Documents & Speeches

## Documents

(Revision 77v1: 09/02/1972)
Introduction
Welcome to the Firmament Initiative—a multi-generational, multi-national, privately-funded endeavor designed to preserve and secure the future of humanity through interstellar exploration. Your participation, dedication, and service to this monumental mission is acknowledged and appreciated.
CLASSIFIED: Please note that due to the nature and duration of the mission, this information is exclusively for the Crew's perusal. Keepers must remain segregated, concentrating on the preservation of the cargo without distraction.
Founders: Andrew Carnegie, Marie Curie, Karl Marx, Nikola Tesla, Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, Jules Verne
Starship: Atelis
Background
Phase 1: The Great Lift
Phase one centered on sending crucial Earth-based elements—minerals, flora, and fauna—into orbit. The Founders utilized their considerable resources to launch massive projectiles into orbit using twelve colossal Rail-Rifles situated at various mountainous locations on Earth. Between 1895 and 1907, over 6000 containers of cargo were transported into space, totaling more than sixteen million tons, including technology for the assembly of the starship. In 1910, the mission commenced with the Atelis gradually accelerating towards a nearby star system via rudimentary steam propulsion and solar sails.
Phase 2: The Augmentation
The Atelis initially possessed very limited acceleration capabilities. The mission's design relied on future advancements in space technology to enhance the Starship during its journey. The founders correctly anticipated that future technology would be able to catch up with and upgrade the Atelis, potentially redirecting it to a different star system if a more suitable one was discovered. The timing and frequency of such augmentations were uncertain, but attachment and docking ports were incorporated in anticipation.
Phase 3: The Embrace and The Arrival
The Starship Atelis features artificial gravity generated by the vessel's rotation. To create the required gravity, cargo realms are positioned further from the center of rotation, resulting in a structurally weaker vessel susceptible to stress during intense acceleration. Consequently, the ship was also designed to retract and secure the cargo realms during periods of high acceleration. It was expected that this would only be necessary deceleration for arrival or for a final upgrade providing unanticipated thrust. The Keepers were prepared for these events with a narrative combining the arrival of trained personnel required to "Engage the embrace" and the actual arrival of the Starship Atelis at its final destination.
Personnel
The Keepers
Acknowledging that a journey to even the closest star system could take centuries or millennia, the founders designed the ship's maintenance to be performed by Keepers. Keepers reside in large cargo realms, rotating in and out of sleep chambers that enabled them to live for the mission's entire duration. The sleep process gradually purges memories, starting from the most recent. As a result, Keepers are limited to a maximum sleep duration of twelve years before being awakened and retrained. Mentors facilitate the retraining process by passing on their knowledge and preparing for sleep. To minimize social complications among Keepers, a tightly controlled and rigorously managed protocol was established. Keepers are not informed about the mission's nature and are instead taught that they existed within three small realms, comprising their entire universe. Questioning was discouraged, and all necessary answers were provided through strict cultural indoctrination.
The Crew
A small group of trained astronauts is accommodated at the ship's fore. The Crew's primary responsibility is to remotely monitor the Keepers and ensure the smooth operation of the mission during launch and subsequent upgrades. The Crew has access to Threshold suspension chambers, but their usage is limited to approximately one year. Suspension periods exceeding two years pose memory loss risks, which could compromise the Crew's effectiveness. Consequently, the Crew members are expected to live out their lives in support of the mission. It is of utmost importance that the Crew remains separated from the Keepers to prevent interference with the Keepers' strictly dictated culture. The only exception to this segregation is the Arrivers.
The Arrivers
As the mission progresses, it is anticipated that the frequency of upgrades will increase due to advancements in space travel engines and speeds. The final stages of the mission will likely occur rapidly, necessitating the arrival of a final Crew known as the Arrivers. The Keepers' lore predicts the arrival of this group, who will require access to the Realms to prepare the ship for acceleration/deceleration. Only members of the Crew, specifically the Arrivers, are authorized to prepare the Starship Atelis in this manner.
(Note: Detailed information and specific procedures for all aspects of Crew tasks and protocol can be found in Volumes 1 through 22 of the "Firmament Initiative Protocol and Procedure." Digital versions are available on Disk A2.)
(END)

MULTIPLE FOUND, SELECT FROM...
 1) TURNER, ARNALDO S
 2) TURNER, LEWIS DARMA
 3) TURNET, MARIS, D T
 4) TURNER, SUSIANA
 5) TURNET, WYLIE BARR
 X) MORE...
::2
 TURNER, LEWIS DARMA

 EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
 2100-2105 Ensign, Class C, Nexus Protectorate Corporation, Karachi Inc. Division
 2106-2115 Corporate Security Officer, Firmament Industries, Eastern Field Storage
 2110-2117 Lt. Jr. Grade, Firmament Industries Inc. Military Police: Ensign, Class C. Spaceforce Division
 2118-PRESENT Ensign, Firmament Industries, Inc. Security and Amelioration Duty, Crewship Nikola — Lottery Draft (Atelis recon and augment)

 CARCERAL RECORD
 06/2105 Bias Motivated Offense Level 2 (3 Terms Served)
 09/2109 Insubordination Level 1 (2.4 Terms Served)
 02/2116 Misconduct Level 3 (9 Terms Served)
 12/2117 Contract Breach Level 4 (1 Term Served)

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12.04.DB...LOGOUT
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NEWS AND VIEWS
WEATHER — RAIN TODAY, FAIR ON MONDAY
VOL. 67 NO. 22,121
PHILADELPHIA, SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1910
TWO CENTS

Firmament Initiative Ushers in a New Era of Human Ingenuity and Optimism
PARIS, May 7 — In a dazzling display of human brilliance and determination, the colossal starship Atelis has torn from the bonds of Earth, marking the commencement of a pioneering voyage to safeguard humanity's future. The Firmament Initiative, a grand coalition spearheaded by esteemed visionaries such as Andrew Carnegie, Marie Curie, Nikola Tesla, Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, Jules Verne, and Karl Marx, seeks to propel mankind into a new epoch of cosmic exploration and preservation.
The prodigious Atelis, a vessel unlike any other, is designed to traverse the celestial expanses on a multi-generational journey. After over a decade of monumental efforts, the so-called "Great Lift" triumphantly concluded, using gargantuan rail-rifles to thrust sixteen million tons of indispensable cargo into the celestial abyss.
Bearing the Greek name for "incomplete" (ατελής), the Atelis was assembled and commissioned under the unyielding hope that future advancements will augment and perfect the vessel as it journeys through the cosmos. Gracefully propelled by a sophisticated steam propulsion system and massive sunlight sails, the starship Atelis is poised to advance the marvels of technological progress.
Within the Atelis, the Keepers inhabit massive Realms, carefully preserving the ship's cargo. Sequestered and protected, these individuals adhere to a strict regimen, safeguarding their duties' integrity. The groundbreaking Threshold sleep chambers sustain the Keepers' well-being, allowing extended periods of suspended restfulness. Newly awakened Keepers, having freshly renewed minds, are re-mentored by experienced Keepers, ensuring a seamless transfer of expertise across generations. The Keepers' unwavering dedication is a testament to the Firmament Initiative's foresight, crucial to the Starship Atelis' mission success.
The Crew, a select group of skilled astronauts, will give their lives to maintain a watchful eye on the unknowing Keepers and the Atelis. Stationed in the ship's fore, they will be refreshed with new arriving members on rare occasions to ensure the mission's smooth progress. As the journey nears its end, a final crew, known as the Arrivers, is expected to join the mission. The Keepers' lore has been embedded to inform them of this final arrival, so the Keepers and Crew can, at long last, join in preparing the Atelis for its ultimate destination, a magnificent and welcoming new Earth.
Let us all join together in celebration of this historic event, as we bear witness to the dawn of a new age of exploration and wonder. With the launch of the Starship Atlelis, humanity takes its first steps towards the stars, and we stand united, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Godspeed, Starship Atelis! May you carry us towards a brighter tomorrow!
*[Caption under photo of Atelis in Earth orbit:]*
"Behold the Starship Atelis: A Majestic Marvel of Human Ingenuity, Embarking on a Boundless Voyage Across the Cosmos with Advanced Steam Propulsion, Intricate Solar Sails, and a Revolutionary Threshold Sleep Chamber System, Housing the Valiant Crew and Keepers on their Grand Multigenerational Odyssey."

PARIS, May 7 — As the world marvels at the grand launch of the Starship Atelis, we delve deeper into the astounding engineering feats and the brilliant minds that made this extraordinary journey possible. The Firmament Initiative, a collaboration of unparalleled intellect and creativity, has brought forth the most ambitious and innovative spacefaring vessel ever conceived. The Atelis is a marvel of human engineering, boasting a range of cutting edge
[...]
success of its mission. It's state-of-the-art propulsion system, powered by the latest steam technology, allows the behemoth to traverse the vast expanse of space at previously unattainable speeds. The ships navigation and communication systems are equipped with the most advanced instruments of the era, enabling the crew to chart a course through the stars with precision and ease.
Internally, the Starship Atelis is divided into two primary sections: the Crew Quarters and
[...]
composed of highly trained astronauts, will oversee the operations and maintenance of the vessel. The Keepers, on the other hand, will reside within the Realms, diligently preserving the precious cargo of minerals, flora, and fauna, essential for the mission's success.
The Firmament Initiative, through its visionary founders, has left no stone unturned in ensuring the Atelis' resilience and sustainability. Ingenious systems for resource
[...]
management and waste recycling have been meticulously designed to support the life aboard the ship for the entirety of its voyage. As the Starship Atelis embarks on its celestial odyssey, the world watches with bated breath, eager to witness the unfolding of this historic expedition. The Firmament Initiative has not only set the stage for an unparalleled era of discovery but also showcased the limitless potential of human innovation and ambition.
May the Starship Atelis and its intrepid crew

Browne, Democratic Leader, Accused of Paying Bribes to Elect Lorimer to Senate.
OTHERS HELD FOR PERJURY
More Developments Promised -- Former Railroad President Indicted Because of "Slush Fund" Charges
CHICAGO, MAY 6 -- Lee O'Neill Browne of Ottawa, Democratic leader in the Illinois House of Representatives, was indicted to-day on a charge of bribery, and Representative Robert E. Wilson of Chicago and Representative Michael S. Link of Mitchell were indicted on charges of perjury by the Cook County special Grand Jury which for a week has been investigating the election on May 26, 1909, of William Lorimer of Chicago to the United States Senate and other dealings of the Legislature.
The evidence on which the indictments were returned in Judge Kersten's court was supplied by Representative Charles A. White of O'Fallon and Representative H. J. Beckemeyer of Carlyle. Wilson and Link, as well as White and Beckemeyer, are Democratic members of the Legislature.
The indictment against Browne is based on the charge that he gave Representative White $850 at a hotel in Chicago late in May, 1909, as part compensation for White's vote for Lorimer for Senator.
The perjury indictment against Link is based on his testimony given before the Grand Jury yesterday. Link is alleged to have sworn that he was not in St. Louis on July 15, 1909, and that he did not there meet Representative Wilson. The jury declares that it finds that Link was in St. Louis on that date and did meet Wilson. It further declares that Link willfully perjured himself after full realization of the value of his statements.
The perjury indictment against Wilson is also based on testimony given before the jury yesterday. It alleges that Wilson testified that he did not hand sums of money to Representative White and Representative Beckemeyer in the Southern Hotel at St. Louis on July 15, 1909. The jury states that it finds that Wilson did hand money to both White and Beckemeyer on that date.
Immediately upon the return of these indictments Judge Kersten fixed Browne's and Wilson's bail at $15,000 and that of Link at $5,000. Following his indictment Link worked closely with State's Attorney

Diagnosing the King's illness as a return of the bronchitis which affected him at Biarritz. He had then some amount of fever, but it was slight compared to that in the present case, and his medical attendants had then no fear of pneumonia supervening, as it did in this instance. The King himself recognized that the illness was identical with that from which he suffered at
[...]
driven thither from Marlborough House at 10:30 and remained in the room next to that in which the dying King lay. Here Queen Alexandra and the Princess Victoria also spent the day. The King was very glad he was able to command once more the services of the sister who nursed him during his recovery from the operation in 1901, and several times sent out word to his

## Speeches

The Mentor guides the player and gives them prerecorded messages throughout the game.

 The Keepers are simple people. Maintain the Firmament. We learned our world well. We knew our facts well! The Threshold came in handy for maintaining peace — Supressing [sic] hate and violence. No lies - or luxuries - gods or greed. We had everything we needed. Except the truth. But... what is that?

 We knew about The Arrival... that the cycle would change. Turner broke the cycle... and more...

 I lost friends here. What has become of them? What has become of their memories? I have learned that The Threshold deals harshly with memories.

 We are united.

 Andrew Carnegie, Juleston right: | We are the resources... We are the Firmament.

 And the Embrace has now been Awakened! Can it be true? Could this really have gone as I planned? You have kept the mission! Now the Gateway in the Swan will open and you can prepare for the Assembly.

 The Pod always amazed me. Magically bridging the gap between the distant Realms...

 Starship Atelis has now been upgraded and is fold-engine enabled. Prepare for acceleration and fold-jump to the Tau Ceti system. Any questions you may have will be answered upon arrival, which will occur in approximately... 7.4 hours. New life awaits you and your fellow Atelis comrades on planet Firma. Thank you for your service to the Firmament initiative, Ensign Turner.