Aboard The Argo
Background Information
General Information:
The year is 2629. Much has changed since 2013 - humanity has evolved to the point of integrating technology within their own bodies. There are groups who try to limit as much of this integration as possible, and others who push the possibilities of cybernetic augmentation as far as it can go, as well as all of the shades of grey in between the two.
Earth is a fountain of knowledge and central to humanity's empire. From Earth, all of the theories and philosophies, as well as laws, are created and spread to the other planets and stations under Earth's governance. The majority of production and physical testing is done off-world, and it is in this way that Earth has been able to maintain life.
Other locations in the solar system where humanity is based include the Moon, Mars, and Jupiter's moon Ganymede. Numerous stations orbit these celestial bodies, each large enough to hold populations of more than 50,000.
Despite the expansion of man's domain, there has been no sign of alien life. Artificial intelligence is still not in existence - what had once seemed on humanity's doorstep was quickly found to be a near impossible task, though Earth's greatest minds still try. Robots are commonplace, though most are designed to undertake particular functions and are not, as humanity once feared, in danger of taking over.
While war is now uncommon due to many countries being ruled by larger united governments, crime is still in existence, and likewise so is violence; alongside humanity, violence too has evolved. Weapons can be cunningly concealed beneath the flesh of those who have had them implanted. Cybernetic limbs have the potential to crush metal, if properly modified. Gunpowder based firearms are no longer are used in modern warfare, and lasers are the long-range weapon of choice in this age - however, these are so utterly destructive they are only held by the most seasoned and trusted military units.
The Argo:
What had been forgotten and left as legend, alien life, has been potentially discovered. A planet in the Tau Ceti system, which was discovered in the early 21st century, was found to be emitting radiation with no discernible pattern. Whether this was produced by an intelligent life force or a case of the planet in the midst of some sort of breakdown was uncertain. Nevertheless, it was found that the planet could potentially be the first extra solar location for humanity's foothold on the universe.
The Argo was built, designed to hold a crew of up to 75 - these would include the personnel required to pilot and maintain the craft, as well as scientists and philosophers in case of meeting alien life and making first contact. A very small number were set aside as military personnel, in the instance that any lifeforms met were hostile. The craft was built to make the journey to Tau Ceti F in 20 years, with the crew able to grow food and work to keep themselves active in this time.
The ship itself contained a docking bay where two scouting craft were kept, and could be used to investigate anything ahead of The Argo without risking the main vessel. 10 escape pods were fitted, each able to hold eight people. A large part of the ship was dedicated to growing plants; row upon row of vegetables and fruit were set in nutrient rich gels, with lamps hanging above them. Agricultural labs were also included, so that the team could grow meat from organic cellular bases. A modern, well-equipped medibay was built in case of any emergencies that the team might face, staffed by the very best in medical robots.
A feature that The Argo has included is a gravity inducing pulsar drive - this ingenuity powers the ship, gives the crew the freedom to move as though on Earth, and helps drive The Argo on towards its destination. Should the drive fail, regular rockets are available to move the ship, and solar and nuclear power is also available - however, the gravity would disappear.
It has been 7 years since The Argo left Mars...
Life for the Crew:
While some jobs are continual (food production, engineering etc.) most of the work will come when the ship arrives at Tau Ceti F. In the meantime, the crew are free to live, learn and play.
Bunks built to house the crew have been made to allow for couples to sleep together, and the medibay is capable of dealing with any following pregnancies.
Showers and baths are not on board, but the white jumpsuits that every crew member wears is a self-cleaning and recycling system, dealing with any calls of nature and the accumulation of human sweat - the items are broken down into their base elements and then used by the suit to power it. This eliminates the need for crew to wash themselves or even use a bathroom. While crew members must all wear their jumpsuits during the day, they are welcome to adorn these as they wish, as well as wear accessories and other items of clothing on top.
Aboard The Argo
Stumble!