there are three ways to establish trust. Something you have , something are , something you know.

This is incorrect, there are only two. "Something you are" (fingerprints, retinas, etc.) is really just another kind of "something you have". The only differences between biometrics and something like a physical key or access card is that biometrics are horribly insecure (how many objects have you left your fingerprints on today?) and nearly impossible to replace if they get compromised.

It's about doing something simply to show that it can be done, like the explorers of centuries past.

Most exploration in centuries past was primarily motivated by monetary gain (new trade routes, new sources of natural resources, etc). Just sayin'...

Every security briefing I've been to they say don't write your password down on a piece of paper.

Bruce Schneier disagrees with you and your security professionals.

along with a reasonable shell

Have you tried the native Windows port of zsh? It was unmaintained for several years but has recently been picked up again, might be worth checking out.