Posted by: Desdinova
« on: May 08, 2020, 03:58:22 PM »First Contact
The next few years see a rapid increase in human exploration.
In order to fuel - literally - human exploration and expansion, several fuel harvester bases are constructed and towed to Saturn's orbit. Unfortunately, no Sorium-rich gas giants have been found in the jump chain leading out from Earth.
2122 sees a few major discoveries. The Herschel 5173 is a binary system with a K-type primary. The second planet is a mineral-rich world, which, although frigid and tidally-locked, has a breathable atmosphere and abundant water, making it an ideal colonization target.
Another system, Procyon, has one of the most remarkable planets yet discovered. Procyon-A III is about Mars-sized, with 60% of the surface covered in liquid oceans, is not tidally-locked and has a thick nitrogen/oxygen atmosphere. The atmosphere does have a high carbon dioxide content, but is otherwise breathable; if that were removed the planet would be an ideal colonization target. Long-distance observations indicate the planet has its own biosphere, the first confirmation of the existence of alien life. The question of whether intelligent life exists elsewhere in the galaxy continues to be considered, but not for much longer.
In August 2123, while completing a survey of the Gamma Pavonis system, an Alliance science ship detects an unknown sensor contact at the Gamma Pavonis-NN3704 jump point. The vessel matches no known configuration or ELINT signature. Fortunately, the alien ship takes no hostile action. The science staff on board have trained for first contact situations, and begin attempts to open communications.
The translation process takes only two weeks, leading some within naval intelligence to surmise that the aliens had prior knowledge of Earth languages & culture. They identify themselves as the Stofler corporation, and appear to be similarly technologically developed to Earth. They seem to be amenable to peaceful coexistence, although colonizing Gamma Pavonis puts them within two jumps of the Earth colony at Gliese 674.
Alliance leadership is interested in opening diplomatic relations. To that end, several Envoy-class diplomatic ships, capable of representing Earth's interests abroad, are ordered.
At the same time, several dedicated intelligence ships are ordered, as Earth knows almost nothing about these enigmatic aliens or their intentions.
Likewise, just in case the aliens have nefarious intentions, the existing space force is to be upgraded to the latest Ion propulsion technology. The fastest Stofler vessel yet encountered, a probable warship, seems to go no faster than 4,500 km/s, which would give humanity a crucial edge in a potential confrontation.
In order to project power, however, humanity needs the ability to refuel and maintain ships beyond the immediate vicinity of Earth. For now, a single starbase will be constructed and towed to Gliese 674, in order to facilitate exploration.
Likewise, the current Armstrong-class science ships have proved too short-ranged to sustain long distance exploration. By replacing their engines with new, higher efficiency models, the class's range is doubled.
New Colonies
Between 2020-2025, several new worlds have been settled.
Groombridge 34 is a binary red dwarf system. The secondary orbits at a distant 23.6 billion km, but is easily reachable by jumping through Lagrange points.
Groombridge 34-A II, later called Stern's World, is relative hospitable, being slightly larger than Earth, with gravity of about 0.5g, a thin atmosphere of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and trace oxygen, and 15% of its surface covered in water ice. Average temperature is -64 degrees C.
Groombridge 34-A III is smaller and colder, at -139 degrees, but has more available water, with 63% surface ice coverage, a hydrogen-helium atmosphere, but is a rarity for a red dwarf's planet as it is not tidally locked, but does have a very slow rotation with a 70-Earth day-long day. Named Ratri after the vedic goddess associated with night.
Groombridge 34-B II is a dwarf planet smaller than Luna, with surface gravity of 0.194g, but has abundant surface ice, no atmosphere, and a mild -59 degree surface temperature. The first colonists chose the name Elysium.
Groombridge 34-B III is larger, but less dense, covered in 77% surface ice, and far colder, at -166 degrees. Named Hrimnir after a frost giant in Norse mythology.
Gliese 674 III, now called Anchorage, is about 20% smaller than Mars, very cold at -140 degrees, tidally locked, with about 26% surface ice coverage, and no resources or atmosphere. Nevertheless, it occupies an important strategic position.
FL Virginis-A I orbits extremely close to its red dwarf star, at only 1.98 million km, with a surface temperature of 357 degrees and gravity half of Earth's. Nevertheless, the planet supports a colony. Named Sekhmet after the Egyptian fire and sun goddess.
FL Virginis-A II is much colder, at -90 degrees, but has abundant water ice, with about 80% coverage, a nitrogent atmosphere with trace oxygen, gravity of 0.45g, and is about 20% smaller than Earth. Named New Belgium by passengers of first colony ship.
Other colonies
The QY Aurigae system, while lacking any planets, does have a close-orbiting comet with a listening post to monitor the approach to the Gliese 674 jump point from Gamma Pavonis.
Colonies by Population
Sol
Earth: 5,301.9m
Mercury: 58.61m
Luna: 33.2m
Mars: 32.65m
Callisto: 13.24m
Io: 9.1m
Europa: 7.6m
Ganymede: 4.13m
Groombridge 34
Hrimnir: 1.81m
Stern's World: 1.51m
Elysium: 1.28m
Ratri: 0.61m
Gliese 674
Anchorage: 2.38m
FL Virginis
New Belgium: 1.12m
Sekhmet: 0.92m
Luhman 16
Acheron: 0.28m
Terraforming is underway at Mercury, Luna, Mars, Callisto, Io, Europa, Ganymede, Nerio, and Acheron. Luna now has a breathable atmosphere, but requires additional water to be fully terraformed.
Jump Lane Map, January 2125
The next few years see a rapid increase in human exploration.
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FHS class Fuel Harvester Station 278,250 tons 1,038 Crew 3,514 BP TCS 5,565 TH 0 EM 0
1 km/s No Armour Shields 0-0 HTK 541 Sensors 5/5/0/0 DCR 1 PPV 0
MSP 7 Max Repair 30 MSP
Commander Control Rating 1 BRG
Intended Deployment Time: 3 months
Fuel Harvester: 100 modules producing 4,000,000 litres per annum
Fuel Capacity 25,000,000 Litres Range N/A
Refuelling Capability: 50,000 litres per hour Complete Refuel 500 hours
Active Search Sensor AS17-R90 (1) GPS 900 Range 17.9m km Resolution 90
Active Search Sensor AS3-R1 (1) GPS 10 Range 4m km MCR 359k km Resolution 1
EM Sensor EM1.0-5.0 (1) Sensitivity 5 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 17.7m km
Thermal Sensor TH1.0-5.0 (1) Sensitivity 5 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 17.7m km
This design is classed as a Commercial Vessel for maintenance purposes
This design is classed as a Space Station for construction purposes
In order to fuel - literally - human exploration and expansion, several fuel harvester bases are constructed and towed to Saturn's orbit. Unfortunately, no Sorium-rich gas giants have been found in the jump chain leading out from Earth.
2122 sees a few major discoveries. The Herschel 5173 is a binary system with a K-type primary. The second planet is a mineral-rich world, which, although frigid and tidally-locked, has a breathable atmosphere and abundant water, making it an ideal colonization target.
Another system, Procyon, has one of the most remarkable planets yet discovered. Procyon-A III is about Mars-sized, with 60% of the surface covered in liquid oceans, is not tidally-locked and has a thick nitrogen/oxygen atmosphere. The atmosphere does have a high carbon dioxide content, but is otherwise breathable; if that were removed the planet would be an ideal colonization target. Long-distance observations indicate the planet has its own biosphere, the first confirmation of the existence of alien life. The question of whether intelligent life exists elsewhere in the galaxy continues to be considered, but not for much longer.
In August 2123, while completing a survey of the Gamma Pavonis system, an Alliance science ship detects an unknown sensor contact at the Gamma Pavonis-NN3704 jump point. The vessel matches no known configuration or ELINT signature. Fortunately, the alien ship takes no hostile action. The science staff on board have trained for first contact situations, and begin attempts to open communications.
The translation process takes only two weeks, leading some within naval intelligence to surmise that the aliens had prior knowledge of Earth languages & culture. They identify themselves as the Stofler corporation, and appear to be similarly technologically developed to Earth. They seem to be amenable to peaceful coexistence, although colonizing Gamma Pavonis puts them within two jumps of the Earth colony at Gliese 674.
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Envoy class Diplomatic Ship 6,257 tons 108 Crew 556.2 BP TCS 125 TH 500 EM 0
3996 km/s Armour 1-30 Shields 0-0 HTK 29 Sensors 6/6/0/0 DCR 1 PPV 0
MSP 55 Max Repair 300 MSP
Rear Admiral (Lower Half) Control Rating 1 BRG DIP
Intended Deployment Time: 3 months
Commercial Ion Drive EP250.00 (2) Power 500 Fuel Use 6.19% Signature 250 Explosion 5%
Fuel Capacity 150,000 Litres Range 69.8 billion km (202 days at full power)
Active Search Sensor AS3-R1 (1) GPS 10 Range 4m km MCR 359k km Resolution 1
Active Search Sensor AS21-R90 (1) GPS 1080 Range 21.5m km Resolution 90
EM Sensor EM1.0-6.0 (1) Sensitivity 6 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 19.4m km
Thermal Sensor TH1.0-6.0 (1) Sensitivity 6 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 19.4m km
This design is classed as a Commercial Vessel for maintenance purposes
Alliance leadership is interested in opening diplomatic relations. To that end, several Envoy-class diplomatic ships, capable of representing Earth's interests abroad, are ordered.
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IS-1 class Intelligence Ship 5,982 tons 103 Crew 499.4 BP TCS 120 TH 500 EM 0
4179 km/s Armour 1-29 Shields 0-0 HTK 32 Sensors 6/10/0/0 DCR 4 PPV 0
Maint Life 6.33 Years MSP 1,008 AFR 72% IFR 1.0% 1YR 43 5YR 650 Max Repair 100 MSP
Lieutenant Commander Control Rating 1 BRG
Intended Deployment Time: 12 months Morale Check Required
Commercial Ion Drive EP250.00 (2) Power 500 Fuel Use 6.19% Signature 250 Explosion 5%
Fuel Capacity 100,000 Litres Range 48.6 billion km (134 days at full power)
Active Search Sensor AS21-R90 (1) GPS 1080 Range 21.5m km Resolution 90
Active Search Sensor AS3-R1 (1) GPS 10 Range 4m km MCR 359k km Resolution 1
Thermal Sensor TH1.0-6.0 (1) Sensitivity 6 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 19.4m km
ELINT Module (2) Sensitivity 10 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 25m km
This design is classed as a Military Vessel for maintenance purposes
At the same time, several dedicated intelligence ships are ordered, as Earth knows almost nothing about these enigmatic aliens or their intentions.
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Pandora - 2123 Refit class Destroyer 4,000 tons 129 Crew 638.2 BP TCS 80 TH 304 EM 0
5063 km/s Armour 3-22 Shields 0-0 HTK 32 Sensors 6/6/0/0 DCR 2 PPV 15
Maint Life 4.12 Years MSP 659 AFR 64% IFR 0.9% 1YR 62 5YR 931 Max Repair 253.125 MSP
Captain Control Rating 2 BRG AUX
Intended Deployment Time: 9 months Morale Check Required
Ion Drive EP405.00 (1) Power 405 Fuel Use 67.20% Signature 303.75 Explosion 12%
Fuel Capacity 450,000 Litres Range 30.1 billion km (68 days at full power)
18.750cm C3 Near Ultraviolet Laser (1) Range 192,000km TS: 5,063 km/s Power 9-3 RM 30,000 km ROF 15
10cm Railgun V10/C3 (3x4) Range 10,000km TS: 5,063 km/s Power 3-3 Accuracy Modifier 100% RM 10,000 km ROF 5
Beam Fire Control R192-TS6000 (1) Max Range: 192,000 km TS: 6,000 km/s 95 90 84 79 74 69 64 58 53 48
Gas-Cooled Fast Reactor R6-PB10 (2) Total Power Output 12.6 Exp 7%
Active Search Sensor AS30-R90 (1) GPS 2160 Range 30.3m km Resolution 90
Active Search Sensor AS5-R1 (1) GPS 18 Range 5.9m km MCR 527.7k km Resolution 1
EM Sensor EM1.0-6.0 (1) Sensitivity 6 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 19.4m km
Thermal Sensor TH1.0-6.0 (1) Sensitivity 6 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 19.4m km
This design is classed as a Military Vessel for maintenance purposes
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Galatea - 2123 Refit class Missile Destroyer 3,998 tons 82 Crew 596.8 BP TCS 80 TH 304 EM 0
5065 km/s Armour 3-22 Shields 0-0 HTK 23 Sensors 6/6/0/0 DCR 2 PPV 21
Maint Life 2.84 Years MSP 326 AFR 64% IFR 0.9% 1YR 59 5YR 885 Max Repair 253.125 MSP
Magazine 120
Captain Control Rating 2 BRG AUX
Intended Deployment Time: 9 months Morale Check Required
Ion Drive EP405.00 (1) Power 405 Fuel Use 67.20% Signature 303.75 Explosion 12%
Fuel Capacity 450,000 Litres Range 30.1 billion km (68 days at full power)
10cm Railgun V10/C3 (1x4) Range 10,000km TS: 5,065 km/s Power 3-3 Accuracy Modifier 100% RM 10,000 km ROF 5
Beam Fire Control R96-TS6000 (1) Max Range: 96,000 km TS: 6,000 km/s 90 79 69 58 48 38 27 17 6 0
Gas-Cooled Fast Reactor R3-PB10 (1) Total Power Output 3 Exp 7%
Size 6.00 Box Launcher Mk 2 (20) Missile Size: 6 Hangar Reload 122 minutes MF Reload 20 hours
Missile Fire Control FC23-R90 (1) Range 23.5m km Resolution 90
Size 6 ASM Mk 3 (20) Speed: 22,733 km/s End: 16.7m Range: 22.8m km WH: 4 Size: 6 TH: 98/59/29
Active Search Sensor AS30-R90 (1) GPS 2160 Range 30.3m km Resolution 90
Active Search Sensor AS5-R1 (1) GPS 18 Range 5.9m km MCR 527.7k km Resolution 1
EM Sensor EM1.0-6.0 (1) Sensitivity 6 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 19.4m km
Thermal Sensor TH1.0-6.0 (1) Sensitivity 6 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 19.4m km
Missile to hit chances are vs targets moving at 3000 km/s, 5000 km/s and 10,000 km/s
This design is classed as a Military Vessel for maintenance purposes
Likewise, just in case the aliens have nefarious intentions, the existing space force is to be upgraded to the latest Ion propulsion technology. The fastest Stofler vessel yet encountered, a probable warship, seems to go no faster than 4,500 km/s, which would give humanity a crucial edge in a potential confrontation.
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Starbase class Starport 255,713 tons 1,048 Crew 7,204.9 BP TCS 5,114 TH 0 EM 0
1 km/s No Armour Shields 0-0 HTK 162 Sensors 6/6/0/0 DCR 1 PPV 0
MSP 20,017 Max Repair 2400 MSP
Cargo Shuttle Multiplier 1
Commander Control Rating 1 BRG
Intended Deployment Time: 3 months
Maintenance Modules: 20 module(s) capable of supporting ships of 25,000 tons
Refuelling Hub - Capable of refuelling multiple ships simultaneously
Fuel Capacity 50,000,000 Litres Range N/A
Active Search Sensor AS3-R1 (1) GPS 10 Range 4m km MCR 359k km Resolution 1
Active Search Sensor AS21-R90 (1) GPS 1080 Range 21.5m km Resolution 90
EM Sensor EM1.0-6.0 (1) Sensitivity 6 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 19.4m km
Thermal Sensor TH1.0-6.0 (1) Sensitivity 6 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 19.4m km
This design is classed as a Commercial Vessel for maintenance purposes
This design is classed as a Space Station for construction purposes
In order to project power, however, humanity needs the ability to refuel and maintain ships beyond the immediate vicinity of Earth. For now, a single starbase will be constructed and towed to Gliese 674, in order to facilitate exploration.
Code: [Select]
Armstrong - 2123 Refit class Science Vessel 3,000 tons 87 Crew 469.6 BP TCS 60 TH 60 EM 0
2000 km/s JR 3-50 Armour 1-18 Shields 0-0 HTK 23 Sensors 6/6/1/1 DCR 1 PPV 0
Maint Life 5.62 Years MSP 577 AFR 72% IFR 1.0% 1YR 31 5YR 462 Max Repair 100 MSP
Captain Control Rating 2 BRG SCI
Intended Deployment Time: 24 months Morale Check Required
J3000(3-50) Military Jump Drive Max Ship Size 3000 tons Distance 50k km Squadron Size 3
HE Ion Drive EP120.00 (1) Power 120 Fuel Use 15.43% Signature 60.0 Explosion 6%
Fuel Capacity 174,000 Litres Range 67.7 billion km (391 days at full power)
Active Search Sensor AS3-R1 (1) GPS 10 Range 4m km MCR 359k km Resolution 1
EM Sensor EM1.0-6.0 (1) Sensitivity 6 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 19.4m km
Thermal Sensor TH1.0-6.0 (1) Sensitivity 6 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 19.4m km
Gravitational Survey Sensors (1) 1 Survey Points Per Hour
Geological Survey Sensors (1) 1 Survey Points Per Hour
This design is classed as a Military Vessel for maintenance purposes
Likewise, the current Armstrong-class science ships have proved too short-ranged to sustain long distance exploration. By replacing their engines with new, higher efficiency models, the class's range is doubled.
New Colonies
Between 2020-2025, several new worlds have been settled.
Groombridge 34 is a binary red dwarf system. The secondary orbits at a distant 23.6 billion km, but is easily reachable by jumping through Lagrange points.
Groombridge 34-A II, later called Stern's World, is relative hospitable, being slightly larger than Earth, with gravity of about 0.5g, a thin atmosphere of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and trace oxygen, and 15% of its surface covered in water ice. Average temperature is -64 degrees C.
Groombridge 34-A III is smaller and colder, at -139 degrees, but has more available water, with 63% surface ice coverage, a hydrogen-helium atmosphere, but is a rarity for a red dwarf's planet as it is not tidally locked, but does have a very slow rotation with a 70-Earth day-long day. Named Ratri after the vedic goddess associated with night.
Groombridge 34-B II is a dwarf planet smaller than Luna, with surface gravity of 0.194g, but has abundant surface ice, no atmosphere, and a mild -59 degree surface temperature. The first colonists chose the name Elysium.
Groombridge 34-B III is larger, but less dense, covered in 77% surface ice, and far colder, at -166 degrees. Named Hrimnir after a frost giant in Norse mythology.
Gliese 674 III, now called Anchorage, is about 20% smaller than Mars, very cold at -140 degrees, tidally locked, with about 26% surface ice coverage, and no resources or atmosphere. Nevertheless, it occupies an important strategic position.
FL Virginis-A I orbits extremely close to its red dwarf star, at only 1.98 million km, with a surface temperature of 357 degrees and gravity half of Earth's. Nevertheless, the planet supports a colony. Named Sekhmet after the Egyptian fire and sun goddess.
FL Virginis-A II is much colder, at -90 degrees, but has abundant water ice, with about 80% coverage, a nitrogent atmosphere with trace oxygen, gravity of 0.45g, and is about 20% smaller than Earth. Named New Belgium by passengers of first colony ship.
Other colonies
The QY Aurigae system, while lacking any planets, does have a close-orbiting comet with a listening post to monitor the approach to the Gliese 674 jump point from Gamma Pavonis.
Colonies by Population
Sol
Earth: 5,301.9m
Mercury: 58.61m
Luna: 33.2m
Mars: 32.65m
Callisto: 13.24m
Io: 9.1m
Europa: 7.6m
Ganymede: 4.13m
Groombridge 34
Hrimnir: 1.81m
Stern's World: 1.51m
Elysium: 1.28m
Ratri: 0.61m
Gliese 674
Anchorage: 2.38m
FL Virginis
New Belgium: 1.12m
Sekhmet: 0.92m
Luhman 16
Acheron: 0.28m
Terraforming is underway at Mercury, Luna, Mars, Callisto, Io, Europa, Ganymede, Nerio, and Acheron. Luna now has a breathable atmosphere, but requires additional water to be fully terraformed.
Jump Lane Map, January 2125