Let's play: Buzz Aldrin's Race Into Space

[ChaserGrey]

"Good to have you back, Sir." Mr. Grey held out his hand for the Director to shake. "It's been rough times here, but I think we're well positioned to keep moving forward.

"We successfully placed a satellite, Ranger I, into orbit around the Moon last season, and we have two more scheduled for this season. That will get our lunar recon program well underway, and also gives us a chance to investigate other planets in the Solar System. So far I've only scheduled lunar missions, but intelligence indicates that the Zenobians are planning missions to Mercury and Venus, at least. I believe we should follow suit, for the glory of Murca.

"On the manned side, I have to recommend terminating the Mercury program and disbanding the flight crews. It's just not worth the development time to get Mercury ready again, and it seems that being assigned to defunct flight crews is actually worse than sitting around in the Center. We should break up our crews and hope some of the astronauts can be persuaded to stay for the next program.

"Right now we do not have the budget to start work on our next-generation spacecraft, but when we receive our new appropriation next season we should be able to begin it. I've had Sam Francisco prepare some concepts for your review.

"I think we're well on course to--"

WHHHAAAAAMMMMMMMMM!!!

A huge orange-black fireball shot up into the heavens, shattering the windows in the Director's office and sending Grey flat against the carpet. Picking himself up, his hair disarranged and cheeks blackened with soot, he took in the burning ROCKHARD fuel complex on the horizon. Then checked his watch.

"Well, sir, the handover was official as of five minutes ago. Have fun with this one!"

[Simon_Jester]

Has anyone ever seen a docking module in orbit destroyed by a failed attempt? And can a docking module placed in orbit in one season be used for multiple docking missions in the next season?

[ChaserGrey]

I'll go ahead and note that I was the one who raised the "exploding docking module" issue, which was from an older version of the game. It's possible they removed it from the newer versions of Race Into Space- in which case, good riddance. It was always one of the more "WTF?" failure modes for me.

[Simon_Jester]

One last thing: do docking modules remain in orbit for one season, or two? That is, suppose I orbit a DM in Spring 1967; I can use it in Spring 1967 and Fall 1967, but can I use it again in Spring 1968, or will I have to send up a new one?

[PeZook]

You will have to orbit a new one for Spring 1968. So it stays up for two seasons in total: the one it was launched in, and the one after. Within those two seasons, you can launch as many docking missions as you want using this module.

[fnord]

How much of an earthquake did Heroic Comrade Saboteur Badenov's little stunt cause?

[ChaserGrey]

Hmm. On my copy of Race Into Space, only manned missions can link up with an already orbiting docking module. Anyone else noticed this, or am I crazy?

(Well, I know I'm crazy. But seriously, docking modules, how about it?)

[Scottish Ninja]

Yeah, that matches with what Peyre's said; there are no Unmanned Orbital Docking (orbit) missions. A bit annoying, but makes for a bit of balance - otherwise there'd be less reason to fly Manned Docking missions.

[Mayabird]

How much of an earthquake did Heroic Comrade Saboteur Badenov's little stunt cause?

Don't know, but it would probably look something like this, only in Floriduh or whatever Murca's wang is called so with more buildings and such around to get hit by the shockwave.

[Scottish Ninja]

Yeah, Pepcon was the first thing I thought of there. Was there actually something like this during the 1960s?

[PeZook]

Hmm. On my copy of Race Into Space, only manned missions can link up with an already orbiting docking module. Anyone else noticed this, or am I crazy?

(Well, I know I'm crazy. But seriously, docking modules, how about it?)

Huh. Funny, but yeah, it's true! Weird

[FaxModem1]

Spoiler

So PeZook, what's going to be the obvious Murcan response about this blatant sabotage?

[PeZook]

I am not sure. It was just an amusing way to justify the sudden and inexplicable explosion of most of the fuel reserves

[ChaserGrey]

Possibly some kind of intel caper in RP-land. After all, the Commies are thinking minishuttle thanks to some offhand comments in Paris- now we just need the Murcans to find out about it and race to close the minishuttle gap.

[Scottish Ninja]

Makes me wonder what the CIA and KGB are reporting. Those screens are always good for a laugh, especially when you know what's going on on the other side.

[Simon_Jester]

De-Po Man!

Moosecow, Onion of Zenobian Commienist Republics
June 1965

Premier Shroomanski rubbed his scalp as he looked at one of Zenobia's foremost medical experts. The master surgeon and medical researcher's precise, smooth demeanor was almost unchanged from how Shroomanski remembered him, all those years before, when he was physician to many of the early Commienist leaders.

"Explain to me, Dr. Preobrazhensky, how exactly this operation is supposed to work?"

"Well, as you know, Comrade Pavylyvych's health has been failing, for a variety of reasons, stickbeatings received in the gulag and so forth. Already he's been hospitalized for short periods on multiple occasions since his heart attack."
june
"But he always throws himself back into his work..."

"Da, which is half the problem. The strain, it is killing him. Radical intervention is required, you are quite right about that."

"Which is why I called you. What is to be done, in your opinion, doctor?"

"The scope of what is needed, from his files, is... extensive. He is clearly suffering from partial kidney failure, along with his weak heart and other problems; taken together he is in poor condition indeed. This also makes each stage of the operations more complicated."

"But can you do it?"

"Well. The process of sustaining his life will require a number of special techniques and inventions of my own design, some... in the prototype stage. There is significant risk involved. But all relevant equipment has been tested, and I believe he will survive, if a suitable organ donor can be found. I've performed serum compatibility tests on samples from a number of individuals on the persona non grata list, and as you see..."

"Hmms. Him, of all people! How appropriate."

"It comes as a surprise, perhaps, but there it is. I take it you approve, Your Excellency?"

Da... DA!"

---

Baikonurek Cosmodrome
July 1965

"Why have you summoned me?" Dr. Doom von Evilstein had been surprised, after his horrible experience with the experimental EVA suit test- had it been three years since that humiliating and painful day already? He'd been surprised when he was transferred from his uncomfortable cell to a desk job, mostly working on minor system components such as thruster rockets. He'd expected to be tortured to death by the untermenschen, like the Mangeli's subjects in the days of the Reich were.

But instead, the desk job! Much better than horrible death by explosive decompression or burnination, albeit boring and nervous. Frequently the other employees mocked him, once in a while they would leave unpleasant surprises for him, and at all times he was under the close supervision of the accursed Omeganski's minions, yes. But still, much better than horrible death.

And now he had been summoned to the office- once his office, damn it!- of the equally accursed, yet seemingly benign, Syrgy Pavylvych, who had usurped his rightful place as Chief Designer... but whose orders had limited the scope of his harassment, and ensured him better quarters than he would otherwise receive.

Von Evilstein, of course, never forgave or forgot, though he was perhaps less fucking-vindictive than in his earlier days. But perhaps Syrgy, the fool, had decided to forgive and forget! Perhaps this would be his opportunity to regain control of the program, and once again start his schemes to put a man on the moon by 1967! It could still be done... sort of... with luck. Maybe. The Zenobian test-animal might even come back!

Buoyed by hope, von Evilstein nodded to Pavylvych, trying to retain what dignity he could. "Hallo."

"Sit down, sit down. Have some tea, Herr Doktor. It is time I explained a few things to you."

The tea tasted slightly odd, but these Zenobians could never get it right anyway, so von Evilstein said nothing.

"You may be wondering, Herr Doktor, after all I said about you back in the fifties, why I have been so solicitous about your health since the suit test in '62?"

"Ja.." Von Evilstein looked hopeful. "Perhaps... perhaps you need mein skills? To help you design the moon rocket!"

"Nyet." Syrgy Pavylyvych shook his head. "What I need is... your organs!" Then Pavylyvych chuckled softly. He fucking chuckled.

"Nein! Du Feind!"

"Da!"

Von Evilstein surged out of his chair in agitation... only to collapse to the floor, as the sedatives in his tea were pushed to his brain by the sudden activity. Pavylyvych's hand sought out the intercom on his desk.

"Get the medical teams in here. And I hope Dr. Preobrazhensky knows what he's doing."

"That dog did become a prominent Party member after the second experiment, you know."

"Which one?"

"Do you really want to know, sir?"

"Good point. Very well. Make sure that my proposals for the latter half of this year, and my preliminary schemes for next year, are all thoroughly prepared for my deputy, or my replacement-" a nervous chill shot through Syrgy's veins- "and I will check into the infirmary in due time myself."

---

Baikonurek Cosmodrome Infirmary
July 1965

Syrgy Pavylyvych opened his eyes. The light was utterly blinding. He shifted his arm slightly, and it felt like trying to lift a mountain. His head swam with drugs.

"Rrrgh."

A nurse hastened over to his side. "Comrade Pavylvych, you must rest. Dr. Preobrazhensky believes the operation to be a success, but your recovery is not yet complete."

"Mmm- rr-" Syrgy willed his tongue to make clear statements. "How... did it go?"

"You are going to be all right, Comrade Chief Designer."

Syrgy felt himself losing consciousness again, sinking back into the morphine, and he wondered about von Evilstein. Shortly before being taken into surgery, someone had said something about... what was it...

Baikonurek Cosmodrome Infirmary
A Day or Two Later

"Comrade von Evilstein?"

"...ja?"

"Perhaps you are surprised that you are still alive, da?"

"But you... you didn't... you couldn't..."

"Hehehe. I did, Comrade von Evilstein. I performed the transplants myself. But while you are out of favor, you are still a rocket scientist, and I was under orders to save your life in turn if possible. Therefore, even as I performed the series of operations transferring some of your organoids to Pavylvych to revitalize and strengthenate him, I and my assistants also performed a matching series of operations to replace the removed bits, from another suitable donor candidate. Your prognosis is better than I expected; with the proper regimen of treatment you have every chance of living on for a good many years to come."

"...Who?"

"Oh, a criminal, arrested and slated to be executed for misappropriation of state funds for personal benefit."

"Who? I must know..."

Dr. Preobrazhensky chuckled. "If you insist. The source of the body parts which are now keeping you alive is, hmm, what was his name. Ah, yes. Comrade Isaak Moscovich."

"Ein Joo?"

"Why, does it matter?"

"NEIN NEIN NEIN!"

Despite his surprisingly good bill of health, Doktor von Evilstein's despairing cries echoed down the halls until he was sedated.

[Simon_Jester]

Plan Pavylyvych/Dubolomov, Fall 1965

Greetings to the people of the glorious Baikonurek Tank Factory Tractor Factory Cosmodrome! I am Ignaty* Dubolomov, appointed to the post of Director of Operations in light of the Chief Designer's current indisposition after my successes with the Zenobian flying tankski program!



I will be implementing the details of Comrade Pavlyvych's plans drafted prior to his medical emergency, until such time as he recovers.

Naturally, with the aim of making tankskis fly higher and faster than ever before, we will concentrate the bulk of our resources for the remainder of this year on the heavy lift booster development and production program. For reasons on which I am not entirely clear, though, we will be flying remarkably non-tank, non-tractor items to distant planets, possibly as a precursor to experimental wheat field development on these celestial bodies.

I must note that production of armor plate has so far been unsatisfactory, quotas are increased by 50% for the coming three month period.

*Author's note: Comrade Ignaty has a nickname, an elaborate in-joke based on an abbreviation of "what do you mean it's not transferable!" No one knows why...

---

Budget: 37 megarubleoids

Hardware Procurement
3 MB to buy one Cosmos Satellite
12 MB to buy one Proton Rocket

Research and Development
3 MB on 1 team Cosmos Satellite research
16 MB on 4 teams Proton Rocket research

Remaining budget: 3 megarubleoids, held in reserve for next year

Mission Go/No-Go Status

IF Proton booster reliability ≥ 75% at the end of the season, then we are GO for lunar flyby.
IF Proton booster reliability < 75% at the end of the season, then we are NO GO for lunar flyby. Scrub launch and hold hardware in reserve.

We are GO for Venus flyby, barring major disasters reducing booster reliability to 50% or so, or a significant drop in Cosmos reliability, neither of which is plausible for unmanned missions.

Author's note: Based on my assessment of the odds, the payoff for success is higher relative to the penalty for failure, making a higher technical risk acceptable.

[ChaserGrey]

Spoiler

Simon, I can't stop laughing and it is ALL YOUR FAULT!

[Simon_Jester]

Comrade Ignaty is actually fgalkin's character idea, and Shroomy helped me with the organ transplant ideas, though the writing was all mine.

[Scottish Ninja]

Oh man. I was so hoping to see a TF2 Medic moment there. Though the good doctor might be a little too Thanasian for our tastes... especially seeing what we've done with to the rest of them.

[PeZook]

Fuck,forced organ transplants are not supposed to be funny!

However, I wonder how Syrgy intends to survive without immunosuppresive drugs...

[Simon_Jester]

Eh. Historically, Korolev died at the end of 1965 anyway. I didn't want to handwave away Syrgy's health issues entirely, so it was going to come up. Shroom and I came up with this idea weeks ago.

The intent, aside from humor, was to use it as a justification for how the Syrgy actually survives into the late '60s. The implication is that there's some serious mad science going on here ("that dog became a prominent Party member!"). Dr. Preobrazhensky is from Heart of a Dog, a story which features a... semi-successful transplant of human glands into a dog in 1925.*

Also, the references to "serum compatibility" made in the earlier "NEIN NEIN NEIN Percent Reliability" post are meant to allude to the idea that von Evilstein was not chosen randomly- that more or less by luck, he happens to be compatible enough that survival, at least for the 5-10 year span typical-ish for organ transplants, is plausible.

But my setting this up is sort of irrelevant. As a matter of course, PeZook, I can drop the "De-Po Man" thing as noncanon if you like- and/or write Syrgy off, switch to deputy Comrade Tankski and see if I can spin out tank/tractor jokes for ten-plus seasons.
__________

*The patient doesn't die- the experiment is a farce (as is the story), but the dog survives the experience! So if anyone could run organ transplant sophistication to ridiculous degrees, including development of immunosuppressants some years ahead of schedule, it would be Preobrazhensky.

It's also unclear exactly how much transplanting was done- Syrgy's exact medical condition is not detailed, and one thing I will say is that he did not receive a heart transplant.

[Shroom Man 777]

Planet Murca/Zenobia could have faster tech levels in certain aspects, like transplants, seeing as they were founded by feralized space colonists from Earth and Nova Terra in the SDNW4 STGOD.

[Simon_Jester]

Planet Murca/Zenobia could have faster tech levels in certain aspects, like transplants, seeing as they were founded by feralized space colonists from Earth and Nova Terra in the SDNW4 STGOD.

I'm still hoping to establish that as deliberately ambiguous canon status.

[PeZook]

But my setting this up is sort of irrelevant. As a matter of course, PeZook, I can drop the "De-Po Man" thing as noncanon if you like- and/or write Syrgy off, switch to deputy Comrade Tankski and see if I can spin out tank/tractor jokes for ten-plus seasons.

Nah, it's amusing and clever, so it can stay

Hell, it is a different planet, so who says Pavylyvych has be as fucked up as Korolev was?