[Non-canon] Fixing "Satellite Down"

[raketenjagdpanzer]

Okay, so there's an opinion or two that Satellite Down is a pretty poor module. I maintain that execution aside, the core of the module's plot is not only usable, but for non-canon DIY folks like myself the plot can basically "fix" the "everybody in America dies" canon of Howling Wilderness.

So how do we fix Satellite Down, and how does Satellite Down let us fix canon?

Firstly, we've got to throw out the USS Virginia plot hook completely. While the idea of having a nuclear vessel there providing power to the locals is cool, it's been done before (The Last Sub #1) and it's very badly handled (the ruined Virginia staving off an inexplicably oil-burning mostly-wrecked "Osa-II" class missile boat? Not hardly.)

What we do is, put the satellite where it is. Make the big antagonist separatists or narcos who've set up shop. Maybe even a break-away Mexican Navy detachment with their own ship. The Mexican Navy has a slew of ex-US frigates and missile destroyers. It's pretty easy to make the ship a conventionally powered vessel, trading protection for some oil production from a nearby off-shore platform and (badly, but serviceably enough) refining it for fuel for the ship's turbines, which in turn power the town around the ship.

Now...how do we save what's left of the US with Satellite Down?

The data on the tapes from the satellite are much as they're described in the module. However, once the weather data is decoded (not an easy feat, should require some definite serious ELEC rolls if a character wants to attempt it), it should be able to put all enclaves and governments and fragments of the US government "on the mend".

I know there are people here who have an extreme dislike of a recovered US in Twilight:2000 and I'm not suggesting my way is best. However for "canon-breakers" I think this is a workable "fix" for the module (and game, if you're of a mind to go that far with it.)