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Season 1 - Episode 2 - Solus

8/4/2015

LIU Atlas - Solus

There are billions of stars, millions of planets, but there is only one man, Terrance McDoogal. Welcome to LIU Atlas.

LIU Atlas - Solus

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, 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.

Doog: "Welcome to another episode of TV2's newest program, LIU Atlas. I'm your host, Terrance "Doog" McDoogal. This week, I'm here to tell you about another relatively unknown planet, Solus. There is a good reason this place is unknown, it was just discovered earlier this decade. You see, Solus sits in the middle of a ternary star system, that's three stars for you rookies. The gravitational tug of these three stars disrupted the mapping scans in the area effectively hiding the planet of Solus. When it was finally discovered by a passing frigate, the LIU immediately sent researchers to the planet to determine its value. When they arrived, they found something amazing."

Doog: "I'm here on platform #2, one of five landing platforms on Solus. As you can see, the platform is sitting in water. That's because 99.9% of Solus' surface is covered in water."

Doog: "Joining me is Solus Researcher Cubs Sweptagain."
Roger: "Actually, my name is Roger."
Doog: "Haha, I know I just wanted to rub it in! Anyway, Roger, give us a break down on Solus."
Roger: "Sure Doog. Solus, as you said, sits in a ternary system. This means that it is constantly day here. The surface of the planet is covered in a massive fresh water sea. This combination of abundant sunlight and fresh water has spurned some amazing plant and animal life."
Doog: "How do plants exist in a world covered by a sea?"
Roger: "Hop in my boat, Doog. I'll show you."

Roger: "You see Doog, only 99.9% of the planet is covered by the sea. Rock islands, like these, extend up from the sea floor. Plant life has thrived on the little real estate available."
Doog: "I see, but why aren't there plants growing at the bottom of the rocks?"
Roger: "Three suns and lots of water means lots of rain and lots of storms. The storm surge knocks off any plants growing too low."
Doog: "Speaking of three suns, I'm burning like a Colluvian that's been in the sun for 30 seconds. Let's move on."

Roger: "Larger islands like these contain even more bio-diversity."
Doog: "Plants are cool and all, I mean, I love a good visit to the LIU Green Center, but what do they have to do with research? Are you guys developing a better lawn mower or something?"
Roger: "No Doog! Plants have many uses, like food and medicinal purposes. We could find the next generation of bananas here or maybe the cure for Noob Syndrome."

Doog: "You might find the next poison ivy or space spice as well."
Roger: "Maybe Doog, but the benefits outweigh the risks. For example, look at this island here. This large tree's roots were able to penetrate solid rock. We can use this evolutionary break through to grow trees on rocky planets."

Doog: "Maybe the tree's bark contains the cure for dandruff?"
Roger: "Uh... maybe Doog, we haven't tested that quite yet, but you never know."
Doog: "Well, let's saw it down and test it now. I noticed you have a few flakes."
Roger: "NO! I don't have flakes! It must be snow or something."
Doog: "Snow on a world with three suns?"
Roger: "Shut up Doog! Besides, we must keep the plant life intact until it is tested."

Doog: "Fine, let's move on. What do we have here?"
Roger: "This small rock has a small tidal pool inside. When the tide rises water fills this void, when the tide lowers, small pools are formed. Check out what's inside."

Doog: "Is there something inside? ...Holy Kaadu! What the heck is that!?!"

Roger: "It's a Tide Spider Doog. They feed on fish and clams trapped in the tidal pools."
Doog: "Put it away! Put it away! It's great, but let's go now!"
Roger: "You aren't afraid of spiders, Doog, are you? Ahh, what were you saying about dandruff now?"
Doog: "Dandruff? Did I say dandruff? All I see is snow."
Roger: "That's better Doog. Let's move on."

Roger: "As we researched the planet more, we discovered that plant life wasn't limited to the small patches of land. Small marshes like this have also developed in the planet's shallows."

Doog: "I love plants and all Roger, I really do, but unless there is one here that cures boredom, I'd really like to get a move on. Perhaps we can see your research facility?"
Roger: "Fine Doog."

Roger: "Well, here it is Doog. This is my home and research facility."
Doog: "It's about time, I mean I can't complain, you've done all the paddling, but isn't there a faster way to get around. You know, like using a motor instead of a paddle?"
Roger: "We are self-contained Doog. We don't have gas stations or power plants. We have to rely on solar and wind power, as well as good old muscle. Motor boats need too much power, so I do it the old fashion way."

Roger: "Anyway, as you can see, the Research Center built on stilts to avoid the strong storm surges. You can also see the solar power panels here to my left and the wind generator above us to the right. They make just enough power to keep my computers up and running."

Roger: "We have to grow our own food, so we use floating hydroponic platforms like this. As you can see, I'm growing some Solus vegetation that has been proven safe to eat, like the leafy Ecuttel, the sweet Nolem, and starchy Nroc."

Roger: "Come on upstairs Doog, I'll show you some more."
Doog: "I see hand rail technology hasn't been discovered here yet."
Roger: "What's that Doog?"
Doog: "Uh, nothing. I'm coming."

Roger: "This bridge links the living quarters, to your right, and the research post, to your left."

Roger: "The living quarters is where I sleep and where I keep my supplies. It's small, but comfy."

Roger: "The research post is where I log all the plant life I discover. I take small DNA samples from the plants, I upload them into these computers, and send them to research facilities across the LIU. You can also see my crane and water faucet."

Roger: "You see, this water pump pulls fresh water up from the sea. It filters out any impurities and it comes out as fresh drinking water."
Doog: "Holy smokes Roger, that water pump is just so cool, I'm going to have to call it quits. Thanks for having me."
Roger: "You can't leave yet Doog."

Roger: "I have one more thing to show you. Here, put this on."

Doog: "Well folks, I've let Roger talk me into putting on this SCUBA gear, and he's lowering me into the planet wide Solus Sea. Let's see what is in store."

Doog: "Wow! I can hardly believe what I'm seeing! The sea bed itself is covered with plants as far as the eye can see. There's an entire forest of sea plants here. Well folks, even though you've never heard of Solus, it really is an amazing place. The research they are conducting here might create cures for future diseases or it might yield the next strawberry. No one knows. But I know one thing. There's a spider right next to my leg! Ahhhh!

Note: LIU Atlas will not be seen next week due to Doog getting Poison Doolsack on his arms, as well as third degree sunburns. Who goes sleeveless on a planet with three suns? Oh, let's not forget the spider bite to Doog's left leg. Anyway, when LIU Atlas returns, Doog visits Mordax.

CLICK HERE FOR NEXT EPISODE: Season 1 - Episode 2.5 - Chauca

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Season 1 - Episode 1 - Colluvio

8/4/2015

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LIU Atlas - Colluvio

There are billions of stars, millions of planets, but there is only one man, Terrance McDoogal. Welcome to LIU Atlas..

LIU Atlas - Colluvio

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, LIU 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.

Doog: "Welcome folks to TV2's newest program, LIU Atlas. I'm your host, Terrance McDoogal, feel free to call me Doog. This week, I'm here to tell you about a relatively unknown planet, Colluvio. Although unknown, this Mining World is one of the most important planets in the LIU. As you can see from the simulation to my right, Colluvio is more or less a giant chunk of rock, but this rock contains some of the most valuable mineral compounds in the entire galaxy. Let's visit Colluvio and take a closer look."

Doog: "As we approach Colluvio, we come across one of several hundred mining transports. These massive ships are constantly visiting Colluvio, shipping its treasures to worlds all across the LIU galaxy."

Doog: "There are 52 mining cities on Colluvio, and we've been granted access to City #21. Other than this small tunnel jutting out from the mountain side, there are no signs of life for miles. Where is this city? Why it's underground, of course."

Doog: "As I wait for my guide, I can't help but to notice how dark it is inside the tunnels. And that makes me wonder... why can't we show you some tropical Vacation World or maybe the Red Light District. Why does it always have to be these dark, musty places. There's a reason no one has heard of this place."

Doog: "Ahh, here's my guide at last. Hi, I'm Terrance McDoogal, you can call me Doog."
Host: "Welcome Doog. I'm Flarblast Siplecoup. You can call me Flarblast Siplecoup."
Doog: "Uh, nice to meet you Fartblaster Sippy Cup."
Host: "That's Flarblast Siplecoup."

Doog: "Uh, yeah, that's what I meant. Hey! Where are you going? Can't we talk before we go inside?"
Host: "It has been many years since my skin has felt the sun. I'm afraid I've gone and got burned already. Please let's head inside."
Doog: "You got sunburned in twenty seconds? Well, I guess you are looking rather pale."

Host: "All of us here at Colluvio look this way. We seldom get out to see the sun. We prefer the comforts of the 'dark and musty' mine, as you said."
Doog: "Oh, you heard that? I was just... uh.. well, look at this city! It sure is great!"
Host: "We have yet to arrive at the city. This is just the tunnel entrance. We still have a long journey to City #21."

Host: "City #21 is several miles deeper into the mountain. This suspended monorail system will take us there."
Doog: "It looks fun Flakpack. Let's head out"

Host: "That's Flarblast, Flarblast Siplecoup."
Doog: "No thanks, Flarblast Siplecoup gives me gas."
Host: "I'm not offering you food. That's my name."
Doog: "Ha, oh yeah, uh, its just a...little joke us inner galaxy people say... uh, well let's go."

Doog: "After a fifteen minute ride through the mountain, the monorail gives way and me and Flar.., me and my guide, are left at what appears to be a dead end. Are we there yet?"
Host: "Almost, all that is left now is the descent."

Doog: "The descent?"
Host: "Yes, this elevator will take us down another couple miles. City #21 awaits us at the bottom."

Doog: "Is this elevator safe?"
Host: "Yes Doog, the LIU Elevator Inspector General has given this elevator his stamp of approval."
Doog: "Uh, the LIU disbanded that position like 40 years ago, something to do with that park duck scandal."
Host: "Well, I assure you, it is quite safe. Let us descend."

Doog: "Well folks, we're thirty minutes into the show and we are finally at City #21. For the three viewers out there that are still awake and present, thanks for sticking with us. Now, Fastpass Steeplechase, where are we?"
Host: "My name is... oh forget it. We are now in City #21. If you follow me, I'll take you to the main chamber."

Doog: "I can't help but to notice these strange fans built into the walls. Can you tell us about them?"
Host: "Yes Doog, these fans are part of City #21's ventilation system. These fans are connected to small tunnels that extend all the way to the surface. They pull fresh air into the mine."
Doog: "Cool. Get it? Haha. Why aren't you laughing?"
Host: "It must be that inner galaxy humor you were talking about..."

Doog: "As I we arrive at the main chamber, I am slightly taken back. I couldn't have imagined that an underground city on a mining world could be so beautiful. I have to admit, I'm impressed Flarelast."
Host: "Thanks Doog. This is the main chamber. It contains the housing for the forty eight residents of City #21."

Doog: "There's only forty eight of you here?"
Host: "Yes Doog. Most of the mining operation is automated. We are only here to complete repairs and insure
quality control."
Doog: "Are all fifty-two cities like this?"
Host: "More or less. The population is dependent on the size of the mine below. We have a rather strong concentration of mineral below us and we have one of the larger populations."

Doog: "Speaking of minerals, what exactly do you guys mine here?"
Host: "Well Doog, just below us is a massive underground sea. However, this sea is not made up of water. It's made up of a rare liquid mineral called Quag."
Doog: "Quag?"
Host: "Yes Doog, Quag. It's used as a fertilizer on all of the LIU's Super Farms. Production on these farms had risen ten fold since they started using this rare Quag fertilizer."

Doog: "How do you mine a liquid?"
Host: "Well Doog, this is where it all starts. Small holes are cut into the rock exposing the sea below. Massive pumps, like this one, pump out the liquid Quag."

Host: "The Quag isn't very stable in this state so it most be processed before it can be shipped out. If you follow me, I'll show you some of the processing areas."
Doog: "Sounds fun."

Host: "The pump carries the Quag to this room where it is pumped out onto a small assembly line. Here, robots turn the raw Quag into processed Quag."

Host: "Heat is applied to remove any impurities. A mixing robot then stirs the Quag to insure that it's viscosity is consistent."

Host: "After it is processed, it is pumped into these large drying tanks. When processed Quag is allowed to sit, it slowly becomes a solid. This takes a long amount of time, and we have to have thousands of these drying tanks."

Host: "As you can see below, two of our quality control engineers are cleaning tank #3. If any impurities get into these drying tanks, they stop the Quag from solidifying."

Host: "The hardened Quag is then sent down another conveyor belt were is cut up into little squares."

Host: "These squares of Quag then fall down a small chute into an automatic scale."

Host: "When the weight reaches the predetermined amount, the scale drops the squared Quag into a mining cart below. These carts take the Quag to one Colluvio's central shipping platforms. Cities #20-30 share one central shipping platform."
Doog: "Wow, Flabsack, that's pretty efficient. I'd love to hear more...(mumble) yeah right, but time's running out. Thanks for showing us Colluvio."
Host: "It was my pleasure... (mumble) yeah right... Terrance McDoogal."

Doog: "Well folks, although Colluvio doesn't get mentioned very often, the planet is actually quite important. Without its supply of Quag, the Super Farms wouldn't be able to produce enough food to feed the galaxy. So next time you stop at the supermarket, remember Colluvio and its underground seas of Quag. Thanks for joining us. Hopefully, you learned a thing or two."

Note: Don't fret, Doog will be back from time to time to show you some more obscure LIU Worlds. Next up, the World of Solus.

CLICK HERE FOR NEXT EPISODE: Season 1 - Episode 2 - Solus

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