At Peenemünde, the scientist team was well on their way to ensuring * victory, by the perfection of low temperature fusion; Cold Fusion. The first fusion weapon was in the conceptual stage, almost ready to present to Hitler.
1943's Operation Hydra put an end to that. Despite the little damage done by the raid, it succeeded in killing Walter Thiel, the chief scientist behind Cold Fusion. In addition, a great deal of his research notes were lost in a fire ignited by the bombing; without his expertise, and without the research, the facility halted the program. The remaining research sat in the archives, collecting dust and wrinkling away.
In 1945, after the *'s defeat to the Allies, the Americans raided the Peenemünde facility for their V-2 rocket archives, scrambling to get ahead, and they stumbled upon the remaining Cold Fusion research. These notes were returned to the U.S and research quickly began, replicating the *'s entire research into cold fusion within months. Recognizing the potential of this mechanic, the project was consolidated under the Manhattan project, code-named the Brooklyn Branch.
Through the Soviet Atomic Spy Ring, the cold fusion research was quickly stolen by the soviets, and they too began a cold fusion research program. Their research into the subject, however, was severely hampered by the greater priority placed on nuclear weaponry, and cold fusion became a side project.
This changed in 1948 with a string of successful cold fusion bomb tests under Operation Solar Flare. These weapons performed on a level equal to that of nuclear weapons, yet remained lightweight and produced little to no radiation at all. In addition, cold fusion had multiple other applications, from engines to power. The Manhattan Project was put on the backburner, and the Brooklyn Branch became the U.S' top research priority.
By 1956, the Soviets were far ahead in producing viable thermonuclear warheads, while the U.S nuclear weapons research had stalled entirely in favor of cold fusion. The Brooklyn Branch was beginning to even leak into the private sector; jet propulsion was entirely forgone in favor of cold fusion propulsion, while fusion power generators and missiles began springing up around the states. Knowing the power of any warhead, the U.S began work into the American Nuclear Threat Initiative (A.N.T.I). This massive network, consisting of cold-fusion powered missile systems, was designed to defend against any missile threat of any size.
In 1961, the space race is underway, but this time, the U.S is massively in the lead. With cold fusion powered rockets, combined with their low cost, they have succeeded in being the first into space, succeeded with putting the first animal into space, then a man. The cold fusion propulsion systems were subsequently stolen by Soviet spies, and now realizing their utility, the USSR's cold fusion project is given maximum priority with the space program. The U.S is still increasing their stockpile of fusion warheads. The USSR is increasing their stockpile of nuclear weapons.
In 1964, the USSR deploys a large force of nuclear missiles and launchers into Cuba after a plot to remove it from the Soviet Bloc was revealed. The U.S responds with a full military blockade of Cuba. This blockade escalates into combat as military ships engage each other off the coast. The U.S begins work on a cold fusion orbital weapons platform, while the USSR is rapidly making gains on the U.S in space.
On December 10th, 1968, the USSR lands a man on the moon, days before the U.S spacecraft even launches. Outrage at this quickly evolves into armed conflict around Cuba and in Europe, with artillery shelling and tank pushes into USSR territory. In response, the USSR drops several cold fusion warheads on advancing troops, though in limited amounts.
At the turn of 1970, due to a malfunction in the USSR's Deadhand system, the USSR launches a massive nuclear attack on the U.S, consisting of thousands of nuclear warheads. The A.N.T.I system proves to be extremely effective, eliminating 96% of incoming nuclear warheads. Hit targets include New York, Denver, Chicago, Washington, and Los Angeles. In response, the U.S launches a massive fusion warhead attack on the USSR. Nearly every missile impacts their target; the USSR is reduced to smoldering rubble and craters by the end of the day. With the main power destroyed, the Soviet bloc falls apart.
With the development of more and more portable and powerful computers, the U.S begins looking into alternate uses of cold fusion in the 1980's, both miniaturizing it and retooling it's purposes. The secrets of cold fusion are officially released to the civilian market and the world, save for warhead designs. While they are not expensive, warheads are still very complicated to produce, and regular cold fusion devices are practically impossible to explode. Devices from fusion torches to fusion lighting sweep the market. Meanwhile, a majority of the former USSR remains unclaimed; few nations wish to deal with the rubble and destroyed landscape. The area is declared a dead zone in 1981, and entry is prohibited.
By 2000, the U.S has several large space stations powered by fusion, are well on their way towards compact fusion weaponry, and the entire power network has been replaced by cold fusion generators. Global warming is a non-issue. Other nations, especially Australia, Canada, and India, are beginning to catch up quickly. However, the introduction of cold fusion has created a massive split in the Arab community in the middle east and erupts into fighting.
By 2020, cold fusion has completely penetrated the world, present in some form in every country. Laser weaponry, Railguns, and Plasma weaponry are all made possible using cold fusion. Space travel is more and more common. Maglev is present in every car, while cold fusion batteries power each one. Multiple uprisings occur in the United States, mainly due to the continued abuse of power illustrated by the newest president, Rowan Rawlinson. These uprisings are crushed by the advanced military. The middle east begins to settle down after the US militarily intervenes.
By 2040, powered armor is in it's concept stages, multiple planets are colonized, and space travel is nearly affordable to all, thanks to the Brazilian Mass Driver. The US, Canada, and Mexico reform and consolidate into the United American Directorate, while Europe consolidates into the Eurasian Republic. Shortly after, the continent of south america erupts into full-scale war as the various countries disagree and refuse to cooperate. Seeking opportunity, Asia begins working together under the Eastern Socialist Union, while Australia and the surrounding islands form together into the Oceanic States.
By 2080, the solar system has been completely colonized and technology is still ever on the rise. There are six powers, all working together for the advancement of all. If it's feasible, it will be done. Missions to other stars are soon planned. Brazil has conquered the south american continent and now calls itself the Brazilian Federation. The middle east and Africa have finally united under the African Dominion.
This comes to a halt with the news of a functional FTL drive.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Welcome to the world of Cold Fusion.
Everything is powered by cold fusion. Batteries, weapons, spaceship engines. This is a pseudo-scientific setting, almost. The only mechanic possible is cold fusion. Everything else? Hard sci-fi. (Except one thing I will elaborate on).
There are six powers to work for. These are;
Code: Select all
-United American Directorate (UAD): Main power.
-Eurasian Republic (ER): UAD contender and ally.
-Eastern Socialist Union (ESU): Direct competitor to the UAD and the ER
-Oceanic States (OS): Independent, for the most part.
-Brazilian Federation (BF): Ally to the ESU but mostly independent
-African Dominion (AD): Allied to the OS, usually at odds with both UAD and ESUThis RP starts you as a player somewhere in the solar system in the year 2084. Cold fusion has advanced technology very far, but not enough to make the impossible possible. Below is a brief list of existing tech and nonexistent tech;
- -Railguns
-Laser Weapons
-Fusion Propulsion (Efficient, powerful). Trips between planets take hours.
-Plasma weapons
-Magnetic shielding (Literally magnetic. It's basically a solar radiation shield, nothing more)
-Fusion power (mainly cold fusion, some regular fusion)
-Nano computers (operate on the nanoscale, usually graphene)
-Sensors (operate off of the EM spectrum, so expect delays at long distances)
-AI's (Basic ones that interact but not much more intelligent than a human)
- -Shields (Energy shields are beyond all capabilities)
-Non Newtonian fields (all ships in space operate in Newtonian physics, meaning cold-fusion RCS)
-Artificial Gravity (get out of here!)
-Cloaking (No 'cloaking', but you can hide yourself EM wise by soaking up all EM radiation you produce. Is expensive though, and useless in visual range).
-Psionics (no mind over matter)
-Stauros Radiation (Nope)
-Subspace/Hyperspace/Slipspace/Whatever ANYTHING (Except one; this is an exception)
-Antimatter (Too expensive and dangerous)
The Situation
Relations are breaking down with the news of a functional FTL drive being created in a hidden, independent lab somewhere in the Kuiper belt. This lab is run by an unknown third party; nobody even knew of it's existence. However, prototypes have reached each government. You, as an unfortunate Miner/Trader/Fighter/Whatever, are caught in the midst of these rising tensions.
The Locations
Each solar body has a purpose.
MERCURY
A dead little rock, scorched by day and frozen over by night. Mercury is relatively sparse in habitation, consisting of only a few research stations and habitation facilities.
VENUS:
Due to the extreme conditions, all activity on Venus is limited to upper atmosphere or orbital. However, the atmosphere provide numerous gasses critical to cold fusion, and as such, contains a lot of stations. Atmosphere is mined by "Pylons," platforms floating in the upper atmosphere that reach down into the lower atmosphere with scoops to collect gasses. Kept aloft by both helium and fusion thrusters.
EARTH:
Earth is earth. Contains most of the solar population, most of the infrastructure, and a lot of the military. There's always something interesting going on here.
LUNA:
Also known as the moon, Luna is the primary Earth staging point. It has multiple shipyards, as well as many large colonies.
MARS:
Mars is a large habitation center, mining facility, and hub. With a lot of stations, colonies, and a large terraforming project going on, Mars is truly a gateway.
PHOBOS and DEIMOS:
Mar's moons are mainly mining moons, with mining stations covering them.
ASTEROID BELT:
Mainly mining, with a lot of research and a lot of industry. Has 6 gate pairs in total; from the two gate hubs, they connect in a ring around the belt.
JUPITER:
This gas giant is both dangerous and profitable, with lots of rare gasses and lots of hazards, from wind to it's magnetic field. Primarily for gas mining, it has a sizable orbital population and industry.
IO:
The many volcanoes of Io make it perfect for large scale industry. Has several shipyards.
EUROPA:
The water of Europa, confirmed to have no life, is used to supply a great deal of the system's water needs.
GANYMEDE:
Ganymede is a large habitation center, especially due to it's natural magnetic field.
SATURN:
Renowned for it's brilliant rings, Saturn is used for gas mining, orbital habitation, and research. Mining the rings is strictly prohibited by law; many ships patrol to prevent this.
TITAN:
Primarily for research and industry. It's vast hydrocarbon lakes make it perfect for the production of carbon and hydrogen resources.
ENCELADUS:
Enceladus has an extensive industry set up to collect the vast amounts of material ejecting from it's surface and process it into useful material.
MIMAS:
Mimas is a UAD government and military moon; all traffic is strictly regulated and controlled, and nobody really knows what goes on down here.
URANUS:
Used for gas mining, has minor habitation, and remains the butt of all jokes in the solar system.
NEPTUNE:
Neptune has a surprisingly large amount of facilities, mainly due to it being the last stop into the Kuiper belt. Gas pylons also present.
TRITON:
This moon is a major mining and industrial outpost, and has a shipyard.
PLUTO:
Really a novelty planet, Pluto is a hub for the Kuiper belt, with habitation and industry galore.
KUIPER BELT: A lot of ice, not all of it usable, make this belt relatively sparse. It also screws with sensors, and thus people tend to avoid it. Some have made fortunes, however.
I will add more as the locations become relevant.
Getting Around
There is no FTL technology; however, you can still get around relatively quickly. The process of cold fusion made Orbital Accelerators possible. These orbital accelerators connect each major planet together.
Orbital Accelerators work by accelerating a ship to approximately 25% the speed of light at the first gate, then slowing them down at the second. Though not terribly fast, it still dramatically cuts travel time.
The travel times are below;
- Mercury to Venus: 12 minutes
Venus to Earth: 9 Minutes
Earth to Mars: 15 minutes
Mars to Asteroid Belt: 40 minutes
Asteroid Belt to Jupiter: 80 minutes (1 hour 20 minutes)
Jupiter to Saturn: 216 minutes (3 hours 36 minutes)
Saturn to Uranus: 312 minutes (5 hours 12 minutes)
Uranus to Neptune: 360 minutes (6 hours)
Neptune to Pluto/Kuiper Belt: 60 minutes (1 hour)
Going at 50% light speed is really only suited to military ships, who are designed for it. On most other ships, the stresses would rip the ship apart.
Travel between a planet and it's moon(s) are also used by orbital accelerators, and are so short that they're negligible.
Corporations
There are approximately 20 major shipbuilding corporations in the system where you can get ships from; 6 of them are government owned. OR, you can get a custom ship built at any shipyard, for a much higher price. The ship corporations are;
Earth Spaceflight Corporation (ESC)
Hex Constructions (Hex)
Regulan Creations (RC)
Greater Solar Shipyards (GSS)
Mobian Enterprise (ME)
Revival Spacecraft (RS)
Strict Forme Ships (SFS)
Nova Shipyards (NS)
Imperial Corp.(IC)
Chaos Industries (CI)
Duraship Corporation (DC)
Goliath Dockyards (GD)
Royal Ark Shipyards (RAS)
New Romanian Designs (NRD)
The government companies are;
UAD Federal Shipbuilders (UAD)
Republic Constructors (ER)
Glorious Soviet Shipyard (ESU)
Pacific Industries (OS)
Relapse Brazilian Construction (BF)
Official Dominion Dockyards (AD)
Each corporation has a large number of ships available, of all kinds. Each is different. Also note that government shipyards are generally nation exclusive, higher quality, etc.
There are numerous other corporations in the system for all purposes. As they become relevant, I will add them (below).
The Rules
1.) This is a primarily GM ran game. You will be able to do your own thing, but I will often dictate what happens as a result of your actions and deliver events for you to choose.
2.) Be realistic. Almost all of the tech here is either accomplished today or made possible via cold fusion. Things that are outside of the realm of possibility aren't in this RP.
3.) Be modest. Yes, you may die due to things you do/ that happen to you. Shit happens. People die all the time. Don't get mad when you do to.
4.) Don't control other players. You may interact with them, but not make them do things. If they need to do something immediately and they aren't there, I will take over.
5.) Unless you sit at one planet, there will be travel time between planets, sometimes a lot. This is NOT IRL time, but game-time, which will progress at a reasonable rate.
6.) RP. This is still meant as a story. Not a game (though it may seem like it).
ALSO: The FTL drive news is merely a backdrop, a setting to the story now. In all likelihood, you will not be even involved at the start.
The Application
- Name:
Ship Name (If you have a ship; optional. No really. You don't have to have a ship.):
Ship Description (Post specs of ship, manufacturer, etc. Optional; you don't have to have a ship, or I can choose one for you.)Occupation (can be anything):Spoiler:
Allegiance (What power are you a part of?):
Personality:
Backstory (What have you been doing with your life?):
Overview (General stuff):
Misc (Anything else?)
Theme Music/Picture (optional):
-Sun Tzu
Things to ADD:
Spoiler:
