Io Saturnalis

 
Welcome to Solaris, traveller! This is a slower-than-light science fantasy set in our own solar system.
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Hailed as the flagship of a new era, the Io Saturnalis was launched to great fanfare. It was the hope of many to see the self-driving space yatch herald in new mode of personal space travel. With the ship fully operated by a synthetic intelligence, optimistically named Futura, the cruiser could take its passengers through space in comfort without without the threat of mutiny or hefty staff fees.  
As wonderous as space is, frequent travellers find it lacking in entertainment value. Many find the vast expanse of space unbearably empty, and pit stops like The Collision Course are few and far between.   When the wonder of the observation deck wears off, the Io Saturnalis has an arcade and cinema in the entertainment rooms. More extroverted passengers might enjoy the open living room with its dining area and conversation pit, or the sauna and jacuzzi.
The Io Saturnalis has nine cabins, one of which is a suite. There are three baths. Even though the Io Saturnalis was built to operate itself, like most yatchs it has a service deck with a stainless steel kitchen and two cabins for additional service.
Saturnaline and the Io Saturnalis made headlines again after Futura passed a battery of turing tests. Proving her personhood rocked the world of the craft industry. After an extended legal process Futura was able to purchase her hull. Futura continues to operate as a charter yatch to pay off her debt to Saturnaline. Since she cannot affort to operate at a loss, the prices have hiked up significanty. However, the novelty of meeting and travelling with Futura has been a significant boon to business.  

See Also

Crystal Technology
Spacecraft Kallisti Aerospace ( Sunderer SF-1 · Sunbreaker SF-2 ) · Jupiter Stella ( Aerie O-1 · Cyklopes SSF-9 ) · Heretic GA-7 · Dragonfly Carrier · Airdocks
Telepresence Interlace ( Super Wide Access Network ) · Remote Personality Cache/Display
Other Bosonic Clock · Gateway Portals · Gravity Plates · Personal Computer
Materials Astrallite · Aurorite · Oortite
Speed 4/7
Mobility 2/7
Capacity 2/7
Toughness 1/7

Related Technologies
Complement / Crew
0-4 crew members
Cargo & Passenger Capacity
10-20 passengers
Notice: This article is a stub. It may be expanded later!

Comments

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Jul 21, 2025 12:56 by Keon Croucher

The ship becoming owner of its own means of 'production' that's.....My goodness what a twist, I like that one. Arguably there is a character article hidden in this story in regards to this vehicle somewhere and learning more of Futura would also be quite interesting. Such an interesting way to look at this prompt, I enjoyed that a lot, certainly tucking this into my collection :)

Keon Croucher, Chronicler of the Age of Revitalization
Jul 21, 2025 21:39 by Annie Stein

Thank you! Yeah, there's definitely a stub set up for Fortuna, although I don't know if it really fits any of the Summer Camp prompts. Eventually, though, I hope!

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Jul 21, 2025 23:43 by Keon Croucher

I mean one could argue visionary who has changed history if Futura is the first such (for want of a better term) artificial intelligence to seek and win/achieve personhood in that way. However that is a bit of a twisty and stretch, and Solaris I'm sure has no lack of individuals worthy of starring for that article so I can't wait to meet whomever that may be.

Keon Croucher, Chronicler of the Age of Revitalization
Jul 25, 2025 22:22 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

I wouldn't mind travelling on her. Futura sounds fascinating:)

Emy x
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