Introduction
Following a nuclear atrocity in 1987, global thermonuclear war is narrowly avoided. As mankind finally begins to operate with common cause, the resultant treaty demands that all weapons grade nuclear material is buried on the far side of Earth’s moon. Man’s first permanent lunar habitation is being constructed at this time, and it is determined that Moonbase Alpha will serve as guardian of this testament to man’s folly and it is hoped that finally humanity can begin to take it’s tentative first steps out of the solar system. Humans have already walked on Mars and Venus. Several more ill fated space missions are launched before Moonbase Alpha finally becomes fully operational in 1997.
During 1999, preparations for a landmark mission to the recently discovered planetoid, Meta, are under way. A mysterious signal has been detected which indicates there may be intelligent life awaiting mankind’s arrival. Following a series of unexplained deaths among the Meta probe crew, it becomes apparent that massive energies are building in the nuclear waste disposal areas. Before the situation can be controlled, a vast thermonuclear conflagration hurls the moon, Moonbase Alpha and her 307 inhabitants out of Earth’s orbit and plunging into interstellar space. The date is September 13th, 1999.
Moonbase Alpha
Moonbase Alpha probably represents humanity’s greatest single achievement. The latest developments in the fields of engineering, science and humanities come together in this lasting testament to man’s determination and ingenuity.
The base occupies a circular footprint 2.5 miles across in the crater Plato. The structure extends deep underground as well. At the hub of Alpha is Main Mission, the central operations command post. This tower stands eight stories above the lunar surface and it is from here that all base operations are managed. In addition, all deep space exploration activity is co-ordinated from this location as well as the base’s secondary function, the monitoring of the nuclear waste areas. The rest of the base’s surface structures are arranged in a radial fashion around Main Mission.
Situated at outlying points around the base are the five launch pads. It is from these facilities that Alpha’s fleet of Eagle spacecraft are launched and recovered. In addition, the launch pads can be reconfigured to receive all current and planned manned spacecraft. Each pad connects with the large underground Eagle hanger complex, allowing craft to be moved between launch pads in a matter of minutes.
All sections of Moonbase Alpha are connected by the underground travel – tube system. This rapid transportation network consists of fast moving passenger pods, which travel through a sealed tunnel system. Each car can hold up to six personnel in seated positions. In addition, there are stairwells and elevators located at convenient points to ensure ease of movement around the facility. All sections of the base are designed to be sealed by pressure tight doors in case of rapid decompression.
Moonbase Alpha is totally self-sufficient, with power generated by several highly efficient nuclear reactors and solar power accumulators. In addition, Moonbase personnel are able to grow or manufacture all required foodstuffs, fabricate and repair the base’s fleet of Eagle spacecraft and process all of the oxygen and water requirements for the facility.
Several artificial gravity net towers encircle the base, providing slightly less (0.93%) than earth normal gravity conditions within the base and environs. The field generated by these towers also offers some protection against micrometeorite strikes and the like.
The base is equipped with the latest advances in long-range sensor instrument packages in keeping with its intended role as command post for man’s expansion into extra-solar space. In addition, Alpha’s main computer is by far the most sophisticated ever constructed, integrated with all aspects of the base and it’s operations.
Base Personnel
The population of Alpha represent the best physical and mental specimens from the world’s population. Competition for a place on the base’s staff is fierce and unremitting. Personnel are rotated through the facility in roughly six-month duty cycles although this may vary depending on mission requirements. The successful applicants are often world leaders in their respective fields, and certainly qualify as the best of the best.
Base personnel are organised into several sections, identified by uniform sleeve colour for clarity. Visitors to Alpha wear uniform with a plain sleeve. Each section has a section chief, who reports to the base Commander. As of September 1999, sections and associated chiefs are as follows;
Technically, services and reconnaissance are one section but due to the varied nature of the tasks covered, two section chiefs are assigned, each with a different area of responsibility.
Uniforms consist of a beige two-piece uniform with the appropriately coloured sleeve denoting Section. In addition, a vinyl belt is worn which holds the individuals commlock and can also be fitted with a stun gun holster if required. Security personnel wear an additional over shoulder sash connected to the belt.
During 1999, preparations for a landmark mission to the recently discovered planetoid, Meta, are under way. A mysterious signal has been detected which indicates there may be intelligent life awaiting mankind’s arrival. Following a series of unexplained deaths among the Meta probe crew, it becomes apparent that massive energies are building in the nuclear waste disposal areas. Before the situation can be controlled, a vast thermonuclear conflagration hurls the moon, Moonbase Alpha and her 307 inhabitants out of Earth’s orbit and plunging into interstellar space. The date is September 13th, 1999.
Moonbase Alpha
Moonbase Alpha probably represents humanity’s greatest single achievement. The latest developments in the fields of engineering, science and humanities come together in this lasting testament to man’s determination and ingenuity.
The base occupies a circular footprint 2.5 miles across in the crater Plato. The structure extends deep underground as well. At the hub of Alpha is Main Mission, the central operations command post. This tower stands eight stories above the lunar surface and it is from here that all base operations are managed. In addition, all deep space exploration activity is co-ordinated from this location as well as the base’s secondary function, the monitoring of the nuclear waste areas. The rest of the base’s surface structures are arranged in a radial fashion around Main Mission.
Situated at outlying points around the base are the five launch pads. It is from these facilities that Alpha’s fleet of Eagle spacecraft are launched and recovered. In addition, the launch pads can be reconfigured to receive all current and planned manned spacecraft. Each pad connects with the large underground Eagle hanger complex, allowing craft to be moved between launch pads in a matter of minutes.
All sections of Moonbase Alpha are connected by the underground travel – tube system. This rapid transportation network consists of fast moving passenger pods, which travel through a sealed tunnel system. Each car can hold up to six personnel in seated positions. In addition, there are stairwells and elevators located at convenient points to ensure ease of movement around the facility. All sections of the base are designed to be sealed by pressure tight doors in case of rapid decompression.
Moonbase Alpha is totally self-sufficient, with power generated by several highly efficient nuclear reactors and solar power accumulators. In addition, Moonbase personnel are able to grow or manufacture all required foodstuffs, fabricate and repair the base’s fleet of Eagle spacecraft and process all of the oxygen and water requirements for the facility.
Several artificial gravity net towers encircle the base, providing slightly less (0.93%) than earth normal gravity conditions within the base and environs. The field generated by these towers also offers some protection against micrometeorite strikes and the like.
The base is equipped with the latest advances in long-range sensor instrument packages in keeping with its intended role as command post for man’s expansion into extra-solar space. In addition, Alpha’s main computer is by far the most sophisticated ever constructed, integrated with all aspects of the base and it’s operations.
Base Personnel
The population of Alpha represent the best physical and mental specimens from the world’s population. Competition for a place on the base’s staff is fierce and unremitting. Personnel are rotated through the facility in roughly six-month duty cycles although this may vary depending on mission requirements. The successful applicants are often world leaders in their respective fields, and certainly qualify as the best of the best.
Base personnel are organised into several sections, identified by uniform sleeve colour for clarity. Visitors to Alpha wear uniform with a plain sleeve. Each section has a section chief, who reports to the base Commander. As of September 1999, sections and associated chiefs are as follows;
Section | Uniform Sleeve Colour | Section Chief |
Command
|
Charcoal
|
John Koenig
|
Main Mission
|
Flame
|
Paul Morrow
|
Technical
|
Rust
|
David Kano
|
Services
|
Yellow
|
Sandra Benes
|
Reconnaissance
|
Yellow
|
Alan Carter
|
Medical
|
White
|
Helena Russell
|
Security
|
Purple
|
Tony Verdeschi
|
Special
|
None
|
Victor Bergman
|
Uniforms consist of a beige two-piece uniform with the appropriately coloured sleeve denoting Section. In addition, a vinyl belt is worn which holds the individuals commlock and can also be fitted with a stun gun holster if required. Security personnel wear an additional over shoulder sash connected to the belt.
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