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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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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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//"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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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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Note: Chronologically this occurs before most of the other G08 builds. Location: G08 Tags: science, exploration //"Log date 319, this is Dr. Danielle Long, recording from the sink-hole riddled dune seas of Planet G08, or, Xerillian. Orbital sensors detected massive biomass readings, however, our efforts to uncover the source of these readings have been futile up until now. Tomorrow we will begin testing our new hand-held Biomass detectors, in effort to figure out where these readings are coming from... Dr. Long Signing off."// //Log date 320, this is Dr. Danielle Long. I am accompanying a pair of Octancorp brand troops, who will be testing our corporation's latest invention: The handheld Biomass detector. Signing off for now."// //"This is Dr. Long with a status update. It's coming from underground. I've tasked the troopers to investigate one of these sinkholes, and the readings are getting stronger. I suspect that the life on this planet is hidden beneath the dune seas.... Wait... Something's moving! The creature seems arthropod-like in form... resembling an earth lobster or scorpion." "Trooper, grab that specimen for me! I wish to inspect it's xenophysiology in my lab!" "Log note: There are more of them now... crawling out of the sinkhole... wow. They just keep coming..." "Trooper! Grab that specimen quickly! Let's observe this from a safe distance!" Trooper1: "Ah! What the Yetornius! They're everywhere! Shit! it bit me!" "....How does it feel?" Trooper1: "I... I can't feel anything! My whole leg's numb! Ah! There's more! make it stop! Make it stop!" "Fascinating... Log note: These creatures seem to induce a numbing effect upon biting would-be-prey." Trooper2: "..." "I need to attend to this matter. Dr. Long signing off."// "Grab me a sample you blithering fools!" Swarm Behavior The desert without the SPET or Dr. Long. (Those Trooper's are toast!) So, I didn't have time this week to build a new ship, but luckily the SPET (Scientific Personnel and Equipment Transport was still kicking around from last week. Those "dunes" were a pain in the rear to figure out, and I think in the future I'll use a different technique than the interwoven round snot you see here, but hey, I'm a scientist, and science is about throwing stuff at the wall to see what sticks! Also, this gives me a chance to show off one of the SPET's unseen features: Opening cockpit: So, remember kids! Science is written by the survivors: Yes this was all just a sneaky way to brag about my sexy scorpion collection. My babies... This isn't even all of them either... ~Insectoid Aristocrat
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Octan Training Facility: Yetornius, southern pole Carved out of the super-heated rock of Yetornius, Octan's new training facility houses two contained habitats and access to flora and fauna of I06's own inhabitants. Each enclosure provides new hires with limitless dangers and trials at the hands of the galaxies most feared inhabitants. While nobody is quite sure what interim CEO John Hannibal deposited inside of the damp, jungle bioshere of Containment 1, the student's can't help but see the hungry sand worm slithering beneath the surface of Containment 3. The campus is powered by an adjacent river of lava, houses thousands of new applicants (graduates few), has personal quarters and landing platform for the company CEO, and room for the comings and goings of the companies starship fleet, their pilots, scientists, explorers, drivers, and military personnel.
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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: 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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Location: G07 Tags: Science, Exploration, Vehicles Earlier, on H05. //"Log date 317, this is Dr. Danielle Long, Recording from the surface of Planet H05. My second day on this miserable planet has been much more eventful than the first. After receiving a transmission from one of our Engineers, Big Z, as the crew calls him, I was able to devise a method by which a prospector on this planet might reliably discover Awesomnium without the use of our advanced detector technology. The key to finding sub-surface deposits of Awesomnium is a very distinctive "bush." Found planet-wide, this bush only grows in Awesomnium rich soil. I've gathered several specimens for research aboard the O.C.S. Axle, and tested the surrounding soil with Sc119, or as the crew calls it: Hound. I'll be returning to Orbit shortly. Dr. Long signing off."// Conclusions Drawn --------------------------- Later, aboard the O.C.S. Axle. "Greetings, Comrade." "Greetings, Danielle. Have you gotten a chance to look over my Science Outpost request? I've detected very promising readings from a sector on the Northern Pole of H05." "I did review your work. Excellent adherence to protocol. We did send out a scouting mission lead by Horsleben, and work is underway for a permanent mining facility to be installed... however your request is being denied." "Wait... but why? I'm fully capable of working planet-side on this." "I know you are... but we're needed elsewhere. The Axle always follows the primary fleet... and the fleet is moving out." "You mean...?" "Yes. Domination has been achieved. H05 is ours. Now we begin firming our control over the nearby planets." "So... Where does this leave me?" "We will be needing a lab on G07 to test the water there for potability, in addition to performing routine environmental studies. This will be your new assignment. Go over the plans with Big Z. He's disembarking from the Axle shortly. I'm sure you'll have much to discuss." "So, Octan's reach is extending. Excellent." "You know what they say: Kawashita thinks red is the color of domination, and MANTIS thinks green is. They're both right!" --------------------------- Later still, on G07: //"Log date 322, this is Dr. Danielle Long. Preliminary reports from Hennigan II show bountiful water resources, but inedible biomass. This will have to be researched. Samples collected. Etc. I have my drones working on that now. There are more pressing matters, however. One of our explorers has reported an... "Unknown Artifact..." which is Octan code for a really interesting anomaly... Potentially produced by highly intelligent non-human lifeforms. That's why we send the explorers out first. They have a knack for picking up on interesting finds. Some say it's fate, or luck, but I don't believe in any of that. I will be inspecting this report, and employing the assistance of an explorer by the name of Jacques LaRose, one of my fellow executives. I've dispatched an Sc212 drone to locate him. Shouldn't be too hard. Dr. Long out."// Arial Observation and Personnel Location --------------------------- //"This is Dr. Danielle Long: Status update: In transit to location of G07 anomaly aboard one of our Scientific Personnel and Equipment Transporters. None of the hostile "butterfly"-like lifeforms have been observed, however I have noted several large arthropoidal creatures camouflaged in the grasses. They appear bovine and docile. We should be arriving at our destination soon."// Take Me to the River Take Me to the River Take Me to the River Out Standing in Her Field Sorry for the multiple Vigs. I got a bit carried away. Also sorry for the mediocre pictures of the centerpiece carrier craft. I didn't have much time, but I'll upload better ones later... probably too late for the judging, mais c'est la vie. Updated with some better pics. ~Dr. Long
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"Log date 316, This is Dr. Danielle Long, recording from the surface of planet H05, or Livgorn. My Sc106 probe drone and I successfully landed at 1200 hours Farmolis time... which translates to roughly mid-morning here, although the days are faster. Sc106 and I are scouting the immediate vicinity of my landing point for signs of hostile life and to collect samples. Supposedly there are deposits of Awesomnium beneath the ground not too far from here. I will look into this. First observation: This place reeks of urine. Likely this is due to abnormally high concentrations of urea in the atmosphere. I suspect this has to do with the wildlife. To confirm my suspicions, I have tasked Sc106 with the collection of multiple samples of the native "Flora" and "Fauna." The air is breathable. I imagine that means these "xeno-plants" are conventionally photosynthetic. I cannot wait to perform experiments on these xenobiological organisms in my lab... and get out of this fetid fen. Second observation: I should have worn a heavier jacket. It's positively frigid, and I'm currently within the tropical zone. Status update complete. Dr. Long, signing off." //Survey// //Specimen Acquisition// ~Dr. Long
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Location: Donwarr, E01 Tags: Spaceship, Land Vehicle, Civil Building "Sir, he should be awake now." "Don't do this Cantillon, We both know John would have never approved this." "It's our one chance Barbara. We also both know that you can't stop me." "Johhn Hhhannibal... Octan pilot... warlord... war Criminal... desecrator of corpses... slanderer... fiend. I can't tell you how much it pleases the Council to have you here... Tell us what you know about Octan's latest offensive." "I haven't been with the fleet in weeks, Steve, you know I don't know it's route. And, we're obviously not in the interrogation room, so let's just get to it so you can get back to picking out accessories." "Commander Cantillon! We're tracking a massive formation of M.A.N.T.I.S. fighters moving to intercept. How close are you to target?" "I'm within the gravity well, but I've lost my starboard engine. Diving now." "Dammit Cantillon! You'll never make atmosphere. Get out of there!" "You're right, we don't bring scum like you here to interrogate. Our technicians have already mapped out and downloaded your temporal lobe, so asking questions won't be necessary. Goodbye John. How fitting it is that you will die on the very welcome mat you laid out for our invasion." "Commander Cantillon... Can you hear me Cantillon... Can you hear me Cantillon..................... (hopefully this post isn't too late, I got up this morning and realized I forgot to actually click "post")
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Location: Arium Minor - F09 Tags: none "Where are we, Dora?" "Arium Minor, or at least what I have filed from our last visit. I would have picked a nicer place but most of my data had to be dumped when they took us." "I understand. You captured it well. Where are we really?" "In transit between Donwarr and Jurin II, I believe. Without my data I'm having trouble cross referencing the duration of our jumps with the available maps." "There is something beautiful to the nothingness, John." "Yes, Dora." "Because 'nothingness' doesn't really exist. We just have to turn on the light and look in the right direction, and a whole new world is waiting on us." "I believe you're right, Dora." "I love you, John. You're going to make it through this." "One way or another, sweet girl."
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Location: Donwarr - E01 Tags: Civil Building (weather station), Spaceship (MANTIS ship cross-section), Land vehicle (Octan speeder bike) "John... John..." "What, Dora?" "We need to get up." "But it's dangerous up there, lets just stay close to the reef." "No John. We have to get up. He's coming." "He can't get us down here, Dora." "Yes, he can John, get up now!" "Ok..." "Dammit... Dora, is the Mercy Brandy overhead?" "No signal, John, they appear to be jamming my comms." "Detach the beacon. Can you talk to the bike?" Weather Station by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr "No, John." Weather Station by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr "How am I looking?" "Not so good, wound is through and through, in between you liver and spine, but I can't stop the bleeding. You're going to black out again." "Yeah... You'd better erase anything you don't need and stay quiet for now." "Yes, John." "See you on the other side sweet girl..." Weather Station by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr Aboard the MCF Scythe... "The target is incapacitated but the droid is MIA, sir, do you want me to finish the job?" "No. We'll have to find out what he knows first. Deliver him to Jurin II and await further orders."
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Planet: F03, Forring Tags: Science, Civil (the structures are not militant) "Log Date 008. This is Dr. Danielle Long. Log Dates 005, and 006 are missing from my personal Log. I worry that this data corruption may be due to the new chip I have been using since the temporal fluctuation incident. I will be sure to have this fixed upon my return to the Axle, which is scheduled for tomorrow: Desembrinali 23. Furthermore, I suspect there has been some forms of sabotage to my personal Octancorp temporary habitation pod. I noticed this morning that 2 months worth of rations had gone missing, along with several other inexplicable differences to the pod that make me believe someone had been inside it... either that or I've been sleepwalking, a noted side-effect of the BonNuit ™ sleeping pill... but that doesn't explain the missing rations... nor, more importantly, does that explain the lack of communication I have with the Axle. I've never gone even a day without coordinating with the Axle... and now I find that my communications device is unable to reach them. Surely this will be straightened out when I return to the Axle tomorrow. This bizarre morning has only continued to become more and more disconcerting. The Unidentified Artifact I was deployed to investigate deems to have... already been somewhat escavated. There are clear signs of very recent work on the Alien structure. All these signs lead me to believe I am not the only one down here interested in this artifact. Perhaps Mantis?... but they have no presence on this planet. I, a woman of science, must admit, I find these turns of event somewhat... Eerie. But I must not let sentiment get in the way of my work. I will have my drone, who's memory banks seem to have been wiped clean last night, investigate the recent cave in that appears to be blocking further access to the tunnels that comprise this structure. When originally reported, just over a week ago, it was mentioned that these tunnels seemed to lead far far underground. I wonder what could have caused the tunnel's collapse... and what is causing the dull throbbing pain on the back of my head. Dr. Long out." Better pictures are up. I should be getting a better camera soonish. ~Insectoid Aristocrat
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Location: Donwarr - E01 Tags: Spaceship, Land vehicle, Civil Building "So you tracked the Zoid ship to E01?" "Yeah, this one got through our fleet and must have jumped F02 just before MANTIS arrived." "Anything to salvage?" "Not sure yet, but there must be something left, because a speeder made it's way out and gave us quite the chase." [O - E01] Target Sighted- 1 by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr "Really? I haven't known Zoids to be especially fast." "Well that's the thing, this one wasn't totally Zoid. One low-level enforcer was driving, but it had some passengers." "Go on..." [O - E01] Target Sighted- 2 by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr "Two MANTIS civilians, no surprise there, the Zoids may have been raiding those settlements for some time now. The weird one was a Kawashita special operative." "Hmm... we've known they've been courting ALIEN, but to specifically team up with the Zoids seems low, even for them. So what'd you do with them?" [O - E01] Target Sighted- 3 by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr "They were going fast enough that we couldn't safely disable the speeder, and since it was MANTIS personnel on board, we decided to just use their rules of engagement." "Assume everybody in the vicinity is a hostile?" "That's the one. "So we came in low and left an oily wake in the ocean. We've got teams investigating the crash sites but I was happy to get out of that bucket you sent us." "What was wrong with the O.B.S. Maximum Effort?" [O - E01] Target Sighted- O.B.S. Maximum Effort by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr "Mostly it's just ugly, but it's still just a commercial freighter that's been converted over to a warship." "Well your specifications came in late so you got what you got. We're working on some warships. It's hard converting defensive patrols into offensive squadrons, but we'll get there. We may not keep standing armies, but once we get on the warpath, there's nothing that can stop us." "I have no doubt." C&C appreciated.
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Location: Donwarr - E01 Tags: Land vehicle, exploration On board the OCS Treaty Enforcer, orbiting Donwarr, the first mate brings an urgent message to the captain. Captain, one of our combat scouts just sent in a report, and I'm not sure what to make of it. His sensors pinged something metal in an area that was supposed to be empty... Great Scott! Was it Mounties?!? Sir, do you mean MANTIES? Dammit, Janet - we've talked about you correcting me in front of the crew. Yes. Yes we have. Anyway, it's not M.A.N.T.I.S. - it's ... one of ours. It's definitely an Ophelia class submarine, and the serial numbers on all the parts he's checked so far match the sub that disappearedon Jurin II. But that doesn't make any sense - how could a submarine travel between planets? I don't know, but our CLAPPIE double checked all his data and the numbers are definitely a match. There's something else ... . His CLAPPIE unit analyzed the plant growth and sediment deposits around the sub, and it says the submarine has been there for at least a year. How time flies. It seems like it was only a few weeks ago that explorer Caslaugh-Sing disappeared. Sir, it was only a few weeks ago that she disappeared. None of it makes sense. He's doing a full site survey now, and our CLAPPIE is double checking all his data. If we learn anything, I'll let you know. --------------------
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"...in the hot rolling mill, metal is stretched and compressed into different shapes and sizes. A train carries molten slag from the blast furnace to the slag pit. Once it cools, it will be repurposed into everything from construction filler to diet pills. Workers in heat resistant suits help to oversee the process." "Next week on How It's Made: apples, earthquakes and babies!"
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Location: F09 - Arium Minor Tags: Civil Building 20 Marzn 3816 Deep below the mountainous surface of Arium Minor... ... named in honor of the man who first brought our two groups together, the “John Hannibal Center for High Energy Research” is the first facility to be jointly owned and operated by Octan and the Merchant Confederacy. The experiments conducted here will help us gain a deeper understanding of the GATES, and the gravitational anomalies which power them. Today, we'll be starting up the reactor for its first official test run. Control room, please confirm your status. Control room is a 'Go.' Emergency response team, please confirm your status. ERT is a 'Go.' Very good. Power to stage 1 emitters in 3,2,1. I'm seeing predictable phase arrays. Stage 2 emitters activating...now. Overhead capacitors to one oh five percent. Uh, it's probably not a problem, probably, but I'm showing a small discrepancy in... well, no, it's well within acceptable bounds again. Sustaining sequence. Oh dear! Shutting down - no, attempting to shut down. It's not - it's not shutting down! Aaaaah! ERT to control room - what the hell is going on!?! Don't worry, it's okay - look- ...the field has stabilized. It's ... beautiful. Something - something is emerging from the field... Oh my gods... Gordon - open the door to the chamber! Jimmy, get the medical team down here. But, the Rhumkopf-Brickowski field- It's okay the field is dissipating. Now, open the door. Roger, opening door to the containment chamber and - holy sh*t. What the hell are you staring at? Don't test me buddy, I've had a long, long day... Explorer Caslaug-Hing ... welcome back.
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Location: Forring - F03 Tags: Spaceship (Zoid Slaver), Land vehicle (Mech), Civil Building (Zoid Slaver Interior) "We got through but we need back up NOW!" "Mech and Emboian escort dropping in 5... 4... 3... 2... "1... He's down. Once those exterior guards are taken care of we'll get pressure back to the ship." "Better be quick, Callahan! We've yet to find those prisoners and they're letting the whole ship go to vacuum. DORA! Punch through as fast as you can and find them!" "On it, John!" ...later "Commander Hannibal... official count is up to 2,141 survivors... we lost a lot of brave Emboians, but John... this fleet is ours. Lots of repairs to do but it's ours..." "Thank you Admiral." "One more thing, Commander. You need to see what we found out about the Zoids' involvement with Kawashita..." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Octan Hull Splicing Mech. Typically used for hull repairs to capital ships around asteroid fields, but deployed against the Zoid fleet on F03 to secure safe passage for humanoid prisoners on board. Because Zoids can survive the vacuum of space, they are known to kill prisoners by exposure when attacked. [O - F03] Zoid Slaver Over Forring - Mech by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr C&C appreciated
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Planet: E01, in orbit Tags: Civil, building, Science "Internal Monolog Date, 14, This... this is Dr. Danielle Long. Me. Myself. They're about to run the tests on me. Maybe... maybe I will be able to use this data to determine what has happened to me... why I cannot remember the past months. A virus was identified on my drone. It was neutralized, but all data of the events has been lost. My log book is likewise compromised. The only log databank unaffected my hacking is the one within my skull... and I cannot remember anything. But... lying on this Gurneybot, I feel... feel something... familiar. My body seems to recognize this position... the cold. The feeling of being observed as a specimen... this feeling... cannot be erased. I will find out what has been done to me... and when I regain my memory... I will have my compensation." ~Insectoid Aristocrat
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Location: E01 - Donwarr Tags: Spaceship, Land Vehicle Lu's Log - 31 Janurali 3816 I'm not sure anyone will ever find this log. I'm not sure where I am. The last thing I remember … the ship. We found my parent's ship... Earlier – on Jurin II: Gods CLAPPIE – there it is. The Pioneer. The last Explorien ship launched before the company was acquired by the Octan Corporation. Assumed lost, along with its crew of 40, when it disappeared during the G.A.T.E. transit to Andromeda. Where's the gravitational anomaly? How close can we get? Lu, I'm no longer picking up the anomaly – it appears to have dissipated. CLAPPIE, something's wrong. I'm reading the ship's beacon loud and clear, but the ship itself isn't showing up on the scanners. You're right. Perhaps you should stop accelerating toward the ship. I'm not accelerating - Interesting. It looks like the gravitational anomaly has returned. Hang on CLAPPIE, this could get rough! CLAPPIE, what just happened? Where are we? I … I don't know. Lu – I can't access any of my peripherals! I – I'm only getting data from your suit sensors... this must be an error – restarting! Goodbye! Greetings! I'm your Corporate Law and Planetary Politics Incident Evaluator - oh no - I'm still cut off! Lu – is this … is this what it's like to be human? I'm so sorry … I had no idea... Human, tell your master to be calm. The <situation> is temporary. Gaaah! Who are you?!? Where am I?!? You are safe, although I fear your vehicle fell back into <4-dimensional space-time> when we intervened. You are in a <between place>. Is your master well? We are unable to <communicate> with its mind, the way we can with yours. My master? You mean CLAPPIE? Yes, you serve the <digital super-intelligence>, do you not? No … CLAPPIE is an Artificial Intelligence – created by humans. They serve us. … Of course. What an <interesting> perspective. Who are you? We ... are the keepers of the G.A.T.E.S. ------------------------- More pictures of the Pioneer:
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Location: E02 – Jurin II Tags: Octan, Land vehicle Note: this build takes place shortly after Oceanographer's Choice. 01 Febrarali 3816 Octan Mobile Command Center “This is Dragonfly 4, calling Octan Command.” “Go ahead for Octan Command.” “Our Guppy has reached the site of the crashed M.A.N.T.I.S. ship. The datacore has been removed from the ship, but there's no sign of the Ophelia, or of explorer Caslaugh-Sing. The M.A.N.T.I.S ship crashed in the middle of a hydrothermal vent field, so it's possible the Ophelia was damaged by one of the plumes, but I'm not picking anything up on our sensors.” “Roger that, Dragonfly. Stand by. Octan Command to Engineering Team.” “Go for Engineering Team.” “Have you determined the maximum dive time for the Ophelia?” “That's affirmative, command, we just finished our calculations. Ignoring all safety parameters, Ophelia can stay submerged for up to 18 hours. After that time, there will not be sufficient oxygen to support life.” “How long has she been down there?” “Sir, she started her dive 26 hours ago.” “Copy that. Octan Command to all units, I'm suspending the surface search for Explorer Caslaugh-Sing. All Dragonfly Boats, retrieve your submersibles and return to base. Air units, continue to fly grid pattern 3-delta – there's still a chance that she surfaced somewhere off course, and has been unable to communicate. CLAPPIE, any luck locating Lu's CLAPPIE unit?” “Sorry boss, Lu's CLAPPIE is missing from the network. It would appear that the Ophelia has been lost." "Alright. Damn. ... Let's get packed up - we still have a war to fight." -------------------
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Location: E02 - Jurin II Tags: Exploration, Spaceship Lu's Log - 31 Janurali 3816 Back on Jurin II. Damn. The first time I was here, I found something horrific. The second time I was here, I almost died. Hopefully the third time will be the charm. One of our colonists shot down a M.A.N.T.I.S scout craft which had been threatening them. The report HQ passed along said that the ship was mostly intact when it crashed into the ocean, but it sank into deep water. They want me to take the Ophelia and see if I can recover the ship's data core and NavComputer. The descent will take a few hours, so I have time to ask CLAPPIE about a conversation I had last week that's been bugging me. Lu, we've reached 3500 meters and are approaching the M.A.N.T.I.S. craft. Alright, prepping the plasma cutter. Cut complete. Retracting cutter, and deploying the manipulator arms. Easy... easy ... got it! Stowing cargo and locking the arms. CLAPPIE, let's go home. Lu, wait. I didn't say anything earlier because I didn't want to distract you, but our sensors are picking up a powerful gravitational anomaly - one that wasn't detected from the surface. And Lu, there's something else. I'm picking up a faint signal which seems to match that of the Explorien ship Pioneer. My parents' ship?!? It seems extremely unlikely, I know. But, that's what the sensors are reading. The signal is coming from a point 5 kilometers to our east, and 1500 meters deeper. Can we make it there and still get back to the surface? Yes, but we will have no margin for error. If anything delays us at the site, we will die. Set a new course, CLAPPIE. I ... I know we wont find them alive, but I need to know what happened. Aye aye, Captain. ---------
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Location: H03 - Kaalin Tags: Land Vehicle Lu's Log - 18 Janurali 3816 I'd been to Kaalin once before, on a very different mission. Back before the crash, when I was still able to pilot. Technically, this is supposed to be my week off - after a month of 12 hour days, trying to get the Ophelia ready to dive, I was ready for a break. After a few days on the Axle, though, I got a bit stir crazy so I volunteered for the first ground mission that came up. We're checking up on some Awesomenium probes - a group of them just went offline, despite a recent inspection by a specialist, and HQ suspects foul play. Foul enough that they've sent me out in an armed truck, and given me a partner. Zack's trying to act tough, but I think this might be his first mission on an unsecured planet and he seems jumpy. It's kind of cute. Well, we've left the Octan base's defensive net - shall I, uh, man the gun in back? Nah, CLAPPIE will take care of it. He really likes miniguns. Wait what?!? Your CLAPPIE unit operates vehicle weapons? Sure, doesn't yours? No! The one time we tried to get our CLAPPIE to handle the ship's defensive guns, we got a 30 minute lecture about the Three Laws of Robotics. Huh. I asked CLAPPIE about the three laws once. ... He giggled. Has your CLAPPIE ever shot anything? ... Not anything human. Anyway, I need you to navigate. Which way to the first extractor?
