Aquarius Initiative

The Aquarius Initiative, often referred to as Operation Aquarius, represents a visionary program with an extended timeline that leverages the skills of private aviators and starship commanders. This groundbreaking strategy aims to probe and document both recognized and undiscovered realms of space. The principal objective of the initiative is the comprehensive mapping of novel star systems, laying the groundwork for prospective colonization endeavors.

To implement this bold endeavor, the initiative seeks to onboard private pilots, christened Nauta Stellarum, a Latin phrase translating to "Sailor of Stars". However, in common parlance, this title is frequently abbreviated to Nauta, serving as an alternate appellation that can replace the term 'captain'. The Aquarius Initiative is distinct in its design, constructed to fully incorporate and leverage Artificial Intelligence technology.

Contractual Obligations

The Aquarius Initiative is anchored on a contractual agreement between private pilots and Solas Tempus. This contract endows the pilots with a sophisticated exploration vessel, typically an Archer Class Starship, and pledges the financial resources needed to facilitate the exploration of unexplored space for a minimum tenure of five years.

In reciprocity, the pilots agree to provide Solas Tempus exclusive first rights to any discoveries or information accumulated during their explorations. They also commit to carry out specific missions as instructed by Solas Tempus or the Serenity Concord. Each mission is carefully negotiated with the individual pilot to ensure the tasks do not pose a substantial risk to their lives or impinge upon their reputation.

Legal and Ethical Compliance

The agreement also entails that pilots abide by all local and interstellar laws during their missions. Pilots are explicitly forbidden from knowingly transgressing any such regulations, with a strict emphasis on respecting sovereignty, non-interference policies, and the rules of engagement in alien territories. This adherence safeguards both the pilots and Solas Tempus from potential legal and diplomatic repercussions.

Technological Property

Another clause within the agreement relates to the proprietary technology of Solas Tempus, such as the Dimensional Fold Drive. It states that pilots are prohibited from selling or trading Solas Tempus technology without explicit prior approval. This clause is critical in preventing unauthorized distribution of advanced technologies, thereby ensuring their responsible use and protecting Solas Tempus's technological edge.

Dimensional Fold Drive

One of the outstanding technologies provided by Solas Tempus is the Dimensional Fold Drive, an integral component of the Archer Class Starship. Within the framework of the Aquarius Initiative, the drive's capability to facilitate time travel is intentionally curtailed via several hardware and software restrictions.

The contractual terms explicitly prohibit the pilots from using the drive system for time travel or permitting anyone other than Solas Tempus to inspect, examine, or perform any maintenance on the drive system. Nonetheless, pilots retain the option to request the removal of the DFD system and its replacement with an equivalent Warp Drive system.

Mission Types and Responsibilities

The wide spectrum of tasks and missions assigned by Solas Tempus under the Aquarius Initiative ranges from simple data collection and scouting expeditions to more complex scientific investigation and diplomatic duties.

Reconnaissance and Data Collection

These assignments predominantly involve starship pilots embarking on exploratory voyages into uncharted territories of space. The primary objective is to map these unknown areas, including cataloging new star systems, asteroids, and other celestial bodies. Additionally, they collect data on spatial anomalies and potentially habitable planets that could be future candidates for colonization.

Scientific Research

More complex assignments often entail the undertaking of scientific research missions. These could include studying anomalies, astronomical phenomena, or exotic matter in space. Some pilots might also be tasked with conducting experiments, either with onboard equipment or by deploying remote scientific probes.

Transportation and Logistics

In rare instances, Nauta pilots may also be called upon to perform logistical missions. These missions involve the transportation of vital cargo or personnel from one location to another. Despite its rarity, these tasks form an essential part of the diverse assignment palette, requiring the pilots to demonstrate skill and caution to ensure the safe and timely delivery of their entrusted cargo or passengers. This could range from relocating scientific equipment to distant research stations, to transferring key personnel between strategic locations across star systems.

Diplomatic Relations

While it's quite rare, Nauta pilots might occasionally be assigned diplomatic missions. However, these seldom involve first contact scenarios with unidentified alien civilizations. The primary focus of these missions is typically to foster and maintain harmonious relationships with previously encountered extraterrestrial societies. Such missions demand a level of diplomacy and strict adherence to established protocols to ensure peaceful and mutually advantageous interactions.

In line with a firm policy of non-interference, pilots are expressly prohibited from meddling in local disputes, conflicts, or the internal affairs of new cultures or existing governmental and corporate entities. This prohibition is strictly enforced to prevent the unwarranted influence or disruption of other civilizations' natural development and to uphold the integrity of Solas Tempus and the Aquarius Initiative.

Rescue Operations

In times of crisis, pilots under the Aquarius Initiative may be called upon to conduct rescue operations. These could include the search and retrieval of lost or stranded spacecraft, providing aid to colonies facing disaster, or participating in peacekeeping operations during interstellar conflicts.

It's essential to note that, while pilots are obliged to accept specific missions from Solas Tempus as per the agreement, these assignments are negotiated with each pilot, ensuring they are not life-threatening or damaging to the reputation of the pilot.

Ownership Structure

Throughout the duration of the five-year term, pilots accumulate credits that contribute towards acquiring ownership of their space vessel. Typically, at the conclusion of the five-year term, the pilot is presented with the option to fully own the vessel. However, pilots who opt to take on riskier assignments (provided they are made available) may expedite the transfer of ownership.