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Showing results for tags 'OctanCorp'.
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Location: H05 - Livgorn Tags: Civil, Vehicle, Spaceship / Airplane, Exploration H05-1-A by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr H05 - Livgorn - Octan Pilot John Hannibal recons the area surrounding his ship's landing site. Hiding below the short but dense foliage, vast amounts of awesomnium and some sinister beasts intertwine. Edit: tags
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Location - Jurin II - E02 Tags - Building, Vehicle, Spaceship, Land Vehicle, Exploration After dropping a ship off on F02, Hannibal volunteers to run a delivery to E02. This beautiful planet has become extremely important to Octan and trade throughout the system. While Octan has maintained a strong presence on the planet, it has come to house a contingent of M.A.N.T.I.S. and many traders looking to capitalize on the border region. In fact, it is looking to become the nexus of the entire galaxy, being the linking point between Kawshita, M.A.N.T.I.S., and Octan (or at least the most hospitable one). [O - E02] LP - 4 2 by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr Such a planet is a thing of beauty, where everything interconnects, civilizations may rise, and commerce can enlighten all. One difficulty in the development of this planet has been the vigorous growth of the local flora. The ocean, woven through the forests of the many islands, was early considered a ideal place for landing ships and cargo, as it is on Earth. However, every attempt at cutting runways or docks led to the forest "taking back" the land. Octan did have much success in the tree tops, building platforms well above ground. [O - E02] LP - 4 3 by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr This practice was so successful and prevalent that many visitors to the planet had not even seen the ground below. After unloading their cargo, Hannibal calls in his busy droid, Dora, that he had left behind to explore the planet. Together, they head for the secret sectors of Jurin only surveyed by his faithful droid. [O - E02] LP - 4 4 by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr To be continued... C&C greatly appreciated.
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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: 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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Location: G08 - Xerillian Tags: Vehicle, Spaceship / Airplane, Exploration, Science Pilot and interim CEO John Hannibal barely escapes the "jaws" of one of the most dangerous denizens of Xerillian, G08. [G - 08] LIVE BAIT by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr The pressure is on the would-be executive as he struggles to keep his corporation afloat. Where will he steer the Octan's scientists, chomping at the bit for more challenging pursuits, trusting Octan leadership to deliver a path to success? Hannibal has made his decision. Now he gathers a supply of the most ruthless, hungry beasts that Octan has faced thus far, risking his own life to lure this particular creature. As he flies low among the dunes, the giant worm is close behind him. Hannibal brings his speeder closer to the sand, sacrificing his speed and kicking up a large wake of sand. The worm speeds up and closes in. He's almost there. Almost there... The worm lunges at Hannibal as the speeder dives into LaRose's newly discovered cave. It is uncertain what stuns the giant worm more, bursting through the rock at full speed, or the disappearance of its would-be meal. An Octan cargo ship quickly pulls the beast out of the hole and into a secured container. Soon Hannibal will deliver his bounty of death to I06, the future home of a new training facility unsurpassed in its rigorous curriculum and exceptional faculty. The future of Octan is bright. Nothing can stand in its way.
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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: 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: 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: 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: 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: H08 - Sinden's Run Tags: civil, engineer Terrain: Spaceship interior Start of transmission #10. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Dr. Long: "Welcome back from Castral." Wick Nole: "Always a pleasure." Dr. Long: "Your next destination is... Castral." Wick Nole: "Whoa?!?" Dr. Long: "Jedadiah is again troubled by this duck... that's the picture we've got from his hovercraft while you were going through G.A.T.E. Go there and check." Dr. Long: "But before you leave - let me show you the OS-21.2C you've ordered." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- End of transmission #10.
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Location: G07 - Hennigan II Tags: civil, exploration Terrain: Forest Start of transmission #02. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Finally, I'm on Hennigan II. Although Livgorn mission was a success for Octan Corporation, and we were able to establish a permanent presence there, most of us had left sector H05 towards new explorations. First missions on G07 reported huge water deposits under this forest. Need to install these pumping machines now and then connect them all to central station. And I hope I won't see these butterflies Jacques LaRose mentioned in his report. Or even better, they won't see me... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- End of transmission #02. The build, main picture: Some additional pics with no background removal.
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Location: H04 - Crofter's Ridge Tags: civil, building, exploration Terrain: Mountains Start of transmission #03. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- While most of Octan explorers were traveling to Xerillian, I've spend the week establishing small supply platform on Crofter's Ridge... “It’s a calm and safe place” – they told me. “Just be sure that you don’t touch anything on the ground, or don’t travel away from the platform, or don’t forget to carry a proper weapon…” and lots of other “don’t’s”. If course I did it all wrong. Just as the platform was installed, I've climbed down to check the nearby territory. And to make the usual picture, of course, (hopefully, I'll be able to do these in color soon, but for now b/w is a sole option). All in all, I've barely managed back alive and in one piece. No questions now, why the alien live status is stated as "intense" here. I can surely confirm that... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- End of transmission #03. The build:
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Location: G07 - Hennigan II Tags: Exploration, Vehicle Explorer's Log - 28 Maian 3815 I arrived on my first alien planet today. Although Hennigan II initially sounded far less exciting than "the lava planet" the rest of my team went to, any disappointment was quickly forgotten as I piloted my Single Occupant Survey Vehicle through an alien ecosystem bursting with life. My task is to investigate a magnetic anomaly that one of our probes detected from orbit. It's almost certainly an iron deposit, or something similar, but there's always a tiny chance that it's Mithril. When I arrive at the coordinates, it takes my brain a few seconds to process what my eyes are seeing. Is that a ...? It is. It's a living tree, floating in the air, roots and all. I've heard rumors about alien artifacts being found in the vicinity of the anomalies - current scientific consensus seems to be that the anomalies themselves were engineered by some ancient, unknown race of aliens. Whatever this is, it doesn't seem to be bothering the local wildlife, although there is some slight gravitational lensing around the base. My suit doesn't pick up any radiation or energy emissions, but I'm not going to get any closer until Dr. Long or someone else from the science team gets here. This could be anything. It doesn't look like a weapon, but that doesn't mean it isn't. Of course, it could also be some kind of alien art installation, or shrine, or simply some malfunctioning tech. Almost unbidden, the rhyme from training pops into my head. In a strange situation, you can make Pres. Business happy. Instead of snappy judgements, just activate your CLAPPIE. Dammit. I reluctantly pull out my Explorer's Guide. "Hi, I'm CLAPPIE, your Corporate Law And Planetary Politics Incident Evaluator! In a few words, tell me how I can help!" "Unknown Artifact." CLAPPIE: "I think you said 'Undead Artichoke.' Are you having trouble with your Octan Hydroponic Vegetable Growth System?" Lu: "What?! No." CLAPPIE: "Oops, sorry! In a few words, tell me how I can help! Lu: "Alien Artifact." CLAPPIE: "I think you said 'Alien Artifact.' Is that right?" Lu: "Yes." CLAPPIE: "... Initiating Alien Artifact Protocols. I need a little more information. How many fatalities has the artifact caused. Please round to the nearest thousand." Lu: "Uh, zero." CLAPPIE: "Thank you. Please wait while CLAPPIE determines your location. ... ... CLAPPIE detects that you are not located within two-hundred miles of an Octan Regional Headquarters Building. Is that right?" Lu: "Yeah...." CLAPPIE: "Thank you! CLAPPIE recommends that you take off and nuke the entire site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure. Shall CLAPPIE attempt to gain access to the nearest launch facility?" Lu: "No! Cancel program!" CLAPPIE: "Are you sure you want to exit? CLAPPIE remains very enthusiastic about this mission." Lu: "Exit!" CLAPPIE: "Goodbye." On second thought, I'll just type up a manual report and mark the location for the science team. Lu, out. --------------- Overall scene:
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Location: I06 - Yetomius Tags: Military, Vehicle, Spaceship / Airplane, Exploration [i - 06] OCTAN BARGE by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr I06 - Yetomius - Octan Pilot John Hannibal follows a modified drone to Explorer Pombe's location on I06. Forward artillery and mercenary guards protect the barge from the dangerous inhabitants of the planet below.
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+++++ BEGIN TRANSMISSION. While the Bident is in orbit, I decided to track down some rare biomass on G-08. These desert may be hot in the daytime, but at night the cutting cold wind embraces you. It's vast. And I discovered night sets in at an alarmingly fast pace. It caught me off guard. Luckily my sensors managed to spot something in the middle of nowhere. I'll get back to you once I'm back in orbit. END TRANSMISSION. +++++ (Another viewpoint of the Transporter.) [/url]
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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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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: G10 - Onix Tags: civil, building Terrain: Lava, Rocks Start of transmission #12. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Not only does Onix offer an unfriendly terrain, but the alien activity marker is stated as "intense" here. The planet is certainly offering challenges to us. Nevertheless, copper has to be mined, and the planet has to be explored. I'm not sure about the exploration part, but will certainly try to do my best in locating these ore deposits. But need to finish my lunch break first. The new version of Octan Terrain Analyzer is much smaller in scale and much easier to handle. And the results are quite interesting as well. The planet seem to contain a huge organics deposit under the nearby copper stratum. As we dig through copper, the biomass will be very easy to extract. Bad news though, are that there's only one such biomass deposit found... yet. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- End of transmission #12.
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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:
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Location: F09 - Arium Minor Tags: Pilot, AG, Octan +++++ BEGIN TRANSMISSION +++++ I'm on board the O.C.S. Mammoth now. After that thing on that desert world we're going somewhere cooler! Anyway, mission report says I have to drop a base, which will be occupied by a new Octan scientist or explorer when the time comes. +++++ END TRANSMISSION +++++ The O.C.S. Mammoth carries two Modular Bases.
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Location: Donwarr - E01 Tags: Spaceship, Land Vehicle, Civil Building Their meeting at Freegate concluded, Octan Pilot John Hannibal and Merchant Confederacy Trustee / Admiral of the Merchant Fleet Bridge Callahan depart for Donwarr to investigate the debris fields left by the runaway Zoid slave ship. "Have you been to Donwarr since MANTIS threw out our treaties?" "A few times, John. Since Donwarr was taken by license before the war, the transition has been much smoother there. Our members are still operating their business... or creating new ones to adjust to the market." "That's good to hear. We've seen a lot of needless suffering on Jurin II. It's too bad that exchange couldn't have been more civil." "That's just the difference between a sale and a theft. In the former, both parties leave happy, in the latter, both are worse off. That economy still hasn't recovered since nobody knows if their business is going to be confiscated again. There's really no good way to deal with people that think they can just take whatever they want." "My scan is complete, John. No tracking devices, bombs, or signs of sabotage." "Thank you, Dora. Callahan, Where to first?" "A strip bar in the lower districts where we'll find our driver. We'll get there early enough to miss the patrons, but you should ditch the Octan colors, regardless. No need to stir up any hotheads." "Fair enough. This driver, proprietor, stripper, or patron?" AG Merchant Confederacy febRoverary by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr "Patron, a bit of a drunk, but he sobers quickly. Besides, he's the only one with the equipment we need... a H-Class beach rover with the towing capability to move heavy scrap. Anything nautical will be risky considering the lack of cover and jumpiness we've seen from MANTIS lately." "Time to move, our satellites got a hit on a heavier section of the ship and signs of life nearby." "Looks liak a bust to me C'mander, whate'er signs of life y'all pic'tup wit dem sateelites curnt've com from dis 'er rekage, dam t'ing a'redy burnt'up on reentry." "There must be something down here. Keep her running while I get a closer look." "Huh, must be one of Pombe's crew. Hey pal, you out here investigating the wreckage? Looks like you beat us to it." "Not exactly. You got an extra pair of pants? Mine didn't survive the fire." To be continued...
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Location: Freegate - G02 Tags: Civil, Land Vehicle, Spaceship, Exploration While dropping supplies to mining startups on G02, Pilot John Hannibal noticed a strange circular formation on a glacier. Because Cantillon was already headed for the surface with OS-461, Hannibal decided to tag along with the Mercy Brandy's current land speeder to investigate the anomaly. There certainly appeared to be a man-made structure carved out of the ice and Hannibal circled around to get a closer look. When he did, he was "greeted" by some green-faced man, yelling in a foreign tongue orders Hannibal generally understood. Both stayed still, the green man with some sort of pike and Hannibal with a revolver he was not sure if the native had noticed. As the moment tensed, Hannibal caught the shadow of a ship coming overhead. Cantillon should not have the 461 in this sector. Hannibal risked angering the native to radio the Octan pilot. He didn't want to see the native killed, over such a simple misunderstanding. Cantillon - "Hannibal, I'm not in that sector but I'm on my way. Keep your comm open, the Mercy Brandy is coming in overhead." Hannibal stomach sinks. The mysterious ship drops in. The native doesn't move; eyes locked on Hannibal; pike back and ready to fly. [O - G02] Introduction to the Merchant Confederacy 3 by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr A door on the far side of the ship opens and the pilot barks something at the native that releases his stance. He appears to be human, but the markings on his ship are neither Kawashita nor M.A.N.T.I.S. The pilot approaches. Hannibal remains silent, keeping the native within his field of vision. [O - G02] Introduction to the Merchant Confederacy 4 by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr Callahan (the pilot) - "I've called off my man. Please call off your own. They will be overhead soon and I mean you no harm." Hannibal - "OS-461, Mercy Brandy, standby, but keep the airspace clear." Callahan - "Thank you. My name is Bridge Callahan. I represent the shareholders of the Merchant Confederacy. Who might you be?" [O - G02] Introduction to the Merchant Confederacy 5 by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr To be continued... The speeder and foliage was used in my Cat. B build, but I figured it wasn't scored so I could reuse it here. C&C greatly appreciated.
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Location: Freegate - G02 Tags: Civil, Spaceship, Exploration Continued from last week... After introductions, Callahan turned back to the green man and barked some type of orders. What followed Hannibal surmised was a heated argument, followed by a begrudged acquiescence from the green man. Smoothly and quietly the circular formation lifted to reveal a steep tunnel down. Callahan - "The Merchant Confederation would be honored to open negotiations with one of Octan's executives. I can open a policy guaranteeing your safety for the duration of your visit, with the Octan Corporation and any of your heirs as beneficiaries. You have nothing to fear from us." Hannibal - "I did come down here to explore... "Mercy Brandy, proceed onto your next drop. I'll activate my beacon whenever I'm ready for a pick up. Out." After a longer than expected argument with his assistant, Hannibal follows the green man down the tunnel, flanked by Callahan. Along the way, Hannibal prods for more information about the Merchant Confederacy. Callahan - "We're a loose organization not unlike your corporations. Out here there is little need for such a strictly structured organization, such as yours, and we do not benefit from affiliation with any government. We've developed over time out of a mutual understanding between merchants, their markets, and their customers. We are hopeful to develop such an understanding with Octan, as well." Hannibal - "Without government affiliation, how did you acquire the technology to make the jump through the Gate?" Callahan - "Mr. Hannibal, we didn't come through the Gate. My people have been here for thousands of years. Subjugated as slaves to alien overlords. Experimented on, mutated, engineered. I may look familiar to you, and we are of the same species, but there are galaxies between us." [O - G02] Merchant Confederacy 1 by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr Hannibal's stomach sinks again and the tunnel opens up to a hangar full of aliens and humans alike. Immediately in front of him are more green men, but with elaborate red cloaks and golden weapons. Callahan - "These are our hosts. The Emboians of Freegate jealously guard any guests taken under their care, which is why they are not to happy to see you. We've got a lot of people here right now, so outsiders make them nervous." Hannibal - "Yeah, I'm not getting a great vibe from them... Why are so many of your people here as 'guests.'" Callahan - "We won't be here long, what I want to show you will require a short trip, but it will help you understand our situation, and why we need Octan." [O - G02] Merchant Confederacy 2 by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr Hannibal is unnerved by the stares of the hangar full of strange people as they make their way to the small starfighter in front of them. The Emboians are strange, as are the well dressed fish men to his right, but the more human looking aberrations are somehow more distracting. Callahan - "The M.C.S. Gadfly will take us closer to the core. I would have taken you in my own ship but it doesn't have the speed or defenses that this ship can give us, and I couldn't risk your crew following us." They board the Gadfly and leave the hangar with two humans as crew to the ship. Callahan, while open about the make up of his Merchant Confederacy, is reluctant to talk about their destination. C&C appreciated
