NationStates Jolt Archive

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OFFICIAL TRIUMVIRATE OF YUT ANNOUNCEMENT

Galaxy Exploration Command Is Fully Operational

With the completion of the TYRS-RCV Beagle research cruiser, the Triumvirate can finally move on to the stars. Fully stocked and crewed with some of our most brilliant scientists, it is on course to our Oort Cloud station so it may jump to the stars.

Yes, we have instantaneous FTL drives. The reports are true. Berserker and Zero-One originally made the Black Knight Einstein-Rosenberg Bridge Drive, and we adapted it with S-14 technology into the Spacedy-Ant Tesseract Jump Engine. The Beagle-class is equipped both with a TJE and several long-range communications arrays; it will leave on a two-year exploration mission and send back reports at times.

Its sister ships, Magellan and Drake, will follow it shortly. No longer will we bound to the Solar System. Our voyage to the stars begins now.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/al_rijil.gifAdvisor Al Rijil
Director, Galaxy Exploration Command
Triumvirate of Yut

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/wargames/btdesigns/thumbnails/tme199beagle.jpg
TYRS-RCV Beagle

OOC:Have fun, the Zoir wiped out or enslaved 80% of the Alien races of the galaxy icluding destroying hunderds of homeworlds, theres a lot of planets out their that are unhabited.

OOC:Have fun, the Zoir wiped out or enslaved 80% of the Alien races of the galaxy icluding destroying hunderds of homeworlds, theres a lot of planets out their that are unhabited.

Including mine

ooc: Kinda looks like if it where a predecessor of my Thera carrier.
http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/48324/0.jpg

ic: We think it's great that more nation have started exploring outside the Sol solar system. But due to the make up of the crew and owndership of the vessels we regrettably inform you that the Alpha Centauri system is off limits.
I hope you understand and respect our wishes.

OOC:Have fun, the Zoir wiped out or enslaved 80% of the Alien races of the galaxy icluding destroying hunderds of homeworlds, theres a lot of planets out their that are unhabited.
(OOC: Glories of the multiverse... doesn't really concern me too much.
[edit to explain] Anyone can say that they've annihilated the universe, and it's in the backstory of at least three different nations I deal with. Seeing how perception is reality in this multiverse, I'm just looking to a bit of exploration.)

We think it's great that more nation have started exploring outside the Sol solar system. But due to the make up of the crew and owndership of the vessels we regrettably inform you that the Alpha Centauri system is off limits.
I hope you understand and respect our wishes.
Understood. We've collated holdings in the local area of the Orion Arm and we're concentrating on unclaimed and uncharted systems.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/al_rijil.gifAdvisor Al Rijil
Director, Galaxy Exploration Command
Triumvirate of Yut

(OOC: I'm going to run a random planetary system generator and just post here sometimes. This is just pure exploration, really.)

We are glad to see more nations exit the overcrowded Sol system to explore.

We have been exploring and have found little except except pirates and earth colonies. Good luck in your exploration. May your travels be safe yet fruitful.

(OOC: These reports are rather difficult to intercept... they're more of a record than a pronouncement.

Before anyone asks, I built a series of tables for random star system generation and did a bit too much research in the process.)

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MESSAGE BEGINS

TO: Galaxy Exploration Command
FR: Captain Grosevenor, CO, TYRS-RCV Beagle
SJ: BESS-1 Exploration Report

1. Upon reaching Oort Cloud station via the Oort/Titan SDT, performed an immediate jump to <coordinates> as briefed prior to departure. Well within our 90 light-year jump range, red dwarf target system seemed appropriate for shakedown of major ship systems.

2. After TJE jump, initiated scans of Beagle Exploration Survey System 1 (BESS-1).
> a. Primary star is an M4V red dwarf in the latter end of its dvelopment. Its hydrogen fuel is almost exhausted, and spectrography analysis indicates large amounts of chromium, technetium, and tantalum heavy elements as repeated fusion by-products. Surface temperature is 3,170 Kelvin.
> b. Planetary system consists of three planets and a large inner system of asteroid belts. A toroidal nebula, detected from Sol, appears to be the remnants of a large gas giant. The nebula consists primarily of helium, iodine, and fluorine and spans a region from 6.5 to 10.5 million kilometers from the primary. A large collection of asteroid belts ranging from 43 to 105 million kilometers out appear to be the remnants of two different planets, judging from the composition of the asteroids. The inner set of belts have high levels of antimony, uranium, and platinum ore while the outer belts consist of aluminum and copper.

The first planet in the system is a krypton gas giant 759.48 million kilometers out with a radius of 124.16 thousand kilometers. Other than krypton, the atmosphere has high concentrations of helium and fluorine. It has twenty-four moons, apparently mostly captured from the asteroid belts, but with three larger than 200 km in radius.

The second planet in the system is a very small (494 kilometer radius), rocky planetoid with a highly erratic orbit, ranging from 69.13 to 1,773.12 million kilometers out from the primary and an extremely tenuous noble-gas atmosphere--primarily krypton, but with some hydrogen and neon in the mix. Deploying an exploration Loki, we discovered that it does have a hydrosphere of sorts--albeit one of dinitrogen trisulfide--and a lithosphere of easily-extractible tin, antimony, and cobalt.

The third planet in the system is a rocky planet 2,203 kilometers in radius with one large 1,000 kilometer radius moon. With a mean distance of 2,508.78 million kilometers from the parent, it also has a high concentration of noble gases in its dense atmosphere--almost entirely xenon, neon, and krypton. An exploration Loki dispatched to the scene discovered a lithosphere with unusually high concentrations of magnesium, lithium, and silver and a rudimentary hydrosphere of various molecules of selenium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Traces of water are evident but the planet is completely lifeless.

3. Initial surveys of the BESS-1 system are complete. Next jump will be to an A6II white bright-giant nearby, 73 light years out from Sol.

4. The crew is hale, and morale is high. Our astronomy department surmises that the BESS-1 system must be a very old one, due to the class of star and the extremely high concentration of heavy noble elements in the system. Our chaos-analysis and astronomy sections learned a great deal from the internal motions of the planetary nebula, and our geological section is working on an analysis of the asteroid data as well as samples brought from the second and third planets.

5. Advise utilizing the asteroid belt for metallic resources and possibly setting up an atmosphere mining operation for the first planet if we ever need that much noble gas. Extended colonization is not advised.

Captain Grosevenor
Commanding Officer
TYRS-RCV Beagle

MESSAGE ENDS

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MESSAGE BEGINS

TO: Galaxy Exploration Command
FR: Captain Grosevenor, CO, TYRS-RCV Beagle
SJ: BESS-2 Exploration Report

1. After completing survey of BESS-1 star system, acquired new target cross-referenced with known Angelus and Sunset maps, designated BESS-2. Initated TJE jump from within BESS-1 system to safe nadir jump-point of BESS-2 system to experiment with known-unknown-point jump capability. After successful jump, logged findings and proceeded with survey.

2. After TJE jump, initiated scans of Beagle Exploration Survey System 2 (BESS-2).
> a. Primary star is an A6II white bright-giant. Spectrographic analysis indicates high levels of 'strong' nonionized hydrogen and trace amounts of ionized metals; primarily alkali and alkaline rare earth but with a few heavier transition elements as well. Surface temperature is 8,160 Kelvin.
> b. Planetary system consists of eight planets with no noticable asteroid fields. The system is somewhat unstable, however, and asteroid formation is predicted within the next few thousand years according to current models.

The first planet is a rocky zirconium planet 840 kilometers in radius with a mean orbital distance of 255.08 million kilometers out from system center. It has a very tenuous nonreactive atmosphere of nitrogen and helium; its lithosphere includes high levels of chromium and carbon compounds in addition to its primary ore constituent of zirconium. What little hydrosphere it has is a plurality of selenium arsenide and mercury. This planet, dubbed 'POISON' by some of the astronomy staff, does not appear to have any use.

The second planet shares the first's orbital plane in a opposite-end Trojan relationship around the parent star. It is a 34,560 kilometer-radius iodine gas giant 264.58 million kilometers out from center, and has low levels of neon and oxygen. It has 21 small debris moons, some of which appear to have the same composition as the first planet.

The third planet, 379.41 million kilometers out, is a rocky world somewhat smaller than Mercury with a suprisingly homogenous composition of wolfram (tungsten) and cobalt. A surprisingly thick atmosphere of oxygen, bromine, and neon covers its 2,120 kilometer-radius mass. Its extensive hydrosphere consists of mercury chloride. Exploration Lokis dispatched to this world indicate that its ores are remarkably pure beneath a layer of patina a few centimeters thick. It has one rocky moon.

The fourth planet is a dense, ferrous, rocky body; 4,400 kilometers in radius and 889.18 million kilometers out from system center. Its relatively stable atmosphere of argon and iodine covers its rich-metal surface, consisting of highly electronegative ores such as iron, silver, and indium. A limited reactive hydrosphere consisting of various covalent compounds of chlorine, fluorine, and silicon is prevalent in an equatorial belt. Four captured asteroids act as natural satellites.

The fifth planet is a rocky planet 1,053.46 million kilometers out from system center and 12,640 kilometers in radius (compare to 6,300 kilometers for Earth). Highly reactive in composition, its lithosphere is primarily lithium, titanium, and copper and its extensive hydrosphere is primarily oxygen, iodine, and nitrogen. The planet is artificially heated by constant chemical reactions, making its relatively benign xenon, helium, and oxygen atmosphere expand somewhat unusually. It has three large rocky moons which show promise for resource mining; the planet itself is far too dangerous along the hydrosphere/lithosphere interfaces.

The sixth planet is a moonless gas giant 25,600 kilometers in radius and 2,197.81 kilometers out from system center. Other than having a nonreactive argon atmosphere with trace amounts of iodine, it is relatively uninteresting.

The seventh planet is a large gas giant; 55,680 kilometers in radius; with a highly eccentric orbit ranging from a perigee of 293.29 to 4,261.97 million kilometers from system center. Its nine moons are primarily captured from other planets, and its 'wobbling' atmosphere is primarily oxygen followed by fluorine and helium. It is a destabilizing element in the system; models predict that it will inevitably disperse but disagree on what planets it is going to take with it. This planet has been designated 'CHAOS.'

The eighth and furthest planet in the system is a moderately sized rocky planet 4,360 kilometers in radius and 4,563.02 million kilometers out. The lithosphere has very high concentrations of silver and indium ore with lesser levels of zirconium. A benign but toxic hydrosphere consists of liquid nitrogen phosphate compounds and traces of mercury. Its reactive atmosphere is almost entirely chlorine with bits of iodine thrown in for measure. This planet has a single large moon of a similar composition, indicating it is a spin-off.

3. Initial surveys of the BESS-2 system are complete. Next jump will be to an F6III yellow-white giant nearby, 125 light years out from Sol.

4. Our astrophysicists and astronomers learned a great deal from Chaos and its interaction with the rest of the BESS-2 system. Our chemists report that several new compounds they discovered may be useful in metallurgical and industrial applications, especially in the formulation of stronger composites.

5. Due to the high mineral contents and new chemical compounds on these worlds, suggest immediate exploitation operations.

Captain Grosevenor
Commanding Officer
TYRS-RCV Beagle

MESSAGE ENDS

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The BESS-2 system sounds interesting. If you have no objections we will dispatch a science vessel to do more research in the system as well. If you have no immediate plans to send a ship we would be more than willing to host ToY scientists on this mission.

Science Advisor Sister Maria, OotMH

(OOC: Sorry for the delay)

We think that's an excellent idea. You have experience in such things, experience that we can utilize. We merely ask first rights to resources... but with an entire planetary system, we're willing to share.

Also, its worth noting that lithosphere composition analysis isn't done by percentage but by relative ease of extraction versus cost.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/al_rijil.gifAdvisor Al Rijil
Science Section
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

***

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MESSAGE BEGINS

TO: Galaxy Exploration Command
FR: Captain Grosevenor, CO, TYRS-RCR Beagle
SJ: BESS-3 Exploration Report

1. After completing survey of BESS-2 system, jumped to target system and discovered through local gravimetric scans that it lacked any planetary system of any interest. The target system's large carbon-based planetary nebula apparently caused the perturbations and mass-shadows used to determine it as a target. After some calculation, a new target system was determined and an immediate jump made, using emergency jump-engine batteries in a running-test of systems.

2. After TJE jump, initiated scans of Beagle Exploration Survey System 3 (BESS-3).
> a. Primary star is an B4V blue-white dwarf. Spectrographic analysis indicates high levels of 'strong' nonionized hydrogen and nonionized helium.
> b. Planetary system consists of nine planets with no noticable asteroid fields.

The first planet is a gas giant 32,179 kilometers in radius 2.3197 million kilometers out from the parent star. The atmosphere consists mostly of helium and free hydrogen ions with a large percentage of nitrogen tetraiodide in addition. It has a single captured asteroid satellite.

The second planet is another helium gas giant 25,231 kilometers in radius and 5.8899 million kilometers out with one captured asteroid satellite. Trace amounts of iodine are present.

The third planet is a rocky body with a radius of 3,220.1 kilometers and 35.336 million kilometers out. Nitrogen atmosphere, nitrogen triiodide hydrosphere, and a lithosphere of calcium, carbon compounds, and boron. It has three captured satellites.

The fourth planet is another rocky one, 85.218 million kilometers out and a radius of 3,710.6 kilometers. Composed primarily of carbonaceous compounds with large concentrations of molybdenum and iron, it has a tenuous atmosphere of carbon tetraflouride with a highly reactive hydrosphere of fluorine and bromine.

The fifth planet is a very large gas giant 112,770 kilometers in radius and 112.77 million kilometers out. Its atmosphere seems to consist almost entirely of hydrocarbons and hydrogen bromide (hydrobromic acid). It has one small rocky moon and three captured asteroids orbiting it.

The sixth planet is a relatively small rocky planet with three captured moons, sitting 220.09 million kilometers out from the parent star, and a planetary radius of 1,172.5 kilometers. A tenuous hydrocarbon atmosphere, probably "borrowed" from the fifth planet (or at least from the similar conditions of their formation) and krypton covers a lithosphere with high concentrations of manganese, followed by calcium and aluminum. An icy and extremely thin but pervasive hydrosphere of iodine and bromine oxalates increases planetary albedo by an order of magnetude.

The seventh world is a rocky planetoid 912.20 kilometers in radius and 612.34 million kilometers out orbited by two asteroids. It has an extremely thin (practically non-extant) atmosphere of water vapor over a collection of phosphorus compounds mixed with chromium and gold ores.

The eighth planetoid, 2642.6 million kilometers out, almost doesn't classify as such, with a radius of only 773.83 kilometers. It has no atmosphere, no hydrosphere, and is little more in essence than nickel, tin, and tungsten oxides.

The ninth planet is a larger rocky world 3,846.6 kilometers in radius and 5,292.7 million kilometers out. Composed of carbon compounds, copper, and calcium, it is notable in that it has large "oceans" of water ice with small amounts of chlorine contamination.

3. Initial surveys of the BESS-3 system are complete. Calculations and observations for the next jump are ongoing, but a cluster of stars 153 light-years out shows definite potential.

4. This system is relatively nominal with very few scientific revelations. The scientific sections are concentrating more on the planetary nebula discovered in the other system.

5. Due to the high mineral contents and new chemical compounds on the eighth planet combined with large amounts of ready water on the ninth, suggest mining operations begin immediately. The hydrocarbon gas giant also shows extreme potential.

Captain Grosevenor
Commanding Officer
TYRS-RCR Beagle

MESSAGE ENDS

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***

GALAXY EXPLORATION NEWS

We are launching our very first mining vessels on Beagle recommendations, and two more ships have been commissioned into the GEC. The TYRS-RCR Drake, commanded by a Berserker officer to be announced later, and the TYRS-RCR Magellan, commanded by Captain Antonia Silvano of the Dominion have been stocked and are ready to begin their missions.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/al_rijil.gifAdvisor Al Rijil
Science Section
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

We will be confining our efforts at this point to collecting samples and setting sensor bouys around planets of interest. We will also bring back enough 'souvenirs' for everyone.

The 7th planet of the BESS-3 system is interesting, if only for it's mineral wealth. The materials composition suggests extraction would be simple. Enquiries with local extraction corporations indicate a mobile 'grav-dome' would be the best way to proceed given the atmosphere.

The 9th planet is also attractive as a supply source for any mining in the system. Unless there are objections we will dispatch preliminary extraction and surveyor teams to these planets. Any wealth extracted will be split 60/40 with the majority going to the extraction company - they are doing the work after all.

Since both worlds would be inhabited, names for both would be appropriate. We would suggest Lode and Rime.

Science Advisor Sister Maria, OotMH

(OOC: This is sorta what I feared--we find 'em and other people take 'em. Maybe I should make a report and then a public announcement. Still, at least we like you.)

Actually, we're sending an exploitation expedition to the ninth world to begin a forward base. It is an entire planet, so we're willing to share for ten percent of the profits of your operations. Quite the bargain, methinks. We're going to concentrate the eighth world, as we need metals more than we need phosphorus at the moment.

Lode and Rime are good names, but we'll leave it up to the colonists to name the place. Anything sounds better than BESS-3 IX.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/ralph_spoilsport.gifAdvisor Ralph Spoilsport
International Trade Section
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

We have no intention of claiming any planets at this point - what you find is yours. We are simply interested in the galaxy around us. We don't intend to claim anything, and in most cases we will request permission before doing anything.

OOC: The other cases being small nations who claim too much, much more than they can hold.

Agreed, claiming an entire planet is somewhat foolish right now. Sorry, but we're new to the whole extrasolar-exploration thing.

We'll be happy with a 90/10 (we get the ten for initial discovery rights) agreement. If we tax too much, no one will be interested. Glad to know, though, that we're working with such amicable chaps.

Look forwards to workin' with yas, chummers.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/ralph_spoilsport.gifAdvisor Ralph Spoilsport
International Trade Section
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

You seem to have discovered some quite interesting systems. We are, to say the least, envious. The only remotely interesting system that we've found so far is Arcosa.

Seigfreid may have to be put back on active duty to catch up....

Information on Arcosa (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=42188)

FYI, we still need a better name for Éntornaizet.

{General Metaverse (Infonet Subset) Release}
x Office of Public Relations, Frontier Fleet Division (Callisto Base)
o Local, Allied, and Neutral News Networks, OPRFF Subscribers

Cetaganda To Assign Ship To Galactic Exploration Command

Fleet Admiral Greer of the Frontier Fleet announced today that at least one long-range exploration cruiser will begin a interstellar exploration mission shortly. The ship, IEV Isaac Asimov, will be working under the auspices of the Triumvirate's Galactic Exploration Command.

"It really quite exciting," said Admiral Greer. "We're no long limited to Belt exploration or surveys of the local planetary bodies. While much of the Frontier Fleet isn't terribly high on the list to get the FTL upgrade package, we managed to get it in Asimov."

Isaac Asimov is one of the latest series of the Venture-class exploration cruisers. While relatively lightly armed for he size, she mount extended crew facilities, launch bays, and sensors capability, not to mention a first-generation tesseract jump drive. She is expected to begin her cruise within the next week.

The first planet of BESS-2 seems to actually be quite valuable. I cannot see why anyone would say that it "does not appear to have any use". Zirconium, chromium, selenium, helium, and carbon are all very useful materials. Mercury and arsenic, maybe not so much, but they have some uses, such as vapor lamps or gallium arsenide semiconductors.

Point noted. Captain Grosevenor will be advised.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/al_rijil.gifAdvisor Al Rijil
Science Section
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

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MESSAGE BEGINS

TO: Galaxy Exploration Command
FR: Captain Grosevenor, CO, TYRS-RCR Beagle
SJ: BESS-4 Exploration Report

1. After completing survey of BESS-3 system, analyzed a stellar cluster 153 light-years out from Sol. An M9I supergiant star appeared interesting on long-range scans, obviously being quite old. The tesseract drive performed exceptionally well; our navigators are getting a great deal of experience in using the SPACEDY-ANT drive.

2. After TJE jump, initiated scans of Beagle Exploration Survey System 4 (BESS-4).
> a. Primary star is an M9I. Spectrographic analysis shows its hydrogen-fuel as mostly depleted, with high concentrations of very heavy elements such as uranium and vanadium.
> b. Planetary system consists of two planets and one very large asteroid field.

The first planet is a small rocky planet 1,608.5 kilometers in radius 287.38 million kilometers out from system center. Its extremely tenuous atmosphere consisting mostly of cyanide covers an extensive hydrosphere of a complex hydrocarbon sludge. Iridium, chromium, and nickel ores are easily extractable from its lithosphere.

Ranging from 490.93 to 598.91 million kilometers out is a large asteroid belt that, from composition, appears to be the result of the collision of at least three planets. A thick chlorine/helium nebula permeating the whole belt appears to be the atmosphere from a gas giant that had a radius at least 30% greater than Jupiter's. Large amounts of oddly structured crystalline silicate asteroids interspersed with precious metals (gold and silver) seem to have composed the core of the ex-gas giant. Another set of asteroids ranging from zinc and manganese ores to carbonaceous asteroids appears to be the remnants of another, Mars-sized planet; the final set are primarily of nickel and potassium ores with an unusually large amount of cesium.

The second planet is a massive hydrofluoric acid gas giant 3,015 million kilometers out from system center and 106,010.7 kilometers in radius. Large amounts of nitrogen are dispersed amongst the hydrogen flouride atmosphere, and probes show a hydrosphere of liquid diatomic fluorine and chlorine where the pressure allows. Deep imaging cannot quite determine the core, although transition metals are suggested.

3. Initial surveys of the BESS-4 system are complete. Next target system is a star 181 light-years out. Contact is being maintained via a network of deployed repeater probes.

4. The materials science section has found several extremely useful compounds in the "sludge" of the first planet which seem to have potential applications in lubrication and plastics production. Geologists report that the iridium and chromium of the first planet should be easily extractable for industrial purposes, and that the massive asteroid fields provide untold resources. The planetology department is analyzing the remnants of the gas giant, and a great deal of information of the structure of gas-giant cores is forthcoming--the data is being transmitted for further analyzation. Morale is slightly low on the one hand because we have not found any planets even marginally inhabitable without extensive work, but on the other hand we are keeping our hopes up.

5. Again, mining missions are suggested.

Captain Grosevenor
Commanding Officer
TYRS-RCR Beagle

MESSAGE ENDS

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{Stutterpoint Quantum Communications; m6 Security Protocols}
x Lieutenant Commander Susan Bethelan (Captain, IEV Issac Asimov (Venture Class LEC))
o Fleet Command, cc: Galactic Exploration Command


AESS-1 Initial System Report Summary

1. Following passing the Sol System safe jump boundary, we activated our hybrid SATJE/MSD and initiated jump to the assigned system. Post-jump coordinates were within 0.5% accuracy of target, well within expected variance. Jump engine was recalibrated to lower interstellar jump inaccuracy. Following recalibration, a microjump was made to the inner system. All ship systems are within normal parameters.

2. System's primary is a M8V Red Dwarf in the later stages of its life. Surface temperature is approximately 3000 K, and spectral analysis suggest substantial amounts of heavy elements.

3. Planetary System is composed of two rocky planets and two gas giants. There are no major asteroid belts present, although there are clusters of material at the Trojan points of the giants and a minor ring of asteroids between the third and four planets.

A. Planet 1 is a gas giant located 6.07 million km from the primary. Planet is nineteen thousand kilometers in diameter. Atmosphere is composed of helium and hydrogen, with traces of other elements. The hydrosphere is composed primarily of hydrofloride and hydrobromide compounds. A GP-01 Gas Giant Deep Probe was deployed, and found evidence of uranium, vanadium, and magnesium.

B. Planet 2 is a small rocky planet at 25 million km from the primary. Planet is 1,502 kilometers in diameter. A faint atmosphere is present, composed of mainly helium and nitrogen. Where a hydrosphere exists, it is made up of hydrocarbon and iodine compounds. Lithosphere analysis suggests the presence of calcium, phosphorus, and titanium.

C. Planet 3 is a rocky planet at 183 million km from the primary. The planet is six thousand kilometers in diameter. Atmosphere is composed primarily of chlorine gas, with helium also common. Hydrosphere consists of carbon/nitrogen and carbon/iodine compounds. Lithosphere is has significant amounts of osmium, cobalt, and sodium present.

D. Planet 4 is a gas giant at 321 million km from the primary. It is 30.7 thousand kilometers in diameter. Atmosphere consists of primarily helium, carbon chlorides compounds. Hydrosphere contains hydroflorides and hydroiodide compounds. A second GP-01 probe was launched. It detected large amounts of gold, zirconium, and vanadium.

4. Astrophysicists may be interested in studying why there is such substantial amounts of helium present in the system.

5. It is suggested that mining be concentrated on the second and third planets. The substantial amounts of osmium and cobalt in the third planet may be easily exploited for mining purposes, as can the titanium in the second. While the elements found in the cores of the gas giants would certainly be valuable, at the present time the cost of extracting them may prove to be restrictive. Suggest that this option be re-examined if the test of the new deep-atmosphere vessels at Jupiter prove successful.

6. Detailed survey report will follow shortly.

7. We will be moving on to next target system within the next few days.

Captain Susan Bethelan
Officer Commanding, IEV Issac Asimov
GEC Squadron, Frontier Fleet, Cetagandan Space Service

OOC: Mind posting or emailing the random planet generator out to those interested parties?

Here's the Excel-based Random Planetary System Generator (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/randomplanet.xls). The displays are on the first page; the tables on the second. Feel free to look them over and suggest or make modifications as long as they're fair (no 99% chances of platinum or what not).

DIRECTIONS:
1) Find an empty cell (one of the dark grey ones will do).
2) Click on it.
3) Press [Backspace].
4) Press [Enter].

The spreadsheet will automatically randomize all values. I tend to use each randomization that I get rather than constantly refreshing in order to find a "perfect" system. Seems more fair that way.

NOTES ON USE:
1) The planets are NOT listed in orbit order. You will have to arrange them yourself by Orbit Class (1 through 19).
2) Orbit Class 20 indicates an erratic or highly eccentric orbit. Use the lower of the two values for perigee (closest point to star) and the higher value for apogee (farthest point to star).
3) The planetary radii are actually in kilokilometers (megameters). 1.5673 is 1,567.3 kilometers. Sorry. AND IT IS PLANETARY RADIUS. Astronomers use radius because it's more useful in determining surface gravity.
4) Stars are BIG. I'm working on a modification that will indicate star radius in Orbit Class; for now, assume that supergiants are around Orbit Class 12-16, bright giants are around 8-11, giants are around 4-7, subgiants are around 2-3, and dwarves are 1 (as Sol is about 700 kilometers in radius). Obviously, stars "eat" planets in Orbit Classes less than their radius.
5) Asteroid belts are faked. I generally say that if two or more planets are in a single Orbit Class, they collide and make an asteroid belt.
6) Run moons at your best discretion. I haven't gotten those to work quite right yet.

--Hearty Aerospace Pirate Cap'n Scolo

(OOC: Checkin' on a mooched computer... good job with this. I'm going quite a bit slower with my own made-up systems, but then, I'm doing it all manually so far. Done RDS1427+9, and Arcosa, and I'm working on BDS1427+4, Lucidare, and some unnameds.)

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MESSAGE BEGINS

TO: Galaxy Exploration Command
FR: Captain Grosevenor, CO, TYRS-RCR Beagle
SJ: BESS-5 Exploration Report

1. System BESS-4 having been surveyed and logged, we set a course for a promising yellow star 181 light-years out from Sol. Its G8 spectral class suggested a higher probability of inhabitable planets than the systems we have been surveying.

2. After TJE jump, initiated scans of Beagle Exploration Survey System 5 (BESS-5).
> a. Primary star is an G8III yellow giant star. Spectrographic analysis shows it to be in the middle of its lifespan, with weaker hydrogen/helium and traces of light ionized and neutral metals.
> b. Planetary system consists of two planets.

The first planet is a dense, rocky planet 17.313 million kilometers out from system center and somewhat larger than Mars with a radius of 4,975.9 kilometers. It has a dense atmosphere of cyanide and carbon tetrachloride and active hydrospheres of both nitrogen trichloride and nitrogen tetrahydride (ammonia). There are also definite signs of ionic ammonium chloride compounds, probably generated by the planet's relatively powerful magnetic field. The lithosphere consists primarily of lithium and zinc with prodigious amounts of uranium mixed in. The planet is partially heated by a natural form of fission energy by uranium ores on the surface of the planet as opposed to inside the core (although that is undoubtedly happening as well).

The second planet is an average gas giant slightly larger than Uranus 720.24 million kilometers out from system center and 33,133.0 kilometers in radius. Composed primarily of hydrochloric acid with volatile layers of hydroiodic acid between the HCl atmosphere and the nitrogen tribromide liquid layers. Probes indicate high levels of beryllium, sodium, and cobalt deep within the gas giant, and constant reactions between the acids and the sodium are probably the reason why the planet is somewhat hotter than would be expected from stellar radiation.

3. Initial surveys of the BESS-5 system are complete. Next target system is a star XX light-years out. We are running low on gas giant probes and one of our exploration Lokis took moderate damage from an accident while scouting the first planet. Twelve casualties with three fatalities occured when the Loki flew into a ammonium chloride electrical storm and a fault in the navigation system caused it to scrape against a rocky spire. The nine survivors are being treated for respiratory agent inhalation; services for the three dead were held yesterday and they are now in cryogenic storage pending return to Titan.

4. Despite the accident--due to the presence of extremely dangerous electrical storms--our Suunto mining specialists believe that the second planet is an extremely good source of fissionables that can be exported or used in simple reactor systems. While morale is not yet poor, the loss of several highly valued crew members, including Doctor Keith Lang, head of the meteorology department, has taken its toll. The crew is somewhat listless but continue to work diligently. The most common question is how so many other multi-system empires just happen to constantly stumble onto inhabitable planets with each new system they find. Hopefully we will find one soon.

5. Standard resource exploitation procedures suggested... once again. This is becoming repetitive.

Captain Grosevenor
Commanding Officer
TYRS-RCR Beagle

MESSAGE ENDS

...disconnecting contact...
...disconnected
...powering down QE and MTC communications to standby mode
STANDBY MODE ENGAGED

{Stutterpoint Quantum Communications; m6 Security Protocols}
x Lieutenant Commander Susan Bethelan (Captain, IEV Issac Asimov (Venture Class LEC))
o Fleet Command, cc: Galactic Exploration Command


RE: Asimov Exploration Star System Two System Report Summary

1. Following passing the AESS-1 safe jump boundary, we activated our hybrid SATJE/MSD and initiated jump to the next target system. Post-jump coordinates were within 0.001% accuracy of target, significantly improved from last interstellar jump. Several minor jump engine calibrations were made. Following recalibration, a microjump was made to the inner system. All ship systems are within normal parameters.

2. System's primary is a K5IV Orange subgiant. Surface temperature is approximately 4500 K. No other information of importance.

3. There is no planetary system, despite the report from the planning board.

5. No scientific finds. We do suggest, however, that someone take a look at the long range scopes that are being used to determine our targets.

5. No resource explotation or industrial suggestions.

6. Detailed solar survey report will follow shortly.

7. Jump to next system will be made tomorrow.

Captain Susan Bethelan
Officer Commanding, IEV Issac Asimov
GEC Squadron, Frontier Fleet, Cetagandan Space Service

QUANTUM-ENTANGLEMENT COMMUNICATION CHANNEL INITIALIZED
...microtesseract communication standby engaged
...connecting communication origin and terminus...
...connected

MESSAGE BEGINS

TO: Galaxy Exploration Command
FR: Captain Grosevenor, CO, TYRS-RCR Beagle
SJ: BESS-6 Exploration Report

1. System BESS-5 having been surveyed and logged, we set a course for a yellow star 234 light-years out from Sol.

2. After TJE jump, began scans of Beagle Exploration Survey System 6 (BESS-6).
> a. Primary star is an G7V yellow dwarf star. Spectrographic analysis shows it to be almost identical in composition as Sol, but it burns somewhat cooler.
> b. Planetary "system" consists of one planet.

The system's only planet is a relatively small gas giant 170.65 million kilometers out from system center with a radius of 24,360.9 kilometers. Its atmosphere is composed entirely of helium and oxygen, coating a thick liquid layer of complex organic compounds with large amounts of nitrates. Deep probes indicate that the planet has a traditional carbon-silicate core with traces of magnesium.

3. Initial surveys of the BESS-6 system are complete. Next target system is a star 316 light-years out.

4. Morale is poor. We've heard about the attack on the WorldDisc and its subsequent departure from Saturnian Space, and as most of the crew (including myself) are originally seconded from the TYCS, we wish were back home doing something useful. How it stands, however, we might not even end up with a home to go back to and not even accomplish anything out here in the progress but label dead star systems with little acronyms.

5. Nothing further to report.

Captain Grosevenor
Commanding Officer
TYRS-RCR Beagle

MESSAGE ENDS

...disconnecting contact...
...disconnected
...powering down QE and MTC communications to standby mode
STANDBY MODE ENGAGED

QUANTUM-ENTANGLEMENT COMMUNICATION CHANNEL INITIALIZED
...microtesseract communication standby engaged
...connecting communication origin and terminus...
...connected

MESSAGE BEGINS

TO: Captain Grosvenor, CO, TYRS-RCR Beagle
FR: Ciryatári Elwen nos Finarfin, CO, 4MIGBF-CCG Mornelen
SJ: Supply Rendezvous

Captain Grosvenor:

With the blessing of Scolopendran central command, Menelmacar has dispatched my vessel, the cruiser MIS Mornelen, to rendezvous with your ship in system BESS-7, 316 ly from Sol.

We are carrying several replacement personnel attached to the Menelmacari Prefecture of Science to fill the vacancies in your crew from the accident in BESS-5, as well as various supplies. Also, we are carrying a fresh, undamaged research Loki. We will carry home the bodies of your dead crew members, as well as your existing, damaged Loki.

Please respond.

Ciryatári Elwen nos Finarfin
Commanding Officer
Cruiser Mornelen
Fourth Menelmacari Imperial Gravitic Battle Fleet

MESSAGE ENDS

...disconnecting contact...
...disconnected
...powering down QE and MTC communications to standby mode
STANDBY MODE ENGAGED

QUANTUM-ENTANGLEMENT COMMUNICATION CHANNEL INITIALIZED
...microtesseract communication standby engaged
...connecting communication origin and terminus...
...connected

MESSAGE BEGINS

TO: Ciryatári Elwen nos Finarfin, CO, 4MIGBF-CCG Mornelen
FR: Captain Grosevenor, CO, TYRS-RCR Beagle
SJ: Re: Supply Rendezvous

Ciryatári nos Finarfin:

Thanks. Nice to know we aren't totally alone out here. It will be good to have some company over for a change... and maybe once we get the morgue empty people will stop thinking so much about it.

I'll warn you ahead of time that our customs and courtesies have grown somewhat lax in our time out here. No offense is intended but we've grown to find them unnecessary bothers and wastes of our time.

We are still in orbit around BESS-6 I and will not break orbit until we make rendezvous.

Welcome to the void.

Captain Grosevenor
Commanding Officer
TYRS-RCR Beagle

MESSAGE ENDS

...disconnecting contact...
...disconnected
...powering down QE and MTC communications to standby mode
STANDBY MODE ENGAGED

The Chiron Multipurpose Conglomerate requests permission to deploy the CMC Mining Ship White Dwarf to the planet BESS2a for zirconium mining, as well as to deploy the CMC Mining Ship Blue Dwarf to the planet BESS5a for uranium and uranium by product mining to assist in the construction of the planet Centaur.

With the crimson flash of her tesseract collapsing behind her, Menelmacari cruiser Mornelen drops to realspace in star system BESS-6.

"Mornelen to Beagle, please come in, Beagle."

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
High Queen and Lady Protector of Elvenkind
"We can't go around supporting the Goodness of All Things. We might be mistaken for Menelmacar."
~Education Minister Lobon, Kn-Yan
Clicky-clicky! We Love The Iraqi Information Minister (www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)

OOC: Awfully a lot of systems, but no clusters,nebulaes or such.
Not that i'm complaining, it's a good RP. :D just thought it could expand the RP a tiny bit.. :)

The Chiron Multipurpose Conglomerate requests permission to deploy the CMC Mining Ship White Dwarf to the planet BESS2a for zirconium mining, as well as to deploy the CMC Mining Ship Blue Dwarf to the planet BESS5a for uranium and uranium by product mining to assist in the construction of the planet Centaur.
You are cleared to begin mining operations, CMC. We simply request the standard ten percent first-discovery royalty off the profits of your endeavors.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/al_rijil.gifAdvisor Al Rijil
Director, Galaxy Exploration Command
Triumvirate of Yut

***

(OOC to Kurai: I'm thinking about implementing those somehow...)

Visiting Beagle (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=63204)

OOC: Well your more likely to enconter such than systems :) , but i'm sure you'll continue to have me sitting at the edge of my seat..

(OOC: Yes, but for a planetary survey mission one would tend to avoid unstable multiple-star systems and nebulae. Save the esoteric stuff for when one has more ships.)

We look forward to seeing the Triumvirate among the stars. Here is a link that contains the existing claims of several nations, as well as an invitation to join the organization that binds them together: The Commonwealth.
http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=54323&highlight=

(OOC: So, is it possible to get that thing to do binary systems? They're much more interesting.)

(OOC: It'd probably be a simple act of adding a few more "Star Information" blocks with a set probability where they show up. Unfortunately, orbits could start getting odd. Feel free to think of something.)

We look forward to seeing the Triumvirate among the stars. Here is a link that contains the existing claims of several nations, as well as an invitation to join the organization that binds them together: The Commonwealth.
http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=54323&highlight=
Thank you; we will consider said invitation carefully.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/al_rijil.gifAdvisor Al Rijil
Director, Galactic Exploration Command
Triumvirate of Yut

(OOC: Whooo! Random Planetary System Generator v2 (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/randomplanet.xls)

Now with:
> Binary star possibility
> Nebulae
> A few annoying errors fixed
> Stellar radius ranges)

The GEC has completed construction on two new Beagle-class vessels, Vespucci and Armstrong. Vespucci is to be relegated to Karmabaijani command, and Armstrong is awaiting qualified personnel.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/al_rijil.gifAdvisor Al Rijil
Director, Galaxy Exploration Command
Triumvirate of Yut

Now with:
> Binary star possibility
> Nebulae
> A few annoying errors fixed
> Stellar radius ranges

Whoo-hoo! Now maybe Arcosa can get some binary friends!

The GEC has completed construction on two new Beagle-class vessels, Vespucci and Armstrong. Vespucci is to be relegated to Karmabaijani command, and Armstrong is awaiting qualified personnel.

What sort of restrictions are there on who will be selected to man the Armstrong?

(OOC: Read: Can I get people on it?)

Well, it is a Triumvirate of Yut Research Ship. I'm sure we can get some Eniqciri on it somewhere. *broad smile*

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/al_rijil.gifAdvisor Al Rijil
Director, Galaxy Exploration Command
Triumvirate of Yut

Well, it is a Triumvirate of Yut Research Ship. I'm sure we can get some Eniqciri on it somewhere. *broad smile*


Ah! You read my mind! (OOC: And my OOC comments...) Dr. Gawain will be thrilled.

~Lord Alarvin Ur, Councillor of Science

Just your friendly neighborhood psychic agent. Nothing to see here.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/agent_simmias.gifAgent Simmias
Office of Psionic Operations
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

Just your friendly neighborhood psychic agent. Nothing to see here.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/agent_simmias.gifAgent Simmias
Office of Psionic Operations
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

OOC: That's some good funny there. And MARK.

Could I send an Olaf palme class frigate along too?

OOC: Ummm just a tiny lesson :) , you may scream and yell at me later.
I read Cetaganda's post, and just had to say, jumping into a planetary system is frought with dangers. Being that planets gravity messes with space and a jump has a 99% chance of landing you in a planet and/or a star..

*Waits for the yelling to commence*

OOC: Over short distances, our drives are very accurate, and space is full of, well, empty space. My ship jumps first to the far edge of a system, looks around, and plots a jump that will place in in close, compensating for gravity wells.

I just hope your computor is'nt named HAL :) , and allright. I can see how that works *nods slowly*.

{Stutterpoint Quantum Communications; m6 Security Protocols}
x Lieutenant Commander Susan Bethelan (Captain, IEV Issac Asimov (Venture Class LEC))
o Fleet Command, cc: Galactic Exploration Command


RE: Asimov Exploration Star System Three System Report Summary

1. Following passing the AESS-1 safe jump boundary, we activated our hybrid SATJE/MSD and initiated jump to the next target system. Post-jump coordinates were within 0.00091% accuracy of target, much the same as last jump. A microjump was made to the inner system.

a. Scheduled test of tactical systems was conducted at the system's edge. All batteries and tubes are functional. Shields and battle screens are operating at full capacity. Targ systems are fully online. Detailed reports follow.

b. All other ship systems are fully functional.

2. System's primary is a G10II yellow bright giant. Surface temperature is approximately 5300 K. There was a great deal of flare activity during our visit, but otherwise the star is unremarkable

3. The planetary system is made up of two planets and a large asteroid field.

A. Planet One is a large rocky planet at 337 million km from the primary. It is 28.96 thousand kilometers in radius, with a single small moon. Atmosphere is heavy with CO2 and nitrogen. There is a liquid water hydrosphere, with large amounts of phosphorus. Mercury, antimony, and carbon are present in the lithosphere.

B. Planet Two is an unremarkable gas giant at 1276 million kilometers, with four small moons. Atmosphere is composed of hydrogen, helium, and fluorine. Oxygen and bromine make up the hydrosphere, and a deep probe reveals sodium, vanadium, and carbon in the core.

C. Most remarkable in the system is the gigantic asteroid belt between 560 and 610 million kilometers. The astrophysics team suggests that there is enough material present for the belt for three entire planets, including a gas giant; they suspect that planetary collisions may have occurred sometime in the past. The belt is extremely dense, and has a large amount of gas present, possible kept in that state by the belt's proximity to the primary. The gas includes large amounts of hydrogen, helium, nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon compounds. Some of the largest asteroids have tenuous hydrospheres with sulphur, arsenic, and various carbon compounds. The asteroids themselves are made up of: silicon, zinc, sodium, calcium, vanadium, chromium, germanium, and uranium.

4. Obviously, the belt is the most interesting object in the system, and will keep the astrophysicists happy for decades. A great deal of study will be needed.

5. The huge amounts of easily accessed valuable ores in the belt make this a perfect place to conduct mining operations. I suggest that the new general systems vessel Finity's End be sent to this system immediately, both to establish a base, possibly on the first planet, and to continue scientific studies.

6. Detailed solar survey report will follow shortly. One of our demilitarized LACs has been left to continue the survey until the GSV arrives

7. Jump to next system will be made within three days.

Captain Susan Bethelan
Officer Commanding, IEV Issac Asimov
GEC Squadron, Frontier Fleet, Cetagandan Space Service
{File Ends}

(OOC: Three planets, all sitting in orbit 14. Strange.)

Following reports from von Neumann probes in the area, the moon BDS-1427+4d (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=57377), tentatively dubbed "Harvest", has been identified as a target for future manned exploration missions. The old exploration vessel Siegfried, known for its discovery of Arcosa, has been recommissioned for just such an event. A crew is presently being sought (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1357700).

~Dr. Ian Bryant, Director of Farspace Exploration.

OOC: Ummm just a tiny lesson :) , you may scream and yell at me later.
I read Cetaganda's post, and just had to say, jumping into a planetary system is frought with dangers. Being that planets gravity messes with space and a jump has a 99% chance of landing you in a planet and/or a star..

*Waits for the yelling to commence*

OOC: Ummm just a tiny lesson :) , you may scream and yell at me later.
I read Cetaganda's post, and just had to say, jumping into a planetary system is frought with dangers. Being that planets gravity messes with space and a jump has a 99% chance of landing you in a planet and/or a star..

*Waits for the yelling to commence*

OOC: Over short distances, our drives are very accurate, and space is full of, well, empty space. My ship jumps first to the far edge of a system, looks around, and plots a jump that will place in in close, compensating for gravity wells.

MESSAGE BEGINS

TO: Galaxy Exploration Command
FR: Commander Noromele, CO, TYRS-RCR Beagle
SJ: BESS-7 Exploration Report

1. After rendezvous with the Menelmacari cruiser $NAME and its subsequent investigation of Captain Grosevenor's instability, we determined that Captain Grosevenor was not only unfit for command but the primary reason for the difficulties in morale. After relieving him of duty, I ordered that we continue with our mission as soon as possible. The astronomy department indicated a G8II yellow bright-giant star 316 light years out.

2. A completely successful TJE jump brought us to the outskirts of the Beagle Exploration Survey System 7 (BESS-7), diversion from terminus no more than three kilometers of predicted exit point. The navigation department is becoming more and more precise as time goes on.
> a. The primary star of BESS-7 is an G8II yellow bright-giant star. Spectrographic analysis shows it to be almost identical in composition as Sol, with about equal amounts of hydrogen and helium but a slightly higher incidence of ionized transition metals.
> b. Upon entry into the BESS-7 system we identified a secondary L7V infrared dwarf star in a highly elliptical orbit around the BESS-7 parent star.
This star orbits between about 543.41 and 1,431.4 million kilometers from the G8II primary in a highly elliptical orbit. It is massive enough to force the two stars into a Trojan pair, for while it is much smaller it is also far more dense. It barely radiates, and was thus undetectable at range.
> c. The BESS-7 planetary system consists of four planets.

The system's first planet is a rocky planet approximately 355.17 million kilometers out from the parent star, resting in a stable Lagrange point between the two stars of the system--the entire system literally revolves around it. 14,570.8 kilometers in radius with one large sattelite, it has a breathable atmosphere of neon and oxygen with trace amounts of argon and large oceans of water with noticable amounts of oxygen triodide and hydroiodic acid included. Its lithosphere includes high levels of beryllium, chromium, and calcium.
The second planet is a smaller rocky planet 3,448.0 kilometers in radius which is 674.87 million kilometers out from the parent star. It is highly irregular, indicating that the tidal pressures of the two stars in this system have affected it a great deal. It has an extremely tenuous atmosphere of argon, nitrogen, and helium and a limited liquid hydrosphere of mercury. Technetium, zinc, and sodium can easily be extracted from its crust.
The third planet is a moderately large hydrogen gas giant 67,959.1 kilometers in radius which lies 860.12 million kilometers out from the stable center of the system. It is extremely tenuous and expected to be pulled into a nebula by tidal forces within the next hundred years. The tenuous nature of its atmopshere has given us an unprecidented look at its carbon monoxide hydrosphere and its silicate core, which has indications of germanium and lead.
The farthest planet out is a stable helium/chlorine gas giant that orbits around both stars at a distance of 1,663.3 million kilometers from the stable central gravitational Lagrange point at the center of the system. Probes indicate a phosphorus trichloride hydrospheric layer over a core of manganese and beryllium.

3. We have completed our initial surveys of the BESS-7 system but are remaining on-site to further investigate BESS-7 I. Our biologists have not found any evidence of life in the present or past of this planet, but say it is immediately inhabitable with a bare minimum of purification equipment. Our terraengineers say that the planet will also be relatively simple to terraform once large amounts of nitrogen are introduced into the atmosphere. The biology department theorizes that it is the relative lack of nitrogen and vulcanology on the planet that prevented the rise of life; otherwise, it is in a very good location.
Our astronomy department finds BESS-7 II and III extremely interesting; the tidal effects of a binary system on both a rocky planet and a gas giant are keeping them busy. The small number of planets and the lack of satellites around most of the planets indicates that there are very few stable orbits in this system, as can be expected by an irregular Trojan coupling between these two stars.

4. Morale has been much better since I replaced Captain Grosevenor. Signs of paranoia are fading, and since the discovery of BESS-7 I most of the crew have been occupied with their duties.

5. More reports will be forthcoming as the information becomes available.

Commander Noromele
Commanding Officer
TYRS-RCR Beagle

MESSAGE ENDS

A new era is at hand for Scolopendra. We will go ahead with plans to colonize BESS-7 I, the inhabitable planet identified by Beagle. Volunteers from across Scolopendra have been selected to crew a Daedelus-class colony ship refitted with TJE drives but first preparations must be made. Volunteer civil engineers and others of the Ruja, Stonozka, Naija, and Nair Divisions of the Civilian Defense Corps will land first to construct temporary habitats and clear the optimal colony site indicated by Beagle. Then the first colonists will arrive and establish a self-sufficient colony, with subsequent growth maintained via constant supply.

Eventually, the colony will begin producing enough resources to export back, and we will have finally successfully moved out of the Solar System, expanding our home.

This is the destiny of any enlightened species. Expand, and grow, or stagnate and die. We are ready, we are willing, and we are able to take this step... so take it we shall.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/jon_hertzfeldt.gifPseudoEmperor Jon Hertzfeldt
Chief of State
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

(OOC: Booyah! Jumping up another Civilization Type Level.)

We would like to know if colonists will be accepted from all Triumvirate nations, or only Scolopendra.

~Some Beaurocrat

Well, it is an entire planet, and a decent-sized one at that. I don't see why we can't share with our allies.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/jon_hertzfeldt.gifPseudoEmperor Jon Hertzfeldt
Chief of State
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

*bump*

Is Advisor Al Rijil still alive in Nov?

Is Advisor Al Rijil still alive in Nov?

<tag and bump>

<Open QEStream: SECHQ/GECHQ>
<QEStream Open/Split>
<Targets Responding>
<Transmitting Data>

Sunset Exploration Command Log 298.5
SDF Yukon (SDFVENTB.47)
Captain Dale Manheim

----

We have reached the fifth system of this mission and conducted a preliminary survey in accordance to regulation. It is an unusual system over those seen before. On approach we determined that the system held no planets but instead consists of the star and a vast toroid shaped asteroid field. It is our best estimate that the planetary bodies that made up this system either destabilized or were destabilized leading to their destruction and the creation of this unusual asteroid belt.

The exact nature of the destablizing force is unknown but it has resulted in a toroid asteroid field starting at an orbital radius of 17 million kilometers. The outer radius is 200 million kilometers with the torus between these two points occupied by billions to perhaps trillions of asteroids varying from millimeters to hundreds of kilometers. Spread through this field are dozens of small gaseous nebula that are concentrated in the weak gravity wells of the largest asteroids. Preliminary scans indicate the field is a relatively homogenous mix of solids - perhaps a result of time or of whatever destroyed the planets originally.

Location: 231.81ly/321x-23 SRS

Star: Class K (Orange)
Type: II (Bright Giant)

Planetary Bodies (10, Estimate)
Rocky Bodies: 6
Gas Giants: 4
Satillites: ? (Unable to estimate)

Primary Field Materials:

Metallics:
Iron 6.7%, Phosphorus 6.6%, Aluminum 3.3%, Cobalt 3.3%, Iridium 3.3%, Potassium 6.6%, Boron 3.3%, Technetium 3.3%, Chromium 6.7%, Carbon 16.5%, Osmium 3.3%, Antimony 3.3%, Silicon 3.3%, Tin 9.9%, Lead 3.3%, Beryllium 3.3%, Sodium 3.3%, Titanium 3.3%, Nickel 3.3%, Calcium 3.3%, Vanadium 3.3%, Manganese 3.3%, Mercury 3.3%

Gases:
Iodine 9.6%, Argon 6.4%, Helium 9.6%, Hydrogen 9.6%, Nitrogen 10.6%, Neon 4.8%, Chlorine 14.4%, Arsenic 1.6%, Fluorine 3.2%, Bromine 8%, Krypton 1.6%

My recommendation is that the MIDF Elrandir be dispatched to complete the system survey. The sheer numbers involved make this a job for a fleet of ships. I am also concerned that shadow ports or the like could exist deeper in the field. The Yukon only entered the very edge of the field - we found a wreck and decided it was not prudent to proceed further. The wreck itself was mangled beyond quick identification though we will remain in-system to investigate it further.

Captain Manheim

<Close QEStream>
<QEStream Closed>

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/tmbbeagle2-spacedock.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/beagle2-spacedock.jpg)

The TYRS-RCR Beagle, in drydock for the past year to repair extensive damage received from the stellar collision in the BESS-11 system, now returns to active service with the Galaxy Exploration Command. Redesigned from its core systems out, the Mark II of Beagle now sets the standard for GEC vessels; all Beagle-class vessels currently in operation (Drake, Magellan, and Vespucchi) will be refit to the Mark II; those cruisers being planned or under construction (Armstrong, Goddard, and Cook) will be produced as Mark II models.

This second-generation research cruiser has improved survivability in case of accidents and better compartmentalization. The drive core has been completely redesigned for superior durability and all subsystems have been hardened.

In addition, GEC has determined that research cruisers are assets too valuable to risk in initial system contacts, as shown by this incident. We will still use them to their full potential, but they--having laboratory space and dedicated researchers--will make up the bulk of follow-up exploration and exploitation surveys. The vanguard of the GEC probing the unknown will be handed off to the new Endeavour-class scoutship.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/tmbendeavour-7clock.jpg (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/compyart/endeavour-7clock.jpg)
Barely larger than a Sleipnir-class dropship, it is the smallest vessel yet to carry a "Spacedy Ant" tesseract jump drive. Fully atmosphere and landing-capable, it is easily capable of avoiding danger with superior mobility and logging systems of interest for future study. The first ship of this class, the Triumvirate of Yut Research Ship scout Endeavour, will launch within the week and begin exploring star systems coreward of Sol.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/jon_hertzfeldt.gifAdvisor Jon Hertzfeldt
Director, Galaxy Exploration Command
Triumvirate of Yut

* - * - *

Captain Nnoromele shakes her head while looking down with a wry smile, braided hair brushing softly against her cheeks. "'Too valuable to risk,' sir? This doesn't sound like the 'outward and forward' GEC I know."

Hertzfeldt nods, then looks out the window of the repair yards office down at the sphere of Titan. "It's actually true, given our situation." He taps the glass lightly, finger pointing towards the terraformed satellite. "There's a hole where Liberty was, and so you're going to see dedication to Combined Services spending skyrocket. It's taken everything I can to keep the Exploration Command from just becoming an advanced scouting group for the military, trying to find the Unknown Menace." He sighs. "People want to feel safe again, and because of that they want warships, not research vessels. The exploitation aspect of our mission is going to become more and more pronounced as time progresses."

Behind him, the newly-promoted captain nods. "Unfortunately, sir, that's the legacy of Governor Rijil. He wanted an organization that would continue to support Saturn and the Sol-side Triumvirate with resources."

"It's past that now." Hertzfeldt turns around again, staring dolefully at Nnoromele. "I've been told by the Council of Yut that, essentially, we are a 'last, best hope' for the Triumvirate. If we are not safe in Fortress Saturn, then we need outposts where we will continue to survive in case of the worst. Like Ares and Shiva to Sunset, we are turning Bright Morning and Si'lat into contingencies. Our mission is to find more colonizable worlds so we can survive if Metus or the Unknown Menace gets out of hand. We're reinforcing both colonies with quiet launches of more of our colonization fleet because a few ten thousand are not going to cut it. We're building plans to expand the colonies to a hundred thousand each within the year and to a million each within five years."

"Yes, but the situation is still relatively secure. Engagement reports with Ardan vessels from the last conflict distinctly show that they are undergunned and underpowered compared to our front-line vessels. Even if the 'mission kill' ratio was nearly equal, the total loss ratio stands completely in our favor. It's our policy to draw ships back before they are completely destroyed."

"It doesn't matter what the reality is," the lanky man says as he sits back down in his chair with unusual heaviness, "the fact is that people believe themselves to be at risk and are thusly scared. The Trium doesn't scare easily, and when it gets scared, it pours funding into weapons and contingency plans. 'Meet the problem head-on,' as it were. Right now, security is the biggest issue so the TYCS are going to get the most apportionments. Us? We get more pressure to do the mission when we simply don't have enough to do what they want."

"So that's the purpose of Endeavour," Nnoromele says slowly.

"Yes. By building a lot of relatively inexpensive and relatively disposable scoutships, we can single out more useful systems to be investigated in greater detail later by the bigger cruisers than if we had cruisers alone. You know the Endeavour-class' sensor suite."

"Atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere." Captain Nnoromele ticks them off perfunctorialy.

"Exactly. Bare basics. If it has oxygen in the atmosphere, we're interested. Water in the hydrosphere, interested. Valuable metals in the soil, interested. If not, discard and find one that does. No deeper looks, no true exploration, the desire to just find..." Hertzfeldt sighs and scratches idly at the top of the desk with a finger. "And still. Armstrong will be completed soon but we have two cruisers that are essentially keels and concepts because of lack of funds. We're pouring the resources that would be in them into eight planned SCTs. We hardly even have one squadron of a Combined Fleet and yet they want us to explore the bloody galaxy."

Nnoromele suddenly turns very quiet, eyes flashing. "Maybe we don't have to."
"Pardon?"

"We don't have to do it alone... look at your history. They want us to explore to exploit, right? How was it done in the past? Governments wouldn't build explorer corps, they'd hire private citizens who already had a bit of cash and tell them to go out and make more."

"And then you got imperialism, slavery, genocide, and some of the worst offenses of unrestricted capitalism you'd care to name," Jon frowns. "The first spacefaring governments had explorer corps..."

"Which fell apart due to a loss of will and lack of funding. We don't have a loss of will, sir, but we do lack funding. Greed can be a powerful motivator, and we'll still pull in idealists with the chance to explore without having to qualify for Triumvirate service. The GEC can remain the elite, the place where it's at, but private enterprise would be an option."

"There's a problem with that. Both of our instantaneous FTL drives are restricted technology. Sure, we don't use Black Knight anymore, but we're restrictive even with gravydrive dispersal. Also, how can we be sure if some corp or private space cowboy makes first contact with a primitive people they don't go into slave labor, eh? Nationalize it?"

Nnoromele shrugs. "I honestly don't know, sir. I just think there are more options here than you'd care to admit. I'm sure you can work it out."

Hertzfeldt nods slowly, the gears turning in his mind. "Probably..."