Author Topic: Terran Empire - Colonization Conference (February 9th 2047)  (Read 3028 times)

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Offline OAM47 (OP)

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Terran Empire - Colonization Conference (February 9th 2047)
« on: January 02, 2012, 12:23:31 PM »
Transcript from INN Nightly News at 6

Jessica Masters:  Good evening everyone.  Our top story tonight:  A two day summit on the subject of interstellar colonization comes to a close here in Toronto.  At his hour details are sparse, but some "unofficial" information has been granted to the press until a full report can be made on Monday.

Robert Birdwell:  Around thirty speakers were at the conference and involved in influencing the panel's recommendation, though the event was open to the public.  Notable attendees included Duchess of Mexico Benitta Ruz, discoverer of Trans-Newtonian theory, Rear Admiral Alva Candia and Duke of Nigeria Ismael Brule, two outspoken advocates for increased militarization of space, Duke of Texas Dannie Delgrande and Captain Floyd Loffler, two influential officers of the general staff, and of course the newlywed Imperial Couple.

JM:  The Empress has not returned to Venus since the wedding.  In light of the fact that she has spent more time on Earth then at her post since appointment to Governor, some are calling for her to be officially removed from the spot.  However, at least for now, it looks like Empress Emily will remain at least normally in charge of the mining and sensor outposts there.  More information will be in part four of our mini-series on the Empress, airing Sundays at 2 PM on INN-2.

RB:  Despite the varying opinions and the tendency for debate over project funding to become heated as of late, compromise was reportedly easy to come to at this time.  It seems that with the rapid pace of discovery, all agree that baby steps are going to have to be made.  It's simply impossible to expand everywhere at once.  It was nearly unanimously decided that, for now, extra-solar efforts should focus on systems only one jump away.

*graphic of explored galaxy appears alongside anchor*

JM:  Two systems were names as top priority.  Firstly, Ross 248 received the top slot.  As those of you who follow the news are aware, a recent survey concluded that the system has enough mineral wealth to sustain the economy indefinitely.  What's more, the system has one of the most Earth-like planets yet discovered.  It holds roughly 1/5 of the system's resources.  It is highly likely that this will be the first colony site open to the public.

RB:  The second priority system is Lalande 21185.  It has several planets that are suitable for terraforming.  Interestingly, while none are currently close to being suitable for human habitation, because of how terraforming works it is likely less effort will be needed to transform some of these worlds.  While it would be a significant investment, not only in resourced but in time, another planet that did not require the costly infrastructure of enclosed cities would be an invaluable asset in its own right.

JM:  Following the success at establishing the sensor outpost in conjuncture with the mining operators on Venus, the program is to be expanded to all systems where feasible.  In some cases, such bases may be upgraded with support facilities to refuel space vessels.  The conference acknowledged that some of the discoveries three our four jumps out were worthy of attention, but that staging areas should be set up closer to those systems before serious efforts are made there.  As such, it was also agreed upon that the rate of exploration would be slowed down.  Despite the enthusiasm for such missions, many feared that the fleet was being overextended.

RB:  More on this story Monday.  Up next:  Is your region recieving enough reconstruction funds?  Find out how to lobby your Senator!  Stay tuned!

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A/N:  The map here is actually from around September, so Ross 780 and WX Ursae Majoris are new additions.