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Showing results for tags 'Octancorp'.
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Location: E09 - Castral Tags: civil, land/water vehicle, exploration Terrain: Grass plains, Mountains Start of transmission #09. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- I was discharged. Dr. Long's vote was the decisive one, and now I'm finally able to continue my travels across Andromeda. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The board, however, decided that I should stay away from "active" sectors for a while, and sent me to Castral - a remote world on outer borders of Octan Corporation sector. I've never been this far "South" before. The task is to deliver some goods and equipment to Jebadiah Douglass, who is exploring Castral's flora and fauna for four weeks already. I certainly hope he'll be happy to receive these. And I am looking forward to taste these ducks he was so much talking about. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- End of transmission #09. The build: I've tried to do some SNOT rockwork this time. Not an easy task for me, but I'm satisfied with this first attempt. The hovercraft also included some SNOT tests, and now I will be including some of the ideas into challenge #2 build.
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Location: F02 - Lesser Drigo Tags: Spaceship, Land Vehicle Back aboard the Axle, Pilot John Hannibal prepares for a new mission. As the trolley pulls in to take the pilots to their ships, he has an extra bounce in his step. The company's needs are starting to coincide with Hannibal's own ambitions and he is happy to be leaving for his last mission based out of the Axle. [O - F02] HANGAR 2 by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr The Axle has become a great ship under Dr. Long. Ever moving, steadily humming, never boring. It was larger than most capital cities and was the heart of Octan's presence in this galaxy. Every deck was it's own community of mechanics, scientists, cooks, farmers, engineers, entrepreneurs, civil servants, firefighters, artists, teachers, mothers, fathers, drivers, pilots, barbers, tailors, dancers, bartenders, medics, tattoo artists, and the occasional special forces agent. Everything moved in complete chaos and unison. Every body had a purpose and every action a mission. But Octan would need more Axles if it was going to maintain its position in the galaxy. [O - F02] HANGAR 3 by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr Hannibal is dropped off at his newest delivery, a heavily armored jump ship needed by the driver crews working on F02. [O - F02] HANGAR 4 by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr His next mission would depart from F02, so this was goodbye to the Axle, for now. [O - F02] HANGAR 5 by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr C&C very much appreciated. Thanks.
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Location: E03 - Ertauq Tags: civil Terrain: Spaceship Interior Start of transmission #08. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The Axle. Observation hall. Another week had passed. I'm still stuck here. No doubt, the Axle is an awesome ship, but... three weeks is a long time. And doc says I'd probably have to stay a bit more. This venom is really hard to get rid of. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Every day begins in observation hall OW-008. People are rushing to their stations and cabinets. And I am just standing here, watching at one of Ertauq moons - Ertauq IV - rises from behind the planet. Every day ends in observation hall OW-008. Same place, same view, much fewer companions. Need to get out of here. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- End of transmission #08. The build: -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- (build notes) - the teaser picture is changed to dark background. Want to thank Ferdinando for this idea. This week's idea was to try forced perspective and "only MOC is visible " shots.
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Location: Ertauq - E03 Tags: Exploration Lu's Log 12 Julali 3815 Even after its terraforming, Mars was a dying planet, a billion years past its prime. Sure, parts of it had been transformed into versions of paradise, and the sight of the sun rising over Olympus Mons never failed to stir the soul, but the green trees always felt far removed from the red soil which had been chemically altered to allow them to live. In contrast, Ertauq is a planet being born; its birthing pains plainly felt in the hundreds of small earthquakes each day. I've been dispatched to a region near the southern pole - one of the few places where liquid water has been found on the surface. Thirsty travelers will be disappointed, however, as the water is highly acidic and averages a temperature of 90 C. And yet, even in these hostile conditions, life finds a way. Microbial mats, made up of heat-loving bacteria, flourish in the lake, feasting on the sulphur and other compounds which bubble up from deep within the planet. The rainbow colors of the lake are caused by different kinds of bacteria, which have differing heat requirements and thrive at different temperatures. Some scientists think life on earth may have originated in pools very much like this one. I'm collecting samples of the various bacteria - the hope is that studying bacteria like these will allow our scientists to synthesize better heat-resistant materials. My hope is that undertaking a risky mission like this one will help my colleagues forget about my embarrassing debacle on Forring last week. Increasing earthquake swarms are telling me that this geyser field is going to become active soon, so I'll finish up here and get back to the Mudskipper. Lu, out.
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Location: Ertauq - E03 Tags: Spaceship, Land Vehicle Pilots John Hannibal and Marcu 44 decide to race their vehicle deliveries to the new Octan outpost on E03. "YEEEEEHHHAAAAA!!!! DON'T GET WET, MARCU! THESE GEYSERS ARE PUTTING OFF A LOT OF HEAT!" [O - E03] Speeder by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr "NO KIDDING, HANNIBAL! MY INFRARED SENSORS AREN'T EVEN PICKING UP YOUR SHIP ANYMORE!" [O - E03] Spaceship by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr "NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT... THE FINISH LINE HASN'T CHANGED... YOU'LL SEE ME THERE... I'LL BE WAITING FOR YOU AT THE BAR!" [O - E03] Race by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr "NOT IF THOSE GEYSERS TOSS YOU THROUGH THE AIR FIRST... I THINK I'LL GET IN FRONT OF YOU BEFORE YOU END UP ON MY WINDSHIELD." [O - E03] Race 2 by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr "GOOD LUCK WITH THAT!" C&C welcomed and appreciated.
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Location: E02 - Jurin II Tags: Building, Vehicle, Spaceship, Land Vehicle, Exploration After crash landing on E02, Pilot John Hannibal assesses his situation with his trusty droid Dora. They must move across the island chains, looking for communication equipment to coordinate an emergency pick up. But, the Octan walker that survived the crash is unable to maneuver through the aggressive flora on the island floors. With a few modifications, Hannibal's new climber is ready to scale the tremendous island trees and swing across the terrain. Up they go, digging into the bark of the tree to get to the lower branches. "Oh... hi Hannibal. Where have you been?" CLIMB - 5 by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr "What the heck? I've been directly below a landing platform this entire time?" "I guess so. We put this in last week. I just came back for some hair ties I forgot. We've been busy over on F02 and F03." "So everything is going smoothly?" "Yep... didn't know you were missing. Oh well, Kodan, get the executive a ship. I'm sure he's got some filling to catch up on. We'll check your new equipment into the shop." "Here you go sir... have a safe flight." Climb - B by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr
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Location: F03 - Forring Tags: Land vehicle, exploration Lu's Log - 05 Julali 3815 After a long week spent mapping the caves of Jurin II, coming here to Forring feels like a vacation. Beautiful grasslands, mild climate, and breathable air. Up until now, I've been living off "canned air" -- growing up with parents who survived the Martian plague instilled in me a strong distrust of unknown atmospheres. But, Dr. Long assures me that the air here is breathable and disease-free so I've been going sans-helmet. And it's amazing. The colors are more vibrant, the air has a slightly sweet taste, sounds aren't muffled by my helmet's audio. I could get used to this. Today's mission is easy; one of the science team's monitoring stations is offline; I've been dispatched to fix it. "Well hello! Hey CLAPPIE, I don't need to worry about this lizard trying to eat me, right?" "Thank you for asking, Lu! According to the Explorer's Guide, this creature feeds only on insects. Ouch! CLAPPIE, that [expletive redacted] plant just bit me! Fascinating! Lu: Gods, that really hurts. Does the guide have an entry on that plant? CLAPPIE: Indeed! The Explorer's Guide notes that the plant produces an exquisitely beautiful flower in the fall. Lu: That's it?! CLAPPIE: Well ... there has been a suggested edit uploaded to the Guide, but it hasn't yet been approved by the administrators. Lu: What does it say?!? CLAPPIE: Hmm ... it notes that the plant is highly venomous and should be avoided. It's toxins are very similar to those of the African "poison dart" frogs on earth! Lu: I'm ... starting to feel a bit dizzy. Will you please call base for me? CLAPPIE: Of course. One moment. ... ... Lu? Lu: Yes? CLAPPIE: Apparently, you are the fifth employee to be poisoned by the plant this week! The others have all survived, but Dr Long warned that you may experience some visual disturbances and should not attempt to drive. Someone has been dispatched to our location! Lu: CLAPPIE, I think the trees are falling... Stop looking at me, plants! Plants, NO EYE CONTACT IS ALLOWED! ... Urmm ... Need to find a weapon. Bad plants ... must be taught a lesson... Need to ... teach the plants with ... battle axe! Aaaaaaahhhhh! Snakes?!? CLAPPIE, we gotta get to the car!!! Drive us into battle CLAPPIE! CHARGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 30 minutes later... Hello, Lu? Hi, I'm from the Axle... I'm here to help.... Get away, snake neck lady!!! Rescue three to Axle, please confirm that the energy weapon on vehicle GV4602 has been deactivated. Rescue three, this is Axle. I confirm, weapon has been remotely deactivated. Okay, Lu, why don't you come on down... you're sick, but you'll be better soon. ... there you go, good. Okay, now drop the stick... Okay, just lie down, nice and easy ... Axle,I have one patient sedated and ready for transport; please have the medivac circle around. Copy, one patient sedated and ready for transport. Medivac will be on scene momentarily. Axle out.
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Location: F03 - Forring Tags: civil, land/water vehicle Terrain: Spaceship Interior Start of transmission #07. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- I'm on the Axis, finally. Slowly recovering from this mess happened on New California. It's much better now. I'm even allowed to leave the room and walk around some internal corridors of the ship. And there a quite interesting things to be seen there... No idea whether this is a prototype (should be.. it's obviously not even properly colored yet). But I certainly want the one for myself. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- End of transmission #07. The build:
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Location: Jurin II - E02 Tags: Exploration Lu's Log: 28 Junali 3815 When I started hearing reports that Octan and M.A.N.T.I.S. forces had entered into armed conflict on Jurin II, I initially decided that I wanted to be deployed somewhere far away. I saw enough bloodshed during the Phobos uprising to last a lifetime. Then, I got the call from Dr. Long: one of our orbiting probes detected a magnetic anomaly, similar to the one detected on Hennigan II. "Dr Long," I said, "You had me at 'Magnetic Anomaly." The anomaly was traced to the tidal caves on one of the smaller islands of Jurin II. Our engineers have cooked up a new personal transport system, and once I find a large enough opening I lower myself down into the caves. Normally, this is the kind of exploration that should be done with a team, but everyone else is tied up on the surface. It's a few hours until high tide and even if something were to happen, my suit has at least 6 hours of air. Enough to keep me going until rescue arrived. Hopefully. I've been walking for about 1.5 km, through damp, dripping tunnels, but my suit indicates that the source of the anomaly should be just around this corner ... ... Oh. Oh gods. ... Ok, ok, pull yourself together. You've seen worse than this. ... Lu calling the O.C.S Axle, come in over. Lu, this is the Axle, go ahead with message. Lu: Axle, I've got a code three delta. I repeat, code three delta. Axle: Copy, uh, stand by. ... Okay, confirm that's a code three delta? Lu: That's affirmative. Axle: Alright, I'm sending a team to your coordinates now. I have a few follow up questions, but please keep in mind that this isn't a secure channel. Lu: Roger, go ahead. Axle: What is the condition of the remains? Lu: Skeletal. Axle: Ok, does it appear that the death was due to natural causes? Lu: No. Axle: Alright. And, uh, no offense but I have to ask … is it possible that this is just, you know, one of our people? Axle: Lu? Lu: No. No this is definitely not one of our people. Axle: Ok, thank you. ETA for your team is 45 minutes. Axle, out. Using my suit to take video, I circle around the ... anomaly, careful not to get too close. Sensors confirm that the chain holding the creature is forged of pure Awesomnium. Although this cave obviously fills with water at high tide, the area around the anomaly appears untouched, as if it's surrounded by an invisible bubble. Impossible to tell how long this has been here, or what it's purpose is. Is this an execution? A burial? A mistake? One of the creature's eyes is covered, the other appears to have something small and red stuffed inside. Negative on radiation or energy readings. Lu! Aaah! Dammit, CLAPPIE, you scared the sh*t out of me. What are you doing here, I didn't activate my guide? CLAPPIE: I'm always here Lu. Normally, however, I do not reveal myself until you activate your guide. Lu: That's ... creepy. CLAPPIE: A more perceptive being might view it as 'reassuring.' After all, I have access to hundreds of orbiting satellites and countless computer systems, while you are limited to your simple meat-based sensors. Lu: 'Meat-based' sensors... I- CLAPPIE: Forgive my interruption, but you must evacuate the cave system now, for your own safety. Lu: What? High tide is still an hour away. CLAPPIE: Thank you Lu, but I am aware of the tides. If you like, I could calculate the high and low tides for the next one-thousand years, taking into account orbital drift, of course. Lu: Right... CLAPPIE: I speak not of the tides, but of the creatures that migrate through this cave, fleeing the tides. They are quite hostile. I pause. A skittering noise, which I had taken for falling water, has gotten noticeably louder. Ok, time to jog toward the transport. Later, on the surface... Phew, thanks CLAPPIE. You're welcome, Lu. I wouldn't want you to come to any harm. I have big plans for us. Lu to Axle, I've been forced to evacuate the caves, but I don't think the anomaly is going anywhere. I'll be waiting for you on the surface. Lu, out. ----
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//"Log date 355, This is Dr. Danielle Long. I reviewed drone-feed from one of my S01 Surveillance Drones on F10 that displayed a surprising lack of discipline and tactical intelligence from some of our Field competitive intelligence operatives. This is not the first such report I have reviewed. I have issued a Memo to my fellow branch executives and the higher ups. Octan will not stand for lack-luster ground performance any longer. While our space combat tactics are top notch, we will not be able to enforce our planetary acquisitions with space combat alone. I have sent for our highest ranking Espionage agent to personally oversee the training of the Axle's "Peace Enforcement" squad. With the Executive's approval, we will institute Ground Tactics lessons Corporation-wide. Dr. Long out.//" --to be concluded-- With MANTIS forces focusing on overtaking Octan on E02, it only seemed logical to dispatch the Axle's "Peace Enforcement" Troops there to test out their new Ground Tactics. Tactical Retreat Reinforcements Ground Tactics Will Jebediah ever get his day off? I dunno, ask him. He's not my character. ~Insectoid Aristocrat
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Planet: E02 Tags: Land vehicle, Science, Exploration, Civil //"Log date 357, this is Dr. Danielle Long, reporting from the surface of E02. I am accompanying one of my Drones as it collects samples, and making observations on the natural growth habits of the local xeno-flora. Air is breathable, Temperature is a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius at night at my current location, and the stars are readily visible. In-fact, I believe I can see the O.C.S. Axle from where I am.... This planet will make a fine resort-world for Octan's retirees. Naturally, specimens must be taken to scan for harmful bio-organisms and viruses, the analysis of which will take place in the pristine labs aboard the O.C.S. Axle. Dr. Long signing off."// Science by the light of the stars //"This is Dr. Long, aboard personal shuttle O.C.S. Cog 1, entering Space Dock 1 of O.C.S. Axle. Prepare decontamination shower for myself and my pilot. Aboard craft are 6 Sc106 Drones filled with xenobiological specimens. Follow typical extraction protocol for low-threat xenobiological contaminants. primary containment and threat assessment in high-risk section of Axle, followed by distribution to low-threat labs as deemed appropriate. Arrival time in approximately 10 minutes. Make that chemical shower warm, and prepare my usual soap cocktail. Dr. Long signing off."// Decontamination Note: This piece was meant to convey a sense of loneliness and cold removedness, and the red chemical shower itself is meant to be rather off-putting. All-in-all I wanted to evoke Fan-Disservice, and not the more ubiquitous opposite of that trope. The build was actually quite a bit more difficult than the pictures may imply, but it was built specifically for this one shot, so the technique I used to create the octagon that comprises the shower goes completely unnoticed. hope you enjoy! But not too much. ~Insectoid Aristocrat
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Location: E02 - Jurin II Tags: Vehicle, Spaceship, Land Vehicle, Exploration [O - E02] 1c by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr [Wake up John Hannibal. Wake up... The tide will be up soon and we cannot stay here... Wake up John Hannibal. Wake up... Wake up John Hannibal. Wake up...] "Dora? Where are we? Last thing I remember was coordinating a pick up for one of our pilots... on E02?" [Yes, John. I believe Mr. Wynd's escort was arranged, but we crashed soon after that... You sustained a concussion and have been out for two days.] "Two days? Why am I still on a beach? Where is Octan Rescue and Recovery?" [Communications and tracking equipment was damaged or lost in the crash. Our debris field encompasses several islands and the ocean in between. I have been unable to account for the replacement equipment we need to contact H06.] [O - E02] 2 by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr "Alright, I guess we've got some searching to do." [Yes. John, but please go slowly. I've prepared your ground transportation, but it has been having trouble moving about the vegetation so far.] "How far is base camp?" [i'm sorry John but there is no base camp. Every site I clear is too quickly consumed by the plant life. This is why we're having to move, I was afraid your cockpit would be overgrown by nightfall.] "We'll I'm glad my droid is afraid for me. Let's start with a projection of debris field and see what we can find."
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Location: H09 - Wastyria Tags: Vehicle, Spaceship, Water vehicle, Exploration, Science, Civil, Military Within the O.C.S. Axle, the Octan crew meet up aboard one of the landing craft specifically designed for their sudden fury of oceanic explorations. As Dr. Long explains, this craft includes a small dry dock designed to quickly deploy a variety of exploration craft. The crew are both pleased with the new equipment and disturbed at the sight of Dr. Long with her hair down. Pilot John Hannibal is the first to field test the new dry dock. He readies his new sub for a mission to capture a new species of whale and/or fish discovered on H09. This beast has a very tough skin that allows it to land on and roll from the sharp, jagged rocks of the island shores. Once studied and replicated, it could mean a great tactical advantage to the Octan merchantmen, should conflict arise. PLATFORM 1 by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr The deck lowers the sub into rising water. Soon, the bay will be full and the sub can proceed forward. PLATFORM 2 by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr PLATFORM 3 by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr Bonus shot of the sub in action against my Challenge 1 creation (please judge only the sub in the picture below). SUB by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr
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Location: H09 Two pink seabirds forage the cliff side for material for their nests. Their chicks are expected soon but they will freeze without more insulation. Out of desperation, the mother and father birds descend further and further down the cliff side, closer to the water. [Challenge 1] - BASE by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr Then, out of nowhere, the great Rockback Whale of Wastyria burst out of the water and gobbles up the male bird. Happy Father's Day AG.
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Location: H-09 Wastyria - "A cold planet, mostly ocean based with several small mountainous islands." +++++ Personal Log: Closer to the equator the temperature is a bit more temperate, with a couple of islands that harbor vegetation. Though most of the islands were formed several thousands of years ago, there are still some that display growth and signs of the planet's inner workings. This planet seems to be home to several interesting and large species. Even now, a creature appears to be... -fluttering by. I'll believe we'll call it a Wastyrian Flutter Dragon. End Personal Log +++++ AG Octan Challenge.lxf
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Location: G03 - New California Tags: civil, exploration Terrain: Desert Start of transmission #05. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ... seems the the cactus had finally found the trail. All this will end soon... very soon... The attack came out of nowhere. Only a second ago it was all peaceful and quiet, and suddenly this strange green creature, which i thought was simply a cactus, attacked me. It was even able to bite through the industry-grade spacesuit. I was barely able to escape this and kill the beast. But it seems that the night is coming close, and there are lot more of these strange creatures coming cor me then. The bloody trail is too good for them to miss. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- End of transmission #05. The build:
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//"Log date 350, This is Dr. Long reporting from the O.C.S. Axle, in orbit F10. I have assigned one of my new Tech specialists; a fresh hire by the name of Kodan Black, to perform sub-surface analysis of water samples in a highly promising region of the planet. I needed him to adjust a few of our Aquatic science drones for the F10 missions. With such a massive planet, there is much work to be done... So many lifeforms to analyze and catalog and categorize... So many drones to be deployed to observe it all and quantify it. It's good to have an extra hand on deck... I just wish he would stop sniffing my hair... It's beginning to become a nuisance. Dr. Long signing off."// //"Status update. Shallow water drone observation is coming along well. I have dispatched a few of our high pressure sub drones (modified A30 models) to observe the deeper reaches of the planet. Initial reports indicate that this planet, much like earth, has active hydrothermal vents along the sea floor, which may be capable of sustaining life."// //"Status update. I finally got a chance to look at one of the relay screens from the A30 drones. Fascinating. Life always finds a way... even in the darkest depths of an alien sea, life, of some kind, still fights on for survival. I am, of course, referring to the myriad of xenobacterial specimens the drone is collecting from the vent. There is a fish-like alien, but that is much less important. Now... I need to attend the unveiling of a newly commissioned drydock on one of the Axle's dropships. Afterwords, I will relax in my office with the day's paperwork. Dr. Long signing off."// Sorry for the shit picture. I'll try to get better ones tomorrow, but I just needed to meet the deadline today. Initially I hoped to make more of the anglerfish aliens, but, as always, ran out of time. I have a lot of work to do IRL this week, so I couldn't afford to go crazy with my builds. I did anyways. ~Insectoid Aristocrat
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[O-E01] Through the Looking Glass: A Lesson in Chirality
Dannylonglegs posted a topic in AG1 Archive
Note: I like Science in my Science Fiction. "How would you like to live in Looking-glass House, Kitty? I wonder if they'd give you milk in there? Perhaps Looking-glass milk isn't good to drink..." ~Lewis Carroll . //"this is Dr. Danielle Long, Requesting files related to the incident involving Captain Roan Oak's failed attempt to create an outpost on Donwarr."// **Access granted** **initializing summary of report** --Captain's Log: the date is Marzn 5, 3812. My crew and I experienced a rough landing on Donwarr. The crew is still alive, but a lot of our equipment has been damaged, including the Octan Hydroponic Vegitable Growth System. We tried fixing it with instructions from our CLAPPIE, but the damn thing keeps insisting we are trying to report an Unknown Artifact. Perhaps it was damaged in the landing as well. Fortunately, the radio still works, and we've called for help. Octan says they'll get here to extract us or at least fix the Hydroponics module in 8 to 10 business weeks. We have enough food stores to last 3 people a week. Thankfully initial probe readings detected this planet provides Biomass suitable for human consumption.-- --Captain's Log : the date is Marzn 6, 3812. We have discovered a clearing in the forest where we will place our communications module. The site is located in close proximity to a fruit bearing tree. Ensign Christi Huygans, always the adventurer, scanned it with our molecule analyzer and found that it contained glucose and amino acids, and lacked any obvious toxins. She ate it, and found it to be delicious. The fruits from this tree are so sweet and wonderful! They really fill the stomach! I have no doubt that this planet will be one of Octan's bread basket worlds.-- --Captain's Log: the date is Marzn 7, 3812. We all had the runs last night. Maybe eating Alien plants isn't the smartest idea. Ha. Well, we're sticking to the ship's food for now. Com Module has been moved into position. Hopefully Octan gets here with help soon. If worst comes to worst, we'll just have to put up with a little diarrhea for a few weeks before they get here with earth food. Shame, though, really. Those fruits were delicious. Perhaps we can catch some of the local game to eat.-- ** skipping ahead ** --Captain's Log: the date is Marzn 20. Supplimenting our diets with the local plant and animal life, we managed to stretch our food stores longer than anticipated... but now we're out. Good thing this planet is bountiful in both plants and animals to eat. The other day we caught a tripedal goat-like thing, and you know what? It tasted exactly like goat! And not that synthetic crap they serve in the Octan Cafeteria, I'm talking honest to goodness lamb meat. Mmmm. As far as places to get marooned on go, I'm glad we landed in this paradise. **skipping ahead** --Captain's Log: the date is Marzn 30. We've all lost a lot of weight and feel groggy. I can't tell why. We've all been eating plenty. The fruits hang low and are filled with sugar and nutrients. The animals are unaccustomed to us and do not run away, making them as easy to capture as the fruits and leafy greens (or reds as they so often are on this planet.) Ensign Huygans could not walk this morning. A bruise she suffered a week ago has yet to heal, and it looks infected. Ensign Burkhold has gotten paranoid. He won't stop talking about food, and he doesn't look too hot. Could we have caught an alien disease? I certainly hope our immune system can take care of it...-- **Skipping ahead** --Burkhold is missing. He was mumbling like "Food no good. Must survive." It was very worrying. And now he's gone. Christi is still asleep. She hasn't woken up very much. We're all very weak. Still losing weight. It's like we eat and eat and waste away...-- **skipping ahead** --Burkhold showed up at the Com Module, where I've been tending to Christi early in the morning, and ran away when I saw him. I couldn't chase him down, as I can barely stand, myself. What the hell is happening...-- **Skipping ahead** --He ate her... oh God! Why!? Why?-- --I... I feel so weak... I look like a skeleton now... I'm sure... Burkhold is out there still.... I have no doubts I will be next.... a it seems obvious to me now that for whatever reason.... we derive no sustenance from the food on this planet. We have been eating ash that tastes of sweet fruit. We will starve to death on this planet even while gorging our mouths with food. Oh... what I would not give... for food. I can stave off the hunger with these fruits... but I will not survive.-- **End of recovered logs** **reading report** --Octan Hydroponic Vegitable Growth System Maintenance crew has landed on E01. Found Communications module. There are two Graves on the hill, and no sign of the third crew member. Hydroponic Vegitable Growth System has been fixed.... but... uh... there's no one to tend to it.-- **End report** //"Ok, good. Computer, record the following: Log date 349, this is Dr. Danielle Long, recording from the O.C.S. Axle. Specimens of biomass from E01 gathered by pilot Guy k. Wynd have been analyzed in reference to stereoisomerism, and it has been discovered that what we previously reported as biomass consumable by humans infact contains L-glucose and R-Amino Acids. Biomass on E01 is not suitable for sustained Human consumption. Potential marketability as diet products. E01 should be used solely for its potable water supplies. This is Dr. Long, signing off. End recording." "Now to examine the "Cactus creature" from G03. It would help if everyone stopped shooting up my specimens! Particularly that darned 'Pombe' and his new assistant. How frustrating."// Ok this build is mostly for the story, but I should have better pics up later along with edits to improve story and such. Enjoy! ~Insectoid Aristocrat -
Location: G03 - New California Tags: Octan, Exploration Lu's Log 20 Junali 3815 Xenobiological Survey of G-03 At first glance, "New California" appears to be a desert wasteland, largely devoid of life and, most of the year, this is true. But, things are not always as they seem. G-03 has a highly elliptical orbit and, several times a year, this orbit brings it (relatively) close to a companion planet, G-03b. G-03b is a gas giant and as the planets draw together the gravity from G-03b starts to squeeze and stretch G-03. There are earthquakes, and the ground cracks and deforms. Finally, as the planets near their closest point, water is squeezed from the porous rocks of G-03, flooding onto the surface to create vast rivers and huge, shallow seas. Evolution here has favored organisms that can respond quickly to water, so overnight the desert seems to bloom as plants and fungi spring from long buried seeds and spores. One organism of note is the Eshey-Pombe Traptus, named for the famed pair of explorers that first discovered it. This specimen is very young, but as it grows it will develop pink flowers to tempt unwary prey, and venomous barbs to paralyze any creatures that venture too close, allowing the Traptus to eat them at its leisure. Somewhat the opposite of the innocent looking Traptus, the Diablo Beetle looks fearsome... ...but it feeds on seeds and small invertebrates, which it filters from the sand using feather-like appendages. Next on the scene, a trio of Scorpstriches. Somewhat similar to flightless birds, these creatures have evolved venomous stingers on their tails and long, curved beaks for fishing small creatures out of the dunes. A crested Anklyodison approaches! It and the beetle size each other up, but each decides the other is not enough of a threat to fight. When water is present, time and energy cannot be wasted on unimportant squabbles. Look! Something has spooked the animals: They are right to be wary, because a grave danger approaches them from above. It's a Wind Walker! These giant creatures use the thermal columns generated by the hot desert air to rise high into the sky, before descending on unwary prey. They're held aloft by chambers of gas, which they expand and deflate as needed. They're a graceful creature, but don't let their apparent delicateness fool you. They are predators. Fortunately for our assembled creatures, this Wind Walker has eaten recently and is only interested in water. It sucks up vast quantities of water and, using a process we don't yet understand, separates the hydrogen from the oxygen. It uses the former to stay aloft and the latter is expelled through tiny openings to help the creature maneuver The rivers and oceans wont last long. In a few days, perhaps a week at most, the liquid will filter back down through the thirsty sand. The plants and fungi wither and die. The lucky ones will have released spores or seeds, which will wait below the sand, for years or decades if needed, until the water comes again. Today, though, the water is here and for a brief time "New California" looks exactly like old California used to*. -Lu out. *Disclaimer - I grew up on Mars and have never actually seen "old" California, But I imagine it looks something like this.
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Start of automatic transmission #01 from probe exploring Arium Major. Initial recipient of the message, Octan Corporation explorer Wick Nole, did not provide the confirmation on receiving this message for five standard days. In this case, according to standard Octan Exploration Protocol, the message is transmitted via unsecured channel on open frequencies. In case you are receiving this message, please forward it to planet Farmolis, AG sector H06. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The probe had prepared first pictures from Arium Major. Flora is abundant here and fauna is reach. Thick air allowed for evolution of probably one of the largest flying creatures in southern sector of Andromeda. The probe was able to capture one of these on top of the huge tree. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- End of automatic transmission #01. The build:
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Location: F09 - Aruim Minor Tags: Vehicle, Spaceship, Exploration Nothing... Abundant Wastelands - 2 by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr There is nothing here. So bleak. So empty. The corporation will be happy with it. Awesomnium is just oozing from every pore of this mountain. But it'll just be another miners town. Booming, busting, being left for dead. Abundant Wastelands - MAIN by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr Getting back into the pilot seat is bitter sweet. After checking in with the new CEO on Kaalin (awesome name) it's been a long quiet couple of days getting over to Aruim Minor. The engineer I delivered equipment too was plenty chatty; so much so that it completely overwhelmed me and I'm afraid that I might have come off as rude to the humble man. Abundant Wastelands - SHIP TOP by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr All of these trips, they wear a man down. I thought contracting with Octan was going to be a welcome reprieve from the constant constraints of being a family man. No fires to put out every evening. No second job as soon as I get home. Octan... that would be the answer to all of my problems. A great paycheck. A happy wife at home with all the latest gadgets to keep the house clean, food cooked, and diapers changed. A quiet bunk at night to get some real rest. Abundant Wastelands - SHIP SIDE by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr That never happened. The peace, the rest, the security of it all. I traded the thing I love most for some thoughtless ambition for the future. I have to get them back. Surely there is somewhere in the new galaxy where he can be with my family. It will be tough. My career will take a hit. But this could be everything we've dreamed of. I WILL find that place. We WILL find our home. My purpose is renewed. My mission is clear. Abundant Wastelands - BASE by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr I am consumed.
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We did it! First two interplanetary Octan Defense Force ships were commissioned on our new homeland on Farmolis this week. They have proceeded to the nearby asteroid belt with the first training assignment being currently prepared. As soon as the CEO officially announces completion of the research on new spacefleet tactics, we'll initiate the "Space combat" training exercises. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- On the day after... The research is officially finalized and announced. The Octan Defense Force ships are now to proceed towards the training zone where they have to find and destroy decoy drones.
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Location: F09 Tags: Science, Exploration, Spying, Spaceship //"Log date 338, This is Dr. Danielle Long, reporting from the Axle. We left Xerillian today. Glad to be off that irritating desert planet. After filling the appropriate casualty report and seeking medical attention to my surviving Octancorp brand trooper, to whom I've bestowed the name Trooper 2, I was able to obtain several samples of the ubiquitous arachnoid creatures endemic to the planet. They are being analyzed as I speak in O.C.S. Axle's pristine labs. Naturally all paperwork related to such has already been filed. As head Scientist aboard the OCS Axle, and highest ranking Scientist in Octan's Andromeda branch, I ensure that all paperwork is flawless. Next target is F09. Dr. Long signing off."// //"Log date 339, This is Dr. Danielle Long. The following report is encrypted. Security clearance level: TOP SECRET. Dr. Long Signing off."// //"Log date 340, This is Dr. Danielle Long. The following report is encrypted. Security clearance level: TOP SECRET. Dr. Long Signing off."// Aboard the O.C.S. Axle, in Orbit of F09 Mr. O'Reilly: "You know, this was supposed to be my week off." Dr. Long: "Vacation requests may be denied on late or no notice should...." Mr. O'Reilly: "I know the regulations." Dr. Long: "Right... Of course. So. The team has been assembled. I still need one more crew member though... I'm not willing to risk any of my own tech specialists from the Axle on this. They're all doing Octan's good work, and I cannot spare one. I'm going to visit an old friend..." Later, aboard Dr. Martenz's research vessel on F09 Dr. Martenz: "Danielle, It's been too long. I trust you are here to inspect my pathogen research? I believe some of these specimens may be very promising to Biomass collection from this planet!" Dr. Long: "That is not why I am here today, Dr. Martenz." Dr. Martenz: "You did arrive before I expected you to... What can I do for you?" Dr. Long: "I need one of your new hirees for a top secret mission. According to his file, he is a robotics and technology expert. A certain Kodan Black." Dr. Martenz: "What?! Great Scott, Danielle! I'm hardly running with a skeleton crew here! There's so much to be done, and I have such little staff! I cannot afford to go without a single on! Not even a robotics specialist! Let me at least have an ensign from the Axle to carry out his duties in the interim?" Dr. Long: "This is not a negotiation, Dr. I will assess your shortage of staff on my routine inspection scheduled for two business days from today. Until then, I will hear nothing further on the subject. Now, would you kindly direct this Kodan to my office." Dr. Martenz: "...Yes, Dr. Long." Location undisclosed. Surface of F09. //"Log date 341, This is Dr. Danielle Long. The following report is encrypted. Security clearance level: TOP SECRET. Dr. Long Signing off for now."// Kodan: "Hey! Look what I found!" Dr. Long: "Excellent. I think we all know what to do with that. We've been looking for one of those for so long now. Excellent work. You were certainly the right pick for this job." //"Status update: Tech retrieval success. Files on the genetic modification process have been procured. And, of course, Trooper 2 generously unwittingly volunteered to play host to a sample of the Kawashita super predator's genetic material. He will be analyzed in a Maximum security lab aboard the O.C.S. Axle, as was corporate's order. Dr. Long out."// This is the largest hollow anything I have ever built. I was planning this for a few weeks. Got a bit rushed at the end, but I think it turned out well. I just regret not getting better pictures. More pictures on my flickr. (Link in my signature) ~Insectoid Aristocrat
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Location: H03 - Kaalin Tags: civil, building, exploration Terrain: Rock Start of transmission #04. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- This week's target was to test a new standart-Octan-container sized habitation module in the hostile weather - and Kaalin's northern regions seemed a perfect spot for that. It's a cold dry tundra with little life trying to survive against harsh winds and cold nights (during the day, though, it is pretty warm here, I could even open the walls and enjoy a bit of sunshine). All the flora here is no more than a few inches above the ground level, and I haven't yet detected any fauna. That's good news... Better no fauna at all then an abundance of it (I still have the nightmares of these days on Crofter's Ridge, probably should visit the medical bay on the base). Bad news are that I haven't found any awesomnium ore here. Just nothing, not even a smallest piece of this awesome purple-colored ore. Even worst news are that there's no whitestone as well - the one that always accompanies awesomnium. The reports from other explorers, however, show lots and lots of awesomnium on other regions - so it seems that the planet is useful, after all. Hopefully, at least the picture came out well. I hope that this habitation module survives a few weeks here. And i really need this extra equipment delivered to enhance the module and start some serious testing procedures. The module is yet just a box with some basic live supporting equipment and initial food supplies. Even the opening function of the walls is useless as no extra floor space is available yet. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- End of transmission #03. The build:
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Location: H03 - Kaalin Tags: Vehicle, Exploration Lu's Log - 14 Junali 3815 First of all, I would like to formally apologize to all those who were eating lunch in the training facility courtyard yesterday; that was my first time trying to pilot a hover-vehicle that large, and the controls were more sensitive than I expected. I understand that it was startling to see a vehicle flying toward you, at full speed, ten feet off the ground, but I assure you no one was in any danger. Following the "incident," Terrapin, one of our best drivers, showed me how to use the magnetic oscillators to compensate for ground resonance, and it was smooth flying from there. Today, I'm flying over the equatorial region of Kaalin. The terrain is mainly clay and soft rocks, but orbital scans suggested that this region might have vast Awesomnium veins below ground. The Mudskipper is equipped with ground-penetrating radar, along with a host of other sensors, so I'm flying a low grid pattern, waiting for the instruments to pick something up. Finally, the sensors pick up an ore signature near a dry creek bed, so I land and get ready to drill a core sample. If I do find Awesomnium, HQ will dispatch a couple of larger rigs to mine it out. The interior is cramped, but my chair swivels around so that I can operate the drill controls. I could get out and stretch my legs - the oxygen/nitrogen balance is comparable to earths', but I prefer to stay inside the pressurized craft. Those of us who grew up on one of the colonies tend to be a bit more wary of outside air. Children on earth learn the song "Twinkle, Twinkle Neutron Star." Well, we learned a song that had the same tune, but the lyrics went like this: "Mama, Papa, why can't we play outside?" "The Martian plague killed billions, dear, how horribly they died. They choked on their own insides as their heads seemed to deflate, Now we have a special room to decontaminate." "Mama, Papa, why can't we play outside?" "The Martian plague killed billions, dear, how horribly they died. Anyway ... I get the drill set-up and cross my fingers for an Awesomnium deposit. This is Lu, signing out. Bonus pics:
