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Aboard the exploration vessel MANTIS explorer Spacer Steve prepares his team for action. - -Before we go planet side we should all eat our Grubby-O's! - -Chogg love Grubby-O's! -Take it easy Chogg! After breakfast the team headed for the map room. - - Using the data from the system map Spacer Steve found on Exploration of asteroid G986-6 we have found the location of several artifacts in the Andromeda system. One just happens to be on A06. We aren't sure what they do but we have to find them before the other factions do. -As you all know Tensions between MANTIS and Kawashita are high right now as we try to work out a truce. We will need to be on high alert for any Kawashita spies. The team heads down to the surface of Guinevere - - Do you notice anything strange about this place. - Yeah.. no lava anywhere in sight. -Ugghhhh...bluuurk Chogg stomach hurt. -You shouldn't have eaten everybody's Grubby O's. Lets move out team. - -This spring is surprisingly cold. - -The Ruins. There is the artifact. Private Lil scout ahead and clear out any unwanted visitors. Chogg your with me. -Yes sir -Gluuurp. OK - -The ruins are are clear sir. -Excellent work. Look at the contruction. It is made out of an exotic form of matter. Chogg what do these symbols say. - -This belongs to the Duu-ploo. They leave Andromeda long before MANTIS arrive. -This must be some kind of Terra forming device. It must be responsible for cold temperatures in the area. We must get this beack to the ship for study. Chogg can you get this into the crate. -Urrrrp... Yes sir. - -Sir Kawashita movement in the are. - -Good job team lets go home.. Remind me to talk to Big Sal about the Grubby-o's when we get back.
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Mission 3, Guinevere A-06, Establish a Foothold Col. Brik, operating lab 14-42-39A, Kawashita and Mantis are fighting tooth and nail for control of the planet. So far bloodshed has been little to nothing according to the TPS reports released by the managers. I've set up a outpost near a volcanic region to establish sustainability on this dry, hot mess of a rich rock. If there was no gold on this planet I would pass right by and forget I even saw it. Even though the air is breathable, plant life is little to non-existent. If we secure the area there is no way we should spend money shipping food and water to a planet that has none. My mission, even though I am a pilot, is to get this facility operational. The air is so clean in the bio-dome. I can finally take a deep breath and not choke on lava dust. I have found a process to take lava and process it through a converting chamber to bring out the minerals needed which help the soil be rich in nutrients. Now that I am making some credits I can afford a crew. They are loyal and plentiful, which is good because I hear the red shirt soldier has a high mortality rate. Someone left the air-lock door open again..... Fish are thriving, which means food is available. I know we are climbing the corporate galaxy but we also need to remind ourselves about logistics. Without supplies no army, or company, will survive.
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[O-E01] Through the Looking Glass: A Lesson in Chirality
Dannylonglegs posted a topic in AG1 Archive
Note: I like Science in my Science Fiction. "How would you like to live in Looking-glass House, Kitty? I wonder if they'd give you milk in there? Perhaps Looking-glass milk isn't good to drink..." ~Lewis Carroll . //"this is Dr. Danielle Long, Requesting files related to the incident involving Captain Roan Oak's failed attempt to create an outpost on Donwarr."// **Access granted** **initializing summary of report** --Captain's Log: the date is Marzn 5, 3812. My crew and I experienced a rough landing on Donwarr. The crew is still alive, but a lot of our equipment has been damaged, including the Octan Hydroponic Vegitable Growth System. We tried fixing it with instructions from our CLAPPIE, but the damn thing keeps insisting we are trying to report an Unknown Artifact. Perhaps it was damaged in the landing as well. Fortunately, the radio still works, and we've called for help. Octan says they'll get here to extract us or at least fix the Hydroponics module in 8 to 10 business weeks. We have enough food stores to last 3 people a week. Thankfully initial probe readings detected this planet provides Biomass suitable for human consumption.-- --Captain's Log : the date is Marzn 6, 3812. We have discovered a clearing in the forest where we will place our communications module. The site is located in close proximity to a fruit bearing tree. Ensign Christi Huygans, always the adventurer, scanned it with our molecule analyzer and found that it contained glucose and amino acids, and lacked any obvious toxins. She ate it, and found it to be delicious. The fruits from this tree are so sweet and wonderful! They really fill the stomach! I have no doubt that this planet will be one of Octan's bread basket worlds.-- --Captain's Log: the date is Marzn 7, 3812. We all had the runs last night. Maybe eating Alien plants isn't the smartest idea. Ha. Well, we're sticking to the ship's food for now. Com Module has been moved into position. Hopefully Octan gets here with help soon. If worst comes to worst, we'll just have to put up with a little diarrhea for a few weeks before they get here with earth food. Shame, though, really. Those fruits were delicious. Perhaps we can catch some of the local game to eat.-- ** skipping ahead ** --Captain's Log: the date is Marzn 20. Supplimenting our diets with the local plant and animal life, we managed to stretch our food stores longer than anticipated... but now we're out. Good thing this planet is bountiful in both plants and animals to eat. The other day we caught a tripedal goat-like thing, and you know what? It tasted exactly like goat! And not that synthetic crap they serve in the Octan Cafeteria, I'm talking honest to goodness lamb meat. Mmmm. As far as places to get marooned on go, I'm glad we landed in this paradise. **skipping ahead** --Captain's Log: the date is Marzn 30. We've all lost a lot of weight and feel groggy. I can't tell why. We've all been eating plenty. The fruits hang low and are filled with sugar and nutrients. The animals are unaccustomed to us and do not run away, making them as easy to capture as the fruits and leafy greens (or reds as they so often are on this planet.) Ensign Huygans could not walk this morning. A bruise she suffered a week ago has yet to heal, and it looks infected. Ensign Burkhold has gotten paranoid. He won't stop talking about food, and he doesn't look too hot. Could we have caught an alien disease? I certainly hope our immune system can take care of it...-- **Skipping ahead** --Burkhold is missing. He was mumbling like "Food no good. Must survive." It was very worrying. And now he's gone. Christi is still asleep. She hasn't woken up very much. We're all very weak. Still losing weight. It's like we eat and eat and waste away...-- **skipping ahead** --Burkhold showed up at the Com Module, where I've been tending to Christi early in the morning, and ran away when I saw him. I couldn't chase him down, as I can barely stand, myself. What the hell is happening...-- **Skipping ahead** --He ate her... oh God! Why!? Why?-- --I... I feel so weak... I look like a skeleton now... I'm sure... Burkhold is out there still.... I have no doubts I will be next.... a it seems obvious to me now that for whatever reason.... we derive no sustenance from the food on this planet. We have been eating ash that tastes of sweet fruit. We will starve to death on this planet even while gorging our mouths with food. Oh... what I would not give... for food. I can stave off the hunger with these fruits... but I will not survive.-- **End of recovered logs** **reading report** --Octan Hydroponic Vegitable Growth System Maintenance crew has landed on E01. Found Communications module. There are two Graves on the hill, and no sign of the third crew member. Hydroponic Vegitable Growth System has been fixed.... but... uh... there's no one to tend to it.-- **End report** //"Ok, good. Computer, record the following: Log date 349, this is Dr. Danielle Long, recording from the O.C.S. Axle. Specimens of biomass from E01 gathered by pilot Guy k. Wynd have been analyzed in reference to stereoisomerism, and it has been discovered that what we previously reported as biomass consumable by humans infact contains L-glucose and R-Amino Acids. Biomass on E01 is not suitable for sustained Human consumption. Potential marketability as diet products. E01 should be used solely for its potable water supplies. This is Dr. Long, signing off. End recording." "Now to examine the "Cactus creature" from G03. It would help if everyone stopped shooting up my specimens! Particularly that darned 'Pombe' and his new assistant. How frustrating."// Ok this build is mostly for the story, but I should have better pics up later along with edits to improve story and such. Enjoy! ~Insectoid Aristocrat -
Location: Greater Direstan - B08 Tags: Kawashita, Science, Exploration Ship Log – 29 Maian 3815 One of the probes is still hasn't returned. Will have to investigate. Ship Log – 30 Maian 3815 After looking at the data the probe sent I have determined it's most likely position. Tomorrow I will have to investigate further. Ship Log – 01 Junali 3815 Gate lead us to Greater Direstan, probe is still sending location data. Lazlowe and I will head down there via shuttle and tried to retrieve it. Ship Log – 02 Junali 3815 Dense vegetation does not allow us to get very close to the probe. Will have to continue on foot. Ship Log – 04 Junali 3815 Finally arrived at the probe's location. Have not been able to determine the reason why the probe hasn't returned. Ship Log – 05 Junali 3815 It would seem that the reason probe is still here is organic in nature. Will have to take a sample. Lazlowe's LOG 06:02:02 INFO c.a.lazlowe.service.EyesightService Potential threat detected. 06:02:02 WARN c.a.lazlowe.service.ThreatDeterminationService Escalating sighting to threat! 06:02:03 INFO c.a.lazlowe.controller.ThreatController Engaging countermeasures.
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Corporation: Octan Planet: I06 - Yetornius Job: Science Research --------- Start Transmission #003 --------- Eureka,my research has proven successful! Having finally been able to get out from under Dr. Long, I was able to secure my own research vessel, which I have christened the O.C.S. Sui Juris I used it to take me to the hellish planet of Yetornius to test a hypothesis which I derived from studying some of Octan's collected Awesomnium. You see, though Awesomnium is a precious metal typically found in the solid form, I theorized that like other metals found elsewhere, it could be transformed into another state using extreme heat. Once the engineers equipped my new ship with the necessary tools and instruments, I instructed my pilot to fly me close to the surface to get readings. While the reckless flight crew seems to have taken my instructions to mean endangering everyone on board, I none the less was able to get a great sample. After filtering the air particles, I discovered tiny drops of Awesomnium liquid which had evaporated into the thin atmosphere! While it is too meager of an amount to effectively harvest for sale, this new advancement in understanding of this metal will no doubt help shape the future of the galaxy. It is a great day for science! You will have to excuse the quality of the images, the local flares interfere with my transmissions... --------- End Transmission #003 --------- C&C Welcome!
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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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[K - A05] The Heart of Awsomnium Location: A08, Crentium Tags: Spaceship, Building (the hangar, the judges will have to decide if it counts), Science, Kawashita Before we begin, this story is a direct continuation of Agent Beltar's post "A Strange Deal" which was posted earlier this week, so it will make a lot less sense if you haven't read that one. It's also the culmination of a 3 week storyline I have been doing (previous entries: "More Than Meets the Eye... and The Investigation Continues...). Earlier this week, I discussed with a friend and fellow AG builder. He said that I should probably build a little smaller, since the details might get lost when the size gets too big. I pondered upon this and thought "yea, that makes sense... I should start building smaller things". Then I completely f*cked that up and went on to build my largest build yet. The spaceship is a bit over 3900 pieces, and then there are various scenes, etc. on top of that. The design might seem a bit odd at first, but take into account that it's supposed to be a prototype for testing this particular engine. Now, let's begin. (Since Bluerender renders transparent images very dark, I've decided to include unrendered versions under the Spoiler button directly after the renders. Also, isn't it odd how much "Light Stone Grey" in LDD looks like white?) --//Alpha Level Encrypted Private Log Begin. Date: 1307(38)15. Scramble code: ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... [Encrypted].//-- [Alpha level clearance check... ... ... ... ... Passed.] As expected, Agent Beltar "came by" earlier. After making sure he received the mail from Lauren, I was pretty certain he would seek me out, and that I would get my pilot for The Heart of Awsomnium. When we got down to the hangar and he first saw the ship, Beltar immediately let out a little gasp. It was clear that he was impressed, despite doing his best to hide it. Recording... begin: Beltar: You want me to pilot... that? Q: Yes. Remember, if you do this for me, I'll get you your files on Lauren. Beltar: *Sigh* Fine, so what is it that is so special about this ship? What do those rings back there do? Q: The Heart of Awsomnium is the first recorded attempt of teleportation by mankind. Beltar: *O_O* What?! Q: I know it may be hard to grasp. A couple of weeks ago, we came across what seemed to be an Awsomnium generator created by an ancient civilization. However, some things were quite off about it. It didn't seem to have any way of outputting the energy, and we found it in the middle of the ocean, not near any other recorded ruins. So, I ordered a team to bring it here in order for me to study it. After a few days, it was clear that my suspicions were correct; it was the remainder of an old teleportation experiment. After a lot of tinkering and even more calculating, I finally managed to create this prototype drive. It is still fairly large, but I hope I can reduce the size over time. The "rings" which you refer to are part of a black hole generator, which has enough pull to fold space-time, thus creating a wormhole between your current location and the destination, which you will go through. Beltar: So... you wish me to become swallowed and spit out by a black hole? Q: If you want to put it like that... yes. Based on my calculations, the shuttle should be able to withstand the pressure, and you should survive. Beltar: And then you will give me the files I need? Q: Yes. [beltar ponders for around half a minute.] Beltar: Fine, in for a penny, in for a pound, right? Also, if this goes according to plan, I'll be the first teleported human! Q: Yes, I suppose. I have downloaded PauL into this smaller astromech droid shell, which will fit in the dock of the ship. The ship is ready whenever you are. [beltar boards the ship and flies it out outside the Kaiju.] Q: I have set the ship's coordinates so that you will be teleported to Marden. It's a peaceful planet within our area of control, so you shouldn't have any problems. As soon as you arrive, set up a comlink to me, and I'll have the coordinates for you to be teleported back calculated. Beltar: Roger that. [beltar takes a deep breath, closes his eyes and turns on the teleporting device.] Beltar: Am I alive? I am alive! Yattaaaa! Wow, awsome, I am the first teleported person! You rock Nu'q! Q: Uhm, all those are technically correct, but it seems you have ended up near Mynderis instead. Also, it seems like you ended up right next to a large M.A.N.T.I.S. fleet. Beltar: Oh, it's gonna be one of THOSE days... Recording... end. The prototype testing was in the end considered a success, despite the loss of The Heart of Awsomnium. The incorrect location of the teleportation device was found to be a result of a minor miscalibration in the calculation software. This has since been fixed. Thanks to its highly explosive Awsomnium core, it seems like the Heart of Awsomnium was completely destroyed and thus unable to be recovered by the nearby M.A.N.T.I.S. fleet. Preliminary readings suggest Agent Beltar managed to escape. His current whereabouts are however unknown. --//Alpha Level Encrypted Private Log End. Signature: Col. QL. Scramble code: ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... [Encrypted].//-- More pictures under the (sixth) spoiler button. C&C always welcome!
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Location: Aeristus – C04 Tags: Kawashita, Driver, Science Lab Journal – 6 Junali 3815 According to reports from our early scouts there exists a plant species on Aeristus that shows very interesting abilities. The one I am interested in is thermal (and visual!) camouflage. If I would have to take a bet I would say that their cells contain a compound similar to the ore. If I could get a sample I could figure out just how they activate this amazing property of the compound. Lab Journal – 8 Junali 3815 The research is keeping me busy and it would probably be some days before I can set out to collect the samples. I fear that by then M.A.N.T.I.S. will have taken notice of our actions and sample collecting will be impossible. I will have to construct a biomass extractor and send Lazlowe to collect samples. Lab Journal – 12 Junali 3815 Biomass extractor is finally complete. It is a bit bulky, I hope that the Madam will not be overtaxed. After final tests Lazlowe will depart for Aeristus. Lab Journal – 12 Junali 3815 – addendum Like before, while I wait for Lazlowe to return I commit the specs of my latest creation to the database.
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Location: D02 - Barker's Folly Tags: Military, Spying, Science. Does torturing enemy spies count as spying? M.A.N.T.I.S Special Forces log: Myra Dynarski [Off Duty] 6 Junali 3815, M.A.N.T.I.S. spaceship in the Barker's Folly asteroid belt. Previous entry Note: The following has been recorded following standard interrogation procedures, in case information gained from the subject turns out to be useful. However, this recording is to be considered the private property of Special Agent Myra Dynarski, and not to be opened by anyone with less than clearance level 5, and then only if neccessary. [Permission granted for Special Agent Chet Darjak to access recording for personal use] -Commence recording- "Thank you, Chet. Cardioimpetus rubiflora is my favourite species of flower. Because it's poisonous, obviously. Help yourself to the wine. And the knives." "Aaaaaah! I'll tell you anything! You haven't even asked any questions! Aaaaah!" "Shame all the interrogation rooms were in use." "Whose lab is this, anyway?" "I think it's Big Sal's." "I'm sure he won't mind." "Yeah... I hope that blood isn't dripping on anything important." "Who do you work for? Is it Octan?" "Aaaah! No! We were independent explorers mapping the gravitational anomalies in the Andromeda galaxy! Our spaceship crashed years ago!" "I don't believe you. I think you work for Octan." "Aaaah! Yes, whatever you say! I work for clock man!" "Octan." "Aaah! Octan! Whoever! Aaaah!"
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Location: B03-Linopeia III Tags: science Linopeia III 3 by tropeaferdinando, su Flickr https://www.flickr.c...eposted-public/ Dr. Arvan ‘Yrich Arkov’ s personal log: “True scientists don’t stay in their hermetically closed, sterile labs. Biologists must go and look for their exemplars until they can hear their cry, and smell the subtle acidic scent of their pheromone emissions; similarly, my geological resarch must take place in the deep of the Linopeian crust to bring remarkable results.” End log. Linopeia III 4 by tropeaferdinando, su Flickr https://www.flickr.c...eposted-public/ Linopeia III 4 by tropeaferdinando, su Flickr https://www.flickr.c...eposted-public/ Dr.Arvan: “Do you know the fascinating, long orographic history of this planet, Lieutenant Selene? It used to have many mountainous chains about six-hundred million years ago , spanning for kilometres. But time and its unique climate nevertheless have eroded most of the significant geologic features, leaving behind the endless desertic plains we can see today.” Lt.Selene: “Fascinating indeed sir, but… not really relevant to our domination, is it?” Dr.Arvan: ”Allow me to contradict you. After all, M.A.N.T.I.S. is here to mine the precious Awesomnium hidden in the planet’s crust. What if I told you that we’re digging in the wrong place?” Lt.Selene: “And where should we look then?” Dr.Arvan: “Erosion has grinded to bits the Linopeian mountains; the largest Awesomnium reserve on this side of Andromeda lies hidden in plain sight, floating in the dry air of this planet in the form of sand. The dust you sweep away from your room probably contains a percentage of Awesomnium- and quite a high one, as I have just discovered.” Lt.Selene: “This...this could boost our mining operations by a hundred times! What do we need to put our hands on this treasure?” Dr.Arvan: “A broom. A big, electrostatic broom which will attract the Awesomnium particles as honey does with flies. Engineer Breyga should be working on it right now. Linopeia III 8 by tropeaferdinando, su Flickr https://www.flickr.c...eposted-public/ Engineer Breyga: “Doc, do you read me? We’re almost done here. The electrostatic device has begun attracting the Awesomnium... LinopeiaIII 10 by tropeaferdinando, su Flickr https://www.flickr.c...eposted-public/ ...and storing it in the refinery. Purity factor is very high-almost ninety-six percent. Dr.Arvan: ”Excellent Mr.Breyga. Any problems during the installation?” Linopeia III 9 by tropeaferdinando, su Flickr https://www.flickr.c...eposted-public/ Engineer Breyga: “Not at all Doc. Jalek, here, has detected some biologic disturbances with his life-form sensor, but, it’s probably just these odd plants...”
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Corporation: Octan Planet: G07 - Hennigan II Job: Science Research --------- Start Transmission #002 --------- Dr. Long thinks she is in charge of me, but she only has sceniority because she begged to join Octan before I was recruited... Once they see the work I am capable of doing, they will change their minds! Never the less, now that I have been moved to planet G07 I am finally able to get planet side. Though my research has been hampered by the limited tools in Octan's new Science Outpost, I have already directed teams to areas my sensors indicate have items of particular interest. Hopefully those trigger happy spec ops teams bring me back something alive so I can observe how the native fuana behave. --------- End Transmission #002 --------- OOC: I havepretty much resigned myself to not getting quality images. I will continue to try and improve but combinations of time/equipment limit my ability.
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[Log Entry II - Lorstan II] I've been planet side for a little over a week now, and have settled into my routine. The job is simple (painfully so, I am sure once I have gone off to further lands a robot will be tasked with it). After scouting and affirming the existence of several small isles I was airdropped a number of desalination tanks which I set up quickly and easily in six different locations. I now spend my days traveling between all six of my locations, making sure that each machine is running as it should. The work is mind-numbing. There has yet to be a problem, and I have yet to run into another human soul - nay, yet to run into another living thing. It rains most days, but today I have been blessed with some meager sunlight peaking through the clouds. My favorite site - my de facto home - is at the edge of a small forest of tall black bamboo (what it truly is I cannot say, but I will call it bamboo for lack of a more scientific label - there is much work to be done on Lorstan once it is made livable). I sleep here most nights, and am kept company by some of my favorite authors. Though I've yet to have direct contact with any of the pilots who air drop my supplies and the like (I send a transmission to corporate and they see to it that my needs are filled) they have been kind enough to honor my requests for literature and green tea. I stand now staring at the ocean as warm liquid seeps into my belly, and though my mind is abuzz with the great words I've read today I am reminded instead of a poem from my childhood: Water, water, everywhere, And all the boards did shrink; Water, water, every where, Nor any drop to drink. [End Log Entry] [i think I need one more shot from one more angle (to best show the desalination machine, for my own pleasure) but the sun has left me, so it will have to wait until tomorrow].
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Location: A06 (Guinevere) Tags: Piracy Science Land Vehicle It had been a pretty busy week on Guinevere for Scorpio and Elbow and Pitt, his two assigned SPIT (Special Police in Training). After dispatching the Octan spy, they discovered a few more Octan agents nearby—which with some efficient work from the SPIT quickly became a few less. They may be a bit dim-witted, but the SPIT sure knew their way around an assault blaster. Scorpio was still a bit bummed about that having given his grubs to them. Even more so because today—larvae Friday, course—he had missed lunch, due to an over-long briefing with his superiors. When he got back, the SPIT had seen to it there were no leftovers, except salad. Meh. The brief had been long because Kawashita troops had touched down on the other side of Guinevere a few days previous. The council was deliberating the best course of action, and had orders for Scorpio to not engage in a violent encounter. In the SPITs’ mind, that took all the fun out of it, and Scorpio had to agree. He had decided that even though being a scientist wasn’t bad, he enjoyed these more exciting kinds of missions. Scorpio and the SPIT went to the Kawas’ landing site. Although there weren’t many of them, clearly they had gotten right to work right after landing, as there were several crates already filled with gold. As the M.A.N.T.I.S craft was approaching, Scorpio saw them all stop to watch. He could see that although a few of them were carrying arms, they didn’t seem to be in any hurry to shoot. He imagined they had similar orders from their higher-ups to avoid armed conflict, which was somewhat reassuring. One of the Kawas, clearly their leader, emerged from the back and advanced toward Scorpio. “This is our claim,” he insisted. “You Mantite scum better get on outta here.” “Sorry, M.A.N.T.I.S. already claimed all of Guinevere. So, you’re the ones on our turf.” As he spoke, Scorpio suddenly realized that he had underestimated their numbers, and hoped his hunch about their orders was correct. “Ha!” the Kawa leader laughed. “It doesn’t matter. We have already extracted almost everything here, as you can see—” he motioned towards the crates. “But I’d like to see you try and make us leave, anyway.” “I’ll tell you what,” Scorpio replied. “Let’s make a deal, you and I, to see who leaves this spot, and who can stay.” The Kawa leader laughed again, followed by the rest of his team. “What kind of a deal? You can see, I have more men, more arms, and more gold! And I have my orders. What could you offer me?” “Oh, this is not an offer. This is a challenge. We challenge you to a contest—you win, we will leave you in peace to do whatever you please in this place. We win—” Scorpio paused to look around at all the Kawashita troops, “and you leave forever. Not just this spot—but the planet. You leave Guinevere for good.” “Ha ha! This insect is a joker! I will indulge you, what kind of contest did you have in mind?” “How about a race? Ah never mind, you wouldn’t stand a chance against us. Let’s pick something more fair…” In his mind, Scorpio counted to three. He only got as far as two. “You boast, Mantite! Kawashita engines are the fastest, and our drivers the most skilled! I accept your challenge, if only to teach you humility!” “Very well, then. Your fastest land craft against ours. You pick your racer, and Pitt here,” Scorpio motioned toward the more dim-witted of the SPIT, “will drive for M.A.N.T.I.S.” As Scorpio and the Kawa leader shook hands, Pitt leaned over toward Scorpio and whispered, “I don’t think I can. I’m not that good a driver—not as good as these Kawas, for sure—and I’m starting to feel a little sick. Like I’m going to…” but he never finished his sentence; the words were drowned out by awful wretching noises, and drowned in a pool of sick. “I feel sick, too, sir.” the SPIT leader, Elbow, intuned. Then, looking over at Pitt, said, “but I think I’ll be fine.” “Well good, because I need you to come with me.” “What about me, sir?” Pitt inquired. “You still have to drive,” Scorpio answered. “But don’t worry; it doesn’t matter if you win or lose, just as long as you drive for at least five minutes or so.” “Why doesn’t it matter?” Elbow asked. “Because,” Scorpio began, “while all these fools are cheering on the race, you and I are going to steal them blind and make a quick escape. Don’t worry, Pitt, we’ll pick you up in the ship. Elbow, come and help me set up some telesponders over here.” While the Kawa leader was explaining the course and rules to Pitt and the Kawa driver, Scorpio and Elbow set up the antenna-like devices around the crates of gold. As the start pistol fired, Scorpio summoned the teleporter crate and quickly rerouted it to the telesponders; before the dust had even settled, Scorpio, Elbow, and the gold were all gone. ********* Other weeks I have incorporated the story with the build, but this week the story is really just to build-up the, uh, build. With both teams landing on the same planet, it was fun to think up some way to bring conflict into the mix without any actual conflict. C&C welcome, as always! More pictures under the spoiler: See more on my Flickr page
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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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Location: Guinevere – A06 Tags: Kawashita, Science, Exploration Ship Log – 16 Junali 3815 Sensors picked up some strange readings so we decided to stay even though we’ve acquired enough samples to study the ore. Ship Log – 18 Junali 3815 Finally figured out the readings – it would seem that there is a GATE, right here on the planet. Ship Log – 20 Junali 3815 The computer finished it’s calculations. The GATE leads to Guinevere. It seems to be unstable, but if a GATE exists from Traig IV to Guinevere the gain far exists the risk. Tomorrow we go through. Ship Log – 21 Junali 3815 Calculations were indeed correct, we arrived at Guinevere, but the GATE collapsed just as we went through it. We need to figure out how to get back to Traig IV and the Madam. At least there are some more samples here to collect. Lazlowe's LOG 09:34:22 INFO c.a.lazlowe.service.EyesightService Samples detected. 09:34:22 WARN c.a.lazlowe.service.DistanceToCoordinatesTransformator Calculating coordinates for target! 09:34:23 INFO c.a.lazlowe.controller.ActuatorController Begin extraction.
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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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Corporation: Octan Planet: F09 - Arium Minor Job: Science Research --------- Start Transmission #004 --------- There wasn't much time this week for research as the Corporate Office kept me busy elsewhere. None the less, I was able to make a quick scientific trip to the planet surface to try and determine the densitity of the planetary core in order to determine the feasibility of deep penetrating mines. Fortunatately the new Ground Penetrating Radar was already calibrated so it worked wonders! I look forward to studying the results back in my lab once I have a few moments to relax. --------- End Transmission #004 ---------
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---------- ID // Virtual Space -- C09 x 1000bpis -- Acess required // // Access granted -- Log K1 required // // Secure channel -- KG property -- Enter pswrd A70 // / *****-**/ // Access granted // // Open stream // ---------- SCIENTIFIC OUTPOST Location: Orinshi, Area 6 Status: Active Welcome new member, We are happy to add you to our dear family of the Kawashita Group, where excellence is rewarded, pride and honor, celebrated. You chose well and we promise you a bright future. May Kawashita bring fortune to you and your close ones. Oops, I forgot to introduce myself. I am ISEE-4, automotivated AI based on Orinshi. I will guide you through our science installation of Area 6. As you know, science has always been at the heart of Kawashita, from the very first creations of our great leader Osamu Kawashita to the extraordinary discoveries we are making today. The Andromeda System is full of new paths to explore. It is our duty to lead the way and understand what we are surrounded by. Everyday, scientific outposts across the Pearl of Jade (C09 Orinshi) help us get closer to these goals by analyzing the thousands of samples sent by our courageous explorers across the galaxy. The Area 6 installation is specialized in biotechnologies and robotics. There, you will help our best scientists understand Orinshi's ecosystem to push the boundaries of science with our understanding of artificial intelligence. (...) You can easily and quickly reach the outpost with our elegant monorail system, which now covers up to a quarter of Orinshi! Enjoy the view and don't miss the famous Gincolx flyers and gigantic Eden trees. Or you can hitch a ride in our impressive "Bat" B57-model Carrier. It's usually crowded with laboratory packages, but the crew should let you slip in a crack with no problem (as long as you don't sing!). If you need fresh air, you can always borrow a land vehicle from our hangar bay and go safely explore the endless jungle. But don't forget to bring back samples! Before you leave, don't forget to say hello to our physicists and engineers! They're always working hard to bring you the latest data in the impressive TWIN complex. Who knows, if you get them on your side they may let you in on well-guarded secrets, or even grant you access to the Radar Tower! Thank you for reading this log, read the annex for more details. I hope you will enjoy your stay at Area 6 Scientific Outpost. May your journey be safe and exciting in the KG family, To Honor and Glory, ISEE-4 // End log // ---------- P.s: I have a problem. Since the image size limit on Eurobricks is 800x... (something like that ), I upload images on Imgur of the same size (originaly 4000 pixels reduced to 800 pixels) so they fit in the limit. However, there's no link to any gallery, so it's not really possible to see bigger images. In this case, details get lost, as you can't zoom in without losing quality and getting blurry zoom-ins. Say I want to get a fine look at the build, is it possible to deeplink a big image (2000 pixels) but make it small (800 pixels) in the post, then click on it and it opens in another screen with the original size? Or do you have to use Flickr so that people can go to your gallery and enlarge the picture? Sorry if it's not clear. It's just bothering me.
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Location: G08 - Xerillian Tags: Vehicle, Spaceship / Airplane, Exploration, Science Pilot and interim CEO John Hannibal barely escapes the "jaws" of one of the most dangerous denizens of Xerillian, G08. [G - 08] LIVE BAIT by Ryan McBryde, on Flickr The pressure is on the would-be executive as he struggles to keep his corporation afloat. Where will he steer the Octan's scientists, chomping at the bit for more challenging pursuits, trusting Octan leadership to deliver a path to success? Hannibal has made his decision. Now he gathers a supply of the most ruthless, hungry beasts that Octan has faced thus far, risking his own life to lure this particular creature. As he flies low among the dunes, the giant worm is close behind him. Hannibal brings his speeder closer to the sand, sacrificing his speed and kicking up a large wake of sand. The worm speeds up and closes in. He's almost there. Almost there... The worm lunges at Hannibal as the speeder dives into LaRose's newly discovered cave. It is uncertain what stuns the giant worm more, bursting through the rock at full speed, or the disappearance of its would-be meal. An Octan cargo ship quickly pulls the beast out of the hole and into a secured container. Soon Hannibal will deliver his bounty of death to I06, the future home of a new training facility unsurpassed in its rigorous curriculum and exceptional faculty. The future of Octan is bright. Nothing can stand in its way.
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Flickr uploader isn't working, so I've resorted to Brickshelf. Haven't used it in a while, so hopefully everything comes out ok EDIT: Changed the second photo to one showing the cockpit and driver. Added a picture of the lab inside the spoiler. EDIT 2: Switched all the photos to Flickr links - hopefully they'll stay put now! Excerpt from the lab book of Big Sal: Date: 5 Junali 3815. Location:Barnius. Expedition Code: MRV1B04. Expedition Leader: Big Sal. Expedition Vessel: M.A.N.T.I.S. Research Vessel 1 Aims: Conduct hydrological, geological and biomass survey of Barnius's oceans. Excerpt ends. ...but Sal, it’s larvae Friday in the cafeterias today, why do we have to eat bananas? Because every single one of these crates has bananas in. Those idiots in logistics must have misread the requisition form again! C’mon Smith, we’re stuck in the middle of this ocean until the boffins are done, so just chillax. I don’t know how you can relax with all the noise from that water drill, or whatever it is. I can barely hear myself think! Water drill? Seriously? I’m no scientist, but even I know it isn’t a water drill. How would that even work?! Water drill at 80% power, over. GETTING A BIT LOUD DOWN HERE JONES, OVER. WHAT?? Sal, these rocks are incredible! The hydrophobic crystalline structure is unlike anything I’ve ever- Damn it Kowalski, you’re so boring. Do you ever talk about anything other than rocks? Well… I am the mission geologist… Whatever. Come and help us pull up the nets, we might have caught something interesting by now. I hope we’ve got some different seaweed species since last time! Ugh, seaweed this, seaweed that. Don’t you ever talk about anything other than plants, Lafevre? Well…I am the mission botanist… In fact, what exactly is your specialty Sal? … … … Let’s get these nets up! Ooh, this is a new species. Oh, joy. Get it to the lab Lafevre, Kowalski and I can handle the other net. Now this is more like it! Let’s get it on board! Lafevre, forget the seaweed, come look at this! Wow, looks like it made its home around the skeleton. Or around the corpse when it was fresh and a source of food. Ewwww. Grow up Kowalski. Wait, is it moving…? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! Did you hear something? Nah, it’s just the ‘drill’. Man, Smith, how would you even drill water? What is wrong with you? JONES, THE DRILL CAN’T HANDLE MUCH MORE OF THIS. NO MORE POWER, OVER! WHAT?? NO MORE POWER, OVER! MORE POWER, GOT IT! OVER! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! *splash* … … Well, I guess it could be worse… Oh... Ok, that was a bit long, so thanks for reading if you made it to the end! Comments and criticism welcome!
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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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Location: Traig V - E10 Tags: Kawashita, Science, Exploration, Piloting Ship Log – 07 Junali 3815 Received a missive from the Group. It would seem that a new ore has been discovered on Traig V and they want us to investigate. Seems like perfect opportunity to test out the Madam. Ship Log – 08 Junali 3815 Madam has been refueled, tomorrow we set out to our mission. Ship Log – 09 Junali 3815 Arrived at destination. Long range sensors seemed to indicate that the ore is near here, but close range sensors are not picking up anything. Ship Log – 10 Junali 3815 Discovered an oddity in the ore. Sensors finally picked it up, but it seems to be moving. Is it a property of this alien world, or is the ore actually a living organism? I am willing to bet it’s the latter. Ship Log – 12 Junali 3815 Decided on a place for base of operations. Ore seems to be “concentrated” nearby. After confirming that ore’s movement patterns are in fact random I am more and more inclined to believe we’re dealing with a living organism. Ship Log – 13 Junali 3815 Found a cavern with high concentrations of the ore. Thermal sensors confirmed that the ore is in fact a living organism. The cavern seems to be their nesting place. Tomorrow Lazlowe will venture inside the cavern to collect a sample. Ship Log – 14 Junali 3815 Lazlowe went to collect samples with M.A.R.I.E. Ship Log – 14 Junali 3815 - addendum While I wait for Lazlowe to return I decided that this is a good time as any to commit the specs of Madam Curie to the database. I include them with this log.
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[K - B05] The Investigation Continues... Okay, so, somewhere in the creation process, I lost around 3 hours of work, so the scene ended up quite differently from my original idea. However, I'm very satisfied with the result (I've been wanting to build this particular mech (which is also my first), for quite some time now). The build is around 6500 pieces, of which the mech is around 800. I had some trouble uploading the pictures, but the build was still posted before the 10:00 GMT deadline. --//Alpha Level Encrypted Private Log Begin. Date: 0607(38)15. Scramble code: ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... [Encrypted].//-- --//Alpha Level Encrypted Private Log End. Signature: Col. QL. Scramble code: ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... [Encrypted].//-- Additional pictures under the (second) Spoiler-button. C&C always welcome!
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Location: B05 - Marphacia Tags: Science Mission Log Recording - "This is Dr. Steven Quin Livingston freshly into Andromeda. I am on my first mission to take scientific readings on Marphacia. We are currently about two clicks from our current base of operations. The area for study was selected because someone saw purple flowers and wanted to know if the plants were somehow using Awesomnium. I have been collecting sample for about 90 minutes, about 5 minutes ago my driver Bill reported that the grav-vehicle was full so Bill has returned to the base with the first round of samples. He assured me that this region was perfectly safe." At that moment I was snapped out of the routine and back into the moment as a long black and scaly serpent like creature splashed it out of the mucky water. "End mission log. Computer connect me with Bill - NOW. Bill what is your ETA?" As quickly as the creature appeared, he spun around and dove back under the muck. Five minutes later Bill finally returned without a reply and I was never so glad to see another human being. Luckily I had the helmet camera on, or everyone might not have believed in my encounter. Comments are welcome
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Location: B07 - Vollfort Tags: Science Mission Log Recording - "This is Dr. Steven Quin Livingston with my third mission in Andromeda. For this mission I have been asked to collect rock samples from Vollfort. The part of the planet we collected samples on there was lots of dried volcanic rock which was ground into a fine dust that got into every small hole. The mission was a success and we are returning to the drop ship in the Tanto-3. I am sitting back in my examination room for the flight back. My normal driver, Bill was not available for this mission so the Tanto-3 is being driven by Ender. Front Cockpit with Ender Cargo Hold Science Lab with Dr. Livingston The Tanto-3 is loosely based on my memory of the Alien Conquest Set - 7066
