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>All posts must use the royal we. Any suggestion unfitting a princess will be ignored

Oh goodness, we weren't expecting this today.

Well, we should go ahead with the MK2 launch, I suppose.

We've been messing up pretty badly lately and maybe a minor success will bolster us. What are the stats for the rocket?

WOOP WOOP FUCK YEAH ROYALTY AND ROCKET THREAD.

Ahem.

So what the situation we're currently in at this moment in time? How have the preparation been proceeding.

>>23865791
We insist that Godmother take our place at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new building of the useless noble daughter who sew society in recompense for her dastardly deception.

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Rolled 6, 2, 5, 6 - 2 = 17

Back at Fort Adler your current inventory consists of 2 Mk2s, you have room for 4 more mass units worth of rocket parts.

Mk2
>Type: Probe, Mass 1, Reliability 4/3
Mk3 (RELIABILITY DOWN!)
>Type: First stage, Mass 1, Reliability 8/6
Camera Module
>Type: Mapper, Mass 1, Reliability 19/14
Guidance module
>Type: unmanned control system, Mass 1, Reliability 19/14

You have 10 RnD points and 1 luck point.

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Rolled 5, 2, 3, 6 - 2 = 14

As you return, you receive a coded wireless from your brother. You understand the meaning to be that the Firest Mk2 test hit the target perfectly.

>>23866016
The second one was also a success. At least you've mastered sub-orbital ballistic flight. It's just getting into orbit that's the trouble.

>>23866016
>>23866044

Oh Gods, finally some success. Hopefully this means that the Navy will help us out and that the Rocketry Corps will survive.

One thing we must prepare for is any potential backlash against the Mk 3's failure. While the test was in secret... we should check the press when we return to port to see how we are perceived.

Now, we MUST get a rocket into orbit. Perhaps we should put our resources into refining the Mk 3s?

>>23866016
>The only successes are when we're not present.

Are we bad luck or something?

>>23866044
We shall spend 5 RP on the MK3, 3 points to Reliability and 2 points on Boom.
We shall then have construction begin on another MK3 rocket for another attempt at orbit.

We shall also pen a letter to our Father, informing him in code that at least military tests of the MK2 are successful, showing that the Rocketry Corps is not all failure and incompetence.

We shall then discuss with Ms. Kenaway her interest in rocketry and space flight, and if Suthland has any interest in the civilian applications of orbital space flight.

>>23865947
Well, let's rebuild the MK3, I guess.

Then just do it by the book: lower the fail/boom ratings each turn until they're all under 5. And if we have any points left over, we start building some of the eequipment we'll need in the future (a capsule, a camera, a guidance module, etc)

>>23866016
Excellent! We should ask him if he'd like any more rockets to test with.

>>23866044

Wait, wait.

Clearly the solution is to strap MK2s together.

Let's build another one, and stage them together two below and one above; go with what works first.

On the other hand this does nothing useful because the MK2 is a dead end once it has launched a satellite, it's tooo small...

>>23866203
No, 1d20 just has a flat probability curve. Changing to 3d6-4 seems to have fixed that.

>>23866221
You receive a brief message from your father telling you that he has received your message, Nothing else.

Miss Kenaway tells you that her father thinks she's still in school, he sent her to Midland to study, not run off to watch rockets explode. She asks that you not tell anybody about what happened, and the Prime Minister agrees with her.

>>23866334
That's more or less what the Mk3 is.

>>23866269
Your brother says he is impressed with the MK2's range, but that it's only really good for statonary targets. If only there was a way to guide a missile in flight...

>>23866494

These things are big and lumbering and even with the best guidance system we can think of, you couldn't use it on anything smaller than a battleship and even that could conceivably see it coming and dodge.

If he wants to put some of his mathematicians on it, we'll gladly provide test platforms though!

He probably wants something closer to an automatic aeroplane: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kettering_Bug

>>23866494
The unmanned guidance system is for in-flight guidance, correct?
If so, we shall inform our brother that work upon what he desires shall progress, and we shall provide him with a completed version once a reliable enough design is ready.

We shall spend 2 RP on the MK2, 1 on Reliability and 1 on Boom, as the Navy desires it as a sub-orbital ballistic weapon system.

5RP on MK3, 2RP on the MK2, and we shall spend the remaining 3RP to improve the reliability of the Guidance Module.

>>23866636
Maybe we could build some sort of pigeon guidance system.

Or.. you know, convicts.

Anyone that survives being the guidance system for a anti-ship-ballistic-missile gets a full pardon!

We need some fluff to deal with our painful ineptitude as leaders.

How are our friends and acquaintances doing at the moment?

>>23866696

Dude, seriously, no. The pigeons maybe, but the other thing... no.

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>>23866221
Improving MK3
>>Type: First stage, Mass 1, Reliability 5/4
Constructing Mk3, 4 points remaining.

>>23866636
The Mk1 was essentially an unmanned airplane. It has no stats because it cannot into space, but it had the same dumb guidance system as the Mk2, but a smaller payload and shorter range.

>>23866696
This is a lovely idea.

Can we first have some prisoners transferred here so that we can test the effects of extreme heat and cold, high acceleration, and a vaccuum on live humans?

>>23866727
You are the one so enamored of manned space exploration. Automatically eject them when the terminal-phase course correction boosters burn out.

Why, I'd give them a 1 in 20 chance to survive that. Maybe 1 in 15 once we got the kinks worked out of the ejection system.

>>23866770
>>23866709
>Any suggestion unfitting a princess will be ignored.

>>23866770

It's a bad idea for a few reasons. First off, this should be an inspiring endeavor (Which doubles as a strategic weapons program, granted). So either we publically associate it with the scum of the earth, or we keep their role a secret, opeing the door for blackmail and even if that doesn't happen denying human being, whatever their crimes, rightful recognition for taking the brunt of the risk.

>>23866494
If we can improve the MK2's warhead and range it'd be an excellent deep-strike weapon for the navy. Reaching targets further than battleship guns could, and more safely than planes could.

Once we grab some sweet navy funding, we can work on the MK3; thus I suggest pouring all 10 points into improving the MK2 as a deep-strike weapon.

You have 4 RnD points remaining, how shall you spend them?
And will you launch at the end of this turn?

>>23866709
Amelia tells you that a pair of bank robbers in Hafenstad have been attracting most of the Press' attention away from your failures. While Sir Harker was able to deduce that you left with the navy, the rest of the kingdom hasn't even been paying attention.

There has however been a paper published in the academic journals that "Proves" orbital flight is impossible for man-made objects. It postulates that any possible rocket design would suffer from diminishing returns and that the amount of thrust required to enter orbit approaches infinity.
"Peer reviewed" by the Royal Astrological Society. The Professora tells you it's rubbish and that the arithmetic doesn't even make sense. Division by zero and whatnot.

>>23866801
>>23866812
Okay, okay. We're just spitballing here.

What about animals? Or dead bodies?

>>23866636
Nothing can really doge a terminal-phase ballistic missile without long ranged radar tracking. Even a crappy Mark 2 is coming down faster then a bullet from a gun.

>>23866911
We could get the Professora to write a reply to it in the academic journal. Although I'm not sure what good it would do, now that I think of it.

>>23866935
The problem is the Mk2 has no terminal guidance and can only be fired upon a target with a known location. Also it's warhead is only 10kt.

Good for hitting ships in port, but not much else. It's purely a strategic weapon.

>>23866911
Oh, we will wipe those smug looks from their faces when we reach orbit.

Okay, our priority i
1. Dealing with our unexpected guest.

2. Working on a guidance mechanism first, then a rocket to place it in.

3. Planning our next launch. We can't exactly ask our brother to borrow his carrier every-time we want to shoot something off.

>>23866979
The Prefessora refuses, She tells you the only way is to launch a rocket and prove them wrong. They won't be able to argue with radio transmissions coming from over there head (impossible to fake)

>>23866911
Spend the last 4 points on a dedicated military guidance system for an MK2-esq rocker with a larger payload.

Next month we can build the militarised MK2-X.

>>23867022

Very much this. They're flinging mud and the mature thing to do is to dodge, not fling back.

Onwards and upwards!

>>23866989

So it's a good deterrent but not that useful in a shooting war? We tell our brother that some of our math and engineering will sure benefit his cause eventually, but privately we're kind of OK with this.

>>23867053

Does this benefit us in other ways? We should at least ask Minerva if the math is the same.

Past that... Let's get something into space already :)

>>23866925

A dead body would be a good test article for a manned capsule. Something smaller... maybe it can carry a bird? That has a nice bit of symbolism to it, too. Our military is getting past carrier pigeons, maybe we could offer a last hurrah to a breeder.

>>23866989
Well yes, to shoot something you have to know where it is. Really, with a Mk2 you need to know where it's going to be after enough time for a good coffee break, making it less useful for attacking a target able to move.

Ballistic missiles are artillery weapons for attacking fixed points. It's best to play to their strength rather then try to turn them into something they are not.

>>23867177
I agree, so lets improve the MK2 to make it a stronger ballistic deep-strike platform for the Navy.

Improving the payload, size and speed would all be useful in this respect, in descending degrees of importance.

>>23867223

What will that do for our primary goal though? Other than make sure the Navy likes us, which is good for other reasons.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_Dragon_(rocket)

>>23867022
We have 4 RP left. We shall spend them on the MK2, 2 on Reliability and Boom each.
The Guidance Module will have to wait.

>>23867257
I thought our main goal was to attain more funding to gain a launch-base near the equator in those western islands; this should help that.

>>23867053
Your men brainstorm ideas on how to give a missile terminal guidance. The best idea seems to be shining a radio beam onto the target, and having the missile track it.

This would be too big to fit onto the Mk2, right now, and would require something with a line of sight to the target to spot for it.
However it does lead to interesting ideas about using a satellite with a radar antenna to aid in navigation.

Inventing and improving waylight.
>Type: Waylight, Mass 1, Reliability 18/14
No RnD points remain? Launch Mk3 or timeskip to next turn?

>>23867302
Timeskip I think. Unless we want to risk firing the new Mk3?

>>23867257
>>23866911
We can only really think in generalities at the moment.

Make the MK2 + MK3 better, so that all scores are 5 or below. Then perform another test launch of the two-stage rocket. And any left over points go towards the guidance system.

With the new dice roll system, our luck can't possibly be that bad, can it?

>>23867302
We shall launch the improved MK3.
We shall see if the improvements are enough.

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>>23867333
Being in the public eye though... we really could do with a break.

>>23867330
We could have improved the MK2 this turn, but someone thought that inventing the Waylight, which won't even be viable as a payload for many turns, was a better use of resources.

>>23867333

I'd wait. If this makes us drop off the public eye... good. Once we send something in orbit, people WILL pay attention.

Honestly? We are mostly worried about the Astrological Society launching a rival program. They could pull an Adeptus Mechanicus on us and end up saying that only "blessed" rockets can fly, and take the program from us that way.

>>23867330
Cancel this.

I think the scores are already 5 or below. Let's go ahead and launch, the odds are well in our favor this time and gods know we need some kind of success.

>>23867378
Oh we cannot let that happen. Get our rocket up there.

>>23867381
Shall you invite Ms Kenaway to observe the launch?

>>23867302
I guess talk to the army about this way light/rocket combo?

As for the rocket, let's wait and improve the MK3 more next turn before launching it.

>>23867378
The MK3 is at 5/4 and the MK2 is at 4/3.
If we wait too long then as you said, the Astrological Society may start their own program.
And even if the rocket fails, we're not inviting the press to watch, so the failure won't be plastered over the news.

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>>23867333
Yeah, let's launch the Mk 3.

>>23867403

After all this? Yes. She's probably not a spy. Even so, it would be expedient to make sure she's with us at most times; we're pretty sure WE are not being shown too much technical detail either.

>>23867381
Oh, if the scores are below 5 for the MK3 I change my vote to launch it as well.

>>23867403
Yes, we shall invite Ms. Kenaway, and Amelia is watching as well, correct?

>>23867403
We should extend our invitations. After all, we have done so twice and disappointed her.

A third time would be just the thing. An informal reception, I believe would be the best.

Rolled 3, 4, 6, 6 - 2 = 17

Ten
Nine
Eight
Seven
Six
Five
Four
Three
Two
One
Ignition!

>>23867451
No, we will do no such thing. Our reputation cannot afford any more damage to it.

>>23867465

We are not putting down our prayer beads and stare transfixedly at the column of smoke, maybe to the point that our friends think we've zoned out from the anticipation.

>>23867483
I meant for us and our guests, not for any press or dignitaries.

Rolled 5, 3, 1, 5 - 2 = 12

>>23867465
The first stage ignites, and the Mk3 begins to shoot skyward. Slowly at first, but it soon gains speed. Eventually leaving your sight.

You continue tracking it by radar, but it soon goes over the horizon. Now you have to wait for the Navy's signal to know if it worked.

>>23867511

Are there papers on the observer effect? Because one might be in order.

>>23867511
Is this good? I've grown so used to failure that I don;t know what success even feels like

>>23867545
I don't think it's bad...

Rolled 6, 5, 5, 2 - 2 = 16

>>23867511
Incoming message from the HMS Staberinde. "Congratulations sister!" The navy has acquired the satellite entering into an inclined orbit. In an hour or two it will pass over midland once more.

>>23867511
We shall order Colonel Smith and the computers to calculate when, if the second stage was successful, we should expect the radio transmitter to pass over us again on its orbital track.

>>23867576
I believe a deep sigh of relief is in order. What are the reactions of our little group?

After that, we must call a press conference.

>>23867576

"Anyone who is not on essential duty, please come to the foyer. Throw open the pantries, this is OUR party and we've earned all the delicious cake we can get our hands on! Anyone who IS on essential duty, save them the bits on top as they are the yummiest."

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Soon enough, the radar room at fort Adler receives the transmission from the satellite. The Computers are able to plot it's course on a map of the world. With the rotation of the earth the orbit looks like a perfect sign wave, and it should stay up there for a very long time, at very least it's batteries will run out long before the orbit degrades.

>>23867576
No cheers. Only a deep breath.

Let's send a very simple message to the Royal News: "We have launched a rocket into orbit. Please visit the RRC for more information."

>>23867682

When things are a little less hectic, we should have the original plot framed and sent to the Astrological Society so that they may find a worthy display place for it. Running museums is probably smething they should be qualified for.

>>23867682
Quite honestly, that couldn't have gone better.

Go congratulate the technicians and the ground staff as well as our staff, then we must inform the world of this historic accomplishment; our first venture into space.

>>23867720
Yes, in person, not an announcement. Let's let everyone know how much we appreciate all their hard work.

>>23867682

I think everyone can appreciate that, with a polar orbit, it becomes possible to make a truly accurate map of the entire world. Especially the bits that we are not allowed to send cartographers to.

General Adler bursts into the room congratulating you and giving you a big, rib shattering, bear hug. "I knew you could do it your highness. You'll be putting me out of a job soon enough. Ahahahaha!"

>>23867833

*squeak*

"This is something we all did, you more than me if anything!"

>>23867833
We shall thank the General for his congratulations, and that of course we shall continue to need his skills for some time to come.

We shall also send a telephone message to our Father that the first orbital flight is a success.

Then we shall inform the newspapers that we have successfully launched a radio transmitter into orbit, and that it is currently transmitting. We have no need to gloat, and the simple existence of the radio signal is enough to refute the Astrological Society's assertions that orbital flight is impossible.

>>23867899

How easy is it for a citizen with a ham radio setup to tune in on it?

If it is a bit of a challenge, we should encourage radioamateurs to do so and invite the neighbors over, then notify the RCC and receive a QSL card from us. Even if we end up signing a couple hundreds of the things, it'll be worth it for the good will.

>>23867899
General Adler hands you the red telephone straight to the throne room. Your father is a bit surprised to hear your voice on the line, and simply says "Splendid." and that he shall leave any formal declarations to you.

>>23867979
Trivial, any radio should be able to tune in to the right frequency.

>>23868071

Then never mind QSL cards, but our press release should definitely include instructions on how to do just that.

>>23868092
>>23868057
We shall meet with the minister in charge of public relations, and prepare a press release and radio address, wherein we shall inform the nation of the success of our orbital launch, and instructions on how to tune in to the radio transmission.

Also, we shall inform Colonel Smith to please prepare a photo session of everyone in the RRC for a commemorative photo after the press release.

>>23868179

Should we ask Minerva to hold a copy of the Astrologers' paper for the photo?

>>23868228
Perhaps that is not prudent. Disproved though they may be, they still hold sway and we don't want to agitate them so openly.

The next thing they will be claiming is that no man could enter the firmament and return alive. That is to be the next goal, I think.

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>>23868228
That should be done with ourselves, Professora Minerva, Colonel Smith, and General Adler standing in front of a fully assembled MK3-MK2 Orbital Launch Vehicle.
We shall be holding the paper, like this.

Drives it home better that way.

>>23868292
We don't have to publish the photo. It can simply be a commemorative one, given to each of the higher-ranked members of the RRC and in the RRC Common Room.

>>23868309
In that case, perhaps we can indulge ourselves a little.

>>23868292

I think much of what sway they hold has just been shot into space. This is not like with Galileo; they can't burn anyone at the stake and indisputable proof can be accessed by anyone who owns a radio.

That much said, we should ask if anyone wishes to lead a prayer of thanks, and join in.

>>23868318

Second.

I think we need nicer names for our Up Goers...

>>23868333
Generally names of mythical heroes and gods of great strength are a good starting point. Especially for the heavy lifters.
The payloads and project names are perhaps better served with the name of explorers and pioneers.

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You give your radio address from Fort Adler this time, announcing the frequency it's transmissions can be heard from, and the times it might possibly be viewed by telescope.

As for the public's reaction, you will need to wait till the next morning for that.

>>23868406

If we were not the upstanding example of ladylikenes we are, we should consider a line of toys shaped like the satellite.

>>23868406
A question is do we spend the night having a party or do we go to bed and awaken anxious to hear what the reaction is?

Also, what is Ms Kenaway's reaction to the launch and the first presence of mankind in the heavens?

>>23868433
Cheek.

>>23868437

The crew is more likely to feel free to let loose a little if we are not present.

>>23868406
We shall, if we have the personal funds available, arrange for the local beerhall to throw a party for the RRC. Given that we have done what was said to be impossible, we believe that we should be allowed to imbibe TWO drinks, one for each stage of the rocket.

Converse with Ms. Kenaway on the first ever man-made object placed into orbit. On how exciting this is, and that it paves the way for new developments in rocketry and science.

>>23868485

Second and second.

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>>23868485
Your Entourage and the entire RRC descend upon the unsuspecting beer hall, and you are able to provide free drinks for everyone. Amelia takes photographs of everyone celebrating, and Minerva does indeed pose with the newspaper. You didn't think she was capable of smiling before today.

Between toasts you manage to get a conversation with Ms Kenaway. She agrees that orbital flight holds great promise, and can't wait to tell her father about the successful launch.

>>23868570

"So, race you to the Moon, then?"

>>23868599
"A race? In space you mean? But I don't even have a rocket of my own"

>>23868632
"Perhaps you can help with the design of the next one?"

Suthland doesn't have a space program at all, does it?

>>23868756

We guess everyone will, starting tomorrow. So let's press on our advantage!

>>23868756
It doesn't have one we know about...

>>23868785

Tonight, right now, we have a chance to make sure a space race remains at least polite and friendly. For the good of our world, let us take it. That is the difference between a queen and a crazy cat lady with an army.

"I think that's about to change. And think of it, when you go home you'll be the most qualified person to oversee your country's effort!"

>>23868816

(If we can push the "Space programs should be ran by young girls in classy dress uniforms" standard on this planet, we will have done a good thing)

>>23868864
Somehow, I can't deny this.

We'll support this

Miss Kenaway considers the possibility for a while before smiling. "I suppose I have no choice but to accept your challenge your highness."

Luck point get!

>>23868933
We shall now retire for the evening, and wake up bright and early tomorrow in order to see how our launch has affected the Public, and if there is a response form the Astrological Society.

>>23868933

The one key piece of information everyone now has is that the heavens have officially been pierced. We're ahead for everything else, so let's not make like the Soviets and keep it that way.

We should go to bed earlyish in order to be fresh for the inevitable onslaught of press and sycophants we'll face tomorrow...

Allright, posts seem to be slowing down, and we've gotten into space. Time for me to go to bed as well.

Space Princess quest will continue tomorrow at the normal time.

>>23869072

Yay!

>>23867302
What about fast boats with radio beams assisting missile guidance by getting into line of sight of the target? Do we have fast enough boats to dodge naval guns? It's a terrible plan from the battle logistics standpoint, but still, taking out capital ships while not risking our own, only expendable boats, could be big.

>>23870871

You'd have a hard time operating a radio beacon from a speedboat. Plus, the speedboat would be carrying a huge "I AM HERE, SHOOT ME" sign.

>>23870922
True. If there's like 100 of them you can't sink them all.
Or maybe just have an insane number of torpedo boats.

>Treating commoners as the human livestock they are
>Not befitting a princess
Do you even aristocracy?

>>23871035

Looks like the monarchy's power is slowly waning in a semi-planned fashion, at least in our country. For us to remain relevant, we must be not merely rulers but paragons of all that our culture stands for. In our case, apparently tht's giant bombs and giant rockets.

>>23871035
Aristocracy = rule of the best
we are the best at space
we rule
q.e.d.