Virgin Galactic-Boeing Extra-planetary Vacations Embarkation Platform
Geostationary Orbit above Washington State USA

Preparations for Departure of VEV Explorer 3

Departure Date: 2170-03-07 T 12:00:00:000 UTC

Partial Extract From Passenger List

Class: Tourist: Luxury
019 – Andrews, John, George, Illinois, Chicago, Wt: 85.2kg; Shipped luggage container Wt 4.01kg
020 – Andrews, Alice, May, Illinois, Chicago, Wt: 63.9kg; Shipped luggage container Wt 4.21kg

Class: Employee: Trainee (Ship Pilot)
022 – Teller, John, Ellis, California, San Francisco, Wt 80.5kg; Shipped luggage container Wt 3.77kg

Partial Extract from Ship Cargo Manifest

Examination Materials:
001 – Certified Pilot Exam Theory Questions (Paper), Wt: 0.15kg
002 – Certified Pilot Practical Skill Requirements (Paper), Wt: 0.15kg

Study/Examination Materials:
Information Data Pod: Flight systems, navigation, propulsion, gravity theory, acceleration lane physics, Wt 12.23kg (Including containment capsule)

Coleman Heliopause Exploration Vehicle
Mission Data

Black Box Voice Record Log: 2148-08-12 T 03:02:11:838 UTC

Source: Mission Detail

Log ID: {5074AD89-C61E-48F8-9703-E75CBB491B40}

Message Audio to Text Conversion:
T 03:02:12:004 UTC – (Mission Commander – MC Li) Confirming final systems check. Mr Lecras are we still transmitting distress signals?
T 03:02:18:423 UTC – (Master Pilot – MP Lecras) Yes.
T 03:02:20:377 UTC – (MC Li) Good. I’d rather have us transmitting in case we all lose consciousness again.
T 03:02:30:674 UTC – (Mission Scientist – MS Johnson) I’ve also modulated the shield frequencies in line with the recorded energy signature that we experienced during the first transition. It may give us a little more protection. I’ve also put a broadcast of our findings and sensor recordings on burst transmission with a repeat cycle of 90 seconds. Our messages to our families are piggy-backed onto that as well.
T 03:02:53:831 UTC – (MC Li) Very good. Final check time. Have we missed anything?
T 03:02:59:736 UTC – (MP Lecras) Nothing from me.
T 03:03:02:442 UTC – (MS Johnson) Same. Let’s go.
T 03:03:09:299 UTC – (MC Li) Strap in and engage the thrusters. Let’s go home.
T 03:03:15:481 UTC – (MP Lecras) Thrusters Engaged. Heading confirmed. Estimate entry in 3 minutes.
T 03:03:54:411 UTC – (MS Johnson) Shields at 120%. Gravitational forces rising. Hull stress at 25%. Rising.
T 03:04:11:128 UTC – (MP Lecras) Thrusters at full power. Acceleration within modeled parameters.
T 03:04:31:721 UTC – (MP Lecras) Getting fluctuations on the flight control instruments from the magnetic field.
T 03:04:59:521 UTC – (MS Johnson) Gravity well indicators converging as before. Computers predicting full convergence in about 75 seconds.
T 03:05:19:277 UTC – (MC Li) We are getting redshift on the external view monitor.
T 03:05:28:711 UTC – (MP Lecras) Getting more instability this time. It might get rougher.
T 03:05:42:856 UTC – (MS Johnson) Gravitational forces are now above our previous readings..
T 03:05:57:991 UTC – (MC Li) Hull stress?
T 03:06:08:231 UTC – (MS Johnson) 75% and the computer tells me we have reached the centre. Speed reads zero. Distance to star mass growing exponen…
T 03:36:08:641 UTC – (Automated Black Box Voice Log Insert) No sound recorded for 30 minutes

VEV Explorer 3

Vessel Voice Logs: 2170-03-17 T 11:21:45:103 UTC

Source: Cabin Recordings

Log ID: {930312D7-E7DB-4A95-BB28-AFF676E2DC2C}

Message Audio to Text Conversion:
T 11:21:46:013 UTC (Passenger AM Andrews) So this is like your final examination?
T 11:21:51:731 UTC (Trainee JE Teller) Yes. Three years of study and practical experience and then I get to put it all into practice on our return journey.
T 11:22:05:129 UTC (AM Andrews) How exciting.
T 11:22:10:722 UTC (JE Teller) If I pass I’ll be the fourth Master Pilot at VEV.
T 11:22:19:912 UTC (AM Andrews) I’m sure you’ll pass.
T 11:22:25:003 UTC (JE Teller) I hope so and I have so much material I need to study.
T 11:22:34:840 UTC (AM Andrews) I suppose it is all electronic? I wasn’t even allowed to bring a book.
T 11:22:45:757 UTC (JE Teller) Yes. There is an information pod hooked up the ship’s computers that I can access that contains all the theory and calculations necessary to understand acceleration lane technology, plus other things.
T 11:23:03:772 UTC (AM Andrews) Well I shan’t keep you from your study any longer. I’m sure you’ll do well.
T 11:23:11:719 UTC (JE Teller) Thankyou Maam.

Neptune Research Station
Geostationary Orbit

Station Voice Record Log: 2170-03-18 T 22:11:05:503 UTC

Source: Station Control Room

Log ID: {5C3978BA-DFC2-4C42-B6B4-EDED7DDC0977}

Message Audio to Text Conversion:
T 22:11:05:905 UTC – (Station Commander – SC Maloney) Verbal log entry recording transit of VEV Explorer 3 on route to Pluto orbit plane.
T 22:34:23:539 UTC – (Chief Technical Officer – CTO Hale) Hey Jess. Gotta love these zero G showers.
T 22:34:28:755 UTC – (SC Maloney) Yep. Once a week if you need one or not. Jeez Ryan put some trousers on.
T 22:34:33:715 UTC – (CTO Hale) Oh quit moaning Jess its not like you haven’t seen me without trousers on before.
T 22:34:44:129 UTC – (SC Maloney) You want me to send in the Command Deck video feed with our next report?
T 22:34:49:291 UTC – (CTO Hale) All right all right I’ll
T 22:34:50:788 UTC – (Automated Log Entry) Yellow alert warning triggered. Audible alert tone activated.
T 22:34:51:911 UTC – (CTO Hale) What the fuck is that for?
T 22:34:54:331 UTC – (SC Maloney) Check your panel Ryan. I’ll kill the alert.
T 22:34:57:818 UTC – (CTO Hale) On it.
T 22:34:57:998 UTC – (Automated Log Entry) Yellow alert warning deactivated.
T 22:35:13:100 UTC – (SC Maloney) Ryan. What you got?
T 22:35:18:133 UTC – (CTO Hale) Hang on a sec.
T 22:35:28:549 UTC – (CTO Hale) This is bad.
T 22:35:30:021 UTC – (SC Maloney) What?
T 22:35:32:048 UTC – (CTO Hale) Didn’t a VEV tourist boat pass through the lane half an hour ago?
T 22:35:35:835 UTC – (SC Maloney) Yes. Why?
T 22:35:37:381 UTC – (CTO Hale) Better get onto them because there is a new anomaly opening near the end of the lane.

VEV Explorer 3

Vessel Voice Logs: 2170-03-18 T 23:12:01:812 UTC

Source: Command Deck

Log ID: {99C8428C-D025-4EAC-8AE0-82F60EFD5C99}

Message Audio to Text Conversion:
T 23:12:02:125 UTC – (Master Pilot – MP Anderson) Receiving flash voice comms traffic from NRS.
T 23:12:10:251 UTC – (Senior Pilot – SP Franks) On speaker please.
T 23:12:18:883 UTC – (Command Deck Speakers) Attention VEV X3 this is NRS. Be aware of a significant disturbance localised at 3,000 KM from the lane exit point. Suggest preparation for immediate evasive maneuvers on exit. Readings indicate similar anomaly to that experienced during the 48 Coleman incident. Respond indicating receipt of transmission. Have informed all services of the event and commenced lane shutdown procedures.
T 23:12:53:645 UTC – (SP Franks) Condition red. Lock down the passengers. Anderson, when are we due to exit?
T 23:13:04:229 UTC (MP Anderson) Lane exit in 10 minutes. Automated lock down initiated.
T 23:13:10:522 UTC (SP Franks) Prime the thrusters we’ll need to commence evasive maneuvers immediately on exit. And route all other available power to the shields.
T 23:13:25:811 UTC (MP Anderson) On it. And done.
T 23:13:30:152 UTC (SP Franks) God help us.

Neptune Research Station

Geostationary Orbit

Station Voice Record Log: 2170-03-18 T 23:15:28:123 UTC

Source: Station Control Room

Log ID: {271F3DA2-4AAA-47E1-A06C-31059F76E64C}

Message Audio to Text Conversion:
T 23:15:28:321 UTC – (Station Commander – SC Maloney) Alerts sent. Give me an update.
T 23:15:33:219 UTC – (Chief Technical Officer – CTO Hale) Time to exit is less than 8 minutes. They passed the final acceleration node 7 minutes ago. They can’t duck out early.
T 23:15:42:871 UTC – (SC Maloney) Shit. Shit. Shit.
T 23:15:58:732 UTC – (CTO Hale) Computer predicts they are going to exit the lane less than 3,000 KM from the calculated center of the anomaly. They’re going to hit it dead on.
T 23:16:12:528 UTC – (SC Maloney) We’ve got one probe out that way haven’t we?
T 23:16:20:720 UTC – (CTO Hale) Yep.
T 23:16:22:109 UTC – (SC Maloney) Send it some maneuver orders to get it as close as it can to the anomaly so at least we can maximise the info we receive.
T 23:16:28:488 UTC – (CTO Hale) Ok.

VEV Explorer 3

Vessel Voice Logs: 2170-03-18 T 23:18:10:303 UTC

Source: Cabin Recordings

Log ID: {7A39D0A0-DFA3-4713-BB55-E8569E3EF2C5}

Message Audio to Text Conversion:
T 23:18:10:303 UTC – (Passenger GJ Andrews) Alice strap yourself in.
T 23:18:13:937 UTC – (Passenger AM Andrews) What’s going on John?
T 23:18:17:773 UTC – (GJ Andrews) No idea but the pilot has triggered the cabin safety measures warning which means you need to strap yourself in.
T 23:18:27:173 UTC – (AM Andrews) All right. But will they tell us what is going on?
T 23:18:33:520 UTC – (GJ Andrews) I don’t know darling, but I’m sure we’ll be OK. Probably just some turbulence or something.
T 23:18:42:003 UTC – (AM Andrews) Turbulence? John even I know you don’t get turbulence in space.
T 23:18:46:890 UTC – (GJ Andrews) So its probably not turbulence. But I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about.
T 23:18:54:488 UTC – (AM Andrews) John I’m scared.
T 23:19:59:772 UTC – (GJ Andrews) It’s OK Alice. Now hold my hand and close your eyes. Remember I am with you and we’ll be just fine.
T 23:20:10:420 UTC – (AM Andrews) OK John.
T 23:22:55:883 UTC – (AM Andrews) John?
T 23:22:57:723 UTC – (GJ Andrews) Yes Alice?
T 23:23:01:077 UTC – (AM Andrews) I love you.
T 23:23:03:877 UTC – (GJ Andrews) I love you too.

(* Note: Apologies in advance if you are offended by the language in this episode *)

Neptune Research Station

Geostationary Orbit

Station Voice Record Log: 2170-03-18 T 23:24:11:813 UTC

Source: Station Control Room

Log ID: {5E4532B0-3DC2-46FC-8841-0765917C0ED5}

Message Audio to Text Conversion:
T 23:24:12:010 UTC – (Chief Technical Officer – CTO Hale) NRS Probe number 3 in motion. It’s on continuous send and we should get some CGI imagery based on what its seeing in a few seconds.
T 23:24:24:444 UTC – (Station Commander – SC Maloney) Call out the plays Ryan.
T 23:24:38:838 UTC (CTO Hale) Ok. Here it comes. The probe is reading VEV 3 lane emergence. Distance to anomaly center is less than 3,000 KM. They’re fucked.
T 23:24:50:521 UTC – (CTO Hale) Probe seeing VEV maneuvering engines firing. Looks like they are fighting the pull directly. Still getting pulled in.
T 23:25:01:455 UTC – (SC Maloney) Distress signal being received from VEV3. Does the probe confirm?
T 23:25:09:998 UTC – (CTO Hale) Yep. Probe receiving and rebroadcasting the signal.
T 23:25:14:183 UTC – (CTO Hale) They are still getting pulled in.
T 23:25:20:003 UTC – (CTO Hale) Still getting pulled. Fuck, fuck, fuck.
T 23:25:24:823 UTC – (SC Maloney) Ryan? What?
T 23:25:27:274 UTC – (CTO Hale) They’re gone. The VEV just fucking popped. Hull must have failed. Just pieces left. Shit. It’s all falling in to the Anomaly.
T 23:25:37:299 UTC – (SC Maloney) Sweet Jesus.
T 23:25:39:512 UTC – (CTO Hale) Yeah.
T 23:25:47:337 UTC – (SC Maloney) Cessation of distress signal flagged at 23 25 21 227.
T 23:25:53:822 UTC – (CTO Hale) Ah fuck!

Coleman Heliopause Exploration Vehicle

Mission Data

Black Box Voice Record Log: 2148-08-12 T 03:02:11:838 UTC

Source: Mission Detail

Log ID: {0A7D2038-2B3B-4D30-92FD-3C0489AA557B}

Message Audio to Text Conversion:
T 04:06:08:643 UTC – (Automated Black Box Voice Log Insert) No sound recorded for 30 minutes
T 04:36:08:648 UTC – (Automated Black Box Voice Log Insert) No sound recorded for 30 minutes
T 05:06:08:649 UTC – (Automated Black Box Voice Log Insert) No sound recorded for 30 minutes
T 05:36:08:651 UTC – (Automated Black Box Voice Log Insert) No sound recorded for 30 minutes
T 06:06:08:655 UTC – (Automated Black Box Voice Log Insert) No sound recorded for 30 minutes
T 06:36:08:657 UTC – (Automated Black Box Voice Log Insert) No sound recorded for 30 minutes
T 06:59:59:999 UTC – (Time reset broadcast received) System time reset to 2170-03-24 T 06:29:54:773 UTC

Neptune Research Station

Geostationary Orbit

Station Voice Record Log: 2170-03-24 T 04:25:33:142 UTC

Source: Station Control Room

Log ID: {D6C13DC9-DF8F-4293-94DC-6D8BD76E2F86}

Message Audio to Text Conversion:
T 04:25:33:629 UTC – (Chief Technical Officer – CTO Hale) Jess I’ve sent the reports package with all the probe data. CGI imagery was included.
T 04:25:39:204 UTC – (Station Commander – SC Maloney) Thanks Ryan.
T 04:27:22:822 UTC – (Chief Technical Officer – CTO Hale) Any idea on how many were on the VEV?
T 04:27:31:743 UTC – (SC Maloney) They’ll know back on Earth but I’d imagine it was 6 or so including the crew.
T 04:27:34:773 UTC – (CTO Hale) Ok.
T 04:28:28:112 UTC – (SC Maloney) Ryan why don’t you get some sleep you are looking pretty ragged.
T 04:28:36:811 UTC – (CTO Hale) Will do Jess. Call me if you need me.
T 04:28:39:100 UTC – (SC Maloney) Sure.
T 04:58:39:102 UTC – (Automated Log Entry) No sound recorded for 30 minutes
T 05:28:39:105 UTC – (Automated Log Entry) No sound recorded for 30 minutes
T 05:58:39:106 UTC – (Automated Log Entry) No sound recorded for 30 minutes
T 06:28:39:105 UTC – (Automated Log Entry) No sound recorded for 30 minutes
T 06:31:02:333 UTC – (Automated Log Entry) Receiving general band broadcast – Emergency request for assistance.
T 06:31:02:366 UTC – (Automated Log Entry) Alert tone activated
T 06:31:04:736 UTC – (SC Maloney) Now what? Ryan. Ryan. Get out here. Ryan
T 06:31:10:488 UTC – (CTO Hale) Coming.
T 06:31:12:626 UTC – (Automated Log Entry) Alert tone de-activated
T 06:31:16:920 UTC – (CTO Hale) What’s happening Jess?
T 06:31:21:539 UTC – (SC Maloney) We’ve just received an automated distress signal on an old channel.
T 06:31:28:472 UTC – (CTO Hale) From who? The VEV?
T 06:31:31:271 UTC – (SC Maloney) It’s not the VEV, source is identified as.
T 06:31:37:850 UTC – (CTO Hale) Well?
T 06:31:39:002 UTC – (SC Maloney) Well the signal’s source ID is from the Coleman Mission in 48.
T 06:31:44:732 UTC – (CTO Hale) What? No way.
T 06:31:49:667 UTC – (SC Maloney) I know.

Excerpts of a Press Release from Virgin Galactic-Boeing Extra-planetary Vacations

24 March 2170

Regarding the Tragic Loss of VEV Explorer 3

Manchester, United Kingdom

CEO Mark Branson

One week ago Virgin Galactic-Boeing suffered the greatest loss in non-government space exploration and travel. This is first and foremost a human tragedy. The loss of seven souls to the dangers of space travel reminds us just how fragile our existence is.

…

As an organisation we are doing all we can to assist in the analysis of the events leading up to the loss of the craft. In addition we are assisting the families of those affected.

…

I have taken the step of requesting the International Stock and Futures Exchange suspend trading of all Virgin Galactic-Boeing stock and have requested section 15 protection under uniform international corporate law to protect the company, its creditors, shareholders and staff. We hope to resume trading as soon as possible.

I will not be taking questions today.

ISA Cargo Tug T-GHB-223-01

Vessel Voice Logs: 2170-05-11 T 04:25:23:112 UTC

Source: Command Deck

Log ID: {2D1B024D-F768-4944-9DFC-19C91410A5DF}

Message Audio to Text Conversion:
T 04:25:23:521 UTC – (Master Pilot – MP Smith) Approaching Colemen vessel now Captain. Distance 2800 metres.
T 04:25:39:204 UTC – (Captain – Capt David) Mr Frey any response to our hails?
T 04:25:44:002 UTC – (Communications Desk – CD Frey) No sir. No response. Emergency broadcast is still being sent.
T 04:25:49:733 UTC – (Capt David) Continue approach Mr Smith and stop us when we are within EVA distance.
T 04:25:56:555 UTC – (MP Smith) Sir.
T 04:26:34:782 UTC – (Capt David) Attention all crew. Prepare for EVA. Please suit up Mr Styles.
T 04:26:42:227 UTC – (Mission Specialist – MS Styles) Yes Sir.
T 04:46:36:847 UTC – (MP Smith) We are within EVA range Captain. Distance to exterior hull door lock is 150 metres.
T 04:46:43:425 UTC – (Capt David) Thankyou Mr Smith. Mr Styles are you ready?
T 04:46:50:118 UTC – (MS Styles) Ready to go Captain.
T 04:46:55:772 UTC – (Capt David) On your way Mr Syles. Attention all crew. EVA underway.
T 04:47:03:337 UTC – (MP Smith) Holding steady relative to the Coleman. Initiating air lock cycle.
T 04:47:15:287 UTC – (MS Styles) I'm in the airlock. Interior door closed. Lock indications are green. Dump the gas.
T 04:47:44:329 UTC – (MP Smith) Gas purge underway. 10 seconds to full decompression.
T 04:47:53:823 UTC – (MS Styles) External door locks show green for pressure equalisation. Tether line is attached. Opening the door now.
T 04:48:15:788 UTC – (CD Frey) I've got him on the external monitors. OK He's gassing toward the Coleman.
T 04:48:26:552 UTC – (Capt David) Take it easy when you get there Mr Styles. That vessel is over 20 years old. No telling what condition the airlock will be in.
T 04:48:35:672 UTC – (MS Styles) Sir.
T 04:51:29:908 UTC – (CD Frey) He's getting close now. Must be less than 10 metres from the airlock hatch.
T 04:52:08:211 UTC – (MS Styles) I'm at the hatch. The external hull looks very clean. Certainly doesn't look 20 years old. There is a bit of pitting and some scarring but to be honest it looks in better condition than our ship. I’m attaching the tether line.
T 04:52:28:552 UTC – (Capt David) OK Mr Styles. Prepare to breach the airlock. Once you are inside remember that our brief is a visual investigation. Don't touch anything. The scientists back home want to examine the interior as we found it.
T 04:52:39:026 UTC – (MS Styles) Sir. Breaching.
T 04:52:59:822 UTC – (MS Styles) Air lock operating as normal.
T 04:53:21:384 UTC – (CD Frey) He's in and has resealed the exterior airlock door Sir.
T 04:54:54:550 UTC – (MS Styles) I've entered the interior of the ship. Systems appear to be operating as normal. My sensors are reading normal oxygen levels.
T 04:55:13:447 UTC – (Capt David) OK Mr Styles. Proceed to the command pod.
T 04:56:45:332 UTC – (MS Styles) Entering the command pod now. They are here Sir. All dead. Looks like they've been dead for quite a while.
T 04:56:57:228 UTC – (Capt David) Thankyou Mr Styles. Leave them as they are. Exit the Coleman and assist with attaching the grapples. Let's take them home.
T 04:57:11:700 UTC – (MS Styles) Sir.

CRN Nightly

Tri-D Projection

June 10, 2170.

Excerpts from Daily News Broadcast

This week, in three separate ceremonies across three continents the crew from the Coleman Heliopause Exploration Vessel were buried.

Mission Commander Li was farewelled in his home town of Zhangye. In a simple ceremony Li’s family patriarch stood watch as his body was consumed in a traditional funeral pyre. Another 40 days of prayers and formal mourning will take place before a statue recognising Li’s contribution to space exploration and his heroism in leading the Coleman mission is unveiled in Beijing.

Master Pilot Lecras was interred after a state funeral in Paris. In a speech at his funeral his son spoke of the father he never knew and the pride that he felt knowing that his father had travelled further than any human in the quest to gain understanding and knowledge about the universe.

Mission Scientist Johnson was buried in Edmonton, Alberta in Canada. His family refused the offer of a state funeral, preferring to mark the occasion with a private ceremony and memorial.

CRN Nightly would like to pay our respects to these brave pioneers and their families. And we will be showing a special documentary on their wonderful achievements in three parts over the coming nights. This documentary will be brought to you by our partners Coke Cola and Telemax Soy. The perfect meal, for a perfect day.

International Space Agency in Conjunction with Technische Universität Berlin

Research Brief

Scope Document: Executive Summary

Document Version 1.44a; 15 February, 2183

Contents
1. Introduction
2. Anomaly/Wormhole research
3. Time displacement
4. Control
5. Personnel protection

Where: Somewhere in near Earth orbit

Date: Approx 13,000 years BC

Event: Brief appearance of an anomaly

Occurrence: Several pieces of the VEV3 are ejected along with the information pod