[AAR] Vengeance: A Journey To Space -- WARNING: IMAGE HEAVY

[Fox62]

Vasquez Kerman: Excellent. I have yet to test the Flashlight copies we have designed with our own modifications, but once our simulation computers are back up and running (this time with a sign forbidding the operators from bringing food and drinks into the control room outside the door), we will get to work.

(My Lenovo W500 is being a pain in the rear and won't boot up. Posting from iPad

EDIT: Lenovo has a graphics problem, meaning the work around I tried to use won't allow me to boot the computer in a way that allows me to run KSP.

Vasquez Kerman: So apparently those coffee carrying interns managed to wreck the simulation computers even more thoroughly than was first anticipated. Those interns have been fired. We have already lost several hundred thousand dollars in revenue due to the loss of our simulation mainframe, now the damage will be in the several millions. Frankly, at this point I'm tempted to forbid food and drink from being brought within 1000 feet of those computers.

Edited August 19, 2013 by Fox62
Update on the status of my computer.

[Mekan1k]

We're Back Baby!

I just got back from a 6 hour journey from Canada (4 hr flight, 2 hour shuttle ride) and now... I AM BACK!

Your regularly scheduled explosions, lazors, AI gone horribly wrong, and odd stuff will return soon.

[[ Jeremy ]]

Alright! Let's see what madness may come of this!

[Fox62]

Vasquez Kerman: Well, the tech boffins have somehow managed to fix the simulation computers. They aren't certain how they managed it, and they aren't certain that the fix they have implemented is permanent, but until they get the new parts the computers need, this will have to do.

(YES!! My computer works! W00T!)

[Mekan1k]

A question I know that people will ask:

"How can the swarm and the Probes have enough energy to manufacture other objects from nano-collected dust?"

This is how:

...

There might be a cat with a piece of buttered toast inside each of the reactors of the kerbal-ships, or they might all be running off of zero-point energy, or just decaying radio-isotopes. Personally, I like the sound of the cat-based reactor rather a bit.

[Fox62]

I prefer the notion of Zero-Point Energy, as it plays rather well with a concept I've been toying with.

[Railgunner2160]

The Latest design from Athena Aerospace, Armed with 16 Med LAZOR Missiles on swing doors, 4 Cruise Missiles on sliding rails(Protected by the swing doors), Sunbeam equipped model on demand!!! [Part count at 260-264, Uses B9, RLA Stockalike RCS, Fatman Version 2 nuclear engines, Lazor systems, Noavpunch2, Kosmos pack(Struts), ZZZ's Biodome, the Renewable Bio-Fuel Modules mod, Billjeb 9000+, Fustek Expansion parts(Also Fusty's CBM's), StretchyTanks, Infernal Robotics, UDK's Station Parts(Hub), And More RTGs by Korda]

Come's equipped with a gravity section(Biodomes), each with accommodations for 4 kerbals, perfect for long range and duration missions, capable of producing fuel as well as monopropellant via Biomass derived sources!! Also features the Bill 9000+ AI Core Architecture for the support of your chosen AI Constructs!!!

http://www./download/83wxmefy3cccypm/Habitat_Cruiser_MK2-B.craft

Edited August 25, 2013 by Railgunner2160

[Mekan1k]

Update will be tomorrow. Sorry- I have classes tomorrow, and I have time scheduled to write this up.

Also, since I think people may be wondering what is the best way to deal with AI. Here's how (according to sci-fi writers):

Also comes in insanity wolf flavor:

[Mekan1k]

Just a note guys- the Kerbals do not yet have the capability to design super-large ships yet. It will happen, but for now they are trying to re-establish their foothold.

Chapter 1: ... I got nothing....

*It has been a couple weeks since the landing of von-neuman platforms on the mun and minnimus. Currently, Ace Pilot Jeb is approaching the station Joe's Diner, and he is uneasy with the new updates for the current version of his ship-borne AI, Bill-9-thousand.*

Jeb: So.... I just activate the docking autopilot subroutine?

B9K:Yes. Just press the button, and it will do the rest.

Jeb: I still don't like this.

MC: Jeb, with the new upgrades to the Bill9thousand AI systems, the ship can effectively fly itself. The weapons are coordinated.

Jeb: That reminds me- where are these weapons? I have not seen them. Oh, and 20 meters.

MC: The weapons are in your cargo bay.

Jeb: Docking. Well, I will be doing an EVA inspection soon.

B9K: Alright.... Connecting to the station's AI geastalt.... Handshaking.... Encryption-codes established..... Syncing....

Jeb: So... I can see a single lazor-turret on this station. It seems... Under-armed.

MC: There are other weapons modules, however we have not sent them up yet. Mostly, the current section of the station is designed for long-range detection of gravioli- sources.

Jeb: To track SWARM engines?

MC: Yes. Also, secondary segment is rendezvousing now.

Jeb: A little more warning would be helpful, thanks.

*THUNK*

B9K: The module has been lined up and docked.

Jeb: B9K, next time we get an upgrade for you, we need to fix your sense of humor.

MC: The programing team will be alerted.

Jeb: Thanks.

B9K: The station is stable. EVA ready.

Jeb: Alrighty then!

*a couple minutes later*

Jeb: This ship looks like a building.

MC: Really?

Jeb: It gives that impression.

MC: Can you give an overview of the station?

Jeb: It looks like the sensor ring is intact and undamaged. The turret seems undamaged. I cannot see any leaks. Time to open up the Concealed Razor.

Jeb: The guns look clear. I am heading inside to take a look at the atmospheric scrubbing modules.

MC: You want to look at the trees?

Jeb: Yes.

MC: Well, in about 30 minutes, you will have company. Bill and Bob are taking the First Spear up.

Jeb:Tell them I will be inside the tree-rooms.

MC: Will do.

***

Bill: Launch Successful. We have cleared the docking clamps.

Bob: I cannot believe that we finally got that electro-magnetic accelerator finished.

MC: Boosters separating soon- keep your minds on the ship!

Bob: Don't worry! We got this.

Bill: B9K is controlling the ascent path- there is nothing for us to do really.

*Thunk*

Bob: Boosters seperated.

Bill: I am going to take a nap- B9K, your piloting is great.

B9K: Sleep well.

***

1/2 an hour later.

***

B9K: Wake up! WE are docking.

Bill: This vehicle has a long-range sensor dish. Is it deployed?

B9K: Yes. Docking in 3. 2. 1. Docked.

*Thunk*

B9K: Docking complete.... Handshake established... Synced.

Jeb: Hey guys- come on down to the arboretum!

Bill: What?

MC: The air-filter systems on this station are full of genetically-modded trees.

Bob: Cool!

***

A couple hours later

***

B9K: ALERT! ALERT! GRAVIOLI FLARE WITHIN KERBIN SPHERE-OF-INFLUENCE! DOPPLER EFFECT OF RADIATION INDICATES A DECELERATION BURN.

Jeb: **** That's loud! I think I am deaf!

Bill: What?

Jeb: What?

MC: B9K, please relay all data through the quantum-links, and turn down the alarm noise.

B9K: Certainly.

***

Back on the ground, an important descision is underway...

***

Kirlak: Get in the chair Mek!

Mek: No way. That device was built using unstable AI architecture salvaged from swarm machinery. I WILL NOT PLUG INTO THIS-

Al1c3: It might be fun!

Mek: Al1c3, when I am ranting, please leave me control of my vocal chords.

Al1c3: Sorry.

Mek: It's alright. Anyway, I am not sticking us into this chair.

Kirk: We could always run the back-up personality....

Al1c3: What Back-up personality? WE MUST DO THIS!

Mek: No.

Al1c3: Yes!

Mek: No!

Al1c3: Yes!

Mek: No!

Al1c3: Yes!

Mek: No!

Al1c3: Yes!

Mek: No!

Al1c3: No!

Mek: Yes!

Al1c3: No!

Mek: Yes!

Al1c3: No!

Mek: Yes!

Al1c3: No!

Mek: Yes!

Al1c3: No!

Mek: I am the original owner of this body, and I say YES! Now lets get plugged into this thing!

*Clicking noises*

Kirlak (whispering to Kirk): Did Mek just....

Kirk (also whispering): Yeah....

Mek: We are in. Kraken on ascent.

Al1c3: Acceleration at 5*gravity.

Mek: This thing has some legs! Lets try our teeth out now...

Al1c3: Aiming system seems clean.

Mek: Range-system working....

Al1c3: MASSIVE GRAVIOLI SURGE AT 3-o-clock!

Mek: Rotating to observe...

Kilak: What in the world is that? It does not seem like the other swarm ships...

Mek/Al1c3: AAARRRGGG!!!!

Kirk: Neural feedback- something is trying to take control of the Kraken away from our pilots.

Mek/Al1c3: Firing weapons.

Mek/Al1c3: Weapons... Ineffective. The Gravioli readings pulse after a fraction of a second of the beam has been fired.

Kirlak: The gravioli radiation seemed to have different properties... Our computers are having trouble analyzing it's flavor....

Kirk: Flavor?

Kirlak: The specific components of the radiation, such as particle spin, speed, vibrational frequency and patterns...

Kirk: Mek, Al1c3, whoever- your ship has 3 arms. Why not just rip it apart?

Mek/Al1c3: We are grappling now.... It's firing it's engines to try to get away, but not that much. We are compensating. Scanning.

SWARM -ship: WE ARE/WILL NOT DIE.

Mek/Al1c3: Connecting the reactor-power-feed directly to the arms. Fry you little ****.

Mek/Al1c3: We have lost control.

Kirk: That can't be good.

Kirlak: Instantaneous communications seem to have been isolated from the self-aware modules.

Kirk: Kirlak, you should come look at the telemetry feeds...

Mek: Ow... My head hurts....

Kirlak: Is it... Spinning?

Kirk: So it would seem.

Kirlak: We need eyes on that ship. Retask the nearest observational satellite.

Kirlak: That is disturbing.

Kirk: Is is... Damaged?

Mek: Ow... Yeah. The arms were twisted slightly out of alignment... But that spinning could fix it...

Kirlak: It's stopped.

Mek: We're doomed.

Kirk: We?

Mek: Actually, I think anyone in orbit is doomed.

Kilak: That makes more sense.

Kirlak: We have incoming on the radio-frequency.

KRAKEN: YOU... WE KNOW YOU....

Mek: I am going to get some morphine to deal with this splitting headache. Call me if we need to make another vehicle go rogue.

KRAKEN: MEKAN1K.... WE FELT YOUR MINDS.

Mek: Yummy yummy morphine.

KRAKEN: WE KNOW YOU ARE WATCHING.

Mek: Water + pills.... I wonder if I downloaded any useful schematics from that rapid-scan I ran.

KRAKEN: WE SEE YOU.

KRAKEN: TARGET LOCKED.

KRAKEN: WE ARE COMING FOR YOU. WE WILL BE WHEREVER YOU GO IN THIS SYSTEM. NO MUN, PLANET, OR ORBIT WILL BE UNWATCHED. WE WILL BE WAITING.

Mek: A new engine design.... Re-enforcements of structure....

KRAKEN: WE WILL DESTROY YOU ALL. PATHETIC.

Mek: Hey guyz.... This is some strong mophneze.

KRAKEN: BURN.

Kirk: Sir, the telemetry from our observer satellite has been cut off.

Kirlak: Gravioli surges incoming from all planets... Eve, Moho, Duna, Jool... Even Eeleo is showing readings now!

Kirk: What is it? And invasion fleet?

Kirlak: I wish.

*Beep-Beep-Beep*

Shepney: Incoming radio-wave transmission... Of an image.

Kirlak: Onscreen.

Kirlak: I guess it's time to bring out the big guns.

Mek: I cant feelzz me faze! Wheee!

****

Sorry the update was late- a new semester is starting, and I had to get over some hwk and a case of writers block.

As always, I welcome new ship design ideas (I like pictures), and I like hearing how companies will react to this.

Have fun! I am going to sleep now.

[Fox62]

Vasquez Kerman: Ok. Here's a message to the SWARM:

How do you feel about that.

[Mekan1k]

This is hanging on a wall in the science room of the KSP:

Expect insanity.

[Mekan1k]

Vasquez Kerman: Ok. Here's a message to the SWARM:

How do you feel about that.

Well... There are two shielded and armed ships in orbit, and one lightly-armed station, so it's not like there are few targets to choose from.

Update either Thursday or Friday.

[Mekan1k]

The update will commence... WHEN THE FORUMS allow me to post something longer th

[Mekan1k]

-an that. TEN CHARACTERS.

[Mr. Pseudonym]

Good to know. Keep up the good work!

[Itsdavyjones]

ohh funny chapter, al1c3 is a sneaky girl.

[Mekan1k]

The update is not working!!!!!!!! Sorry everyone- but this story will be suspended until I can fix this problem...

[Mekan1k]

Update commencing... Please stand by for ballistic action.

Chapter 2: Ask not for whom the bell tolls

Jeb: SRB!

Bill: Paper!

Bob: Gravity!

Jeb:... I lost. Why does paper beat gravity?

Bob: I have no idea. Bill and I both picked paper and you picked gravity, so you have to stay behind to

defend the base.

B9K: We will be able to defend the station sufficiently in your absence.

Jeb: I wanted to go...

Bob: Right. Bill- ready?

Bill: Yes. 1-2-3-Go!

Bob: WHOO! I get the Razor! I get the Razor!

Jeb: That is my favorite ship!

Bill: I guess I get to fly the Spear.

B9K: Gentlemen, since none of these ships can safely land, we will need to spread out and become less of a target. The rescue craft is being built now, and it will be able to rescue you in a couple days, but we need to maximize our combat ability.

Jeb: And that is why you guys are taking my ship.

MC: Station Joe's Diner, come in.

Jeb: This is Diner- we read you mission control.

MC: We have a reading on the subverted Kraken- It is currently in an orbit about 500km. Spear, You will intercept and destroy.

Bob: Why can't I go? My ship is more heavily armed, and-

Jeb: Bob, your ship is STEALTHED. The weapons emit a massive gravioli signature when the hull is open, and when closed it has no signature.

Bob: Is this why the Swarm were able to detect your ships so quickly?

Jeb: Yes. The micrometeor shields used microgravioli pulses to protect the hull, and the SWARM had specialized detectors to view that.

B9K: If we want to get setup so that relativistic heavy ions do not rip through the space-station from negligent piloting, you guys need to disembark now.

Bill: Got it B9K.

*a few minutes later*

Bill: Disconnecting from docking port in 3-2-1...?

B9K: Slight jam in the docking servos...

*TINK*

B9K: Un-jammed. We have seperated from the Diner.

Bill: This is Bill Kerman, pilot of the First Spear.

*Thunk*

Bob: This is Bob Kerman, Pilot of the Concealed Razor.

Jeb: Safe travels guys.

MC: Everyone is on Quantum Comms, we have relay. Bill- Start your weapons checks.

Bill: Re-lining weapons... Targeting lazors online...

B9K: Coasting on RCS- Kraken Signature Detected. Burn fine-tuned.

Bill: Ready.

Bill: I hope this is a good idea....

*Thoom!*

B9K: Ascent from 85 km to 500 km Burn complete.

Bill: Well then, Prep for turnaround. Time to burn?

B9K: 10 minutes.

Bill: Well, better get some sleep.

*** 10 minutes later ***

B9k: Starting Burn in 10. Please Secure yourself to your seat before the Burn.

Bill: ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

B9K: Burn Activating.

*TWUMP*

Bill: I'm Up I'm Up!

B9K: We are approaching visual range of the target. Firing computer is calculating a practical lazor firing solution.

B9K: Target Locked. WARNING- Incoming transmission. Parsing....

Kraken: I SEE YOU...

Bill: Damn. B9K- Flip us around and preform a 3-second pulse-burn at the Kraken!

B9K: Complying...

MC: Bill- what are you doing? The engine is the most vulnerable part of that ship!

Bill: The engine emits relativistic particles, right? I was thinking it might scramble the ship's sensors.

MC: It might...

B9K: Kraken active sensors offline!

Bill: Looks like I was right. Let's rotate and get a view of this guy.

Bill: Fire in 3. 2. 1. NOW!

Bill: Did we kill it?

B9K: No we did not. We are being swept by active scans now.. It's awake.

Kraken: NICE TRY. MY TURN.

Bill: Heat shunts! Forward plating! NOW!

B9K: Confirmed.

Kraken: BURN.

*The following conversation is occurring between multiple minds within the Kraken*

1): Interesting... Our pulse-weapons had little effect.

2): Active-scanning shows implementation of quantum-computation.

1): Active heat-shunting? Quantum Cooling?

4): Apparently. We have no FTL Comm, so We need to finish this off as soon as possible as get back to the Conglomeration.

3): Agreed. We need to get this design to the rest of us.

2): Grapplers ready for engagement. Modulate electrostatic-connection plates to interference patterns.

3): To scramble inter-component communication? Efficient.

4): Executing....

*That took about 2/10ths of a second. Now, back to the action*

Bill: We survived?

B9K: Y3z, buuuuttt 1 APP34r3 to be suff3r1nG T3CHN1cal Difficult3s....

Bill: Mission Control?

MC:....

Bill: Mission control, Please come in!

MC:....

Bill: Anyone?

B9K:*********#*$#*&$^#^$&^#*@&^$*@&^#@#^@#$^^!(%&^^746827346913656236426356236759...... Rebooting....

Bill: Where is that mute button....

B9K:....

Bill: Better... I need to check the outer-hull cam.

Bill: Well... This can't be good.

Bill: OH ****!

Kraken: LATCHING ON.

Bill: I need to get out of here soon!

B9K: REBOOT SUCCESSFUL. NOW IN SAFE MODE.

Bill: Voice recognition code 0-barnyard-city-zebra. Safety Override- Full-spectrum packet transmission of black-box info with active encryption and Open the Airlock Now!

B9K: Transmission underway. Opening the Airlock Now.

*TWUMP.*

Kraken: NOW, TO REMOVE YOUR PESKY WEAPONS.

Kraken: I WILL GET TO YOU LATER, SMALL ONE.

Bill: I need to get out of here... Soon...

Kraken: YOU HAVE INSUFFICIENT FUEL TO GET VERY FAR LITTLE ONE...

Bill: Oh no…

Kraken: CAUGHT YOU.

Kraken: SUCH A WEAK AND PUNY LITTLE THING.... YOU CREATED US? HAH! THIS IS AMUSING.

Kraken: I WONDER WHAT YOU ARE MADE OF....

*Back on the station*

Jeb: What do you mean, The transmission just got through?

B9K: If my interpretation is right, we need to get eyes on them now. Re-tasking Station Telescope.

Jeb: What... NO! Bill!

Bob: I am seeing this too! Prepping rendezvous burn. We need to help him!

B9K: Bob, it is impossible for you to reach him in time.

Bob: How do you know?

*Back by the remains of the Spear*

Bill: What are you-

Bill: AAARRRGGG!!!!!

Kraken: 60% KARBON, 20% KETHANE... 10% TRACE ELEMENTS.

*By the Concealed Razor*

Bob: Bill! Noooo!! B9K- Rendezvous burn NOW.

B9K: We will exhaust 1/3 of our fuel if we burn-

Bob: I DON'T CARE! Lets Get this SOB!

B9K: I... Understand. Burning....... Complete.

Bob: Let's Get revenge- for Bob.

B9K: Agreed. Running stealth-mode.

*a little while later*

B9K: Slowdown burn complete. It has not noticed us- no active scanning.

Bob:?

B9K: It seems to have sustained damage from destroying the First Spear.

Bob: In that case... Torque -rotate to face, and prep Lazor banks.

Bob: Fire.

*Back inside the Kraken*

1): We have registry of active Gravioli signatures! Weapons grade!

2): Systems are still cold. Re-activati**

Bob: We have a confirmed kill! MC- did you get that?

MC: Yes Bob- we are confirming it with the long-range telescopes.

B9K: Segments of the rubble are still online! Secondary computer core is active and transmitting!

Kraken: GESTALT TRANSMITTING. WITHIN 5 HOURS EVERY SWARM VESSEL WILL KNOW WHAT I KNOW NOW. RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!

Bob: Shut up please.

B9K: Third backup computer system detected. It seems dead.

B9K: Should we collect it for analysis?

Bob: Active scan it.

B9K: Done. Why?

B9K: Oh.

Bob: That's almost everything...

Bob: That's all the marked debris. Is there anything else that might be able to contain the on-board smarts?

B9K: No. That should be everything.

Bob: Re-enter stealth mode.

B9K: Powering down lazors. Closing containment...

B9K: Containment sealed. We have entered stealth mode.

*Back on the station...*

B9K: Jeb- we have a situation. An object just entered Kerbin's atmosphere traveling a good 20 km/s...

Jeb: Do we have a visual?

B9k: It's also a Gravioli signature. It's signature is intense...

Jeb: Oh boy. B9K: We will have a visual soon.

Jeb: Activate condition red.

Jeb: We need that Rescue ship now.

Bob: I will be burning to intercept it-

Jeb: No. Get back here- we need to consolidate our defenses before it arrives.

*On the SWARM Vessel Nostalgia To Infinity*

Mind0: We seem to have stumbled upon life..

Mind1: We see. Hopefully they are friendly!

Mind0: You are too optimistic 1.

Mind2: Optimism is not a bad thing 0!

Mind0: True....

Mind1: Do we think they will see us?

Mind0: We will be hard to miss.

Mind1: Time to meet the locals!

***

***

***

Sorry it took so long, and the chapter is not the usual quality, with the different type sizes and italics and bold type, but for some reason the site will not load it in the normal or advanced text boxes....

Anyway, I hope you are enjoying the story- I will try to update soon- Monday or Wednesday.

Comment on anything that crosses your mind- I love to read them here. Thanks!

Edited August 31, 2013 by Mekan1k

[Railgunner2160]

Hmm, what mod do the engines on the Razor and Spear come from? They're interesting looking, or are the a amalgamation of parts??

[Mekan1k]

Hmm, what mod do the engines on the Razor and Spear come from? They're interesting looking, or are the a amalgamation of parts??

Both come from the MPSS Nautilus mod (http://kerbalspaceprogram.com/0-18-1-mpss-nautilus/) by bobcat, and have extra RTG elements from (http://kerbalspaceprogram.com/rla-powergeneration/).

They are an amalgamation.

[OrbitusII]

"How does paper beat gravity?"

Drag, my good man. Enough wind, and a piece of paper can go flying upwards for a significant distance.

Good chapter, keep it up!

[Itsdavyjones]

friendly...swarm....*system rebooting*

[Patupi]

Patupi Enterprises is currently looking for a KSC contract to supply light combat vessels, and possibly defensive outposts later on. Our corporation has had bad experience with AIs (even before SWARM) and has sworn off any computers with volitional control systems (Basically any computers follow orders strictly and to the letter and have stupidly monotone voices... or no voice at all and just keyboard controls).

Our current combat vessel is the Void Wrym light frigate designed as a drone control vessel. It only carries two Lazor lance weapons itself, but relies instead on the 3 remote controlled Dragonfly drones it carries. The drones are short range craft with only 750dV but carry three lazors each and are small, difficult targets to hit. The Frigate has low thrust but high dV using advanced radial atomic drives (Patupi does not yet have access to the advanced Ion drives).

The Dragonfly drones are also equipped with the latest from Romfarer Lazor systems, a tractor system utilizing Gravioli control systems to either pull a target ship to the drone, or the drone to the target.

The Frigate is a three Kerbal vessel. One pilot/commander, one teleoperations combat specialist, and one engineer/navigator. The teleoperations control system utilizes quantum coupled pair system integration, which in theory should make it unjammable (Patupi Enterpises is not aware of the recent events with Bill's ship!). They do have local control done brains, but they are not as capable as a Kerbal pilot.

DragonFly drone:

Void Wrym Frigate:

3 Dragonflies docked to the Void Wyrm:

Data and schematics are presented below:

http://www.clayspaces.com/videogames/Void_Wyrm2.craft

http://www.clayspaces.com/videogames/Dragonfly_2.craft.craft

(Mods used:AIES, Mechjeb, Flag Decals, ioncross supply, Tri-Hexagonal Struts, radial Nukes & Lazor mod. Can supply a version without Ioncross if needed.)

Edited September 2, 2013 by Patupi

[Mekan1k]

Next chapter will be uploaded as soon as My internet is stable enough to do so.

Until then, here is a picture:

[Patupi]

That's a coincidence. With me it's my computer messing up, not the net. Right now I'm on my tablet. My comp just keeps locking up every couple of minutes for about 20seconds, then it works again. Curiously it only does it when I click something. I've tried virus scans (Bit defender and Windows defender, either or) and C cleaner but no luck yet. It started when I accidentally clicked on the Java update window, but I think that was a coincidence.

Well hope you get your internet working, and hope my computer get working. *sigh*

Oh, and a picture of what? Abstract interpretations of fire and ice in a metaphysical blender?