mytholder: Now We Are Here, General Transmission 2

Mytholder (

mytholder) wrote,
@ 2007-10-08 19:51:00

Entry tags:

now we are here

Now We Are Here, General Transmission 2
>C-link engaged
>PROSPERO network open/general/secpro: null/xprospero
>SUBJECT: Incoming Probe Data...

Attention all crew. As per consensus, we're dropping Probe #7 into the atmosphere. The probe's trajectory will overfly all three of the proposed landing sites. I've chosen a local time of just after dawn, as the lengthy shadows will make it easier to spot features on the ground.

Decelerating probe now. Alas poor #7. Firing braking thrusters and running live camera feed through to the C-Links.

The probe cuts through the pre-dawn sky above the western archipelago. It breaks through the thin clouds over a wide purple-blue ocean. The surf shimmers in the rosy light. For a moment, you catch a glimpse of something huge moving through the waters - an island-sized mass of globules, like giant frogspawn, then it vanishes under the waves. The colour of the water changes as the probe overflies the shallows. There's Site A, with birds (or something winged, anyway) circling above that's washed up on the shore. A long sandy spit extends east from the island, and the camera picks up long shadows from animals crossing the spit. They looked almost humanoid, but the probe flickers past them in an instant.

>external hull temperature critical pressure critical maincam fail!

The camera goes dead for an instant, then a lower-resolution backup camera comes online. You're over the jungle now. A waypoint flickers to one side, showing you the location of Site B, the jungle plateau. The probe's over two hundred kilometers west of it. The scale of the jungle flora is staggering - some of those trees are a hundred metres tall at least. A snake-like thing coils around one trunk and stares up at the probe as it flies past.

The camera swivels around in an attempt to catch another image of the huge snake-like creature, but there's too much foliage in the way. You do see odd white structures or growths hanging from the canopy in several places.

>hull breach! total system failure! uplink error!

The probe's tumbling now, and you get a cavalcade of images instead of a continuous feed. There's a mountain lake, surrounded by strands of green rock. There's a snowy plain, with dozens of round domes scattered across it. There's a hillside with remarkably regular holes bored into its side. And there's the landing site, a wide valley scraped flat by the passage of some ancient glacier. A winding river trickles through it, and you catch a final glimpse of another flyer as the probe smashes into the valley wa

>jgzaco vfgff! ftxncgb gqhxva/vvbwgec/gttdjd: elhd/oqsamsoc kvagh vmt

Ow! Sorry about that, folks. Some data overspill into the c-link there. I'll run a diagnostic. Anyway, Science can start going through the data and we should be able to extract better-quality images shortly. Construction of the heat shield is on schedule, and we'll be aerobraking in three days time.

Consensus time!

Poll #1067971 First Landing on Serendipity
Open to: All, results viewable to: All

Who Should Be The First Person To Set Foot on Serendipity?

View Answers

Captain Jacobs
8 (17.8%)

The oldest person on board (one of the Flight Crew)
2 (4.4%)

The youngest person on board (still in stasis)
1 (2.2%)

Whoever's first out the door on the first Survey mission
4 (8.9%)

A heavily armed Security landing team
20 (44.4%)

Pick a random person from the crew
0 (0.0%)

I really don't give a damn
7 (15.6%)

Other (see comments)
3 (6.7%)

(Post a new comment)

(Anonymous)
2007-10-08 07:24 pm UTC (link)

This seems like a quite a trivial consensus point, Prospero.

The ill-advised probe pass has thrown up the possibility of sentients on the target planet and the certainty of large and possibly hostile megafauna (not to mention the question of why the probes didn't pick up such obvious surface features before this).

I'd also questioned why the probe covered the chosen landing site last and least?

Shouldn't we be discussing that rather than having a popularity contest?

The obvious next move is to send an aerial survey team to properly scout the landing site, and the structures and features identified in the region. This should be a mixed discipline science, survey and security team briefed with possible first contact protocols (Do these exist? If not, then add that to the more-important-things-to discuss list).

Other important things to do be finding out how hospitable the atmosphere is, what the biological basis of the lifeforms on the target planet are (DNA based? If so, is it compatible with Terran life, which would present the possibility of exozoonosis and pathogenicity - diseases to whcih we have no evolved resistance in plain Terran), the risks of extreme antigenicity (anaphalaxis or extreme allergic reactions) etcetc. And that's just off the top of my head.

In short, in the long list of things we should be discussing, the person who actually makes the small step for a man is the very least important thing.

P.

(Reply to this)(Thread)

bluegargantua
2007-10-08 07:37 pm UTC (link)

I generally agree with everything mentioned above.

That said, I do feel that some of the Flight Crew, if not the first people to set foot, should be on hand. They and most of their ancestors were given a pretty raw deal and it's only fair that they should be among the first to see what their efforts have yielded. I suppose that having known shipboard life and nothing else, they may prefer the vacuum of space to a planetbound existence, but they ought to have a front-row seat.

later
Tom

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	allandaros 2007-10-08 08:08 pm UTC (link)
	I certainly support the "among the first" rationale, but not THE first. If gigantic Giger-esque critters are there waiting to turn us into kibble, I'd rather that people with big guns are there to try and dissuade them. Once the site is secure, THEN they should be the first to come down. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	scintilla_tales 2007-10-08 08:32 pm UTC (link)
	Personally I voted for the Captain. It's a traditional choice, but the pageantry will be apropos. The ordnance, less so. If we know nothing more we know we've not been at war for 247 years now. Let's have a go at preserving that state a little longer, yes? (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	allandaros 2007-10-09 01:27 am UTC (link)
	I'm all for not starting a war. But I'd feel really, really embarrassed if the Captain or the crewmembers go down and get eaten upon arrival. It's slightly awkward, you know? Look, we've got NO idea what sort of an environment we're going into. Best to play it safe. (Reply to this)(Parent)

	ocultado 2007-10-09 03:17 pm UTC (link)
	Apropos of what? (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	scintilla_tales 2007-10-09 03:31 pm UTC (link)
	The word isn't just a preposition. (Reply to this)(Parent)

mytholder
2007-10-08 09:14 pm UTC (link)

>I'd also questioned why the probe covered the chosen landing site last and least?

1) It was the easiest trajectory based on the orbital paths of the eight probes and weather conditions on the surface.

2) The brief was to gather data on flora and fauna, and the area around Site 3 is comparatively barren. Overflying all three sites gave data on a variety of regions.

-Prospero
if you don't like it we'll go somewhere else...oh wait, no we won't

(Reply to this)(Parent)

	kshandr 2007-10-09 08:28 am UTC (link)
	Can I ask why we're suddenly discussing the possibility of sentients on the planet? Specifically what in the probe footage indicates the likelihood of sentient life? Or are we confusing "humanoid" with "sentient" here? (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

ocultado
2007-10-09 03:22 pm UTC (link)

I raised the possibility of sentience and was ignored. I still think it was a ridiculous idea to explode a large piece of machinery on a planet that can support life.

We have something that may be structures, we have remarkably regular holes and a bundle of domes on a snowy plain. While these may not be the output of sentient beings, it cannot be ruled out. I'd be interested in seeing close-up footage of the domes in particular.

My expert medical opinion is "I told you so".

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

kshandr
2007-10-09 03:46 pm UTC (link)

Nonsense. We are aware that Serendipity supports life. We are likewise aware that we cannot turn around and go home right now - We are committed to colonising this world. The large piece of machinery will land on that planet.

The question of sentience is an interesting one - We have a certain amount of evidence but nothing concrete. Are you saying we should halt our colonisation efforts now on the suspicion?

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

ocultado
2007-10-09 04:15 pm UTC (link)

There is a difference between landing a shuttle carefully, and flinging a piece of burning metal through someone's atmosphere to crash in an unknown location.

I see no reason to halt the colonisation, but feel it can take place sympathetically to whatever beings are already there. The difficulty arises from defining civilisation and sentience. A sufficiently advanced civilisation would have been able to respond to a simple mathematical signal (a flashing light, a radio transmission etc.)

I would have expected better from the scientific team who would have been well aware of the effects of dropping the probe in that uncontrolled fashion, yet it appears that on waking from stasis the majority of our scientists seem only to want to "blow things up".

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

kshandr
2007-10-09 04:29 pm UTC (link)

You aren't thinking on a planetary scale.

The "piece of burning metal" you so evocatively refer to is a tiny fragment, and the Science team are hardly interested only in explosions. Rather we advocate a peaceful and exploratory approach. I would advocate re-experiencing our comments on the matter but I am loath to argue the point.

It should be noted, however, that our colony is the primary goal here. We should be focussing on the creation of our base camp first, and worrying about the rights of whatever Serendiptians there may be second.

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

(Anonymous)
2007-10-11 12:15 am UTC (link)

No one's suggesting we halt the colony drop. We're landing whether any native life likes it or not.

What we are discussing is not pissing off any natives more than we have to.
Serendipity is our home now, and we and those that come after us (assuming we're not all eaten by bugs) will have to live with the consequences of our actions. There are no do overs.

So, can we be just a little less cavalier here, people?

P.

(Reply to this)(Parent)

	mylescorcoran 2007-10-08 08:53 pm UTC (link)
	I am in favour of the oldest crew member being the first, purely for symbolic reasons. That person could easily be accompanied by a heavily armed team to satisfy the more paranoiac among the crew. I am strongly against any landing until we have further information about the atmosphere, life chemistry and megafauna. (Reply to this)(Thread)

	mytholder 2007-10-08 09:04 pm UTC (link)
	Atmosphere, at the least, appears Earthlike based on gas makeup and pressure. Initial landing crews will wear filter masks and biohazard suits for safety's safe, of course. -Prospero we didn't call it Serendipity for nothin' (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	mylescorcoran 2007-10-08 09:07 pm UTC (link)
	Thank you, Prospero. I was aware that spectrographic analysis revealed a very Earth-like atmosphere. I am afraid that there a multitude of atmospheric contaminants that may be detrimental to us, but not obvious from a remote observation. Physical assays have to be carried out for agents such as spores, microbes, and particulates, no? (Reply to this)(Parent)

delichan
2007-10-08 09:05 pm UTC (link)

Absolutely not the captain - he's the last person we want to get eaten.

I also question why our pre-agreed landing site was the last to be scanned, given that we knew the possibility of failure of the probe.

But given that it was, and the worrying signs of both sentient and dangerous life, I believe we should attempt to garner more information - if possible - before landing.

A mix of armed-security, science and a small medical team would be my choice for the first landing team.

(Reply to this)(Thread)

	ocultado 2007-10-09 03:23 pm UTC (link)
	Absolutely not the captain - he's the last person we want to get eaten. Because we want him to watch while everyone else is, and have him experience the finality of knowing he's the last person ever? (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	stabarinde 2007-10-11 12:46 pm UTC (link)
	I assume Delichan meant that he's the last person we want to get eaten within 5 minutes of arrival. I'd also second a balanced team, composed of armed security, science, medical and diplomatically skilled surveyors to be the first to go down. If only we had robotic rovers or UAVs... say what you like about the 21st century, they had automated off-world recon down pat. (Reply to this)(Parent)

ildanach
2007-10-08 09:51 pm UTC (link)

An armed survey team should be the first to make landfall. However, prior to this we should ensure that certain protocols are in place regarding the collection of samples on this auspicious occasion. I suggest that no flora or fauna is returned to the ship or any habitation until we in the science department can ascertain the potential risks/benefits of these substances. Also, the initial team, upon its return to main habitation should undergo rigorous decontamination and medical screening.

(Reply to this)(Thread)

	bcwalker 2007-10-08 10:22 pm UTC (link)
	I concur. (Reply to this)(Parent)

flatvurm
2007-10-08 10:17 pm UTC (link)

I agree with the sentiment that this is a trivial item for consensus. That being said, I just want to remind everyone so security-conscious that, once landed, we will actually have some idea of what's going on outside our door before anyone actually has to go outside. I vote for the Captain being first to set foot on the surface of our new home, purely symbolically. It's not as if we'll land in the middle of a pack of ravenous carnivores and push Captain Jacobs out the door, slamming it shut behind him. The first human footfalls on Serendipity should be ceremonial, accompanied perhaps by a small inspirational speech, light applause, someone taking down some historic first words for the future commemorative plaque, and then we can start getting the real work done. It's taken us 250 years to get here. I think we can delay getting started long enough to look out the window to make sure Captain Jacobs won't step out of the ship and get immediately eaten by the locals.

(Reply to this)

cerandor
2007-10-08 10:22 pm UTC (link)

The data from the probe will certainly be useful. It looks like there's a lot there to study and the sacrifice was well worth it.

The issue of who sets foot on the planet first is frankly of interest only to documentary makers, and since I assume we didn't bring any of those, it's a moot point. If anyone wants me, I'll be in the lab, doing useful things in a curmudgeonly manner.

(Reply to this)(Thread)

	(Anonymous) 2007-10-08 10:51 pm UTC (link)
	Dr Cerandor, I do not appreciate you undercutting my self-appointed role as crew curmudgeon. If this persists, there will be no recourse but harrumphs at dawn (as soon as we're in orbit and there's a dawn to harrumph at, of course). Bah - and furthermore - humbug. P. (I have to say I prefer Dickins' rants about atheism to his interminably grim novels.) (Reply to this)(Parent)

	bog_boy 2007-10-09 07:19 am UTC (link)
	I'm a gonna hunt monsters. Yee-Haa! (Reply to this)

	jonnynexus 2007-10-09 08:32 am UTC (link)
	It doesn't matter who lands first as long as they're not wearing a red shirt. :) (Reply to this)(Thread)

	bog_boy 2007-10-09 08:46 am UTC (link)
	No red shirts or teal (TNG red shirts.) (Reply to this)(Parent)

kshandr
2007-10-09 08:32 am UTC (link)

I would suggest that the choice of who walks on Serendipity first is far from a moot point.

I would suggest a two-pronged approach - Firstly, land. Secondly, send out whatever robotic reconnaissance we can arrange, supported by satellite telemetry. Follow this up with an armed security team.

Once that is done, we go for the crowd-pleasing footage - I'm sure we can dredge up a spade from somewhere. Allow the Captain the honor of starting work on the habitat for the first time. The effect of morale-boosting stunts like this on the crew cannot be underestimated, but we also cannot afford to waste our human resources on foolhardiness.

(Reply to this)(Thread)

	bog_boy 2007-10-09 08:45 am UTC (link)
	What he said. Can I have a gun yet? (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	kshandr 2007-10-09 08:49 am UTC (link)
	Can I assume that the thus-far silent Medical staff are listening to this interchange? With all due respect to bog_boy his responses thus far are similar to those displayed by someone suffering from PSP (Post-Sleep-Psychosis.) And in any case - Who calls themselves Bog Boy? Dr. Pyke. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	bog_boy 2007-10-09 09:36 am UTC (link)
	I did'nt. Ask Jonny Nexus. (Reply to this)(Parent)

	ocultado 2007-10-09 03:26 pm UTC (link)
	bog_boy, please report to the medical centre for vaccinations. (Reply to this)(Parent)

	ocultado 2007-10-09 08:57 am UTC (link)
	Could all security personnel please report to the med clinic for appraisal please? (Reply to this)

	serpentstar 2007-10-09 11:25 am UTC (link)
	I didn't watch SF movies all these years in Stasis without learning a little something about the nature of brute force & overkill. It has to be the heavily armed security team -- just in case. Let's add a diplomat to the team too though. (Reply to this)

	(Anonymous) 2007-10-09 12:08 pm UTC (link)
	Perhaps technology has advanced in the last two and half centuries and phased plasma rifles now come with biosamplers. If not - as seems likely - then send science, survey and meds with the gunbunnys and for the love of Shiva, put them under command of a responsible officer. P. (Reply to this)

	inannajones 2007-10-09 08:24 pm UTC (link)
	looks up from survey data Huh, yeah? What? Consensus? On the first step? Gods almighty, Prospero. Let's make sure first that it is safe to get down there, like my other very wise fellow crew members have said, and then worry about who goes where first. I mean, it's not like we have anyone back home to impress with famous first words, do we? (Reply to this)

	lilfluff 2007-10-10 08:46 am UTC (link)
	Spunky Mascot Medical Team Member votes heavily armed security team, backed up by another heavily armed team. It's what they're here for. Even mission mascots can figure that out. :} I shall carefully guard the cookie jar from any sneak attacks. (Definitely not voting youngest, they'd try and get to the cookies!) (Reply to this)

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