[Old] CONCORD Research and Engineering: Storm in the Stars (FINAL LOG: Homecoming)

Richard: Capricorn station... Pride and joy of the station division. Haha, good times. (stares out window) If only. If only we could get back off our feet, back into the stars and-

*knock* *knock*

Richard: Brenda? What did I tell you about interrupting my monologues?

(unknown): Hello? Richard Kerman? I'm from the board of astronomical affairs from the Allied Nations of Kerbin.

Richard: Oh god no... Sorry! Very busy! (pours coffee on desk) I've spilled coffee all over the place and need to clean up! Come back later! Preferably never!

(door swings open)

(unknown): You do know you keep your door unlocked right?

Richard: Whatever you're here to say I don't want to hear it. Concord is perfectly within its rights to continue to maintain its already deployed assets. Now please, leave.

(unknown): Nice to meet you too. (sits down)

Richard: What. Do. You. Want.

(unknown): My name is Harold Kerman. The ANK sent me. You and I have a lot to talk about, specifically about the future of Concord.

Richard: Look, Harold, Concord is everything to me, okay? Even if we can't build ships any more, even though our divisions are now non-existent, this company is still mine, bestowed upon me by Solanim industries. You can't take this away from me.

Harold: It's been, what, five years now? Five years since the data black out?

Richard: ...Yeah. Just about.

Harold: Concord has barely been a shell of it's former self since then.

Richard: Barely.

Harold: You know, a lot of other agencies have rebuilt, some of them back from the ground up. I'm not too versed in your company's history, why did you never do the same?

Richard: What is this a seminar?

Harold: Just a question.

Richard: *sigh* Even before the blackout, Concord was on the decline. Capricorn station was the last actual accomplishment we made. Ever since Operation Touch the Sky, our failed mission to Laythe, Concord began getting a bad track record. Then the Daedalus Project came along. Our first good shot at building a warship. God, we ended up spending tens of billions of kredits on that project. At the end of the day it was a failure, it didn't even make it into orbit. A whole year of development and wasted money. After that our projects began to not even make it into the testing phases. Our divisions began arguing over the development of blueprints, and others argued about which way Concord was going. Some people jumped ship. Then when the progress of our projects began to cease, investors started to drop one after the other. Even the funding from our father company, Solanim, wasn't able to keep us afloat without investors. Then the blackout happened. Salaries, manifests, employee files, all gone. Very few people stayed after that. Not a single investor stayed after that. Now the funding from Solanim is only enough to pay the maintenance bills on our assets already in space; satellites, ships, stations, colonies, that sort of thing. That's what the last five years have been like for me. Sorting bills. But we still have a few engineers and researchers that stayed. Those who did have been working on great concepts, concepts that'll change this world, and many others. One day, Concord will begin again, and when it does, we'll be ready to take the stars by storm once more. That's why, Mr. Harold, you can't shut down this company.

Harold: *clap* *clap* *clap* Hahaha. Good show. That was quite something.

Richard: Let me guess, you knew all that already?

Harold: Well, most of it. I wanted to hear it from you though.

Richard: Well, I'm glad I've entertained you, but if you want to get me to pack my things the ANK is going to have to send guys much bigger than you.

Harold: Why would you pack your things? Tell me Mr. CEO, how would you like to put things in space again?

Richard: I- I want that more than anything!

Harold: I'm glad to hear that. The Allied Nations want Concord back on the front lines of the frontier.

Richard: If you're joking I'll stab you in the eye with a spoon.

Harold: HAHA. You never lost your charm did you? We're giving you a new project. A colony on Duna. It may not seem original since there are considering there are plenty there already, but we want one with the Concord brand, a state of the art design on the cutting edge. There is a catch though. We want it to be escorted by a fleet of warships, warships designed by you.

Richard: I don't understand, why? Concord is barely worth anything now! Why come here, out of the blue, and offer to help it rise from the ashes?

Harold: Of course, I must explain myself. (stands up and walks to window) I'm not sure is you've noticed this Richard, but the solar system has become a very dangerous place. Ever since the ten day war, various private space agencies and corporations have been fighting each other in conflicts spanning from Mün to Jool. No one knows what kind of damage this corporate feudalism might cause in the long run. We need someone to bring peace and security to the system, someone to rise above and build better worlds for us all. We believe that someone is Concord. We looked into you, we know what you're capable of, what your potential is. That's why the ANK is giving you a second chance. Full funding from all of the Allied Nations.

Richard: Hmmm. Government funding. Sounds like you want to make Concord your personal pet. I'm not for that.

Harold: (sits back down) Don't worry, you'll have full control of your company. All were saying is carry out this new project, and we will fund you. That is all.

Richard: I hear you.

Harold: And...?

Richard: (sigh). Fine, it'd be stupid of me not to accept your money.

Harold: Wonderful. I want you to call up your old employees, "bring the band back together" as they say. We want the old team, the one we've heard so much about.

Richard: I'll get right on it.

Harold: (stands up) Well, I have to be going. Lot of phone calls I need to make.

Richard: Same here. Have a safe ride home.

(Harold leaves, door shuts)

Richard: ........WWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

(Brenda runs in)

Brenda: Mr. Executive? Is something wrong?

Richard: Brenda, get Brimley on the phone. We're back in business!

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

[Concord Research and Engineering Headquarters]

[Main Conference Center]

[18:00, April 5th, 135 A.W.]

(men and women chattering)

Rickter: Hey there! Brimley!

Brimley: Rickter? Wow! How long has it been?

Rickter: Five years last time I checked!

Brimley: Can you believe this is happening? I can't believe Concord is actually being restored.

Rickter: Yeah, me neither. This whole "government funding" thing is a bit shady to me though.

Brimley: Tell me about it. But it's not like I'm gonna turn down the job.

(lights dim, people quiet down)

(a curtain is drawn, behind it a podium with Richard Kerman)

Richard: Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Glad you could all make it. Now you already know why I called you all here. It's because Concord has gotten a second wind!

(crowd cheers)

Richard: Over the last 15 years, all of us have helped with establishing keosynchronus satellite relays, orbital refueling depots, a colony on Minmus, (cheering) and of course, a space station in Minmus orbit. (loud cheering) None of that would have been possible without you. You all helped to make that happen. For that, I am forever in your debt. However, our work did not end 5 years ago! We cannot sit around and let the other agencies and corporations lap us while we're down and out! The Allied Nations of Kerbin have given us a mission. They want us to establish a colony on Duna, something we could only dream of before. By taking up this request, the ANK have offered to help Concord rise again to its former glory! (applause) Stations, cruisers, warships, colonies, all of these dreams of ours will now be made a reality! (cheers) I once told you that we'd put a station and colony on and around every moon and planet. Ladies and gentlemen, I do not plan on going back on my word. This is a new era for us, a new era for all of kerbal kind! In a world where all of the space faring corporations are at each others throats someone must stand up to be the sentinel for peace in the system. We are that someone, we will rise above and we will not be stopped again come hell or high water! Because we are Concord! And we are taking the stars by storm once more!

(the crowd lets out a roaring applause)

Brimley: Dramatic as always.

Rickter: Quite a tall order don't you think? Could we do it?

Brimley: If anyone could do it, it would be him.

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

[Concord Research and Engineering Headquarters]

[Spacecraft Division Lab]

[12:00, April 10th, 135 A.W.]

(Engineers Brimley, Adam, and Henry surround a table)

Brimley: No no no, something on that scale wouldn't work.

Adam: Obviously we would send up individual parts and assemble them in orbit!

Brimley: No, I mean even if you do somehow put this thing together it'd tear itself apart after making a single burn.

Henry: Now come on we don't know that. Other people have made much bigger.

Brimley: That's not the-

(Richard walks in)

Richard: Hey guys. What are you arguing about?

Brimley: Oh, hello there Chief executive.

Richard: Oh wow. Come on Brim it hasn't been that long.

Brimley: S-Sorry Richard, it's just, we usually don't see you down here.

Henry: It's an honor to meet you sir!

Richard: Haha, the honor's all mine.

Henry: W-wow! Thank you sir!

Richard: Now, I'd like you to call in the rest of the engineers, I have a little announcement to make.

Brimley: Really? What kind?

Richard: It's a surprise.

Brimley: Alright then.

(Brimley uses his headset to page the PA system)

Brimley: All engineers in the Space Craft division, please come to the main lab.

******

(many people are crowded around in the lab)

Richard: Now, since the spacecraft division restarted, I noticed that you guys have gotten to work quite eagerly, that makes me very pleased. However, there is an elephant in the room that needs to be addressed. That my friends, is the Daedalus project. The project that was supposed to create a reliable destroyer warship that could be mass produced and put on the front lines of battle, something that at the time many investors were interested in. I think you all know that that project ended up being a nail in the coffin for this company, something I'm sure the spacecraft division takes much shame in. The project, until now, has been frozen. Which is why I'd like to announce that, the Daedalus project is being scrapped! I personally shredded and deleted every single blueprint for the Daedalus, this division has no use for a blueprint of a ship that can't even reach orbit.

Jennifer: But sir! We can't get rid of the whole project! There are many people here who really wanted to see the Daedalus fly!

Richard: I know, I was one of those people. And you're right, the whole thing can't be scrapped, not when I have such a great division at my disposal. So, just like this company, project Daedalus is being reborn! You will start again from the ground up, and will build something even greater than the Daedalus I'm sure! However, I don't like the name Daedalus, too many bad memories are associated with that name. The new project will be called, project Renatus! Now, off to work with you!

Crowd: Yes sir!

(Richard leaves, engineers go back to their stations)

Richard: Those guys can achieve so much...

Harold: Can't they?

Richard: Dear lord! Mr. Harold, didn't see you there.

Harold: So, what does it mean?

Richard: What?

Harold: Renatus?

Richard: It means "born again" in ancient Karakan, I thought it was quite fitting.

Harold: Quite. By the way, I just wanted to mention that I was big fan of that speech.

Richard: Um, thanks.

Harold: You really know how to inspire a crowd huh?

Richard: (sigh) So let me guess, now that the Allied Nations are funding us you want to keep a close eye on Concord from now on?

Harold: Haha, your cautiousness will come in handy one of these days. Far from it I'm afraid, I just came to have a chat before I depart.

Richard: What is it?

Harold: Do you remember the Joolian Blitz well Richard? It's only been eight years, but I feel like even during the time, most people pretended it wasn't happening, I mean it was just so far away.

Richard: I kept up with the reports coming out of Jool almost every week, I'm pretty familiar with what happened.

Harold: Twenty-five thousand, dead, most of them civilians, all because a few companies had a land dispute.

Richard: Horrible.

Harold: That's the price of corporate lawlessness, innocent lives.

Richard: But, I don't see what it is Concord could do about it.

(Harold pulls out a tablet and shows it to Richard)

Harold: Do you see this?

Richard: A news report?

Harold: There was a clash on Ike two weeks back between Bright Mining Solutions and HMV Industries. To Karbonite mining corporations that just picked up guns and started shooting at each other because they could. Even Crimson Corp. is starting to lose their grip on the system.

(Harold puts the tablet away)

Harold: What if you were out there, patrolling these lawless areas and keeping people like this in line? I mean it wouldn't change the world, but it could be the start of something good for the solar system, for once.

Richard: That's why you want us to build this colony? So we can help police the Duna system.

(Harold puts a hand on Richard's shoulder)

Harold: Look, we aren't telling you to do anything. At the end of the day, your choices are your own. I'm just speaking mind you know?

Richard: Right.

(Harold turns to leave)

Harold: Take care of yourself Richard.

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

[Concord Mission Control]

[Control Room]

[8:00, April 20th, 135 A.W.]

Brimley: Dear god, I can't believe we did it.

Adam: Man it looks ugly.

Brimley: Aesthetics are secondary Adam, you of all people should know that. I just want this damn bird to fly.

PA: RENATUS CLASS DESTROYER LAUNCHING IN T MINUS 3 MINUTES.

(Jennifer walks up to Brimley and Adam)

Jennifer: Can you believe it? Just 10 days and we actually got a working design!

Brimley: We think it works.

Jennifer: Well that's better than what we had before.

Adam: The number one rule of rocketry is to always assume it will explode.

Brimley: Let's just cross our fingers 'til then.

******

PA: T MINUS 10, 9, 8

Brimley: C'mon baby, I know you've got it in you...

PA: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. LIFT OFF.

PA: BEGINNING CIRCULARIZING BURN.

PA: CIRCULARIZING BURN COMPLETE. WE HAVE ORBIT.

(loud cheers from control room)

Jackie: Oh my god! Oh my god we did it! We f***ing did it!

Brimley: Goddamn it's a good day to be an engineer...

Adam: Do you see that Brim? That's a new age right there. Things are looking up.

Brimley: Give me a hug damn it!

(Brimley hugs Adam)

Adam: Ah jeez man! You're liquefying my insides!

(Brimley lets go)

Brimley: So, what do we call it?

Adam: Well all Destroyers are named after weapons, why not the Halberd?

Brimley: The CSV Halberd... Now that's a good name.

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

[50 km above Minmus]

[Capricorn Station]

[24:00, April 6th, 135 A.W.]

Ribney: Hey Kirlong!

Kirlong: *sigh* What is it Rib?

Ribney: I just got news from Concord HQ, Concord just received government funding from the Allied Nations!

Kirlong: Um, why would the ANK fund something that no longer exists?

Ribney: Oh come on now. Just because Concord's been in a slump the last five years doesn't mean it's dead.

Kirlong: There hasn't been a single manned flight to here from Kerbin in years, seems pretty dead to me.

Ribney: They said that the company's getting rebooted, that they're going to start building ships again, and they're going to do other stuff too!

Kirlong: Yeah, okay, I'll believe it when they send another colonist here.

Desemone: He's right Kirlong. I over heard on the chatter, the ANK said they're going to start throwing money at us. All they want in return is a colony on Duna. Other than that, Concord is pretty much back to where it was 5 years ago, hell even better than that.

Kirlong: That's great and all, but that doesn't change a damn thing for us. Look, once they start replacing the old habitats with something more comfortable, then I'll be happy.

Desemone: Jeez don't get too excited now.

Kirlong: Space has made me a jaded individual Desemone, you should know that by now.

Ribney: Well, I'm gonna head down in the Icarus to tell the others on the colony later.

Kirlong: You do that friend...

Edited December 29, 2017 by HippieGold

Mekan1k · July 10, 2013

That. Was. WICKED.

Wow man. Just... Wow. You have got talent.

+rep & subscribed

HippieGold · July 11, 2013

LOG 2

LOG 2 - PATH TO PROGRESS

[Concord Research and Engineering Headquarters]

[Board Room 5]

[15:00, April 22nd, 135 A.W.]

Richard: Ladies, gentlemen, wonderful you could make it. Now I’m sure you know why you are all here, our colonization project needs some tuning up. No offense but after six years the polish on those modules begins to get a bit rusty. That’s why I’ve called the colonization division for this meeting. We need to revamp our assets.

Kyle: We couldn’t agree more sir. The colonies are definitely losing their shine. Even with the maintenance over the years, a lot of the modules have begun to fall into disrepair. We need to take action.

Richard: Alright, glad we’re all on the same page. So what’s the plan?

Kyle: Er, sir?

Richard: Well you are the people that colonize things for a living. Which direction do you think we should take with project new world? I mean you are the head of the division no?

(moment of pause)

Kyle: Well sir, to be frank, Poseidon colony is in dire need of module replacement. The division has already been in the process of designing a new habitat module for colonization, with a special emphasis on luxury to lure, I mean, persuade the public to sign up for the civilian program. We believe that we need to get these new modules onto Poseidon and replace the old ones as soon as possible.

Richard: Alright, that’s a good idea, I agree completely.

Kyle: Also sir, we have been putting together some concept work for a main colony command center, something that should be placed at every colony so as to have a more ordered way of life. Something like a town hall almost.

Richard: Something like the 3MB?

Kyle: Well sir, as much as we commend Fat Nose industries’ innovation, we believe that we should supply our own designs in the ways of colonization from now on.

Richard: Yes, once again I agree. Concord needs its own brand, its own style. We don’t want to be portrayed as reliant on the innovation of others.

Kyle: Agreed. Now, the last thing we’d like to bring up is the status of Cronus base on the Mun.

Richard: Yes, what of it?

Kyle: We believe it is time to upgrade it into a full-fledged colony. There are way too many kethane reserves there to not try and take a larger stake of land. As of right now we want to land around the same amount of modules currently at Poseidon on Cronus. In the long term, we aim to collaborate with the station division to create the colony into a large kethane producer.

Richard: Alright, this is a good idea. We’ll try to have these operations accomplished by the end of the year.

(surprised muttering)

Kyle: The end of the year sir?

Richard: We need to move things along so we can begin to look toward to our future projects. And in case you’re wondering, yes, we can afford it. Now, I believe there is something we all clearly need to address.

Kyle: What is that sir?

Richard: Operation red dawn.

Ryan: Operation…red dawn?

Richard: Yes, it is the name of the project bestowed upon us by the ANK, a colony on Duna. Now, being the generous souls they are, they have given us a deadline of 3 years, that means we need men on Duna by the year 138, and as much as I’m willing to follow up with these projects, we can’t neglect the task at hand. Now I’m sure you’ve already begun preparations, but while these two proposed operations are being completed I want work on operation red dawn done on the side as well. I’m thinking our second year will be when we start the testing phases, and our third will be when we begin execution. Any objections?

(silence)

Richard: Good, now back to work people.

Colonization division: Yes sir!

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

[Poseidon, Minmus]

[Habitat Module 3]

[5:00, April 7th, 135 A.W.]

Ribney: …so in short, we all get salaries again!

(silence)

Lulin: Yay?

Ribney: Oh come on guys, aren’t you excited?

Kelfel: What good is a salary if there’s nowhere to spend it?

Luke: Yeah, and what about the past five years? Will they be giving us our due for all that free labor?

Ribney: Of course they will! I mean, why wouldn’t they?

Frank: I honestly don’t want to hear any “news” from you again unless it involves us going back home early.

Lando: Oh quit ya yappin people, ya’ll be back in ya warm beds on Kerbin by the end of the year, when ya contract expires.

Philmy: Ugh, we’re not even halfway through the year yet…

Ribney: Well, I thought I’d just let everybody know.

Frank: Great, thanks, you could of told all of us this over the comms.

Ribney: Well I mean-

(Lando steps toward the crowd)

Lando: Alright ya hussies, five of ya’ll are scheduled to get some gees on Capricorn for next couple a days. Come on now, load up, we ain’t got all day.

Lulin: Don’t you?

(Lando points at Lulin)

Lando: Hey, that's enough lip outta you missy.

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

[Concord Research and Engineering Headquarters]

[Board Room 5]

[18:00, April 22nd, 135 A.W.]

Richard: Alright now! Good to finally have the spacecraft and exploration divisions in the same room together!

(uneasy silence)

Richard: …Okay then. Now I know the last thing both of you worked on was operation touch the sky…which didn’t turn out so well…but I believe you both can look past that! I mean it’s been seven years now right? Surely we’ve all learned from our mistakes?

Reaves: Actually sir, it’s been seven years since the Trident took off. It’s only been five since operation touch the sky turned into operation hug the ocean.

(Brimley stands up)

Brimley: Maybe if you people in exploration knew how to aerobrake in an atmosphere properly! Or if you even knew your injection burns!

Reaves: Why I swear to god I’ll-

Richard: People! People! Please! Calm down, we are professionals here are we not?!

Brimley: Richar-

Richard: Well then start acting like it!

(Brimley sits)

Richard: Now I know tensions are high, I get it. There are people I’ve known since college that I still hold feuds with today. But you people work together, you need to put aside your differences, forget about the past, and do what I tell you to. Are we clear?

Brimley: Sir.

Reaves: Of course sir, I apologize.

Richard: Good. Now, Reaves, Brimley, as heads of your respected divisions, I am assigning you both a joint operation. Now you may be familiar with the fact that our map files of Duna were accidentally deleted a while back, and since then we haven’t been able to make new ones. Well I’m not putting a colony there until we have the topography of every nook and cranny mapped out and on my desk.

Reaves: Easily manageable.

Richard: Well, I wouldn’t say that. You see, right now I’m not confident in the capabilities of the interplanetary relay, not just yet anyhow. This will have to be a manned mission, and the last one we did, operation dust storm, was not so great.

Brimley: Oh come on sir, that was so many years ago! Why, we have a dozen ships with triple the amount of delta vee the Champlain had back then.

Reaves: Are you sure that whatever ship you send won’t need to be refilled by another ship like last time?

(Richard glares at Reaves)

Reaves: Well I...I only mean that as a fairly stated inquiry, not an insult of course.

Brimley: We do have a ship that can do that thank you. Besides, using project slingshot it’ll get there and back in no time.

(skeptical whispers)

Reaves: Well except, the details of project slingshot have not been finalized yet.

Brimley: Well then hop to it Reaves, we can’t keep the chief executive waiting now can we?

(Brimley turns to Richard)

Brimley: Sir, I’m assuming we’ll be using the Pioneer probe, same as last time?

Richard: I’d like to say no considering how old the design for the pioneer is, but I’m afraid I see nothing wrong with its use given the circumstances.

Brimley: Well there ya go.

Richard: Also gentlemen, I’d like to inform you that this mission includes the mapping of Ike as well.

Reaves: …Um, I see no problem with that.

Richard: And Brim, I suggest you use the Renatus for this mission, people need to see that ship in action.

Brimley: Yes, of course sir.

Richard: And don’t use the Halberd, even if it does have a name it’s still a prototype, I want you to make those revisions to the design that I e-mailed you about earlier.

Brimley: Of course sir, we’ll get right on it.

Richard: And both of you, I want the best crew you can get your hands on for this mission, understand? I want the cream of the crop of pilots, commanders, and engineers. We can't half ass this, we need to show the world that Concord is up to today's standards of space flight. Dismissed.

Exploration and Spacecraft Divisions: Sir yes sir!

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

[Poseidon, Minmus]

[Habitat Module 2]

[1:00, April 15th, 135 A.W.]

Luke: Hey, Nelvey. Dude. Nelvey?

Nelvey: Yes?

Luke: Hey, can I come in? Module three is a ghost town, everyone's on the station.

Nelvey: Airlock’s open.

(Luke enters through the airlock)

Nelvey: Try not to wake the others.

Luke: Sure. Hey man, can we talk?

Nelvey: You know you can just talk to me on the radio from outside.

Luke: I like face to face conversations.

Nelvey: So what is it?

Luke: I’ve been thinking, so far you’ve acted pretty indifferent toward Concord’s revival.

Nelvey: Well, hasn’t everyone else too?

Luke: Well yeah except, you being who you are, I thought you would be excited that the company’s up and running again.

Nelvey: Oh? And why’s that?

Luke: Well it’s just that, when you first got here five years ago, you always talked about how great it was to fly ships, that it was your dream.

Nelvey: Plenty of people have dreams…

Luke: I just thought, you know, that you of all people would be excited that you would get to fly ships again.

Nelvey: And tell me, why exactly would anyone want me to fly a ship again? I’m a mechanic, maintenance.

Luke: C’mon man, are you kidding me? You were a part of Concord's first successful mission to Minmus! For goodness sake one of the great flats is named after you! There’s a brass statue of you back home with a plaque with your name on it! I-I mean, Concord reveres you as a damn hero! You’re a revolutionary, a pioneer!

Nelvey: The one time Concord gave me a ship I crashed it into the surface. It’s the guy who saved me, Sean, he should be the one revered as a hero. Besides, it's not like I was the first one here. I'm just a screw up.

Luke: God, is that really what’s been eating you all this time? Jeez, don’t you know that doesn’t matter? What matters is that you were brave enough to touch the surface of the unknown, you weren’t afraid, even with the high casualty rate of the exploration division’s pilots. You’re that division’s biggest success, its idol. A lot of people joined that division because of you!

Nelvey: And? It doesn’t make me any better of a pilot.

Luke: Nelvey, in order to be a good pilot, one needs to know that fear will do nothing but slow them down. You sir, you are a good pilot, and one of these days you’re going to find that out, whether you like it or not.

(Luke exits the habitat module)

Nelvey: Somehow I doubt that Luke, somehow I doubt that…

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

[75km above Kerbin]

[CSV Halberd]

[7:00, April 21st, 135 A.W.]

Nedtrey: Concord mission control, Concord mission control. This is Halberd actual, Lieutenant Commander Nedtrey speaking, over.

Concord Mission Control: Copy that Halberd actual, we have your read. Requesting sitrep.

Nedtrey: Copy that CMC. Engines are sitting in the green, liquid is at half capacity, glitches on solar array are rating zero, repeat, zero. Life support is breathing steady, hull at 99%, navcom still going strong, no glitches on navcom. Communications are loud and clear, all locking mechanisms are operational, and it is a beautiful sunny day. Day two here, all systems are peachy.

Concord Mission Control: Roger that, Halberd actual, glad to hear it. Over and out.

Mersby: Are you going to do that every time? I mean, can’t you just say “hey, nothing’s wrong today either”, and get it over with?

Nedtrey: C’mon now Mersby, rushing procedure is reckless, you know that.

Mersby: Yeah yeah, okay.

Johnfrod: Everything is stable on my end, she’s running smooth if you ask me.

Mersby: I mean I’m just saying, next time when we check in, if everything is the same the last time we checked in, why don’t we just tell them that nothing has changed.

Nedtrey: Mersby, I am not going to sit here and argue with you about how much an idiot you are all day! Tell you what, the next time you’re creating a multi-billion kredit private space agency, you can make up the rules, until then, shut up and follow procedure, or I swear to god I’ll have this ship turned right around.

Mersby:…Y-yes sir.

Johnfrod:…You know, if we turned the ship around, we’d still continue to travel in the same direction…

Nedtrey: Not another word John.

Johnfrod: Yes sir.

Nedtrey: You see? It’s discipline like that that gives me strength to wake up in the morning, discipline that is obviously lacking in other crew members.

Mersby: Sir, there are only three crew members aboard this ship.

Nedtrey: I know what I said.

Johnfrod: I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m just glad to be flying a state of the art ship again. Concord really knows how to build ‘em.

Nedtrey: Don’t give ‘em too much credit John, it is a prototype after all.

Johnfrod: One of the best ones I’ve ever flown.

Nedtrey: You obviously have not flown a lot of prototype ships then. Actually, now that I think about it, did you work for anyone else before this?

Johnfrod: Not really sir. Spent most of my days on simulations. What about you?

Nedtrey: Well you know, there’s always some sort of experimental secret ship that someone or the other needs commanded. I’ve managed to keep myself afloat, after all, barking orders at unsavory individuals has always been my dream job. Speaking of which, apprentice Mersby!

Mersby: Sir?

Nedtrey: Not that I care but hypothetically speaking if I did what would you tell me about your endeavors over the past five years?

Mersbey: Well sir, I served as a part time mechanic at-

Nedtrey: That’s just wonderful. Now, how about instead of flapping your gums you calibrate the solar array?

Mersby: C-Calibrate…sir?

Nedtrey: Jeez, John get this man a damn dictionary…

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

[CLASSIFIED LOCATION]

[██:██, April ██, 135 A.W.]

Richard: So, it’s been a while huh?

Reaves: Quite, so long since I’ve seen such familiar faces…

Gregory: I, for the record, am very pleased we’ve been given the chance to reconvene.

Sophia: Pfff, your niceties go unnoticed. Were you all true to the cause you’d stay around to serve despite the pay cuts. Seems like I’m the only one around here whoever had a sense of loyalty

Boris: Please hon, I just follow the tide of the money. Nothing wrong with that.

Sophia: See where calling me ‘hon’ again gets you.

Reaves: My. We’re starting to get rowdy already I see.

Richard: People please, settle down now.

Sophia: Apologies sir.

Richard: People, now that we’ve all gotten back together, and the company’s rolling again, there are many issues that need to be addressed. Issues I’ve kept on my chest for the past five years. But since you’ve only just gotten back, and you’re all still settling in, I think we should only start with two for today’s meeting.

Boris: This should be intriguing, do go on sir.

Richard: The first is something that frankly needs to be readdressed, the disappearance of Duna’s map data.

Sophia: That? I thought we already closed the books on that. It was accidentally deleted right?

Richard: That was the explanation we provided. We decided not to dwell on the matter since at the time we were busy with the advancement of projects, and the loss of the data seemed largely inconsequential. However in hindsight, we should have suspected foul play from the get go.

Gregory: Sir, what could you be suggesting?

Richard: Files don’t disappear. They were deleted deliberately, by someone who knew that remapping the planet would be impossible without sending another expensive probe, someone who knew the data was invaluable. They wanted to slow down our rate of expansion, they didn’t want Concord to become larger than it already was becoming.

Reaves: That is quite the assumption. However, in this corporate political climate, acts of sabotage would be far from unexpected.

Richard: Indeed. And why stop there? Perhaps the erasing of the map data is only the sabotage we know about? They could have been responsible for other unfortunate events, events that lead to Concord’s downfall.

Sophia: So you’re saying someone out there wants us gone? But who?

Richard: As I said, someone who doesn’t want Concord to become a large entity.

Reaves: (sighs) Well that’s quite a long list of names…

Richard: Yes it is, and now that Concord is operational again, whoever our enemy is won’t be too happy.

Boris: They’ll be coming back after us…

Richard: Precisely. We need to be very careful in the following years. Nothing can screw up operation red dawn. Whoever these people will are they very well may aim to make that project a failure.

Sophia: Sir, I suggest we begin running an internal affairs operation within the company immediately. We can’t continue to operate with the risks of spies and saboteurs.

Richard: I’d trust my employees with my life, but you’re right. We can’t be too sure on who is friend or foe.

Reaves: You said they may try to sabotage the mission to Duna… One of the ANK’s requirements for the mission was to have an armed escort, do you think they could know more than they’re letting on?

Richard: I have no idea what they know, and I don’t feel as if they’ll tell us if we ask. What I know for sure however is that they have no reason to tell us the whole truth.

Sophia: So in short, we need to be ready for a possible altercation with a foreign power.

Richard: Precisely.

Boris: Well whoever they are, Concord will refuse to go quietly into the night.

Gregory: Certainly.

Edited December 29, 2017 by HippieGold

halo fan 117 · July 13, 2013

please put mmrd I next chapter

HippieGold · July 18, 2013

LOG 3

LOG 3 - THE ROAD AHEAD

[100km above Kerbin]

[CSV Sirius]

[10:00, April 24th, 135 A.W.]

Lennard: Almost done plotting that injection maneuver?

Lenbus: It’s taking a while; I've never planned a munar injection burn before.

Joerey: Yeah, no one in Concord has for a long time.

Lenbus: Jeez, this thing's so...damn jittery.

Lennard: Be gentler, you got to use some finesse.

Lenbus: Ah! There!

Lenbus: Alright, we got it.

Joerey: I'll radio control.

Lennard: Hey now, I've got it.

Joerey: You always get to radio in...

Lennard: This is Sirius actual to CMC, repeat, Sirius actual to CMC, come in.

CMC: Copy that actual, we read loud and clear. What's your sitrep?

Lennard: All systems are green, hull is 99.5. We're requesting permission for munar transfer injection at vector tango-2 bravo, over.

CMC: Roger that actual, your LOS is clear for tango-2 bravo, you're good to go. Safe travels.

Lennard: Read you CMC. We'll send you a postcard.

Lenbus: Performing injection burn in three, two, one…

Lenbus: Alright, we have capture with a four-hundred and fifty meter apoapsis. We should be at our destination in about an hour and a half.

Joerey: (YAWN) Well then, (Joerey puts his feet up) now we can sit back and relax.

Lenbus: Should've brought that deck of cards.

Lennard: Eyes in front people, there will be no slacking on my ship.

Lenbus: Apologies sir, merely trying to keep morale.

Lennard: Recruit Lenbus, have you checked our fuel levels yet?

Lenbus: Er, give me a second here.

Lennard: Dear god recruit that's basic procedure! What am I going to do with you people?

Lenbus: Uh oh.

Joerey: Uh oh?

Lennard: Don't you dare uh oh me...

Lenbus: Sir, one of our tanks had a puncture in it, fuel drained out when we were making our burn, and we lost quite a bit.

Lennard: Goddamn... What are our levels recruit?

Lenbus: We have about, 900 or so units...

Joerey: What?!

Lennard: Son of a- okay recruit is that enough to circularize our orbit at the Mun?

Lenbus: Yeah, should be…

Lennard: Is that enough to rendezvous with Orion station back at Kerbin?

Lenbus: Now that might be a bit hit or miss.

Lennard: (sigh) Alright, worst case scenario we have to have a refueling ship come by and fill us up.

Joerey: And a repair drone, we need to patch that hole.

Lennard: Alright, nothing is screwed just yet. Let's just carry on with the mission. We'll get these satellites into orbit no problem, it's just the ride home I'm concerned about...

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

[75km above Kerbin]

[CSV Halberd]

[8:00, April 23rd, 135 A.W.]

Nedtrey: .......and last but not least it is a beautiful sunny day. Day four, all systems are sugary and sweet.

CMC: Haha, alright Halberd actual, over and out.

Mersby: God, three nights sitting upright in a cramped capsule, I can barely feel my legs.

Nedtrey: Mersby, remind me exactly when it was I gave you permission to speak?

Mersby: (sigh) Never sir...

Nedtrey: Good! Let's keep it that way!

Mersby: Yes sir...

Johnfrod: Alright, now we just have to dock up and head back home.

Nedtrey: Can you plot a rendezvous for us John?

Johnfrod: Yeah, we'll have to match our orbits first though. Hold onto your hats.

Johnfrod: Okay, give me a second while I plot our rendezvous.

(the comms light begins to flash)

Mersby: Sir, permission to answer the comms? CMC is- no wait, it’s headquarters? Why are they-

Nedtrey: Apprentice, in order for me to accept your request, I'd have to first give you permission to speak no?!

Mersby: (sigh) Permission to-

Nedtrey: No.

Mersby: SIR!

Nedtrey: Alright fine, answer it.

Mersby: This is the CSV Halberd, Crewman apprentice Mersby speaking.

Brimley: Apprentice, this is headquarters. I want you to forward to your CO that the Halberd is to stay in dry dock until further notice once it rendezvous with dock sapphire, understood?

Mersby: I read you HQ. What is the reason for delaying our return to the surface?

Brimley: You will be informed at a later date.

Mersby: Of course, over and out HQ.

Nedtrey: What did they say?

Mersby: We're to stay in dry dock 'til further notice, they didn't say why.

Nedtrey: Who was it calling?

Mersby: HQ.

Nedtrey: Who from HQ?

Mersby: He didn't say.

Nedtrey: Did you ask?

Mersby: Well, uh-

Nedtrey: You didn't, ask, who was calling?

Mersby: Well I mean it didn’t seem-

Nedtrey: You just lost your communications privileges.

Mersby: Damn it…

Nedtrey: John, how’s that rendezvous going?

Johnfrod: Got it sir, we should be good to go.

Nedtrey: Alright, good. Whatever HQ wants with us it better be worth it.

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

[Concord Mission Control]

[Vehicle Assembly Building]

[15:00, April 24th, 135 A.W.]

Adam: Steady, steady now!

(crane lowers armor plate onto destroyer)

Adam: Alright, now weld it on!

(Brimley walks up to Adam)

Brimley: How’s it coming?

Adam: We’ll adding that module to hold extra crew was pretty easy, but having to hook up the internals so they could have access to the engine systems, that took some time.

Brimley: Will it reach orbit?

Adam: Well the weight we added should be mostly negligible, to be safe though, I suggest we fly it manually our first go, the auto pilot could screw things up if we’re not careful.

Brimley: What about a name?

Adam: ‘Scuse me?

Brimley: Have you got a name for the ship yet?

Adam: Well…me and the others got to talking, and after some suggestions and a few votes, we decided on the Javelin. Pretty fitting given its mission.

Brimley: The Javelin huh…

Adam: It was this close to being called the Crossbow. Think we’ll save that name for another though.

Brimley: Have you looked over the schematics of the slingshot yet?

Adam: The slingshot? What’s the- oh wait, you mean project slingshot? Naw, I checked in on them the other day, said the thing wasn’t ready yet.

Brimley: Are you kidding me?

Adam: Wish I was. Kinda want to get my hands on that thing, see if she’ll behave with the Javelin.

Brimley: I’ll have a word with the director, Reaves. Sure he’ll have a fine excuse.

(Brimley begins to walk off)

Adam: Oh yeah, sir. You decide who’s going to be flying this thing yet? Wouldn’t want so much hard work to go into this thing just to have it be crashed into the ground by a couple of imbeciles.

Brimley: We haven’t decided yet, but I have a few people in mind…

(Brimley walks away)

Adam: Jeez, why do things have to be so damn secretive around here? (sigh) Alright boys! Get ready to slap on the next plate, we’re almost done here!

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

[4km from Concord HQ]

[Construction Site Alpha]

[16:00, April 24th, 135 A.W.]

Reaves: Alright, give it to me straight Andy, is it ready?

Andy: Well considering what a failure the last test was, I’d wager we can’t do any worse.

Reaves: That does not comfort me in the slightest.

Andy: Look, the struts should cancel out the majority of the wobbling, the alignment of the engines should be straight as long as we use the docking computer, and we even cleaned up the fuel lines a bit, I’d say she’s ready for another test.

(Reaves phone rings)

Reaves: S**t, it’s the director of the SCD. Guy won’t let me do my job for six damn seconds.

(Reaves answers the phone)

Reaves: What is it Brimley?

Brimley: I need you to finish that damn slingshot project thing, my guys need to look over the schematics to see if it’ll work well with the Renatus we built.

Reaves: Look don’t worry about it, the slingshot is built to be compatible with any standard ship. Our final test flight is at the end of the day. If you really want to you can come down and see it yourself. Just do your job and let me do mine.

Brimley: You really think I’m going to let you talk me into cutting corners again?

Reaves: Your destroyer needs to be in the sky in three days, okay? If you waste time we will lose our jobs.

Brimley: Reaves, you’re damn lucky I’d bet my life on the safety of this ship. Something tells me anything you could possibly screw up won’t jeopardize her, even if you tried to intentionally. But let me tell you this. If anything goes wrong on this mission because of your damn incompetence, I will end you. Do you understand me?

Reaves: Well then, it’s a good thing I run a competent division. Goodbye Mr. Brimley.

(Reaves hangs up)

Andy: What was that all about?

Reaves: Tell everyone to get their things ready. We’re wheeling this thing to the Launchpad, tonight.

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

[30 Minutes Away From Munar Capture]

[CSV Sirius]

[11:00, April 24th, 135 A.W.]

Joerey: So, are we almost there?

Lenbus: Yeah, should be there in about a half hour.

Joerey: Man, half an hour in here seems like an eternity.

Lenbus: It’ll be over before you know it. You’re lucky we’re not going to Minmus. It takes two days to get all the way over there. You’d probably blow your brains out before you arrived.

Joerey: Yeah no kidding… Say, why exactly are we delivering these satellites to the Mun anyway? Why would we need an orbital relay if we only have one sh**ty, ground base?

Lennard: For your information, the colonization division have decided to expand Cronus base into a much larger colony. Because they’ll be sending so many drone operated ships over to place down colony buildings, they want to make sure that the whole moon has coverage.

Joerey: I see… So why send an Achilles? Couldn’t they have done this remotely?

Lennard: Didn’t you just hear me? The Mun doesn’t have coverage, any drone operated ship they would send would lose connection once the Mun went in between the ship and Kerbin.

Joerey: Right… Makes sense. So does that mean there’ll be a civilian program for a Mun colony?

Lennard: Eventually. The details are a bit blurry to me. I’d imagine they’d get something like that up and running in a year or so.

Joerey: Man, being a munar colonist sounds cool.

Lenbus: I hope they give us some shore leave there once there’s a colony. Minmus is too far away and Orion station is a drag.

Lennard: Maybe if we’re lucky.

Joerey: (sigh) How long is it now?

Lenbus: Twenty-nine minutes.

Joerey: Damn.

Lenbus: At least we’ll get to see Mün up close. Not a whole lot of people in Concord have.

Joerey: That’s true. Speaking of Concord, what got you into this business Len?

Lenbus: Now where is this coming from?

Joerey: Well, we'll be serving on this ship for quite a while. I think it'll be a good idea to get to know each other best we can. Also, I'm pretty bored.

Lenbus: Hehe, alright then. Hmm, well, where do I start? Fourteen years ago, something big was happening. The first kerbal to ever land on Minmus since its abandonment was nearing his ultimate destination. I was young at the time, about ten years old. All my friends came over to my house to watch the whole thing, my mom even made cookies for us. The FUD ship was beginning to near the surface of the moon. Everyone waited with baited breath. Then, disappointment. His ship crashed into the ground. At first I didn’t know what to think. I was sad, angry, mournful. But then two days later, that man was saved. Pilot Nelvey became my hero. When everyone back on Kerbin were already acting as if he was dead, he never gave up. He held on, he refused to be afraid. The day that Nelvey and his rescuer arrived home, I decided that I’d become a pilot. After graduating from university I went to various training camps, worked with various corporations, and once I built up a good enough resume, I applied to be a pilot in the exploration division. That was five years ago. Unfortunately I never flew a ship before Concord went under. When they reassembled the company though, I was back on the job, except they decided to reassign me to the Concord Navy. I told them I didn’t mind as long as I got to fly ships.

Joerey: Wow, so this is like, your dream job?

Lenbus: Isn’t this everyone’s dream job?

Joerey: Well, I was actually a mechanic on another space station before. Belonged to a corporation known as ExinSky. I worked with them for about two years ‘til they started laying people off. After some shuffling around, I found myself on this ship.

Lenbus: Well I’m glad you’re here, you’re good company.

Joerey: Oh stop you…

Lennard: Alright, enough reminiscing, were coming up to our apoapsis soon. Prep the ship for a circularizing burn.

Lenbus and Joerey: Yes sir!

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

[Concord Research and Engineering Headquarters]

[CEO’s Office]

[8:00, April 24th, 135 A.W.]

(Brenda walks into the office)

Brenda: Sir, I brought your coffee!

Richard: Thank you Brenda.

Brenda: Three sugars, just the way you like it!

Richard: With the day I have ahead of me I’m pretty sure I’m going to need this. (takes sip)

Brenda: What’s happening today sir?

Richard: Well, I have to meet with the directors of the spacecraft and exploration divisions to talk about who the crew for that new ship they put together will be tomorrow, so I’ve got to prepare for that, look for candidates and what not.

Brenda: What new ship may you be referring too?

Richard: The CSV Javelin. It’s a modified Renatus, but I’m hoping that it eventually becomes the final model. It’s taking a few space probes to the Duna system.

Brenda: Oh, how intriguing. What else are you doing today?

Richard: Well, I got to get Reaves, the director of exploration, to put his damn “slingshot” into the sky before the day’s end. We need to hurry along the process considering how long it will take for this Duna probe operation to go down. Not to mention I have to supervise a mission going down at the Mun that will put three satellites into its orbit; three of six that will be deployed in total before the end of the week.

Brenda: Wow. You’re really busy aren’t you? It must be so horrible having to deal with all that stress all the time.

Richard: Actually Brenda, I love it.

Brenda: Sir?

Richard: You only got hired a year ago as a secretary so you didn’t see exactly what this place was like five years ago, a few weeks before the data blackout. It was…intense, to say the least. Tensions ran really high, people were getting into fights, jumping ship, and I had to desperately steer this already sinking ship out of the way of icebergs. However, the years that followed after that, being the leader of a skeleton company for so long, that was horrible.

Brenda: I see, you’re happier now that your company is successful again.

Richard: It really has nothing to do with success per se. It’s just that, it has life again. I see new faces every day, I make important decisions every other one, it isn’t just me here anymore.

Brenda: (pouts) Hey now, I was here too back then.

Richard: Haha, that you were. Thank you for that by the way, must’ve been tough having to hang around such a lonely empty building all day, especially with the s**t pay check.

Brenda: I’m just glad I got to serve Concord sir, even if that only means getting you coffee in the morning. (smiles)

Richard: Thanks.

(someone knocks on the door)

Brenda: I’ll see you later sir.

(Brenda walks through the door and passes by another woman on her way out)

Brenda: Oh, pardon me ma’am.

(the woman walks in and shuts the door behind her)

Richard: Sophia, do you have any news for me?

Sophia: Well if by news you mean bad news, then no, I don’t. But if you mean good news…once again, no. Only the typical middle news bulls**t today.

Richard: So what’s going on.

Sophia: Well I’m arranging that flight to Orion station today. The SCD said they have an Icarus variant that can get us there and back to the surface, but it isn’t an SSTO. It’s sort of a one-time ship considering it needs a launch vehicle to get to orbit, so that means we’ll be wasting quite a few kredits…

Richard: Trust me, we can afford it.

Sophia: (sigh) Exactly when are you going to disclose the amount of cash that the ANK is giving us?

Richard: It’s enough that you’ll never have to worry about a figure; I can tell you that much.

Sophia: Wow.

Richard: Also now that investors have started to get back on board, our revenue has increased exponentially.

Sophia: Well that’s good.

Richard: Yeah, if we didn’t have to spend it all on rocket ships I could get everyone in the company their own private island.

Sophia: Ha, I wish. Anyways, I did some talking with everyone and the time I came up with was eight p.m. tomorrow. Is that good with your schedule?

Richard: Make it eight-thirty. I have some business to attend to at eight.

Sophia: Okay, eight-thirty it is. Oh yeah, also, there was something I was meaning to bring up.

Richard: What’s that?

Sophia: Well, it’s about the occupants of Orion station.

Richard: Yes?

Sophia: There’s only one… One Mr. Rodrie Kerman. It said on the manifest that he’s been up there for 14 years. That can’t be right, can it?

Richard: No, it can…

Sophia: Who is he?

Richard: Probably one of the greatest heroes of Concord.

Sophia: What do you mean?

Richard: Rodrie, back in 121, signed up for a fifteen year contract. Officially his occupation is put down as maintenance, but in actuality, he’s a long running experiment to test how kerbals react to spending long periods of time in zero-g.

Sophia: Wow, fifteen years?

Richard: Yeah. We’ve studied psychological, physical, and even chemical effects that zero-g and prolonged trips in space have on the kerbal mind and body. Because of him, we were able to make improvements to muscle and bone atrophy medicine; something that keeps your insides from rotting away because of a lack of exercise.

Sophia: Is he…safe, to be around? I mean after being so long in solitude, is he still mentally stable?

Richard: I wouldn’t stay in the same room as him if I thought otherwise.

Sophia: Okay, that’s really all I wanted to know, thank you sir.

Richard: Don’t mention it Soph.

(Sophia goes to leave the room)

Sophia: Please, it’s Sophia.

(Sophia exits the office)

Richard: Not one for nicknames I guess.

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

[Concord Mission Control]

[Control Room]

[22:00, April 24th, 135 A.W.]

PA: Attention, attention, launch will begin in t minus thirty seconds.

(Reaves stares nervously at the rocket)

Reaves: You’re certain you double checked everything right?

Andy: You know it’s already taking off.

Reaves: Just say the word and if you want I’ll call off the whole thing.

Andy: After you rode my ass all day about getting this to the launch pad? No way.

PA: Five, four, three, two, one…

Andy: Now would you look at that? Told you she was fine.

Reaves: We aren’t out of the woods yet…

PA: First Stage separated.

PA: Second stage separated.

Reaves: Damn, those nuke thruster shouldn’t be firing. SOMEONE must have screwed up the staging.

Andy: Pffft, oh whatever…

Reaves: (turns on radio) Turn off those nuclear engines now. I won’t have you wasting any damn fuel!

PA: Transferring spare fuel to slingshot.

PA: Detaching launch stage. Beginning to preform circularizing burn.

PA: We have orbit of seventy-five kilometers. Job well done.

Reaves: Oh god, we actually did it…

Andy: I told you I double checked everything.

Reaves: Except the bloody staging!

Andy: Details, details…

Reaves: I’m gonna call this in to Brimley. Let’s see how much he’s smirking when he finds out I got the slingshot in orbit before his stupid little destroyer!

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

[Concord Mission Control]

[Vehicle Assembly Building]

[22:00, April 24th, 135 A.W.]

(Brimley hangs up his cellphone)

Adam: Who was that?

Brimley: Reaves. He had a fun time shouting into my ear that he was able to get his project into orbit in one shot.

Adam: Typical. Has he even tested whether it can operate with other ships yet?

Brimley: Of course he hasn’t. But that’s Reaves for ya; bets his life on things just to help conserve his precious time.

Adam: Do you think it’ll work?

Brimley: The slingshot or the Javelin?

Adam: Both.

Brimley: I’d bet my life on the Javelin's prowess. The slingshot, I’m confident it won’t screw up too much.

Adam: Didn’t you just say it wasn’t good to bet your life on things to save time?

Brimley: I’m not betting my life on the Javelin because it’ll save time. I’ll bet my life on it because my division built it.

Adam: Aw shucks Brim, you’ll make the whole division blush with sweet talk like that.

Brimley: This thing flies in three days, sure it’s ready?

Adam: The finishing touches have been made, it’s as ready as it’ll ever be.

Brimley: Damn you guys work fast.

Adam: We’re good workers.

Brimley: Alright then. I have to go home and pack my things. I’m headed to Orion tomorrow night.

Adam: The Icarus we built will get you there and back no problem. I made sure of that.

Brimley: I don’t doubt it. Remember, when I’m gone you’re in charge around here. Make sure the guys don’t get too rowdy; I don’t want ya’ll to be buildings capital ships while I’m gone.

Adam: I’ll try to keep them from assembling a death ray.

Brimley: Hehe. Take it easy kiddo.

(Brimley pats Adam on the back and exits)

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

[Concord Mission Control]

[Briefing Room]

[19:00, April 25th, 135 A.W.]

Richard: Okay, so it’s a pretty straightforward operation. We take off, make orbit, and rendezvous with Orion station. We should be there for about three days, and for that period of time we shall discuss the nuances of operation crimson tempest, as well as the candidates for the crew of the CSV Javelin. Now, are there any questions?

Reaves: Is it really necessary we do all of this at Orion station? Can’t we discuss this down here?

Richard: Well, since some of the candidates are on mission right now in the system, and it would be too expensive to bring them all down to the surface, I thought it’d be a good idea for us to convene at Orion and have our discussions there. Besides, you should never turn down a free trip to space. Anymore questions?

Brimley: Yeah I have a question, who is she?

Sophia: I am the chief executive’s adviser, and I suggest you refer to me in a more respectful tone.

Brimley: Apologies ma’am.

Richard: Sophia will be helping me make my final decision of the crew. As my adviser I expect you to treat her with the same respect as you do me.

Brimley: Noted.

Richard: Alright, without further ado, let’s get going.

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

[Concord Mission Control]

[Launch Pad, Icarus – RE2]

[20:00, April 25th, 135 A.W.]

Hemley: Attention passengers, this is your pilot speaking, uhhhhh… looks like we have clear skies today, hope you all enjoyed watching the sun set, uhhhhh… we should arrive at our destination in about three hours, depending on how the rendezvous goes, uhhhhh… the temperature in space today is a nice negative two-hundred and sixty-nine degrees celsius, uhhhhh… we hope you enjoy your flight…

Sophia: Quite the joker isn’t he?

Brimley: He can fly a ship. At the end of the day that’s all you really need. Besides, I appreciate the comedy.

Richard: Okay guys, make sure you’re buckled in.

Hemley: I’d just like to thank you all for choosing Concord space-ways, we are all very pleased to be flying with you today. I’d like to remind you to please keep your hands and feet inside the craft at all times during launch, keep your seat belts on until we achieve orbit, and more importantly, have a safe flight. Alright, three, two, one-

Sophia: Wait, what?!

Hemley: Annnnnnnd that's orbit. Once again, I'd like to thank you for flying Concord space-ways. It is currently eight-sixteen p.m., the weather is uhhhhh…………. Never mind, there is no weather in space. We should be rendezvousing with Orion in about two hours or so.

Sophia: Oh god, I feel sick.

(Sophia places a hand over her mouth)

Richard: First space flight?

Sophia: Ugh… yeah…

Richard: You’ll get used to it. A little inertia never hurt anyone.

Brimley: What?

Rochard: Okay it may have hurt someone at some point.

Brimley: So we’ll be there in two hours?

Richard: Or so.

Brimley: I’m not going to lie to you, I just kind of want to get this over with.

Richard: I feel the same way believe it or not. The faster we can do this, the faster we can look toward the future…

Edited December 29, 2017 by HippieGold

Itsdavyjones · July 18, 2013

Wow, loved them, +1 rep

HippieGold · July 18, 2013

Feel free to comment. I don't mind criticism nor shameless praise!

Edited October 14, 2015 by HippieGold

sytaline · July 19, 2013

Very, very good! It made me smile at lots of points! Like this.

HippieGold · August 14, 2013

LOG 4

LOG 4 - Technicalities

[2 Minutes Away From Munar Apoapsis]

[CSV Sirius]

[11:00, April 24th, 135 A.W.]

Lennard: Alright, prep engines for circularizing burn.

Lenbus: Roger that. Engines are green, fuel levels low. Estimated time to circularize orbit, fifteen seconds.

Joerey: This is CSV Sirius to CMC. We are preparing to circularize our orbit at four-hundred and fifty kilometers.

Joerey: We're about to hit apoapsis.

Lenbus: Alright. Three, two, one, engines are go.

Lenbus: Okay, we have orbit.

Lennard: What are our levels?

Lenbus: Eight-hundred and ninety-three units. We have enough to make it back home. Just enough...

Lennard: CMC, have you readied that refueling tank yet?

CMC: Refueling tank will be taking off at the end of the day. We'll be sending a repair drone as well as more satellites separately. In the meantime continue with the mission as planned.

Lennard: Copy that CMC.

Lenbus: Okay, we should get ready to place these things into orbit. Each satellite needs to be placed in a fifty-five degree orbit, and each need to be separated by sixty degrees.

Joerey: Ugh, keep the math talk to yourself Len. Let's just dump these things already.

Lenbus: Alright, first one's off. I'm going to adjust the angle and then boost its apoapsis to fifteen-hundred kilometers. Adjusting angle in three, two, one.

Lenbus: Okay, one down two to go.

Joerey: Hey sir?

Lennard: What is it apprentice?

Joerey: I can't help but notice you haven't told us your story yet.

Lennard: ...I'm from the navy.

Joerey: Which navy?

Lennard: Why do you need to know that?

Joerey: I don't I'm just, curious... I mean, if we're to work together efficiently we should know each other well right?

Lennard: They never taught me that at camp.

Joerey: So... Which navy are you from?

Lennard: ...I'm from the State Naval Forces.

Joerey: The Raven States?

Lennard: Yes. After the incident between them and the colony of Jasper, I figured it was best to distance myself from them. Get away from the bad blood. Concord seemed to have noble enough intentions. I actually put in an application five years ago, they only asked me to start my tour of duty last week.

Joerey: It's surprising that Concord got so many employees so fast.

Lennard: Well, some of them were already technically “employed” by Concord when it was a skeleton corporation, like Len here, so when they told them they could actually start doing work again they were more than eager. However, quite a few had already taken new jobs with other corps. Surprisingly most of them left to rejoin Concord, but others didn’t. Then of course there are all the new recruits who are just fans of Concord and are excited about working here. It was quite popular in its hay day.

Joerey: Huh. So, were you born in the Raven States?

Lennard: Yes, I was born there. I'm actually one of the only ones in my family to join the Space Navy. Most of them joined the ocean based navy, it was quite the deviation for me to join a space based one. Stupid decision in hind sight, none of the nations knew how to handle the situation in space back then. Now ever since the treaty, they've backed off and let the corporations take care of things. It's why the system's starting to go to s**t, there isn't anyone out there to enforce any kind of order.

Lenbus: We'll be coming up on our mark soon.

Lennard: Thanks apprentice. Get ready to pop off that satellite.

Joerey: I'm actually surprised Concord's been able to keep out of the corporate conflicts.

Lennard: Well Concord hasn’t been a threat to the big conglomerates for years. Maybe even longer. Now that Concord is continuing to advance its goals again though, it may not be too long before we need to strap some actual guns onto this ship...

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

[126km above Kerbin]

[Icarus-RE2 Shuttle]

[23:00, April 25th, 135 A.W.]

Hemley: Uhhhhh… this is your pilot Hemley speaking, we are coming up on our target. Our current relative velocity is one-hundred and ninety meters per second. Uhhhhh… should be fine.

Sophia: One-hundred and ninety meters per second is way too fast, the engines aren’t powerful to slow us down in time!

Brimley: I think he’s beginning to realize that…

Hemley: …Uhhhhh… s**t. Buckle up folks.

Sophia: Ahhhhhhh! (covers mouth)

Richard: Damn, hang on guys,

(Orion station zips by the ship)

Richard: WOAH!

Sophia: Ugh, we missed our target?

Richard: You have to be kidding me…

Hemley: Uhhhhh… give me a second guys, I’m nulling out our relative velocity.

Hemley: Alright. Uhhhhh… we have reached our destination. We should be docking with the station in a few minutes.

Sophia: God… the sooner the better.

Hemley: Alright, we have arrived. I’d like to thank you for flying Concord space-ways. Sorry for the bumpy ride back there. Uhhhhh… enjoy your stay at Orion station.

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

[Icarus – RE2]

[Cockpit]

Riley: Are you crazy man? Are you trying to make us lose our job?!

Hemley: Oh calm down Riley. We weren’t in any real danger; I just underestimated the power of our engines.

Riley: Overestimated.

Hemley: Same difference.

Riley: I can’t believe you… You could have crashed us into the station! I mean, don’t you realize the goddamn CEO is on board?!

Hemley: Well, we are alive aren’t we? That has to count for something.

(the hatch to the cabin opens, Brimley, Richard, Reaves, and Sophia emerge into the cockpit)

Brimley: Textbook rendezvous pilot (gives thumbs up) keep up the good work.

(Brimley enters the station through the airlock)

Richard: You’re lucky Brimley can vouch for you kid…

(Richard enters the station)

Reaves: Hey, you should consider joining the exploration division… have your people call my people.

(Reaves enters the station)

Sophia: …y…you…I----I…I’m…gon..na…k..ill…y..ou…

(Sophia slowly floats into the station)

Riley: Well, at least they aren’t mad.

Hemley: That’s just their way of showing their appreciation.

(Riley facepalms)

Riley: We are so fired…

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

[Orion Station]

[Deck 1]

[23:30, April 25th, 135 A.W.]

Rodrie: Alright now, research equipment, briefing room, communications, and the kitchen, that’s here in deck one, the front half of the station. Now the living quarters with beds, rooms, and restrooms and such, that’s in deck two, the back half of the station.

Sophia: I…think..I’m..gon..na…go..to..deck..two….

(Sophia floats over to the other half of the station)

Rodrie: What’s wrong with her? She isn’t sick is she?

Richard: She doesn’t have anything, it’s just that she’s never been to space before, and our ride here was pretty rough.

Rodrie: (sigh) I’m gonna go put a damn vomit bag on her face before she destroys half this station’s equipment.

(Rodrie walks toward the other end of the deck)

Rodrie: Oh yeah, also, you need to get some mag boots for yourselves. They’re in the closet on the far end of the deck.

(Rodrie enters deck 2)

Reaves: I’ll get the boots.

(Reaves floats to the far end of the deck)

Richard: So, Brim. You’ve already picked your candidates?

Brimley: Yeah. They’re on mission right now. All of them are fine crew members.

Richard: Well we’ll see what agreement we end up coming to.

Brimley: Hey Rich, why so much work for one mission?

Richard: It’s our first mission out of the Kerbin system in seven years, and our last mission out was definitely not seen as a success. I need to show people the SCD and EXD can work together and accomplish something, that Concord is capable of setting its sights on interplanetary targets. If I just sent anyone, and spent the same amount of time on this that I do any mission, things would get screwed up.

Brimley: I see…

Reaves: Here!

(Reaves throws the boots over to Richard and Brimley)

Richard: God Reaves, be more careful!

(Reaves and Brimley catch their boots)

Brimley: (yawn) Well, I think I’m gonna go get some shut eye.

(Brimley put on his magnet boots)

Brimley: We should be ready in the morning right?

Richard: Yeah, be sure to rest up. You too Reaves.

Reaves: Yeah yeah I’m going.

Richard: See you two in the morning.

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

[150km above Kerbin]

[Dry dock Sapphire]

[12:00, April 23rd, 135 A.W.]

Nedtrey: So, exactly how long will we have to stay here?

CMC: About two days.

Nedtrey: Two days?! That’s two days longer than we were supposed to be up here!

CMC: Well if you’re that homesick you could always try your luck and crash into the surface of the planet.

Nedtrey: …

CMC: Seriously don’t do that.

Nedtrey: Well, can we at least do some EVA? My legs are starting to get numb.

CMC: As long as you stick around the dry dock there aren’t any regulations against it. Be careful though.

Nedtrey: Alright, over and out.

Johnfrod: Two days huh? That’s depressing.

Mersby: Have they given a reason yet?

Nedtrey: (sigh) Yes… Something about being candidates for a possible mission; all a bunch of malarkey if you ask me.

Johnfrod: I don’t know, sounds pretty exciting.

Nedtrey: In this corp ‘exciting’ typically means ‘incredibly dangerous’.

Johnfrod: Well we’ll just have to wait and see.

Nedtrey: There’s that word again. Wait. I’m getting tired of hearing it.

Mersby: I actually don’t mind getting a bit of rest. Frankly I’d rather sit around all day then having to stay up reading calculations and calibrating all day.

Johnfrod: So you’d rather do nothing instead of your job? Seems about right.

Nedtrey: Hehe, good one John.

Johnfrod: I’m here to please sir.

Mersby: Jeez, whatever mission it is I sure hope they leave me out of it.

Johnfrod: Why’s that?

Mersby: So I can get as far away from you two as possible…

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

[80km above Mun]

[CSV Sirius]

[5:00, April 26th, 135 A.W.]

Joerey: Oh my god. That’s it. We’re done. We’re finally done. All three satellites in place.

Lennard: No Apprentice crewman. You forget. We’re half done.

Lenbus: Yeah, we still have to rendezvous back at Kerbin and deliver three mo-

Joerey: Shhhhhh… Let me dream…

Lennard: …

Lenbus: How heartbreaking.

Lennard: Well, none of this has been fun.

Lenbus: Sitting around for days just waiting for gravity to take us to the exact right places in our orbit? No, no it has not.

Lennard: We still need a plan on getting home.

Lenbus: I already told you, we have just enough.

Lennard: Yeah well just enough doesn’t sit right with me, I’d rather have fuel than no, even if it is just a little.

Lenbus: Wait, what are you suggesting?

Lennard: We aerobrake.

Lenbus: Woah now, I’m not qualified to decide aerobraking heights. To tell you the truth I don’t think anyone in Concord is.

Lennard: Look, we’ll be cautious sure, but relying completely on our almost empty fuel supply? That’s ridiculous.

Lenbus: Whatever you say Captain Suicide.

Lennard: So, what’s your expert advice?

Lenbus: Is that a joke?

Lennard: What does your gut tell you?

Lenbus: It’d be pretty irresponsible to put the fate of our lives into the non-existent hands of my gut.

Lennard: Just give me something damn it!

Lenbus: (sigh) From my general experience as a pilot…I’d put us at fifty-five kilometers.

Lennard: Alright. Joerey.

Joerey: Huh?

Lennard: Stop day dreaming and inform CMC that we’ll be attempting an aerobrake at fifty-five kilometers in order to save fuel.

Joerey: Got it.

Lennard: Len, plot our maneuver. Let’s get ready to do this.

Lenbus: Okay. I’ll set us up to leave the munar SOI, and then I’ll burn retrograde to get our periapsis to fifty-five kilometers.

Joerey: CMC’s approved the request, we’re good to go.

Lennard: Alright. Cross your fingers gentlemen.

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

[Orion Station]

[Deck 2]

[5:00, April 26th, 135 A.W.]

(Brimley and Richard are sleeping in adjacent bunks)

Brimley: Psst, hey.

Richard: Hmm… Yeah?

Brimley: Be honest with me, man to man, who is that Sophia girl?

Richard: My adviser…

Brimley: Yeah I know officially, but, are you two…

Richard: No.

Brimley: Then who is she Rich? I’ve never seen her before today, and now suddenly she’s the adviser for the CEO of the corporation?

Richard: …

Brimley: C’mon man.

Richard: Fine. She’s a friend. She…helped me with some things back before the data blackout, regarding the company. But she wasn’t my official adviser back then. And now she is.

Brimley: What makes you think you can trust her?

Richard: Many different factors.

Brimley: Name one.

Richard: …When Concord went under, she had no reason to stay. She could have went to join someone like ExinSky or Tarro, but instead she stayed here; even helped me with keeping the corporation together. I have…reason to trust her. We’ll leave it at that.

Brimley: Whatever you say, Mr. Executive.

(Brimley doses back off to sleep)

Richard: (sigh) Sorry Brim…

Edited December 29, 2017 by HippieGold

Itsdavyjones · August 14, 2013

nice to see a new chapter up.

BostLabs · August 14, 2013

Great stuff! I like it!

KSK · August 15, 2013

Yep - this just keeps getting better! And I know I've said it before but those are some sweet designs. Look like mostly stock parts too.

LaydeeDem · August 15, 2013

Finally a new chapter! You've inspired me to write my own story.

HippieGold · August 16, 2013

Yep - this just keeps getting better! And I know I've said it before but those are some sweet designs. Look like mostly stock parts too.

Orion Station is made entirely of stock parts because it was the first permanent orbital structure I ever built (built about 9 years ago in the story). However all my modern designs are heavily modded. I have started making a few stock vehicles lately though, like the Black Mamba Class Fighter.

EDIT: Also, don't even get me started on that bloody dry dock. It's three individual parts and I nearly slit my wrists putting it together in orbit. I think I planned on making a joke about that in the story before...

Edited August 16, 2013 by HippieGold

HippieGold · August 18, 2013

LOG 5

LOG 5 - OUR BEST AND BRIGHTEST - PART 1

[Orion Station]

[Deck 1]

[10:00, April 26th, 135 A.W.]

Richard: I’m sure you understand that the contents of this meeting must be strictly confidential. It’s not that I don’t trust you, but I need to follow procedure. Especially the procedures I wrote myself.

Rodrie: It’s alright Mr. Executive I get it. Can’t have sensitive info leakin’ out and all.

Richard: I just, don’t want you to feel as though I’m telling you what you can and can’t do in your own station.

Rodrie: Honestly sir, I get it. I’ll be on deck two until you guys are done. Don’t worry, these walls are sound proof.

(Rodrie walks through the door to Deck 2)

Richard: We'll try not to be long.

(The door slides shut behind him)

Richard: Alright, now we can get to business.

(Richard sits down at a table with Sophia, Reaves, and Brimley)

Reaves: Finally.

Richard: Now here’s how this will work. Each one of us will present our candidates for the crew of the CSV Javelin that will carry out operation crimson tempest. We will explain what role we recommend them for, their history, why they’re qualified for the job, and what skills they possess that separates them from the rest of the crowd.

Brimley: Alrighty then. So-

Richard: Hold on there, I’m not finished. After we have given our candidates, we will all come to a mutual agreement on the seven who will actually be going on the mission, which may take some time…

Reaves: (sigh) Tell me about it…

Richard: And lastly, once we have decided on the crew for the CSV Javelin, we will call them all to this station, and have a meeting with them. We will inform them what this mission is, why they have been selected, and then send them on their way to the Javelin. At this point, Concord Mission Control will begin preparations for the mission, and we will head back home.

Brimley: Okay then. So, who goes first?

Richard: First will be Reaves, then Brimley, Sophia, and lastly, me.

Brimley: Wait, she’s making candidates?

Richard: Is there a problem with that?

Brimley: Err… No, of course not sir. I was just unaware…

Richard: Alright then, now, let’s begin. Reaves?

Reaves: Thank you sir. Now, it took a while to choose who would be fit for this mission, and mind you with our limited pool of employees who actually work in the field, I had to make due. So with that in mind, my first pick for the communications officer of the Javelin, is Frank Kerman.

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

[Poseidon, Minmus]

[Communications Tower]

[5:00, April 26th, 135 A.W.]

Frank: (sigh) No… We do not need a surplus of fourteen pounds of provisions. Could you please tell me who made this request?

CMC: Does the name Ribney Kerman ring a bell?

Frank: Ugh, give me a break… One second.

(Frank patches through to Capricorn Station)

Ribney: Capricorn Station here! How may I help you?

Frank: RIBNEY! FOR THE LAST TIME WE ARE NOT THROWING A GODDAMN PIZZA PARTY!

Ribney: But Frank! Think about the morale it could raise!

Frank: Oh don’t give me that bulls**t. You’ll probably take half of all that freeze dried pizza for yourself! If I hadn’t double checked our outgoing transmissions, you probably would have cost us twenty-four thousand kredits in wasted resources! I mean, how do you expect us to eat that much food anyway? What are you keeping a miniature singularity in your stomach or something?!

Ribney: Frank, I think your reading into this situation too much.

Frank: Ribney, this is the THIRD time you’ve tried to pull off this stunt and each time you keep requesting exponentially MORE freeze dried pizza. ONE more time, ONE more goddamn time and I am PERMANENTLY revoking your communications privileges on Capricorn Station.

Ribney: Hey! You can’t do that.

Frank: I’m the head communications officer of all of Minmus. I can do whatever the hell I want.

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

[Orion Station]

[Deck 1]

[10:00, April 26th, 135 A.W.]

Reaves: …and not only that, but he also has, though stern at sometimes, excellent communication skills. His knowledge in astrophysics and quantum mechanics are also an added bonus.

Richard: Agreed. Always glad to see people capable of offering insight.

Reaves: The next candidate I recommend for engineer is Yoric Kerman, currently an engineer already working for the EXD. He was involved during the first missions to Minmus that placed satellites that helped provide communications coverage over the moon. Though his track record isn’t very extensive, he has above average test scores and has done exceptionally well in simulations. His loyalty to Concord has never faltered, and his discipline is indeed remarkable. I recommend him highly.

Richard: Okay then, go on.

Reaves: The next would be, Aaron Kerman for on board social worker and engineer. He’s been involved with writing papers regarding the psychological well being of kerbals in space, has worked as a psychiatrist on two different space stations, one owned by ExinSky and another by the ANK. He’s a rare breed, not many have those two skills, and we’re damn lucky he came under the employment of Concord. I’d say he’d be an essential part of the mission.

Richard: Hmm, alright then. So who else?

Reaves: My last pick, is Sean Kerman, as commanding officer. And yes, I do mean THE Sean Kerman. And to be frank, I think his track record, is self-explanatory…

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

[15km above Minmus]

[MR-V2 Lander]

[15:00, January 13th, 121 A.W.]

Sean: This is Pilot Sean Kerman. I’m heading in toward target at fifty meters per second. Sensors have picked up the remains of the FUDb-1. No sign of Pilot Nelvey outside the craft though.

CMC: We read you Pilot. Slow you’re decent and move in at zero degrees once you hit one-thousand, over.

Sean: Copy that CMC, approximate ETA to one-thousand meters, thirty seconds.

Sean: Alright, almost there, getting ready to slow down decent in three, two, one…

Sean: Okay, I’m descending at zero degrees, twelve meters per second. ETA to touchdown, approximately two minutes, over.

Sean: This is MR-V2 to CMC. Touchdown achieved, no complications, over.

CMC: Copy that MR-V2. What’s your distance to the target?

Sean: Uhh… I’m six-hundred and sixty-three meters away. I’m ready to leave the capsule and proceed to the target. Verify, over.

CMC: Copy that Pilot. You are go to leave the capsule. Proceed.

(Sean leaves the capsule)

Sean: CMC, the gravity on this moon is very low. I could possibly use my RCS pack to fly over much faster. Requesting permission to do so?

CMC: …Uhhhh, you have permission to do so Pilot. Just be careful though. If you go down too we won’t be able to afford to bring both of you back. That’s a really expensive ship…

Sean: Copy that CMC. Don’t worry, I’ll look both ways.

Sean: I’m a few meters away from the ship CMC. I still see no sign of Pilot Nelvey. I’m moving toward the capsule.

Sean: Come on now, you gotta be okay in there… You had to have held on…

(Sean peers inside the window)

Sean: Damn, I can’t see anything.

(Sean bangs on the capsule)

Sean: Nelvey?! Damn it Nelvey get out of there! My name’s Pilot Sean I’m here to rescue you! Hello?!

(The hatch of the capsule swings open, Nelvey stumbles out)

Nelvey: Ugh, jeez. (yawn) You guys took long enough.

Sean: Oh my god! You’re okay! This is Pilot Sean to CMC, confirmed life signs of Pilot Nelvey, he’s alright!

CMC: (people cheering)

Nelvey: Hmmmm… So, can we get out of here now? I need a nap, (yawn) preferably one in a mattress. My neck is killing me…

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

[Orion Station]

[Deck 1]

[10:00, April 26th, 135 A.W.]

Reaves: He’s amicable, his loyalty is unquestioned, and his addition will lead to not only public recognition, but crew morale. That concludes my list of candidates.

Richard: Excellent Reaves, quite the interesting list of people. Now, I believe next up is Brimley.

Brimley: Ahem, thank you sir. Now, Concord has a lot of great pilots and crew mates to work with, but quite a few are looked over for arbitrary reasons. However there are a number of skilled employees out there that I believe are invaluable to this mission. And the first of those would be, Mr. Lando Kerman, for pilot.

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

[Concord Fuel Depot Beta]

[Icarus- K1a “Butterfly”]

[8:00, April 26th, 135 A.W.]

Nelson: Okay, that should be it. All our levels are back in the green range. We’re good to go.

Lando: Good thing to. I ain’t gonna be dockin with no station without RCS again anytime soon ya hear?

Nelson: Wh- You were the one who decided to do that you dolt!

Lando: Anywho… Now that we gotta full load, we oughta put this here baby to the test.

Nelson: What do you mean by that?

Lando: We’re goin for a little ride Nelsee.

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

[5km above Minmus and falling]

[Icarus-K1a “Butterfly’]

[8:30, April 26th, 135 A.W.]

Nelson: Okay Lando, very funny. Seriously these hills look nice and all put it’s time to pull up.

Lando: Hey now. Ain’t never been safer jethro. Ya gotta just sit back and cool buddy.

Nelson: We’re moving at one-hundred and seventy meters per second Lando! If we so much as scrape the surface we are dead!

Lando: That’s where ya got ‘er backwards Nelsee. After we’re done ‘ere you ain’t neva gonna feel mo’ alive.

Nelson: Jeez Lando.

Nelson: Lando… that hill is coming up awfully close.

Lando: Hold on ta ya chair bud!

Nelson: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Nelson: Oh f**k. I’m alive… I’m alive! Haha!

Lando: Alright, time fa hill numero dos.

Nelson: Wait… WHAT?!

Lando: YEEEEEEHHHAAAAWWWWWW!

Nelson: (Nervous Laughter)

Lando: Annnnd nothing but smooth sailin from ‘ere.

Nelson: Oh, wow. Uh, these hills are actually pretty nice.

Lando: Ain’t I tell ya it’d be fun?

Nelson: Hehe, yeah… I guess you did…

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

[Orion Station]

[Deck 1]

[10:00, April 26th, 135 A.W.]

Brimley: …a bit reckless? Sure. Stupid? Definitely not. Lando possess not only the twitch reflexes that decide the difference between life and death, he also has the sort of raw skill and ingenuity that you simply cannot replicate. Not only is he our best pilot, I’d say he's one of THE best pilots.

Richard: Hmmm… Quite a few things I agree with you there.

Brimley: Anyway, next would have to be, Lieutenant Commander Nedtrey, for commander.

Reaves and Sophia: Lieutenant Commander Nedtrey?!

(both exchange confused glances)

Reaves: …He’s too new.

Sophia: He’s untrustworthy.

Brimley: He’s the only person to ever command a Renatus.

(the room goes quiet)

Brimley: Don’t get me wrong, the man has an…odd, past. A lot of his dossier is classified because of various secret projects he’s worked on for different corps. However, that’s what leads me to believe that we can trust him.

(Sophia and Reaves look at Richard)

Richard: …I’m listening…

Brimley: He’s used to keeping devout secrecy, and other corporations, like really big ones, have found reason to trust him with the most sensitive information. Not only that, but he’s been able to bond with the crew members of the Halberd quite easily. To be perfectly honest, given his track record alone, I’d say he’s the perfect candidate for commanding officer.

Richard: Okay then. Mr. Nedtrey will surely be an interesting topic of discussion later.

Brimley: My next choice being for chief engineer, would have to be Wendy Kerman. She’s one of the newest additions to the spacecraft division and practically built the new engine systems for the Javelin. Before she was employed with Titanium Aerospace, and helped work on various projects involving rocket propulsion and engines. She’s even been on a few missions to the Mün, so she has all the field training required. She’s high spirited and enthusiastic, something that will help with morale, and above all, she’s a prodigy in the realm of rockets.

Sophia: She’s also twenty-three.

Brimley: Wha- how do you-?

Sophia: Do you think someone that young won’t have any problem going on what could be a yearlong mission?

Brimley: She may be new to interplanetary flight, but with her invaluable knowledge of the Renatus, not recommending her would be ludicrous.

Richard: Okay then, who else?

Brimley: Well, my next candidate, for engineer, would be Ivan Kerman. He’s been with the SCD for about ten years now. He’s helped with the testing of various crafts for the division in the past, including project chivalry, project scepter, and recently, project Renatus. He knows his stuff, what buttons to push to make sure a ship doesn’t fall apart, which knob to turn to prevent a meltdown, and other various important things. I’d trust my shiniest, most expensive ship in his hands. He’s an all-around good guy. Anyway, that would be all of my recommendations for the crew.

Richard: Interesting. Alright then, Sophia, would you like to go next?

Sophia: Yes sir, thank you. Now, my first candidate will be for communications officer, and that would be, Ribney Kerman.

Reaves and Brimley: You’ve got to be kidding me.

Sophia: Ribney has served under Concord at Capricorn station for-

Brimley: Oh come on now we all know who he is. What we want to know is what’s possessed you to select that fool as your candidate?

Sophia: Ahem. Ribney may seem a bit incomprehensible to you, but believe it or not he does his job well. However, the main reason I chose him was because of his care free attitude. In times of stress for the crew, without a doubt Ribney will provide a sigh of relief for everyone. He would be good for keeping morale up, and in interplanetary missions, morale is crucial to success.

Richard: Hmmm… I see your point.

Sophia: My second choice will be Kirlong Kerman for engineer.

Brimley: Wha- You actually expect those two to-

Sophia: KIRLONG KERMAN, has worked maintenance on Capricorn station for five years now. Not only is he familiar with Concord’s tech but he’s worked on active ship maintenance in the past. As for his relationship with Ribney Kerman, it’s one that runs deep, one that the two have had for quite a long time. Now even though it is indeed a “love hate” relationship, it’s a relationship none the less. I’ve looked into their psych profiles and the two complement each other very nicely. The banter between the two of them alone will at least keep the crew busy in times of silence.

Richard: Very good, now, who else?

Sophia: My next candidate being for XO is Ensign Nieling Kerman. Nieling has served as the executive officer of the CSV Polaris for some time now. Having that sort of experience is vital for this mission. He knows all the ins and outs of Concord standard equipment, systems, and interfaces. He would be a great edition to the team.

Richard: Okay then. Lastly?

Sophia: Lastly would be Sarah Kerman for engineer. Sarah is a new addition to Concord and was formerly serving aboard the battleship ANS Guardian of Fire, owned by the Allied Nations of Kerbin, as an engineer. She’s very familiar with engine systems, rocket propulsion, and such. She was revered aboard the Guardian of Fire as an excellent engineer who quote: “always saved us in the nick of time”, end quote. I’d say she'd be a valuable addition to the crew. (looks at Brimley and Reaves) Plus it wouldn’t hurt to have some gender diversity would it?

(Brimley rolls his eyes)

Sophia: Anyway, that concludes my list of candidates.

Richard: Thank you Sophia.

Brimley: (smiles) Well sir, gotta say, your recommendations have me on edge.

Reaves: I’m sure that whatever candidates you’ve come up with they’re more than qualified.

Brimley: (mutters) Kiss ass…

(Reaves shoots Brimley a dirty look)

Richard: Actually my friends, this list of recommendations so far is so spotless there isn’t a whole lot I could add to it.

Sophia: Thank you sir.

Richard: However, there is one name on here that I’d certainly like to see.

Reaves: Oh? Who would that be?

Richard: That would be, Nelvey Kerman, for commanding officer...

Edited December 29, 2017 by HippieGold

SpaceTechnician · August 19, 2013

could be a LOT better..

Edited September 3, 2013 by SpaceTechnician

Itsdavyjones · August 19, 2013

not bad, sounds like something big is going to happen soon though.

HippieGold · August 19, 2013

pretty good..

Thanks . I worked quite a bit to get this one out.

not bad, sounds like something big is going to happen soon though.

Your be suspicions may be correct. With large corporations all fighting for control of the system, sparks are sure to fly...

HippieGold · August 19, 2013

LOG 6

LOG 6 - OUR BEST AND BRIGHTEST - PART 2

[Poseidon, Minmus]

[DEMV-2]

[12:00, April 25th, 135 A.W.]

Nelvey: Hey, thanks for letting me tag along with you on your, uh, where exactly is it that were going?

Luke: There’s a hill on the other side of the flat that the geologists say holds some rocks that could help “further scientific research regarding the formation of the kerbin system”. Which is what they say almost every other time.

Nelvey: I see. So, you said that you wanted to talk to me about something?

Luke: Yeah man. So, it’s that, I was wondering, our colony contract is up in about seven months now. I mean, once I’m done here I’m gonna take a vacation, go home and see the family you know? Jumping around, breathing real air, and looking at the sky will probably take up most of my time. But I mean, what exactly are you going to do when the year's up?

Nelvey: I don’t know. Go home, maybe work as a paper pusher or something at HQ or CMC.

Luke: What about being a pilot?

Nelvey: I don’t think I’ll ever pilot again Luke.

Luke: Hmm, is that so? Alright then…

[12:06]

Nelvey: Wait, what’s that over there? Is that the Icarus?

Nelvey: Luke, what’s going on?

Luke: Well Nelvey, here’s how it’s gonna go. I’m not driving you back to base, and Lando over there won’t fly you back either. The only way you’ll get back, is if you fly yourself, or walk.

Nelvey: Luke, this is ridiculous.

Luke: Last stop! See you later pal.

Nelvey: Ugh, jeez Luke. I’m gonna have a word with CMC about you deserting me.

Nelvey: Ugh, now I need to get up there.

(Nelvey activates his RCS pack)

Nelvey: That son of a… Okay Lando, jokes over, take us home.

Lando: ‘fraid I can’t do that daddio. Promised Luke I’d getchyu flyin again. As a fellow pilot, quite ashamed to see ya fall so much from grace.

Nelvey: Damn it, why do you all want me to fly again?! Why is it so important to you?!

Lando: It ain’t that it’s important ta us pal. It's that it’s important to you.

Nelvey: …

Nelson: Come on Nelvey, you can do it!

Nelvey: Goddamn. Fine, but after this, I don’t want to hear anything else from you people.

Lando: (raises right hand) Swear on ma momma’s grave.

Nelvey: (sigh) Now then…

Lando: Now, I know it's been a while since ya flew, so just a reminder, when tha arrow in tha middle o’ tha-

Nelvey: Oh don’t patronize me.

Lando: Well hoooooweeee. Couldn’t o’ done ‘er better myself.

Nelvey: Hold on, let me get a little closer…

Lando: Hey champ, dontchya think we’re goin a little too-

Lando: JEEZ LOUISE!

Nelvey: …

Nelson: …

Lando: …

Nelvey: FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF-

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

[Orion Station]

[Deck 1]

[10:00, April 26th, 135 A.W.]

Richard: …and even if his track record in piloting isn’t too great, he’s courageous, honorable, and he knows to keep a cool head during a stressful situation.

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

[Poseidon, Minmus]

[Icarus Capsule]

[10:10, April 25th, 135 A.W.]

Nelvey: FFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-

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

[Orion Station]

[Deck 1]

[10:00, April 26th, 135 A.W.]

Richard: Without a doubt, I’d say he’s leadership material.

Brimley: Sir, given your optimism, I’d take it you haven’t heard about the event that transpired yester-

Richard: I already told you Brim. We’re not hiring him because of his piloting skills. We’re hiring him because he’s a damn hero.

Brimley: Of course sir, I apologize.

Richard: (smiles) Don’t worry about it. Now, lady, gentlemen, we begin. Who is going to be the crew of the Javelin?

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

[Poseidon, Minmus]

[Habitat Module 3]

[11:00, April 25th, 135 A.W.]

(Jedbas pads Nelvey’s wound with disinfectant soaked cotton)

Nelvey: Ow.

Jedbas: HQ is not going to be happy about your little accident.

Nelvey: REALLY now?

Jedbas: You’re just lucky no one was seriously hurt. Or well, at least we think no one was seriously hurt.

Nelvey: What’s that supposed to mean?

Jedbas: Well you know, there could be fractures, internal bleeding, stuff like that. We won’t know until Lulin takes a look at you. Too bad there’s no way to get her off the station…

Nelvey: Yeah yeah I get it. Trust me, I will not be flying again. Ever.

Jedbas: Assuming CMC sends a replacement Icarus today, she’ll be able to take a look at you in two days.

Nelvey: But, if there is something wrong with me, won’t that be too long to-

Jedbas: Oh yeah. If anything on the inside of you is broken, you know, like when those guys get punched in a bar fight and then die days later, then yeah, you’re probably f**ked.

Nelvey: Well then…

Jedbas: That’s just my uneducated opinion.

Nelvey: Yeah, I’d rather not have any more of that, thank you.

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

[Orion Station]

[Deck 1]

[11:00, April 26th, 135 A.W.]

Sophia: So this is it? This is for sure our final agreement?

Reaves: I’d say so.

Brimley: Looks good to me.

Richard: I personally approve.

Sophia: Because, this is our last chance to make any last minute changes.

Brimley: We’re done here Sophia. We have to move on.

Sophia: (sigh) Fine then.

Richard: Okay then, this is without a doubt, the crew for CSV Javelin. Now, let’s let ‘em know they got the part.

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

[150km above Kerbin]

[Dry Dock Sapphire]

[11:00, April 26th, 135 A.W.]

Nedtrey: I’m just saying, if we really had to, could we deorbit the Mun? I mean if we really wanted to.

Mersby: Incoming transmission. It’s from Orion station.

Nedtrey: Patch it through to me please.

Mersby: (sigh) Here you go.

Sophia: Hello there, is this Lieutenant Commander Nedtrey?

Nedtrey: The one and only. Who am I speaking to?

Sophia: My name is Sophia. I’m from Concord HQ. You’ve been selected to be a part of a mission known as operation crimson tempest. You we’re chosen to be the commanding officer of the new Renatus class destroyer that will carry out the mission, the CSV Javelin.

Nedtrey: Is that so…

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

[Capricorn Station]

[Deck 2]

[11:00, April 26th, 135 A.W.]

Ribney: Ooh, ooh, we’re receiving a transmission! I wonder if it’s about the new Icarus!

Kirlong: Who’s it from?

Ribney: Odd, it’s from Orion station. I wonder what ol’ Rodrie wants this time.

(Ribney answers the call)

Ribney: Hello? … Mission? … New ship? ... I get to be the communications officer? … Okay then. … Wait, you want all three of us to come? … Alright. … I’ll let them know. Although, it’s going to be a while before we can make our way over. Well, see you later!

Kirlong: Who was that?

Ribney: Someone named Sophia. She said I was selected to be a part of a new mission! On a brand new ship too!

Kirlong: Huh… What else did she say?

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

[Poseidon, Minmus]

[Habitat Module 3]

[10:00, April 26th, 135 A.W.]

Nelson: Hey guys, there’s someone on the line who wants to talk to you.

Nelvey: Which one of us?

Nelson: Both of you.

(Lando and Nelvey go over to the radio)

Nelvey: Hello?

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

[Saphoria, Allied Nations of Kerbin]

[Sarah Kerman Residence]

[10:00, April 26th, 135 A.W.]

Sarah: Now honey, above all you should go to the school that will help you out in the long run the most.

Keelee: But all my friends are going there…

Jared: Mom! Phone’s for you! They said they’re from Concord!

Sarah: Oh dear…

Keelee: Please let me go mom, I don’t want to have to make new friends all over again.

Sarah: Uh, give me a second honey, I have to take this call.

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

[Concord Head Quarters]

[Spacecraft Division, Break Room]

[10:00, April 26th, 135 A.W.]

Wendy: Oh come on, do you really think it’s that hard to fit 5 marsh mellows in your mouth?

Adam: If you’re so sure then why are you stalling so much?

Wendy: I’m not stalling, you’re just trying to psyche me out is all… Okay, here I go…

(Terrin runs into the room)

Terrin: Wendy, just got a call from Orion station, they said they want to talk to you about something important!

Wendy: (points at Adam) This isn’t over pal. I WILL have your fifty kredits.

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

[Concord Head Quarters]

[Guidance Office]

[10:00, April 26th, 135 A.W.]

Roger: I don’t know man, but when I look at those stars, all those bright lights in the sky, each one possibly harboring alien life? S**t keeps me up at night.

Aaron: I understand. The vastness of the universe can not only perplex but frighten as well.

(phone starts to ring)

Aaron: Very sorry, I have to take this.

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

[Orion Station]

[Deck 1]

[11:00, April 26th, 135 A.W.]

Sophia: Okay then. That should be everyone.

Brimley: Because of that damn “complication” back at Poseidon, it’s gonna take an extra two days for everyone to get here.

Richard: Looks like we’ll be staying here a bit longer than we anticipated.

Sophia: Oh well, no matter. I’m actually starting to get a bit used to zero gee anyhow.

Richard: So this is it. Now we wait for the others to arrive.

Brimley: Looks like the gears are finally moving.

Richard: Looks so…

Edited December 29, 2017 by HippieGold

BostLabs · August 20, 2013

Nelvey: FFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-

LOL!

Love it!

The Error · August 20, 2013

Awesomeeee!

Itsdavyjones · August 20, 2013

a very funny chapter, Nelvey needs to be sent back to boot camp.

[Old] CONCORD Research and Engineering: Storm in the Stars (FINAL LOG: Homecoming)

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