>>24196099
We must speak with Professora Minerva about her radio-reactive steam turbine and how it can be harnessed to produce electricity.
Would we require an investment of RP in order to have her begin research and development, and setting up an experimental reactor to produce electricity for the workshops of the Tannhäuser Gate?

Also, I believe that we should consider the creation of a radiolight photovoltaic satellite, which will assist our Void Knights in their orbital insertions and in de-orbiting.

Have we delivered the nearly perfected Mk3 and Guidance Module to the Navy yet?

We officially space race now.
>>24196260
I agree on the satellite, but not on the turbine. Surely we can make use of tidal flows around our lovely reef to provide nice, clean hydroelectric power?

>>24196319
The point of creating the radio-reactive power reactor is not just to provide electricity, but to develop the technology for use back on the mainland.
And which type of tidal power do you propose to use?
Underwater currents? Difficult with our current level of technology and metallurgy.
Tidal barrage? Do we even have a place large enough to build the necessary dam?
Dynamic tidal? We're nowhere close to having the requisite metallurgy and control systems.

>>24196260
The Mk3 has been delivered as promised, this combined with publishing rights, has raised your budget by 5 points.

You have 35 points to spend. Your current inventory consists of a single Mk4a, sans midstage or payload.
>Type: Lower stage, Mass 6/6, Reliability:10/14

You also have 2 luck points.

>>24196397
Minerva tells you the idea of tidal power is intresting, but that it's outside of her field. If you are really intrested in the idea, she's sure she could find an expert, but wonders what that would have to do with rocketry.

>>24196520
We ask if RP will be required for Minerva to begin development of the radio-reactive turbine. We must develop technology with civilian applications to justify our budget to the members of the Appropriations Committee.

>>24196619
Yes, you may invest RnD points into this each turn if you wish, but it will take several turns to show any effect.

>>24196520
We shall distribute our RP thusly:
10RP - Maneuvering Thrusters 14/17
9RP - Photovoltaic Power Cell 1/5 *Invent
9RP - Mass 3 Mk2 Capsule 1/5 *Invent (cannot use Technology Transfer from Small Capsule, too small)
5RP - Radiolight Beacon 5/8
2RP - Radio-Reactive Reactor Turbine

Is this workable?

When do we put animals into orbit? Civilian applications are nice and all, but we must not loose sight of our goal: GET TO LUNA BEFORE ANYONE ELSE!
Why?
Because we're awesome and they're not, confound it.

>>24196772
Civilian applications will get us a bigger budget, something we need for larger rockets.
A Mass 12 rocket will take 40% of our current budget a turn just to increase a single Reliability point.

>>24196099

Well, looks like we've stolen the front page :) Should get a Merikan newspaper to get their spin.

>>24196723

That looks good to me, but I'd start with the RR power cell instead of a turbine. The turbine is something unrelated to our mandate: the last thing we need is being accused of diverting funds, especially towards RR stuff! A RR power cell however is something that CAN be used in space, and it gives Minerva somewhere to start.

The maneuvering thruster is enough to do a single reentry burn, so let's focus on the capsule.

There won't be room for rations, which means only a few orbits are doable -- it's a prestige first grab, little more, but it should allow a Void Knight to get some practice in orbital piloting!

We must start selecting for the first person in space, on that note...


Of course, it'd be uncouth to do anything but send a letter of congratulations to Jakisan. Should we be snarky about it and send her a silver medal?

>>24196790

Very much this.

>>24196723
I'll allow you to use technology transfer for the mass 3 capsule, because I allowed technology transfer for the Mk4b from the Mk3. 1 is half of 3 if you round down. But don't expect this for larger things.
That said, a mass 1 capsule is just fine for a test animal. And mass 3 would be too heavy for your current rocket. However if you plan on building the mass 12 boosters, it will be ideal for a first manned capsule. Having room for a person, rations or camera, and an RCS motor.

>>24196905
We can reduce Radiolight Beacon by 1, to have the 3RP needed to invent the Radio-Reactive Power Cell.

>>24196942
>And mass 3 would be too heavy for your current rocket.
What? That shouldn't be.
Mass 3 Capsule (Person, RCS) + Mk4b = Mass 6
Liftable by Mk4a (Mass 6) to Orbital Insertion stage.

>>24196986

Yeah. However anything more complicated (stable polar orbit for mapping for example) will need a proper thruster.

IRL the first capsules (Vostok in particular) used a small solid rocket to deorbit!

>>24196397

That's a thing actually. I'm guessing the heavy metal is brought to us from the mainland, but how are we getting power?

>>24196986
Oh I seem to be misunderstanding how the mass of capsules works then. I thought a mass 3 capsule would weight 3 units, and then it's cargo (Passenger and rations) would be 2 more units. Combined with an RCS this would be 6 units. The Max load of the Archangel.

>>24197058
That's true, and the RCS isn't a true Thruster Array.

>>24197119
A Diesel turbine. Only the workshops and manor have permanent power. The town makes due without.

>>24197128
I am assuming that a Mass X Capsule is actually Mass 1, with X-1 being its cargo.
I assume that because of this:
>A Capsule can be launched partially empty. In which case, consider its mass as 1 + whatever it is actually carrying
If a Mass 3 Capsule really weighed Mass 3 and allowed it to carry a cargo of Mass 3 on top of it, then launching empty would still be Mass 3, not Mass 1 + whatever it is actually carrying.

>>24197128
>>24197195


My bad for not explaining it. A capsule of mass X costs X to develop, and carries X-1 (X-2 if it's larger than 10, same as thrusters). Otherwise lower stages become way too big. We'll need bigger rockets anyway, so might as well have them in the pipeline!

The idea was to make sure WGU only requires the players to add, occasionally subtract, and divide by 10 by crossing out the rightmost digit.

>>24197170
>The town makes due without.
This is not an acceptable situation.

>>24197214
Ahh, I was confused on that. Very well, develop a mass 3 capsule, you can put a man into orbit with the Archangel!

>>24197214
>A capsule of mass X costs X to develop
So Capsules are exempt from the '3 x Mass' initial invention cost?

>>24196790

This advisor feels the budget will come with publicity.

A string of good articles in the press similar to this one will capture the fervour of the populace, which can be parleyed into further budgetary allowances during some further hard-nosed negotiating sessions with Parliament.

Applications are all fine and good, but let us pursue rocketry first and foremost.

>>24197243

Develop (do research on), not invent

There are very few exception in the game, it's complicated enough! The main one is "You can use RCS to deorbit" because deorbiting thrust is small, IRL.

>>24197286

Agreed; plus, just the fact that we are doing this will inspire people to science. Along the way we are sure to develop things that can be used on earth, but their refinement should not come out of our budget!

>>24197286
>during some further hard-nosed negotiating
Lady Ethelstan is likely the only person to be swayed; the Chairman is unlikely to be swayed, as evidenced by our last round in front of the Committee.
And with Lord Savard no longer on the Committee, we don't know who took his place.

>>24197221
Electric power is only common in the big cities. Most people are used to using candles or oil lamps. In any case, it's much easier to see the stars from here.


Confirm budget expenditures?

>10RP - Improving Maneuvering Thrusters 14/17
>3RP - Inventing Photovoltaic Power Cell 1/5
>9RP - Inventing Mass 3 Mk2 Capsule 1/5 (using Technology Transfer from Small Capsule)
>6RP - Improving Radiolight Beacon 5/9
>3RP - Inventing Radio-Reactive cells

>>24197410
>9RP - Inventing Mass 3 Mk2 Capsule 1/5 (using Technology Transfer from Small Capsule)
If we're going to be using Technology Transfer, then the starting Reliability should be 5/10.

Otherwise, we shall confirm these budget expenditures.

>>24197437
Confirmed.

As you are filling the paperwork, one of the clerks knocks on your door.

>>24197508
"Come in."
Bid them enter.

>>24197378

This advisor will note that the last time we went before the committee, cap in hand, we had few successful launches to the Princess's good name (a rather embarrassing debacle at that), and a distinct lack of mention on the front page news of every major daily.

This advisor would daresay our dear Princess has considerable more leverage available now, than before. Leverage that will only strengthen with good press.

>>24197517
The clerk bows before standing up stiffly and airing his grievances, "Your highness, we at the drafting department are filing a formal complaint of the lack of names for all these spacecraft. It's starting to get confusing. We have two devices named the 'Mark 2' and both the Mark 4's 'A' and 'b' configuration are named 'archangel.' Somebody is going to make a mistake if this isn't sorted out."
He finishes his speech in a single breath and then just stands at attention awaiting a reply.

>>24197541
Our leverage at the time was actually considerable, with promises of secret military technology and unprecedented accuracy for General Clay, Lord Bartly who was under the control of the Astrologer's Society and sworn to aid us, and Lord Savard who was bribed with this posting of Lord Governor to this tropical island.

>>24197604
"A valid complaint. We presume that the Drafting Department has at least considered names, yes?"

Possible Name Proposals:
>Eagle
>Dragon
>Seraph
>Arrow
>Falcon
>Hawk
>Horrible Deathtrap
>Saturn
>Apollo
>Up Goer

>>24197604
Mk2 Rocket - Crusader
Mk3 Rocket - Hyperion

All Mk4 Rockets to be Archangel Series
Mk4a - A-1
Mk4b - A-2
Mk4c - A-3

Mk1 Capsule - Pioneer
Mk2 Capsule - Pathfinder

>>24197378

The Chairman is an elected politician, unlike us -- he has a constituency to worry about.


(Ain't monarchy great :p )


(Sorry, had to get someone off the road)

>>24197655
>>24197873
"Well if we want to keep the angel theme, you could name the B type Barachiel, and the C type Cherubim... Just a suggestion your highness."

>>24197604

Oh gods, yes, this!!!!

The MK2 and MK3 don't really need names , they won't be used again by us, the Navy can come up with their own names for them; the more separate they are perceived to be from our own stuf the better.


>>24197911

I like that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wJHj3hOcuI


Angels for lower stages, and for Up Goers proper.... Right now let's name the capsules something explore-y, and the Void Knight(s) should get to name their mount, we think!

This advisor would suggest using the names "Cygnus", and "Aquila". It is only fitting to use the symbols of both the ducal household and the nation as a start. "Archangel" may be retained, as it has kept us in good stead already and is suitably ambitious.

Other names for the future might include:
-names of previous dukes
-abstract emotional concepts
-Midland landmarks

This advisor suggests it might be worthwhile in the long run to consider a naming schema, similar to that proposed by the gentleman >>24197873:
-Animals for lifters
-Ducal names for capsules
-Emotional concepts for missions/operations.

>>24197873

I like these. I stink with names; my bomber was named Ithuriel because http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Angel_of_the_Revolution

>>24197999

Agreed on themes, that said, each vehicle should be named by its captain/crew. I believe that's the tradition for warbirds?

>>24198037
"Y-yes, but so far we don't have a crew, and even then, it's only individual airplanes that get named by the pilot. The model itself has it's own unique name... Ms Kenaway's rocket's name means Sky or something in Suthish I think."

>>24197999
You are not using the royal 'we' at all in your posts.
As such, we shall ignore your posts until such time as they meet our standards.

>>24198078

Of course we should give names to the components.

However, once a vessel is assembled (capsule, thruster, fuel, gubbinz) that's a ship, and a ship needs her own name, horrible luck betide her voyage otherwise!

Auctioning naming rights would be very gauche, but the Void Knights should have some input there.

>>24198107
Naming every single launch craft?
Especially as they are designed to be disposed of at the end of the mission?
That will only invite more bad luck.

>>24198259

Point. We'll leave it up to the crew if they want to have nose-cone art done.

We should have a Southern newspaper delivered to see what their pitch is... so are we sending Jakisan a silver coin or not?

>>24198307
>are we sending Jakisan a silver coin or not
No, we shall not.
Such taunting is unbefitting a princess.
In fact, we shall pen a congratulatory letter, and in it, we shall broach the topic of reciprocal aid to explorers who crash-land within the province of the other. They shall be treated as diplomats, and given the best consideration, and returned to their homes by the most expedient method available.

>>24198347

You're right, I was being petty. (Not being a princess IRL, I had the satisfaction of doing that to the Google engineering team who I scooped a couple years ago, though).

I second the diplomatic arrangements! Of course anything that lands will be thoroughly investigated before it's returned, it'd be silly to expect otherwise, but Void Knight safety is paramount.

We are worried about the Huns...

>>24198078
We shall name the rockets of the Archangel Series in the manner of angels.
Mk4a - Archangel
Mk4b - Barachiel
Mk4c - Cherubim

We shall not use Ducal names, as that will unduly show favoritism.
However, great heroes of legend and history may be used instead.
What are the names of two famous explorers from Midland history, that we may use in naming the capsules after?

>>24198623

Second on the angels. Let us steer clear of recent history.

Sorry for the delays, I'm trying to think up historical figures!

>>24199099

Don't go crazy over it :) thank you for the attention to detail!

You spend some time thinking on a name for the capsule, as you pen your letter to Ms Kenaway.

You are going to have to work hard if you are going to maintain your leader over her, even now you imagine she is working on a rocket comparable to the Mk4.


This ends your turn. How will you spend in your next round?

>>24199552

Making origami? We should let Professora Minerva tinker with the RTG, obviously, and see if we can get a Merikan newspaper, just to see if we preemted our friendly rival on the front page in their land as well -- doubt it, but still, might as well start a scrapbook, no?

With 35 points to spend, we should definitely start looking for a Void Knight.

I'd finish working on the maneuvering thruster(19/20 for 8 points), and then focus on the capsule. It's at 5/10, so let's have our engineers pour their efforts there and plan to launch next turn!

We should organize the tournment, of course.

After Sir Harker's demonstration, a formal letter should be sent to existing knights with aircraft training, as well as cadet sons and daughters of noble families who might benefit from training early.

Should we enter the lists ourselves? That'd be too much, perhaps....

>>24199552
We shall allocate the budget thus:
8RP - RCS 19/20
10RP - Mk2 Capsule 10/15
10RP - Radiolight Beacon 10/14
7RP - Photovoltaic Power Cell 4/9

We believe that we shall allow Ms. Kenaway and the Merikan Rocket Program get the first animal in orbit. Meanwhile, we shall be the first to put a man in space.
In order that the race may feel tense and exciting for the populace, they must feel the pressure of someone overtaking our lead.
By allowing the Suthlanders a small victory, we will fan the flames of passion in both nations, and therefore be better able to acquire funding from the Appropriations Committee.

>>24199673


That is quite clever, assuming that they decide to take the intermediate step.... however, they probably won't.

We should start selecting candidates now; the capsule may look like a giant artillery shell, but it will have to be flown in to some degree, and a competent Void Knight can make up for a capsule which isn't quite perfect yet (Besides, a good pilot should give us useful feedback on how to improve it).

>>24199673

I would prefer RCS 18/19 and size-3 capsule 10/14 (don't forget, it's size 3), also RR or solar cell for the remaining two points (or one each). We really need to pick a pilot, so that they can receive some training before they fly!!!!

>>24199755
We disagree, as this is for a manned mission, and we cannot afford a failure.
RCS 19/20 with the remaining 2 RP.

8RP - RCS 19/20
27 - Mk2 Capsule 10/14

>>24199866

If we set up a tournment now, we will have time to train our candidate with those two extra point. That allows a +2 on Fail rolls twice.

What disciplines should we call for?

>>24199755
>We really need to pick a pilot, so that they can receive some training before they fly
We disagree again.
We will have Sir Harker make the first historic flight.
For one, by doing so, he will be better able to fine-tune the selection process for future Void Knights.
Second, beginning the selection process will alert the Merikan Program to our intent and how close we are; this way, our launch of a human shall be a surprise.

File: 1365748820328.jpg-(10 KB, 160x160, 281213_137260929689290_47(...).jpg)

10 KB JPG

>>24199888

It's the next logical step though; we'd have to pick someone eventually.

Sir Harker is a bit of a loose cannon and may not necessarily be the best choice... unless we want to launch ASAP.

Sir Harker's pilot stats.
>Stamina 2, Piloting 2, Engineering 1

>>24200016

Oh, wow. That's better than we could afford.

We should still let it known that there will be a tournment for the eventual selection of Void Knights though... be vague about it and let it be understood that aspirants are to BEGIN training on their own. They have money for putting in flight time and so on.

>>24199956
hes quite smart and has been thinking upon the requirements that a void knight would need to have to survive.

And given the char pics used I believe that Sir Harker is not actually sir Harker but a commoner trying to become the first void knight to invalidate knighthood its self. That or hes a bastard child that wants to destroy the world.

>>24200051

That was mostly me being silly. However he does seem to have that sort of attitude :)

Fair enough that right now he's probably the most qualified person, but he should be warned that first-man-in-space status means that he'll be under political pressure to not fly again due to being too valuable to risk (This happened to Glenn and Gagarin)

>>24200051
How can he invalidate knighthood itself, when it's not an inherited position but rather granted for meritorious service? That would be like being brave to invalidate people recognizing your bravery.

We shall inform Sir Harker that the time will come soon when we shall ask him to become the first Midlander in space, and to make sure that his affairs are in order; though we shall take great care for his safety, no true promise of such can be given.

>>24200180

And for all that's holy keep it to himself for now!!!!!

>>24200051
[spoilers]he knows too much[/spoilers]

>>24200180
Knighthood is a position granted to individuals who serve the king. It is a form of nobility, but not as prestigious as peerage, which is hereditary and usually includes land. Sir Harker is however both, he considers the latter to be useless though, and would love to sell his estate if he were allowed.

As for his affairs, he has no Heir. Nobody is quite sure who would inherit Halcon manner if he died, he just doesn't place a lot of value on it, much to the chagrin of others.

File: 1365750449446.jpg-(483 KB, 1774x1304, flying_suit.jpg)

483 KB JPG

>>24200326
I really like that.

Is he familiar with scuba diving equipment? He might want to start. We don't have a proper EVA suit that's really the closest thing...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skLcPn08k7k

>>24200326
Sir Harker must be a more responsible employer; regardless of his opinions as to the value of peerage and nobility, his estate still employs a staff and is an important part of the national economy. If he truly has no interest in it, then he should at least appoint a person to manage the estate in his stead.
Just as he must be a responsible employer with his aerospace company, so too must he appoint managers and a director for his estate.

Alright, it's late, I'm about to fall asleep. I'm sorry we didn't get much done today, but you can start organizing the tournament tomorrow.

Goodnight.

>>24200326
>he knows too much
so he is either an ancient alien's agent or secretly sworn to defend our world from ancient aliens.

>>24200521
Good night.

File: 1365751601495.jpg-(26 KB, 192x264, 68b035f1aa9bdb89863cf9157(...).jpg)

26 KB JPG

>>24200531

<
<
<
<

>>24200521
goodnight and thankyou!!!

Today in Russia we celebrate the Cosmonautics Day in celebration of Yuri Gagarin's accomplishment of first manned space flight in April 12 1961. Congratulations everyone!

>>24201590
In memoriam Yuri Gagarin.
Ad Astra, Per Aspera

>>24201590

Happy Yuri's Night everyone!