from:jet.jaguar(a)Friggarock.fen
to:local-call.residents(a)friggarock.fen
Subj: The State of the Rat... #10
We're all greatly saddened by the death of Li Nuan. I only had the pleasure of knowing her for a few months, but her warmth and sense of humour left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Her parents have sent their thanks for all the well wishes they have received, and regret that they have not been permitted to leave for her funeral.
Space is wide and good friends are too few
Still, the adventure continues.
This month; Safety in mining operations. Mission Titanic. Canada's most wanted. Asagiri Wins. Motorcon and Beyond. Our new trainset. No More Chernobyl. Local Notices and Fnords Political Roundup.
1: Safety in Mining works.
Five days ago, we received a reminder of just how dangerous mine works in space can be. This came at the cost of the life of someone who was a good friend to many, one person requiring lifesaving cybernetics and four people who are still in hospital, and will be for months to come. This is far too high a price. The uncomfortable truth is that, over the last ten months, w've grown steadily more complacement. And now, one person paid with their life. Four others might still die.
I am ordering a full independent review of mining proceedures, and calling a halt on works until this is completed. Engineers from Greenwood Ultd will be onsite next week.
I want to be clear. You can speak with them in full confidence, without fear of legal or professional consequences. The most important thing right now is that we understand why this accident happened, what processes and decisions lead to the accident, and how we can make sure that it never happens again. Nobody is to be held responsible, or scapegoated. If we do that, nothing changes, we just make ourselves feel better.
Those who are at fault, are already suffering enough.
2: Mission Titanic
Lun's returned from Earth.
We caused a minor panic flying over Madison, Wisconsin, before landing in Detroit. Our planned dive on the Fitzgerald was kiboshed by the weather, but Lun still proved her worth by rescuing a fishing crew from the depths of a great-lakes storm. Unfortunately, we didn't get them all, but we tried.
Crew Foster and Crew Ngembe have both been recommended for the Usagi medal, for going out onto the wing to pull survivors aboard. Anyone willing to go out on a wing like that in heavy seas deserves more than a medal
Our followon mission to Titanic was a stunning success. The wreck was located using Lun's own onboard sensor array, both on magnetic and gradiometer arrays. Three suited dives were performed by the bottom team. Markas, Skippy, Yumeko, Kay and Dave (Just Dave), became the first human beings to set foot on Titanic's decks in 112 years. They boarded the wreck, moving deep inside through the boiler room to intact corridors, recovering internal samples of the ship's structure, fittings, wooden panels and crockery for study.
These have been turned over to Rhode Island University to determine the expected lifespan of the preserved wreck.
Our final dive attached a plaque to the remains of bridge.
A congratulatory message from James Cameron can be found here. We might even have a charter next year, all things going well. The man who claimed he never wanted to go back to Titanic is very much interested in taking a step onboard.
We had our minor glitches, but they're all easy fixes. All told, we're all ready to go for Arcadia. Departure is in two weeks, with a quick, final training cruise next week followed by final provisioning.
3: Canada's most wanted?
In related news, the Canadian government have requested the identities of Lun's crew be released. I still don't know what laws we're supposed to have broken. We were pretty careful to operate above board, with proper permits and and legal permissions for everything we did, so I amn't sure what they could be angry at. They're being pretty insistant too.
I've contacted our consulate in Ottawa, and a few personal contacts I have who used to be in the Canadian Civil Service, to try and find out what this is about. Hopefully it's just something small that'll go away with the next political football.
But I won't throw anyone under the bus. I don't tout. Don't worry about that.
4: Asagiri Wins.
Okay, so this one's a bit self-indulgent. Sue me. We won this year's ARR Warbirds championship, in our first year of competition, with a brand new design of spacecraft. Thanks for all the support for the last year.
My sincere apologies to anyone who lost money by betting on Bellcom or BAT.
So, to celebrate, we're blowing a good chunk of the prizemoney on a pissup on the hangar level. Good food, good beer, a few good friends. Everyone's invited. Might be a few interesting guests from outside, some of whom won't like their presence being announced beforehand.
Unfortunately, we can't do rides in the Kulbit because it's a single-seater
The upside of winning is sponsors. The upside of sponsors, is more money to hire people. If anyone thinks they have relevant skills, call me. Let's try and maintain our 100% championship record for 2025. Sure Bellcom spend as much money on a thruster assembly as we do on an entire spacecraft, but that's part of the fun.
Positions are open for one pilot in a second racecraft, along with mechanics and other engineering specialists. The call's going out to the wider Fenspace in a few weeks, but let's keep this at home for the time being.
We also have a healthy order book for the first time in, well, ever, both from race teams, and mostly Fen who just like the pleasure of knowing that if they wanted to, they could probably win an interplanetary championship with their personal transport.
5: To Motorcon and beyond.
A little bird has told me that the Motorcon committee are considering putting in a bid to host the Fenspace Convention for 2026 or 7. Don't tell anyone I told you that. For next year, they've already confirmed their first guests. Red Lad Revue will be providing entertainment for the families and friends of attendees who appreciate things other than rotary-induced deafness.
Lost and found is still open from the previous convention. Special mention to the person who 'lost' a 2015 Mustang 350GT. Although, considering what they did with it, maybe they're just too embarrassed to claim it.
6: Our new Trainset.
No, we're not naming it Dickbutt. Stop asking. We can do the second choice if the one B-arker who keeps howling for it is willing to go all the way there and explain in person why we should name a train after them - on second thoughts, no, let's not do that. I've been specifically asked not to name it Lady Mars.
So we're calling it the Starlight Express. I wanted to call it Boxer, but Starlight Express it is.
Her legal Running number is 92-77-7137-370-1.
It seems to be settling in happily, wearing bright new coat of white, blue and yellow paint. The UIC has assigned us a region code of 77 for the Frigga Rail Network, for taking ticket bookings
Once the line is fully up and running we'll be able to do a lot more development work. It passes through a lot of the old pits standing empty, and the catgirls are interested in laying a 20km branch to their side of the rock. The FRN could be set to grow fairly quickly and make getting around a lot easier.
Because of the ongoing Railfen infestation, paid, booked tickets will now be required for non-residents or unregistered guests.
7: No more Chernobyl.
Catgirl industries have proposed a solution, replacing the damaged reactor with a more modern unit. We should be able to tie it into the existing turbomachinery, with an additional direct conversion system, so it'l be a lot more efficient using fuel.
It'll take time to hash out the full technical details and make sure it'll work with our existing power grid systems. Because one thing we do have is power quality and reliability matching mundane norms.
8: Local notices.
So, it looks like Gabriel's gotten his hands on some genuine pieces of dead cow from sources unknown. I have it on the highest authority that it did genuinely once eat grass, once lived in a field, and mostly lived a fairly peaceful life before being slaughtered, butchered and shipped unfrozen. So, Steak dinners at the Rock and Hard Place, while stocks last. (About ten minutes or so?)
I miss being able to eat steak.
Len Carima will be taking the Oath of Venus on Tuesday. We all welcome her and wish her the best in this new stage of her life.
Kotono's Fitness Bee is still accepting new members for beginners courses for the next month or so.
Ford's Heavyarms has an open position for an apprentice gunsmith. Firearms training every Thursday at 8pm.
Graham and Mikan Colla will soon be opening their own general store and outlet, with a regular run of supplies in from the JMC.
Militia Reserve training signups are open again, using Survival Shot hardware. Be all you can be and try a life less ordinary. Or something like that.
There's more on frigga.local.bulletin.
9: The Fnords have seen us.
..."The big news this week comes from the Senshi's asteroidal hinterlands. The Friggan militant apathy towards the various second daughters and campaign contributors Crystal Tokyo keeps trying to send 'em has finally boiled over. HM's Government is going to have to accept that the asteroid colonies want the same kind of representation as the cities, and they ain't happy about it."...
So, I take it those of you who care about such things have seen this month's political roundup from Fnord. We have amused him and the SMoF's have begun to grumble. This either means we have done something very right, or very wrong.
It could be good.
It also means we are, officially, a political embarrasment to the entire Crystal Millenium Government. Good Work! Well-preened feathers are being ruffled. We're a threat to Minister Kayabuki's administration and authority. Opposition leader Ilia has direcly petitioned the Queen to personally intervene in the crisis.
This is what happens when your political party boats in candidates who clearly, and frankly wouldn't give two wet fucks about the people out here and would sit solely to spout the party line on the big issues in parliament. Especially, when you're turning down people who actually live here...
Yes. We signed on the bottom line. But we pay our dues. We're entitled to actual representation, not just some empty skirt to fill a seat for the good of Tokyo.
I'm going to try talk to someone on Azubajuban who might owe me a favour... maybe if we can spread ructions amongst the rest of the archipelago we can make this work. We aren't the only ones who think the Millenium's been too Venus-centric lately.
Anyway, something's going to come from Tokyo soon enough. This means either direct provisioning by the Tokyo government - which is what Ilia is pushing for, for our own good because we clearly can't look after ourselves. Or an appointed administrator, which'd be a pain, but would most likely be someone who actually lives here. There'll be a Town Hall meeting to discuss what our response will be as soon as we get it.
There's a lot more to it than that and Mal covers it far better than I do - the only sort of politics I'm good at is what clausewitz called the 'other means' of politics. But I'll keep pushing this as long as people keep telling me to.
That bitch is going to call that a threat, isn't she?
---
That's it for this month. Next month will be Ford since she's the only council member staying behind.
Please. Stay safe everyone.
-Jet.
--------------
EDIT: Quotation from Mal in the IRC.
________________________________
--m(^0^)m-- Wot, no sig?
to:local-call.residents(a)friggarock.fen
Subj: The State of the Rat... #10
We're all greatly saddened by the death of Li Nuan. I only had the pleasure of knowing her for a few months, but her warmth and sense of humour left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Her parents have sent their thanks for all the well wishes they have received, and regret that they have not been permitted to leave for her funeral.
Space is wide and good friends are too few
Still, the adventure continues.
This month; Safety in mining operations. Mission Titanic. Canada's most wanted. Asagiri Wins. Motorcon and Beyond. Our new trainset. No More Chernobyl. Local Notices and Fnords Political Roundup.
1: Safety in Mining works.
Five days ago, we received a reminder of just how dangerous mine works in space can be. This came at the cost of the life of someone who was a good friend to many, one person requiring lifesaving cybernetics and four people who are still in hospital, and will be for months to come. This is far too high a price. The uncomfortable truth is that, over the last ten months, w've grown steadily more complacement. And now, one person paid with their life. Four others might still die.
I am ordering a full independent review of mining proceedures, and calling a halt on works until this is completed. Engineers from Greenwood Ultd will be onsite next week.
I want to be clear. You can speak with them in full confidence, without fear of legal or professional consequences. The most important thing right now is that we understand why this accident happened, what processes and decisions lead to the accident, and how we can make sure that it never happens again. Nobody is to be held responsible, or scapegoated. If we do that, nothing changes, we just make ourselves feel better.
Those who are at fault, are already suffering enough.
2: Mission Titanic
Lun's returned from Earth.
We caused a minor panic flying over Madison, Wisconsin, before landing in Detroit. Our planned dive on the Fitzgerald was kiboshed by the weather, but Lun still proved her worth by rescuing a fishing crew from the depths of a great-lakes storm. Unfortunately, we didn't get them all, but we tried.
Crew Foster and Crew Ngembe have both been recommended for the Usagi medal, for going out onto the wing to pull survivors aboard. Anyone willing to go out on a wing like that in heavy seas deserves more than a medal
Our followon mission to Titanic was a stunning success. The wreck was located using Lun's own onboard sensor array, both on magnetic and gradiometer arrays. Three suited dives were performed by the bottom team. Markas, Skippy, Yumeko, Kay and Dave (Just Dave), became the first human beings to set foot on Titanic's decks in 112 years. They boarded the wreck, moving deep inside through the boiler room to intact corridors, recovering internal samples of the ship's structure, fittings, wooden panels and crockery for study.
These have been turned over to Rhode Island University to determine the expected lifespan of the preserved wreck.
Our final dive attached a plaque to the remains of bridge.
A congratulatory message from James Cameron can be found here. We might even have a charter next year, all things going well. The man who claimed he never wanted to go back to Titanic is very much interested in taking a step onboard.
We had our minor glitches, but they're all easy fixes. All told, we're all ready to go for Arcadia. Departure is in two weeks, with a quick, final training cruise next week followed by final provisioning.
3: Canada's most wanted?
In related news, the Canadian government have requested the identities of Lun's crew be released. I still don't know what laws we're supposed to have broken. We were pretty careful to operate above board, with proper permits and and legal permissions for everything we did, so I amn't sure what they could be angry at. They're being pretty insistant too.
I've contacted our consulate in Ottawa, and a few personal contacts I have who used to be in the Canadian Civil Service, to try and find out what this is about. Hopefully it's just something small that'll go away with the next political football.
But I won't throw anyone under the bus. I don't tout. Don't worry about that.
4: Asagiri Wins.
Okay, so this one's a bit self-indulgent. Sue me. We won this year's ARR Warbirds championship, in our first year of competition, with a brand new design of spacecraft. Thanks for all the support for the last year.
My sincere apologies to anyone who lost money by betting on Bellcom or BAT.
So, to celebrate, we're blowing a good chunk of the prizemoney on a pissup on the hangar level. Good food, good beer, a few good friends. Everyone's invited. Might be a few interesting guests from outside, some of whom won't like their presence being announced beforehand.
Unfortunately, we can't do rides in the Kulbit because it's a single-seater
The upside of winning is sponsors. The upside of sponsors, is more money to hire people. If anyone thinks they have relevant skills, call me. Let's try and maintain our 100% championship record for 2025. Sure Bellcom spend as much money on a thruster assembly as we do on an entire spacecraft, but that's part of the fun.
Positions are open for one pilot in a second racecraft, along with mechanics and other engineering specialists. The call's going out to the wider Fenspace in a few weeks, but let's keep this at home for the time being.
We also have a healthy order book for the first time in, well, ever, both from race teams, and mostly Fen who just like the pleasure of knowing that if they wanted to, they could probably win an interplanetary championship with their personal transport.
5: To Motorcon and beyond.
A little bird has told me that the Motorcon committee are considering putting in a bid to host the Fenspace Convention for 2026 or 7. Don't tell anyone I told you that. For next year, they've already confirmed their first guests. Red Lad Revue will be providing entertainment for the families and friends of attendees who appreciate things other than rotary-induced deafness.
Lost and found is still open from the previous convention. Special mention to the person who 'lost' a 2015 Mustang 350GT. Although, considering what they did with it, maybe they're just too embarrassed to claim it.
6: Our new Trainset.
No, we're not naming it Dickbutt. Stop asking. We can do the second choice if the one B-arker who keeps howling for it is willing to go all the way there and explain in person why we should name a train after them - on second thoughts, no, let's not do that. I've been specifically asked not to name it Lady Mars.
So we're calling it the Starlight Express. I wanted to call it Boxer, but Starlight Express it is.
Her legal Running number is 92-77-7137-370-1.
It seems to be settling in happily, wearing bright new coat of white, blue and yellow paint. The UIC has assigned us a region code of 77 for the Frigga Rail Network, for taking ticket bookings
Once the line is fully up and running we'll be able to do a lot more development work. It passes through a lot of the old pits standing empty, and the catgirls are interested in laying a 20km branch to their side of the rock. The FRN could be set to grow fairly quickly and make getting around a lot easier.
Because of the ongoing Railfen infestation, paid, booked tickets will now be required for non-residents or unregistered guests.
7: No more Chernobyl.
Catgirl industries have proposed a solution, replacing the damaged reactor with a more modern unit. We should be able to tie it into the existing turbomachinery, with an additional direct conversion system, so it'l be a lot more efficient using fuel.
It'll take time to hash out the full technical details and make sure it'll work with our existing power grid systems. Because one thing we do have is power quality and reliability matching mundane norms.
8: Local notices.
So, it looks like Gabriel's gotten his hands on some genuine pieces of dead cow from sources unknown. I have it on the highest authority that it did genuinely once eat grass, once lived in a field, and mostly lived a fairly peaceful life before being slaughtered, butchered and shipped unfrozen. So, Steak dinners at the Rock and Hard Place, while stocks last. (About ten minutes or so?)
I miss being able to eat steak.
Len Carima will be taking the Oath of Venus on Tuesday. We all welcome her and wish her the best in this new stage of her life.
Kotono's Fitness Bee is still accepting new members for beginners courses for the next month or so.
Ford's Heavyarms has an open position for an apprentice gunsmith. Firearms training every Thursday at 8pm.
Graham and Mikan Colla will soon be opening their own general store and outlet, with a regular run of supplies in from the JMC.
Militia Reserve training signups are open again, using Survival Shot hardware. Be all you can be and try a life less ordinary. Or something like that.
There's more on frigga.local.bulletin.
9: The Fnords have seen us.
..."The big news this week comes from the Senshi's asteroidal hinterlands. The Friggan militant apathy towards the various second daughters and campaign contributors Crystal Tokyo keeps trying to send 'em has finally boiled over. HM's Government is going to have to accept that the asteroid colonies want the same kind of representation as the cities, and they ain't happy about it."...
So, I take it those of you who care about such things have seen this month's political roundup from Fnord. We have amused him and the SMoF's have begun to grumble. This either means we have done something very right, or very wrong.
It could be good.
It also means we are, officially, a political embarrasment to the entire Crystal Millenium Government. Good Work! Well-preened feathers are being ruffled. We're a threat to Minister Kayabuki's administration and authority. Opposition leader Ilia has direcly petitioned the Queen to personally intervene in the crisis.
This is what happens when your political party boats in candidates who clearly, and frankly wouldn't give two wet fucks about the people out here and would sit solely to spout the party line on the big issues in parliament. Especially, when you're turning down people who actually live here...
Yes. We signed on the bottom line. But we pay our dues. We're entitled to actual representation, not just some empty skirt to fill a seat for the good of Tokyo.
I'm going to try talk to someone on Azubajuban who might owe me a favour... maybe if we can spread ructions amongst the rest of the archipelago we can make this work. We aren't the only ones who think the Millenium's been too Venus-centric lately.
Anyway, something's going to come from Tokyo soon enough. This means either direct provisioning by the Tokyo government - which is what Ilia is pushing for, for our own good because we clearly can't look after ourselves. Or an appointed administrator, which'd be a pain, but would most likely be someone who actually lives here. There'll be a Town Hall meeting to discuss what our response will be as soon as we get it.
There's a lot more to it than that and Mal covers it far better than I do - the only sort of politics I'm good at is what clausewitz called the 'other means' of politics. But I'll keep pushing this as long as people keep telling me to.
That bitch is going to call that a threat, isn't she?
---
That's it for this month. Next month will be Ford since she's the only council member staying behind.
Please. Stay safe everyone.
-Jet.
--------------
EDIT: Quotation from Mal in the IRC.
________________________________
--m(^0^)m-- Wot, no sig?