Inspiration struck in the early hours of this morning, and so I decided to take the plunge and write an issue while riding that wave. Hopefully, between being a first-time author, and running off of but a few cups of coffee, the end result has something salvageable for publication
Draft 1:
Headline
The Sky is Falling!
Validity
Nation must have a space program.
Description
In the early hours of this morning, the newest of the @@Name@@ Space Agency’s communications satellites was knocked offline, before tumbling back down to the planet from orbit, in what is now known to have been caused by a collision by an errant piece of debris from a previous launch. Aside from sending @@Capital@@ back to single-digit internet speeds, the incident has sparked ferocious scientific debate about the dangers of pollution in space... and provided a rather spectacular light show for your citizens, as fragments continue to burn up in the atmosphere upon re-entry.
Option 1
“This is a symptom of an ever-growing problem, which astronomers have begun terming the Kipling Affliction”, a stout boffin from @NameInitial@SA decries, before munching down on a cherry Bakewell tart. “Anthropogenic contamination of the upper atmosphere is jeopardising both our current missions, and any we plan for the future.”
Placing a file on your desk, the bespectacled astronomer continues, while you brush the shortcrust crumbs from the folder. “We must begin by constructing a new state-of-the-art tracking station here, planet-side, and perform around-the-clock surveillance of any would-be satellite-killers!”
Option 1's Effect
Ground controllers at the @@CAPITAL@@ Space Centre tune in every morning for their space junk update, right after the weather.
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Option 2
Validity: Nation must ban private industry.
Shaking her head solemnly at the scientist’s suggestion, your Political Commissar Celia Skyes makes a point of order. “We owe it to the people of @@Name@@, and their children – your comrades in arms, @@Leader@@ – to ensure that we leave the planet as we found it… or better!”
She leans forwards, whispering into your ear, “…and between you and me, it’s good optics, too. @@Name@@ Saves the World, Maxtopia Sits Watching? It’s not every day a nation can launch itself into the history books with a headline like that.”
Option 2's Effect
Cosmonauts working on the @@Animal@@ Space Clean-up Program are the pride of the Motherland!
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Option 3
Validity: Nation must allow private industry.
Smirking at the thought that had sprung into her head, your Minister of Economic Ventures Celia Skyes interrupts the @NameInitial@SA representative. “You know, we could take this a step further… all the while making a pretty penny for ourselves in the process!”
She shoots a quizzical glance at the rocket scientist, before questioning him directly. “What’s a spacecraft or satellite mostly made from, anyway? They must be absolutely loaded with precious metals… I don’t know why else they’d cost so damned much to send up there.”
Palms up, she returns her gaze to you. “Kills two birds with one stone. We fill our coffers, and tidy up space, as long as we don’t make more mess than when we started…”
Option 3's Effect
Astronauts specialising in “orbital sanitation engineering” make more in a fortnight than @@MajorIndustry@@ workers do in a month.
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Option 4
“All of these suggestions are absolutely unacceptable!” The double doors to your office slam open to reveal @@RandomName@@, your gruff @@Name@@ Space Operations general, although how (or indeed, if) @@He@@ was aware of any previous recommendations remains a mystery. “Our SatelliteShredder6000-- err, rather, Multiplying Extra Terrestrial Extermination Ordinance Rockets, works on the very same principle that took out that communications relay.”
@He@@ gives a sly grin, and a shrug, before staring you dead in the eye. “It is regrettable, to be sure… But can you, in good faith, legislate against national – and global – security?”
Option 4's Effect
Amateur astronomers regularly observe METEOR™ showers streaking through the sky.
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Option 5
A strong smell of incense wafts down the corridor, as @@RandomName@@, the heavily robed @@Capital@@ @@Faith@@ minister barges into the room, uninvited. “@@Leader@@, I told you that breaching the Heavenly Layer would spell doom for us all… But did you listen? Of course not.”
As security catches up to @@Him@@, he continues on @@His@@ rant. “This hellfire that has rained down upon @@Name@@ is comeuppance for our sins... To repent, we must ban all forms of space travel! No longer shall we desecrate the stars with our mere mortal beings…”
As @@He@@ is finally ushered out by your protection officers, @@He@@ persists on @@His@@ sermon, “…planes must go too, for they only serve to embolden those who are too greedy for expansion, ever upwards!”
From down the corridor, you hear @@His@@ final words. “Hot air balloons are on thin ice, you hear me?!”
Option 5's Effect
Anything that flies higher than a child’s party balloon is heretical, according to @@Faith@@.
I know Option 5 is rather long... hopefully just on the right side of "acceptable" though! However, of course; comments, suggestions, criticisms, or anything else you wish to discuss are more than welcome.