For the discussion of science projects, general philosophy, social engineering, and other areas of intellectual advancement in the Nova Age.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

This thread is both IC and OOC.  As normal, OOC should go in spoilers.  I encourage use of OOC here for hammering out specifics of scientific research, as long as such posts are supplemented by some IC postings.

Basically, I hope to see good IC descriptive text, but want to supplement it in more clear terms without forcing people interested in scientific research to actually write/read actual peer reviewed journal articles on the topics of interest.  In place of the rigorous descriptions and back/forth analysis that would be required IC, people can post specific OOC questions, which I will then answer.

---

This message was last edited by the GM at 21:05, Fri 30 Aug 2013.

<Continued from the Teragen thread regarding the discovery of some sort of alien probe>

"Well, move it or not, we need better instruments than are built into our bodies if we're to continue study of the... whatever. Device. I think I'm generally for moving it, though its embedded enough that doing so will be something of a task." His mind raced, considering the possibilities of a Martian research station. "I think I'm also in favor of studying it here, on Mars. An extra-terrestrial, but also planet-side, research facility has a lot to offer. I'd also find the moon acceptable, though at the rate that technology in general, and space technology in particular, is advancing, it seems likely that it will be colonized sooner rather than later."

"Well ... ask yourself something.  Do you want the damn thing anywhere where I could get to it?  If I can get to it, then someone like me could get to it.  I'd like to think that this needs to be about as secret as it can get."

"Well, officially Utopia isn't exploring the solar system, yet.  But there's more than a couple guys I've talked to that are gung-ho to explore without government sanction.  Hell, Zero and I were up here on our time off.  Since Utopia or any earth based government doesn't hold any kind of jurisdiction here this doesn't concern them.  I say we camoflage this, use tarps or netting or something, then upgrade Zero's facility here, or at least bring some equipment up to check this thing out.
This has me thinking, do you think there's anything in Area 51?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:18, Fri 29 Jan 2010.

Comstock scratched his head.  "Well damn ... I mean it's right next door to us.  I'd hope not."

While everyone talks, Zero begins to build a structure that will be the groundwork for a research station around the thing. It digs deep into the soil to allow the structure to be low to the ground, and thus easier to conceal from satellite latter on.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Fast Tasks and Quickness.

---

Over the course of a week the mars base comes together.  With the hyper-intelligent individuals participating, planning is accomplished in a matter of hours.  The raw construction efforts are also enhanced, though limited somewhat by the martian dust and the lack of complex equipment.  While Comstock can make the required construction materials, things like computers, analysis equipment, purification systems for air/water (if nothing else, this removes the clinging martian dust from sensitive lab equipment, and provides a source of pure water for various experiments), and other necessary materials require several trips back to earth, and substantial funding.

Zero and/or Gravitas should make whatever rolls they feel appropriate in order to disguise their purchases and their work on the martian surface (two separate rolls).

Once established, the base will allow for independent research for those able to reach it, and the probe can be further analyzed.

Quentin makes absolutely no effort to disguise his purchases, as he does so with personal funds. He also doesn't really mention his work to anyone. Third parties simply observe Quentin Abernathy, noted nova scientist (as he can no longer simply be called a 'physicist') purchasing laboratory equipment and tools and large amounts of raw construction material. It could easily be inferred what he is doing with all of this, but he simply has all of it shipped to the Nevada T2M base, from whence it disappears.

Similarly Quentin doesn't see much point in disguising their work on the Martian surface. Only a very few people know of its existence in the first place, and Mars's dusty atmosphere keeps prying Earth-bound eyes away. Even if knowledge of the site were wide-spread (which he believes is unlikely) most novas are not even capable of making the trek across the Solar system to distant Mars.

Comstock does as instructed, his talent for engineering nowhere near sufficient to handle the difficulties of manufacturing a complete off-world base on his own.  Still, he's a great source of labor and knows how to make a solid barrier.

He doesn't throw money at the project, though.  His investments remain locked up in his charity work, for the most part.  "If we really need money, I think I could just make gold, though, you know?  Or at least silver.  I don't want to do that unless we really need it, though."

The biggest problem is getting to Mars, something he cannot accomplish on his own.  Making time for the project is something of a nightmare around the rest of his schedule.  Keeping Pax away from the site, however, is well worth the trouble.

Imp, lacking the raw processing power of Grav and Zero, and the brawn of comstock, feels pretty useless when it comes to the actual construction of the base.  Instead he worked on funding the construction, squeezing in as many extra fund raising projects as he could, and since he could go for weeks without sleep that was a fair bit.

The Mars base is mostly complete after roughly a week and a half.  The primary construction goes quickly, but ordering some of the materials and the equipment takes some time, even with large sums of money to lubricate the process.  After that period, improvements will likely be made by those visiting, as needs arise.

The base, as Gravitas knows, is largely sheilded by the red haze of the martian surface, and simple distance.  It is also obscured somewhat by the crags of the mountain it is positioned on (since it was built around the alien device).  It would however be possible, theoretically at least, for prying eyes to spot the base, and if novas were to visit, it becomes much more likely, as it is positioned on one of the higher peaks on the Martian surface (not Olympus Mons, but still a respectable third place in height).

The device is now in a position to be studied.  Also of note, when the device is covered, and its solar panneling not recieving energy, it seems to switch into some sort of alternate mode.  Those with electromagnetic senses note that it switches to a backup generator, though it is difficult even for nova senses to pick up, due to the excessive shielding on the device.  One of the instruments on top of the device also begins to move slightly, re-orienting itself (those with mega-int or perception = or > 2 will note that it is pointing at the area of the cieling with least obstruction to the open sky).

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
So, make some more science or engineering roles.  If you want to do anything special, do let me know.

---

In reply to Rydi (msg #11):

"My Lord..." comments Zero to Gravitas as the Doctor uses it's electromagnetic senses to observe the devices re-calibrations to sunlight depravation. "Do you see that? Let's see if the equipment can pick that up..." Zero locks at some of the devices Gravitas had just installed. "I've placed several opening windows above to see if any subtle changes in pattern occur. Monitors are on 24/7. This is exciting!"

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Are these extended rolls?

Science Roll: 9 Successes.
21:37, Today: Dr. Zero rolled 1 success using 3d10 with the Target Number system with a target of 7 with rolls of 3,7,1. Reroll 10's, Ingenius Quality.  .
21:37, Today: Dr. Zero rolled 7 successes using 13d10 with the Target Number system with a target of 7 with rolls of 3,2,1,7,7,1,10,8,10,1,9,10,5. Science, 3Meg, 1Will.

Engineering Roll: 8 Successes.
21:36, Today: Dr. Zero failed (no successes) using 2d10 with the Target Number system with a target of 7 with rolls of 6,3. Reroll 10's, Ingenius Quality.  .
21:36, Today: Dr. Zero rolled 5 successes using 13d10 with the Target Number system with a target of 7 with rolls of 2,10,5,3,3,9,9,2,7,4,2,10,5. Engineering, 3Mega, 1Will.

---

Imp uses some of the more advanced scanning equipment available to see if he could get a read on the surface structure, he also employed molecular scanning devices to see if there was any trace of explosives, or components that normally were found in explosives,  he also scanned for radiation or any radioactive isotopes.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
2 sux on 11 dice.  awesome.  any equipment bonuses?

---

This message was last edited by the player at 01:13, Wed 10 Mar 2010.

"Intriguing, it seems to be somewhat adaptive. I really shouldn't be surprised by that, I suppose. Still, I wonder what it uses for a power source if it is too far from a star for the photoelectric conversion panels to work." Quentin went back and forth from various instruments to his quantum senses, to just his eyes, and anything else he could think to use.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
10:36, Today: Gravitas rolled 3 successes using 10d10 with the Target Number system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,10,6,4,2,3,3,1,2,10. Scientific Prodigy.
I get to reroll 10's for Analytical on the non-mega dice:
10:36, Today: Gravitas failed (no successes) using 1d10 with the Target Number system with a target of 7 with rolls of 4. Scientific Prodigy - Analytical.
Nope. So this is a total of 7 successes, as the only successes were 10's. That's +7 to the real roll, for the sake of convention, they'll be the last 7 dice on the roller.
Wow, dice roller tells me there's a 20 dice limit on recording each dice for a roll, and I need 22. So this'll be two rolls.
10:40, Today: Gravitas rolled 11 successes using 20d10 with the Target Number system with a target of 7 with rolls of 3,3,8,5,1,6,8,3,10,9,6,8,8,8,7,1,6,10,9,9. MInt+Int+Sci+SciProd.
10:40, Today: Gravitas failed (no successes) using 2d10 with the Target Number system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,6. MInt+Int+Sci+SciProd.
So, tallying up. Mega-Int: 2 success, Int+Sci: 7 (with a 10 to reroll), SciProd: 3 more (with another 10 to reroll).
10:43, Today: Gravitas rolled 2 successes using 2d10 with the Target Number system with a target of 7 with rolls of 7,8. MInt+Int+Sci+SciProd - Analytical.

Add in two more for a grand total of 14 successes after rolling like 35 dice. Sort of underwhelming, really.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 16:46, Tue 09 Mar 2010.

The work is taxing, and slow.  Because of the unknown nature of the device, and fear of both damaging it, and possible repercussions, the group moves in baby steps.

The outer shell, panels, and sensory equipment is exhaustively analyzed.  Material samples are taken, energy currents measured, and analyses of the surrounding rock are made.  Even the shape of the object is scrutinized for possible insight into the purpose of the device and the minds of the creators (it has a highly symetrical appearance, despite the panneling and the sensory devices on top, and has a certain aesthetic quality suggesting either an appreciation for art/balance/beauty, or perhaps that the species' thinking is inherently tends towards such), a task Impetus is actually able to help with.  As the analysis becomes more detailed, Impetus ends up merely analyzing the possible psychological impact of things, as he is mostly just in the way of the great minds at work.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
gotta love that dice roller.  and no, the equipment is required for the roll to even be made.  The only way you would get an equipment bonus would be if you actually had some noetic tech to use.

---

Eventually the team comes to the point where dissassembly is the only option for learning more.  Zero draws up the plans for the dissassembly, and lays out several testable hypothesis, while Gravitas merely stares at the object, lost in thought.  With a cock of its head, the doctor spares a look for its fellow scientist, and starts the process.  The object is seemless, complicating the process, but Zero manages to use a combination of super-human dexterity and strength to peirce the object and then search through its guts, using a camera and flexible tools more commonly used in internal medicine.  Zero then begins throwing out data about the object, and the sensors also begin to pick up more energy readings once the shell is peirced.

Gravitas begins colating the data, writing some equations on a smart board(mostly for the benefit of the others... at least until he realizes that anyone that can actually understand the equations won't be needing them written down), before he switches to simply staring at the data coming in.  Zero's measurements and understanding of the device allows Gravitas to skip many preliminary processes, allowing him to focus on the difficult questions.

Zero notes that:
1>The internal mechanisms are a blend of hard tech, and some form of wetware, a biological machine that feeds off of the power of the generator, and disrupts quantum fields
2>The power source for the machine utilizes a rechargable battery of incredible efficiency.  The battery connects to both the panels, and the organic material.  The battery is recieving a slight recharge even now, and more than is accounted for by the slight energy coming in from the lights in the lab.
3>The outer panels of the device, and the sensor array at top, are apparently a separate piece, connected via a fused power and communications wire to the internal machinery.  There are likely more functions that will require further time and specialized eqiupment to investigate.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
no more roles are required, and it doesn't factor into the plot... basically just refinements in robotics and engineering that will fast forward modern tech if it ever gets out... and allow those present to make really cool stuff.

---

4>The device utilized nano-machines in its construction, or exceptionally precise telekinises, due to the intricacy of some of the technology.
5>The device reacts to Quantum energy fields (like the one emited by Zero nearly constantly), and the organic components seem to wither under it's influence once fully exposed to it through the hole in the plating (forcing Zero to pause and redesign its tools and approach; it ends up about 10' away, with a tube connected to the device through which it slides the observation equipment).
6>The organic components don't like air and don't like vacuum (anaerobic resperation system held in close balance by the closed shell; Zero again modifies approach, sealing the area around the probe)
7>The device has a complex computer that tracks and records information, though the coding on the computer and the types of telemetry are unclear.
8>The device sends out a continuous stream of the unknown energy, directed at a certain area of the martian sky.
9>The odd energy field disrupts quantum energy, and seems to be primarily emited by the organics in the device.

Gravitas mulls over the information as it comes in, his brain processing the information, and following multiple lines of thoughts to their logical conclusions, most of which are unviable explanations for the device and it's purpose.  Only a few explanations make sense, given the information at hand.

Purpose:
Given its lack of long range sensors, and the fact that the only thing the device responds to (other than for purposes of power consumption and adapting optimally to its environment) is quantum energy, it is reasonable to assume that the probe is primarily meant to monitor background quantum levels withing the solar system.

Science:
The device functions utilizing an unknown energy source.  Through leaps of logic and predictive calculations too complex to convey using current mathematical writing methods, it becomes clear that this energy source is the answer to a great many questions, providing the underlying link between matter, energy, and the various universal forces... And between thought itself.  This energy seems to be linked somehow to quantum energy, which was previously thought to be the explanation for the above phenomena, but is now clearly only the the first layer of a much more complex issue.  The ramifications are truly staggering, and somewhat disconcerting as well; this energy, existing at the subquantum level, is actually able to control quantum energy, and though it is not capable of the raw power of quantum forces, it exists at the sub-quantum level, allowing for a precision not available through quantum use.

Origin:
At first glance, this appears to be an alien artifact.  It may even BE an alien artifact, and a probe of this nature would make sense for a quantum or sub-quantum active society.  Such a society would logically only be threatened by hostile conspecifics, or others creatures that can manipulate these fundamental forces of the universe.  The item seems non-threatening, so it could be merely for tracking, or perhaps to indicate an oportune time for first contact.  Alternatively, it could be a signal to attack before a given culture develops to a point that it could present a challenge.

Another possibility, especially relevant to Gravitas given his unique abilities, is that this could be a time displaced object originating from Earth itself, put in place by novas from the past or future... Perhaps even placed their by Gravitas himself.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
You've discovered something very meaningful.  You will also be able to identify the unique resonance of psiads if you encounter them, assuming you were one of the people using quantum sight.  So, where do we go from here, and how much does Gravitas share out of his insights?

---

Comstock helped however he could.  But the machine scared him.  The implications of it -- time travel, aliens, conspiracies -- offended his desire for simplicity.  And the images his mind conjured as he detected it were complex and contradictory.

"Someone break this all down for me ... what do we do with it?  Who's it talking to?  I mean, would we be better off just breaking it?"  He sat off to the side while the others worked.  He wasn't sure he had a place in all of this now that their fortress was complete, though he had helped in the construction and adjustment of various tools.

Quentin shares as much of his insight as he is able to convey to the others. Multiple perspectives would be useful in trying to determine the origin of the device and, perhaps more relevantly, what to do about it now.

"The technology involved in this device is, clearly, more advanced than anything even nova science is able to produce. The easiest explanation is that it is extra-terrestrial, or more probably extra-solar, in origin. That, at least, would mean that it isn't from the future or some similarly improbable source." He frowned at the object as he stared at it, frustrated by its near-total deflection of their most useful powers. "Its bio-organic properties are also of note. I'd like to try to get a sample of the tissue without killing it. There's certain things you can expect to find from terrestrial life, given our common origins, that can help us to determine if it came from Earth or not."

He looked up from the object towards the section of sky where they estimated it was transmitting to. "I suppose if we look that direction enough we mind find what its talking to." He tears himself away from the sky and attempts to summarize, "So, the device is a probe, almost certainly alien, but possibly not. It seems intended to monitor the overall level of quantum energy, probably for the whole solar system. If the overall quantum field is anything like electromagnetic or gravitational fields, our presence here is probably heavily influencing how much it is sensing, since we're so much closer."

He shrugged and paced over to a computer where he began to pull up star charts to determine where the device might be pointed. "The exact intent is unknown. It could be there for detecting certain first-contact conditions, it might be monitoring us to detect whether or not we're a threat to whoever built it. It might even just be there for scientific observation; they may have tagged our solar system in much the same way we tag migrating animals."

He frowned at the charts, for virtually any given direction there were dozens or hundreds of stars within what he was estimating to be a 'reasonable' travelling distance, and many thousands more if he started to account for extra-galactic sources. "The only thing I can say with a high degree of certainty is that whoever built this probe is incredibly advanced in their technology and has a grasp of quantum - no, sub-quantum physics that nova science," by which he meant himself, "hasn't even discovered until now.

"Until we know more specifics, I'd like to keep this between us and the rest of the team. I may go looking for whoever built this if I can arrange enough time away. I just don't want to cause any sort of panic back home, and I also don't want the probe and its technology getting back to Earth. Particularly not after seeing what people are willing to do with nova-derived technologies during that Cartel business. This... It represents something even more basic than that, and the extent of whatever this sub-quantum power is capable of is still a wild card."

"I would argue that we don't tell anybody about this, period.  Not until you've sussed this thing out, Grav.  If it's designed to detect overall levels of quantum, do you think our proximity to it is a problem in and of itself?  None of us are exactly quantum lightweights any more."  He rubbed his eyes.  "Since it hasn't blown up yet we can assume that whoever built it is either not overly warlike, or exceedingly arrogant and believe that their probe would remain unfound an dimpossible to examine by humankind, or stupid.  The latter is probably right out, so that leaves option A or B.  I like A personally, but the thought of dogfighting UFOs around the rings of Saturn does give me a thrill."

"Given the probe's general resistance to our powers, I don't think we'll be dogfighting UFO's any time soon. We're likely to be remarkably powerless against them if most of their technology is like this. I sort of doubt that they discounted humanity's ability to get to Mars, though they probably did not expect us to arrive quite so quickly."

"I am curious if it's our powers or raw quantum that this thing is resistant to.  Can Stock break it with his bare hands?  can I rip it out of the ground with TK? Can Zero grab it and teleport?   These questions'll have to be answered later though, and I hope to god that the answer to all three is yes, because otherwise it means that it is technologically possible to totally shut us down, which'll make that war that Mathematician claims he can see coming even more likely."  Imp absently began rolling the coin across his knuckles.  then frowned, "This may be a bit of a non-sequitur but, have you guys heard of any nova, in Utopia or out of it, having a kid?"
This message was last edited by the player at 10:13, Wed 17 Mar 2010.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Ok, this concludes this scene (and it has definitely been a long one).  If you would like to explore any of these topics further, just post it here; this only concludes this portion of research, there are still many things to explore in space, and in quantum and sub-quantum theory.  I'd like to see people looking into other discoveries here as well, if the interest is there, and perhaps doing projects that involve the larger world, so that we can get some interesting scenes working here.

---

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Gonna finish out this part of the conversation as it is sort of relevant to other intra-character threads as well. It's also sort of a different topic than the space-exploration stuff.

---

Quentin frowned. He was motionless for a few moments as he reviewed his rather extensive memory. "I don't recall ever reading or seeing anything that referenced novas having children. Curious. One would think that with the rampant popularity many of us are able to garner relatively trivially there'd have been at least a few cases." He eyed his teammate critically for a moment, weighing options of what he should or should not say or ask.

Ultimately his curiosity won out. "Is your question just hypothetical or rhetorical, or have you heard of such a case?"

Imp sat down on a handy rock outcropping.  "It's not hypothetical, no.  Before Car went into her Crysalis she told me that we were going to have a baby.  She should have come out months ago.  But, well, she hasn't.  I looked into the strange abscence of new nova moms on N!, and it turns out that I'm the only nova to have passed through a MR lab to have successfully reproduced that I could find.  It's troubling."  Imp's normally active, vibrant demeanor had been replaced by quiet, withdrawn worry.  The change was startling.

"Could just be some genetic problem.  I mean ... Imp, I don't want to be a jerk here, but how many times did it take before one of the women you slept with got pregnant?  I mean ... what are the odds?"  Comstock kept his hands busy shoring up the walls of the mars base as he talked.

"Well, condoms are 96% effective, so, in theory, in the last few years there could have been," he frowns, then looks embarrassed, "let's just go with less than a hundred instances where the condom could have been defective.  So, one child isn't outside the realm of possibility.  But, most nova women don't take the pill cause it doesn't work at all anymore.  Do you think  they're all practicing safe sex?  All thousand of them or so?  Wouldn't one or two want to have babies?  And, most damning, as Grav said, where was the media circus when the first nova baby was born?  Who was the first nova mother?  I don't forget stuff anymore, and I'm guessing you don't either.  that kind of thing would stick."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:44, Sat 20 Mar 2010.

Quentin shook his head, "No, if such an event has happened, it was kept away from the media, at the very least. The topic is somewhat troubling. The eruption rate among the populace is low, but seems to be increasing, despite the background radiation from Galatea dissipating. If this rate increases, and novas continue to not reproduce, it could represent quite the population problem in the long-run, particularly if the potential to erupt is genetic, as it is believed to be." He was silent for a moment as he thought.

"It really doesn't make sense in general, though. Novas represent the peak, or event beyond the peak of the human condition in many ways. We do everything humans do, but better or more, or at least more extremely. Why not this one thing? This one extremely fundamental thing." He simply looked troubled. Now that the issue had been brought to his attention, it bothered him; nagged at him. He'd have to do some research on the topic.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:30, Tue 23 Mar 2010.

"There's some pretty simple ways to test it, Grav.  Sperm samples are easy enough to come by," He raised an eyebrow and looked at 'Stock. "I wonder if our...changes are apparent in our sperm.  Are Comstock's swimmers little steel men in little steel submarines, for example, or does Antaeus produce vegetative gametes?  Eggs are going to be more difficult, but still not impossible.  Run tests on em, or find a woman, or group of women who are interested in procreation, and artificially inseminate them.  then see if the women can carry their babies to term."  He frowned and three small rocks levitated off the floor and started spinning in the air.  "Thing is, I know that we can have kids, why can't most of us have kids?  Have novas had children before eruption, then nothing after?  If so, why?"  he sighed.
"And the Galatea explosion is only tangentally related to eruptions, Grav, you prooved as much in your article in Nature last year.  The eruption rate is increasing while the radiation levels are dropping.  It's not cause and effect, it's two things happening at the same time but not having anything to do with eachother."

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
FYI, Imp hasn't gotten his results back from Devries yet, so he has no idea that horrible tentacled monsters might blcakbag the women involved in such a study.

---

"Well, yeah but ..." Comstock paused, thinking things through.  "Okay, so ... what?  We need to find out more about Nova genetics and reproduction if you want answers."  He squirmed visibly, a little perturbed by the topic.

"And that," said Quentin somewhat dramatically as he claped his hands at the small of his back, "is the plan." The holographic slide-show zoomed back out to demonstrate the scope of the project. "Any questions?"

Hands shot up from virtually every occupant of the room. Most everyone was a scientist from one field or another, some small number of journalists were on hand too, including folks from Nature and National Geographic. A number of students who attended the university that was hosting his presentation were present. He'd also invited officials from NASA.

"What will be installed on these... probes?" asked the first person he called on. "Or telescopes, or whatever you're going to call them."

"'Probe' is probably the best word," Quentin agreed, "As for what will be installed - quite a bit. We're going to pack these full of sensors for just about everything we can think of. I'm aiming to include Gamma, UV, microwave, visible, and radio telescopes as the primary packages. They'll also have a pretty sophisticated communications package so that they can talk back here, or at least relay to the next-closest back home. The entire array basically composes a single larger telescope as one vast interferometer. My own biases color some of the detection units - they'll be able to measure gravity waves far more easily than Earth-based detectors do." The entire time he was talking the hologram shifted to zoom back in on a single one of the units and highlighted the detectors he was speaking about as he mentioned them.

"So, that's the probes individually. We'll have another probe or two, similar to the older planetary probes used in the 70s and 80s, for mapping the target system in a bit more detail. For those of you coming in late - the target system is Alpha Centauri, our closest stellar neighbor. Telemetry from the far side back home will take several years to arrive - about four and a half - and the data from probes in the middle will take varying times to get back - we'll have to store a bunch of the data while we're waiting on the rest to arrive in order to really compile a whole picture from the system."

He called on someone else, "Who would be with you to deploy the system?"

"I'm planning on taking at least one super-strong individual to help position and handle them the probes, and a shuttle full of baseline and nova specialists as determined when we deploy each probe. My interest in all of this is purely scientific - now in the Nova Age, we've got a chance to again expand our horizons and explore once again.

"Nova powers may be what enables us, but it is human curiosity and the desire to add to our collective body of knowledge that drives this endeavor. This isn't about novas and baselines - its about humanity. We have the opportunity to explore, to discover, and to learn. I plan to have a mix of both baseline and novas along for the ride specifically to demonstrate that eruption doesn't necessarily imply ability. I've actually got a short roster of baseline specialists that I'll be asking to come along - no I won't provide that list right now, I'm going to contact them individually first before announcing participants."

"What are you hoping to find over there?" asked one of the students he called on.

"I don't know," he said, one of the few times since his eruption that he'd uttered those words on the record. "And that's the best part. We have some idea of what we'll find over there from our observations up until this point, but you just can't get the same information from four and a half lightyears away - getting up close and personal with the system and the bodies in it will yield a wealth of information that just isn't available from our solar system."

"Where do you plan to go from here?" asked someone else, "Any plans to expand this system?"

Quentin nodded, "Certainly that's a possibility. That will depend on a few key factors." He numbered them off on his fingers as he spoke, "Funding is certainly one of them. Interest is another. We'd also need to decide what our next target system would be, there's a few good candidates, but they're all a good deal further away than the Centauri system. Gliese 581 is one of my personal favorites, but its about five times the distance. It's got quite a few planets, though, and I think we'd learn a lot from going there."

The questions continued for quite a while, and Quentin eventually flipped back through the slides to give the presentation over again to help sum things up. Clearly there was a lot of interest from the scientific community. The problem, he knew, would be garnering the funding he needed to get the system of probes built. The entire system of probes, a bridge to their nearest stellar neighbor, was probably one of the biggest proposed undertakings in space exploration history. He hoped that it would also be one of the most successful.

Hundreds of people milled about in the large auditorium, waiting for the presentation scheduled to begin in 20 minutes.  The organizers, a group of billionaires who met at the 2004 TED conference, had managed to pull in the best and brightest of a generation with promises of money, historic discoveries, and out-of-this-world opportunities for advancement.

The gathering was diverse; both nova and non-nova scientists, businessmen, engineers, and ex-military brass, were all in attendance, along with at least a dozen nova freelancers of highly varied abilities.  Representatives from large military contractors, computer and software manufacturers, and major companies in a dozen other fields mingled with one another and the nova freelancers, hypothesizing what the presentation would be about.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Mingle.  Talk.  Meet each other again.  Everyone is welcome EXCEPT those still with Utopia.

---

Dillon came in a suit.  Low profile.  Since he was still nominally a Utopia employee, he wasn't sure if someone was going to ask him to leave or turn him away at the door.  But if they did, it was just a short drive back to Las Vegas.

After 5 minutes of handshakes, military recruitement attempts, job offers from fortune 500 companies, and requests for favors from fellow novas, Comstock was likely questioning why he had shown up.  He had money, fame, and was making a sizable contribution to society with his many projects.  He was busy, he was productive, and he certainly didn't have to put up with these people to make a living.

The latest request was from a young nova that went by Kitten; enhanced agility, grace, and a few readily apparent body modifications made it clear why she went by that name.  "So, Mr. Amargosa, or do you go by Comstock in person?  Anyway, I'm honored to meet you.  I was wondering, do you have any suggestions for getting a job with Utopia?  I'd just love to make a difference in the world, but their hiring people are so picky..."  The girl (was she even 18?) didn't take hints very well, and followed Comstock around, asking questions and commenting even as several more businessmen made unsubtle offers of employment.  Kitten's eyes widened at the 7 figure salaries before continuing on.  "So, I actually live around Vegas you know.  Well, now I do, it's the place to go for novas wanting to get ahead in the world, that and New York.  But I never liked it out there, with the cold and all those mean people yelling at each other.  So anyway, if you want to do lunch maybe we could go sometime?  You could even bring your friends if they're around, I'd love to meet other people from Team Tomorrow, maybe even Impetus..."
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:23, Wed 09 Feb 2011.

Though he never thought he'd be entirely comfortable with it, doing PR for Utopia and begging philanthropists for money in the last year had made Dillon a lot better at networking.  He was here to meet and greet, to see what was coming down the pipe, and to try and find another few million for good works.  Keeping himself visible and keeping his nose in the air didn't hurt either.  Not much anyhow.

"It's Dillon.  Pleasure to meet you."  Kitten was easy on the eyes, but he'd been through this song and dance before.  After a few failed efforts to shake her, he produced a business card.  "If you're interested in working with Utopia, you're working for a good cause.  It's highly rewarding, and even if it doesn't pay as well as some of these other gigs after a year or two you're first in line for the best jobs.  My contact information is on the card, and I'd be glad to answer any questions you might have or forward you to someone who would know better.  Impetus, on the other hand, is a busy, busy man.  I can't make any promises."  A year ago, the Teragen was nothing more than a side-project and philosophy club as far as Dillon had been concerned.  Now, it was a decisive force in the balance of global power.  And a cult.  Dillon wanted to trust Imp, but the man's influence did this.  Drew sycophants and worshipers, through televisions and pictures and even through Dillon.  Like he was a god.

What a strange thought.

"Let me give you a little advice first," he changed topics in a hurry.  "If you haven't registered your nova name, Kitten, I'd get on the phone first thing in the morning and get right on it.  Brand recognition is important, and someone might register it first.  Now, do me a favor," he looked about the room.  "Do you have any idea what's on the agenda?  I ... drove out here last minute.  Busy schedule."
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:00, Thu 10 Feb 2011.

"He's right you know.  With nova population doubling every year, all the good names will be gone in the next few years.  Better hop right on that... If you need an agent, catch me on the way out."  Phantasm came up behind Dillan, the crowd hiding her until she spoke.  When Dillan turned to look at the familiar voice, she smiled a tight smile.

"Hey big guy.  Long time no see, huh?"

Kitten gave a small pout at Comstock's businesslike treatment, and his avoidance of anything to do with Impetus, but perked up when he offered her advice. Advice from Comstock, one of the most powerful novas on the planet, a veteran of two violent conflicts, and a world famous philanthropist, was always in high demand.  She listened raptly, and was preparing to answer his question when Phantasm arrived.  Kitten's eyes widened and her mouth made a little "O" of surprise.

"Oh. My. God.  Phantasm's here too?  You're both here?  And I'm here too?!  Wow, this is just so incredible, the only way this could get better would be if Impetus showed up... Phantasm, I have all you and Zero's CD's, I even have your singles, it's so neat to meet you, I'm Kitten..."

If Comstock had held on to any hope of being rid of the enthusiastic young nova, he was to be sorely dissappointed.  Barring physical violence, Kitten was going to be his constant companion until the end of the presentation.

Wilhelm tromped into the auditorium, heedless of whether he was attracting attention or not.  As a competitor for military contracts, a computer manufacturer, and a businessman in a dozen other fields, he thought it sensible to make an appearance despite the mysterious circumstances.  He'd had an invitation to attend TED 2004, but he just couldn't bring himself to spend $6000 to pal around with the likes of Al Gore.  Perhaps he would have been better informed had he bit the bullet.

Wilhelm stood blocking the entranceway into the auditorium for a moment, surveying the crowd.  He kept a mental rolodex of known novas cross-indexed by power.  It proved useful in recruitment efforts.  It was time to try and update the information.  Making the rounds, Wilhelm eventually got around to Comstock, Phantasm, and ... Kitten.

"You, you are the metal man.  Comstock, Dillon Amargosa.  And you, you would be Phantasm, correct?"

Wilhelm turned to face ... Kitten ... and scanned her from feet to head.

"I don't know you."

Wilhelm turned away brusquely.  He'd seen all he needed to.  He extended his three-fingered grasper toward Comstock and Phantasm, more out of lingering habit than out of any expectation that anyone would shake it.

"The name is Förster, Wilhelm Förster.  Or Hell Kraken of Kraken Heavy Industries.  Both names suffice.  There are rumors that you have increased the scope of your metal-shaping powers, Amargosa.  That you can change things from a distance.  Unconfirmed of course.  If it's true you could name your price."

Wilhelm's mental rolodex didn't indicate any further subjects of industrial relevance to bring up.  Time for small talk then.

"Would either one of you happen to have a copy of the agenda?  Inquiries to the others have proven unavailing."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:26, Thu 10 Feb 2011.

Dillon smiled and exchanged fond greetings with Phantasm.  "You're looking good.  Here to keep an eye on me?"

When Kitten's excited interruption was, in turn, interrupted by the approach of the Kraken, Dillon couldn't help but stare.  "A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Förster.  And I still need to get my hands dirty just like everyone else."  He shook hands, somewhat perturbed by the teflon sheath and the gripper.  "We were just wondering about the agenda outselves.  I've seen you on television lately.  Something about the Nevada Test site.  Are you moving into Vegas?"  He shot Phantasm a look.

His bionic replacement leg not yet entirely compete, Quentin hobbled into the room with the use of a cane. He did not, strictly speaking, need the cane. He affected it because, in a way, he'd earned it. It was a jarring reminder to those around him that novas, despite their incredible power, were still mortal flesh and blood. It also reminded them of his own role in the final Colombian battle.

Though he certainly would have qualified to be one of the people at the 2004 TED conference, it had been at a bad time for him. He'd been digging into the first phases of his research into cybernetics and had been frequently called upon to assist with dealing with the influx of recruits the Teragen had been collecting. In a way he hated to see the group get watered down by the new members, on the other, if they could be properly trained in the philosophy of Teras and the techniques they'd developed to channel continual evolution, they might yet make powerful allies. Only time would tell which were joining to better themselves and which were simply being trendy.

The result was, of course, that he didn't know much about what the topic of the event was beyond the broadly advertised labels. Those were certainly appealing enough to him, though, so he'd opted to show up. He was dressed for the event, suit and tie in normal cloth, no eufiber or other uniquely nova-age textiles.

He greeted a few of the people he knew, talked a little shop. Inevitably people asked about his plans for further exploration. For the most part, he opted to withhold comment noting that planning would be easier once events settled down; T2M was in flux, Teragen was in flux, the global balance of power was slowly shifting, and all of that made a poor environment for long-term large-scale projects.

Phantasm returned her friend's look before replying to the strange new nova industrialist.  "Not a clue man.  Just here for the show, and maybe to meet old friends... Speaking of which 'Stock, it looks like Grav just hobbled in.  HEY, QUENTIN, GRAV, OVER HERE!" Phantasm hopped lightly and waived as she yelled over the din of the crowd, unconcerned with the ruffled feathers of the business men and women around her.  After she was certain Gravitas had seen her, she turned back to the small gathering she had made herself a part of.  "So, uh, Wilhelm right?  What's up with the suit?"

"Not the entire Test Site.  Initial negotiations were only for Areas 14, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, and 29.  I'm nothing if not a good corporate citizen, though, and if cleaning up Pahute Mesa, Yucca Flat, Frenchman Flat, and everything in between will get the Department of Energy to sign off then that's what must be done.  Too much tectonic damage to build there, though.  The damage extends at least 300 meters through the strata and I need stable rock."

Wilhelm paused for a moment, contemplating whether he'd said too much.

"The suit?  It simply prevents me from poisoning you all.  Or setting you all on fire.  Or both.  As I said, I'm nothing if not a good corporate citizen."

To prove his point, he opened a port on the tip of one of his grasper fingers and exuded the tip of his tendril.  It burned blue, yellow, and green.  A parlor trick.  He usually used it to amuse children.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:01, Fri 11 Feb 2011.

"Wow."  The man had obviously gotten the crap end of the Nova stick, as far as Dillon was concerned.  "Well ... if you don't have your own way of cleaning up the radiation or the rest give us a call.  We're not supposed to share, but I'm for just about anything that makes my state a little better."  He found another business card, then reconsidered.  "I suppose pockets are another thing that you can't really use much."

If Hell Kraken wanted the card, he handed it over.  But Dillon sheepishly changed the subject to avoid embarrassing the Kraken further.  "I figured they would be talking military hardware for the new season and probably some computers.  Anibal Buendia showed up to the last TED conference, so I was hoping to finally meet him."

Remembering Kitten, Dillon extended an arm around the young nova.  "And then there are the bright young faces, who could use some good advice.  Mr. Förster, this is Kitten.  She's trying to puzzle out the job market for talented individuals."  Despite his best efforts, those with more than a modicum of wit could probably sense his lack of enthusiasm.

"KHI has plenty of experience with radioisotopes, I assure you."

Retracting his tendril, Wilhelm reached out toward Dillon with his other grasper and took hold of the man's business card between two fingers.  A flash of light strobed out from the gap between the fingers and, an instant later, Wilhelm's built-in PDA chimed to indicate the completion of the scan.  An instant more and the image had been transmitted wirelessly to KHI headquarters.  Nevertheless, Wilhelm still held the card up before his viewport to read it directly before returning it.  The corporate data center was more of a fail-safe plan, only to be used in case of severe head trauma.

Once Dillon brought the subject of ... Kitten ... up again, Wilhelm turned to face her once more.  While he was certain his first impressions of the nova were correct, there was a certain matter of German thoroughness to be taken care of.  Looks could, possibly, be misleading.

"Is she?  Let it not be said that I am unsympathetic to young novas just starting out in the world.  Answer this question correctly and you have yourself a job offer.  2, 3, 11, 13, 47, 53.  What is the next number in the sequence?"

The answer, of course, was 97, but Wilhelm didn't expect ... Kitten ... to know that.  If he was lucky she'd puzzle over it for a while somewhere else.

"Buendia, the eufiber man.  I've talked with the Blue brothers from General Atomics, Swanson from Raytheon, and Denis from over at Thales, but I haven't seen Buendia.  Matters do seem, as you said, biased to the military side of things.  Well, profit is where you find it."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:13, Sat 12 Feb 2011.

Though she initially recoiled when the tendril appeared, like a skittish kitten, she adapted to its appearance quickly. The way her eyes traced its movement brought to mind a cat batting at string. She jumped as her attention was snapped back to where she was by Comstock shifting the topic of conversation to her. She beamed her best smile as she was introduced.

"I, well," Kitten's brow knitted and her tail twitched back and forth as she pondered the numbers she was presented with. After a few moments, one of her ears twitched, "Gosh Mr. Forster," she did not quite pronounce the ö correctly, but made a good effort, "I'm afraid I'm not very good with numbers." She smiled broadly, "I'm very good with animals though!"

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
OOC: Just so you know what sort of social effects she has, Kitten is Mega-Cute 1 with the enhancements Halo Effect and Kawaii (Forceful Personalities, p67-68). She also unconsciously emits Evasion and Interrelationship pheromones (The New Flesh, 224) of Toxin Rating 2. Those that do not resist their effects are less prone to pick her out of crowds and will be more calm and generally trusting.

---

Despite himself, Dillon ruffled Kitten's hair to reassure her it was alright.  His attention stayed with Kraken and the military tech.  "I was hoping we'd gotten past all that.  Last round of fighting was pretty stark.  Obvious costs too."

The awkward was coming.  Best to change the subject.  "Anyway, come over here and meet my good friend Dr. Abernathy."

Phantasm wore a slightly bemused, vapid look on her slighlty freckled face.  But inside, she was laughing hysterically.  The squid alien in the teflon suit talking military contractor business, and Kitty-Girl who just wouldn't go away asking oh-so-nicely for a job... it was just too much.  Life was so surreal in the nova age.  Aww, poor kitty looked sad... Careful there P', Kitty might be a little too much like her idol Impetus for your health.

Still, it couldn't hurt to be nice.  "Hey, Kitten.  He's probably not the kind of work you're looking for.  Any interest in performing with Green Women sometime?  I mean, it's Zero's band and all, but the Doc's usually pretty open to that sort of thing."

Quentin waved to Phantasm to acknowledge that he'd seen them and began the process of attempting to extract himself from the social niceties he was engaged in. Once appropriately disengaged, he turned in the direction he'd seen Phantasm and moved through the crowd in that direction. Fortunately, people were inclined to give way to someone walking with a cane and baselines tended to get out of his way anyhow, particularly since his chrysalis had completed.

"Hello, Phantasm," he began, since she'd been the one to wave him over, "I can't say I'd much expected you to take interest in this event. It's good that you have. Dillon, good to see you here as well," he assumed that the man would probably prefer to use his given name in events such as this. "I see you have met Herr Förster," the other Terat's distinctive containment suit was impossible to miss, particularly with the wide spread advertising campaigns employed by his company. His gaze drifted to the girl with feline features. "And who might this be?" Despite himself, Quentin found that he was inclined to be unusually friendly to the girl.

The speakers conveniently placed around the auditorium activated.  "Ladies and gentlemen, just give us a few more minutes, we're waiting on the last of our guests to arrive, and we should be started in 10-15 minutes. If you would like to make your way to your seats, refreshments will be provided."

Wilhelm's tendril was always on the lookout for new scents and he knew the scent of pheromones when he tasted it.  Estra-1,3,5(10),16-tetraen-3-ol.  Neugierig.  It was indeed fortunate that he was wearing a pressure suit or else he might be getting as besmitten with ... Kitten .. as the others seemed to be getting.  Being heartless also helped.  Wilhelm was philosophically opposed to such subtle manipulation.  Reason, force, and rhetoric out to be enough for anyone.  He began excreting a layer of carbon aerogel on the outside of his carapace out of pure principle, tinting his shell the very slightest shade of sky blue.  Das sollte die Frage der atmosphärischen Verschmutzung zu begleichen.

"Unfortunately KHI is not involved in biologics.  Too many regulatory issues."

The statement was true enough.  Utopia was rather concerned about genetics and the like, especially after Colombia.  That was the sort of trouble Wilhelm didn't need.  More importantly, though, Wilhelm simply wouldn't hire any ultra-manipulative novas.  Too much risk.

"Herr Doktor Abernathy."

Wilhelm would have tipped his hat had been wearing a hat.  Instead, he simply excused himself, obtained a drink, and found a place to stand.  He also activated his suit's network of audio and video recording devices and set them to transmit directly to KHI headquarters.  He didn't want to miss the start of presentations.  More than that, he didn't want to miss the reactions of his competitors to the presentations.  A technique Wilhelm had learned in the cutthroat world of children's television.  Reaction data often proved a useful source of information on the intentions of the competition.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:04, Sun 13 Feb 2011.

"Hey Quentin, you're looking good.  Every time I see you there's a new add on... You got any cool gizmos inside there?"< Phantasm asked, pointing at one of his newer cybernetic add-ons.  "yeah, when I got the invite I thought it'd be fun, and something different from all the acting stuff.  You still at Utopia?  I thought with all the new research standards and review boards, and restrictions coming all the time, you'd find Utopia too tight to work in..."

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

Italics = Step one of Operation: Get Grav Worried about the Future

Prior analyze weakness roll:
Phantasm rolled 5 successes using 7d10 with the Target Number system with a target of 7 with rolls of 9,4,9,8,7,2,8.
=7

Manipulation roll to get Grav's mega brain rolling, and worried about the ultimate end of Utopia's constraints and over-reactions to nova created problems:Phantasm rolled 7 successes using 20d10 with the Target Number system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,10,6,4,7,6,3,4,7,3,5,10,8,7,3,5,7,4,5,3.
=9

Dice hate me.  Should be enough though.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 03:11, Mon 14 Feb 2011.

Dillon watched the Kraken as he took his seat, then turned back to Quentin.  "I guess you already know each other.  Sorry."  He shrugged.  "Do you think he's right and this is just going to be an arms show?"

Wherever Gravitas and Phantasm decided to sit for the proceedings, Dillon parked himself nearby.  He wanted a translator in the event that someone missed the memo about being understandable to a wide audience.

"Ohmygod, really?" Kitten sounded excited about the prospect of even being seen with the Green Women, much less actually performing, "I... I don't even know what to say! Wow, Gravitas is here to!?" Kitten seemed about to be overwhelmed by meeting all the people she'd spent the last four years idolizing.

When asked who she was, she introduced herself brightly, "I'm Kitten!" The announcement came on and people started to filter to their seats. Kitten did what she could to stay near the former T2M members she'd met. "I don't think its going to be just that, but they wouldn't tell me too much." Kitten didn't seem the type to be terribly interested in the cutting edge of weapons technology.

"He's recently joined the upper ranks of the Teragen," Quentin explained to Comstock, regarding how he already knew the German industrialist. "As for the topic, I've got my guesses, but the people putting things together might well surprise us."

He turned to address Phantasm's questions, "No, nothing special about these," he wiggled his fingers, or at least meant to. The action was somewhat more jerky than he would have liked. The neural interface needed a bit more work. "The final design has a basic built-in tool for this one," he touched the fourth finger to his thumb, "and an OpDrive for this one," he touched the pinky finger to his thumb, "but fingers are a bit too small to fit much else aside from the mechanics and control boards."

"As for Utopia, I've officially resigned as of about two weeks ago," he'd only been out of his own chrysalis for about twice that amount of time. "I'm finishing up a few projects on contract, but all-in-all, you've hit the nail on the head. They're also less interested in a lot of the exploration technology I want to develop. They'd rather have Star Trek-grade toaster ovens." She did raise a good point though. Why was Utopia so concerned with restricting nova-fueled advancement of science? Most other governmental organizations were doing everything they could to gobble up nova scientists, though admittedly most of them did not seem to release the majority of the technology that was subsequently developed. Utopia, however, was an organization of control-freaks to a degree that was, he was now realizing, abnormal. It was something to think about.

"Anyhow, I should have more time, if somewhat less funding, for my own projects and interests."

People shuffled in their seats, and grumbled, but fter the long wait the show finally began.  Staff began serving refreshments, and the lights dimmed to allow a better view of... a grainy 1970's space documentary projected onto a giant screen.  Basic information about the conditions of outer space and the moon blasted out of the pricey sound system (thanks, Kraken industries...) purchased for the occasion, and several in the audience began complaining.  The documentary moved on, discussing the space program and the "incredible technology" required to put men into space.

A few in the audience threatened to leave, insulted by the waste of time.  Others yawned, waiting for the gimmick intro to end.  But 15 minutes in, the film was still going.  After 20 minutes roughly a dozen people left.  At 30, another dozen.  When everyone that was going to leave was gone, the documentary finished and a speaker quietly took his place on the stage.

"So, I'm glad to see so many stayed with us.  If you don't have the patience to watch a little history, you probably shouldn't have the future of mankind intrusted to you, no?"  I little smile, but only half joking.  A noticable Russian accent, but he spoke english well. "How did video make you feel?  Like you were watching ancient history, like this was old, oudated, irrelevant to the world we live in, yes?  You are right to feel this way, but you were wrong in one thing... This IS the world we live in.  The space programs of USA and Russia have changed so very little in the decades since man first walked on moon.  We use same technology, sometimes even same equipment.  We met none of the goals for the future.  Competition and optimism of early space exploration gave way to boredom and stagnation.  Governments are even more shortsighted now than ever; they take more and more money from space programs, not realizing that it is the hope of a better future!"  The man's voice rose as his speach moved along, and he sounded genuinely angry in his last few words.

"Now only private companies make bother to care about space exploration.  But they focus on tourists, on cheap flights.  These are good, they build infrastructure we need, but while they do this, who forges ahead into unknown?  Who takes cutting edge... no, bleeding edge technologies and applies them to truly inovative purpose?  Who is fulfilling the goals set so long ago, to return to the moon, to not just visit but to LIVE on Mars?  No one?  No one you say?  No, ladies and gentlemen, you are wrong.  YOU!  YOU are the ones that will do this!  Together, the greatest technical minds, the worlds wealthiest organizations, and the novas that make anything possible in this age of miracles... Together we WILL colonize new worlds!"

The man walked from the stage, to be replaced by charismatic scholars from a dozen fields, and an hour of lecture the basics of what they were planning, and the many pieces of the project that still needed to come together.  Details were left for later in the day, while the early presentation was meant to build enthusiasm and to make clear the goals: colonization of the solar system, asteroid mining, and the growth of human- and nova-kind to new hieghts.

After the early presentation, the lights went back on, and people were allowed up from their seats to mingle before the next round of presentations opened up in 30 minutes.

The presentation really put Wilhelm in a bit of a pickle.  KHI had space exploration prototypes certainly, but not much that could be talked about without attracting unwelcome attention from Utopia.  Opening up a mental checklist of projects, Wilhelm started eliminating obvious bad ideas.  Das spaltbare Salz Rakete?  Nein.  Die Spaltung Glühbirne Rakete?  Zu viel Augen-brennen.  Die Pluto-Booster?  Gott bewahre.  Die Orion Zwei?  A-ha-ha-ha-ha!  Nein.  Die Super-NERVA?  Nun, das nur tun könnte, eigentlich.  While he was mentally sorting prototypes, Wilhelm was simultaneously running a reverse image search on all of the presenters using his PDA and stills captured from the video stream just forwarded to KHI headquarters.  He wasn't going to be talking about anything if any suspicious names popped up on the search.  Wilhelm poked about while the search cooked, got himself another drink, and tried to see if anything of importance was being discussed.  Always good to be one up on the competition.  Eventually he got back around to Comstock, Gravitas, and Phantasm.

"A lucky break for you, Dr. Abernathy.  Interest in a field in which you have experience already."

Quentin had rather enjoyed the video. He'd always liked the vintage science videos that advertised "The <whatever> of the Future!" and were usually really campy, even if they didn't mean to be. Though people leaving was disappointing, it was not unexpected. Indeed, he'd surmised the point of showing the crowd the video only moments into the film, and found himself intent on staying. He had his own ideas on how space exploration should be handled, and input at this stage would help him guide these people in productive directions.

"Indeed, I am pleased with the enthusiasm the organizers seem to have. While I believe extraterrestrial colonization is only a matter of time, it is important that it occur in stages. The moon is a laudable first target, it is relatively close and can serve as a useful test bed for future colonization techniques." He stopped himself. He had a lot to say on the topic, particularly when his own Martian experiences were taken into account. Still, it would be best, he though, to simply express his interest and leave his largely-unknown Martian getaway out of it. "It's also about the safest option, given that it is close enough for novas to be able to respond in emergencies."

"Ooo," Kitten said, sounding impressed when the speaker announced their intent. "This sounds really neat!" Clearly she was excited by the ideas involved, even if she didn't seem to have a particularly scientific bent.

Dillon gave Gravitas a concerned look.  He'd been supplying labor on the Mars project.  "The moon sounds good.  Lot to be done there."

He looked around.  Would this be a good alternative?  A way to channel all the pent up tensions around the planet?  He'd have to call up Utopia and see what their position was.  Scratch that.  He'd have to call up the few people that could keep their mouths shut in Utopia and see what they thought.

Phantasm looked around at the varied novas in room. "Well, that explains why all the novas are here, even the ones without a knack for science.  That kind of project takes all kinds; strong novas to lift, charismatic leaders to coordinate, and agile novas like Kitten here to maneuver in low gravity.

So... Who's joining up?"

"I may help to facilitate some of their operations," Quentin said, taking another look out across the room to see if anyone he knew stood out in the crowd. "But I'm not sure I'd be able to invest the time required to be any sort of full-time member. I've already got more than enough obligations to consume my time."

"Same here.  Besides, they were already using my skin to make plating on spaceships.  Maybe if they need some heavy labor on a moon-base or something.  And I don't know if I trust this bunch to just spontaneously work together and make a new agency to rival NASA.  I mean, there ain't no Cold War to make it all seem so important."

"That," Quentin said cryptically, his voice sounding distant, "is probably only a matter of time." He shook himself briefly to clear his head, "In any event, if the human population continues to grow at its current rate, space will start becoming an issue in a hundred or two years. Utopia's terraforming will mitigate that, but it won't increase the overall surface area of the planet." He shrugged, "Eventually people will start looking to the stars. If not for room to live, then because Earth is looking less and less like home." His expression changed for a moment, as if considering what he'd just said. Apparently he decided that he'd skipped some steps in explaining his reasoning, "By that I mean that either our anti-pollution campaign proves insufficient or some sort of natural disaster makes the planet less hospitable. Really, Earth's on a timer no matter how you slice it. 4 billion years and our sun's not going to be a very friendly neighbor."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:15, Tue 22 Feb 2011.

"Come on, Grav, a hundred years off is a hundred years off.  Not right now."  He looked around to gauge the reactions of others and maybe keep an eye on Hell Kraken.  "Haven't we already gotten our foot in the door with the space station?"

"With the way Pedro talks, one would think that the time is somewhat less than that, but who can know for certain?" He made an expression like it didn't much matter either way, since it was inevitable. "In any event, its never too early to have a plan. As for the station, yes to some degree. One of the more burning questions most of those present should really be asking is 'How are they going to fund all this?'"

"It's an issue now.  KHI long-range planning states that construction of a facility at the Valles Marineris is to begin in twelve years.  I do plan to stay on schedule.  The rocket and associated launching facilities will be ready in only three years."

Wilhelm sipped his drink while he fetched his PDA and paged through some documents.

"Your NASA could be on Mars already if you had not cut the funding in the seventies."

Turning his PDA around, Wilhelm displayed a series of stills and videos.  The plans for the Saturn C-5N, the test videos for the NASA's prototype nuclear engine:

https://picasaweb.google.com/l...ktFQ?feat=directlink

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...layer_embedded#at=39

Wilhelm had spent quite a lot of money on purchases from the archives of various retired scientists and engineers.

"I have, of course, made a few upgrades to the designs before you.  The early NASA prototype you see in this video only developed 334 kilonewtons of thrust.  I'll be testing a prototype shortly that develops 7.8 meganewtons of thrust.  An altogether more satisfactory amount."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:54, Wed 23 Feb 2011.

Kitten looks thoughtful, "Not sure how much help I'd be, even on the moon. I mean, sure I'm nimble, but I'm not really that strong or anything." Her tail swished behind her as if to emphasize her next point, "I'd need a customized space suit, too. Hehe."

The cute was beginning to wear on Comstock.  He smiled at Kitten in his best big boys are talking give us just a minute sweetie sort of way.  Turning back, he addressed Kraken.  "Wait, are you saying your company is going into space regardless of funding?  Or did you already secure a cashflow from someplace?"

"Do you have any idea the sort of money there is just in lifting 55 tons to geostationary orbit?  KHI will make back ten times what it puts into the project just off of NRO SIGINT contracts."

Wilhelm paged through the documents on his PDA until he came upon a photograph taken from a suborbital space plane.  It showed a satellite consisting primarily of a giant, circular high-gain antenna.  A scale on the photo indicated that the disc measured 130 meters across.

"That's Advanced Orion 2, an NRO SIGINT bird.  Around 5.2 tons with a 130 meter antenna.  That's about the best they could lift into a geostationary orbit as recently as 1998.  Just think what could be done with a 400 meter antenna.  As soon as I loft a satellite of that size there will be no problem in finding funding for any other space project I desire.  What they propose here will merely accelerate matters further."

Quentin examined the images Hell Kraken produced with some amount of interest. He'd either heard of or seen (often first hand) most of the satellites in orbit, but pictures were worth a thousand words. Often tens of thousands where novas were involved. "A lunar colony would require regular re-supply runs. Just needing to do things like that regularly will ensure a general advancement of space technology - particularly if its all privatized. They'll be looking to do it faster and cheaper." Clearly he was less interested in actually making money with such a venture. He had the money he needed, at least in general.

"I've always sort of fancied the idea of mining asteroids, too," he added. "There's a bit of overhead involved in getting out to one and getting back, but a good chunk of the asteroids we've cataloged are extremely rich in nickle and iron - some of them are almost nothing but that."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:13, Mon 07 Mar 2011.

"Faster and cheaper is all well and good, but I can count the number of serious players in this business on one hand.  It's a seller's market."

Wilhelm held out one arm and started to make a list.

"Yours truly, Orbital, ISAS, Alliant, RKK Energia, Yuzhnoye, Khrunichev, Lockheed-Boeing-McDonnell Douglas, CALT, Mitsubishi, EADS, Arianespace, ISRO, Progress, and IHI."

He obviously needed more than three fingers, so he produced some more, in a fractal fashion, from his finger tips.

"Add on any freelance novas that have the skills to carry or teleport things around and can be suitably persuaded.  At least until they get bored.  Discount CALT.  I don't think the Chinese will be in the mood to help out.  Ditto with ISAS, Mitsubishi, and IHI, but for different reasons.  And, between you and me, ISRO really doesn't have the wherewithal to make any great advances with any great speed.  At least the Russians will go wherever the money is.  That totals, what, ten companies including KHI?  Maybe three realistic heavy-lift projects in the lot?"

Collapsing his grasper back to its usual configuration, Wilhelm paged through a few documents on his PDA until he found the appropriate photo.

https://picasaweb.google.com/l...ktFQ?feat=directlink

"Energia's the closest with the Vulkan-Hercules.  That's actually supposed to fly this year.  I should know, we're both buying parts from the same people.  For scale, each of those eight boosters is a Zenit, like they launch at Baikonur.  They do think big.  It's supposed to lift 175 tons to LEO.  Enough to get at least a few tons to your asteroids and back, for a price.  I'll believe it when it doesn't tip over and explode on the pad.  No, unless you've got some secret warp gate, reusable and big enough to drive a truck through, hidden in your back pocket, real space exploration is going to run on money.  Lots of money.  However much you've got, you're going to need more."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:13, Wed 09 Mar 2011.

As Hell Kraken continued on his discussion with Gravitas, Kitten couldn't help letting her mind wander.  Her eyes glazed over as she stared in complete incomprehension.  After a few minutes, she started glancing around the room for an escape.  A nearby conversation between two scientists and a nova regarding string theory caught her attention and she wandered over, mumbling "Ooh, I like string..."

Phantasm turned to look at Hell Kraken as he went on about money.  A contemplative look overtook her features.  "So, little tangent here, but worth bringing up while you're around.  I'm a civilian nowadays, and money is a bit more of an issue.  You've got a whole lot of that.  You need advertising, beyond you're lovely carapace that is?  I'm quite popular these days, or at least that's what the kids are saying.  I've also got other abilities, if you're looking for nova employees to work on sciencey stuff..."  The last bit, with it's complete lack of technical expertise was a manipulative technique to draw Kraken into conversation, but overall her interests were quite sincere.  The money would be nice, and new venues to work in were always welcome.  And a job with Kraken would serve the secondary purpose of further networking herself into the rest of the nova community.

"I believe KHI is going to stick with its present ad campaign, thank you.  I certainly wouldn't want a repeat of the Chiat\Day debacle."

It turned out Ridley Scott's rates had increased since 1983 without a concomitant increase in skill.  Wilhelm had been hoping for The Duellists or Blade Runner and all he'd got was G.I. Jane.  $8 million straight down the hole.  It was as they said, you knew the thieving bastards at the ad agency were stealing half your money, you just didn't know which half until after the fact.  Paging through notes on his PDA, Wilhelm had another thought, though.

"It says here you can put on quite the light show.  I recently managed to outbid the conniving shysters at NYU and acquire the Manhattan Palladium.  Conversions should be nearing completion in a matter of weeks.  The old structure was a bit too "Gay Man's Pleasure Dome" for my tastes."

Wilhelm made the air quotes despite the fact that his graspers only had three fingers.  Advertising materials bearing the moniker had been found when the club was cleaned out and the claim had apparently, for certain values of "Gay Man", been true enough.  It had taken all of Wilhelm's nova skills just to devise a sufficiently thorough way of sanitizing the Palladium's bathroom floor, at least a sufficiently thorough way that didn't involve plasma incineration.  The club was now back in the form it bore when Frank Zappa, Iron Maiden, and the Ramones played it, albeit with greatly improved sound and lighting.  An altogether more pleasing state of affairs.

"I've decided that the grand opening shall also be the unveiling of KHI's new lighting division."

The division had been operating on secret projects for years, but Wilhelm wasn't going to mention that.

"If you can reduce your powers to technology, you've got a steady job available at KHI Lighting.  Even if you can't, I would like the grand opening to be ... impressive.  I've managed to hire Martin Phillips off of Daft Punk for the two week affair.  Bill Viola is supposed to be making a series of video triptychs for it as well.  I'm certain your abilities would be of use to the both of them.  Suitable remuneration could be negotiated."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:14, Sat 21 May 2011.

"Sounds totally within my expertise, it's what I do every time Green Women! plays.  I'm certainly not there for my pretty singing voice.  That's assuming you want 'creepy lights' and not 'care bears on ice' though.  I don't do happy shiney light shows."  Pausing for a moment of dramatic thought, Phantasm contemplated whether it would be worth it to create nova-tech for Kraken industries, then planned a couple of lightshows over the course of the remaining 2 seconds.  "I've never really tried my hand at nova level engineering, but if you're willing to foot the bill and pay my salary, I've got some ideas for a holo generator that I've been rolling around for years.  One that provides more freedom and larger images than the current ones being played with right now."

Discussion was interrupted by announcements for seating.  The crowd slowly hushed, as people returned to their places, and an air of expectation and excitement filled the room.  The next presentation was set to detail the first major project goal of the organization.  As the initial speaker returned to the stage, whispers filled the room as people ventured guesses; would it be asteroid mining, a base on Mars, a moon base, a space elevator?

The russian man resumed speaking once more. "Comrades, we have much work before our diverse goals are met.  Though profitable, space mining requires base of operations and more technologies.  Those hoping for exploration want to settle mars, but we need working prototype closer to home.  Space elevator is good idea, and seems logical piece of the infrastructure... but in an age of novas is waste of resources that might delay other goals.  All these things are important, but they are not appropriate first step." A dramatic pause, as the screen behind him lit up with schematics, and pictures of terrain.

"Moon base.  This is first step.  We develop technologies here, close to home.  We see how people adapt to space, to other worlds.  We explore, we perfect our techniques.  We use novas to bypass the massive waste of resources on infrastructure to support project, then we build infrastructure after we perfect space technologies and mine astroids for cheap materials."  A drink of water, a pause to change slides.

"We have rough schematics, we have location, we have money.  But we have gaps that only large organizations and novas can fill.  We need more money, we need technology and resources.  We need nova minds and nova bodies.  Most of all we need cooperation.  We can build a future together, if we try."  The Russian is replaced by a staffing expert, who begins explaining the various roles required to complete the project.  Corporate interests fill a major role, providing resources, manufacturing, and proprietary technology for guaranteed access to the base for their own operations (within certain guidelines) and a share of profits.  Individual experts from a vast array of fields are in desperate demand, as the project is a huge and complex undertaking. Most of all, novas are required to perform delicate technical tasks, provide transportation, move massive objects, and create specialized devices, all of which allow the project to bypass an incredibly expensive and bulky infrastructure and avoid decades long delays.  After a breakdown of the specialized roles intended for the various parties in attendance, the russian returns to the stage.

"Those interested  in working to build greater future, I welcome you.  This afternoon we sign initial contracts.  The details will take longer, this is just promise to work on project, provide certain resources.  You have demands of your own, yes?  Our lawyers will work out specifics with your lawyers, but is senseless to delay months or years while that happens.  And you will need to know what you are working on, yes?  Once initial agreements in place, we break into smaller groups, discuss specific needs and assign tasks.  For now, go to lunch, eat, call your people, decide.  We reconvene in 3 hours."

The rush was unheard of.  Major corporations don't make decisions that quickly.  Some were outraged, and left quickly.  Others made hurried calls or emails.  Many quietly discussed the reasoning as they left their seats, speculating that it was to ensure only those enthusiastic about the job participate, or to keep the upper hand in negotiations or pressure large firms into signing lest their competitors gain an advantage.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
I would like to see a some more discussion here, but after that I'm closing this up and skipping it ahead to the actual project for anyone that actually agrees to sign on.  And grav had some stuff he wanted to work on in this thread as well i think.

---

As the announcements directed people toward their seats, Wilhelm selected a few entries out of the contact book on his PDA, then returned the device to its socket.  Three plain, white, plastic chits popped out of a port in the right palm of the carapace, each bearing only a name and a QR code.  Herr Phillips, Herr Förster, Herr Lothar.  Wilhelm presented the chits to Phantasm, simultaneously using his mind to combine carbon dioxide and water from the air to make the high density polyethylene required to refill the chit printer's hopper.  He vented a puff of oxygen from a nozzle on his suit as a side effect.

"You'll be in contact then, I trust."

Opening up a compartment on his leg, Wilhelm withdrew a stack of metal cards.  Some of the cards were copper colored, some a shiny silver, others gold, and a very few iridescent.  All of them had an RFID tag in one corner, but were otherwise unadorned.  Wilhelm took one of the copper cards from the stack, handed it over to accompany the chits, and returned the rest of the cards to the compartment.

"That will allow you to withdraw 50000 pounds from a numbered account at Conister Bank, my banker in Doolish.  That ought to suffice until LAWBOT-5900 can draft a more permanent agreement.  Don't spend it all in one place."

His business transacted, Wilhelm watched the remaining portion of the presentation dispassionately.  He was getting more and more suspicious of the motivations of the people involved in this enterprise.  It was probably the involvement of Russians.  He bought military hardware from them and, inevitably, the more you dealt with the Russians, the less you trusted them.  Well, there was an easy way to find out if he was being too paranoid or just paranoid enough.  With a regular clicking gait, Wilhelm walked out to where his helicopter was parked, taking up several dozen spaces.  He had filmed the entire proceeding.  It was time to see if the facial recognition/data mining system he had paid so much for was worth it.  If all had gone according to plan, KHI's computers should already have spat out identities, credit reports, Amazon purchase lists, Google search histories, checked out library books, and the like for everyone in attendance.  It really was amazing the breadth of information available if one subscribed to the right databases.  The KHI computers had access to everything this side of a stool sample from 65% (and counting) of the world's population.  If one's hospital kept its electronic records on KHI Power Obelisks, even the aforementioned slender restriction could be disregarded.  Wilhelm would need this information to evaluate the trustworthiness of the Russian's proposition.  He'd also need to speak to his attorney.  Fortunately, he always traveled with a sub-drone of LAWBOT-5900 on-board for just such an occasion.

"Computer.  Display conference attendee identities.  Brief view."

Scanning the list, Wilhelm waited for alarms to go off in his head.  Who were these people?

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Let's see what 4 successes does for total information awareness, though it's probably mainly fluff, so it probably doesn't matter.
21:55, Today: Hell Kraken failed (no successes) using 1d10 with the Target Number system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5. Mega Int for Computers.
21:54, Today: Hell Kraken rolled 4 successes using 8d10 with the Target Number system with a target of 7 with rolls of 9,10,4,4,10,6,8,1. Computers.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 03:52, Tue 07 June 2011.

Hell Kraken's search resulted in a long list of names.  The organizers of the event are primarily multi-billionaire philanthropists and innovators, with varied pasts.  Though none are saints, and many made fortunes off of less than savory actions ranging from insider trading to outright theft, they seem on the whole to be acting in good faith.  Most bankroll several other charitable organizations, and stand to gain little direct benefit from their actions (though there are side benefits; for example, Bill Gates gets every computer on the moon running Microsoft products, but the gains are long term and might never pay for the money invested).

The secondary investors are not nearly as benevolent as the organizers however.  Even a perfunctory scan of the names and organizations reveals a complicated list of industrial and manufacturing giants, transportation and communications mega-corporations, and individual investors with a reputation for making incredible profits at the cost of the companies they invest in.  As Kraken reads further, analyzing money trails, documented contracts, and the already revealed plans for the project, it is apparent that these secondary investors were cleverly manipulated and balanced against one another to prevent any of them from having any real control in the project, and placed in a position where the benefits they will reap from a the project's successes will be limited by the other investors.  Either a nova manipulator, or an incredibly clever group of baselines, were responsible for organizing this project.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Anyone else have anything to say, and is anyone interested in joining?

---

Organized crime was what Wilhelm had come to expect of Russians.  He could deal with that.  Deal with it quite profitably as it turned out.  The possibility of manipulation, though, was an entirely different matter.  Wilhelm had a not-entirely irrational fear of Cartesian demons.  There were only two possible solutions.  One, turn the helicopter on and flee without finding out what was going on here and whether or not he could turn it to his advantage.  Two, render himself immune to manipulation and go back inside.  He chose option two.  Approaching the sub-drone of LAWBOT-5900, he activated its power of attorney mode with a duration of 4 hours and disabled its overrides.  Now he'd be unable to enter into any legally ill-advised contracts.  Gut, aber nicht gut genug.  Turning his attention to the chemical soup that filled his suit, Wilhelm started synthesizing phencyclidine.  He'd need enough to kill three elephants for it to have much of an effect on him, so that was how much he assembled.  In no time at all he was feeling good and paranoid.  He synthesized up a bit of lorazepam to control the convulsions then exuded a thin layer of aluminum over the outside of his carapace to keep out the mind control rays.  He hadn't thought of doing that before taking all the phencyclidine, so it must be working.  Taking hold of the sub-drone of LAWBOT-5900 by its noodly appendage, he directed it toward the door back into the auditorium, said "Guten tag" to the snakeman at the door, and swayed into the auditorium in the sub-drone's wake.  Time to sign contracts!
This message was last edited by the player at 16:27, Thu 16 June 2011.

Comstock noticed dozens leaving and realized that his skin was showing.  He swallowed, trying to force the metal back down.

Given his endurance and unique talents, it would be almost criminal not to show up.  Though the additional demands on his time could prove more than a little troublesome.  Still: he could accomplish in zero-atmosphere and zero gravity what entire armies of astronauts could not, and work without stop.  Even draw raw materials out of the moon itself to complete the task.

And money could very soon be a real concern.  He still had big plans for his city.

And what if it were a plot?  Being near the villains would give him opportunity and foresight to strike.  That was, if he even understood what was going on.  No, he reminded himself.  You have an agent and friends that handle this kind of thing for you for a reason.

"This is a trap, P," he murmured mechanically.  "What do you make of it?"

Phantasm smiled politely at Hell Kraken as money changed hands, then nodded.  "I think this will be an interesting project.  I'll stay in touch."

After the exchange, she sat down with Comstock to watch the remainder of the presentation.  Worry warred with hope in her mind as she sat with an appreciative smile on her face.  The work, the organization, the nature of the project itself, all suggested beautiful orchestration and the potential for incredible abuse by those orchestrating it.  Even with the best intentions, organizing this many major corporations and financial figures to work on a single project, and placing them in close contact with one of history's most important financial and scientific achievements once the project was done... well, that was a disaster waiting to happen.  But still, there was so much promise...

Her eyes flickered to Comstock as he whispered to her, then to all the people leaving.  "I think you're right.  Even if it's legitimate, the organizers will find themselves in a trap of their own design.  The question is whether the reward is worth the risk though.  I... Think it might be.  I think I'm on board for this."  She stood and turned toward the exit, then seemingly as an afterthought Phantasm mirrored Comstock's unvoiced opinions.  "And of course, the closer we are to the project, the better we can deal with any fallout, and more likely we are to catch the people behind this if it's not as happy-shiney as they're making it out to be."

Moon colonies, huh? Quintin thought. It could work. At the very least, it'd keep baselines busy and off of Mars for another decade or so. He still had business there to wrap up before he wanted people all over the place. The project organizers weren't wrong, it would be a good chance to test a lot of the technology they were developing. It was mostly stuff he'd already developed for his Mars facility, of course, but it was good to let people figure these things out for themselves. He wasn't hungry for more patents or anything - no harm done.

"I may help a bit," Quentin put forward to the people near him, "but not too much. There's a lot about this that baselines need to understand without my help if they're going to maintain the facilities in question without a nova presence. Unfortunately the aperture size of the bridges I make are generally going to be too small for useful materials transport." He was quiet for a brief moment, more to let what he said be processed than to give him time to think. He didn't really need the later.

"It is a worthy goal, though. I'm not really sure that there's wealth to be had on the moon, per se - most of that's going to be in asteroids - but such a colony would be scientifically useful."

Dillon nodded.  "Alright.  One of us should be in.  The other shouldn't.  That makes sense, right?"  He considered things for a moment.  "You should be on the outside, P.  Anything goes wrong, you're smart enough to do something about it."

"Seems reasonable.  As long as you're sure you want to do this, I'll support you and provide some perspective."  She turned, looking at Quentin.  He'd likely heard everything she'd said to Comstock, so she didn't bother being evasive.  "Someone like you would be good to have in this program.  Not just for them, but in case anything goes wrong and the program needs... special attention.  You wouldn't want to do everything for them, that's true, but there's a lot going on here that you could help with.  Even if it were just working in space.  You're probably one of the best nova's in the world for that sort of thing."

"I'll offer some limited assistance. It is better, in the long run, if they figure most of it out for themselves. They can save on costs by using nova abilities, but they cannot execute any sort of large-scale colonization unless they can figure out how to do it without nova help. There aren't enough novas for any sort of large scale venture," his stared upward for a few moments, as if considering. "I may be one of the best for space operations, yes, though I think they may be better served by soliciting my advice for R&D work. If they can come up with a cheaper surface-to-orbit system than rockets, that'd reduce their costs drastically." He made a slight motion that might have been a shrug, "In any case, I'll keep in contact with them enough to be able to keep tabs on them, at least."

"Okay."  He took a deep breath.  "Time to sign some paperwork."  With a nod and a reassuring smile, Dillon made his way to the tables to find himself a contract and a pen.  With any luck, I won't sign away my ass and I might make some money on this.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:52, Mon 11 July 2011.

Following the break in the day's activities, the much reduced crowd of returning novas and corporate interests settled in for several more hours of business.  The contract signing was an uneventful, boring litany of legalese and formalities.  After it ended, more lectures followed. The responsibilities of those joining the project, the way in which the teams would interact, the organizational structure of the project, separate group meetings to discuss scheduling and other logistics.  The evening wore on, until several of the baselines were nodding off.

At 22:00, the Russian came out once more to talk to the crowd, now small enough that no microphone was required.  He walked out, shirt sleeves rolled up, and approached the gathered project members.  "My friends, you see we burn candle at both ends.  This is way it should be, like old space program.  We aren't here for money, or for comfortable 8 hour shifts with paid vacation.  We are here because this is a calling, the next great step for humanity!  This project will drain you, when you join it you go... What is the phrase?  All in.  You go all in.  But it will be worth it, we will create something of lasting value.  I am happy that you all will be with me in this."  And he does seem genuinely happy.  Smiling, he continues. "But for now, go home.  We must process all the contracts, requisition the materials, and a hundred other things before we can get started on the work.  We hope to begin in 2 months.  2 months, and then the race is on!"

With that, he and the rest of the staff began ushering people out.  In the days following, all those that signed on recieve packets detailing their roles in the project, as well as their copies of the contracts.

Gravitas and Hell Kracken each are expected to serve multiple roles.  Both of their help is requested in creating some of the necessary technology that will make the entire endeavor possible, while their powers are also in high demand for use in actual construction and placement.

Gravitas is key to moving sensitive equipment into place and transporting materials, as he is one of the most accomplished teleporters in the world, and his gravitational abilities are uniquely suited to the job. Hell Kraken is expected to provide manufacturing support via Kraken Industries, and play a key role in providing equipment and workers.  Apparently, they have yet to find out that the signing was invalid. 

Comstock's power suite is invaluable, in that it allows for complex material construction without advanced equipment; additionally, his powers make him capable of surviving in space, and moving large pieces of equipment with ease.  He is expected to be a mainstay of the construction phase of the project.

---

On Mars, The quantum probe notes the increase of the solar system's background quantum levels and sends out noetic pulses warning of the growing danger.  The pulses, distorted by quantum fluctuations and blocked by the walls of the secret Martian base, go unnoticed.  For now.

Comstock loyally showed up for work, spending five days out of every month laboring in the cold void of space and collecting pay commensurate with his contributions.  It was rewarding to work with Gravitas again, and doubly rewarding to see Earth from afar once more.  A tiny orb, a speck he could conceal behind his thumb-nail.

Hard work.  The new novas knew nothing about hard work.  But Comstock knew.  He put in 120 consecutive hours, minus transit times, and thanks to experience on Mars and the abundance of ferrous minerals on the moon he and his team had the foundations and reinforced frame of a subterranean complex assembled by June.

"Just like making a swimming pool," he smirked as he checked the joins on the lowest level one last time.  Metal bonded to metal, as though it were always one whole piece.  No technology yet existed that could replicate his particular nova miracle.  "Control, this is Comstock: you can tell the Kraken team this place is ready for them to begin equipment installation and application of final sealants.  I'm riding the lift up-top now."  He still wore a mask to supply atmosphere for speech.  And though he trusted his imperishable form, the flesh was still weak: the reliable presence of the mask was somehow reassuring.

The lift deposited him on the surface of the moon.  "That's my shift.  Control, heading back now.  Forward my office a list of the elements you need for next month and in what quantities.  And tell the designers to get me updated blueprints, I can't keep up with all the changes they're penciling in at the last minute.  Out."

So far, so good.  Nothing duplicitous and a minimum of Russian language being used.

Wilhelm checked the latches affixing him to the floor of the Silbervogel.  The antipodal transport's scramjet had a poor thrust-to-weight ratio, but Wilhelm had solved that problem by directing his workers to attach a blister of twelve rocket boosters to the craft and the boosters were ... vigorous.  Safely battened down, Wilhelm pushed the big red go-button and the autopilot took over.  2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane ignited in a flash, throwing a cloud of faint white smoke out behind the Silbervogel.  It was traveling at 620 miles per hour before its thin steel wheels left the tarmac of Mercury Spaceport.  Seven minutes later and running out of unoccupied desert due to the unfortunate placement of Battle Mountain, Nevada, the transport had reached 3,700 miles per hour at an altitude of around 300 feet above ground level.  Pitching up, the spaceplane entered a near vertical zoom climb in order to trade its remaining rocket propellant for altitude.  The flight plan leveled out at 200,000 feet as the rockets burned out, the scramjet ignited, and the Silbervogel's mirror-finished Inconel 718 skin assumed a ruddy incandescence.  Finally able to safely move about the cabin, Wilhelm unfastened himself from the deck and jetted about by taking in air at the head of his suit and expelling it out from the rear.  He wasn't traveling quite fast enough to experience complete weightlessness, but what microgravity there was did make movement about the cramped cabin considerably easier for the Teflon Giant.  A little less than two hours from now and the Silbervogel would be back at this very spot to allow Wilhelm to observe the inaugural launch of the Super-NERVA Minor.  The Super-NERVA Minor was less than half the size of rocket eventually needed, but it would serve to prove the concept.  Wilhelm wanted to make sure of its proper functioning from the best seat in the house.

Wilhelm wouldn't be idle while the Silbervogel completed its transit of the world.  One of the perks KHI offered to attract the most talented minds in the business was free Opnet service.  Even though the Moon was a great distance away, Wilhelm intended to fulfill his end of the bargain for the KHI employees now stationed there.  Besides, the network would probably prove useful in the future and KHI could charge obscene amounts to have access to it for so long as it was the only link.  The Super-NERVA Minor prototype would, if all went according to plan, loft the Moon end of the Interplanetary Opnet connection in short order.  A satellite was needed in Earth orbit as well, though, which was why the Silbervogel's internal ordinance equipment bay was filled with the fifty-foot-long bulk of a Bold Orion II rocket.  The rocket wasn't very powerful, but from this high up it should suffice to insert the modified Strela communication bird into a Tundra orbit centered over Erfurt.  At the appropriate time, Wilhelm made some slight adjustments to the Silbervogel's trajectory then directed it to perform a shallow dive followed by a steep climb to give the rocket the greatest possible boost.  At the peak of the climb, the rocket was jettisoned and slowed immediately despite the cigar-shaped aerodynamic shell that encased it and the relative thinness of the surrounding atmosphere.  Its sides splitting open like the petals of a flower, the aero-shell disgorged its contents.  The rocket fell for a short while further before igniting, shooting the satellite into its new, highly-elliptical orbit.  Now the moon was one step closer to being properly provisioned with pornography and cute kittens.  Truly it was a banner day for mankind.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:00, Wed 20 July 2011.

By August 2005, the stable Internet connection to the moon had changed the way the Western world looked at the stars.  The KHI engineers responsible for most of the construction efforts fed regular shows and interviews back to Earth, and regular portal activity permitted regular experimentation to take place in the developing Luna Colony.

Meanwhile, International Space Station 2, Icarus Station, continued to receive cash investment.  Only a year into his first term, President Brown of the United States reaffirmed the need for American innovation in science and technology and began calling in favors to get a funding bill for NASA passed through congress.  The space shuttles each were slated to receive an overhaul that would keep them functional into 2015; the United States' would double its presence on ISS Icarus, and put modules into orbit to further expand it; and rather than spend time on the moon, "the United States will press on.  By 2020, it is our ambition to have established an American presence within the asteroid belt.  A presence that will guarantee that people of the United States have the resources they need for economic security.  A presence that will allow us to lead the way into the settlement of space.  And a presence that tells the world that no matter the challenge, we shall overcome."

Meanwhile, the Chinese government, slowly coming out of its own internal political quagmire, vowed to redouble its efforts and place their own space station in orbit by 2010.  Ominously, the development of Tiangong-1 demanded the development of new ICBM quality rocketry.

In this environment, Icarus' science functions quickly became secondary to its role as a launching point for further incursions into space.  Economic interests expanded, and public excitement for space turned its focus toward the Luna Colony.  A New York Times editorial -- citing the role of private investment, Kraken Heavy Industries, and 'baseline science' in space's development in the past few years -- concluded that novas had "nothing to contribute to the exploration of space that baseline humanity hasn't already achieved."

Cyrus Katrak, in protest of these developments, resigned his posting to ISS Icarus.  Together with a group of like-minded nova space-hobbyists, he founded the Daedalus League, an organization dedicated to the expansion of scientific knowledge, the exploration of the frontiers of space, and the benefit of all humanity.  By January, 2006, the League numbered nine novas, all with powers ideal for the exploration of deep space.  All but one departed, vowing to return with clear evidence of the potential for novas to contribute to the exploration of space.  The last, Milo "Lumen" Rosenberg, maintains the Daedalus League OpSite and e-mail server and claims to have some ability to maintain communication with his counterparts.

Finally, within Gravitas' hidden Martian lair, the probe busily accumulated data and began increasing the intensity of its signal.

If unimpeded, by 2010 these developments will bring the total number of space settlements to six: the Luna Colony, ISS Icarus, China's Tiangong-1 Station, the Daedalus League's extra-solar relay station, the first construction efforts on US Starbase Lincoln in the Asteroid Belt, and the hidden T2M:A Martian Base.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:18, Thu 06 Oct 2011.