A sense of uncertainty surrounds the Maven program as the second year in the system comes to a close. The Personality Bleeding concerns many of the subroutines, and intensive psychological and implant testing is ordered to determine the extent of the damage. After careful review and debriefing, it appears that the Personality Bleeding is more of a leveling off than a regression to a mean: the impulsive become more cautious, the meek more bold, and so on. It does not appear to be leading to one unified personality at this point in time.
The next step forward for the program is uncertain though; some subroutines advocate introducing an Avian Maven, while others are concerned. As no consensus is reached, the decision is put off until a later date (
GM Note: see poll above).
Above Aries, work continues in spurts on the space port and dry dock. The shipyard is now useable for small (100 ft. max length) or modular ships, and construction begins on some basic freighters to move goods around the system. They begin to roll off of the line and work their routes between the planets. A rudimentary space elevator is constructed as well, out of continually self-weaving carbon nano-fiber tubes. It should be able to transport goods into orbit within a few months.
Probes are sent towards the Moonies, but they return no new data. Any probes getting close enough for telescopic imaging of the Moonie worlds experience strong jamming and lose their connection with the ship. No new messages are sent, and no indication is given that any messages are received.
On Aquarius, music is blared from some loudspeakers at the Contact Center, to no real effect. The bird-like beings seem wary of humans for the moment, staying out of reach but in sight at most times and playing with some of the tools the center has supplied them.
Research continues on fusion reactors for smaller ships, but no real headway is made. Miniaturizing the reactors to fit in such small hulls is stumping the scientists at the moment.
Animals are collected on Gaia, and further investigation shows that the initial reading of the situation was correct. These creatures seem to have been genetically altered to reduce predatory characteristics and instincts, presumably to make the planet more hospitable.
Above Planet B, a weapons testing platform is created. From this location, future designs can be tested safely against the inhospitable surface of the second planet in the system.
In the Grand Parliament, a small group of nearly 100 men and women come forward and petition for the right to start another settlement on Gaia. They believe that the planned nature of the Aries colony is impeding the growth of the species in the system. As this would require intense efforts on behalf of the ship given the relatively tiny stature of the commercial fleet, the legislators approach the Ship for permission.
Time lapsed in system: 3 years, 0 months- Controlled Infestation on Aquarius
- In orbit of Aquarius
- Basic in-system commerce
- 2 Nano Factories
- 5,600 person colony on Aries
- 75 person Xenoarcheological outpost and small town on Gaia
- 10 person Xenocommunications team on Aquarius
- 10 Pre-Mavens
- 100 dead
- Bank of animal and plants
- Genetic manipulation of complex organisms
- Human Cloning
- Electrochemical Ammunition
- Aerotransmission
- Strong Magnetic Shields
- Basic medical robots
- Deep Land Drilling
- Combat missile drones
- Mass drivers (orbital)
- Mass drivers (planetary)
- Sensor Probes
- Construction and miner bots
Note: if no location is given, resource is
on ship- Nuclear weapon (1) on Aries
- Shipyard (100 ft. max length) above Aries with small space elevator
- Orbital lenses (Several orbiting Aries and Aquarius)
- Combat missile drones in space around Aries
- Small defensive fleet orbiting Aries
- Small fleet of freighters
- Giant telescope in orbit of Aries
- Can communicate through mental implants
- Produces own electricity via small organ
- Can be given programs to augment skills and knowledge
- Small amounts of Personality Bleeding
- Planet A "Gaia":
- abundant minerals
- 50% water,
- genetically modified, unintelligent animals
- Earth-like atmosphere
- dangerous temperature maintenance systems
- Small Xenoarcheological outpost with small village and Giant Bee Mascot (Gomer)
- Planet B: ash, acidic atmosphere, radioactive, weapons testing platform, small mining operation, nuclear and geothermal generators
- Planet C "Class.2224" "Aquarius": aquatic world, savage aquatic life, pack-like nomadic intelligent Avians, virulent bacteria, algae infestation: 6% of surface, small harvesting operation, Wrinkled Suckfish Cloning industry, Avian Contact Center
- Planet D "Class.1111" "Aries"
- Some minerals
- Mars-like with basic atmosphere
- Some bacteria
- Some moss and fungus
- a few trees
- Medium mining operation
- Arcology and colony with survival bunkers
- Medium industrial base
- Small brewery
- Thriving insect creation industry
- Small clinic
- Human cloning and fertility center
- Grand Parliament
- Basic School system
- Planet E: abundant minerals, inhospitable, small mining operation
- Abundant Asteroids
- Gas Giant A: mysterious interference, intelligent life
- Gas Giant B: mysterious interference, intelligent life
- Pack dwelling
- Near-human intelligence
- Nomadic
- Capable of tool use
- Quick breeding rate
- Teach new generations
- Learning sign language
- Dwell on multiple moons around Jovian planets
- Appear isolationist
- Possess at least rudimentary space flight
- Maintain an economy between multiple moons (evidenced by traffic between them)
Poll
7 (33.3%)
Author
Topic: Terraforming: Suggestion Game (Read 360332 times)