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Visitor's Guide to Titan

Paramount Mining
Incorporated
"Where humanity is our paramount concern"

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Welcome to Titan!
Paramount Mining, Inc., welcomes you and your family to Titan. This guide will help you as a new employee in our company or as a visitor to adapt quickly and comfortably to your new home and become a member of our little "family."
Titan, one of the far outposts of civilization in the solar system, is still an untamed world of wonder. Windswept crimson deserts, with sand composed of hydrocarbons, dominate the landscape. Through the beautiful red haze of the atmosphere, you can glimpse the sun surrounded by a halo of methane ice crystals. Titan is almost terrifying in its primordial beauty.
Yet, under the guidance of Paramount Mining, Inc., this "last frontier" is finally being tamed. The fierce native wildlife that once threatened our settlements is confined almost completely to the surface, while the subsurface and its vast riches are now the domain of man. Titan, with its vast cities and forward-looking social plans, has been and will continue to be a model of efficient, effective space colonization.
As the human race continues to expand ever onward toward new frontiers in other solar systems, Titan will remain Sol's last stepping stone to the stars. And Paramount Mining, Inc., will remain in the vanguard of interstellar exploration, making life on new planets as safe -- and productive -- as it is on Titan.
give me a break! pmi screwed up titan and no they'll screw up other planets too!

## A Brief History of Titan

The Voyager probes that flew by Titan in the late 20th century revealed a satellite just waiting to be explored. Clouded in a think reddish-orange shroud and showing abundant hydrocarbons in the atmosphere, Titan seemed the one place in the solar system besides Earth that might support life. The first NASA landing on Titan in 2042 revealed, tragically, that life did indeed exist beyond Earth. The first reports of proto-amoeboid life-forms were greeted joyfully by scientists everywhere, and as other species were discovered in abundance, it soon became evident that Titan supported life in almost as much diversity as old Earth. Unfortunately, the first astronauts were unprepared for the very large creatures roaming the Titanian ice plains -- predators that made little distinction between burrowing animals and investigating scientists. O'Neill Spaceport is named in honor of the brave leader of the NASA expedition who gave his life in the cause of exploration.
The loss of that expedition almost led to the collapse of NASA. Fortunately, however, Paramount Mining, Inc., stepped forward and agreed to help underwrite the space agency. Under the aegis of Paramount Mining, NASA was revitalized, and the exploration and colonization of the solar system has continued unabated.
Titan -- and, indeed, the rest of the solar system -- might never have been settled except for the first NASA expedition's discovery of SOL-R-GARDTM , a compressed hydrocarbon unique to this satellite. This unique material absorbs the intense radiation of solar flares and re-emits is as plain light. Despite the costs and dangers involved, Paramount Mining committed itself to developing this resource and established its first base on Titan. Since SOL-R-GARD is concentrated in large veins deep under the surface, it has been only natural to exploit the vast subterranean tunnel system occuring throughout the moon. Not only do the tunnels allow miners easier access to the SOL-R-GARD deposits, they also keep the inhabitants safe from the native Titanian predators that dominate the surface.
try telling that to the scorads!
The first base on Titan, Primus, was established in 2089 and quickly became the focal point for Paramount Mining's new social experiment. With its initial 95% male population, Primus was a rather rough place to live. However, Paramount Mining, as an equal opportunity employer, strongly encouraged families to emigrate to Titan. Further, with additional manpower still in demand, the Company has recently begun working with correctional facilities throughout the solar system; men and women with criminal records are welcomed to start over again, their pasts wiped clean the moment they land on Titan and sign up with Paramount Mining. The resulting mixture of rugged individualists, strong family units, and reconstructed souls has created a unique society, well adapted to life at the farthest reaches of human settlement.
thieves, pimps and cut-throats!

## The Facts on Titan

Titan is the seventh moon of Saturn, revolving around that beautiful planet at an average distance of 1,222,000 kilometers once every 15d 22h 41m. Until the O'Neill expedition actually landed on the surface, it was thought that Titan presented one face to Saturn at all times. We now know that the moon rotates twice on its axis every three orbits, so the whole surface receives some warming from sunlight (although not much).
Since Saturn circles the sun at an average distance of 1428 million kilometers, radio communications with Earth can take anywhere from about 1 hour 3 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes in each direction. Space travel has improved considerably since early days, when it took years and years to reach Saturn. But even now it takes a minimum of six months to reach Europa station off Jupiter (when the planets are favorably aligned), while a nonstop trip to Earth still requires almost two years of travel in cyrogenic suspension.
Larger than the planet Mercury, Titan has a diameter of 5120 kilometers and a surface area of approximately 82.3 million square kilometers. Yet, with its low density, Titan's gravity is only one-seventh that of Earth's.
With an average surface temperature of -180 degrees Celsius (-290 degrees Fahrenheit), the Titanian atmosphere is almost 86% nitrogen, 5.7% methane, and 5.4% argon, with trace constituents of hydrocyanide, cyanacetylene and other gases. The surface pressure is about 1.6 bar, or almost one and one-half times that on Earth. If you were to spend much time on the surface (not recommended), you would see an almost continual reddish snow of complex organic compounds falling everywhere across the surface. Over geological time, this organic matter has created a surface layer several kilometers deep. The exotic organic compounds buried under the surface are more precious than diamonds, and they are the reason Paramount Mining has established its settlements on Titan.

## Life on Titan

Despite its distance from the sun, Titan has a wide variety of life-forms. The basis for life on the satellite is a unique half-plant, half-animal proto-amoeboid which traps water crystals from the atmosphere and snow on the ground, converting the ice to water. These omnipresent protozoans are the primary element in a food chain that includes larger burrowing animals and onmnivorous predators. All creatures on Titan longer than 20mm have heat-sensitive sensory glands that also detect water; these glands act in a similar fashion to noses in "sniffing out" food.
IMPORTANT WARNING: Humans, projecting an easily detectable heat signal even in vacuum suits, represent a huge source of water and nutriments to Titanian creatures and are subject to attack by large predators. Anyone venturing out on the satellite's surface is strongly cautioned to stay close to the elevators leading down to the cities.
A complete listing of Titanian life-forms is available from the Controller's Office in your city. For your safety, we have listed below the most dangerous animals found on the surface:
Pictures of these animals are in the original manual
Crushers: These bi-pedal, land-roving creatures are from 1 to 2 meters tall and are characterized by a greenish olive skin coverd with a mat of thick, bristly hair.
Dust Worms: Brown sand-burrowing creatures between 2 and 5 meters long with a thick skin that's as hard as metal, dust worms move just below the surface, where they hunt smaller animals. Crushing blows seem to be the most effective form of attack on these creatures.
Sand Lions: These huge predators (1.5 to 2 meters at the shoulder) are covered by flat, grey scales and are distinguished by a powerful exterior mandible capable of biting a creature in half. Sand lions are the largest animals known to exist on Titan.
Scorads: Large animals approximately 2 meters long and 1 meter wide resembling giant purple lobsters, scorads are capable of emitting a kind of electro-neurological wave that is painful to all living things within its radius. Scorads are thought to be the most intelligent of indigenous life on Titan.
Thrasher: These amorphous creatures resemble large jellyfish and possess whiplike tentacles that have been seen to extend as far as 3 meters. The outer body is hard, but the underside is soft and porous and secretes a substance that leaves a noticeable trail.
Urchins: These echinoderm-like creatures are about 1 meter in diameter and have hard shells with long, brittle spines. The urchin's spines are poisonous and can be fired with deadly accuracy. Urchins have a ferocious nature and are rarely the victims of predators.
IMPORTANT WARNING: More deadly than native Titanian life-forms, because they are human, are "Nomads," unreconstructed criminals and disgruntled ex-miners who have adapted to life on the moon's surface. Their highly modified vac-suits convert the Titanian atmosphere into breathable air, recycle expelled water, and hold concentrated protein and vitamin supplements. Nomads are considered extremely dangerous and should be avoided.

## The Controller Is Your Friend

There are no local governments per se on Titan. Instead, each city is under the jurisdiction of a Paramount Mining Controller, who is responsible both for local mining operations and for the health and welfare of the civilian population. The Office of the Controller serves many functions on Titan: labor mediation, judiciary, human resources, mine supervision, administration, and finances. Whatever your problems or complaints, go to your local Controller's office for quick and satisfactory resolutions.
if you can ever get into see the jerk!

## The Police Are Your Friends

The Police Department is a division of the Office of the Controller and is responsible for the safety of civilian population. There are several police stations in every city, strategically placed so that officers can reach the scene of any emergency in just a few minutes.
Titan is currently undergoing a transition in security forces. Originally, when the first bases were established on the statellite, military forces were needed to protect the population form the Titanian predators. Now that the cities are completely underground and well protected from surface creatures, the military is being phased out in favor of the civilian police force. We ask your patience during this period of transition.
Although disrespect for the law was once common among early settlers, attitudes have changed tremendously in recent years. However, because certain individuals -- especially Nomads -- persist in taking the law into their own hands, the Police Department, in conjunction with the Office of the Controller, has set up a bounty system to help identify and apprehend known criminals. Information about this system may be obtained at your local police station.
IMPORTANT WARNING: Golum armor is reserved specifically for the elite police force. It is a felony for any citizen without the proper training and authorization to possess Golum armor. Remember, each suit of Golum armor is molded specifically for the user and is therefore useless to anyone else.

## Computers and Security

Paramount Mining has established computer stations at numerous locations throughout each city. Rather than worry about cash transactions, citizens are encouraged to use the computers to record financial transactions. In addition, the computers act as a public bulletin board as well as a private mail delivery system. Once you have been given your computer code, do NOT forget it.
Paramount Mining is always looking for trained system operators ("sysops " for short.), and educational courses in computer engineering and programming are available at the Computer Center in your city.
IMPORTANT WARNING: Attempting to break into the computer core (" hacking," in the vernacular) is strictly forbidden. Anyone suspected of such illegal activity is subject to arrest.

## "The New Frontier"

Titan, along with many other Paramount Mining colonies, retains a strong flavor of the "spirit of the Old West." That you are willing to leave Earth indicates that you have a pioneering spirit, that you look at life as an adventure, and that you are unafraid to meet danger face-to-face. And though Titan is becoming more civilized every day, there is still room for strength of will and individual courage.
Unlike other Paramount Mining operations, citizens of Titan are allowed -- even encouraged -- to carry arms. Even though the cities are almost 100% safe, there is still the possibility of a Titanian creature entering a populated area. Therefore, every citizen is encouraged to buy at lease one personal weapon and get trained in its use. The following weapons have been certified as legal for all citizens:
Blades: Knives, short-swords, and energy blades. Switchblades, while not forbidden, are not well received on Titan. It should be noted that knives, which can be classified as thrown weapons, are not restricted in use.
Cudgels: Bats and lead pipes are quite effective against dustworms. The use of rubber hoses is discouraged but not forbidden.
Handguns: All firearms designed to be held and fired with one hand are legal.
Missile Weapons: While not strictly illegal on Titan, use of weapons with a launching mechanism that propels an object across a distance is not encouraged. Bows and blowguns are often used by big-game hunters, but grenade launchers, which also fall in this category, are to be used only by the police and the military.
Rifles: Sports rifles, sniper rifles, and even the latest in laser carbines are allowed. Note that you may have to prove your experience and marksmanship to purchase more powerful rifles.
The following weapons are considered too dangerous for citizens. Special training and permits are required for these weapon types:
Arc guns: These weapons include all those spraying chemicals or chemical fire from the barrel in semi-circular arcs.
Automatic Weapons: These weapons include all those using an automatic or semi-automatic mechanism allowing rapid fire from a magazine. Uzis, model 10 rifles, and pulse lasers fall into this category.
Thrown Weapons: Weapons which can be thrown or propelled without the aid of a launching mechanism fall into this category -- for example, throwing knives and grenades. (Molotov cocktails, which have been discovered on Tital, are illegal.) While technically also considered thrown weapons, hand knives do not fall into this category.
Weapons and ammunition can be purchased at the munitions shop in each city. Protective vests, vacuum suits, and body armor can be acquired at the armory. There is at lease one repair shop in every city.
IMPORTANT WARNING: Visitors are requested not to travel on Titan's surface unless well armed and trained in advanced combat techniques. Because of the lack of oxygen on the surface, normal explosive Earth weapons are useless on Titan. All Titanian firearms use special oxidizer bullets.

## 1001 Friends and Amusements Await You

To truly make Titan feel more like home, Paramount Mining has helped establish many restaurants, cocktail lounges, and amusement centers in every city. These establishments are open 24 hours every day.
If this is your first visit to Titan, you will easily be able to make new friends. Most Titanians are gregarious and eager to meet new people, and in social situations they will be more than willing to talk about their life experiences. You are warmly invited to visit the police stations, Controller's offices, military barracks, and computer centers at any time.
Gambling is permitted on Titan, but only in two forms: slot machines and Keno. There is a strict 20 credit limit on all bets. If you have never gambled before, here are the simple rules to the games:
Slot Machines: The easiest thing in the world! Just place your bet, from 1 to 20 credits, and pull the handle. Printed on every machine are the winning combinations and the payoffs. Enjoy!
Keno: A little trickier, but what payoffs! After placing your bet, you select 1 to 7 numbers on the Keno table. The computer selects 20 winning numbers. If half the numbers you selected (or mroe) are among the winning numbers, you win! The more winning numbers you select, the higher your payoff! The keno board advises you as to the payoffs for each selected bet.
quit while you're ahead!

## A Strong Mind and a Healthy BOdy

Paramount Mining cares about your personal development. Each city of Titan is required by charter to set up a university where all citizens may enroll in courses. The more fully developed a person you become, the higher you will rise within the organization of Paramount Mining, Inc. Each course in each field uses Paramount Mining's patented DYNA-CRAMTM learning system; what used to take months of study at a university on Earth can now be compressed and taught (with 95% retention rate) in just a few hours via DYNA-CRAM.
Employees of Pramount Mining are eligible for special discounts. Howver, all new students will be welcomed, although each course will required payment in credits. It should be noted that a student may be denied enrollment in certain courses until prerequisites are met.
Personal development centers are also available. Here you can keep your body in shape. Because gravity on Titan is only one-seventh that of Earth, newcomers especially should force themselves into a strict regimen of physical exercies to maintain muscle tone and overall vigor. These centers are free for all employees of Paramount Mining; visitors must pay a fee to use the equipment.
It is strongly recommended that all people -- employees and visitors -- practice and improve their skills with weapons at a combat training center. A nominal fee covers basic expenses. Experienced marksmen -- particularly prospective employees in the military or the police force -- will be allowed to train with weapons not normally permitted to Titanian citizens.
IMPORTANT WARNING: Only citizens with Controller Agent status are permitted to use war game rooms. The simulations in the war room are extremely dangerous because they are as realistic as possible. Contact your local Controller Office for more details on acquiring agent status.

## In Case of a Medical Emergency

Hospitals are located at several strategic locations in every city on Titan. Medical treatment and supplies are available at hospitals at a nominal fee.
In addition, since the need for trained medical personnel is so great, each hospital offers medical training to all citizens of Titan. Trained individuals are permitted to purchase advanced medical supplies at hospitals.

## Setting Up House

New employees of Paramount Mining are assigned housing during contract negotiations. Visitors must find their own quarters since living space is at a premium in each city.
After arriving at O'Neill Spaceport, newcomers are whisked via speeder transport to the Office of the Controller in Primus for customs inspection. Paramount Mining employees receive a speeder pass good for one week's free travel; visitors must purchase passes as needed. The speeders should be used for all surface travel on Titan because they are safe.
Interplanetary travel is, as everyone knows, very expensive and therefore quite limited. Visitors should confirm their return tickets immediately upon arrival on Titan; if a ticket is not used at the scheduled time, it becomes null and void, and another ticket must be purchased at full price, subject to availability. Employees whose full-term contracts have been completed will be allowed to purchase off-world passage tickets at half price; employees who brake their contracts will have to purchase full-price tickets and wait until space is available on a transport.
If this is your first visit to Titan, you may wish to visit all four cities. Until the speeder extension to Proscenium is completed, however, travel to that city is extremely limited. It should be noted that all cities on Titan are built in former mining shafts, and therefore their layouts may seem odd. The older cities of Primus, Progeny and Parallax may seem particularly disjointed to first-time visitors because of their helter-skelter construction. The Joint Office of Controllers is currently considering plans to make the layout of the new city of Proscenium much more regular.
Primus: This is the first city contructed on Primus and is the pride and joy of Paramount Mining, Inc. Despite heavy criticism from Earth's leaders as to the dangers of indigenous life-forms, the company proved that a city could not only be built on Titan but could also be made almost 100% secure. This city in particular retains much of the pioneer spirit of its original settlers.
secure from critters but not from human predators!
Progeny: Established after Primus, Progeny now has the highest population rate of the three completed cities. Its large police force and better-organized layout make this city the safest on Titan.
safe is a relative term!
Parallax: Here the spirit of the "Old West" is still very much alive. The newest of the completed Titanian cities, Parallax, is still expanding. As it is the current "frontier" of Titan. there is a certain danger in living here. Paramount Mining is beefing up the police and military forces in this area to make it secure for families.
nomads purchase illegal food and arms here!
Proscenium: Already planned to be the largest city on Titan, Proscenium is still in the "outpost" stage. The extensive SOL-R-GARD veins in the area have created the largest mining operation on Titan, and as veins are exhausted, the city of proscenium expands. Once completed, Proscenium will be a multi-level wonder, unlike the other Titanian cities which are all one leve. Paramount Mining employees who agree to work in the Proscenium mines will be rewarded with the largest apartments.
Maps of the cities are in the original manual in order: Primus, Progeny, Parallax, Proscenium.

## Working for Paramount Mining, Inc.

Chances are that you have been hired by Paramount Mining for your skills as a miner. Highly trained personnel are greatly respected and desired on Titan. As you have probably been warned, mining SOL-R-GARD can be dangerous. Titan is still active tectonically because of Saturn's gravitational pull. The internal heating of the satellite has resulted in volcanos where plates overlap and are subducted, and these are the very spots where SOL-R-GARD is most often formed. While there are still undepleted SOL-R-GARD deposits under the three older cities of Titan, the three older cities of Titan, the new Proscenium mine, situated as it is astrided an active sub-surface fault, has provided the richest loads of the purest SOL-R-GARD. Here is the leading edge of Paramount Mining's technological innovation.
However, the Proscenium mines are apparently more dangerous than the others. There is always the threat of lava seeping into a shaft or superheated steam venting unexpectedly. Still, if you examine the safety record of Proscenium mines, you will find the lowest fatality rate yet recorded on Titan. Highly tuned sensors have mapped the area thoroughly, allowing mine shafts (and the future city of Proscenium itself) to be dug far away from active fault lines.
Still, Paramount Mining recognizes the risks involved and is willing to pay miners who work in Proscenium almost double the standard rate. If you wish to transfer your skills to Proscenium, contact your local Office of the Controller for more details.
working proscenium is suicide!
Maps of the cities' mines are in the original manual in order: Primus mine, Progeny mine, Parallax mine, Proscenium mine.