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[Goron]

October 27, 2027
Hotshot scientist Numbers Leno has completed research in construction automation utilizing Trans-Newtonian technologies, effectively increasing the construction rate by 20%. In other news, his assumed rise to mass wealth has come to a sudden end... his work on pressurized water powerplant technology has been nationalized by the government following a decree from governor Mcbroom. He no longer owns any rights to patent or lease the technology. In a public address, Governor Mcbroom announced that no citizen of Earth would be refused advanced power technology in this new era of progress. The people loved it. The private industry sector using the pressurized water reactor technology loved it. But the industry and scientists developing their own advances in that and similar technologies are now out of a major source and potential source of income.
Numbers Leno can do little but continue his work for the sake of science...

December 12, 2027
A young local-level government official named Regina Wasco has stirred some commotion in the news. Among the standard hustle and bustle in government circles during (or in this case just prior to) an election year, Wasco's name has stood out as a prime candidate to take on Elissa Mcbroom for the prime post of governor. The news worthy part is that she is, considered by many, not qualified to be governor of Earth. Her administration rating, a mere A2, is hardly awe inspiring... but her traits, accepted and known by most media outlets, are drawing a lot of attention. She is Candid, Disciplined, and results-oriented. Many progressive but caustious minded politicians feel that Wasco has what it takes to lead Earth during these adventurous technological times.

January 12, 2028
The commercial shipyard complex is complete. Several politicians and scientists rally at the opening, celebrating forward thinking policy. Although not originally his idea, Thad Bartholomay has latched onto the shipyard project fiercely, claiming it is a step in the right direction for Earth's long term progress, claiming that governor Mcbroom's short term industry Trans-Newtonianalizing (sic) mandate is dangerous for the longevity of the economy. Many governor hopefuls join Thad in the rally to try and curry favor from attendees.
The yard is named Palomo Shipworks after the primary company that funded the project, the Palomo Group.

January 27, 2028
Xplore One, Thad Bartholomay's Bartholomay Research funded space ship is built. A crew is already assembled with a volunteer captain, chaoticag.
The maiden voyage is set for February 5. Xplore One will take off from Earth and head straight for the moon, Luna, where it will use cutting edge geo-sensor technology to scan the for Trans-Newtonian elements.





(annnnd I might as well call it a night... that way chaoticag can choose a person and i can make it the captain.)

[chaoticag]

I think I'll take the 30 year old commander with psych problems, and 21% survey.

Spoiler: this one (click to show/hide)

Code: [Select]

Male, 30yrs
Cheerful
Psychological problems
Risk-taker
Initiative 188
Political reliability 10%
Survey 21%
Mining 10%
Espionage 20%
Logistics 10%

That way, I have a choice of either having him be a manic depressive alcoholic, or the Ultimate Warrior, personality wise. Whichever you prefer.

Chaoticag ought to be fine for now, or if you'd prefer a more sci-fi friendly name... then... *google searches for a random name generator* ... this seems good: Edison Erikson

[Delta Foxtrot]

Chaoticag ought to be fine for now, or if you'd prefer a more sci-fi friendly name... then... *google searches for a random name generator* ... this seems good: Edison Erikson

Leif Erikson would fit with the whole Xplorer theme.

[Goron]

I went ahead and left you as chaoticag. Makes it easier for me to keep track of who is who:-)
Interesting tidbit: you served in Thad bartholomay's geology team during the re-survey of earth. I suppose that would explain how/why you know him and why you might be willing to volunteer to captain his ship. I am currently remoting into my home computer via my iPad, so don't expect many (any) screenshots.

[Goron]

February 5, 2028
And you're off!

Amid much pomp and fanfare the Xplore One took off from NASA-Houston at just after 2 o'clock local time. The exit from the atmosphere was flawless, Commander Chaoticag and his crew are set to make history with the first manned trip to the moon in over half a century. But the moon is only the starting point! Chaotigag is under orders to make the first manned journey to Mars and Venus. Depending on the outcome of those trips, he may or may not continue to visit Mercury before returning to Earth.

Spoiler: "Commander Chaoticag" (click to show/hide)

[Goron]

February 12, 2028
Chaoticag brought the Xplore One into the moon's orbit sometime around 10PM Earth time on the 5th. After almost seven full days on station, Xplore One sent a message back to Earth. Chaoticag, in a strangely cheerful manner, announced that the moon was devoid of Trans-Newtonian elements.
The news quickly spread around Earth. A major blow to the exploration movement, Bartholomay did not let the news slow the mission down. Within an hour he made an announcement to the public that Chaoticag was leading the Xplore One on a course to intersect with Mars' orbit. He stressed to the public that one barren moon was not a sign of failure. More Trans-Newtonian elements would be found.

February 13, 2028
Following the disappointing news from the Xplore One, Governor Mcbroom made a major announcement of her own. She was suspending the TN-modernization mandate imposed on the world' industry. Claiming her mandate to be a major success, Mcbroom declared that further investment was necessary in developing great thinkers, leaders, and scientists in order to take advantage of the major economic benefits presented by the industrial modernization so far. Unprecedented funding and resources would be devoted to new Academies to help foster new minds to help guide Earth in the Trans-Newtonian age (her words).

Post speech analysis widely considered the message to be a scheme to help secure the governor's political bid for reelection. But fact checking sessions found that most of her statements and points hold a level of truth... The economy of Earth is much better than it was at the start of her term, in large part due to the TN modernization. Industrial output and capabilities is vastly superior with the TN industry. Advances in sensors and fire control, missiles and kinetic weapons, and the advent of Trans-Newtonian thought are all major marks of Mcbroom's tenure. While analysts agree her recent taking credit for the first foray to the moon in decades is off-base, much of the public attribute the new space ventures to Bartholomay/Mcbroom teamwork...

With the election year ticking on, many potential voters find themselves conflicted...

Spoiler: "Governor Elissa Mcbroom" (click to show/hide)

Current one term governor of Earth, a qualified administrator with political experience AND governor experience. Sometime offputting by her callous attitude, but otherwise widely known for her connections to industry and military leaders as well as other politicians. Her educational background benefits engineering works like shipbuilding and she is considered to be very good with making money last.

Spoiler: "Gregoria Lush" (click to show/hide)

Lush is often considered the best opponent to Mcbroom by political analysts. An obvious career politician, Lush unfortunately does little to really stand out. Her political standing and A4 ranking and experience are her biggest, and most noticed strengths. She is often seen as stubbornly cautious; a personality opposite the incumbent. Many conservationalists (Those in favor of conservation of TN elements and/or exploration for new sources- often placing Thad Bartholomay as their party leader [despite the fact he personally avoids associating with the party too closely]) hope Gregoria Lush will be the qualified, cautious minded leader that Earth needs.

Spoiler: "Regina Wasco" (click to show/hide)

The most junior of the leading governor hopefuls, Regina Wasco is either considered the savior of humanity or the downfall- should she be elected. Her local level government experience does not lend itself well to the highest post on the planet- but many see her 'low government' mindset to be exactly what is needed in the Trans-Newtonian age. Others feel that her inexperience will lead to chaos and economic collapse... But no one can argue against the fact that, given time, Wasco will go places in the government. The question is if now is too soon.

With elections in December, the race for the governorship is just getting started...


(these people are claimable)
(accepting votes/discussion for next governor now...)

[Goron]

Oh crap... which way does mars orbit? clockwise or counterclockwise? I might have made a mistake... Xplore One may or may not be chasing Mars now...

EDIT: nvm, all good.
...*phew*

[Goron]

March 16, 2028
Chaoticag arrives in Mars orbit at 10:23:36 Earth time and begins the planned geo-survey. Earth waits...

March 30, 2028
At 7 minutes before one in the afternoon, Earth time, a live televised broadcast from Xplore One begins with Commander Chaoticag saying "Initial geo-survey results are negative, repeat, negative..."
Earth is stunned.
The conservationalists suffer a major blow while also gaining new support. Is it possible that Trans-Newtonian elements are only on Earth? While many scientists, including Thad Bartholomay insist that as an impossibility, the public is beginning to worry that the availability and/or cost of finding any potential deposits is out of reach. The political message of many outspoken conservationalists changes from 'Save what we have and find more' to simply 'Save what we have!'
Political support for Bartholomay Research and government funded and backed space exploration teeters. But Bartholomay, and Commander Chaoticag, do not stray from the mission. Despite the lack of success with moons, Chaoticag prepares to send the Xplore One to Phobos, continuing the mission.

Mid-afternoon a new message comes to Earth from the Xplore One. The message is not met with the same excited fervor as the original Mars dispatch... and it starts with more disappointing news: "Initial geo survey of Phobos is negative. No Trans-Newt element hits," but continued with words to go into the history books, "Initial survey of Deimos shows minute concentration of Corbomite."
!!!A Trans-Newtonian element has been found beyond Earth's atmosphere! The detailed report indicates only an estimated 52 tons of Corbomite are on the chunk Deimos, but the discovery sparks new faith in Chaoticag's mission. Many scientists are quick to point out that the minuscule deposit is no reliable sign of success, though. The Corbomite may have originated from Earth millions of years earlier...

May 11, 2028
Amid much speculation and charged debate, Chaoticag announces his survey results of Venus to Earth... No Trans-Newtonian elements.
Some, including prominent politicians like McBroom and Lush are calling for Chaoticag to return home, declaring his mission a failure.
Thad Bartholomay's Bartholomay Research is afraid what may become of its funding should it continue the mission by surveying Mercury... Thad decides to leave the decision up to Commander Chaoticag...

June 7, 2028
Commander Chaoticag agreed to continue the mission without a moment's hesitation. It was not his money on the line. After taking the Xplore One to Mercury and executing the geology scan from close orbit, Chaoticag transmitted his scan results back to Earth. No video, no message, just the results of the scan.



June 22, 2028
With the initial excitement regarding the find on Mercury dying down, the excitement for the future of Earth increases. The TN element deposits on mercury are vast. Millions of tons of even single elements. Mercassium, the limited element on earth, has a 2 million ton presence on Mercury (but poorly accessible). Twice earth's Uridium supple is located on the planet and about an equal amount of Duranium, the element with the most current use, is present on Mercury as earth. Worries about running out of those Trans-Newtonian elements seem to melt away... but other elements are still in limited supply and not available on Mercury... and even the elements present on Mercury are on Mercury.
Thad Bartholomay, the shining star turned obscure scientist turned shining star, holds a series of press conferences regarding Chaoticag's Mercury find. He cautions people to be patient and not jump to conclusions. TN elements are still in short supply, he claims. Even considering the large deposits on Mercury, getting them is not an option at present. Much more work will need to go into investigating new technologies and months, if not years, will pass before any true action can be taken. Bartholomay indicated his company has been investigating new engine technology based on Trans-Newtonian theory for several months, but his limited resources and funding has proved to limit progress. In a surprise twist, Bartholomay Research's quickest source of funding and support comes from Governor Mcbroom.

June 27, 2028
Elissa Mcbroom goes on the campaign warpath holding a series of town hall style meetings across the globe declaring an immediate and eminent need to support Bartholomay Research's work on Nuclear Thermal Engine Technology. She pledges government resources and funding and declares work has already begun on a new ship yard to support further space exploration. Numbers Leno finds his government grants and resources dried up very quickly, with most of the attention now on Bartholomay Research.
Mcbroom pledges to provide all the support Thad needs to finish his work by year end... and also promises to continue support of similar projects int he next year- should she be elected.

July 17, 2028
The Xplore One returned to Earth on June 29 at 7:09 in the evening, EST. Chaoticag and his crew were immediately put into quarantine for an 18 day period, just in case. Immediately after exiting quarantine Thad Bartholomay and Governor Mcbroom, along with other world leaders, met with Chaoticag to congratulate him.
Mcbroom beamed with pride presenting a giant smile and big award to Chaoticag


But later, in private, Chaoticag is informed by his senior Captain that the Rear Admiral was instructed by the governor personally to not promote him.

September 4, 2028
With election campaigning in full force, Governor Mcbroom is taking an early lead in informal polls. A growing number of earth's citizens see Mcbroom as the only candidate experienced enough for the job...


October 9, 2028

Mcbroom strikes another political blow to her opponents. Bartholomay Research finishes work on Nuclear Thermal Engine Technology way heck of ahead of schedule; thanks to Mcbroom's massive government support.
Mcbroom attacks the strongest opposition party, the conservationalists and their prize candidate Gregoria Lush. She degrades their influence by pointing out that their desire to save and skimp on TN element use is opposite the new national desire to explore and exploit new TN element deposits on Mercury. Mcbroom indicates that she is the one willing to invest heavily now for the great payoffs to come in the future- once again citing her investments in the world industrial modernization as proven success and evidence of her policy. Thad Bartholomay is forced to concede that expensive (time, money, and TN element) investments will be required to utilize the new engine technology in the smallest way. And to actually research, design, and built ships capable of exploiting TN element deposits on Mercury will be extraordinarily expensive.

October 19, 2028
With full government support, Bartholomay Research announces a new design for the Xplore class space ship:
The XploreR

Code: [Select]

BR XploreR class Exploration Ship    1,000 tons     96 Crew     171 BP      TCS 20  TH 50  EM 0
2500 km/s     Armour 1-8     Shields 0-0     Sensors 1/1/0/1     Damage Control Rating 1     PPV 0
Maint Life 8.55 Years     MSP 107    AFR 8%    IFR 0.1%    1YR 3    5YR 39    Max Repair 100 MSP

Bartholomay Research - NTET FORCE One - MIL SPEC (2)    Power 25    Fuel Use 100%    Signature 25    Armour 0    Exp 5%
Fuel Capacity 10,000 Litres    Range 18.0 billion km   (83 days at full power)

Geological Survey Sensors (1)   1 Survey Points Per Hour

This design is classed as a Military Vessel for maintenance purposes

To expedite progress, governor Mcbroom has instructed Thad Bartholomay to refit the existing Xplore One with the new NTET FORCE engines. Not only is the Xplore One's current configuration completely obsolete, but Mcbroom makes it very clear that to continue receiving government resources for the remainder of the year (and the way things are looking in the polls, for the next four years), Thad best get a new ship using the new engines in space ASAP.

November 29, 2028
On the eve of elections, Governor Mcbroom strikes a winning blow. She announces that Bartholomay Research has refit the Xplore One to use the newest engine technology developed by the Newton Award winner, Thad Bartholomay, and that the Solar Star recipient and folk hero, Chaoticag, is departing Earth to survey the deepest reaches of the solar system, starting with Jupiter. Then after making further promises that she will continue all efforts possible to develop new technologies and designs in order to actually exploit the Mercury deposits and any future deposits, Mcbroom's reelection was all but assured.

January 1, 2029
The votes were cast and counted. Governor Elissa Mcbroom is officially reelected as governor of Earth.

[Goron]

February 24, 2029
Commander Chaoticag's survey of Jupiter and her moons is somewhat of a disappointment. Ganymede yields estimated deposits of over 5,000,000t Duranium at 80% accessibility and around 2,000,000t of Neutronium at 90% accessibility. While the finds are massive, the presence of only two different TN elements out of eight different bodies is far from desired.
Chaoticag continues to Saturn next.

March 18, 2029
Scientist Maria Pelland, already known for developments in duranium armor technology, has just announced the development of a cargo handling system ideal for space-borne transfer of goods between vessels or a vessel and a body at expedited rates.
The research brings Earth one step closer to developing a proper method of exploiting foreign planet TN element deposits.

May 26, 2029
Commander Chaoticag finished the survey of Saturn and her moons. Saturn, a gas giant, was found to have 2.2million tons of Sorium. Dione, one of the moons, has an estimated 25,088t 90% accessible Duranium, 1,129t 80% accessible Mercassium, and 3,136t Vendarite at 80% accessibility. No other moon was found to have Trans-Newtonian element deposits.
He continues to Uranus next. He will survey, probe, and examine Uranus. ... ... ... teehee

June 7, 2029
During a televised broadcast Governor Mcbroom announces the completion of Earth's first Fortitude Missile Base. She declares the base to be the most advanced and effective system of its kind. Designed to launch three devastating Haan Industries High Yield Nuclear Weapon System missiles at pinpoint targets anywhere on Earth, the Fortitude base is the Trans-Newtonian government peacekeeper. Mcbroom indicates that this is the first of 6 planned facilities. Other notable technology employed by the bases include Pelland Research DirectPoint sensor systems and fire control systems, enabling the pinpoint accuracy advertised.

Code: [Select]

Fortitude Missile Base class Missile Base    2,000 tons     325 Crew     229 BP      TCS 40  TH 0  EM 0
Armour 5-14     Sensors 1/24     Damage Control Rating 0     PPV 30
Magazine 60   

Fortitude Defense - Missile Launch System (3)    Missile Size 10    Rate of Fire 75
PELLAND - DirecPoint MFC (1)     Range 1.1m km    Resolution 1
HI - HYNWS (6)  Speed: 200 km/s   End: 120m    Range: 1.4m km   WH: 29    Size: 10    TH: 0 / 0 / 0

PELLAND - DirecPoint X1 (1)     GPS 24     Range 1.4m km    Resolution 1

Missile to hit chances are vs targets moving at 3000 km/s, 5000 km/s and 10,000 km/s


This design is classed as a Planetary Defence Centre and can be pre-fabricated in 1 sections
Local governments that were in contention with the Governor now have reason to not be...

[Goron]

June 29, 2029

The Unity Naval Yard is complete. A state of the art space shipyard, the 1000t Unity Naval Yard is actually located in near orbit of Earth. Deemed to be the only possible configuration for advanced space ship design and construction, close orbit shipyards are the future. As a part of the project, the NASA - Houston assets (while also expanded to 2000t capacity) has been reassembled in close orbit, near the UNY.

The commercial yard, Palomo Shipworks, is still located on earth's surface. Governor Mcbroom has been in close communication with the Palomo Group and other investors trying to come up with a solution on how best to utilize the shipyard, though. The XploreR class ship designed by Bartholomay Research utilizes the government controlled and restricted mil spec NTET FORCE engine. But Bartholomay Research has also developed a commercial version of the NTET FORCE. It is much safer for commercial use but also significantly larger. With Palomo Shipworks at 25,000t capacity, engineers are beginning to worry that the planet surface location will prove to be a hindrance in the long run. But to move the yard into close orbit like done with the much smaller NASA shipyard could prove to be extraordinarily expensive; more expensive than the Palomo Group could float.

[chaoticag]

Awesome. So what resources do we still need to find? We seem to have found the motherload of TN materials, but looks like we're missing some kinds.

Also, although I tried to get into the game, I'm actually not too familiar with it. What materials do what? Do you need all 8 kinds of metals to put together your average ship?

[Goron]

stolen from the wiki:

Duranium. Most common ore and used to build factories, mines and ship structures.
Neutronium. Very dense material used for shipyards, advanced armors and kinetic weapons such as railguns or orbital bombardment systems.
Corbomite. Used for advanced shields, stealth systems and electronic warfare systems.
Tritanium. The primary material used in many missile technologies and in the construction of ordnance factories.
Boronide. The primary material used in the construction of power systems and capacitors and also for the creation of Terraforming facilities.
Sorium. Used for construction of jump drives and jump gates. Also refined by fuel refineries to produce fuel.
Uridium. Used in sensors and fire control systems.
Corundium. The primary material used in almost all energy weapons.
Mercassium. Used for Research Facilities, life support systems and tractor beams.
Vendarite. Used in the construction of fighters, fighter factories and fighter bases.
Gallicite. Used in the construction of engines, including missile and fighter engines.

Current earth situation:


So to answer your question, no, we do not need all of the minerals. but....
The XploreR class uses 75 Uridium, 63 Duranium, 18 Gallicite, 10 Mercassium, and 5 Corbomite. But it is a small, unarmed ship.
Converting one conventional industry to a Construction Factory costs 10 Duranium, 5 Trianium, and 5 Vendarite... Small for one, but really add up.
Military academy takes 1200 Duranium, 300 Corbomite, 300 Triatnium, 300 Uridium, and 300 Corundium... and I have built 4 so far...
Once we start developing 'real' ships, mineral use will skyrocket. Same goes for building and expanding shipyards. And missiles, wow, they can cost a ton due to the mass production of them.
So in the end we will need all types.
So far none of the geosurveys are very satisfactory, from a meta-gaming point of view. We want a high accessibility of many elements on a single body to get the best use of mines. Since a mine (or auto mine) will extract X units of each element regardless of number of elements. So a body with two elements will extract 2X tons each year. A mone on a body with 6 elements will extract 6X tons per year.

So far no scientist is studying jump point tech yet, doesn't seem feasible (or needed enough to make it feasible) from their point of view. We either need someone to take over a politician or scientist and push for the research, or just wait until someone (probably Thad) gets around to it on their own.

EDIT:
Let me also clarify something. Right now there are only 5 prominent scientists on earth. Two of them suck.
We have
Thad Bartholomay, a Biology/Genetic expert with 35% bonus and 30 lab capability.
Numbers Leno, a Missiles/Kinetic Weapons expert with 25% bonus and 25 lab capacity.
Maria Pelland, a Defensive Systems expert with 20% bonus and a 20 lab capacity.
Scotty Haan, a Missiles/Kinetic Weapons focus with 0%bonus and a 30 lab capacity.
Leif Dulak, a Missiles/Kinetic Weapons focus with 0% bonus and a 5 lab capacity.

When a scientist works within his or her specialty their bonus is 4x. So when Numbers Leno is researching Railgun Launch Velocity 2 (like he is right now) his research points per cycle is 100% more than normal (25*4). But if he studies, say, Capacitor Recharge Rate 2, he will only get 25% more than normal.
I have completed a research rate increase tech, so 'normal' is 240 research points per facility.

So right now we are limited in specialty, in a bad way. We have no Construction/Production experts (important, in my opinion, early game).
We have no Energy Weapons experts (that is fine for now).
We have no Logistic/Ground Combat experts (The logistics part is pretty important, includes things like orbital habitat modules, transport bay (ship and person), tractor beams, etc... the ground combat part isn't an issue yet)
We have no Power and Propulsion experts (very bad. we need them. For better ship engines, missile engines, JUMP POINT THEORY, reactors...)
And we have no Sensors and Fire Control expert (Ok for now... but will want in order to develop warships)

So I am limiting the 'stray' from expert domain as much as possible to maximize bonuses... but that doesn't stop Bartholomay from researching things outside his field though. His 35%, even without the 4x bonus, is decent and his 30 lab capacity can get things done. But I like to think he is not clever enough to come up with jump point theory because it is not his field... I may wait until we get a new power/prop scientist for that.

[Goron]

June 23, 2029

The government will assist the Palomo Group in transferring Palomo Shipworks from the surface to close orbit. As a part of the deal, the government will obtain and maintain a controlling stake in the operation of the shipyard. The deal was reached after hours of negotiations between the Palomo Group and investors and the government, with Governor Mcbroom leading the talks.

July 12, 2029
Uranus is devoid of TN elements. Her moons are empty too... Chaoticag's mission continues, though...

July 24, 2029
After an intense government sponsored project, the Palomo Shipworks facility has been moved to close orbit. The shipyard is also now capable of handling vessels up to 30,000 tons.

August 16, 2029
Neptune and and her moons are without TN elements...

September 1, 2029
Despite the setbacks to his expansionist views (the lack of TN element finds on planetary bodies) Thad Bartholomay has been continuing his research in related fields. Just today he announced a major breakthrough in technology capable of supporting orbital habitation, long term space stations, in other words.
His work on an orbital habitat module will allow for on site workers at other TN sources. Scientist Scotty Haan of Haan Industries has been working on a similar project: cryogenic transport modules. A cyro module would help get people in large numbers but small space and with limited resources to any future orbital habitats. Haan's research is still sometime from being complete, though.

[chaoticag]

Is it all that unusual to not find anything on most planets you go to? At this rate, we just might have to leave the solar system to get these materials.

[Goron]

Is it all that unusual to not find anything on most planets you go to? At this rate, we just might have to leave the solar system to get these materials.

Well, in my experience I usually get at least one good planet or moon... We still have asteroids and comets to checck, tho