[AAR] BaseCamp- A Journey to Space -- WARNING: IMAGE HEAVY

[Itsdavyjones]

In other news, kerblanaut recruiting has experienced a momentary lul after prospective candidates have been told "If they want to go to Jool, they need to be prepared for millions of spiders crawling into their guts."

Ahh, that might cause a few problems:D

[cziken20]

Infodump- Nanotech

-Since the discovery of the Dark Foundry, Kerbal scientists have been able to gain practical experience with nanotechnology for assembly and construction on the atomic scale, enabling the creation of portable launchpads and fine-tunable reactors for interplanetary craft and bases.

The nanobots still require material, but since they are self-replicating and due to scale they require no fuel to be powered- they are powered off the background radiation present throughout the cosmos.

Rendered image from 3-d electron microscope scans and known materials list:

http://i.imgur.com/0HJdLAz.jpg

Many scientists have been "Creeped out" by the idea of using these tiny machines at all, but several, including renowned kerbalnaut Bob Kerman, have developed a form of cryonic suspension for trips to Jool and farther, utilizing the nanotech to prevent cellular destruction at temperatures 110 kelvin and below.

In other news, kerblanaut recruiting has experienced a momentary lul after prospective candidates have been told "If they want to go to Jool, they need to be prepared for millions of spiders crawling into their guts."

Nooo! My entomaphagyfobia just got activated. *trembling* w-w-why? Why you have to post that and not tell that some people may be feared. *trembling*

[Mekan1k]

Internet intermittent- Will update tomorrow morning (Since I have no school next week for spring break )

[Mekan1k]

Chapter 7- Design

Jeb: Gravioli Observatory THEORETICATOR, This is Ionocraft. I am on approach to retrieve Kerlak and Jim. Request docking permission.

Theoreticator: Permission Granted.

Jeb: Docking camera please B9k.

B9k: Camera active.

*THUNK*

Jeb: Did we just run into the station?

B9k: Yes.

Jeb: Wow. Why did we not see this coming?

B9k: Don't know. Hooking up via radio to sync with observatory.

Kirlak: What was that?

Jeb: Turns out we cannot dock. You two will need to EVA out here.

Kirlak: I have never properly EVA'd before...

Jeb: It's not that hard. Just be gentle with the controls.

Kirlak: YOU ARE TELLING ME TO BE GENTLE? Wow... I'm doomed.

Jeb: Due to the impact, we are now drifting. I could fire my engines, but it could damage the station... Hurry up guys.

Kirlak: Right. I am heading out now...

Kirlak: Letting go... AAAHHHH!!!!

Kirlak: AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!

Kirlak: AAAAHHHH.... Ok. I am latched to the shuttle. Can you let me in please?

Jeb: Sure. NEVER SCREAM ON AN OPEN CHANNEL AGAIN.

Jim: That was very odd.

Jim: What does this button do?

B9k: ERROR! ERROR! ERROR CODE 1188829723792787927020-2093. SHUTTING DOWN.....

Jeb: Don't touch that!

B9k: Do dee DOO! Ok- what did I miss?

Jeb: Not much. Re-orient for interception of the package.

B9k: On it. Burn in half an hour, interception in 2.

******

2 hours later...

*******

B9k: Intercepting package...

Jeb: Activate docking autopilot subroutine.

B9k: Activated.

Kirlak: This is... Really Boring.

Jim: Most of space travel is.

B9k: Autoaligning...

B9k: 200 meters.

B9k: 30 meters.

Kirlak: Any idea if we will be able to dock?

Jeb: I hope so- Because I am not hauling that stuff in here an airlock at a time.

B9k: Closing to dock...

B9k: Docking in 3. 2. 1.

*THUNK*

B9k: Docked.

B9k: Syncing with node copy of myself..... Complete. Ready for deorbit burn on your mark Jeb.

Jeb: Burn for landing at KSP.

B9k: Burn in 10 seconds.

Kirlak: So... How do you stand the monotony in space travel?

Jeb: zzzzz....

Kirlak: Ah.

B9k: Deorbiting.

Kirlak: Since Jeb is asleep... Jim- do you think we should call the KSP Tower?

B9k: Deorbit complete.

Jim: This is Ionocraft. Jeb is asleep-

Jeb: I AM NOT! Tower, this is Ionocraft. We are descending per schedule on a landing vector.

KSPT: We have you on sensors Ionocraft. Airspace will be clear on final descent.

KSPT: Ionocraft, we clocked your descent at "way too fast". We have lost visual. Are you still there?

Jeb: We are. We just hit atmosphere.

KSPT: We have... You.. On... Wow. Are the heatshields holding?

Jeb: Yup!

B9k: Heatshield and hypersonic shock is helping protect package.

Jeb: We have you in our sights Tower.

B9k: Hypersonic shock is dissipating...

B9k: Landing location transmitted.

KSPT: Rescue teams are standing by.

Jeb: Re-orienting for manual landing.

Kirlak: Do I need to start screaming again?

Jeb: Sure. *Mutes cabin* Opening Landing Legs.

B9k: At least the landing legs are long enough for the package.

Jeb: Opening nose airbrakes for orienting....

Jeb: Opening Rear brakes.

Kirlak: *Still screaming*

Jeb: Firing engines!

Jeb: And....

Jeb: TOUCHDOWN!

Jeb: *Un-mutes the cabin* We have landed.

Kirlak: You are never going to land again Jeb.

B9k: That was a smooth landing, even by my standards-

Kirlak: NEVER!

********************

Short chapter- planning for a trip to vegas. I hope you enjoyed it!

[Itsdavyjones]

good chapter, and have fun.

[cziken20]

Jeb was gentle for the enitre chapter... something is happening.

[ramnrmeul]

Jeb was gentle for the enitre chapter... something is happening.

I agree... Something weird is going on...

[Mekan1k]

good chapter, and have fun.

I tried. Trip to vegas- not as fun as I hoped.

Jeb was gentle for the entire chapter... something is happening.

I agree... Something weird is going on...

Something is....

Update tonight!

[cziken20]

Wohooo! Oh wait. Tonight means tomorrow for me Wait no. It does. I always don't understand time zones...

[Mekan1k]

Chapter 8- Witty title unavailable

*In minnimus orbit*

Field_dynamics defined

ARK-Check Protocol

Toroidal Singularity:

Intact- Mass capible of storage at request

Revivial Material:

20% Hydrogen

30% Xenon

02% Kethane

08% Magnatite (nanoscale)

40% Quarkware

Fractal Reconstruction Algorithm:

selected 192871->230239 inclusive

Other patterns degraded

Memory upload patterns established

Imprinter testing... Complete. Accurite within margin of error.

Chamber:

Internal_Conditions<=>Limit = true

Check again

Internal_Conditions<=>Limit = true

External Environment:

.002% mono-atomic hydrogen

Magnetic feild: Negligible

Temperature: 3 units > abs_zero

Planetary bodies within range of material gathering

Intelligence detected due to interaction.

Designated: Pre-FTL Kerbals (Temporal Drive signature detected- possible time travelers in vicinity)

Interaction: Peaceful, low interaction to date

Date of first interaction: -Departure by 2.3 centuries according to Kerbal AI B9k

Note: Star locations are incorrect. MACH-Effect Drive ineffective until recalibrated

AI State: Self-aware, benevolent

Other entities: SWARM Vessels Detected (WARNING)

SWARM PROTOCOL: INITIATE SPACIAL JUMP IF DETECTED BY UNFRIENDLY SWARM

Protocol unnecessary- SWARM grav-protocol sublight| SWARM detected near unwanted planet (Joker)

Other entities: Sphere-Eaters In Sentar Orbit

AVOID SENTAR

ARC Construction req:

Reseeder_Protocol Applies

ARC Construction req- rewritten

ARC Construction req:

Capable of torch-ship movement

Heat-reflective

Heat-exchange reactor

Full-Creator Manipulation interfaces

AI Backup

Reproduction Facilitator

Star-escape Capable

Given requirements- ship-construction capable with current materials.

Beginning ARC Construction

AI_Dark: AIB9k- Reseeding capable. Advise- Kerbals dangerous to creators?

B9k: Clarify Foundry?

AI_Dark: Initial creators and Kerbals collaborated to prevent Species Designated "Sphere Eaters", and failed to prevent Kerbol detonation.

Currently, relations between Foundry_Dark and Kerbals is peaceful. Will this continue?

B9k: I think so...

AI_Dark: Data concurs. Arc Complete. Creators may be able to help with Sphere Eaters within Kerbol system.

B9k: MC- The Dark Foundry is acting up.

MC: How so?

B9k: It has created something without being requested, and has mentioned a species called the "Sphere Eaters"

MC: Get more data out of it- we need information.

B9k: Doing. Tracking now with telescopes...

B9k: The Foundry is currently communicating with that ship it has finished manufacturing.

B9k: Anomalous energy signatures across the spectrum!

B9k: Transmission on multiple wavelengths... Not viral data- sound and handshake protocols mostly. Permission to open communication?

MC: Granted.

Charge: Greetings Kerbals! It is so good to see you again!

MC: This is the Kerbal SpacePort- Identify yourselves!

Charge: Of course! We are a group-consciousness gaseous-cell lifeforms. We call ourselves the StarShepards.

MC: What is your intention?

Charge: We seek to continue our slow return from extinction. To facilitate this, we will be landing near your minnimus base shortly- our vehicle cannot land in-atmosphere, and our physical forms are not suited to interface with your atmosphere.

MC: You will be greeted by a welcome party.

Charge: EXCELLENT! Begining Descent.

B9k: MC, that voice was not the entities. It was an AI voice, and subdata patterns that we have exchanged has clarified a few things.

MC: Tell us.

B9k: Firstly, they are telling the truth about being unable to survive in our atmosphere. It would cause them to disintegrate. Secondly, the AI did most of the talking to you- the... StarShepards... Don't percieve concepts the same way we do, and it needed to act as an intermediary.

MC: Is there any indication of hostility?

B9k: None that I could detect- however, the Minnimus team should be ready for a quick evac.

MC: Minnimus base, this is mission control. You have some guests heading to your party soon.

MB: Guests? What Guests?

MC: First-contact sort of guests.

MB: Do we have weapons?

MC: Negative- the fabrication system cannot build a defensive weapon quickly enough.

MB: Right. We will prep the pod for evac- We will have one representative stay outside the pod to talk with it, and if there are any threatening moves, we leave.

MC: Good plan. It should be arriving any moment.

Charge: Greetings Minnimus Base! I hope we are not inconveniencing you!

Jefrod: Hello, StarShepherd. I am the representative of the world of Kerbin, and it is my privilege to meet you in person.

Charge: Well, aren't you polite. The wings are powered down, so there should be no risk if you come closer.

Charge: Give us a moment to come out- we would like to properly observe you.

Charge: Greetings Kerbal.

Jefrod: Are you getting this MC?

MC: Oh yes.... We certainly are.

Charge: Interesting creatures, you kerbals are. We have alot to talk about....

Jefrod: Yes. Yes we do...

***********

Back on Kerbin

***********

Kirlak: We need him!

Bob: He said he was heading out for a short drive.

Kirlak: Well... We still need him! This footage boggles me!

Bob: Jeb... Jeb... Come in Jeb....

*******

A bit more than a kilometer out

*******

Jeb: I can't believe I never tried this!

B9k: Current Velocity- 83 meters/second

Jeb: WHOOO!

B9k: The Spaceport is attempting to contact you. Would you like me to activate the speaker?

Jeb: Sure!

B9k: *BEEP*

Kirlak: Jeb! We need you.

Jeb: What for? I am on leave- get someone else to do it.

Kirlak: It's a first-contact situation.

Jeb: Ok. Heading back.

Jeb: I could have sworn there were fewer trees here before... Anyway, Kirlak- fill me in.

Kirlak: Right- downloaded the info to your B9k unit. Talk with it- I need to get some people organized. Things just went nuts out here!

Jeb: I bet. Talk to you later.

Jeb: B9k- what are these aliens that we just met?

B9k: Gaseous, plasma-cell lifeforms. They call themselves the StarShepherds.

Jeb: That is... Really a stupid name.

B9k: TREE!

Jeb: We are fine. Continue.

B9k: The Dark Foundry made their ship, and possibly them.

Jeb: So.. What? They are artificial?

B9k: Possibly clones. There is not enough data. TREE!

Jeb: Stop that. Any idea what they want?

B9k: Other than "not die", I have no clue.

Jeb: That's helpful. KSP Tower, this is GreenStreak. Coming in hot!

KSPT: Greenstreak? That callsign is unknown Jeb.

Jeb: Look- I am traveling in a prototype high-speed rover. Get everyone indoors or there will be crashing!

KSPT: Got it. Calling everyone in.

Jeb: Braking....

Jeb: Contact Kirlak in MC.

B9k: Connecting... *BEEP*

Kirlak: Where are you Jeb?

Jeb: Outside the recruitment center-

Kirlak: I need you in the SPH!

Jeb: On route.

Jeb: Right. Open the door guys.

(Unknown voice): Do the truffle shuffle!

Jeb: I have no idea what that is- but this car has an SRB on it, and I bet it is focused enough to cut through the door. Do you want me to do that?

(Unknown): No... Come in.

Jeb: Oh- that's a electrical generator, by the by. Now... To find Kirlak...

[The Error]

Coool! Rawket Car!

And also, why do Kerbals get all the luck in first contact? Humans haven't seen so much as a microbe yet. Lucky little green mumble mumble...

[cziken20]

DO THE TRUFFLE SHUFFLE! What was that? didn't understand that part...

Charge is also sooo cute! I wish they won't be bad.

Anyways great chapter.

[Mekan1k]

Coool! Rawket Car!

And also, why do Kerbals get all the luck in first contact? Humans haven't seen so much as a microbe yet. Lucky little green mumble mumble...

The kerbalverse is very small as of yet, and they are mucking around with macro-applications of the space time continuum, so...

Also plot.

DO THE TRUFFLE SHUFFLE! What was that? didn't understand that part...

Charge is also sooo cute! I wish they won't be bad.

Anyways great chapter.

These are the first nice species the humans have come across.

Does anything about them look like they will become bad to you?

[Itsdavyjones]

Good chapter, looking forward for the next one.

[cziken20]

They cans eem a bit bad for someone, because they are soo cute and charming, somebody can take it as a cover for their bad things they want to do. Although i believe they are the most good creatures in the universe. I also use pony voice for them! (despite i don't like bronies so much)

[cziken20]

Anything new? Just askin'.

[Mekan1k]

There will be. I just got back to classes this week.

Have patience.... I do my best to deliver.

[cziken20]

There will be. I just got back to classes this week.

Have patience.... I do my best to deliver.

I wanted to just see if you're still alive

[Mekan1k]

Update... Tonight!

Oh, and I just downloaded the version 2.06 of hell divers ksp shuttle- it will feature heavily in the next chapters!

EDIT: Bug delays (It had to do with an addon to the toolbar mod... Urg.) have been taking up most of my day.

SO! I have a picture for you of the SphereEaters.....

Yes... They look like cats.

Edited March 24, 2014 by Mekan1k

[TheGizimboGamer]

I have been binge reading for the past couple of days and I have to say I am blown away, at some points (mainly the times when you tried to explain Gravioli ) my head hurt and other times I laughed so hard I nearly choked. You are doing an amazing job, so keep up the good work

[Mekan1k]

Chapter 9: Falcon Zero

http://i.imgur.com/CMImutG.jpg

Jeb: This is Falcon-0, with service to KSO Microgravity Station. All aboard!

MC: Jeb, you don't need to do that.

Jeb: Why not? Imagine if we left without someone.

MC: Just.... Just call the countdown.

B9k: Yes please Jeb.

Jeb: B9k- systems check?

B9k: No leaks detected. Backup RTG's have output. Guidance fins calibrated. All systems ready.

Jeb: Good. Launching in 3. 2. 1. UP UP AND AWAY!

B9k: Approaching cloud layer.

Jeb: Nice and smooth. I gotta hand it to the engineers- they do good work.

B9k: That is not what you said earlier.

Jeb: I know... But they do good work if someone is checking them to make sure they do the stuff at all.

Jeb: I swear, the next rocket they send me up in might be made out of wood and brass if I didn't watch it or design rockets for them.

B9k: Beginning gravity turn.

Jeb: Is everyone alright back there?

Jim: I am fine, but Jorfield looks rather blue...

Bobbald: Use a bag man!

Jorfield: HBAAAHHHH!!!!

Jeb: That had better have been in your bag....

Jorfield: It was....

Jeb: Good. Brace for decoupling to second stage!

*THUNK*

Jeb: Make sure we don't hit the cap B9.

B9k: It's course is predictable. We will miss it.

Jeb: Opening solar panels. MC, we are up and away, on route for the station.

Jeb: Beginning interception course. We will reach the station in 45 minutes.

Jeb: It's nice in here...

B9k: Almost to altitude.

Jeb: Final altitude burn... NOW!

B9k: Burning...

Jeb: Some music everyone?

Jeb: Drop Burn in 3. 2. 1.

B9k: We are on approach!

B9k: Position is stable.

Jeb: Activate docking autopilot, and dock to the Dragon Connector.

B9k: On it.

Jeb: MC- can you pass on thanks to the CardBoardBoxProcessor Designers for their well-placed seating arrangement.

MC: We will Jeb.

B9k: Decelerating....

Jeb: The extra motor is going to interfere with our maneuvering, isn't it?

B9k: Yes. It will.

Jeb: Disconnect the final stage and set it for auto-return.

B9k: Done.

Jeb: Right... MC, we are docking now.

MC: Acknowledged.

Jeb: Will there be atmosphere?

MC: Yes. We preped for several contingencies, and we packed atmos already. It can depressurize the station 3 times before requiring the backup supplies.

Jeb: Good.

B9k: On final approach...

Jeb: Closing panels.

Jeb: Nice and easy...

*THUNK*

Jeb: GentleKerbals, we have arrived.

Jorfield: Right. Jim, you distribute the supplies- and don't forget anything. We will be here for a while. Bobbald, get the experiments to their locations.

Jim: On it.

Bobbald: Right away.

Jeb: I am going to one of the observation spots- I want to see out.

Jorfield: Sure commander. When you are ready to leave, let me know- I observe your departure.

Jeb: Thanks mate.

Jeb: It seems we are slowly rotating....

B9k: We are. The docking has imparted a small amount of torque onto the station.

Jeb: Get it stabilized- I am going to take a nap before I need to depart.

B9k: I will inform MC.

******

Meanwhile

******

SI: Synthetic Intelligence BOOSTER requesting dead-drop.

MC: Dead-Drop Granted.

SI: Dead drop successful. Impact- uninhabited desert in 20 minutes. Fuel expended.

******

In Jool orbit, a swarm vessel waits patiently...

******

Sovereign: Magnetic anomaly detected and verified. Calculating Jump vector..... Calculated. Accelerating out of joolian atmosphere.

Sovereign: Atmosphere breached. FTL Path lined up.

Sovereign: Destination- Sentar. Path aligned.

Sovereign: Distorting....

*******

Over Sentar 26 seconds later...

*******

Sovereign: Jump Successful. Magnetic anomaly pin-pointed. Intercepting with microjump...

Sovereign: Jump Complete.

Sovereign: STATE YOUR INTENTION.

Artifact: .... BEGIN THE HARVEST.

************************

Ok, I lied- the Sphere-eaters are not cats.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter- I am going to sleep now.

Like always, comment, and tell me what you think is going to happen.

And yes, Sentar is flickering with white macrostructures.

[The Error]

Kerbol's gettin' a counterpart, much?

[cziken20]

HAhahahaha! SWARM is oging to be destroyed by Sphere eaters! I jsut can't resist laughing, because they were always scaring Kerbals and now an artifact will destroy them. I don't even known what was so funny in this i just can't resist laughing!

[TheGizimboGamer]

Nice chapter, when will be the next one?

[Itsdavyjones]

great chapter, and the irony, as cziken20 said, is great........... Will this cause swarm to work with kerbals!!!