NationStates Jolt Archive

Imperial Space Centre, Kenya, Roycelandian East Africa

Today was an auspicious day for the Great Roycelandian Empire. Years of research and building (not to mention training!), billions of Imperial Wibbles, and an herculean effort to keep the whole thing quiet until the appropriate moment, had led to this day.

Sitting on the Launch Pad was Roycelandia's first Manned Orbital Craft, STARLIGHT I.

It was a small, 1-man craft, basically a capsule on top of one of the rockets used to put the ROYCESTAR series of Satellites in orbit.

There had been much debate over who would have the honour of being Roycelandia's first person in Space. There'd been an even bigger debate over whether to call them Astronauts of Cosmonauts, before His Majesty stepped in and said "How about we get the bloody thing into orbit and get the guy inside back first?", and debate on the matter was adjourned until a later time.

In the end, Captain Leigh Scott, Roycelandia's finest Fighter Pilot, with over 40 confirmed kills, was given the honour of being Roycelandia's first Cosmonaut. ("Astronaut", said His Majesty, "Sounds like a Dog Treat. We're calling them Cosmonauts." And so the matter was decided, albeit about 20 minutes before the launch.)

Now, everyone who was anyone was at the Launch- His Majesty, Governor-General Fy, Lt. Governor Kiff, Commanders Sword and Blackadder, the Governor-Generals of the Cape Verde Islands and Vanuatu, Representatives from Imperial Aerospace, Media from Roycelandia, United Elias, France, Britain, Quinntonia, Lusaka, Strathdonia, the African Commonwealth, Al Khals, Hindustan, Peru- anyone that Roycelandia had any dealings at all with was invited to watch this historic event.

When asked how he felt about being the first Roycelandian in Space, Captain Scott replied: "I'll let you know when I get back", with a characteristic twinkle in his eye.

Then, The Moment arrived.

"STARLIGHT I, this is Havana Control, do you read?"

"Havana Control, this is STARLIGHT I, I read you."

"STARLIGHT I, this is ISC Control, we have lift off in T minus 30 seconds"

"ISC Control, Roger that"

"T Minus 10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1... IGNITION! Good luck, Captain, enjoy the view!"

And with that, the powerful thruster rockets ignited, sending STARLIGHT I towards the heavens on a pillar of fire and smoke.

There were several tense minutes of silence, until the Radar showed the MOC had left Earth's atmosphere, and was now in space. The Booster Rockets and Thrusters had detached and fallen to Earth, landing in the Indian Ocean, all according to plan.

"STARLIGHT I, this is Havana Control, do you read?"

"Havana Control, this is Starlight I. I can read you loud and clear. All systems are working perfectly... You should be getting video feedback in a few minutes."

"STARLIGHT I, what's it like up there?"

"It's beautiful... It's full of stars!"

And so those words passed into History, with every Newspaper in the Empire running them as the headline on the next morning's paper (and on that evening's Late Editions).

For 8 and a half hours, STARLIGHT I orbited Earth, transmitting video images, readouts, and Captain Scott's commentary, conversations, and other scientific jiggery-pokery, until it came time for the Re-Entry.

The STARLIGHT I capsule held up to the stress of Re-entry, and the parachutes finally deployed high in the sky, about 40,000ft over the Pacific Ocean, approximatly 150kms East of Vanuatu.

"STARLIGHT I, this is Havana Control... Come in"

"Hello Havana... you know, I think I can see my house from up here."

Laughter from everyone listening broke the tension.

About 15 minutes later, the STARLIGHT I capsule touched down in the Pacific Ocean, where a Maritime Air Service Sunderland Flying Boat and Imperial Navy Dreadnought and Submarine were waiting to collect the capsule and it's sole occupant.

There were a few moments of anticipation- and then the capsule door opened up, and Captain Scott waved his hand and fired a Green Flare into the sky, indicating he was alive and well, and could they please come and get him now?

A Zodiac Raft from the Sunderland Flying Boat reached him first, and a Roycelandian Photographer on board the Dreadnought would later receive a Pulitzer Prize for her picture of the Sunderland's Co-Pilot and Flight Engineer shaking hands with Captain Scott as they helped him out of the capsule, before transferring him to the Dreadnought, where a team of medical specialists and doctors were waiting.

Captain Scott walked on the deck under his own power, waved to everyone, shook the Captain's Hand, and collapsed into a nearby deck chair.

"Anything to drink on this ship?" he asked, before orderlies carried him down to the Medical bay for observation.

After 48 hours of observation, it was clear Captain Scott had suffered no ill-effects, and is being hailed as a Hero by all in the Empire. Rumour has it that His Majesty plans to Knight Captain Scott, and the Imperial Space Agency are already planning another manned launch for a date in the very near future...

Roycelandia had entered the Space Age.

After Portmeirion had briefly spoken of its decision not to shoot-down the ballistic missiles that appeared to be heading into the Indian Ocean (and had delt with difficult questions about CS-500 Arawn -supposedly a close-range affair- and its true ABM capacity had been carefully dismissed), the Igovian Soviet Commonwealth somewhat casually congratulated the ruddy Roiks, CCC comrade Chivo saying, "Well done, eh?"

Nobody was annoyed that the Roycelandian Empire had launched just weeks before the Igovian Soviet Commonwealth planned to put the newly acquired Russian Buran orbiter into space with a primarily Beddgelen crew. Really.

The Imperial Space Agency are incredibly pleased with themselves (as is the entire Roycelandian Empire), although they're remaining tight-lipped about what else is on the cards for the Space Programme.

There are rumours that Roycelandia has some sort of Space Shuttle in development, but international analysts have pointed out that this is unlikely, given Roycelandia's penchant for Retro designs.

Then again, these same International Analysts also totally failed to notice Roycelandia was in the process of organising a manned Spaceshot, so anything is possible.

To further add fuel to the speculation fire, the Imperial Airforce Base at Thompson's Falls (also in Kenya) is apparently "Closed for upgrading of essential systems and routine maintenance", although there still appear to the aircraft heading into and out of the base...

Restoration France would again stun the world when His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX announced a program of 'co-operation and exchange' between the Roycelandian Space Agency and the French Royal Academy.

The French were well known to have a massive space/ballistic missle program, headquartered in Charlesbourg, New Provence (French Guiana).
The French scientists were amazed when a launch was detected in Havanna, but quickly congratulated Roycelandia on their remarkable achievement.

The Kingdom of France had no desires to send a man up themselves, twas too expensive and time consuming. However, they had a first tier satellite program (commercial, military, and espionage) as well as a 2nd tier ballistic missle program---always eager to improve both.

It was in that spirit that His Majesty Louis XX extended his most sincere congratulations to His Imperial Highness Royce I. He wished to have the programs work together (and since Roycelandia was in NATO, doubted it would cause any fears on TBF's or Obeds part), indeed New Provence was only a stone throw away from Port Royal.

King Louis, as he considered Royce his friend, promptly had his Court Artisans fashion a minature space shuttle, with Royce at the helm: he was made of gold, his loud shirt disparate jewels, and the shuttle was a stunning sterling silver.

After Portmeirion had briefly spoken of its decision not to shoot-down the ballistic missiles that appeared to be heading into the Indian Ocean (and had delt with difficult questions about CS-500 Arawn -supposedly a close-range affair- and its true ABM capacity had been carefully dismissed), the Igovian Soviet Commonwealth somewhat casually congratulated the ruddy Roiks, CCC comrade Chivo saying, "Well done, eh?"

Nobody was annoyed that the Roycelandian Empire had launched just weeks before the Igovian Soviet Commonwealth planned to put the newly acquired Russian Buran orbiter into space with a primarily Beddgelen crew. Really.
OOC: About that...I was originally hoping to send Putin himself into space, but it's causing increasing difficulties with Quinntonia and TBF. So, I shall send...My soon-to-be-announced head of the KGB, Arnold Schwarzenegger. He'll fly first with the Bedgellens, and if that goes well, will be appointed head of the KGB. Yes, you heard that right. It's Arnie in space. I don't think the Quinntonians will mind that; it's just a peaceful space program, and even the RL US had some joint work with the USSR concerning space travel. Not to get sidetracked, but...BG, I'm going to have to cut back significantly on the military aid. I'll adress that more in a seperate thread, but it's going to be necessary for certain bits of my plans...

His Majesty has personally thanked King Louis XX for the valuable space shuttle in miniature, and has it on display in the Imperial Palace so that all might see it's wonderousness.

Meanwhile, talks between Port Royal and Versailles are underway, with rumours that the Roycelandians and the French are up to "Something Big"- possibly even a Moonshot, which would have been unthinkable 10 years previously.

More likely, however, is the establishment of a joint Roycelandian/French Space Station, manned and staffed by crews from both countries, with immeasurable scientific benefits to the Imperial and Royal scientific communities...

The head of the Academie Royale, Dr. le Comte de Pascal, relaxed in his Charlesbourg office.

On his desk was a top secret fax from Versailles, authorizing the Academie to work hand in glove with the Roycelandian Imperial Space Agency. Although the Academie, the body which by defalt ran His Majesties R&D and Space programs, was basically situated for simple satellite launches and missle testing, this was a golden oppurtunity to work with a dynamic and well funded body---and Roycelandians to boot.

So it was that Roycelandian scientists and technicians were invited to the massive French launch facility some thirty miles outside Charlesbourg. They would find the square miles big patch of launch pads and research hubs cutting edge, if only equipped for satellite and missle testing. However, French scientists were eager to augment the Roycelandians shuttle programs with their own excellent drive technology, in the end hopefully producing something that could dazzle the world. And, of course, no doubt such close dealings in this matter would lead to increased trade...the French made damn good rocket fuel.

The Imperial Aerospace team were very impressed with the French R&D programme, and His Majesty had authorised a French delegation to visit the IRAF Base at Thompson's Falls in Kenya.

What they would find there would be surpising- the rumours were true. Roycelandia was building a Space Shuttle, the IRSS Empire.

The French Rocket Fuel proved to be considerably better, more efficient, and clean burning that the Roycelandian stuff, and the modifications to the Empire's engines would give at least 15% more thrust and 7% less wear on the engines, which was seen as a very good thing.

Similarly, Roycelandia's Rocket designs had more space in them than French ones, allowing for a greater Payload capacity, but at the same cost and fuel usage level. These designs were gladly shared with the French, as they had generously shared their Fuel mixtures with the Roycelandians.

It's worth bearing in mind that Roycelandia's Space Programme is spread out throughout the Empire. Briefly:

Launch Site: Near Lake Rudolph, Kenya
Mission Control: Havana, Cuba
R&D/Testing: Thompson's Falls, Kenya
Construction and Initial Testing: Torpedo Bay, Jamaica
Tracking Station Charlie: Sunderland Bay, Cape Verde Islands
Tracking Station Delta: Beaumont, Vanuatu

Needless to say, Roycelandian-French Co-operation was only going to benefit both countries, and hopefully put them at the cutting edge of AMW's Space Exploration technology and acheivements...

An Airbus C5, that massive cargo version of the normal liners, touched down in Thompson Falls, Kenya.

On board was the creme de la creme of French science, all members of the elite Academie des Science du Roi. Headed by Dr. le Comte de Pascal, the team consisted of aeronautical engineers, astrophysicists, and experts on motion and drive systems, not to mention a delegation of high ranking officers of the Ordu du Saint Espirit, France Air Force. Also on the plane, and kept very hush hush, was something the French Royal scientists had brought with them from Charlesbourg to help the IAF's efforts: the Superabus 12-300, a heavily modified version of the computer mainframe which directed Frances top notch ICBM, the Fury V. Just how potent the missles accuracy was could be attested to by the massive, indeed total, damage that it wrought on Ulanger during the Lavragerian War. Each time, the Fury V always scored a direct hit---and this was the modified version.

Under de Pascals supervision, software engineers and physicists had modified the system so that it would be compatable with the Roycelandians shuttle. It was literally the most advanced piece of technology that the Kingdom of France possessed, some said that without knowing it the French had hit Quinntonian levels of technology in the venture. Eager to work (although scientists they are nobles as well, so they have complete free time) the Academie members began at once helping the Roycelandian scientists on their progam, the IAF shuttle truly would be a masterpiece.

And the schematics for the Roycelandians increased payload capacity were sent post haste to Charlesbourg, where the R&D got to work fitting them into His Majesties blueprints.

In regards to French Space Facilities, there are only two, one really. Of course the massive one which launches French satellites and missle tests is in Charesbourg, New Provence. In New Caledonia, there is a small monitoring station at Ft. Martin...as well as ODSE runways that, if need be, could land a shuttle in a squeeze.

tag

In the skies over Madhya Pradesh, an SAt. 32 performs unnatural manovers. Diving and climbing as though it was trying to swim, the light transport is trying to simulate a zero-gravity environment for six individuals riding in the cargo bay. All dressed in orange flight suits typical of Hindustani AF pilots, the six passengers are part of a groundbreaking program initiated by the Hindustani Astronomical Society to train Hindustani astronauts.

Currently, the Hindustani Astronomical Society (similar to NASA, state run) only has the capability to launch medium-sized sattelite payloads. The rockets used, essentially copies of the R-7, are in short supply and expensive to build, but they have been used numerous times to launch microwave, radio, infra-red, and gamma-ray observatories as well as two spy sattelites.


Meanwhile, in Roycelandia, Omar Nasser boards an elderly Canberra. Very impressed at the sight of the Roycelandian manned flight, he plans to propose a similar program for Hindustan. If he and his team could manage to build a more powerful rocket booster, a Hindustani manned flight might not be far off.

The first thing that would impress the French delegation would be that Roycelandia was actually surprisingly advanced- for all their running around with Zulu War era uniforms and WWII era weapons, Roycelandia's Computer Technology was at the forefront of the world's IT industry, especially in the miniaturisation and advanced computing fields.

What Roycelandia has specialised in doing was taking "obsolete" technology and making it work in the 21st century.

For example, the trend in most modern militaries was towards smaller, automatic fire assault rifles firing intermediate rounds like the 5.56mm NATO round.

Roycelandia, however, had decided to remain with the century and a bit old .303 British round, modifying the SMLE design to Semi-Auto/3-shot Burst capability. Practical Upshot: High Power Rifle with a long range, but retaining a classic and trusted design.

In exchange for the French Software, the Roycelandians also had some useful things up their sleeves... designs for a Space Station, a design that stretched the very limits of Roycelandian Aerospace Technology. It boasted room for a crew of six, food for 6 months, as well as oxygen and water systems, as well as the necessary exercise and scientific equipment to keep the crew occupied for the duration of their stay.

All in all, an ambitious, and very expensive, project- but one with immeasurable benefits for Roycelandia and France...

His Most Christian Majesty was so impressed with the project undertaken with his royal brother, Royce I, in regards to the burgeoning space program in Thompson Falls, Kenya, that he decided that the Royal Body would inspect the progress in person. Secret calls to Port Royal from Versailles indicated that it would be oh-so-nice if His Imperial Highness Royce I could join HMCM on the visit.

The courtiers of Versailles scurried about, preparing their master for yet another sumptous vacation. Louis XX would travel alone (an extra cargo plane being needed just for His Majesties gourmet tastes, and four for his clothing needs), Queen Marie Therese being detained in Versailles hosting the endless parties to celebrate the Dauphin and Dauphines fecundity.

Most keen insiders would realize that, aside from the obvious desires on Louis XX's part to see such marvels of engineering, the visit had all the appearences of a meeting of state. They speculated that there would be much more on the agenda than mere rocketry. This was, after all, His Most Christian Majesties first visit to Africa.

((A bump for His Imperial Highness))

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I would be delighted to host Louis XX's first State Visit to Africa. Many activities had been planned, including a 3-day Safari in the Kenyan bush for Elephant, Rhinoceros, Lion and Cheetah, amongst other things.

A State Dinner would be held at the Governor-General's Mansion in Port Imperial for Louis XX, and it was rumoured that both Rulers were going to discuss "Something Big" regarding "All that empty space in West Africa"...

In a hanger in Diu, the future of Hindustani space exploration takes shape. Working off a modified HR. 7, Omar Nasser and his team begin to add more powerful rocket boosters to the basic template.

But there is really no rush. Nasser doesn't plan to speed up the effort terribly, and therefore is confident that he and his team will be able to produce a high quality rocket, one devoid of potentially crippling faults and well checked-over.

His Most Christian Majesty arrived in Port Imperial with a characterisitc flourish. After the glorious Airbus-2000, Monarch One, landed on the tarmack (preceeded by 15 Airbus C5's carrying the entourage and supplies, and 50 Rafale C's of the ODSE), there was a military parade and twenty one gun salute. The Swiss Bodyguard, with their mahogany rifles and silver bayonets-red, blue, and silver uniforms with tephlon plated steel tricorner hats, marched in checkerboard formation down the runway, lining up for His Majesty Louis XX to review them alongside the Governer of Roycelandian East Africa himself.

His Most Christian Majesty was wearing a radiant white silk suit and cloth of silver tie, with a matching fidora hat and ivory cane. He even wore sunglasses for the occasion, albeit the frames were of diamond. Medals adorned his blazer, and the Cordon Bleu of the Ordu du Saint Louis sashed about his chest. His entourage was rather small (by Court standards) and consisted only of about one thousand hangers on. His third eldest son, the Comte d'Artois, accompanied His Majesty on this state visit, the spitten image of his father in dress and manner. The King and Prince of the Blood did the camera waves, both French and Roycelandian newsmen present, and were whisked away by limo to the reception hall.

After they settled in for tea with the Governer, His Majesty would light a cigarette and wave himself with the fidora, Kenyan heat! The Comte d'Artois enjoyed a cold beer instead of tea, while a maid placed a cool towel on his forehead.

Louis would sip his tea, smoke his cigarette, and speak to the Governer about the marvellous projects occuring there in Thompson Falls.

"So, when do you suppose old Royce will make it out here. I should very much like to see this rocket ship of his, and talk about all that damned empty space in west Africa!" Louis, always a charmer, set the whole trio laughing. The King then snapped his fingers, and a liviried valet presented His Majesty with the Martini rifle Royce had sent to Versailles as a gift to Louis.

"Id also like to try this on for size. I waited for this little safari to try it out. Did you know, Monsieur le Governeur, I have yet to hunt in Africa?"

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I strides into the room about 30 minutes later, and pauses by a control panel on the wall.

"Fry, we have guests from more temperate climes with us. Turn the Airconditioning up, OK?"

And the room suddenly gets noticeable cooler as His Majesty turns a dial.

His Majesty is dressed for Safari, wearing a Wollesley pattern Pith Helmet (The kind you see in 1930's adventure films), a Loud Shirt which is strangely muted and combines Khaki, Green, and Yellow with a sort of tiger-stripe pattern. The effect is both in keeping with the best traditions of the Imperial Loud Shirt, but also strangely suitable for hunting in Africa.

His Majesty is also wearing a brace (pair) of Webley Revolvers.

"Apologies for being late... got held up with affairs of State... Anyway, shall we begin the Grand Tour?"

"Love to" said Louis, as his son d'Artois stood behind him.

And with that they left for the grand tour. Louis was simply ecstatic as the convoy of safari vehicles rambled along the dirt road, who knows how many jeeps ripped down the savannah that day. His valet in the car behind carried his vintage edition Martini, ready to run forward and give it to his master at the appropriate time.

As the convoy was headed towards its hunting destination, Louis handed Royce his flask of cognac after taking a liberal belt himself.

"So, Royce, where are we off to to-day?" taking another belt, he lit a cigarette, and placed the silver case back in his blazer pocket.

Artois was sure to take a few pictures as his father and the Emporer talked, amateur photography being quite a hobby of the young Prince. He had already taken one of Louis XX and Royce I shaking hands in their leisurely dress...a photo that would go straight to the Royal Album in Versailles.

As the convoy continued along, Louis was seen showing the Emporer a few maps of west Africa. Now and then he moved a red pen over to certain parts of it, with a laugh and grin. The Emporer would then take his pen, and make a few marks as well, returning the strokes with winks here and there. After a bit of this though, the map was put away. Louis said that business, in his estimation, was secondary to pleasure.

So it was that Louis wondered when the entouage might stop for a bite to eat, and asked the Emporer when theyd get a chance to hunt (His Most Christian Majesty having seen a few animals already alongside the road he wouldnt have minded taking a few pot shots at).

With the crack of several Martini rifles, a mountainous water buffalo dropped dead on the African savanna.

A trio of royals, mutely dressed in hunting fatigues, whooped as the beast went down like a streamlined anvil.

"Damn good shot" said Louis as his valet, Thierry, removed the Martini from the Royal Hands and replaced it with a cool, sparkling glass of champagne. Likewise, Royce (who was suspected of achieving the killing hit) and His Highness le Comte d'Artois followed His Most Christian Majesty into a large silken tent, adorned with a table drooping under the wieght of a sumptous lunch.

Outside, hundreds of porters cleaned up the trophies of a three day hunt. Hundreds of gazelles, lions, buffalos, rhinos, hippos, and even a few elephants had been brought down in possibly the finest hunt Louis XX could ever remember. Louis had exerted himself to the limit, and subsequently was as happy as a clam.

On that note, the three royals all toasted their champagne, each drinking the flute in one dusty gulp. A journalist in the train of the Comte d'Artois took a picture of the three royals, putting down the champagne and beginning serious conversation. The tents flaps were shut, and the footmen descretly retired.

"Royce, I wish to thank you. This has simply been delightful!" Louis lit a cigarette, and poured himself another glass of champagne as his son Artois produced a map on north western Africa and placed it on the table. Highlighted in red were two countires, Algeria and Senegal.

"I have thought for a while, mon ami, about the course my Kingdom should take in Africa. I see now that your posistion perhaps requires some bolsting, and mine has yet to exist. Ergo, I should very much like to speak to you about re-aquiring the lands which by blood belong to me, as my other real estate in France does. Royce, would you like a neighbor?"

After a smile and drag, Louis began to tell Royce of the massive, clandestine operations already underway in Algeria. Soon what the French had done there would be impossible to hide from the world...coups were burgeoning, revolt was ripening, and all did so under the Aegis of HMCM Louis XX. But now Louis told Royce all, as His Majesty felt that in conversations past, Royce had hinted he wished to hunt more fully. Now Louis did as well.

Perhaps a colonial outing could be agreed upon.

His Majesty handed his Martini Henry to Wiggles and beckoned for his Map Case.

"I thought you might like this."

The Map Case contains a large-scale Map of Africa, c.1935. In addition to Roycelandian East Africa (and several countries that either no longer exist or are part of one of the other Nations in SSA), most of the West Coast and North-West Africa is marked as "French West Africa".

"My friend, Africa is an enormous place" His Majest said. "And it could only help keep the Natives in line with two large, civilised Nations here. And if you need my assistance, you need only ask."

And with that, His Majesty lit a large Cuban Cigar, and offered one to Louis.