OPERATION STARLIGHT
The years is 2091. The Third World War (2061 - 2063) saw humanity unified under a single government for the first time in its long history. The United Nations were a reality, not a dream. Democracy and liberty were safeguarded by the Revised UN Charter, imposed on all member states. Humanity could expand abroad. Colonies were established in Luna, Mars and the Asteroid Belt.
The Luna Colony would house a population of fifty thousand while the various Mars colonies would house a combined population of three hundred thousand. Arts, entertainment and commerce flourished. The colonies of the Asteroid Belt - established by private corporations - were far smaller in size, being mining outposts meant to power up the UNs economy.
It was in one of these asteroid outposts that an ancient artifact was discovered during a mining operation. It pinpointed the location of a dormant Wormhole Gate at the edges of Solar System, which could theoretically allow a starship to travel at faster than light distance. An expedition sent by the United Nations Space Command found the Gate and, using the artifact, activated it.
With no means of knowing where that Gate led, it was sealed off from any starships for two years. But now, despite concerns, the United Nations Space Command has given the green light to Operation Starlight. A joint military-scientific venture, it will see a team of military and scientific personnel take a starship into the Gate. What lies ahead, is unknown to everyone…
Introduction
Operation Starlight is a character-focused, sci-fi RP whose aim is to tell an epic space adventure influenced by the classics of science fiction. A dynamic RP, the fate of the crew and the shape of the world will be shaped by the actions of the players.
*There is no predetermined plot. The world is shaped by the players. Whether alien cultures encountered are friendly or hostile shall be determined by the crew. Whether the ship manages to escape destruction or suffers considerable damage is determined by the crew. Actions matter. Not only the actions of commanding officers, but also of those of lower rank whose actions may save the ship or jeopardize its fate.
*The OP will provide storylines, with the pace of each storyline determined by the players. While the first storylines will understandably be determined by the OP, later storylines will be determined by the actions of the players and the consequences of those actions.
*Collaboration between players is encouraged - and indeed essential - to tell a good sci-fi story. This meant to be a collaborative storytelling effort.
*Players are expected to make at least one post every week (minimum). Posts must also be at least two - three paragraphs long, excluding dialogues between players or actions during combat. It is understandable, however, that from time to time a player may not be able to make a post: in that case, contact the OP through telegram to mention the absence and how long it will last.
Starlight
The ‘Starlight’ is the vessel used by the namesake operation. It uses a constant acceleration drive. Usual procedure is for the ‘Starlight’ to accelerate halfway the distance at a rate of 1g, and deaccelerate for the rest of the travel in order to avoid flying past the target.
However, ‘Starlight’ can travel at a constant acceleration of up to 10g if the crew is drugged, in order to counteract the effects of the g-load. While the crew is dragged, operations are conducted by AI, but this procedure is not recommended due to the limitations of AI technology as well as due to the possibility of the crew stumbling into a dangerous situations while unconscious. It can however prove useful if there is no discernable danger ahead.
‘Starlight’ is equipped with an experimental laser cannon that theoretically allows it to cut through the hulk of any enemy vessel. Aside from the laser cannon, ‘Starlight’ is equipped with turrets firing 40mm, armor piercing projectiles. As the laser cannon draws a lot of energy and can lead to partial shipwide loss of power, turrets are the recommended weapon.
Technology
Soldiers in 2091 still use good, old-fashioned bullets. However, Power Armors have made troopers far more deadly than in the past. Power armors allow soldiers to withstand high-gravity environments and to have enhanced physical power, while also providing adequate protection against most weapons. Helmets allow for night vision, X-ray vision, thermal vision and VI assistance to pinpoint targets and analyze artifacts.
Modifications (Mods, for short) have flourished in the past two decades. Through cybernetic implants, humans can acquire several advantages, including; greater hearing, greater physical prowess, replacing lost limbs, greater stamina. While Mods provide advantages, their high cost and the health risks involved - both during their installation process and in maintaining them - means that not everyone has them.
AI has advanced, but has not yet reached the sophistications human hoped it would reach. It can be trusted with navigating ‘Starlight’ when the crew is unconscious and dealing with simple problems, but its ability to think its way out of more complex problems is questionable at best.
Fighters
The 'Starlight' is able to carry in its hangar deck ten 'DS Fighters'. 29 feet (8.7m) in length, they are equipped with two forward-firing turrets firing 30mm, armor piercing projectiles. Their small number means that they are used mainly for reconnaissance operations, and only secondarily in dogfights, with the 'Starlight' itself being used primarily in space combat. However, during space battle, the fighters can take on a supporting role if need be.
Joining
In order to join, you must fill the Application. It should be noted that while the RP is open to everyone, in order to get accepted you must provide a decent app: good formatting and a biography at least three paragraphs long are requirements. Those who wish to apply for high-ranking officers will need to put an extra effort in their applications.
