Turn 0.1: Preliminary Mission Briefing
After lunch, the white-haired gentleman again mounts the platfom,
but eschews the lectern. The lights dim and he speaks.
We have recently received information from one of our private scouts
that a ringworld exists in a nebula not far from here. Our scout
was able to make only one pass, and that off the ecliptic, so we
don't know much about the overall picture. We have named this find
`R-alpha', after the code sequence used ot designate the find.
(A holo of a slim, shiny band reflecting the light of a yellow-green
star forms near the speaker. This is a moving holo, obviously from
the cameras of a passing ship, and time compressed. The band slowly
resolves into what must be a ring, although the nearer side is
washed out by the light of the star. The ring is almost vertical in
the holo.)
The one pass indicated excess energy generation at several
locations, habitable oxygen-nitrogen atmosphere, and methane.
Methane does not occur except as a by-product of animal life, or
geological metamorphasis, so we strongly suspect widespread life.
(The holo shows 8 or 9 distinct "warm spots" on the ring as the star
characteristically dims through an IR-viewing filter. The ring
rapidly expands, and then the time-compression slows as the camera
pans to follow the inner surface of the ring. Geographic features
such as low hills and small seas are visible. So are clouds.)
Whoever built this didn't create it for just a game preserve. We need
to explore it as much as possible in the next few months. Naturally
there is potential for huge economic and miltary benefit if you can
uncover information, artifacts, and so forth. We have posted a bond
of 10,000 ICr for the first working artifact found.
(The holo fades out. The lights come back up.)
Also, discoveries like this are hard to keep secret. Time is
critical. We estimate you have at most six months to do all your
investigative work before competitors force you off the world. If
you can get back in time, we can make at least a salvage or
colonization claim on R-alpha before someone else can move in.
Because of the nature of your teams, and of this world, you will be
spending extended periods well away from other teams and from your
ship. You need to be prepared. We are providing inital training,
and making certain equipment available to you at a reduced cost.
Your checks will be held here until your return. (Isn't that just
like a big outfit, to collect the interest on your labor...)
The command team will assign specific missions, deadlines, and
goals for each of the other teams. Generally, the command team's
assignments are orders to be followed, but specific implementation
details will be the responsibility of each team.
The transport team's job is to get you there, back, and where you
have to go while you are there. Submersibles, air rafts, and ATVs
will be available once you're there. Try to choose equipment and
tools that are transportable, so these guys can do their job.
The engineering team is along to keep things working, and to
manufacture what you will need as the need arises. If you know any
good drive specialists and/or ships' engineers, steer 'em our way.
We can all see the need for a security team. (actually that' up to
your individual characters whether they can...) We don't exactly
know what we're getting into down there. Whoever build R-alpha
might have defensive surprises lined up and waiting for us. On the
other hand, security might just be moving crates for a fully
cooperative crew, or it might mean repelling alien boarders. Stay
frosty! Additionally, we want security to have a look at anything
that might be a native weapon. Could be some interesting stuff to
learn there.
The medical/bioscience team's job is manifold. They need to keep
everyone healthy. They need to investigate what, if any, medical
disciplines were used by the creators of R-alpha and to make use of
them if necessary to combat alien infection. Additionally, they
need to classify and catalog as many indigenous life forms as
possible, and together with the social science team, determine if
contact is appropriate.
Physical science's job is to make a stab at the technology of the
builders of R-alpha, if you can find enough remains to make it worth
their while. We especially want to know the obvious things, like
did they know something about drives we can learn? What kinds of
materials did they use to build this world? What kinds of machines
did they use to build it? etc. There's bound to be some strange
stuff on our new world, look to these guys for the answers.
The social science team is there to find out about how the creators
lived, how whoever is there now is living, and make contact if that
seems appropriate. If we can remain on peaceful terms with the
natives, we'd certainly prefer it.
Finally, we have generalists on the crew to help out where needed
and to, more importantly, try to provide a `gestalt' of R-alpha as
it is and as it was; to provide some meaningful framework for what
was, what is, and why.
Again folks, think on what you will need to perform your mission.
You might have to live off the land, you might need to move quickly,
and you might need to fight hard just to survive. Next week we will
move out to the asteroids, where the Alcyon is parked, and where we
have a supply depot to help you make final personal and mission
purchases.
As a parting word, we still need scientists and engineers
desparately. Of course we still examine resumes for all positions,
but do recommend us to your friends, so you won't be shorthanded
when it's time to do the work.
Are there any questions?
(Ref shell `on')
Go ahead and ask public questions publicly.
Richard
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