RAR. Aliens? have been detected. You must advise POTUS.

[TOSDOC]

We also have set up a second trailer, which is outfitted with all the staff and tools needed to study the output, and for extra safety, has been airgapped.

I would recommend additional precautions to such, Mr. President. We should obtain complete physical and psychological profiles on such staff before they come anywhere near the data, and continue to monitor their physiological and psychological conditions during and well after the study. If what Dr. Dreer says is true, we must take every measure to insure that the men are not affected by the data itself, and if they are then they need to be contained by whatever means necessary. USAMRIID would certainly be of assistance to the CDC in this matter.

Dr. Jack Scudder, Executive Director, CDC

[Eternal_Freedom]

Sir, urgent news

Satellite imagery has revealed that the Chinese military have brought their SC-19 ASAT weapons to full readiness. We have reports that their ballistic launchers are also increasing in readiness (read: being fuelled)

Such actions are worrying enough normally, but in the present situation it's even worse. Our agents have reported that for the last day the Politburo has been in a near-constant meeting. Our agents cannot get solid details on what's being discussed, but fragmentary coments from mnisters indicates they think we've spotted an incoming asteroid.

Other agents confirm this. Chinese controlled telescopes have been given a sudden retasking that is classified in nature, we don't have acces to the roder bt it's easy to geuss what it is.

Sir, once the Chinese start looking seriously, it won't be long before they find the object themselves. They already have an idea where to look given they can see which way the Hubble is pointing.

If we're going public sir, we are running out of time to announce this first

Dr Wallace, CIA DDS&T

[open_sketchbook]

You know, on the off chance the aliens are monitoring our communications, what they'd be hearing right now is a lot of talk about missiles and interceptors without a whole lot of context. That could get ugly. We need to get talking so we can explain we're being cautious instead of aggressive.

Actually, that might be a good idea anyway. There are probably a lot of countries who are watching everyone fuel their missiles up and wondering if things are about to get serious.

Dr. Layton Dreer
Transhuman Institute for Artificial Intelligence

[Swindle1984]

I'm not sure what I can contribute here, since I'm just a sci-fi author, but I'm flattered that I was brought into this to share my opinion.

Several points I've thought of:

1) If the aliens are hostile, they would likely just bombard us from beyond our range to retaliate. There really isn't anything we can do about that.

2) However, we can extend our range by placing weapons in orbit, which I believe has been mentioned already. This not only increases our range, but reduces time to intercept any missiles we fire.

3) Conventional nuclear weapons are not nearly as effective in space as they are in atmosphere. Neutron bombs would be better. Do we still have neutron bombs in our nuclear inventory, and if so, how many? How soon could we begin producing more, as well as delivery systems for them?

4) We have a massive technological gap to close if they are hostile. Forgive me for not being more familiar with real-world matters, as opposed to fictional ones, but would megaton-yield devices be more effective? How feasible would construction of a Casaba-Howitzer be? A C-H would act like a nuclear shaped charge, theoretically increasing the effective range of the weapon. It would also be more likely to penetrate any unknown armor or hypothetical force field the alien craft would be using than a conventional device.

5) Have we received any response to the messages we have directed at the alien craft and/or probe? Have we detected any other probes or craft in our system? Are the Chinese aiming their telescopes in the same part of space as us, or in a different direction?

6) How do we convince the aliens that we are not hostile to them, which is not the same as convincing them we are not a threat? We want to make it clear that we do not intend to attack them (and thereby provoke them) without just cause, but we also do not want to give the impression that we cannot threaten them if we so desire. History is full of examples of more technologically-advanced civilizations conquering, exploiting, and/or wiping out technologically inferior civilizations once they became convinced that the inferior civilization posed no threat to them. So long as the retained at least the impression that they could pose a threat, they were treated much more respectfully. I'm not saying the aliens are hostile or imperialists looking to set up shop here, but we need to carefully balance their impression of us so they don't go too far in any one direction.

7) The probe has been broadcasting continuously to the main spacecraft, now split in two. Has the main craft been broadcasting back?

Thank you for your time, gentlemen.

- Dr. Ricardo Swindelli, author of The Muck Whacker trilogy and The Stars Are Ours

[Night_stalker]

Sir, urgent news

Satellite imagery has revealed that the Chinese military have brought their SC-19 ASAT weapons to full readiness. We have reports that their ballistic launchers are also increasing in readiness (read: being fuelled)

Such actions are worrying enough normally, but in the present situation it's even worse. Our agents have reported that for the last day the Politburo has been in a near-constant meeting. Our agents cannot get solid details on what's being discussed, but fragmentary coments from mnisters indicates they think we've spotted an incoming asteroid.

Other agents confirm this. Chinese controlled telescopes have been given a sudden retasking that is classified in nature, we don't have acces to the roder bt it's easy to geuss what it is.

Sir, once the Chinese start looking seriously, it won't be long before they find the object themselves. They already have an idea where to look given they can see which way the Hubble is pointing.

If we're going public sir, we are running out of time to announce this first

Dr Wallace, CIA DDS&T

Sir, I would STRONGLY recommend that we ask POTUS to do a Press Conference, NOW. Preferably before the Chinese finish fueling up their nukes. We should also mention that the NSA has picked up a significant increase of encrypted military chatter from the Politburo building, and it seems to be a "General Quarters" signal, which is directed to all PRC commanders. I also recommend that we go to DEFCON 2 for conventional US forces, and our nuclear forces should go to DEFCON 1. I know that we shouldn't do that lightly, but we have no alternative. God help us all.

[FaxModem1]

Sir, urgent news

Satellite imagery has revealed that the Chinese military have brought their SC-19 ASAT weapons to full readiness. We have reports that their ballistic launchers are also increasing in readiness (read: being fuelled)

Such actions are worrying enough normally, but in the present situation it's even worse. Our agents have reported that for the last day the Politburo has been in a near-constant meeting. Our agents cannot get solid details on what's being discussed, but fragmentary coments from mnisters indicates they think we've spotted an incoming asteroid.

Other agents confirm this. Chinese controlled telescopes have been given a sudden retasking that is classified in nature, we don't have acces to the roder bt it's easy to geuss what it is.

Sir, once the Chinese start looking seriously, it won't be long before they find the object themselves. They already have an idea where to look given they can see which way the Hubble is pointing.

If we're going public sir, we are running out of time to announce this first

Dr Wallace, CIA DDS&T

Mr. President,

We have to tell the other nations what is going on now. We have no choice. I've read stories of probes actually being designed to elicit this response out of a planet. Now that the Chinese are reacting in this way, we have to make sure they do not follow through. Sir, you only have a couple of days before the Chinese are ready to engage in a nuclear war. Once that happens, the Russians will react and it will be dominoes. Now is the time to tell the world leaders what is going on. After that, press conference. If we don't tell the world, the world may destroy itself.

Charles Woods, civilian adviser.

[Swindle1984]

I have to agree with my esteemed colleages. It's not just the Chinese and Russians we have to worry about; India has shared animosity with China in the past and would respond poorly to the Chinese readying their nuclear forces. Pakistan would respond to India. Israel would respond to Pakistan. It would be a massive domino effect, and it could start a third world war. We do NOT want that to happen, especially now.

If the aliens are benevolent, seeing us start a nuclear war could convince them that we are dangerous, or at least not civilized enough for them to meet. Best case scenario, they watch us annihilate ourselves and then leave. Worse case scenario, they sterilize the planet to prevent us from surviving to become a future threat to them. If the aliens are hostile, the most likely scenario would be for them to wait until we're done killing ourselves, then finish off the survivors with a minimum of expended effort.

Assuming they think like us, that is.

We absolutely MUST inform the other nations, at least the members of NATO as well as non-NATO nuclear powers, or we risk starting a nuclear war. Once we tell them, we must go public with the information immediately. Otherwise, any of several scenarios could occur, ranging from other leaders thinking we're lying and launching missiles to other nations making the announcement first and making us look like bad guys for readying our nuclear forces to attack our enemies. We absolutely must be the first to inform the world.

We should be vague at first, however. We must avoid causing panic amongst the public. Simply have the president announce that we have discovered an unknown object that appears to be of alien origin, and have him act excited, as if it's good news and we've made a major discovery. No mention should be made of military preparations for a worst case scenario, nor should any details about the alien craft be made. Not until we know more and know how to spin it to the public.

- Ricardo Swindelli, civilian adviser

[Swindle1984]

I must also insist that we prepare an "ark" in case the aliens are hostile. We already have a number of bunkers designed to survive a near-miss with a nuclear weapon, as well as facilities such as Yucca Mountain. It would be fairly trifling to stockpile food, water, munitions, and more since most of these locations are fully stocked to begin with. All we have to do is escort essential personnel to these shelters all over the nation and secure them inside.

This will likely offend a few people, but I do not consider politicians to be essential personnel. They offer nothing of value to the shelters themselves, nor to the future in the event that we have to rebuild following an alien attack. Only those immediately necessary for leading the nation (particularly those who would replace the president, vice president, etc. should they be killed.) are essential; the overwhelming majority of the legislature is dead weight. Most of the rich bastards have their own bunkers and contingency plans already anyway, so no effort needs to be expended on them.

Instead, we need to preserve people with the skills necessary for man's survival. Engineers of every field, farmers, doctors, veterinarians, those sorts of people. I know studies have already been done on this subject, so we merely need to locate individuals fitting the criteria and inform them, discretely, that they and their families are to report to the nearest shelter if they receive notice alerting them to do so. Naturally, this is a big undertaking, and we'll need to keep it quiet or the public will assume the worst and panic. Agencies not responsible for dealing with the aliens, such as the FBI, US Marshals, FDA, and IRS can be used to locate people who qualify as essential, contact them face-to-face, and inform them both of what is required of them (as well as the fact that it's their choice to go into the shelter if the time comes.) and that absolute secrecy must be maintained to avoid a panic. I recommend criminal and medical background checks on all personnel who qualify before they are contacted. This is a large undertaking, so we should begin immediately.

We also need agencies like FEMA, the CDC, and all National Guard units to be alert, fully prepared to mobilize, and preferably spread out so they don't all get taken out at once if the aliens hit us with asteroids or death rays or what have you. All police agencies should be prepared for widespread civil unrest. Pass it off as a drill. Almost nobody will believe it, but few will make a big stink over it. They'll take comfort in the fact that we're doing something, and the fact that we haven't openly stated that we're worried the aliens are hostile will go a long way as well. Especially if we play up something in the news shortly before the announcement of an alien spacecraft, such as threats made by Al Qaida, or something at least thinly plausible. As long as it's out before the announcement, we've got plausible deniability.

- Ricardo Swindelli, civilian adviser

[madd0ct0r]

Charles Ronson; Uk ambassador.

Gentlemen, I am pleased to report that following discussions with OnionBreath, POTUS has decided to bring the Brits into the loop.
Not exactly a major power, but they have their uses.
For the moment, all communication will pass through me. The PM will have his own briefing council and it is probably best to avoid culture clash in the short term. As several members have expressed interest in various British assets I have passed the appropriate sections of these minutes to my equivalent. As soon as she has further information I will inform the committee.

As the situation currently stands:

A small diplomatic attachment will be 'holidaying' in Washington for 'Christmas'
They will be hosted by Bob Guns, Communications Director. He is to take chief responsibility for keeping them and us in the loop. Any further information that filters back to me will, of course, also be shared.
Everybody likes a gracious host, especially during the holiday season.

I would recommend stocking fillers of the safe NASA data, and press materials for when we go carolling.
As I had previously indicated, the PM would like to be onstage with POTUS, preferably with other heads of state. Parts of the world have an instinctive distrust of USA unilateral action. The diplomatic corps is carefully sifting profiles for who else might be coming to the party. Beyond the UK, no heads of state have been informed yet, nor will they be without the express nod from POTUS.

The PM's office has also quietly informed me that they feel compelled to inform the rest of the Commonwealth and the EU, but feel it is 'sporting' for the President to have first chance, particularly in regards to the EU. While this is infuriating, there should probably be some practice sessions before we go carolling. Make sure everyone is singing from the same song sheet.


On a personal note, I am intrigued by the indication of meteorite damage within the hull pattern. Does this signify the ship has limited repair capabilities?

[bz249]

On a personal note, I am intrigued by the indication of meteorite damage within the hull pattern. Does this signify the ship has limited repair capabilities?

Mr. Ronson,

the fact is that the aliens have a very limited manufacturing base, so yes their repair capabilities are also limited and minor hull damages could easily be treated as non-essential repairs. However since that kind of damage did not caused a hard or a soft kill tell us something about their defensive capabilities. Could someone from the NASA give a rough nuclear weapon equivalent yield of the observed meteor damage?

bz

Vice Chairman, Independent Material Scientist Trade Union

[Uncluttered]

Hello again Ladies and Gentlemen.

The President got on the horn and personally called the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and Chairman of the People's Republic of China. I should probably remind you that these are the same guy.

Long story short. The Allen Telescope Array is getting a visiting professorship from the Beijing Astronomical Observatory.

Since then, the POTUS, has fielded calles from The President of the Russian Federation, and Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.

As soon as these calls were finished, the President received a call from the Pope......

Note to self: When the NSA takes over telescopes, people notice.

-OnionBreath, Assistant to the POTUS.

[Eternal_Freedom]

Sir,

The call from the Pope brings up an issue that has been concerning my deep-thinkers here at CIA. Has anyone considered the religious aspect to this discovery?

Religious groups could claim this as any number of things an whip up "true believers" into a total frenzy. They might say it's a herald of the End Times or somesuch nonsense. They might also go batshit insane trying to figure out where aliens fit into their perfect truths. We probably also will get groups claiming the aliens are God or whatever

When this news breaks, we are going to have the mother of all media firestorms on our hands. But I leave that in the capable hands of the White House Chief of Staff

Dr Wallace, CIA DDS&T

[FaxModem1]

Onion Breath,

What was the Pope's reaction to the news? What did you tell him? Do you think he will try and take a political advantage to this situation?

Also, can we prepare some logistics on the stated Arks. I also wish to point out that I agree that politicians aside from the POTUS have no priority in them, as much as they would like to be.

What was the Russian Federation's reaction? Is the Russian President going to play ball? Who else in the nuclear circle do we need to talk to?

Charles Woods, civilian adviser.

P.S.And for some strange reason, I am craving Sweet and Sour Pork, where's the nearest Chinese restaurant?

EDIT:forgot to include name

[Uncluttered]

I am craving Sweet and Sour Pork, where's the nearest Chinese restaurant?

There's Cafe Asia, up on "I" street.

How about I get a Paige in here to take some orders?

[Swindle1984]

Sir,

The call from the Pope brings up an issue that has been concerning my deep-thinkers here at CIA. Has anyone considered the religious aspect to this discovery?

Religious groups could claim this as any number of things an whip up "true believers" into a total frenzy. They might say it's a herald of the End Times or somesuch nonsense. They might also go batshit insane trying to figure out where aliens fit into their perfect truths. We probably also will get groups claiming the aliens are God or whatever

When this news breaks, we are going to have the mother of all media firestorms on our hands. But I leave that in the capable hands of the White House Chief of Staff

Dr Wallace, CIA DDS&T

I don't see why religious people would react any more strongly than athiests or the undecided.

Barring the usual suspects in the Middle East, of course. They've gotten offended over fake news items, cartoons, and police advertisements with a puppy. Considering their reactions to various historical events (such as pretending Israel capturing 6,000 Egyptian soldiers was enemy propaganda and never happened, as well as the infamous Baghdad Bob.), most likely they would treat the announcement of alien visitors as either lies by the Great Satan in the west, or as a sign that muhammed is returning or some such. It's possible we could see a resurgence in acts of terrorism as a result, with the likelihood increasing as the news of aliens becomes more and more undeniable.

Beyond that, I don't see any real difference in the reaction of people of Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, etc. faith and anyone else. The main religious reaction we'd need to keep an eye on would be various New Age cultists; we don't need another Jonestown or Heaven's Gate getting the public upset, and we certainly don't need the aliens, if they intend to contact us, finding out about it. Is there a way we can convince the media to remain quiet about such incidents, to avoid a fiasco?

- Ricardo Swindelli, civilian adviser

[FaxModem1]

Yeah, I'll take some sweet and sour pork and some tea.

Good luck on getting the media to stay quiet. This would be a goldmine of revenue for them and they would love every minute of it.

The only way you could convince them not to do it is make it unprofitable. Any ideas on that?

Charles Woods, civilian adviser.

EDIT:forgot the name again.

[Uncluttered]

Do we now have legal grounds for the FBI to infiltrate alien themed cults like the Raelians or Scientologists?

The Scientologists have infiltrated our government before, which makes them a powerful threat.
I'm not too worried about the Raelians, since they mostly like to just have orgies; but If we start shooting at the alien probes, they might become a problem.

I honestly don't believe these cults could be in league with the ETs, but you never know.....

I'm hoping to get the Vatican's official position on Extra Terrestrials. Not too long ago, they held a conference on it.

With nearly 2 billion Catholics in the world, the Pope could be an asset if he plays ball, but If he doesn't, he could create a lot of damage.

-OnionBreath Assistant to POTUS.

[madd0ct0r]

according to these press releases, the Holy Father will be sure to extend his beneficence to the aliens if they need it

Fr. Funes says that taking the image of the lost sheep in the Gospel, "we could think that in this universe there can be 100 sheep, equivalent to different kinds of creatures. We, belonging to human kind could be precisely the lost sheep, the sinners that need the shepherd. God became man in Jesus to save us. In that way, assuming that there would be other intelligent beings, we could not say that they need redemption . They could have remained in full friendship with the Creator."

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/ ... omer_says/

with variants at http://www.catholicnews.com/data/storie ... 802629.htm and http://www.catholicnews.com/data/storie ... 506301.htm

The religious angle may be our best distraction from military build-up. If the aliens are hostile we loose nothing, and if they are approachable then I am sure they have already seen the light, or would welcome the knowledge.

I have no further news from the UK. The diplomats arrive tomorrow.

[Lonestar]

Sir, urgent news

Satellite imagery has revealed that the Chinese military have brought their SC-19 ASAT weapons to full readiness. We have reports that their ballistic launchers are also increasing in readiness (read: being fuelled)

Such actions are worrying enough normally, but in the present situation it's even worse. Our agents have reported that for the last day the Politburo has been in a near-constant meeting. Our agents cannot get solid details on what's being discussed, but fragmentary coments from mnisters indicates they think we've spotted an incoming asteroid.

Other agents confirm this. Chinese controlled telescopes have been given a sudden retasking that is classified in nature, we don't have acces to the roder bt it's easy to geuss what it is.

Sir, once the Chinese start looking seriously, it won't be long before they find the object themselves. They already have an idea where to look given they can see which way the Hubble is pointing.

If we're going public sir, we are running out of time to announce this first

Dr Wallace, CIA DDS&T

Sir, far be it from me to disparage the same organization that was convinced of the existence of WMDs in Iraq, but that is simply not true.

While national technical assets have confirmed increased activity at the sites in question, there has been no fueling of ICBMs or preparation of the PRC's known ASAT capabilities beyond elevated vehicle traffic. The reason for this is simple; there is no existing ASAT that would be able to lift up and hit the targets, especially were the alien vessels to decide to park further out from Earth than terrestrial satellites. Given the established technological ability of these aliens, it would be childs play for them to remain out of range of any terrestrial weapons. The elevated activity at the Chinese sites are, in the opinion of the DIA, a snap inspection of the material condition of their equipment.

I have already relayed that our European allies know full well that something is going on, and with the knowledge spreading throughout the governments of the EU it's likely that the Chinese have known for nearly as long. Dr. Wallace is acting excitable and perhaps should have uniformed personnel deliver data on other nations military activities, rather than just delving into subject matter that his organization is ill-suited for.

Very Respectively,

Vice Admiral Bucher
Director, Defense Intelligence Agency

[Eternal_Freedom]

Vice-Admiral, with respect, I think you are being unnecessarily critical of both myself and the CIA. My job on this commitee is to present the reports and information we at CIA receive. If such information is later shown to be false by your good self at DIA or by our colleagues at NSA, then so be it, we were wrong. I can admit that. But I felt the report was, at the time, credible enough and serious enough to warrant Onionbreath's and POTUS's attention immediately.

I hope we can forget this Admiral. The last thing we need need is inter-agency rivalry right now

Regards,
Dr Wallace, DDS&T

[Lonestar]

Vice-Admiral, with respect, I think you are being unnecessarily critical of both myself and the CIA. My job on this commitee is to present the reports and information we at CIA receive. If such information is later shown to be false by your good self at DIA or by our colleagues at NSA, then so be it, we were wrong. I can admit that. But I felt the report was, at the time, credible enough and serious enough to warrant Onionbreath's and POTUS's attention immediately.

I hope we can forget this Admiral. The last thing we need need is inter-agency rivalry right now

Regards,
Dr Wallace, DDS&T

Dr. Wallace;

I do not think I am being "being unnecessarily critical".

It is the job of the Defense Intelligence to report concerns with regards to foreign militaries, not the CIA's. Your excitable attitude in regards to Chinese activities shows why it's best to have uniformed professionals commenting on military matters. I suggest you devote your energy to being the best possible civilian tech you can be, and keep yourself and your excitable attitude off mine and the DIA's radar scope. In the future if you feel that you have information that is germane to the military side of the house come to us instead of trying poach our turf.

V/R

Vice Admiral Bucher
DIA

[Eternal_Freedom]

As I said Admiral; I presented the report we had received. I felt, in agreement with other senior CIA officials, that it was important that Onionbreath and by extension POTUS got the information as quickly as possible. If that was wrong then I apologise, it was an error

[Uncluttered]

Thank you all for arriving here at the white house.

Here's the rundown you may have missed while you were in flight.

POTUS, and Our Ambasidor/Plenipotentiarys have personally breifed the leaders of these nations:
1. Every nation in the EU.
2. Russia
3. China
4. Canada
5. Japan
6. South Korea
7. The Swiss Confederation
8. Ukraine
9. India
10. Pakistan


POTUS wishes we had time to call everyone, but we have to move on this now.

The ROW (rest of world) leaders are being informed by our Ambassador to the UN.

Behind that curtain, the POTUS is addressing our nation. His speech will be short so that leaders can broadcast to their nations without distraction.

1 hour from now, we broadcast again with all of you will be standing behind the POTUS for the Q&A.

POTUS has studied our work, and has been very pleased with our performance.

Please give yourselves a big pat on the back.

[Uncluttered]

Nice to see you again.

You guys did a good job up there. But now it's time to play in the majors.

For those of you dialing in, My name is Leon Spencer, the White House Chief of Staff.
You can call me Leon.

I have decision power, so I will be taking over this conference.
I will also be liaising with the leaders of other conferences around the world.

As of 2 hours ago, I have been told of conferences forming in:
EU
-UK
-France
-Germany
-Ukraine

Russia
China
Brazil
And I'm sure more will be forming soon.

Let me tell you a little about myself.
I'm a former navy pilot, I flew Vietnam. After the war, I served on the board of Write Aeronautics.
Before the POTUS drafted me to be White House Chief of Staff, I was retired from Washington, and teaching 8th grade science in a suburb of Boston.
My secret service name is "Pacemaker", obviously because of my youth and drive....


Now. I have some news for you all.
We are going to write the US space strategy.
The President wants us to plan missions, and he has goals he wants us to explore.
1. Communicate with the aliens
2. Destroy the aliens
3. visit the aliens with an unmanned probe
4. visit the aliens with a manned ship
5. Establish an emergency colony on mars
6. Establish a beachhead on Enceladus.

Let's start the brainstorming, no filtering.

So. What do you have for me?

-Leon TWHCOS

[Eternal_Freedom]

Well Sir, as I said in my first message to this council, I was involved with SETI first-contact scenarios before I came to CIA. I believe I can offer some ideas on goal 1.

1. Communicate. This is fairly simple in hardware terms. We have all the kit we need from satellite comms gear. Option number one is to point an earth-bound transmitter in the direction of the probe and sending a message. Option 2 involves sending a signal to Cassini-Phoenix and having it re-transmit to the probe around Saturn. That's the technical aspect.

As for the message itself, obviously sending a "Hello we're human" message in an Earth language probably won't work. At SETI we worked up a number of ideas for mathematical transmissions: prime numbers, squre numbers and so on. This would show them we have an understanding of mathematics and that we could understand a message in kind.

I've got a bunch of S&T guys looking at some ideas here, and with your permission I will contact my old friends at SETI and see what crazy ideas they have kicking around.

Dr. Wallace, CIA DDS&T