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Water, the stuff of life. Arium Major is a vast sphere of water but rocks, the tips of gargantuan mountains, breach the waves. Where there is land there is life. A seed pod of a hardy tree floats upon the surface until such a time it makes land, any sort of land. It can take root even in the hardest of rock and reach up to the skies and sunlight, verdant green leaves burst forth and delicate crystal flowers bloom. Roots that find space limited as the tree grows will travel across voids, probing to find another solid footing to set themselves strong. Once the tree is mature and tall other settlers arrive to colonise the new oasis within the vast ocean. Strange and bulbous fungoid plants will take advantage of rock space too small for tree roots. These feed upon the pollens of the tree flowers and sometimes the small insects that are attracted to the larger flora. Hardy to the extreme and somewhat parasitic, once a single instance takes it's spores will even start growing from the Arbor Crystalis that made conditions ripe for other plant life. A strange hybridisation is taking place here, the small bulb of Ostrum joined with the tree and has caused the flowers to bloom purple. With both the Arbor Crystalis and Ostrum growing, Hook Lillies float over. These flowers, with their green/yellow pads, survive on the sap of trees that drips down during their season. They use the ocean currents to travel around the planet and reach trees during the season they drip their sap. As a migratory flower there is some debate as to whether they are truly plants or indeed some other type of creature. Also evident is the Spiked Peony, an attractive small flower that grows in the soil created from the rock and ocean detritus that the AC creates. The tree growth can powder the rock and provides a catch for sediments washed in by the sea. In the far corner there is also a Citrine Shoot, a plant of noticeable colour and a pleasing lime-like scent. It is true from Terra to the ends of the universe. All things strive. --- Report Ends--- -*- So, I needed some stress relief. Arium Major needed some flora. Looks like we both came out better for it!
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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 -
Activity- Exploration. Location- A05 Yallorn II Previously, Mark of Orion had helped in the occupation of Barnius and was disgruntled with his task of constructing a "very complex" sensor array... After complaining explaining to his superior officer, Second Branch Executive Ninja Nin, that he was more interested in exploring than assembling equipment, Mark was given a different mission on MANTIS' next target, Yallorn II. Mark was very pleased with the change of position, now he was free to wander around and explore an entirely new planet! Yallorn II was a particularly interesting place. Mark had decided to explore the southern sector along the coast. To his surprise, the normal earth tones of the soil gave way to mud of a deep blue color with small plateaus of clay on which vegetation abounded. Mark deduced that the tide was out, and the foliage in this vicinity was not capable of growing below the waterline. Mark's peaceful walk was interrupted by by his radio ringtone... "Mark here, what's up?" "Hey Mark, this is John." "Hey John! How's the view in your sector?" "Pretty good, But that's not why I'm calling..." "Oh?" "Yeah, my scanner says my area is clear, but that there is some unidentified lifeform activity near you. See anything?" Mark took a quick look around. "I don't see anything near, maybe there's something underground... I can see there being clams or something in this mud?" "Heh, probably nothing serious, just thought I'd call and check." "All right, much appreciated, John!" "Okay, see ya later!" "Later! Bye!" (Click) After hanging up with his co-worker, Mark reflected on the dangers of being too absorbed in the scenery. "Hmm, I should check my scanner more often, something big and ugly could creep up on me without me even knowing!" "The planet description did say "moderate alien activity" and..." The Ghastly Galloping Garctaloid of Yallorn II ! by Mark E., on Flickr Suddenly, Mark looked over his shoulder and realized that a huge alien had snuck up behind him!! "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!!" The ferocious alien bellowed and screeched as it galloped towards Mark! "GROGGLAAK!! SKREEEHHKK!! GROGGHLAAKK!!" Mark wasn't about to let himself get gobbled up! He quickly raised his MANTIS death ray blaster and fired into the belly of the beast! The enormous creature screeched out ten times louder than before! But the MANTIS death ray blaster is quite effective on most fleshly beings... The monster collapsed into a pile of squirming dismembered tentacles as it's gnashing mouth slowly stopped chomping in rage. Mark, in a rush of adrenaline and exuberance, dashed towards the dying creature and grabbed one of the limb-like tentacles. "What a monstrous brute! You could've been so useful to MANTIS! To bad there's no stun setting on my death ray blaster..." Mark, still clutching the limb, turned and continued on his exploration. "But all is not lost! I'm sure Big Sal or one of our other scientists will be able to concoct something absolutely terrifying with your DNA sample!" Yes, Mark was beginning to enjoy this exciting job! To Be Continued!
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Mission Log: Entry 5 ~ Commander, requesting immediate help from armed Special Forces troops - mission endangered! After deploying the probe to E10, we landed on Lesser Direstan. The first thing I noticed was.... everything was red. The ground, plants, rocks and weeds - all various shades of red. Only the water - which was what we had come for - was a standard shade of blue. After landing, I headed out to map the area and find the nearest water source. That part was easy - it was quickly located and a transmission sent back to the shuttle. It was then that I saw the alien... thing. I had foolishly disregarded the warning of "Intense Alien Activity" when we landed and had not brought a weapon or a means of defence of any sort. I was hopelessly unequipped and could only stand, frozen with fear, as the monstrous shape arose from the ground, awakened by my footsteps. It snarled, baring massive fangs, and lunged at me with its colossal, clawed hands. For a moment it had me, caught in its grasp, then I fell to the ground with a bump which knocked the wind out of me. I sprang to my feet and ran, stumbling blindly through the blood-red foliage, tripping and clawing my way through the tree roots and undergrowth. Survival was the only thing on my mind - in my terror I forgot the direction of the shuttle (a potentially fatal mistake). Now I'm crouched under an overhanging rock, listening to the alien tearing up the surrounding ferns in an attempt to find me. I need backup, and quickly! Minus my sig-fig and the alien: [ I had a lot of fun building this. C&C welcome! ]
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Location: A07 Lesser Direstan Tags: Land/Water Vehicle, Piracy, Spying =================================================================================================================================================== Begin Log, Chapter 1, Part: 004: “Planet hoppin’ is a semi-fun task. Anyways, I’ve been on a boat for the last couple hours. Even though the air on this part of the planet has been recorded as breathable, I will NOT trust it, kinda a pet peeve of mine. I really won't breath on an alien planet without a purifier near by. Thank Kawashita that this boat isn’t big enough for PauL to get on…He VOLUNTEERED to come with me, there’s barely enough space for me! Oh what do we have here? You look like some of the people that Koro reported. The Dust Demons. Computer, begin transmission with PauL. Computer: Yes sir. PauL: Yes sir? Paul, I’m going to need permission from headquarters to engage a long Dust Demon. PauL: Okay sir, first off, I need to record at least one line of the Dust Demon and I need a description of what he is doing. Okay, I’ll get you a line. Computer, amplify the Dust Demon's speech. Computer: Relaying Now: Ugh, terrible planet, but great money for exporting these, by Dues, they are beauties! These babies are gonna get me a whole lot of gold stuff. I just basically repeated myself…I gotta get ‘em of this planet though. Why do people on Orinshi love these threes? And oh my! I’m talking to myself again… Computer: He’s is now silent. Okay, PauL did you get that? Yes sir, but I still need your description of what he is doing. HE’S GETTING TREES TO SMUGGLE ONTO ORINSHI FOR CRYING OUT LOUD PAUL! Sorry, I exploded again, anyways, don’t add the 'for crying out loud PauL' please. PauL: Okay sir. ...Brief Silence.... P (cont.): Permission to Engage Granted Roger that PauL! Surprise you little demon! Demon: Where'd you come fr— Threat Neutralized. PauL: Good. Yeah now what PauL? I could hang here, seems like the oxygen here is breathable, I wont trust it though till we get a purifier here. PauL: Is everything loaded onto the boat? Yup PauL: Sir, we must take the body and supplies back to HQ for investigation. *sigh* Okay, well maybe I can redeem my Kawashita Land Grant Permissions on this planet...At a later date of course. PauL: Let's get going please... Close Log, Chapter 1, Part 004 =================================================================================================================================================== More Pics in the spoiler! This was a fun build, because I have never actually built good trees before! Yet funny how these trees are not normal trees. Yes, Kawashita has Land Grants on conquered planets. I think. I needed some sort of smuggler, so I figured Koro's may as well work so that it could fit in to continuity because of the Dust Demons being close by. Anyways: C & C Welcome! ~Beltar
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Location: B08 - Greater Direstan Tags: Military Log #003 – 5 Junali 3815 Since last week was very exhausting in the Hamilton Belt, I asked the KG (Kawashita Group), If I could get a week off, but my request was denied. They need me for a new mission to Greater Direstan. However, I could be part of a team of explorers and guards. This way I could take It a little more easy. Laying my eyes on the enormous grassy plains of Greater Direstan are a blessing for the soul. Until... I spotted from far away, through the high grass a greyish figure. While carefully sneaking from behind, to see If he's part of our team or a lost Space Pirate. I pointed my gun at his back and I told him to drop his weapon, which he did. I searched him and jammed his transceiver. The captured Space Pirate seems to be identical from Koro's report at the Desatoya Mountains; a soldier from the Dust Demons! As he's begging me not to kill him, he seems to be a lost rookie. He keeps whimpering that he didn't wanted to join the Dust Demons, but It's not my job to believe his excuses. KG should interrogate him before we deliver him to the Galactic Court or else the Dust Demons are at an advantage... Complete view:
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Location: F09 - Arium Minor Tags: Science, Octan, Civil, Vehicle // PERSONAL DIARY // As a recent graduate of the Octan Science Academy (with honors!) I was excited to see my first assignment in the real world. I'd been sent to Arium Minor to work with Dr. Martenz. I hadn't been quite sure what I would be doing, but it felt good to finally be able to contribute and Dr. Martenz was well regarded within the company. Upon arrival at the Octan Corp ship on planet I introduced myself to Dr. Martenz and was a bit saddened by how little attention he seemed to pay to my arrival. He seemed distracted by his work and quite busy. He said that some of the local alien pathogens were fascinating and had a lot of potential in the biomass field. He then said he needed me to take a pair of monkeys from Medical down to the Lab. They had been exposed to some of the pathogens and he needed them monitored. I tried to tell him that while I minored in xenobiochemology that my primary field of expertise was robotics including drones and autonomous vehicles. He asked if I had taken the "REQUIRED clinicals" at the academy, to which I had to say I had. We were short staffed at the moment he explained and given that I knew the proper safety protocols and had a containment suit I would need to contribute to the needs of the company and not be as worried about my own desires. "There will be plenty of opportunities to play with your robots!" he said rather dismissively. Obviously he thought of himself as a true scientist and I was merely a boy playing with toys to him. But he was an important scientist and I didn't want to make a bad first impression so I complied. I had been a bit worried about his repeated warnings to keep my containment suit on and NOT let the monkeys escape. Plus it was disconcerting that he asked if all of my next of kin info had been filled out. The dart gun mounted near my seat seemed more for show than to actually be used. I made sure to drive very carefully and ensure my cargo made it to the Lab safely. It may not be how I pictured my post-Academy life, but it certainly isn't boring! Apologies for the bad pictures and quick build, I joined mid-week and thus was quite rushed. Hopefully churn out better stuff going forward! Go Octan!
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Activity - Exploration. Location - Guinevere - A06 The overall strategy of MANTIS™ HQ was being revealed with each planet its associates occupied. They had dashed a straight line to Guinevere, a humble volcanic desert planet with one huge attraction to explorers and conquerors alike, GOLD. Yes, mighty MANTIS™ needed gold. And it seemed that a rival corporation, Kawashita, needed gold too, as they had also made a beeline to planet A06! Previously, Mark of Orion had successfully survived a harrowing mission on Yallorn II. As a reward for his brave service in shooting a dangerous pest, he was transferred to the First Branch Division Exploration Team. Captain Brutus checked the sight on his MANTIS™ Death Ray Blaster© "So, Spikes, what do you think of the new transfers?" Spikes took a long sip from his glowing flask. "Hard to say Brutus, If they survive this mission they should be able to handle anything!" "You got THAT right. Lew is from Special Forces, he should be ok. Malcolm is a newbie and he probably won't be ok... What about this Mark guy? His resume said "extensive interstellar piracy experience"! I think he'll fit right in!" Spikes spat out his second sip. PHHIFF! "Cough-cough"... "Wait, Mark? As in, Orion?" "Yeah, you heard of 'im?" "Yes! I had the misfortune to run into him and his ship on a trader just off of Rallawok III a few years back!" Brutus raised his only eyebrow. A bionic implant rested in the socket of the other eye. "What happened?!" Spikes grinned as he wiped the green liquid from his stubbled mouth. "Don't ask. Just know if he's with us, we should do well." Brutus inspected his new crew with his single critical eye. "Looking right, rough, and ready, men!... Wait a second! Lew, that flame-job decal on your helmet is NOT up to regulation..." Lew looked furious. "SO?!?" Brutus grinned. "Haha! Right answer! I like a brave trooper! You can keep it, Lew! All right troops, grab what gear you want! Don't carry more than you need!" The MANTIS™ operatives quickly picked out their favorite weapons and scanners. Lew and Malcolm snatched some Phasers. Mark grabbed his favorite MANTIS™ Death Ray Blaster© and Bert picked up a long-range handheld scanner. Bert looked around nervously. "Uh, hey. You didn't taste anything weird in the cafeteria lunch yesterday, did you?" Mark didn't look surprised. "Nope, I don't usually eat at the cafeteria..." "Well I haven't felt right since! I think it was those maggots." "That's why I don't usually eat at the cafeteria..." Brutus bellowed in his deep scratchy voice. "Ok, guys gather 'round! We're gonna have a little "pep-talk"!" "Ok, As you know, Kawashita is just as interested in this planet as we are. They could potentially have drones, ground troops, and their famous battle mechs on the surface already..." If you see ANYTHING with different corporate colors than ours, shoot first and ask questions later. I'm sure they will be doing the same. Unless you are totally outgunned, in which case, retreat as fast as possible. Get in, find gold, and get out! Understood?!" Brutus nodded to Spikes. "Open the door!" The armored visor on Brutus' helmet snapped shut. "And remember, DON'T GET KILLED! The entire previous crew DID! Let's go!" With that stirring speech, Brutus leapt out the open doorway! The entire crew (aside from Spikes) followed suit. Mark of Orion was beginning to wonder what he had gotten into... To Be Continued! (Begin commentary) Man! This AG stuff is addicting! Really enjoying this purposeful and exciting foray into the sci-fi genre! Here are some normal lighting/background shots of the Moc and figs- From left to right, Malcolm, Mark, Brutus, Lew, Bert, and Spikes. MANTIS Dropship Interior. by Mark E., on Flickr
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Excerpt from the logs of Captain Carter: Date: 19 Junali 3815 Time: 0906 hours Location: En route to Terrial Major Comments: The pilots tell me we'll arrive at Terrial Major in approximately 2 hours. Our mission is to map the surface since no one has been here since the first Gate explorers. As usual, their description of the planet is brief: "A massive, freezing planet. The entire planet is basically a ball of frozen pure water. Vicious local wildlife." --- Time: 1138 hours Location: Skies of Terrial Major Comments: Well, the description was accurate, save for the fact that there doesn't seem to be any wildlife at all, let alone anything dangerous. There's just vast, almost entirely featureless snow, as far as the eye can see. The tedious landscape is doing nothing to distract me from the stomach troubles that have been plaguing me all week. --- Time: 1443 hours Location: Skies of Terrial Major Comments: Just as I was about to order to crew out of the atmosphere, having seen nothing but snow for hours, we spotted a small patch of tan on the horizon along with a thin line of blue. At last, something that wasn't white! As we approached the tan resolved itself into a small forest of sickly looking trees, around 10 metres tall. The blue line was in fact a crevasse with liquid water at the bottom! I suspect the presence of the trees near liquid water is no coincidence, though how they can gain any benefit from it is beyond me - the crevasse must be at least 30 metres deep. On even closer approach we finally spotted the wildlife. Camouflaged in white, two titanic reptilian creatures engaged in a territorial battle! The early explorers were right to call them vicious, but I'm amazed they didn't mention the sheer size of the creatures - they tower over the nearby trees! These creatures definitely warrant further study, and could make a valuable asset for the glory of MANTIS! Excerpt ends. I have to congratulate the judges for this competition - it was a great stimulus for me to build outside of my comfort zone. Comments and criticism of the result welcome! More pics in the spoiler:
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Location: E10 Traig IV Tags: Military, (land) Vehicle, Spying ===================================================================================== Begin Log, Chapter 1, Part: 005: “Ah, this is going to be more like a diary today. So the labboys decided that I could finally meet some people in person. It was a wonderful feeling. Till I learned they were putting me on Traig IV…A barren rock with water, but it gets worse. I was in the Polar region. I am here for a couple days before going on the front to possibly fight octan…Anyways, I got to meet some of my old friends, Sonja, Romily, and Rodrigo, along with my sensei…Wu, no no, Ru. He might have had a bit more ‘fun’ than he bargained for… I’ll get to that later. My friends convinced me to take of my oxygen mask. And thank them for forcing PauL on the ship. There’s a base a few clicks due east that Operative Q set up, I hope I don’t run into him…Might be awkward (I also don’t remember if he filed a report about my behavior…I hope he didn’t…)…because that is where I’m staying overnight. Well before I go onto Ru’s fun event. I’ll go to mine. Oh, yeah, I’m sti..st..stii?...siil? PauL: I believe you mean still. Yeah, yeah, wait are you spying on me? OUT! NOW OUT! But yeah, I’m still better than Rodrigo. He hasn’t gotten much better. Yet somehow, SOMEHOW he got a job high up in Kawashita. I think he’s a personal guard for a Captain of a Warship. Yeah, a CAPTAIN OF A WARSHIP doesn’t know how to FEND FOR HIMSELF. I think HE EVEN GETS PAID 73 CREDITS ON AVERAGE! I AVERAGE 33 and 43 working OVERTIME! And oh yeah, I brought paychecks into this! And there’s Sonja fighting Romily. She was the best of our class. I was the only one other than Ru that could last against her. And during that, she threw her armor at Rom for a distraction. Yeah,I was always out matched with a 1 v 1 with her. I’ll make it to the 3rd of 5th round. Ru can defeat her. No one else can make it past 2. I hear she gets paid 103 Credits. HOW! IN THE *** DOES SHE DO THAT! MY KAWASHITA CHECK SAYS MAX IS 76! And then Ru decided to come check on us after meditating for a while. Due to the massive amount of Octan activity in the nearby GATES, Octan sent some spies to figure out our tactics, weapons, and fighting styles. And that Octan spy was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was screwed. Zip. Not a chance. Dead. 6 feet under. No way. At all. Then the Octan spy thought he could take on an old man. WRONG OLD MAN BUD. HE SHOULDA RAN! HE SHOULDA NEVER CAME! PauL: Excuse me sir, are you okay? YOU’RE STILL HERE? AND YES I AM! GET OUT OF MY ROOM! PauL: siryessir… Ru always has a dagger on ‘im. Ru always aims for the legs. I remember the time that that man nearly cut of mine. I FELT THE BLADE IN MY HIPS, I HAD TO GO TO A HOSPITAL AFTER THAT FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! PauL: sir… OUT! … OUT OUT OUT! Okay, that’s all folks. I know you’re here. Not a figment of imagination. You’re listening reading this now. Cya later. And I do hope that no one at HQ actually listens to these… Close Log, Chapter 1, Part 005 ===================================================================================== More Pics in spoiler! Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed. To Q: I attempted to make him a bit more insane…I don’t really know if it worked…And did you file a report to HQ? C and C welcome! ~Beltar
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Excerpt from the lab book of Big Sal: Date: 14 Junali 3815. Experiment Code: L3A05. Lead Scientist: Big Sal. Laboratory: Yallorn II, Laboratory Outpost 3. Aim: Analyse items obtained by field agents. Excerpt ends. Ah, it’s good to be back in the lab. I can’t believe how long it took to analyse all of Lafevre’s seaweed samples after she inconsiderately got herself killed. I’ll be happy if I never see another plant for the rest of my life. Right, let’s see if I can figure out this… thing… that Arariel stole from Kawashita. At times like these, delicate scientific technique is called for. This thing is useless! I bet Arariel just swiped the first ornament he saw from the public lobby of that museum then came back and made up some story about his amazing infiltration skills. Maybe I’ll have more luck with the tentacle from the creature Mark of Orion encountered here. Can’t be bothered with DNA analysis, I’ll just inject some awesomnium extract and see what happens… … … … Ugh, looks like it’s just going to be one of those days when nothing works. Excerpt from the lab book of Big Sal: Method: Conducted highly scientific analysis of object K-5654 and Yallorn II xenos sample. Results: Detailed analysis of both items revealed nothing of use to M.A.N.T.I.S. Conclusions: None. Safety Report: None. Excerpt ends. Was that a ship landing outside? Best go check it out. Alright mate, got a delivery for Big Sal. That’s me. Nice one pal, I’ve been all over the place trying to deliver this. Sign here please. Righto. What have you got for me? What the hell?? What's with all the plants?! Long story mate. They were meant to go to Dr Lefevre on Barnius, but when I showed up there it turned out she was dead. So I look at the personnel files and the next most qualified botanist is Dr Johnson on Linopeia III. Would you believe it, I turn up there and he’s dead too! Never knew plants were so dangerous, heh heh. Anyway, I figured I’d just bring them to the ranking scientist to deal with, and that’s you. But I hate plants! Take them to Dr Arkov! Nah pal, you signed for ‘em, see? Not my problem any more. But… but… See ya! Didn't have time to do everything I wanted with the story, but oh well. I tried to include as much stuff from other M.A.N.T.I.S. builds as I could. Comments and criticism welcome! More pics, including proof that the lab is inside the building, in the spoiler.
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EDIT #2~ Here is my updated Challenge 1 entry! A Desert Butte on Guinevere. 20x20 studs, unedited and no figs. Not exactly superior to my larger scene/story below, but it's the best I could do in 30 minutes! Below is a freebuild based on my previous build, which would not qualify for the challenge (And I do not want to delete it!). Please do not consider it in judging. Begin A06 Freebuild- AG Challenge 1 by Mark E., on Flickr The pristine desert landscape of Guinevere. Only erosion and wind has disturbed these majestic canyons. Until now that is...... When we last left Mark of Orion, he had just jumped from a MANTIS™ dropship onto the surface of Guinevere. Upon contact, the MANTIS™ associates had divided into two teams, one led by Captain Brutus, and the other by Mark. Malcolm strode along with an air of pompous self-importance. "I don't understand why you went back to the ship once you heard we had to split up! What's the deal? Are you afraid of going off on your own?" Mark rolled his eyes. "I don't want to take the risk of walking blind. I had a near-death experience with a 20 foot alien on my last mission and I'm only alive now because a friend of mine was paying attention to the scanner. I'm not so stupid that I can't learn a lesson..." Malcolm grinned like a baked possum. "You were a space pirate or something weren't you?" Mark nodded and continued to scan the rock formations. "Yeah, something like that." Malcolm plodded along after Mark, now oblivious to his surroundings. "You must have not been a very good one if they caught you..." Mark's brow wrinkled. And it was only his solemn duty to MANTIS™ that prevented his teaching insolent Malcolm firsthand the hazardous effects of a certain MANTIS™ Death Ray Blaster© he had strapped to his back. "Avoiding the law is like a marathon, the run is long, but there is a definite end." Malcolm laughed. "Brain over brawn, dude! It's smarts that count in the corporate world." Mark sighed. This was going to be a tiresome mission. "A little physical competence never hurts. Speaking of which, are you covering those cliffs? My scanner reads no lifeforms but something or someone could be cloaked." Malcolm waved his hand as if shooing a fly away. "Relax, man, there's nothing out here! Brutus just likes some drama. There's absolutely nothing to worry abou...(GASP) LOOK OUT!!!!" Malcolm had glanced up at the cliff in question and was horrified by the sight of three armored Kawashita special forces agents! He quickly raised his hand phaser to fire at the enemy! But alas, he was too late! With a bright flash, a nano beam from the Kawashita special forces agent vaporized poor Malcolm on the spot! BRRZAAKKK!!! *Pooof* As soon as Mark heard the shot, he dropped his scanner, drew his MANTIS™ Death Ray Blaster©, and dove towards the canyon wall in one quick motion. He was none too soon! Another nano beam hit the spot Mark was standing milliseconds before! Mark snapped up against the rock wall, blaster ready, and listened for the enemy. He didn't get a chance to see where they were. It wasn't a minute before a taunting voice echoed across the valley. "Come out, come out, wherever you are! Mwahaha!" Another Kawashitan voice chimed in. "Don't worry, Zeloot. He won't get away. This is like shooting a fish in a barrel!" Mark began to analyze his situation as he noticed the small pile of ash where Malcolm stood a minute ago... With the help of a soaring pulse and a rush of adrenaline, a clever plan for survival sprung to mind. The ex-space pirate carefully drew out a small capsule that he had been keeping in his spacesuit. Mark mused to himself, they probably haven't seen this in Kawashita before... Without further thought, Mark threw the small cylinder up towards the jeering voices. The Kawashian special forces anticipated a conventional method of attack. "HAND GRENADE! QUICK, FIRE!" Before they could fire, however, the "hand grenade" let out a powerful electron pulse which promptly zapped the nano beam rifles of Mark's foes! ...Immediately rendering their weapon battery cells useless! Mark didn't wish to let his enemies recover from their shock, and so fired up his Awesomnium Powered Jetpack! Mark now glared eye to eye with the helpless Kawashita employees as he cocked his MANTIS™ Death Ray Blaster© four feet from their faces! "You were SAYING?!?!?!" To Be Continued! (Begin commentary) No hard feelings to my dark red friends! Clearly a truce is in your best interests since you are technologically inept in combat. Here are a few shots on a plain background for those who prefer them! Enjoy! The Dire Deserts of Death. by Mark E., on Flickr EDIT* I now realize I didn't read the rules. Shucks! Unless I can find time to fix this consider this a freebuild.
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Transmission: Pilot C Cade It's good to be cleared for active duty again, I think passing the re-tests for Pilot certification with flying colours let the newbies know that a Level Black Pilot isn't someone to dismiss even if the grading system changed in the past decades. H03, or Kaalin to give it a name, is a little bleak but nowhere near as soul grasping as the blackness of space. At least here there are radio comms to pick up on, transponders pinging on the board and someone replying when you buzz HQ. These sky cycles are pretty spiffy too, they were sketches on napkins when I first came across them but the years of active service have made them a dream to fly. Hopefully I'll have time for a little fun once we've staked a claim here on Kaalin, or maybe I'll get a chance on some planet with a little more to look at. Cade signing off. ------- I love space and sky cycles, they're something I have played since I was little. At the infants school I attended (ages 4-7) there were big boxes of donated LEGO with a few very battered classic motorcycles. These things were in a state, no wheels, sometimes no front fork. But with a little imagination they became space bikes. With these new fairings I've been able to create all kinds of cool space-bikes. Oh, and the write up in character is laying down the groundwork for the life history and current times of Chrysanthemum Cade.
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Spencer's diary, 7 Junali, 3815 After last week's debacle on Hennigan II (the Div9-R walker ended up wrecked in a water-filled sinkhole that it failed to detect) it was a great relief to be relocated to Xerillian. Even if it is a dustball, my first assignment is a milk run - escorting exploration expert Lu Caslaug-Hing back from her 'beach holiday' at the planet's only substantial body of surface water. This OC-117 hovercar is top of the range, the senior management must think highly of Ms Caslaug-Hing. I hear she made some interesting discovery on Hennigan II. The OC-117 is fast and comfortable, and its zero-downdraft hover tech means that it doesn't even kick up much dust. I hope they let me keep it!
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Corporation: Octan Planet: G07 - Hennigan II Job: Pilot +++++++++ START TRANSMISSION +++++++++ O.C.S. Axle, this is O.C.S. Bident. Thanks to Lu’s report we now have a much better understanding of what we’re dealing with on Hennigan II. I feel we should be cautious about this alien artifact. For all we know the ones who created it are still around. And who knows how many others artifacts there are? Anyway, if anyone thinks of challenging us, I WILL use lethal force. I don’t care about the Octan Conduct Manual! It was written in an age where alien threats weren’t something we had to be wary of and I’m not losing another comrade again! … I er-… Got a bit carried away there. You know what? Delete this transmission, okay? +++++++++ END TRANSMISSION +++++++++
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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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---Comm. Pilot Cade Channel 005--- Well, this little mite is a strange one for a space-jockey like me. Not Sure I like these touchscreen control panels you've installed. Stick and yoke gives a better feel. Can't say I'd be glad to play with this one in-atmosphere, though it seems okay for playing sheepdog up here in orbit. Just how many EVA Techs do you expect to need rescuing for one threading operation? *BsSSzzZZt* Spoke too soon, there goes one, off to experience the vastness of space 'twere not for me. ---Comm. Close--- The Skipper class space skid/cruiser was designed for traffic operations between orbital stations situated above Octan assets. They ran cargo and crew-coach pods until the permanent orbital ring-transit system was put in place. Once assets grew in number well beyond the scope of each needing such dedicated installations as a Ringworld, these smaller craft were used in conjunction with the EVA teams who work in the construction of the Space Elevators on the orbital end of things. Running around the station much like a sheepdog around a herd of sheep, the craft fetch any EVA Tech who comes loose from their tether and brings them back to station. A vital safety feature and lifesaver on many occasions, any pilot who does a stint on a Skipper never wants for a drink at any bar with an EVA Tech. Octan has had to regulate the replication of service patches and pins as some ne'er do wells were using falsified Skipper service badges for free libations. -*- Just another little craft I put together. At first I put in wings, but once I decided it was for orbit only I scrapped the out of place feature to keep the lines cleaner. The 5 here now designates the asset number instead of the racing number it began life as.
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Mission 5 Diving Rig Buoy Operations Location: Wastyria [H09] Tags: Civil, Ocean Engineering Leroy: Hi there Boxerlego. I'm Leroy, over there is Steve, and that is Jill. Welcome to the Octan Diving Platform. Boxerlego: Thanks, It nice to finally step foot on the diving platform I designed. Lets get things going. I will get the raft ready. Leroy: Alright, First let do a quick equipment check before we start. Steve how is the Air tanks. Steve: Air pressure is at max Leroy. Leroy: Great! Now get to the lower deck Steve and get the buoys ready. Jill how is the diving gear. Jill: Diving gear is ready. Leroy: Great Jill! Now get a life vest on and grab a radio. Then get the in raft with boxer and be ready to head out. You will be driving the raft around while Boxer deploys the buoys. I will be keeping a look out from here. Jill: Roger Leroy. Hey Steve, Make sure the buoys are secure on the rope. I don't want one coming undone while I'm out driving. Steve: Looks likes all buoys are secured good Jill. Boxer did a good job. Leroy: Good now let get those buoys in the water Steve. How is everything Boxerlego. Boxerlego: I'm finish with getting raft free from the dock and wrapping up the rope in the raft. Jill: Fantastic. Now move over and make some space for me so I can start the engine up. (raft starts to make motor boat noise "pup-put-put-pup-put") Boxerlego: Here we go!
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Participants: Master Data, Agent G Begin Log: I'm supposed to pick up yet another food shipment from the labs on Hunston to deliver to our forces throughout the sector. I suspect that one of the opposing corporations is going to try and sabotage my mission, so I've brought Agent G to ensure I make it there in one piece. Scanning the island chains for Big Sal's lab. I'm supposed to pick up a shipment of some new type of larva for the cafeteria. Hold on, I'll run a scan of the surrounding islands. Computer, set us on course for Big Sal's lab. Computer: Of course sir... You are 12,000,000 space-specs off course. Preparing to recalculate. GAHHH! Computer, why couldn't you warn us earlier?! I don't want a repeat of last time! KABOOM! We've been hit! What? There aren't any other corporations on this planet yet! Computer: It appears that the Kawashitan malware you picked up on Guinevere activated a M.A.N.T.I.S. defense drone. Useless computer... Agent G, blast it! I can't - you didn't build any guns into the ship! Oh...well, I hope you can swim! Master Data, I hope you haven't left yet! The order just got cancelled! Something about causing stomach problems across the sector... So that's what it was...
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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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Excerpt from the lab book of Big Sal: Date: 18 Junali 3815. Experiment Code: K7C02. Lead Scientist: Big Sal. Laboratory: M.A.N.T.I.S. Supply Ship, Kitchen 7. Hunston orbit. Excerpt ends. ...and how are my improvements to the water hydrolyser turning out? Very well sir! The last batch of water was over 160% hydrolysed! Excellent! How are the enhanced larvae doing Hamilton? They're growing well Sal - we're on target for 100% coverage in the cafeterias this week. Fantastic! It's such a relief to be doing real science again after all those plants... Excerpt from the lab book of Big Sal: Aim: Improve physical abilities of M.A.N.T.I.S. personnel through enhanced foodstuffs. Method: Awesomnium serum was introduced to larvae growth media. Prediction: Personnel eating the enhanced larvae will show enhanced physiology. Excerpt ends. SAL! Chief Accountant Long! I didn't know you were... I mean, what a pleasure to see you! You're looking as beautiful as ever! Spare me the sarcasm Sal. I'm here to shut this little experiment of yours down. What? But it's only been running a week! I need more time! Absolutely not. Shut it down. We've been getting reports of stomach problems and nausea from across the organisation all week. That could be coincidence! We've only had one larvae Friday so far, it'll take more time for the results to manifest. The costs are minimal! Sal, in the last week our toilet paper bill went up by 600%! And yet none of the troops have developed the superhuman powers you promised. Not to mention the effect on morale if the troops work out it's the grubs making them sick. Larvae Friday is the highlight of the week for them! This experiment is over. Excerpt from the lab book of Big Sal: Results: None. Experiment terminated early. Conclusions: None possible. Excerpt ends. Thanks to my team mates for taking the time to work this story into their builds all week! Comments and criticism welcome
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Spencer's Diary, 21 Junali, 3815 Midsummer's Day on old Terra. Funny, really, it's a fairly meaningless concept when you find yourself on a new planet every week, each with its own unique year and idiosyncratic seasons. But somehow this date always seems like a marker to me, a time to reflect on what has gone before and whether our path is taking us where we set out to be, or has somehow strayed into stranger regions than we thought possible. Some years this date was found me in harsh, hostile places - that lava moon back in the outer rim, or taking cover from solar flares on New Mercury. On days like that, you do wonder how you ended up there! But other times, just sometimes, you find yourself in a place of breathtaking beauty. This year's like that; at least from my initial approach, Arium Major seems like an unspoilt paradise. The cliffs that ring the globe where the ocean meets the polar continents almost looks like somethıng from Old Terra, before the wars and the environmental reconditioning. All in all, perhaps I am in the right place...
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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: 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: 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:
