Oceans of Eve / The city on the Mun

[Tw1]

Also, was some really old krusty Kerbal the skeptic? Because he is a fool, methinks.

Yep! A really old kerbal with a hat, coat, cane, and a wispy beard. He's a little too cynical for his own good. Krusty Kerbal sounds like it'd make an interesting fast food chain...

I've got to say, you have some INCREDIBLE builds in this story. I love your stage setup and the little details like microphones for the conference announcement.

Thanks!

My only question though, is in part 1, what is the mod (or construction methodology) on the rail transport system for kethane? I didnt recognize anything from your mod screenshots that looked like it might be that system.

The mod was something I was working on myself. It was going to be a railways mod based on Kerbtown, but ran into some limitations with the plugin. I had ideas of how to overcome them, but they involved borrowing (if permitted) and altering code from other plugins, and that's beyond me. It's (mostly)-permanently shelved.

It would've been called TWRail, because I love a good pun.

If you have kerbtown, you can have a go of what I did make here if you want, https://www.dropbox.com/s/igrzfcfip9wpi1j/TWRail.zip, but no guarenties.

Edited April 25, 2014 by Tw1

[KeithStone]

Thanks. I have an idea for something using your idea, but it wouldn't be a mod. We'll see how things go, the railway concept is good tho.

[Dodgey]

Can't wait to read the rest of this! Keep it up!

[Tw1]

Something that's been on my mind for a while- it's now been some time since the Mun got cratered. I'm linking this dev blog incase someone who didn't play those versions doesn't know about the Mun's update last year, so the current Jeb, Bill, Bob subplot makes a little more sense.

Basically, the Mun was more smooth. Then it changed.

http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/entries/667-Procedural-Craters

Now that it's not going to distract from a story part release, this little thing can also be archived here.

Posted this a little before the launch, felt it should be in here somewhere.

Tw1 said:

♫Woah-oh!♪

♪♫We're heading for Eve ♪ (Ee-ve)... ♫And so we stand tall.♫♫

*guitar sound*

♫And maybe we'll comebaaack... To Kerbin, who can tell...yeah♪

♫♫ With so many light-seconds to go... and things to found!♫ (To be fou-ouund) ♫♫

♪♪Will things ever be the same again? ♪♪

*Drum sounds.*

(Bum ba-dum bump bum bum.)

♪♪Its the final countdown!♫

♫ Da-da da. Da da dat-da dah. ♪♪ Da-da dah da. ♫Da da dat dat dat da...♫

Next installment might be in a fortnight or two, it depends on stuff.

Edited August 18, 2019 by Tw1

[SpaceSphereOfDeath]

Just finished reading through the story, all I can say is that it will be a worthy replacement to the grand tour.

[mstachowsky]

This is awesome, keep it up!

[Tw1]

I was hoping to post my regular "This ain't dead" type comment here, as the game play for the next instalment is almost complete, but unfortunately, I also have to tell you a glitch happened.

Still not quite sure how it got like this:

This wasn't too bad-when the kerbals are in it, it's not so noticeable. But the little rover wasn't the only thing affected:

If I left it looking like this, it would detract from the story.

So I had to replace some vessels. Triplogger information was successfully updated, though MET is being stubborn.

Until then, here's a picture of Evepod when I accidentally pulled its outer shells off in the SPH somehow.

Edit: Next one almost complete! I'm saving my 3000th post for it.

Edited July 3, 2014 by Tw1

[The Error]

Huh. That's... different.

And I like the Evepod's new look. All... spiky.

[Joshwoo70]

Nothing here

Is this dead,??

Edited July 3, 2014 by Joshwoo69
mearging

[Joshwoo70]

Please delete this tks

Edited July 3, 2014 by Joshwoo69

[Tw1]

* * *

Prograde City Greenhouse Module

Mallie: "Well %#$%@."

Mallie: "Another batch contaminated."

Joefell: "Do you think you can recover it?"

Mallie: "It's doubtful. I've been reprocessing most of the fertilizer, but I really need a fresh batch of organic matter. This Mun dust is useless without it. "

Mallie: "You know, I'm a little sick of this whole total independence dealie. Truth is, we're not ready."

She turned to face Kerbin.

Mallie: "Most of us decided we'd become a citizen of Mun. I'm one of the ones who didn't. Sometimes, I wish I was back down there."

* * *

The Mun's South Pole.

Bill: "Jeb. Something has come to my attention. How does this stop contribute to our mission?"

Jeb: "We just got awesome measurements of the pyramid hills! And Bob's been taking fresh samples of regolith that never sees sunlight!"

Bill: "True. We've also put the flag of Prograde City over the Mun's South Pole. But the polar impact basins do not show new craterisation.

This data collection should be a task for a different mission."

Jeb: "Maybe it's as a control?"

Bill: "Something to ask our mission control later. Though Starbug's fuel level is a more immediate concern."

Once inside....

Bill: "There is a kethane field not far from the next site on our schedule. If we divert there, we can refuel. We then should have more than sufficient fuel to complete the mission."

Bob: "Ok, seems like a good plan to me."

Jeb: "Awesome. Let's do it."

Yay for polar camera weirdness.

* * *

Hammerhead point, Eve

Thick clouds hang low overhead. Watsan believed then to be volcanic ash- this would account for their mineral content, as well as last nights' seismic readings.

This volcano was many hundred km in the east- not an immediate concern.

Today Wastan would begin his travels across Eve. One last test of the wheels:

Watsan (to log): "Wheel functionality confirmed. I'm about to begin the drive."

He loosened the brakes, put power to the wheels, and Evepod rolled forward, into the mist.

Evepod traversed the sands at a pleasant speed. Steering responded well, and traction was within predicted levels. Before long, he could see the Eveian sea. As he approached, the geiger counter's ticks increased, yet the needle stayed inside the 'safe' zone.

Closer inspection revealed a system of lagoon-esq lakes. There was a good chance these were a lot shallower than the bay, and therefore, a safer option.

He turned, and drove towards one of the lakes. He stopped, slowed down, and edged up to it, with caution.

But what do you think he did first, when he reached the 'water'?

Well, he went fishing.

Yep. Fishing.

Mun prograde--

Acutally- I lied. He wasn't really fishing, not exactly. He knew there'd be no catch- this was an experiment.

His "lure" was a spare tile for Evepod's outer hull. Designed to both insulate heat, and be chemically inert, if it dissolved at all, the entire mission would be compromised.

After an hour of "fishing", Watsan returned to Evepod to inspect the tile.

No mass change. No visual damage. Good. Now, time to get an ocean sample...

* * *

Prograde City Communication Station

Technically, that is just the antenna. But a cool pic, no?

Gene: "KSC to Prograde City. Come in Prograde City."

Seebus: "Prograde City, We are receiving you."

Mallie: "Hey Gene! Great to finally hear from you!"

Gene:"Hello, now that Watsan's safely down, the UN should soon lift the embargo. We should be able to offer you more assistance and supplies."

Mallie: "Yes please! I'm uploadin' a list now!"

Gene "Is commander Dontop there?"

The chamber door swooshed open:

Dontop:" Yes! I am!"

He dashed to the control panel, reached beneath it, then -*SNAP*

The console went blank.

This is not the achieve hall. Why would you think that. Entirely different.

Seetop: "That was the main bus! This will take hours to reset!:0.0:"

Mallie: "Dontop, what the %#$%@ are you doing?"

Dontop stepped back, hands shaking.

Dontop: "I'm stopping you making an awful mistake!"

He turned and stepped out, and the door swished shut...

* * *

The South West Farside Midlands of the Mun

Bob: "Ok, there is the marker. So where is the kethane plant?"

Jeb: "Look! Over there!"

Bill: "Is he.. drilling while driving?"

Bob: "How is that even possible?"

* * *

Rondred: "Greetings. I am Rondred. What may I offer you today?"

Bill: "We need 3094 units of liquid fuel. 3782 units of oxidiser. And 76 units of monopropellant, please."

Rondred squinted.

Rondred: "Are you...Bill Kerman?"

Bill: "Correct :)"

Jeb: "I'm Jeb!"

Bob: "I'm Bob."

Rondred: "The first men in space! A pleasure to meet you. "

Bob: "Are there any unusual craters nearby? We're currently studying the crater phenomenon!"

Rondred: "Craters.... Yes.. If you go roughly north, is a crater with a most prominent rebound feature... If you then head south west, there is a magnificent set of complex craters, with a floor almost at datum level."

Jeb: "Alright! I call shot gun!"

Bill: "You two go. Rondred, do you have notes? I'd very much like to see them."

Rondred: "It would be my pleasure!"

* * *

Eve, near a yet unnamed bay.

The analysis results were in: hydrocarbons and water, sulfides, anthocyanins, large traces of mercury, blutonium, rubidium, cadmium, iodine, boronate, suspended quartz particles....

Not exactly tapwater, but none the less, a match confirming what the earlier, sons of Adam" rovers found. This was an excellent result.

One quick test of the aquatic propulsion system:

These can't be set up with action groups.

And Evepod was ready for a quick dip. In and out, just to test:

Success! Evepod is ready to go to sea.

* * *

Watsan inspected the shoreline. He found a band of darker sands, just above the waterline. On Kerbin, he would assume this to be a tide line, but Gilly's influence was nearly negligible. Could it be from storm swell?

Something had to be topping up those lakes. Could there be rain in this hot environment? Maybe.

The Map Makers club had told him "If in doubt, name features after women from history or mythology." So Watsan named this location, The Bay of Ursula.

Watsan had largely been given free range with his schedule.

Wernher: "As long as you are following the safety procedures and the science plan, you are in charge of the movements."

The next logical target was the middle of the bay, and then, the large mountain.

He gathered up his peble samples, climbed back aboard.

The water grew gradually deeper, Watsan stopped a few times to calibrate the sonar, dropping the tube to measure distance to the seabed.

He motored along, watching Eve's first artificial swell. He took care not to got too close to the edge, so as not to cause erosion.

Meanwhile in the main cabin, Squishy was alone, and bored. At least he wasn't stuck in that little jar again.

He slid around the chamber, pulling at the controls, but Watsan had remembered to lock them.

He watched, as the shore moved closer.

Upon reaching the other side, Watsan decided to return inside, for a small break.

He found Squishy, waiting for him the other side of the air lock.

Watsan: "Did you miss me? Hmm."

He bent down, and patted Squishy on the bulb. Perhaps having some company would not be so bad after all.

* * *

The South West Farside Midlands of the Mun

Rondred: "...It does get a bit lonely, but my... partner is back at our base, and we keep each other company. And since Prograde City finished the satellite network, TV reception has vastly improved. When I was young, I used to look up at the Mun, and now, I live on it! I run a fuel station on the Mun! Commercialisation of space..... I'm a pioneer of the future."

Rondred: "It's been a pleasure, Bill, it truly has."

Bill: "Same here. You leaving now?"

Rondred: "There is one important matter... "

He pulled a electronic clipboard out from his pack.

Rondred: "Will that be cash, cheque, or credit card?"

* * *

Later...

Bob: "Still no reply from Prograde City?"

Bill: "No. I've been trying for hours. Their equipment must be down."

Jeb: "Meh! Doesn't matter! We know where we're going!"

Jeb: "Brace for liftoff!"

* * *

Eve, edge of the Bay of Ursula...

Evepod proceeded, up, up the slope, bouncing on the uneven terrain. In to the murk and mess that are the clouds of Eve.

After some time, it came to a flat section. Watsan took this opportunity to walk around among those clouds, and to take a few samples.

But this was barely a third of the way. The steepest slope was yet to come.

Evepod struggled, up through thick breccia and sand, wheels slipping, sliding, even breaking.

Every hundred meters or so, Watsan climbed down into the darkening murk, to re-form the tires.

Evepod slipped and rattled, failing to gain traction unless the bracing wheels were retracted. Clearly, something about the suspension was off.

But slowly, the surrounding environment began to change.

The clouds got thinner. The temperature was almost 20 degrees cooler than sea level. And light was starting to get through.

As he finally rounded the top of the mountain, the stars came into view. Watsan could make out some of the brightest ones -Betelgeuse, Sirius, Sol. Now this was more like the Eve from those old sci-fi comics.

Watsan named the Mountain Mt Venus, in keeping with the theme. Then, he noticed a flashing green light in his helmet HUD. A message from KSC!

Bobak: "Hi, this is KSC. Please hold your position, we have important instructions re your mission. It's about Support Probe."

* * *

Dontop's private chamber, Mun.

Seetop: "So, bro, tell me: What was this business about the transmitter that happened earlier?"

Dontop: "They were compromising our independence, and dealing with KSC! I stopped it."

Seetop: "Well, just as well you dealt with it, we can't have that can we?"

Dontop: "That's right! We are a strong, independent, self-sustaining city! We are!"

Seetop: "I'll drink to that bro! Here's to that!"

* * *

Edited July 8, 2015 by Tw1
3000th post!

[The Jedi Master]

How will Prograde City survive without KSC contact? How will Mallie handle this? What is the purpose of the South Pole mission? Will Watsan return to Kerbin one day?

Find out, in the next installment of Oceans of Eve, a tale well calculated to keep you in...

Suspense!

[Rhyunix]

I love it! How did you take those photos inside the helmet of Watsan?

[The Error]

I think there's a first person EVA mod... can't remember the link offhand and too lazt to search for it, sorry

Cool chapter. Suspense of the Mun! Suspense on Eve! Suspense IN SPACE!

[Tw1]

I think there's a first person EVA mod... can't remember the link offhand and too lazt to search for it, sorry

Cool chapter. Suspense of the Mun! Suspense on Eve! Suspense IN SPACE!

Much suspense! Yes, I am using a mod called ForceIVA, with the force option set to false. It's pretty useful.

Also, as I've been in a poster making mood lately, I whipped up one for this:

There should be about two more "parts" before the end of this "Chapter" under my convoluted partitioning scheme.

I'm not going to give an ETA for the next bit, as I never meet them. It will come, it should be cool, I hope you all come and read it.

Edited July 6, 2014 by Tw1
3,003! Palindromic post number!

[Rainbowtrout]

Very nice! The idea of "gas stations" on the Mun is a good one; reminds me of long freeway/motorway treks.

[ZodiaK]

is this dead?

[Tw1]

is this dead?

Nope! It just doesn't update very often, because life and busyness.

Actually, if there's any of you clever 3d modeller type people looking, who has some spare time, would you possibly be able to make me a model of this guy?

There's only so much I can do by Photoshoping stills from the video, so to smooth things out by having a model to work with would be awesome.

Edited August 24, 2014 by Tw1

[RobotsAndSpaceships]

I heard this is coming back. So excited.

[LABHOUSE]

I can make a model but it may take a bit and it won't be very good or have a ultra high poly count.

[LABHOUSE]

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model.html?id=ua072fb44-c4a7-45d6-acfa-dd778058f69b

<iframe src="https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/embed.html?mid=ua072fb44-c4a7-45d6-acfa-dd778058f69b&width=400&height=300" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" width="400" height="300" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Tw1]

Nice. I will need to make some changes, though, at the moment it would look a bit odd replacing the PhotoShop version. I'm much better at modifying stuff than making it from scratch.

I'm hoping to have the next part of this out at the end of this month, depending on exams and work.

[The Error]

moar tw1!

Dis gon b gud

[LABHOUSE]

Can't wait to see the next part.

[Tw1]

Photography is almost complete, but there may be some small delay as the power socket and battery on my computer are starting to play up, and I may need to take it in for repairs before I get to writing.

I just have a few more scenes to play out on the Mun, but there where some amusing 'bloopers' that happened today. The least spoilery one of the bunch:

Seeing as it's been so long, I'm going to do my best to make sure this is a good one.

(Though no part of the plot is being changed in the slightest.)

I'm up to the photoshopping stage. Here's a little something I made a few months back....

Edited December 6, 2014 by Tw1