Discovery of a Signal: An intercepted signal coming from the Moon is a classic, high-stakes science fiction trigger, a compelling event that triggers this (fictional) mission to the Moon.

The NASA/ESA angle: This is an ambiguous signal—perhaps complex, repeating patterns similar to the fictional "DNA-style" signals sometimes theorized in other contexts, that are only initially picked up by a deep-space network or a specific lunar-observing mission. The ambiguity necessitates a manned mission to investigate.

HAL and the ARK's Role: Our idea of HAL and the ARK being the only entities with the data and computing power to decode or properly survey the signal's source is cinematic gold. This creates a reliance on the specialized crew and technology, justifying their central role in the mission.

Evidence of Life: The discovery of evidence of other life on the Moon is a monumental event that would instantly trigger a high-priority mission.

The Nature of the Find: This might not be a living organism, but a biosignature—perhaps an unexpected concentration of organic molecules, fossils in an ice sample from a permanently shadowed crater, or a unique biological byproduct found by a robotic lander or rover (like the kind used in current Mars or icy moon exploration proposals). All of these possibilities are for John Storm to discover and interpret.

HAL and the ARK's Role: If the discovery is a subtle anomaly in vast datasets (e.g., spectral analysis of lunar dust or ice), the advanced data processing capabilities of HAL and the ARK would be crucial for initial identification and later, for guiding the human investigation on the lunar surface. This adds a layer of mystery and technical necessity.

Damien Drake Chief Operations Officer of Ares Corporation

Drake, is a highly qualified space technology expert, but with military ideals, stemming from the luke warm economic war with Russia and China, and the invasion of Ukraine. He is acutely aware of the space race, and worried about the threat of World War Three, from the massive Chinese naval build up orchestrated by Xi Jinping, and hypersonic nuclear missiles being developed by Vladimir Putin. He is also worried about Russian and Chinese space stations and their cooperation on star wars like control of satellites. Damien wants control of the Moon and Mars, as a stronghold, a rabbit hole, from which to retake Earth, following a nuclear holocaust. He secretly keeps in contact with Marcus Thorne, who is still in prison for treason, but due for parole.

CURRICULUM VITAE

Contact Information

Email: D.Drake@AresCorp.com (Fictional)

Location: Corporate Headquarters, Houston/L.A. (or wherever Ares HQ is based)

Summary and Core Competencies

Highly accomplished and results-driven executive with 20+ years of leadership experience in advanced aerospace engineering, defense logistics, and corporate operations. Possessing a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic geopolitical foresight, focused on securing the United States' long-term dominance in cislunar and Martian space. Proven ability to manage multi-billion-dollar R&D budgets, drive complex international supply chains, and implement cutting-edge military-grade technology into civilian space applications. Specialist in resource utilization, advanced propulsion, and orbital defense systems.


Professional Experience

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Ares Corporation | 2028 – Present

Oversee all day-to-day operations, including mission planning, manufacturing, supply chain management, and international regulatory compliance for all Martian and cislunar programs.

Strategic Growth: Directed the expansion of Ares' manufacturing and launch capabilities, achieving a 400% increase in payload capacity within three years.

Risk Mitigation: Established classified corporate protocols to protect critical infrastructure against state-sponsored cyber and kinetic threats, reflecting geopolitical instability.

Operational Security: Spearheaded the development of proprietary, long-range communication networks essential for maintaining secure command and control across deep space operations.

Vice President, Advanced Programs & Logistics

Lockheed Martin Space | 2018 – 2028

Managed the development and integration of next-generation hypersonic and low-observable technologies into orbital and sub-orbital platforms.

Successfully coordinated large-scale, international defense logistics for key US allied military installations globally, optimizing supply chains under geopolitical pressure.

Secured over $$$8 billion in defense contracts for advanced satellite constellations, specifically focused on early warning systems and hostile orbital object tracking.

Senior Director, Propulsion Systems

Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems | 2010 – 2018

Led a team of 150 engineers in the R&D of high-efficiency, long-duration chemical and nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) systems crucial for deep space missions.

Reduced the mass-to-orbit ratio for classified payloads by 15%, significantly enhancing military space deployment capabilities.

Received the Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Engineering for accelerating the deployment schedule of a critical national security satellite system.

Geopolitical & Strategic Focus

Mr. Drake’s professional focus is critically informed by the current global security environment:

Space Militarization: Deeply committed to countering the increasing cooperation between Russian and Chinese space organizations on satellite control and anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon development.

Hypersonic Threat: Acute understanding of the threat posed by hypersonic nuclear delivery systems developed by adversarial nations, viewing off-world colonization as the only viable long-term survival strategy for humanity.

Strategic Resources: Views the Moon's resources (e.g., Helium-3 and water ice) and Mars' isolation as essential strategic assets for establishing a secure, independent human stronghold against potential terrestrial catastrophe (WWIII/Nuclear Conflict).

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering (Focus: Orbital Dynamics and Defensive Systems)

M.S. in Systems Engineering

United States Naval Academy

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

Distinguished Graduate

Security Clearances and Affiliations

Active TS/SCI Clearance (Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information)

Member: Council on Foreign Relations (Space Policy Task Force)

Recipient: Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM)

RIVALS

Damien has eyes on taking over Ares Corporation, from Musket Meloni. He views John Storm, and the Red Genesis, as an opportunity to advance his military aspirations. Like, Marcus Thorne, who he is secretly keeps in touch with. He thinks John Storm is a pussy, after his saving of Kulo-Luna, the humpback whale that defied whaling pirates.

CAST 0F CHARACTERS

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This website is Copyright © October 2025 Planet Earth Trust..

This is a work of fiction, the characters are the product of the authors imagination, except where real or historical persons are included

But where that may be so, the thoughts and actions of those persons is fictional and not those of any historical or real person.