There are billions of stars, millions of planets, but there is only one man, Terrance McDoogal. Welcome to LIU Atlas.
LIU Atlas - Opulentus CRF
The Ludgonian Industrial Union's galaxy contains billions of stars and billions of planets. Unfortunately, most residents of the LIU could only name a handful of these worlds. In order to improve astronomy grades across the LIU Galaxy, TV2 has started a new program called LIU Atlas. Follow our host, Terrance McDoogal, as he takes you on a tour across the LIU and some of its more obscure worlds.
Note: This episode is presented in full screen. The corresponding dialogue is underneath each photo.
Note: This episode is presented in full screen. The corresponding dialogue is underneath each photo.
Doog: “Welcome to another episode of LIU Atlas. I’m your host, Terrance “Doog” McDoogal. Today, we’re exploring the Opulentus Chthonian Remnant Field, which is a bit of a mouthful. From here on out, we’re just going to call it Opulentus. Opulentus got its name because it is a field of debris that was once a chthonian planet. Now, if you’re like me, that isn’t very helpful. What’s a chthonian planet? Well, I’m told a chthonian planet is a former gas giant that has its gaseous layers stripped away. Only the highly condensed core of the gas giant remains. Chthonian planets contain all the exotic matter of a gas giant without all the pesky gas and atmospheric pressure. These rare planets are prime mining worlds. In the case of Opulentus, the gaseous layers were removed by passing black hole. The black hole’s gravity also shattered the chthonian planet, therefore creating the Opulentus Chthonian Remnant Field. Whew, that was complicated. Anyway, Opulentus is inhabited, so let’s head inside.”
OCRF-451: “You must be Doog.”
Doog: “I am. And, you must be one of the monotone robotic entities that inhabit Opulentus.”
OCRF-451: “I am designated OCRF-451.”
Doog: “OCRF-451? That’s a bit long. How about OC?”
OC: “I exist to serve.”
Doog: “Nice. I dig your subservience. I could have used you earlier though. I’ve been wandering around for a while. Everything is locked up.”
OC: “Our facility is highly secure for your safety. The exotic matter mined from the Opulentus Chthonian Remnant Field can be unstable and therefore dangerous.”
Doog: “What exactly do you mine here?”
Doog: “I am. And, you must be one of the monotone robotic entities that inhabit Opulentus.”
OCRF-451: “I am designated OCRF-451.”
Doog: “OCRF-451? That’s a bit long. How about OC?”
OC: “I exist to serve.”
Doog: “Nice. I dig your subservience. I could have used you earlier though. I’ve been wandering around for a while. Everything is locked up.”
OC: “Our facility is highly secure for your safety. The exotic matter mined from the Opulentus Chthonian Remnant Field can be unstable and therefore dangerous.”
Doog: “What exactly do you mine here?”
OC: “We mainly mine metallic hydrogen.”
Doog: “Hey, I know metallic hydrogen. They mine it on this planet called Barathrum. I thought metallic hydrogen was only found in the deep cores of gas giants?”
OC: “Opulentus used to be a gas giant. The metallic hydrogen created during that era still exists now. Metallic hydrogen is meta-stable. Once created, it remains in the same state until sufficiently disturbed.”
Doog: “Oh yeah. I forgot about that part. Barathrum was like four years ago. My information retention abilities are slightly lacking.”
OC: “Although meta-stable, metallic hydrogen extraction can be dangerous. While removing regolith, you risk the chance of striking pockets of metallic hydrogen and destabilizing it.”
Doog: “I’m guessing destabilization equals big booms.”
OC: “There is a significant energy release. Luckily, my model was created to offset risks. We possess upgraded sensory perception and advanced dexterity. With the aid of stabilization walkers, we have very few accidents.”
Doog: “Hey, I know metallic hydrogen. They mine it on this planet called Barathrum. I thought metallic hydrogen was only found in the deep cores of gas giants?”
OC: “Opulentus used to be a gas giant. The metallic hydrogen created during that era still exists now. Metallic hydrogen is meta-stable. Once created, it remains in the same state until sufficiently disturbed.”
Doog: “Oh yeah. I forgot about that part. Barathrum was like four years ago. My information retention abilities are slightly lacking.”
OC: “Although meta-stable, metallic hydrogen extraction can be dangerous. While removing regolith, you risk the chance of striking pockets of metallic hydrogen and destabilizing it.”
Doog: “I’m guessing destabilization equals big booms.”
OC: “There is a significant energy release. Luckily, my model was created to offset risks. We possess upgraded sensory perception and advanced dexterity. With the aid of stabilization walkers, we have very few accidents.”
Doog: “So, you were created?”
OC: “Yes. My model was developed by the Technocracy for the sole purpose of mining the Opulentus Chthonian Remnant Field.”
Doog: “You were created by the Technocracy? I know them. I’ve been to Arillator.”
OC: “Yes. At the peak of the Technocracy, they controlled hundreds of worlds. The Opulentus Chthonian Remnant Field was one such world. In my estimation, it was one of their most profitable possessions. It quickly caught the LIU’s attention.”
Doog: “What makes it so profitable? The metallic hydrogen? I guess that’s kind of rare.”
OC: “It’s more of what you can do with metallic hydrogen. Follow me.”
OC: “Yes. My model was developed by the Technocracy for the sole purpose of mining the Opulentus Chthonian Remnant Field.”
Doog: “You were created by the Technocracy? I know them. I’ve been to Arillator.”
OC: “Yes. At the peak of the Technocracy, they controlled hundreds of worlds. The Opulentus Chthonian Remnant Field was one such world. In my estimation, it was one of their most profitable possessions. It quickly caught the LIU’s attention.”
Doog: “What makes it so profitable? The metallic hydrogen? I guess that’s kind of rare.”
OC: “It’s more of what you can do with metallic hydrogen. Follow me.”
Doog: “Whoa. What’s this thing?”
OC: “A power generator.”
Doog: “So, in addition to mining, you generate power?”
OC: “We generate power from what we mine. We destabilize metallic hydrogen in a controlled manner.”
OC: “A power generator.”
Doog: “So, in addition to mining, you generate power?”
OC: “We generate power from what we mine. We destabilize metallic hydrogen in a controlled manner.”
Doog: “Got it. I knew metallic hydrogen had many uses. I forgot it releases energy when disturbed.”
OC: “Yes. We make about 5 zettajoules of clean power every week. Enough to power a civilized planet for an entire year.”
Doog: “That sounds profitable. You essentially power fifty planets a year just by yourself.”
OC: “Indeed.”
OC: “Yes. We make about 5 zettajoules of clean power every week. Enough to power a civilized planet for an entire year.”
Doog: “That sounds profitable. You essentially power fifty planets a year just by yourself.”
OC: “Indeed.”
OC: “Chthonian planets have more than just metallic hydrogen. They have other exotic high-pressure materials, like pressurized sodium chloride. Under the right conditions, Na3Cl is two-dimensional super-conductive metal. We use it make our own brand of power cells.”
Doog: “What makes them so special?”
OC: “Nothing really. They’re similar to other power cells for the most part. It does lessen our reliance on other worlds though, which drives up profits.”
Doog: “Sounds like Opulentus is a rich world.”
OC: “It's very rich with little overhead expenses. My model does not require payment for labor, so almost every credit made belongs to the LIU. Some power must be siphoned off to power myself and my counterparts, but it hardly makes a dent in profitability. Many studies suggest that Opulentus is one of the galaxy’s most profitable world.”
OC: “Nothing really. They’re similar to other power cells for the most part. It does lessen our reliance on other worlds though, which drives up profits.”
Doog: “Sounds like Opulentus is a rich world.”
OC: “It's very rich with little overhead expenses. My model does not require payment for labor, so almost every credit made belongs to the LIU. Some power must be siphoned off to power myself and my counterparts, but it hardly makes a dent in profitability. Many studies suggest that Opulentus is one of the galaxy’s most profitable world.”
Doog: “Is that what’s locked away behind all these doors? Massive vaults of wealth?”
OC: “Yes, technically, but not in the manner you’re imagining. The potential for wealth here has attracted large numbers of the LIU’s elite, especially those looking to invest. First class facilities were built to house them and meet their elegant lifestyle. They are beyond this door.”
Doog: “That’s why it’s locked...to keep out low class folks like myself.”
OC: “Yes, but it is your lucky day. You have been granted access to the elite sections of this facility. Follow me.”
OC: “Yes, technically, but not in the manner you’re imagining. The potential for wealth here has attracted large numbers of the LIU’s elite, especially those looking to invest. First class facilities were built to house them and meet their elegant lifestyle. They are beyond this door.”
Doog: “That’s why it’s locked...to keep out low class folks like myself.”
OC: “Yes, but it is your lucky day. You have been granted access to the elite sections of this facility. Follow me.”
Doog: “This seems so out of place…a fancy bar on a mining world.”
OC: “We prefer cocktail lounge. It’s a gathering place for the elite to mingle, discuss investments, and make business deals. Many issues of galactic importance have been settled over a bottle of liquor in this lounge.”
Doog: “It’s good to know that the fate of us underlings are all drunk decisions.”
OC: “We prefer cocktail lounge. It’s a gathering place for the elite to mingle, discuss investments, and make business deals. Many issues of galactic importance have been settled over a bottle of liquor in this lounge.”
Doog: “It’s good to know that the fate of us underlings are all drunk decisions.”
OC: “What’s wrong? Why are you doing that?”
Doog: “Doing what?”
OC: “Puffing out your chest and sucking in your belly?”
Doog: “Can’t a guy try to look good in front of the elite ladies? I’m definitely in the market for a sugar momma.”
OC: “I do not possess information on that subject. Perhaps we should continue.”
Doog: “Doing what?”
OC: “Puffing out your chest and sucking in your belly?”
Doog: “Can’t a guy try to look good in front of the elite ladies? I’m definitely in the market for a sugar momma.”
OC: “I do not possess information on that subject. Perhaps we should continue.”
Doog: “Holy Emperor! I’m trying really hard not to go fanboy crazy on you, but is that Maddie and the Soap Buckets?!”
OC: “I believe so.”
Doog: “This is one of the biggest bands in the galaxy! What are they doing here!?”
OC: “Galaxy-class entertainment is brought in daily to please the elite.”
OC: “I believe so.”
Doog: “This is one of the biggest bands in the galaxy! What are they doing here!?”
OC: “Galaxy-class entertainment is brought in daily to please the elite.”
Doog: “The elite aren’t even paying attention! They’re just eating dinner like nothing’s happening!”
OC: “I don’t pretend to understand the musical needs of sentient beings, so I can’t speak to their disinterest. However, the band is here quite frequently. Perhaps their novelty has worn off.”
OC: “I don’t pretend to understand the musical needs of sentient beings, so I can’t speak to their disinterest. However, the band is here quite frequently. Perhaps their novelty has worn off.”
Doog: “I doubt that. I could listen to their stuff for years.”
OC: “Perhaps it’s the top of the line cuisine distracting them.”
Doog: “Maybe. It does smell delicious in here. I see pizza too. Pizza might be a temporary distraction, I guess. In fact, that’s all I can think about now. Do I get pizza as part of the tour?”
OC: “I’m afraid not. The cuisine is strictly for elite citizens. They enjoy eating while discussing business arrangements.”
Doog: “Is that all that happens in Opulentus’ elite section? Is everything just set up to facilitate business meetings?”
OC: “Yes. We still have the observation deck and ballroom to tour, if you’re ready to move on.”
Doog: “I think we can pass. We get the point. Elite people under elite conditions meet with each other. No need to keep seeing the same thing.”
OC: “There is one other thing of interest that is sufficiently different to be of worth. It is also a form of entertainment, but it’s usually too exciting to conduct business.”
Doog: “I like the way that sounds. I guess I can spare a bit more time.”
OC: “Perhaps it’s the top of the line cuisine distracting them.”
Doog: “Maybe. It does smell delicious in here. I see pizza too. Pizza might be a temporary distraction, I guess. In fact, that’s all I can think about now. Do I get pizza as part of the tour?”
OC: “I’m afraid not. The cuisine is strictly for elite citizens. They enjoy eating while discussing business arrangements.”
Doog: “Is that all that happens in Opulentus’ elite section? Is everything just set up to facilitate business meetings?”
OC: “Yes. We still have the observation deck and ballroom to tour, if you’re ready to move on.”
Doog: “I think we can pass. We get the point. Elite people under elite conditions meet with each other. No need to keep seeing the same thing.”
OC: “There is one other thing of interest that is sufficiently different to be of worth. It is also a form of entertainment, but it’s usually too exciting to conduct business.”
Doog: “I like the way that sounds. I guess I can spare a bit more time.”
Doog: “This isn’t what I was expecting. Everyone has their clothes on. What am I looking at here?”
OC: “This is the skill game, Prosperity.”
Doog: “Prosperity? Never heard of it.”
OC: “It is a game played by the elite. It was developed on the world of Alea as a betting game, but was abandoned by the casinos because it offers no house edge. Instead of players playing against the house, they play against each other. The players bet on themselves and the crowd bets on whoever they think will win. A lot of money gets thrown around during Prosperity, which makes it too expensive for the non-elite to play. Thousands of credits can be spent in minutes.”
OC: “This is the skill game, Prosperity.”
Doog: “Prosperity? Never heard of it.”
OC: “It is a game played by the elite. It was developed on the world of Alea as a betting game, but was abandoned by the casinos because it offers no house edge. Instead of players playing against the house, they play against each other. The players bet on themselves and the crowd bets on whoever they think will win. A lot of money gets thrown around during Prosperity, which makes it too expensive for the non-elite to play. Thousands of credits can be spent in minutes.”
Doog: “How do you play?”
OC: “It’s much too elaborate to explain in the time we have remaining. I can give you a condensed version, though.”
Doog: “Go for it.”
OC: “It involves tossing the magnetic dice, called a Fortune, over a series of numbered panels. Each panel indicates if the fortune increases or decreases, depending on where the dice stops. Each competitor gets six throws, which is called a career. Whichever competitor amasses the most fortune at the end of their career, wins at Prosperity.”
Doog: “Seems easy enough. Rolling and then some math.”
OC: “That’s the basics, but there’s a lot more. There are multipliers, strikes, investments, espionage, and many, many other moves during a career that make the game much more difficult.”
Doog: “Yeah, ok. You’re right. We don’t have time for that, especially since I’ll never have enough money to play. What’s the point of learning the game if you can never play it.”
OC: “It’s much too elaborate to explain in the time we have remaining. I can give you a condensed version, though.”
Doog: “Go for it.”
OC: “It involves tossing the magnetic dice, called a Fortune, over a series of numbered panels. Each panel indicates if the fortune increases or decreases, depending on where the dice stops. Each competitor gets six throws, which is called a career. Whichever competitor amasses the most fortune at the end of their career, wins at Prosperity.”
Doog: “Seems easy enough. Rolling and then some math.”
OC: “That’s the basics, but there’s a lot more. There are multipliers, strikes, investments, espionage, and many, many other moves during a career that make the game much more difficult.”
Doog: “Yeah, ok. You’re right. We don’t have time for that, especially since I’ll never have enough money to play. What’s the point of learning the game if you can never play it.”
Doog: “Well folks, that’s Opulentus. This destroyed chthonian planet has immense mineral worth, mostly in the form of metallic hydrogen. These minerals are turned into energy and power cells, making Opulentus extremely valuable. Its value has attracted a slew of rich, elite citizens. The visiting elite citizens have special needs, so galaxy-class accommodations were built here. This place has all the fancy restaurants, concert venues, and bars the elite citizens need. This certainly isn’t a place for someone like me. Oh well, off to the next planet. See ya!”
Note: Maddie and the Soap Buckets will be playing their number one single, Teleport My Holographic Heart, live on TV2 later this month. Get details by following TV2 on your LIUpad.
Note: Maddie and the Soap Buckets will be playing their number one single, Teleport My Holographic Heart, live on TV2 later this month. Get details by following TV2 on your LIUpad.
