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The ISDC is aware that we share the galaxy with one or more advanced alien civilisations, although contact to date has been limited to tactical engagements with often unfortunate outcomes.
Reports of extra-terrestrial visits to Earth have been documented as far back as 1088, when Chinese official Shen Kuo recorded eyewitness accounts of a "a flying object with opening doors [that] would shine a blinding light from its inte
Everyone is familiar with stories of mysterious lights in the sky, thought by many to be visitors from beyond Earth. It turns out they’re right.
Endeavour’s deep space mission has its beginnings in the mid-twentieth century, where ill-fated first contact with extra-terrestrial visitors resulted in their vessels being shot down, captured or crashing. The resulting treasure trove of technology has been picked over by engineers and scientists ever since.
Their work has evolved key technologies that will make possible the exploration of star systems by humanity. Multiple engineering programs independently aim to construct and launch vessels to make deep space exploration a reality.
The ISDC
The International Strategic Deep-space Command (ISDC) is one such program, operating in complete secrecy to construct and launch Endeavour, a starship combining exploration and research capabilities with defensive power.
Endeavour’s deep space mission will have multiple aspects.
Exploration
Very little is known about the origins of our extra terrestrial visitors, although it is thought multiple civilisations have been encountered so far.
While the ability to reach new star systems and explore new planets, Endeavour’s deep space mission is not purely to satisfy scientific curiosity. Initial research cruises will prioritise discovering the location of advanced alien civilisations.
First Contact
Once a civilisation is found, a critical mission objective is to make contact and establish dialogue, with the aim of securing alliances for protection and advanced technology. This is seen as vital to preventing a potential war that the human race may be ill-equipped to fight.
Communication and managing vast cultural differences will be key challenges, with expert exolinguistic and exoanthropology teams aboard to help ensure successful first contact.
Defence
It remains unclear what response Endeavour’s presence in deep space will provoke, either from alien civilisations encountered or rival Earth-based programs. The ship will be equipped with weapons and defence systems for protection should diplomacy fail.
Of the technology recovered from alien vessels so far very little has been weapons-based, raising important questions about what to expect if combat is engaged.