[AAR] Beagle Flight

[BostLabs]

It was a beautiful day for a flight. Jeb checked his restraints one last time by giving them a tug. "Just a nice easy flight to the Mun." Jeb thought with a huge grin.

In fact, other than a few probes, this will be the first journey to that body and Beagle Flight was doing it.

As the count down clock continued to roll down to zero, Jeb thought back on how Beagle Flight came about.

Back in the old, exciting (highly dangerous and deadly) days when the space program started up. Beagle Flight, formed of Jeb Kermin, Bill Kerman and Bob Kerman, became the premier group of test pilots. Ok, they also happened to be the only group to survive, but why be picky about terminology about that?

Since that time, only recently, Bill had an accident and had to retire. Jeb and Bob are saddened that their friend will not be with them on this historic flight.

Beagle I sits on the pad. Jeb knew that a lot of refining had taken place to get this ship into this configuration. The engines were a fairly new design and had done quite well as the didn't blow up.... very often. But even with the new engines Jeb knew that this ship will only get him into orbit. Bob will be following him up in Beagle II and they would dock and then travel to the Mun. Jeb and Bob had flipped a coin on how would get to land on the Mun. Jeb won (didn't even use his two head coin) and had chosen to land on the Mun. Bob would wait in orbit. But Jeb thought he had a way around that so Bob could land as well.

"Beagle I this is mission control."

"Mission Control, Beagle I." Jeb replied.

"Beagle I you are go for launch." Gene Kerbin radioed back. "Just another flight.... Even though it is Jeb, just another flight." Gene thought to himself.

In the distance, Bob watched as his ship was in it's standby position on it's transportation pad, ready to move into place on the launch pad after it was cleared. "We're going to the Mun!" Bob thought, over and over and over again.

Beagle Flight continues.

Edited August 8, 2013 by BostLabs
A bit of typo clean up.

[BostLabs]

"Beagle I, this is Mission Control. T-60 and counting."

"Mission Control, Beagle I is ready. Lets lite the fire boys!" Jeb replied.

Bob had relocated into Mission Control and was watching on the big screen. He wasn't aware of it but he was rubbing the coin that had determined their launch order. No matter what the outcome of the flip he considered it his lucky charm. Jeb thought he was silly but Bob figured it didn't hurt to wish good luck on the mission.

Bob was acting as KapCom now.

"Beagle I, KapCom here. 15 secs to launch, Jeb."

"Roger, Bob!" Bob could hear the grin on Jeb's face.

"Good luck Jeb!" Bob radioed.

"We don't need luck Bob, we got me!"

Bob laughed, "Ok buddy. T-10"

"9,8,7,6,5,4, Ignition Sequence started,2,1"

Even from this distance to the launch pad the thunder of the rockets could be felt.

Jeb felt the vibration and the unleashed force as the restraining clamps held, allowing the thrust to build.

"Lift off!" Bob said as KapCom.

The mighty clamps released.

Over the roar Jeb yelled "WAAAHOOOO!" and then grunted as the full force of the thunder came to roost on his chest.

Higher and higher the rocket climbed.

With a bang that Jeb heard over the thunder, the boosters were jettisoned after they had done their duty.

"KapCom, Booster... separation! First stage... still on... program." Jeb grunted out over the radio.

"Man.... Bill should... be here... as well..."

Suddenly the pressure faded and Jeb felt weightless. He knew this was a short reprieve as the circulation burn was next. Another kick in the pants but the force wasn't as bad.

"MECO KapCom!" Jeb radioed to Bob.

"Excellent Beagle I."

Jeb grinned, "A walk in the park Bob. Hey don't you have a flight to get ready for?"

"On my way, Jeb!"

Beagle Flight continues.

Edited August 9, 2013 by BostLabs

[BostLabs]

The Thunder is unleashed and Bob feels his teeth rattle even though he has his mouth firmly shut.

"Lift Off!" KapCom sends.

Suddenly an elephant sits on Bobs Chest. He tries to let out a waaahoo but all he can get out is a wheeze!

"wheeze!"

"What's that Bob?" KapCom sounds concerned.

"Wheeze! I'm.... Goood. 'grunt'"

Bob feels his lucky coin in his breast pocket. Who would have thought that little bit of metal could be so heavy?

With a heave he managed to fill his lungs with air.

"KapCom, Beagle II approaching booster separation."

With a bang the boosters separate and then a short time later Bob is approaching orbit.

Bob hears Jeb over the radio, "How are ya doing buddy?"

"Where... did we get.... the elephant? I don't... remember it.... being in the.... manifest." Bob replies.

"Jeb's belly laugh can be easily heard over the radio. "Just a bit more Bob."

Just then the burn ends.

"MECO, KapCom!" Bob sends.

"Roger Beagle II, relax a bit. Rendezvous program started."

a short time later;

"Just a bit more, Bob!" Jeb says while watching closely the approach of Beagle II.

"Walk in the park Jeb."

Whump!

"KapCom, docking complete."

"Roger Beagle Flight. Take a rest fellows. We got some time before Munar Injection."

"Nice flying Bob!"

Bob grins, "Thanks Jeb!" Bob pulls his coin out and gives it a good rub.

Beagle Flight continues.

Edited August 9, 2013 by BostLabs

[BostLabs]

"Beagle Flight, this is Mission Control. You are coming up on Munar injection burn."

Bob started awake and keyed his mike.

"Mission Control, Roger. Approaching Munar Injection"

Bob switched to intercom. "Jeb! Are you awake buddy?"

"Ready and waiting Bob! Lets do this!"

Bob readied the ship for the burn.

"Beagle Flight; Burn in 5,4,3,2,1"

Bob watches as the flight computer counts down in sync with Mission Control. At zero the engine fires.

"Mission Control, we have ignition!"

"Woof!" Jeb sends over the intercom, "quite a different experience from this side Bob."

"Bob grins over the g force. "Hey I told you that you should have ridden this out with me in the CM."

"And what fun would that be Bob?" Jeb laughs.

The burn was about 3/4 of the way complete when there was an issue. Suddenly there is a bang in the cockpit and a panel on the flight computer pops open. The ship loses control and starts to rotate to the right and still at full thottle.

G forces flatten Bob to his control couch. "Oh Crap... Bob!... This... isn't.... gooood...." Jebs grunts out over the intercom.

Bob can see the problem. A wire had busted loose. He can see the two ends. There is a pop and a flash of light, the ship lurches and then the wires move away from each other and ship shudders over to the right again. Still picking up speed.

Bob reaches for the panel. He is just short of the wires. he collapses back into his couch. "I can't reach it Jeb!"

"Beagle Flight. ABORT, ABORT ABORT!" Mission Control frantically calls from the radio. Bob feels the coin in his pocket again. "Maybe" he thinks, "just maybe".

He painfully digs the coin from his pocket and thrusts his hand toward the panel. 'SNAP!' The coin fuses to the big wires and holds. The ship shudders and slows it's turn. G forces fall.

"I don't know what you did, buddy, but you saved us and the mission."

"I shoved my coin into the two wires." Bob says with a sigh.

"You did what?" Jeb says.

"I told you it was a lucky coin Jeb. I think it will hold to complete the insertion burn."

Soon after the stage burns out and is jettisoned.

Mission Control isn't happy but they agree that the mission is a go.

Bob pulls out his repair kit in readiness of when the injection burn is completed.

Bob sighs after he has removed his coin. There is a bit of a burn mark but for the most part it held up just fine. He quickly repairs the wires and the panel. Other than some lingering smoke and a few bits of metal floating about, you'd never know anything had happened.

"Still don't believe in luck, Jeb?"

"I'm not saying a word, Bob. Or should I say Hero?"

Bob grins, the mission is still go.

Beagle Flight continues.

[Fox62]

Well! That was very unexpected.

[BostLabs]

'Beep, beep! Beep, beep!'

Bob awakes and kills the alarm.

"Rise and shine, Sunshine. We are here!" Jeb sends over the intercom.

"Yep, sure looks like, Jeb." Bob radios Mission Control with a status update.

"Ready for Munar orbit."

"Roger Beagle Flight. We concur."

Bob programs the flight computer for the task.

"Munar orbit achieved Mission Control."

"Roger, great job guys!"

Jeb looks out the lander window and the Munar surface. "Yeah! this is going to be a blast!" Jeb says and readys the lander for service.

"I'd settle for a safe landing Jeb." Bob laughs.

Meanwhile, in LKO. A unmarked refueler drifts on final approach.

BostLabs: I have no idea who created this refueler. I'm pretty sure I found it in the rocket exchange. If you are the creator of this fine vessel please reply so I can give you credit for it. It is a joy to fly.

No identifying markers or anything that affiliates it with any nation on Kerbin.

While it is visible, it does not show on any radar or scanning system that the KSC employs.

Neither does the massive ship it is approaching for docking. For all intents and purposes, these ships do not exist.

A tight beam com laser lances out and strikes the ship. "'Scrk! RF1 on final."

"Proceed RF1."

"30 meters"

'thump'

"Docked and solid lock. Preparing fuel transfer."

BostLabs: This interplanetary ship is of my creation. Several forum members inspired me on this design. If there is interest I will detail out the mods used and put the craft file up for download. It launches from Kerbin with no issues and handles well (after many, many rebuilds )

In the huge command module a Kerb sits in a command chair. He is keeping one eye on the docking/refueling while listening to the radio chatter from Beagle Flight and Mission Control.

He reaches to adjust the gain on the radio. His right arm whines a bit during the movement. A Kerbal close by looks over and says "Any difficultly?"

"No doctor, but I think the zero G is making the servos whine a bit." the Kerb replies.

The doctor writes something on his electronic Pad. "Noted. We'll correct that in the next update."

The Kerb replays some of the earlier radio conversations. "Man.... Bill should... be here... as well..." Jeb's voice comes back from the replay.

The Kerb turns away from the screen and faces the light. he has a few fine scars on his face and neck. "I might be there before you know it Jeb." Bill says to air in the cabin. "Yes, sooner than you would have expected."

Beagle Flight continues.

Edited August 9, 2013 by BostLabs
typos and general spelling. Asking for the creator of the refuler. ACK! grammar.

[BostLabs]

Well! That was very unexpected.

LOL! Yeah I can't make this stuff up. (well other than the coin) I have no idea why the ship flipped out like that.

I'm caught up right now. Need more play time. For the record, I have a general plan of what will happen in the story, but KSP gives me twists and turns that for me to deviate and revise my plan. At this point the story ending will be a surprise for me as well.

Edited August 9, 2013 by BostLabs

[Fox62]

Ok, why is Bill in space if he is retired? And why do I think that **** is going to go real south when that big ship gets to the Mun.

[KSK]

Oh this is good stuff! Some awesome ship designs and screenshots, not to mention plenty of drama. What's next after fixing the flight computer with a lucky coin - fixing the lander with a felt tip pen?

And yeah - I'm getting the same vibes as Fox62 about that big ship and 'Darth' Bill Kerman there!

[BostLabs]

Oh this is good stuff! Some awesome ship designs and screenshots, not to mention plenty of drama. What's next after fixing the flight computer with a lucky coin - fixing the lander with a felt tip pen?

Wow! I had totally forgotten about the felt tip pen.

Ok, why is Bill in space if he is retired? And why do I think that **** is going to go real south when that big ship gets to the Mun.

And yeah - I'm getting the same vibes as Fox62 about that big ship and 'Darth' Bill Kerman there!

I won't say where that is going, of course. But I'm glad you got the Ominous music that was going through my head while writing that part.

[BostLabs]

New Chapter Later Today. I'm So Going To Start A Behind The Scenes Thread So I Can Show You How I Set Some Of This Up And Some Fails Where F9 Saved Me.

Sorry For The Weird Text. My Phone AppearsActing Up Today.

[KSK]

New Chapter Later Today. I'm So Going To Start A Behind The Scenes Thread So I Can Show You How I Set Some Of This Up And Some Fails Where F9 Saved Me.

Sorry For The Weird Text. My Phone AppearsActing Up Today.

Sounds great! Looking forward to it.

[BostLabs]

After several orbits, Jeb decided upon a landing site.

Jeb undocked and moved away from Beagle II.

"Hey Bob, I'll see you later." Jeb grinned as he radioed his friend.

"I'll keep the light on for you Jeb! Well as long as the batteries last anyway." Bob replied. "Mission Control, this is Beagle II, Beagle I has started Munar desent."

".......Roger Beagle I, Beagle II. Good luck guys!" Mission Control replied.

Down Jeb sank toward the surface of the Mun. As he approached the surface he could see that his choosen landing site was a bit steep.

"Bob, I'm extending my landing path a bit. That crater doesn't look like it wants company. I see a flat spot a little further away."

"Ok Jeb, I see it. Doe you have enough fuel to do that?"

"Oh yeah, Beagle I has loads of fuel. More than we'd need it seems. I think we over engineered her a bit."

Bob laughed "I think they were just getting sick of you asking for 'Moar boosters' every few minutes."

"Hey, there is nothing wrong with soild fuel, except if you need to stop burning." Jeb grinned.

"Ok, its time for the nitty gritty here buddy. Do you mind if I use a little of that luck your brought?"

"I've been rubbing the coin since you left." Bob replied.

"Good enough! Ok here we go!"

"20 meters, looking good.

15 meters.

10 meters, a little dust being kicked up.

5 meters. I have shadow. Lots of dust... now clear.

2 meters............."

"Jeb?" Bob sent.

"Touch down! The Beagle has landed."

"Bob started breathing again." Mission Control radioed. "Us too for that matter Jeb. Outstanding work!"

Bob stuck his coin back in his pocket. Jeb and luck had both played their parts.

Jeb locked down Beagle I and prepared to step out onto the Munar surface. The last thing Jeb grabbed before opening the hatch was the FPD (Flag Placement Device) "Hell of a name for a stick with a bit of cloth on it." Jeb muttered to himself.

Jeb started down the ladder. Right at the bottom he paused.

He took the final step.

"There comes a time when all Kerbals must leave their home and strike out on their own for their own adventure. Today, we take this step away from home for all Kerbalkind. This is only the first step, there will be many to follow."

Jeb plants the flag and activates it. The flag unfolds and displays itself proudly.

Beagle Flight continues.

Edited August 12, 2013 by BostLabs

[BostLabs]

Meanwhile; back on board the mystery ship.

Bill listens to the radio.

"There comes a time when all Kerbals must leave their home and strike out on their own for their own adventure. Today, we take this step away from home for all Kerbalkind. This is only the first step, there will be many to follow."

Bill steps up from his command chair. "Continue to monitor Beagle Flight." He motions to another Kerb close by. "I will be in my cabin, you have the watch."

"Yes Captain! I have the watch"

Bill makes his way through the ship and enters his cabin.

"Well done Jeb!" He thinks as the hatch closes behind him. "Not too bad for the bucket of bolts you were flying."

Bill gazes out the window over looking the massive control sphere of the ship.

Just then the intercom signals. Bill presses the button next to the speaker. "Yes?"

"Sir! The Directorate signals."

Bills right arm whines a bit as he turns away from the panel. "Direct it to my station."

"Yes sir!"

Bill activates his screen. As always, a shadowy figure appears. There is no hint on who the person may be.

"Yes Director!" Bill responds to the image.

"Bill, the council is pleased with your progress. Are the upgrades complete?"

"Yes sir."

"very well, you are cleared for phase II. Proceed. The scanner cloak should continue to keep the Colossus from appearing on radar or other means of detection."

"We will proceed at once Director!" Bill replies.

"Good..." And the image of the Director snaps out.

Bill turns to leave his cabin and heads for the bridge..

Beagle Flight continues.

[Fox62]

Well, this is interesting.

[BostLabs]

I'm having a little bit of an issue with my PC (new video card) but I should be able to get it corrected.

In the meantime: Sneak Peek.

Unknown: "Target in range."

[BostLabs]

Hang on to your hats, Gents and Ladies.

Colossus!

Shortly before Bill's conversation with The Director.

Two missiles are launched from a secret base. The markings are consistent with a radical group in the far west.

These missiles carry very powerful explosives and an earlier version of the scanner cloak that the Shadowy group has that Bill is a member of.

One missile continues into orbit, the other take a sub orbital trajectory.

As the orbit of Colossus passes close by the KSC Bill has finished his conversation with The Director and is headed out of his cabin when his intercom chimes. "Yes, what is it?"

"Sir, we are getting some odd readings from the scanners." The crewman reports.

"Odd, how odd?" Bill replies.

"We are not sure, sir. It may be a ship, a small one, but it keeps fading in and out. It could just be a ghost image."

"Hmmm, keep an eye on it and report any changes."

"Yes sir. Sir! It just came back on the screen. It is close! Very close! It is off the starboard side and closing rapidly!"

Bill looks out his cabin window just in time to see it. The missile fires its engine for the last time and lurches toward Colossus.

"My Kod! It is coming right at me!" Bill exclaims.

Impact.

"Send a distress call!" The watch officer commands.

"We can't! Power fading"

"Where is the Captain? Where is Captain Bill Kerman?"

Meanwhile, the second missile continues with its deadly mission.

Beagle Flight continues.

Edited August 14, 2013 by BostLabs

[KSK]

*Blinks*

Well I didn't see *that* coming. Looks like an inside job if they were able to find and detect Colossus. I wouldn't like to be in their boots when the Director catches up with them though - assuming this isn't an elaborate double cross by the Director

Oh incidentally - loved the explosion screenshot - very nicely done. And that last picture is just splendidly ominous.

[BostLabs]

*Blinks*

Well I didn't see *that* coming. Looks like an inside job if they were able to find and detect Colossus. I wouldn't like to be in their boots when the Director catches up with them though - assuming this isn't an elaborate double cross by the Director

Oh incidentally - loved the explosion screenshot - very nicely done. And that last picture is just splendidly ominous.

Hey, turnabout is fair play. You are the one that got me started in this AAR stuff in the first place. LOL! I'm glad you like it. The behind the scenes for this chapter is going to be fun. It took 4 takes/quick saves to destroy Colossus. First try was a hit, missile exploded nicely. Colossus just sat there as it to say 'oh really?' and then KSP said 'I'm outta here!" and promptly crashed.

Second time was a clean miss (how could I miss something that darn big?).

Third time was a clip. Just got a giagantor solar panel.

Fourth time was the charm and I was surprised KSP didn't bail on me and it was allowing me to grab screen shots.

I'll try to get the next chapter up tonight. I have enough images to make large chapter or two smaller chapters.

In the meantime, ponder this. There is advanced tech in orbit for any to take... If they can get there.

Edited August 14, 2013 by BostLabs

[BostLabs]

Wheedeetdeetdeetdeetdeetdeet

That sound, that horrible sound. it always starts with that sound.

Fire! My aircraft is on fire! Out of control...

Pull up Bill, pull up!

Controls not responding can't pull up. Plane spinning now. Fire getting larger, closer. Ground rushing up to eat me.

EJECT, EJECT, EJECT! BILL EJECT!

I pull the lever, it breaks in my hand. no good, no good. Fire is closer, ground looks hungry.

My Kod, Bill!

I yank the control stick, something moves, plane begins to level. Not enough, not enough…

Fire, noise, jumbled images, pain. 'My ARM!' Pain, PAIN!

Blackness. At least the sound has stopped.

Light. I'm in a room, a bed. I feel numb. No pain, there should be pain.

My arm, it isn't there. It should be there. Who has my arm?

Blackness.

Light. Friends, my friends are here. They look sad...

Blur, fuzzy. KSC. I'm at KSC.

I'm sorry Bill. You can always work in Mission Control.

No, no. that isn't right. I'm a pilot, a pilot. This is wrong, wrong!

Sadness.

Blur, I'm somewhere else. There is a Kerb seated behind a desk. I can't see his face...

Join us Bill. You will fly again.

Yes, yes! This is right, right!

Pain... Fire... Floating...

"We got you Captain. Hold on."

"My Kod, his leg. His suit is fused to his skin. Probably the only thing that kept him alive this long."

"Tie that off. Crap! There is a leak!"

Oxioum levels Low. 25%

"Hand me that patch! Hurry!"

Oxioum levels Low. 22%

"Ok here!"

Oxioum levels Low. 19%

"Ok that should do it. where is that Oxioum supply?"

Oxioum levels Low. 19%

"Here!"

"Ok connecting"

Oxioum levels Low. 20%

"Ok that did it. Let’s get him out of here. You're going to be ok Bill!"

Pain... Light... Darkness...

At least that damn sound isn’t back….

Beagle Flight continues.

Edited August 14, 2013 by BostLabs

[BostLabs]

KSC:

Milby, at his space tracking station was taking a well deserved drink of koffee. It had been a long and boring shift and he was about to go off watch in a few minutes. Gort, his relief, was already at the secondary station to Milby's left, running over the logs and going through his checklist.

Suddenly, the tracking screens light up with multiple small targets and one, very large target. The site of this causes Milby to choke and spit his koffee all over Gort.

"GAh PFFFFTF!" Milby spews out.

"EEEuuuu! Milby, what the heck?"

"cough, cough, cough" Milby points at the screen.

Gort takes one look and his eyes almost pop out of his head.

Both Milby and Gort yell at the same time "GEEEEENE!!!"

Gene Kerbin stands up. He knows when he hears his name yelled like that, it can only be big trouble. He races toward tracking.

Else Where:

He sits at his desk watching a security video replay from just a few moments ago. Watches as the missile plows into Colossus and explodes. The video breaks into static. He turns off the monitor and then presses a button on his desk. Black curtains extend to cover the back wall of his office, covering pictures and awards. Then the main lights of the room go dark and a light from behind him comes on, back lighting him.

This is The Director. Once he is assured that he is in shadow, he activates his communication screen.

A Kerbal appears on the screen. "Yes Director?"

"Massy, I don't care how you have to do it, but launch a rescue mission as quickly as you can. We have associates that need our assistance desperately."

"At once Director!" Massy replied.

"And contact Mr. K and Mr K. I have need of their services." The Director added.

Massy shivered slightly, "At once Director!"

The Director closed the call. "I don't know who you are, my little traitor, but rest assured I will. Oh yes, I will and you will not survive me learning this information. This I promise."

KSC:

Gene Kermin was agog, "Where did that come from? All of that?"

Jo-jo Kerman at KapCom was trying to raise Beagle Flight to inform them what was going on. "Beagle Flight, do you read?"

"I don't know, Gene." Milby replied. "One minute the screen is clean and the next it is full of contacts. Just look at that big one!"

Gene glanced at Gort and at the dripping mess he was with koffee all over him. Gort just nodded.

"Ok," Gene said, "we need to get a recon flight up there as quickly as we can. Flight!"

Jo-jo started relaying information to Bob and Jeb. "Some kind of explosion in orbit. Huge debris. advise you go to alert status. Repeat, Beagle Flight.."

Jon at Flight looked up "I can have a flight up in about an hour Gene. We'll be using the rescue craft."

"Good!" Gene replied.

Meanwhile, Trac Kerman at radar saw something he didn't like. Airspace around KSC was supposed to be closed and restricted right now. But there was a contact on his scope.

"GEEEENE! You'll want to see this!!!" Jon switched his display to the large screen. Gene looked up. "What the karp?"

"Repeat, Beagle Flight, Some kind of explosion in orbit. We advise you go to alert status." Jo-jo sent again.

Gene's eyes flew open, "That's a missil..."

Beagle Flight continues.

Edited August 15, 2013 by BostLabs

[BostLabs]

Lots of content coming up this weekend. As you can see I'm doing more than just screen shots. Takes a bit of time. Also still trying to track down my video card issue.

Radeon HD 6750. The card stops responding and it recovers (or windows 7 does).

I'm using the latest driver but it still does that every once in a while. I'm not even using the Catalysis software. It blows up big time if I allow that to run.

Seems to be a common issue for some.

[BostLabs]

The Mun:

"Beagle Flight, do you read?... Some kind of explosion in orbit. Huge debris. advise you go to alert status. Repeat, Beagle Flight..Some kind of explos'SQUURRAAAAAK!!! ssssssssssssssssssssssssssss...'"

Bob sat in stunned silence in his capsule.

Jeb, on the Mun's surface, turned and looked at Kerbin on the horizon.

"Jeb, what should we do?" Bob asked.

"I'm... I'm not sure Bob." Jeb admitted. "Let me think for a minute."

Bob sat in silence for a minute, then he started noticing a sound. 'tika, tika, tikatikatikatikatikatikatikatikatikatika' "What the heck?"

"What's going on Bob?"

"I'm not sure Jeb" Bob replied. Suddenly, 'BANG!' and the Command Module spun end for end. 'WEETWEETWEETWEET!' Bob reached for his RCS controls to stop the spin when he noticed his fuel gauges. They were plummeting toward zero including the mono propellant. "Oh crud Jeb. I think I got hit by a meteorite! I'm losing fuel. Correction, I lost all my fuel!'

"What?" Jeb exclaimed. Then he felt a shock under his feet. The surface jumped. He recovered and looked behind him. Just in time to see a second meteorite strike the Mun's surface close by. "Crap, Crap, Crap!!!" He said and started moving to Beagle I as fast as he could move.

"The rocks are falling all around me Bob!"

Else where:

Massy burst out of his office and entered the VAB. Modeled very much after KSC's VAB it had everything that the KSC did and then some.

"Foreman DarrK, Foreman Darrk!" Massy yelled to be heard over the clamor that seemed to fill the VAB even when it appeared nothing was going on.

A Kerbal standing in the middle of the chaos turned and faced Massy. Seeing who it was he quickly trotted over to Massy as quickly as he could. Dodging under a fuel tank that was being moved into proper placement on a spacecraft, violating every safety rule in the VAB.

"Yes sir Doc Massy?" Darrk inquired while skidding to a halt.

Massy has and holds many titles and degrees, but his team has always called him Doc. Seeing on how these guys perform miracles for him every day he allows it. And truth be known, he is proud that his men thought highly enough of him that they gave him a nickname. So Doc it is.

"Darrk, Colossus was attacked and is out of commission. We need to get a ship up there as quickly as we can. We have Kerbs that need our help."

Darrk gasped, this was the first he had heard of the fate of Colossus. "Doc, anything we have ready won't do for a rescue mission."

"What about the prototype Darrk?" Massy asked.

"Doc, that has never flown!" Darrk replied while going over his clipboard.

"Will it?" Massy pressed.

"We've been using it as a test platform to test upgrades to Colossus before we shipped them. All we should have to do is fuel it, remove the monitor lines and haul it out to the pad." Darrk said as he looked toward the far back of the VAB where the ship stood. "She also has the Airlock section that we were considering to put on Colossus." he added.

"Do it! Leave the airlock in place. I'll get a crew ready." Massy said as he sped away toward another section of the massive VAB.

Darrk pulled a whistle from his shirt pocket and gave it 3 hard blasts.

'WHEEEET! WHEEEET! WHEEEEEEEEET!'

All action around the VAB stopped.

"Alright boys, we have a new task. Pull the test equipment from the Alliance prototype, don't remove the airlock, fuel her up and get her ready for a flight. We've got Kerbs to save!"

No questions were asked as the VAB team leaped into action.

"Crawler team, prep your mover. You have a lady that needs a ride to the pad."

"Yes Chief!" the team shouted as they ran for the massive mover.

"We'll get this done for you Doc, you can count on it!" DArrk said to himself as he stowed his clipboard and ran to help.

Later:

Camouflage netting removed from the pad, the Alliance was on the pad. Fueled and crewed, ready for a flight.

"All systems go!"

"10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1, Lift off!"

Colossus:

"Hold on Bill." The on board Doctor said as he continued to try to keep Bill stable. "Help will arrive soon."

Beagle Flight Continues.

Edited August 17, 2013 by BostLabs

[BostLabs]

KSC:

Mission Control was a mess.

Gene was trying to coax the main display screen to life but wasn't having much luck.

The KSC Fire Chief found him by the main power panel for the screen. "Gene, most of the fires are out. It shouldn't be much longer to finish up. We got lucky that darn missile detonated short. If that had hit..."

"Yes I know. KSC would have been vaporized." Gene replied. "Good work Chief."

Jo-jo was just placing panel back on the main radio. "Gene, I think the radio is fine, but all we can get is local stuff until the tracking station is back online."

Gene looked out the shattered window at the smoking mess that the tracking station turned into. "Well I guess we have to make do until then."

The VAB and the launch pad seemed to be in the best shape of the whole base. Jon told him that it would take about twice as long as he first estimated, but as soon as he got the all clear from the Fire Chief, he could start to prep the rescue/recon ship.

Gene look out into the smoky sky. "I hope Bob and Jeb are alright."

The Mun:

Jeb had managed to get into Beagle I and ride out the storm. The two larger rocks that chased him into the ship seemed to be the worse. Everything else was smaller than a grain of sand and appeared to not cause Beagle I any damage.

Bob on the other hand was in trouble.

"Jeb, I had to shut down the CM. I'm running on cabin systems now. I'm OK on air for now, but..." Bob radioed.

"I hear ya buddy. Hang tight. I'm saddling up. We'll get through this."

Jeb knew he had to lighten Beagle I so all samples he spent days collecting had to go. His trash as well. He hated trashing up the Mun, but he would need all the fuel he had to get Bob back home. And there is only room for one in Beagle I.

The last of the trash bags sailed out to the Mun surface. Jeb shut the lander's hatch and started pre-launch checklist.

Checklist completed, he checked on Bobs position. Close timing for dumb luck. Bob was moving into intercept soon.

Time to go.

"I'm lifting off Bob. See you soon."

A short time later, Jeb is approaching Beagle II. "Ok Bob, you are going to have to ditch the CM."

"Stand-by." Bob closed the staging circuit and the decoupler blew and separated the CM from the capsule. "CM away Jeb!"

Jeb adjusted his approach slightly and started final docking.

"Just a few more minutes, Bob. How are you doing?"

"The capsules systems are working fine, Jeb. However, I'll need a lift." Bob joked.

"Still got your coin buddy" Jeb replied.

"Oh yes, Jeb."

"Good, because we are going to need it to pull this off."

"OK, just a little bit more"

'Thump!'

"Whew! I feel much better Jeb." Bob sent over the intercom.

Jeb opened the docking hatch. "Did someone here call for a taxi?" He said with a grin. "Lets work up a return maneuver."

"Ok Bob, hold on to your hat." Jeb said a bit later as they approached the burn point.

"Here we go!"

Beagle Flight continues.

Edited August 17, 2013 by BostLabs

[BostLabs]

Hah! I just realized. I should change the combined ship name to beagle 13. LOL.