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It is now time for all with an interest in SPACE to voice their opinions. There are two essential questions that will need to be resolved by the time of the 2077 elections. Feel free to suggest any approaches that are not listed here.
1. What policy should SPACE take towards the aliens known to be present in Epsilon Eridani and assumed to be so in Lalande 21185? This question is really more about Epsilon Eridani as that's where we were attacked, it's the closest system and best in most respects one as a colonization target.
** Isolationism. This would continue the current policy of avoiding any and all jumps to EE, with the goal of not provoking the aliens further or risking any more loss of life.
** Diplomatic Contact. Under this approach a small diplomatic craft would be designed and deployed, with a team on board using long-range equipment to attempt to establish communication with the aliens and form a basis for possible future peaceful coexistence.
** Recon in Force. Several combat vessels would be sent to attempt to determine further the extent of alien forces in Epsilon Eridani, and if attacked they would shoot back. At current capabilities, this would likely be somewhat of a suicide mission but valuable intel on enemy strength and the practical combat effectiveness of current technology against them would be the primary aim.
2. What systems should be prioritized first for further surveying? There are five with no known enemy presence:
** Van Maanen's Star(3.15b) -- Infrastructure cost would be considerable to get a colony up and running, local resources are completely unknown. Proximity to the dangerous Lalande JP is a significant concern.
** Teegarden's Star(3.2b) -- Infrastructure cost would be considerable here as well, local resources also unknown. The major item in Teegarden's favor is that the jump point is very close to the star and the likely locations for deposits. Required in-system travel would be quite minimal.
** Luyten 726-8(3.6b) -- A binary system with one minimally costly planet(Mars/Luna range). Resources unknown. There are 5 comets present, the only neighbouring system which has any and based on our experience in Sol they are the most reliable source of high-accesibility deposits.
** Sirius(5.1b) -- Another binary. Sirius A II the only planet we've found that could be terraformed in a short time frame. No local resources have been found but most of the potential locations would be around Sirius B, which has not been investigated at all.
** Barnard's Star(5.9b) -- Considerable infrastructure would be required and the distance is of course rather prohibitive. Barring incredibly rich deposits being found, it is an easy system to dismiss.
Currently Teegarden's Star, Luyten 726-8, and Sirius are those being most seriously considered by SPACE brass. Despite the distance, the long-term viability via the terraforming option of Sirius has investigation there as the most popular option currently.
All opinions are desired, but in particular Admiral Tell Perj Jr. and Governor James Earl Jones V are in a position to have their thoughts count more than the average citizen or public servant. All requests for more information on anything in particular should be forwarded to SPACE HQ immediately.
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