got it. You can go in Bob.

Richbo: Ugh, that hurt.

Obbald: Well duh, you went in worse than Jeb.

Jeb: I didn’t know that was possible.

Obbald: Alright, here you go.

Richbo: Ow.

Obbald: Seems like you broke something.

Richbo: Great.

Obbald: Let’s get you in.

Bob: Mission control, dragon, Jeb and Richbo had a major spill, looks like concussions.

Obbald: And possibly something broken with Richbo.

Mission Control: Copy that.

Obbald: Hatch closed, re-pressurizing.

Jeb: You look worse than me Richbo; I never thought that would be possible.

Richbo: Gah, something’s broken alright.

Obbald: Seems like a fractured rib.

Mission Control: The Medical Director is recommending you stay Mun side for a day before returning to the mother ship.

Bob: Copy that, mission control.

Jeb: Well, I guess it couldn’t be worse.

Obbald: The medical equipment is on the ship. All we can do right now is give a tenser to you Richbo, and some pain killers.

Jeb: I had to speak, didn’t I.

Obbald: I would’ve had to say it regardless.

Bill: Well, let’s take care of them, and get some rest.

[Itsdavyjones]

Richbo: Ugh, how on Kerbin am I going to survive this?

Jeb: Just remember that the high the g’s the shorter it is. And that it’ll hurt me too.

Richbo: But you only have bruising, where as I might have a fractured rib.

Bill: Right, engine’s online, and she’s in the right spot.

Jeb: Right, you’re in charge this time Bill.

Bill: Copy that, liftoff in 3, 2, 1….

*several seconds later*

Richbo: Could’ve you taken it easier.

Bill: Hope your lesson is learned, but remember, there is still one more burn, then several smaller burns to rendezvous.

Richbo: Remind me to never do that again.

Obbald: Done and done.

Jeb: Can’t wait to get back onboard.

Bill: Burning in 10.

Richbo: Where are the pain killers?

Jeb: Can’t get them now, besides you took some before launch, you should be fine, and once we get back, we can get you checked out properly.

Ten minutes later

Richbo: Please be docking now.

Bill: Sorry, 60 click’s out. And we’re not even in the same plane yet, so half an orbit till we can dock, minimum.

Richbo: Just hurry up.

Obbald: Just relax; the burns that need to be done now are on the order of a few meters per second, no more gut wrenching g forces needed, unless they have plans.

Jeb: You know me well Obbald.

Richbo: *groan*

Obbald: Don’t worry, you know he’s joking. I don’t think he would want to do it to himself either.

Jeb: You got that right.

Bill: Plane change in 3, 2, 1…

Jeb: See, not that much g’s.

Richbo: Just tell me when we’re there.

Bill: Right, one 18 m/s burn to meet up on the other side, and another to negate it.

Obbald: Seems like we are pushing it in terms of fuel.

Jeb: I have to agree. But if we did do the full kilometer hike to the thing, then it could’ve been worse for all of us in terms of injuries.

Bob: He does have a point.

Obbald: I just hope we don’t have to do that again.

Jeb: If we do do it again, it’ll be done more efficiently.

Bill: Rendezvous burn in 10.

Bill: Done, we got about 30 minutes till we get close.

Obbald: I hope nothing happened to her.

Jeb: If something did, we would’ve found out a while ago. Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to get some rest.

30 minutes later

Bill: You want to take over Jeb?

Jeb: Sure, feeling better now. Ah, so nice to see her again.

Bill: Any idea how much dust there might be, Obbald?

Obbald: Shouldn’t be that much, considering that it was only two days. And the filters should’ve done very well.

Bill: Hey, Richbo. We’re almost there.

Richbo: Really, nice to know. Some proper g should help.

Jeb: Only a minute more, than you’ll get x-rayed.

Richbo: Ugh, great. Then it’s the bandaging, and getting samples. Not my day.

Obbald: Don’t worry, samples aren’t needed, it’s just the bandaging that’ll need to be done after the X-ray.

Jeb: Docked, head on in.

Obbald: I’ll meet you down in the medical bay Richbo.

*several minutes of organizing later*

Jeb: Hey Bill. Did you program the computer for the TMinB?

Bill: Yup, we have nearly two days till the burn.

Jeb: Right, I’m sure Richbo wouldn’t mind that wait.

Bill: Couldn’t agree with you more.

Obbald: Right, just got the X-rays. He won’t be able land on Minmus.

Jeb: He’ll be disappointed.

Obbald: It’s for the better. I’ll let him know.

Jeb: Right, Bob, inform Mission Control about the prognosis.

Bob: On it.

Jeb: Well Bill, we better check on the crops.

Five minutes before the TMinB

Jeb: You ready Richbo?

Richbo: Yes, not going to like it much, but it’s better than nothing.

Jeb: Good to hear. Bill, computer set?

Bill: Yes. All is good.

Mission Control: All readouts looking good from here, we’ll hear from you after the burn.

Bob: Copy that mission control.

Jeb: Well. At least they take great care in our safety. Lock down the comms.

Obbald: Relax Richbo, remember, the g forces on this ship is much less than the lander.

Richbo: I know, but it’ll still hurt.

Jeb: That it will. I’m still sore from the bruises, and it’ll probably hurt for me too, but the burn won’t be that bad.

Bill: Burn in 3, 2, 1…

Richbo: *grunts of pain*

Obbald: Relax.

Richbo: Easier said than done.

Jeb: Always.

Bill: Burn 50% complete.

Richbo: Really, that isn’t 50%.

Bill: Your right, it wasn’t, that was 51%.

Richbo: Very funny...

Bill: Burn complete. And we got right into the SoI without having to do correction burns.

Everyone else: Really.

Jeb: Interesting. I didn’t think that could happen.

Bill: It’s uncommon, but it can happen, but that’s sweet still.

Richbo: That’s not interesting, it’s amazing.

Obbald: Obviously you would think that.

Bill: We got four and a half days till we get close enough to change periapsis reliably.

Richbo: Perfect, four days of perfect rest. *Wincing in pain*

Obbald: Sounds like you could lie down now.

Richbo: I think your right.

Jeb: Well, let’s all relax now. I’ll program the alarm to get us prepared to do the required burns in the time frame. Bob, let mission control know what’s going on.

Four and a half days later and two minor orbital corrections.

[Holo]

I don't like Jeb's smile in that last image.

[Itsdavyjones]

And Bob's nervous about it too, and looking in the right direction to the front.

[Itsdavyjones]

Bill: Well, we’re coming in a retrograde orbit.

Jeb: Well, that’s easy to fix, we’re far out still.

Obbald: Well, you might as well do some breaking now too.

Bill: Right. I’ll start plotting.

Jeb: Hey Obbald, did you see how Richbo is doing?

Obbald: He seems fine, upset, but fine.

Jeb: Obviously he’d be upset.

Bill: Done.

Jeb: Nicely done. Upload it to the navigation computer, and I’ll inform the others.

Several minutes later

Bill: Burn in three…

*vibrations*

Bill: And done.

Jeb: Well, six hours, then we need to be back on the bridge. Richbo, start preparing the SMC, and Obbald, do an inspection.

Six hours later

Bill: MinOI in T-5

Richbo: *muttering* I’ll be fine, already went through one just a few… *rest is lost from burn*

Bill: And done, you alright Richbo?

Richbo: I will be, in a few hours.

Jeb: We’ll let the computer place us in an equatorial orbit, and then release the SMC.

Obbald: We really need a name for the SMC.

Jeb: We’ll get one eventually, but for now, it doesn’t matter.

A few hours later

Richbo: SMC, ow, released.

Jeb: Go rest, you need it.

Richbo: Right.

*After Richbo left*

Obbald: I’m concerned. He doesn’t seem to be getting much better.

Jeb: He is getting better.

Obbald: But slowly.

Jeb: Slow is better than not at all.

Obbald: True, but he should’ve been better earlier.

Jeb: Could be from being in space, and not resting as much as he should be. He does go to the farm often.

Obbald: We could try to get him to rest till we head down.

Jeb: If he’s not much better before we head down, I’ll stay on board.

Obbald: Right.

One day of scanning later

Obbald: Well Jeb, one day got us this.

Jeb: Well a good map was made, but we don’t know many kethane locations yet.

Obbald: Richbo saw this before I brought it to you, and he was saying another day will get it complete.

Jeb: Right, and how’s he doing?

Obbald: Better, keeping him in bed helped a lot.

Jeb: Good to hear, but I think I’ll stay up here.

Obbald: Right, would be best for him too.

Just under 18 hours later

Richbo: Jeb. JEB!

Jeb: Yes?

Richbo: Just got the latest data from the SMC, and it showing exactly where the best depot is, while flying along a valley, it’s perfect.

Jeb… Nice, Bill, send the coordinates to the SMC, its mining time.

Bill: Right, on it.

Jeb: Well Richbo, you seem better every day now.

Richbo: Yes, but I feel like a vegetable being in this bed.

Jeb: At least you can still check data.

Obbald: What’s this about a landing zone?

Jeb: Richbo just informed me about the best deposit of kethane and that the SMC flew over it right along a valley.

Obbald: Very good news, we do need some monopropellant after your… shift.

Jeb: Ya Ya, it helped though.

Obbald: Yes it did, but took a lot of fuel.

Jeb: Whatever, we still have enough, but still better to fill up before landing.

Two hours later

Bill: And it’s landed.

Jeb: Right, send the commands to have it launch back to us when its loaded, we got some time to kill.

*Six hours later*

Bill: Docked.

Obbald: Starting converter, and stay Richbo, I’ll get your core samples in a moment.

Richbo: Ah common, hurry up.

Jeb: Be patient.

Richbo: Fine.

Jeb: Right, when the last of the Kethane is converted, Bill, Bob and Obbald, head down to the lander, you’re going for the anomaly that got detected.

Bill: Right, I’ll start programing the lander.

Richbo: Wait… You’re not going Jeb? Why? You always said that you wanted to go back to Minmus after the Mun.

Jeb: Your injuries. Obbald and I decided that it would be best if someone stayed behind to take care of you, and since I have already been here, I decided to stay. Besides, if there’s time on the way back, we can stop at Minmus again.

Richbo: But I’m fine, I don’t need to be ow… Okay, your right, I need to be monitored.

Obbald: It’s for the best, and here are your core samples.

Richbo: *slightly subdued* Thanks.

Jeb: Hey, I don’t mind not going on Minmus at all, I need to make sure that everyone is safe, and it’s also the recommendation of Mission Control.

Richbo: I know…

Several hours later

Bob: Headed out, see you in several hours.

Jeb: Copy that, have fun.

Obbald: Well, let’s begin.

Bill: Well, I’m sure they will be fine. Obbald, wasn’t the robotic bees supposed to be released soon?

Obbald: Yes actually, I’ll have to ask Jeb to check how they are working before we return.

Bob: But they were never tested in a space ship before, right?

Obbald: Yes they were, but unfortunately that was in zero g, they were also tested planet side, and worked in both cases.

Bob: But didn’t they have issues with vents?

Obbald: Yes, but that should’ve been solved, and they also provided many more than needed, decade’s worth even, just to be safe. And even if they get in the vents, they are robust enough to be taken back out and used again.

Bob: Okay.

Bill: Almost down, we’ll just need to wait for day.

Obbald: Well, we’re going to be on a slope, so sleep won’t be that easy.

Bill: What… But the lander was…

Obbald: It was your fat fingers don’t worry. Just double check it next time.

*thump*

Obbald: Well good night.

*several hours later*

[Itsdavyjones]

Jeb: Hey, who’s going out first?

Bill: Not sure yet, we’re just about to discuss that.

Jeb: Well Richbo was saying that Bob should go.

Bob: One down for me.

Bill: I was thinking Obbald.

Jeb: That’s what I was thinking too.

Bob: Oh common and we can’t even vote for ourselves.

Jeb: I think a secret ballot will be needed next time.

Bob: Fine, Obbald, you go first.

Obbald: Right, depressurising and opening hatch.

*several minutes later*

Obbald: Wow, looking at Kerbol is just so mesmerising at this time.

Bob: Let me out.

Bill: Fine, I’ll be right behind.

Obbald: And we have to be down the mountain.

Bill: Don’t worry; I’ll go take a look for whatever that thing is.

Richbo: Don’t pull a stunt like I did.

Bill: You better believe I won’t.

Bob: Nice jump.

Bill: Thanks, now jetpack on…. And off I go.

Bill: I don’t see anything.

Jeb: You’re high and far enough, return to the lander.

Bill: Fine, starting to return.

Bob: Hey, he’s right; safety is a top concern, especially how high you are.

Obbald: Doesn’t matter much, a rover can be sent over later as needed…. Well look at this, a reading that is similar to others back home, a good thing we can’t find it then.

Bill: Well that’s different then.

Bob: Try to use your shadow when landing.

Bill: Right.

Bill: Right, better slow down…. And landed.

Obbald: Great landing, now just jet over here and let’s look around the lander.

Jeb: Have fun.

One hour later

Bill: Let’s get back in and rest before we get back up.

Jeb: Did you guys have fun?

Bob: You better believe it.

Jeb: I knew you guys would, any suvin *message received* Be right back.

Obbald: Probably the altitude required by mission control for us to orbit as we wait.

Bill: Bets anyone?

Bob: A farm shift for 200 km orbit, plus or minus 50 km

Obbald: No thanks.

Bill: Right, you’re on.

Jeb: Right, I was hearing what you were betting, and Bill won its 1500 km orbit.

Bob: Ah come on, I’d have expected it that low so they can see us out better.

Bill: Have fun.

Jeb: Safety reasons, since this ship has a nuclear reactor and is massive, it can cause a lot of debris if something were to happen and cause more problems at that altitude.

Bob: Whatever, I’m getting some shuteye.

Bill: Right, I’ll program the alarm for sunset, that’ll give us plenty of sleep.

Jeb: See you in several hours.

At sunset

Obbald: What a beautiful sight.

Bob: You really love sunsets don’t you.

Obbald: Yes I do.

Bill: T-10 guys.

Bob: I bet you can’t wait to see it everywhere else.

Bob: I wish it never did that many g’s automatically

Bill: Yet Jeb would find a way to make it worse.

Jeb: Hey, I heard that.

Obbald: Ah Bob, you obviously did that.

Bill: That’s not fair, you losing the bet doesn’t get you the right to do that.

Bob: Still worth it.

Bill: Whatever.

*after circulation burn and plane alignment burn*

Jeb: You guys clearly overslept.

Bob: Says the one that needs coffee just to wake up.

Jeb: Touché.

Bill: Already got a rendezvous set up.

Obbald: Fairly far out, but it’ll work.

Bill: Alright all set up, T-120.

Jeb: See you in several orbits.

Bob: See you in half an orbit.

At the nearest approach

Jeb: Be careful, I don’t want a hole in the ship.

Bill: Don’t worry.

Docking Computer: Target selected, beginning docking run.

Obbald: Well, almost home, will need to check the vents though, the readouts were showing loss of the robotic bugs.

Jeb: I know, couldn’t see in the vents when trying to hold the light at the same time.

Obbald: That’s why I have a headlamp.

Jeb: Right, I’ll meet you at the port.

Obbald: Right.

*Thunk*

Bob: It’s nice to be home again.

Obbald: Agreed, at least once the vents are cleared up and protected.

Bill: Hey Jeb, nice to see you. I’ll send out the SMC as you go get the vents. And have fun Bob.

Bob: Whatever.

Nearly a week of refueling later

Jeb: Hey guys, the tanks are filled enough for a safe departure and maneuvering around in the Jool system. Bill, set up the computer to have the maneuver to get into a 1500 km orbit, and Bob, inform mission control.

Bill and Bob: Right.

Bill: Maneuver planed, we have 3 hours and 35 minutes till we need to prepare for the maneuver.

Jeb: Right, any one up for a round of chess?

Obbald: Sure.

*Hours later*

Bill: Maneuvering for burn….Burning on my mark…Mark

Richbo: At least it doesn’t hurt anymore.

Obbald: That’s good to know.

Jeb: Well, the JTB will take a long time when its time.

Obbald: Yes it will, but it’ll take a long time for other interplanetary burns as it is.

Bill: And burn is complete now.

Jeb: Ah, it’s nice to be able to see home close up, even if its 1500 km below us before we leave.

Bob: For sure, they could’ve placed us in an orbit beyond the Mun.

Jeb: Ah well.

Jeb: Good bye Minmus was nice to see you up close again.

[Itsdavyjones]

I'd like to apologize, but this AAR cannot continue due to the fact that The Oracle has developed an uncontrollable tumble and cannot be controlled or recovered, nor can any vehicle dock due to this tumble. While it was fun for the time it worked, it is no longer fun when I have to spend half a day to dock one vessel. I may attempt future versions that hopefully has better controllability. But for now, I must resign this story.

Edit: New grand tour in the books, in planing stage

Edited May 20, 2013 by Itsdavyjones
new grand tour planed

[Eric S]

Know the feeling, my grand tour developed mystery spin at my first stop (Moho). Fortunately, I was able to determine which section was causing it and send out a replacement. Turns out my drive section needed fewer struts.

[Itsdavyjones]

You are lucky that yours is modular, mine isn't therefor have to restart. But making it modular sounds like a better idea for future plans.

[RogueMason]

Ah, bad luck. Uncontrollable tumble is something that really, really annoys me. It's usually down to part clipping, so maybe when you docked a ship, some parts started clipping together? Whatever it was, I hope your new grand tour attempt doesn't suffer the same fate. A shame, really; the Oracle was a nice ship...

[Itsdavyjones]

It was a great ship. I'm going to attempt to make my next ship similar in design, but modular to attempt to avoid this problem again.