Doog: “Welcome to another episode of LIU Atlas. I’m your host, Terrance “Doog” McDoogal. Today, we’re visiting the volcanic wastelands of Favilla. Favilla – known in some languages as Blót – is a small moon in orbit around the gas giant, Cinefactus. Tidal forces from Cinefactus have created frictional heating in the crust of Favilla, making most of the moon geologically active. The surface is covered in volcanic features, including fumaroles, lava flows, igneous formations, and, of course, volcanos. It should be a pleasure to explore…if you’re into that type of thing. Personally, I’m not, but I need money.”

Doog: “Alright folks, I’ve been dropped off on an island chain in Favilla’s southern hemisphere. I’m told these islands are extinct shield volcanos, but I don’t really know what that means. I do realize that’s there’s one major distinction between these ‘islands’ and other islands I’ve visited. These islands are not surrounded by water. They seem to be encircled by a slow-moving lava flow. The flow is barely moving on the surface, but I’m told that it moves quite quickly just below the surface where the magma is much hotter.”

Doog: “Speaking of hot, it’s pretty warm here despite the moon being a few AU’s from its star. I think it has something to do with the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. There’s a lot of sulfur and smoke in the atmosphere too – you can smell it. The air on Favilla is breathable, but the volcanic gases, smoke, and ash make the air a bit rough on the respiratory system. I’ve only been here a few minutes, and it already feels like I’ve been ripping a bong for eight-straight hours. Don’t get me started on these glowing embers blowing everywhere, they’re super-annoying. I better not ruin my shirt or singe my mustache. Ok, enough complaining, I think I see my guide.”

Arbo: “I am Arbo’Ja, Overseer of the Obligated. You must be Doog.”
Doog: “I am.”
Arbo: “Welcome, Doog.”
Doog: “Thanks. So, your attire already brings a few questions to mind – why the long robes? Aren’t you hot? Isn’t that a fire hazard?”
Arbo: “My clothes are made from mineral wool, making them fire resistant. Burning cinders blow from the flows. The combustion risks are high for non-resistant garments. There is also the risk of acidic rains due to the sulfurous gases. Exposed skin is dangerous. Didn’t you get my email?”
Doog: “Uh…yeah, sure. I totally read that. Can I borrow an umbrella just in case? I might need you to look at the tag on my clothes too. Does it say fire resistant?”
Arbo: “I refuse to suffer the indignity of peeking inside your garments. You’ll be fine.”
Doog: “Is that a ‘no’ on the umbrella too?”
Arbo: “I do not know of what you speak.”
Doog: “Fair enough. I’m not too worried about it. These guys tending the fields don’t have fancy robes on, and they look alright.”

Arbo: “The Obligated are immune to such problems. They evolved here. Their skin is tough and thick.”
Doog: “Wait, the guys tending the fields are the natives?”
Arbo: “Correct.”
Doog: “So, you’re an off-worlder?”
Arbo: “My race, the Debere, cohabitate this world with the Obligated. While it is not our world of origin, we have been here centuries. I do not consider myself an off-worlder.”
Doog: “Why did your ancestors come to Favilla?”
Arbo: “During our exploration age, we discovered and colonized several worlds. Some of these worlds, like Favilla, were inhabited. Any race we encountered was incorporated into our dominion, the Order of Obligation.”
Doog: “What’s all this talk about ‘obligation’ and ‘obligated’?”
Arbo: “Every race we allowed into our dominion is indebted to us. They are obligated to serve us until their debt is repaid.”
Doog: “You enslaved them?”
Arbo: “Such language is blasphemous. Slavery is illegal. We did not enslave them. We rescued them from their unknowing. We ended their galactic naivety – and their technological innocence. In return, they repay their debt to us through their labors and their resources.”

Doog: “Sounds like they might have been better off before your arrival. Sometimes it’s better not to know.”
Arbo: “The sacrilegious idiocy spewing from your mouth indicates otherwise. Ignorance is the enemy of advancement. Their labor is a small price to pay for the knowledge we brought.”
Doog: “Do the natives feel the same way? I see they’re wearing some type of collars. Are those to keep them inline?”
Arbo: “Obliviousness strikes again. These collars are tracking wallets – they possess no suppression abilities.”
Doog: “Tracking wallets?”
Arbo: “The Obligated are indebted. The wallets track how much debt each individual owes.”
Doog: “Yikes, I’d hate to wear a collar that showed how much debt I was in. So, each individual has a portion of debt?”
Arbo: “Yes. Upon our arrival to Favilla, each of the Obligated was assigned an equal share of the debt. An individual’s labor lowers said debt. Labor is tracked and calculated by sensors, like this.”

Doog: “What do the ‘Obligated’ do to lower their debt?”
Arbo: “Favilla is rich in resources. The Obligated earn their solvency through a variety of labors. Tending the Kunwa Plantation is one such manner.”
Doog: “Kunwa, huh? Is that what these plants are called?”
Arbo: “Correct.”
Doog: “For someone who touts his knowledge, you’re not giving me much.”
Arbo: “What else would you like to know?”
Doog: “Is this a native plant?”
Arbo: “It is. Kunwa grows in the fertile volcanic soils near many of the moon’s lava flows. Like the Obligated, it is resistant to heat and fire. In fact, it only thrives in the warmth of the flows.”
Doog: “Is it grown for food? Or medicine? Or textiles?”
Arbo: “Kunwa is a beverage crop. They have fruit-pods containing a host of endosperm-rich seeds. These flavorful seeds are collected and dried. Once desiccated, the seeds can be ground and brewed into a drink.”
Doog: “Sort of like coffee or tea.”
Arbo: “They are prepared in a similar manner, but Kunwa is not like tea or coffee. It is naturally sweet, not bitter. Unlike coffee, Kunwa has no caffeine. Instead, Kunwa contains various natural sedative chemicals.”
Doog: “Sedative chemicals?”
Arbo: “Yes. Kunwa beverages are generally used as a sleep aid.”

Doog: “Some might classify your dull, monotonous voice as a sleep aid.”
Arbo: “What?”
Doog: “Nothing. So, these workers are paying off their debt?”
Arbo: “Correct.”
Doog: “Are any of them close to paying off their whole sum?”
Arbo: “Your naivety is amusing. Of course not.”
Doog: “What does that mean?”
Arbo: “The knowledge we brought is priceless, but, for quantitative purposes, we assigned each of the original inhabitants with five trillion credits of debt.”
Doog: “Five trillion! No one could pay that off in a single lifetime!”  
Arbo: “Precisely. The debt was not intended to be paid off by a single generation. The Obligated pass more than their genes to the next generation – they also pass their debts.”
Doog: “You can inherit debt? That doesn’t seem fair.”
Arbo: “Successive generations gain the same advantages from our knowledge as their predecessors. Why should they not share a burden of this debt?”
Doog: “Maybe, but they don’t really get a choice. Being born into debt is essentially a form of slavery.”
Arbo: “Your irreverent, nonsensical conclusions have been noted and ignored. Let’s continue.”

Doog: “I’m not a math expert, but five trillion is a lot. Even if someone worked off two million credits a lifetime, that’s like thousands of generations.”
Arbo: “Millions.”
Doog: “Millions!? You have to be kidding me. These guys will be laboring for you forever.”
Arbo: “Perhaps, but keep in mind, some labor is valued more than others. They might be able to repay their debt in a timelier manner.”
Doog: “Some make more than two million credits a lifetime?”
Arbo: “Certainly not, but some do earn more than others. For instance, the Obligated assigned to this processing center make more than the Obligated in the fields. Their distant predecessors will be solvent generations before the field laborers.”
Doog: “This is crazy.”

Arbo: “As I mentioned earlier, Kunwa is processed similarly to coffee. Seeds are dried, roasted, and then ground.”

Arbo: “Powdered Kunwa is then packaged so it can be sold to consumers.”
Doog: “It’s not brewed?”
Arbo: “Kunwa loses its sedative qualities if brewed too early. It is more effective if customers prepare the drink at home, immediately before it is consumed.”
Doog: “Is it? Or would you have to knock off more debt if your guys had to do it?”
Arbo: “That is your most ludicrous musing yet. Extra processing steps, like brewing, wouldn’t reduce anyone’s Obligation a noticeable amount – it would be like removing grains of sand from a beach.”

Arbo: “Your unfamiliarity with the ways of our order seem to be breeding contempt. The Obligated are not as oppressed as you imagine.”
Doog: “You say that as we walk into a jail!”
Arbo: “More misinformation. These are the worker dorms.”
Doog: “Worker dorms?! There’s bars on the doors!”
Arbo: “Simple protective measures are a small price to pay for free room and board. We could charge for these provisions, adding more to their debt.”
Doog: “Free room and board sounds great, but why the bars? Are the Obligated not free to move about however they please?”
Arbo: “Certain freedoms must be withheld from the Obligated for the sake of the system – like the freedom to mate.”
Doog: “Freedom to mate?”

Productivity Bot: “If you cross the yellow line and enter the female dorms, I will increase both your debt and pain levels.”
Obligated: “I won’t even look over there, just, please, don’t zap me.”

Doog: “Why do you keep them from mating? That’s one of the few pleasures left on this terrible Obligation world!”
Arbo: “As we discussed earlier, debts are generational. Each successive generation inherits the debts of their parents. This system will not function if the Obligated have more than two children.”
Doog: “How…Wait. If they had more and more children, theoretically, the debt could be diluted over time, but if each couple only has two children – the inherited debts stay nearly equal.”
Arbo: “Two parents – two children to assume their debt.”
Doog: “You’re prolonging their servitude!”
Arbo: “Correct. Controlled breeding insures the system’s stability.”
Doog: “This has to be illegal.”
Arbo: “It’s not. Not in the LIU, at least.”

Doog: “Whoa! Whoa! Ember by my mustache!”
Arbo: “Don’t panic. Just blow it away.”

Doog: “How many years of servitude will that advice cost me?”
Arbo: “Very amusing.”
Doog: “I thought so. Where are we going now?”
Arbo: “Plantation work and Kunwa processing are just a few of the Obligated’s labors. We must travel to see some of the others.”

Doog: “Is this thing safe? It’s a little bumpy.”
Arbo: “Our lava skippers are perfectly safe. The turbulence is caused by the repulsors travelling over different types of material. It’s typical when travelling over the lava flows. The ride should smooth out when we get over more stable areas.”
Doog: “I hope so, otherwise I’m going to need to chug a few Kunwas and take a nap.”

Doog: “What’s this?”
Arbo: “Favilla’s largest export is Kunwa, but gas is a close second.”
Doog: “Gas? Like fuel gas?”
Arbo: “No, not gasoline. Gas, like the free-flowing state of matter – specifically sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and sulfur hexafluoride.”
Doog: “Oh, ok. Good thing you clarified because my second guess was organic gas...er....flatulence.”

Arbo: “The Obligated assigned here earn the most off their debts. The job can be dangerous, even for their well-adapted bodies.”
Doog: “How do they collect the gases?”

Arbo: “Active volcanic vents, like this one here, are capped. The resulting pressure build-up forces gases into collection devices.”
Doog: “And this is dangerous?”
Arbo: “Correct. Too much pressure may cause the cap to violently explode. It requires careful observation and a little bit of luck.”
Doog: “Luck?”
Arbo: “There’s no way to predict or stop a full-scale eruption. If…when this occurs, the collection infrastructure will be severely damaged or destroyed. Anyone close enough will more than likely be killed – either by the initial explosion, the displacement of oxygen, or the fiery lava raining down.”
Doog: “I have the worst luck, so I think I’m going to wrap things up here.”
Arbo: “Very well.”

Doog: “Well folks, that’s Favilla. I’m not sure what’s worse here – the air quality, the cinders, or the cruel economic system. Ok, the whole debt-slave thing is the worst. The Debere came to this moon a few centuries ago. Upon their arrival, they gifted the natives knowledge and technology. Actually, gifted isn’t the right word. The Debere sold the natives knowledge and technology. This sale placed the natives in the Debere’s debt. Now, generation after generation is forced to labor for the Debere to repay this debt. It doesn’t seem fair, does it? Oh well, see ya!”
 
 
Note: Before being absorbed into the LIU, the Order of Obligation controlled sixteen worlds near their homeworld, Debeo. Most of these worlds are populated by various indebted races. All of which are referred to as the ‘Obligated’. The Debere retains some autonomy over their former dominion. 

Doog: “Welcome to another episode of LIU Atlas.  I’m your host, Terrance “Doog” McDoogal. Today, we’re touring the Mid-Rim planet, Olentia. Olentia has a minimal axial tilt, so its climate is always temperate and mild. It’s never too hot, nor too cold. These stable temperatures have allowed large forests to cover most of the globe. These forests are home to the unique Olentin race and a handful of off-worlders. Olentia has no major exports, and its economy is practically non-existent. That doesn’t mean that Olentia and the Olenti have nothing to offer. Let’s head down and take a closer look.”

Doog: “Alright folks, I’ve been dropped off at a small maintenance depot in the planet’s southern tropics. Olentia sits at the start the Rachis Tradeway, a minor, Mid-Rim hyperspace route. Several travelers pass Olentia when approaching the route, so most of Olentia’s frail economy centers around transportation needs – like maintenance depots and fuel ports. Unfortunately, at least for Olentia, many forgo this planet’s services and stop at larger ports further down the route. Despite the small profit margins and unreliable business, a few holdouts keep active transportation services on Olentia.”

Doog: “Sir, if you have a minute, I’d like to interview you about your failing, unprofitable depot.”
Johnson: “Who said my business is failing?! Are you one of those credit collectors?!”
Doog: “No, no. I hate those guys. I’m a TV reporter. I’m just trying to show the viewers how miserable it is on Olentia, at least for off-world depot owners.”
Johnson: “Things aren’t that terrible! I take offense to that!”
Doog: “Oh, I guess I was misinformed.”
Johnson: “My wife and I won’t be retiring to Opulentus anytime soon, but we make do. It doesn’t help when washed-up TV reporters, like yourself, land on my platform without paying any fees. You guys could have, at least, got a window wash.”
Doog: “Uh…you’ll have to talk to my producers about that. I literally have zero credits. I’d argue the washed-up remark, but…zero credits. I have no argument.”
Johnson: “Excuses, excuses. Maybe I should charge you for standing here?”
Doog: “I’m supposed to meet my guide here!”
Johnson: “So! What’s this comfortable waiting place worth?”

Doog: “Um…hey, look! Someone else is landing. Maybe bother them for credits.”
Johnson: “Two freeloaders in one day? Does this look like a landing port for a charity?”

Johnson: “No more sponges! Pay or leave!”
Jaf: “Settle down, old man. Give me the works – fuel, engine de-ionization, and a hull inspection.”
Johnson: “Wait…Jaf, is that you?”
Jaf: “It’s been a few cycles, Johnson, but it’s me.”
Johnson: “Well, I’ll be damned. It is you. I guess I got so irritated by that TV guy that I lost my manners. Good to see you.”
Jaf: “Good to see you too. I hope you’ll forgive my guest. I thought I’d beat him here. If you need a landing fee for his ship, charge it to my account. The LIU’s paying this bill.”
Johnson: “You made it to the big time, huh?”
Jaf: “Nah, I just got contracted to show this TV guy around.”
Johnson: “Given his attitude, I’d say you hit the low-times.”
Jaf: “It’s not that bad. I was making my way to Olentia anyway. Letting this guy tag along won’t hurt too much.”

Johnson: “I guess you’re still in the business of high-end luxury trade.”
Jaf: “The preferred term is, ‘procurement specialist’.”
Johnson: “Yeah, ok. And, I’m not a mechanic – I’m an artisanal engineer.”
Doog: “And I’m not a TV reporter – I’m a travelling Videographer specializing in Cultural and Economic Studies.”
Jaf: “You guys are hilarious, but you shouldn’t quit your days jobs…whatever you prefer to call them.”
Johnson: “You’re right. Let me get to work on your ship.”

Jaf: “Doog, we meet again.”
Doog: “It’s been a few years since Arens Frux.”
Jaf: “It doesn’t seem that long, does it?”
Doog: “Maybe for you. I still have nightmares about that vegetarian cheese.”
Jaf: “You’re still freaking about that?”
Doog: “Of course. So, what have you come here to ruin for me today? Are you picking up some steaks made from asparagus or sugar-free sugar?”
Jaf: “Nothing like that. As you know, I come to undeveloped worlds, like Olentia and Arens Frux, to pick up luxury items to sell to the LIU’s elite. Worlds like this don’t have large-scale economies.”
Doog: “I remember. On Arens Frux, you grabbed that rare cheese.”
Jaf: “Exactly. I pick up more than food, though. I’ve come to Olentia to obtain their rare good.”
Doog: “Which is?”
Jaf: “Perfume.”
Doog: “Perfume?”

Jaf: “Yes. The locals are an interesting bunch. They possess spoken language, but they often communicate with chemical signals instead.”
Doog: “Chemical signals? Like smells?”
Jaf: “Yes. Some of the more elaborate chemical aromas they produce are in high-demand by the LIU’s elite. They’re turned into perfumes and colognes.”
Doog: “Tell me we’re not here to collect the locals’ sweat or something.”
Jaf: “While the locals, or Olenti, use some body odors to communicate, we’re more interested in the chemical aromas they manufacture.”
Doog: “Manufacture…like farts and burps?”
Jaf: “No! Manufacture outside of their bodies – from local materials and stuff.”
Doog: “Oh, ok. Phew. That sounds better. I didn’t want to watch you bottle up farts.”

Jaf: “Doog, this is Dr. Tapputi. She’s the LIU scientist assigned to Olentia. Doc, this is Doog, the TV reporter I mentioned in our last communiqué.”
Tapputi: “Welcome to Olentia, Doog.”
Doog: “Thanks. So, a scientist, huh? Why did the LIU assign you here?”
Tapputi: “Why does the LIU assign scientists anywhere? To find profitable exports.”
Doog: “I see.”
Tapputi: “I’ve been here more years than I care to mention. I’ve studied everything from the local timber to the mineral content of the crust. There’s nothing here worth exploiting at the galactic scale.”
Doog: “Why are you still here, then?”
Tapputi: “Honestly, I think the LIU forgot about me. If it wasn’t for Jaf’s little side business, I probably would have starved by now.”
Doog: “You’re in on Jaf’s perfume trade?”

Jaf: “Dr. Tapputi’s extensive knowledge of chemistry, the locals, and their language have proven invaluable to me. I couldn’t obtain the locals’ perfuming agents without her, and I certainly couldn’t convert them into useable scents. We have a partnership.”
Tapputi: “Speaking of partnerships. We might need to renegotiate some of our terms. Your visits are becoming more infrequent. I’m going to need a higher cut if I want to keep my lights on and my belly full.”
Jaf: “Uh…”

Jaf: “…I brought you a present. Did I mention that?”
Tapputi: “What is it?”
Jaf: “Gum resin from the moon, Commis. Give it a smell.”
Tapputi: “Wow, that smells pretty good. Can you eat it?”
Jaf: “No, I don’t think so.”
Tapputi: “Then we still need to discuss my raise.”
Jaf: “That’s the thing. I think the natives will go crazy for this stuff. It’s a new scent to add to their language. We might be able to buy double the amount of perfume we usually get.”
Tapputi: “And double our profits?”
Jaf: “Hopefully.”
Tapputi: “Fair enough. Let’s head out. I’ll keep the resin as collateral.”

Doog: “So, scientist, how does a smell language work?”
Tapputi: “Many creatures utilize odors in their communications via pheromones. They can quickly convey emotional states, like fear, anger, and readiness to mate. The Olenti are no different. They use pheromones to place emotional stresses on their spoken language.”
Doog: “Stresses?”
Tapputi: “In languages like Basic, we place various voice stresses on the words we say to give them different meanings – like intonation patterns to depict sarcasm. The Olenti do this with various naturally-produced pheromones. These aromatic chemical signals can differentiate playful banter from forceful commands.”
Doog: “It sounds complicated.”
Tapputi: “It is. It’s hard for non-Olenti speakers to accurately decipher their language. It gets even harder, though.”
Doog: “How?”
Tapputi: “As the Olenti progressed, they began incorporating additional, non-pheromonal odors into their language – like burnt leaves, spoiled fruits, and insect pheromones. They’ve acquired the ability to express complex ideas almost exclusively through odors.”

Doog: “What kind of ideas?”
Tapputi: “Numerous things. Village locations, clan size, trade requests – you name it. They can even communicate intricate historical information through various scents.”
Doog: “They can pass on history through scents?”
Tapputi: “Yes.”
Doog: “I guess that’s not hard. I can do that too – PFFRRT!”
Jaf: “Did you just fart?”
Doog: “Yeah, that’s the history of what I had for lunch. In case you don’t get a good whiff, it was breakfast burritos.”
Tapputi: “Disgusting.”

Tapputi: “Try to keep your smells to yourself. It’s hard enough to speak to the Olenti as it is. We don’t need to start a war with your flatulence.”
Jaf: “Maybe you should keep your arms down too, just to be safe.”
Doog: “Did I sweat through my deodorant already? Yep. I sure did. Got it. Arms down and no farts. Anyone have a mint?”

Tapputi: “Olenti clan groups vary in size, but this local group has about ten members. Clan groups are generally female family members – grandmothers, mothers, aunts, daughters, etc.”
Doog: “They’re all females?”
Tapputi: “Yes. Males are typically solitary wanderers. They only come around when they pick up mating pheromones from one of the group members. While they’re roving the forests, males tend to search for interesting scents to collect as mating gifts. This behavior has strengthened the Olenti’s scent language.”
Doog: “I hope no one tries to collect that burrito history I left back there. That won’t help with mating. Trust me.”
Jaf: “Doog!”
Tapputi: “Can we stop talking about that?”

Tapputi: “The Olenti collect local resources to extract different scents. The clans in this area gather Demurge, those red seed cones, Deloove, a local bug, and Desik, a local fungus. Every locality differs though. Some areas have resources that others do not. This drives a local, trade-based economy where wandering males collect scents from one clan and bring them to another.”
Doog: “This scent trade isn’t valuable to the LIU, though, right?”
Tapputi: “Correct. It’s only of use to the locals.”
Jaf: “This local clan does have some value. A carefully measured mix of Demurge and Deloove scents is the perfume we’re looking for.”
Doog: “What do you trade them to get the perfume? Do they use money or credits?”
Jaf: “No, that’s why I brought the resin. We can trade them a unique scent for the perfume ingredients.”

Doog: “I’m trying to keep my arms down, but I’m standing next to a pan of squirming beetles. If these things crawl by me, all bets are off. I’m going into swatting and flailing mode.”
Jaf: “Doog! Shh!”

Tapputi: “Hello, again. I hope you girls are well.”
Deligh: “We.”
Tapputi: “I can’t detect your scent language markers. Remember? I need you to use more words. I can hear, not smell.”
Deligh: “We are fine. We are healthy.”
Tapputi: “I am glad. Like usual, I come to you to trade.”
Deligh: “We are. You are.”
Tapputi: “Worlds not smells, please.”
Deligh: “Sigh. We are happy. Your arrival makes us happy. You are welcome. Trade welcome. We always trade with human, Tapputi.”
Tapputi: “I brought you a new scent. We call it gum resin.”
Deligh: “Gamm reason. Ooh. We like gamm reason.”
Tapputi: “We trade resin for perfume, yes?”

Deligh: “Yes. We. They. Under.”
Tapputi: “I know you’re excited, but I don’t understand.”
Deligh: “Raysune is good. We want raysun from Tapputi. They provide ‘perfoom’. Those under. There. Under.”
Tapputi: “Thank you.”
Doog: “What’s happening, Jaf?”
Jaf: “Tapputi was bargaining with the natives. I think they’ve accepted our trade.”

Doog: “It looks like a grocery store down here, but smells like a candle shop.”
Tapputi: “It’s actually more like a library or a printing press.”
Doog: “Huh?”
Tapputi: “These are the resources that the Olenti turn into scent signals. They’re the raw materials for future messages.”
Doog: “So, this is the stuff they use to make non-pheromonal smells.”
Jaf: “Yes, and it’s the stuff we need to make high-end perfume. The more we get, the more profit we can make.”

Tapputi: “Each material or resources – Desik, Demurge, or Deloove – can be prepared in several ways to extract several scents. Deloove beetles can be crushed, baked, or milked for their own pheromones.”

Tapputi: “Demurge Cones can be dried and crushed, burnt, or allowed to spoil. Each process creates a different scent, and, therefore, another piece of the Olenti’s language.”
Doog: “How does this perfume get made?”

Tapputi: “The perfume, called Olenti Musk, is made of mashed Deloove and dried Demurge. In the Olenti scent language, this musk-aroma signifies illness and death. It’s a sad, depressing odor.”
Jaf: “But, the people that wear it don’t need to know that, right Doc?”
Tapputi: “Uh…did I say illness and death? I mean love and happiness! Can you edit that?”
Doog: “Relax, no one watches this show, especially the folks in your elite-luxury-good-market.”
Tapputi: “Ok, good.”
Doog: “So, you sell it as is? It looks like paste at the moment.”

Tapputi: “The paste requires a bit of refinement. That’s where my chemistry knowledge comes in handy. It requires…”
Jaf: “Don’t give away all our secrets, Doc. Let’s just say that she can concentrate this stuff down to a more perfume-friendly liquid.”
Tapputi: “Oh, yes. Of course.”
Doog: “So that’s it?”
Jaf: “That’s all I know about Olentia.”
Tapputi: “I can tell you more, if you want to hear about the raw scent-materials in other regions of the planet. Or, maybe, more of the social structure of region and how the clans relate.”
Doog: “Nah, I think I’m good.”

Doog: “Well folks, that’s Olentia. This temperate forest-planet is home to a unique sentient race. The Olenti, as they’re called, communicate with a mix of spoken language and various odors. Some of these aromas are natural pheromones. Some of these aromas are artificially created. More importantly, some of these aromas can be turned into luxury perfumes. Olentia might not have a major economy, but a few people can persist here by selling these perfumes. Well, I have to go now. That breakfast burrito is moving right through me. See ya!”
 
 
Note: Olentin Musk is sold under the name, Eau de Elite Essences or E³.

​Doog: “Welcome to another episode of LIU Atlas. I’m your host, Terrance “Doog” McDoogal. Today, we’re visiting the mining world, Fere Mane. Fere Mane closely orbits the Class G star, Flammae, subjecting the surface to high-levels of heat and radiation. Typically, mining on a world this dangerous would be cost-prohibitive, but I’m told that Fere Mane is home to a rare type of ceramic that makes the risk worthwhile. We’re here to learn about this rare ceramic and the unorthodox means used to extract it. Let’s head down.”

​Doog: “Alright, folks. I’ve been dropped off at the Lambda Gulch Terminal, one of a handful of permanent structures on Fere Mane. Even though it is just before dawn, it’s still incredibly hot here. It’s probably over a hundred degrees Fahrenheit (37° C). I’ve been here two minutes, and my shirt is already soaked. It gets worse though. Daytime temperatures exceed four-hundred degrees (204° C). I don’t even want to contemplate how that feels. You’ll see a weird set of lights over my shoulder – the ones that resemble the starting lights at a drag race. These are warning lights. As you can see, it’s currently green, indicating that surface conditions are safe – AKA it’s not a burning oven yet. We need to head in, though. Dawn is coming.”

​Doog: “Lambda Gulch Terminal is underground, where it is safe from the relentless daytime sun. Hopefully, it has great AC too. I need my shirt to dry.”
CJ: “Hurry up! Quit lollygagging! The train’s close to departing!”
Doog: “Don’t rush a man that’s this sweaty. I don’t need to complicate this problem.”
CJ: “The train! We have to catch the train!”
Doog: “The train?”

​CJ: “The Morning’s Edge waits for no one. Put some pep in your step!”
Doog: “I have so many questions already. Train? Edge of morning?”
CJ: “Your questions will have to wait. We have about two minutes before the train departs. If we miss the train, I’ll lose my job, and you won’t be able to make a show.”
Doog: “The stakes seem much higher for you. It won’t hurt my feeling to miss a show.”
CJ: “Let’s go!”

​CJ: “The Morning’s Edge only stops at Lambda for seventeen minutes. Just enough time to refuel, resupply, and unload her wares. Once she leaves, she won’t be back for weeks. Missing this train is not an option.”
Doog: “Again, not an option for you. I’ll be fine missing the train. Wait! If I board the train…does that mean I’ll be stuck on the train for weeks?”
CJ: “I’m not sure. There’s no time to think about that for now.”

​Doog: “Going for a ride with unknown consequences due to peer pressure… sounds like that brothel on Camana V. I guess that worked out ok. Medication will help. Right?”
CJ: “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Conductor: “ALL ABOARD!”
CJ: “Let’s go!”

​Doog: “We’re on the train. Happy?”
CJ: “Yeah. That was too close for comfort, but I’m good now.”
Doog: “Now that we’re not rushing, care to tell me what’s going on? Why are we on this train?”
CJ: “We just boarded the Morning’s Edge, a mining train.”
Doog: “You mine from this train?”
CJ: “Yes. It’s too dangerous to mine Fere Mane’s surface during the day. It’s too hot, and solar radiation is off the charts.”
Doog: “Why not mine at night? Why do you use a train?”
CJ: “We mine a ceramic called Aerococta. It’s practically indestructible when it’s hot. It’s impossible to mine during the daytime heat.”
Doog: “Again, why not mine at night?”
CJ: “Aerococta is a great thermal insulator, meaning that it holds on to a lot of the heat it absorbs during the day. It reaches its lowest temperature just before dawn. It’s much easier to mine then.”

​Doog: “So, this aero-business can only be mined at dawn.”
CJ: “It can only be mined in a cost-effective manner at dawn, yes.”
Doog: “But dawn is only a few minutes a day.”
CJ: “That’s where the train comes in. The Morning’s Edge travels at the same velocity that the planet spins, roughly 1,000 mph. This keeps the train in perpetual dawn. It literally travels at the morning’s edge.”
Doog: “It’s always dawn as long as you are onboard the train?”
CJ: “More or less. The train does speed up before it reaches a terminal, so it has enough time to unload and resupply. When it leaves the terminal, it returns to its position at morning’s edge.”

​Doog: “I guess that makes sense – at least, it satisfies the ‘why’ part of a train. What about the ‘how’? How do you mine from a train going a thousand miles per hour?”
CJ: “Good question. Let’s start at the engine.”

​CJ: “This is the train’s engine. This is where she’s piloted, and where train-wide operations are monitored. The guy in the blue is the conductor. The conductor is essentially the head of the operation. He oversees everything throughout the entire train. Although, you’ll usually find him in the engine.”
Doog: “I’d hope so. Doesn’t the conductor drive?”
CJ: “No, that’s the engineers job. That’s the guy dressed like me – up in the front.”
Doog: “So, you’re an engineer too?”
CJ: “Yes. In the rush, I don’t think I introduced myself. I’m Casey Jones. Call me CJ.”
Doog: “CJ, I’m Doog. I’m not usually this sweaty…just so you know.”
CJ: “Noted. So, like I was saying, I’m an engineer too. There’s several of us onboard the Morning’s Edge. We take turns driving, plotting, and monitoring the hovertrain’s systems.”

​CJ: “Morning’s Edge has a crew of twenty-five individuals. Besides the conductor and engineers, there are porters, maintenance workers, and miners. The train cars behind the engine are used to house the crew. There’s a galley car for making and eating food, a bathroom car for nature’s business, and sleeping cars like this.”
Doog: “You sleep in here?”

​CJ: “Yeah, it’s not so bad. These beds fold down. There’s a small place for storage and a small TV.”
Doog: “It’s alright, I guess. At least you get to watch awesome shows, like LIU Atlas.”
CJ: “Yeah, you’ll have to let me know when your show gets released. I’d love to watch it, well, this episode, at least.”
Doog: “What do you mean, ‘gets released’? LIU Atlas has been on TV for thirteen years.”
CJ: “Uh…h…h…has it? I thought this was a new thing.”
Doog: “Sigh. This is what I meant when I said the stakes were higher for you.”

​CJ: “The Mapping and Plotting Car sits behind the housing cars. It uses ground-penetrating radar to locate pockets of Aerococta. This information is not useful this pass, but it is used to determine future routes.”

​CJ: “When we’re not driving or sleeping, us engineers usually hang out here, in the Mapping Car.”
Doog: “Seems like a blast. How does any of this help mine things from a fast-moving train?”
CJ: “We’re getting there.”

​CJ: “The next six cars house the train’s fusion engines. These puppies power the whole train.”
Doog: “Wonderful. So, do you guys reach your hands out and pick up the ceramics or what? Doesn’t seem safe at these speeds.”
CJ: “We’re getting to that in a bit. The engines are an important part of that process. Not only do they provide the power, they provide the weight.”
Doog: “The weight?”

​CJ: “Yeah. The car immediately following the engines is the Raker. The weight of the engine cars makes the Raker more productive and helps keep the train stable when the rakers are deployed.”
Doog: “What’s a raker?”
CJ: “It’s a train car with large metal blades on its exterior. These blades drag across the soil, pulverizing the hardened surface. Essentially, they are like giant plows that churn the soil and free the Aerococta chunks from the planet’s surface.”

​CJ: “Aerococta is formed by the planet’s continuous heat cycle. Surface clays are heated to high temperatures by the sun, and then they slowly cool overnight. The process, called annealing, makes the clays tougher and removes internal stresses. This means that Aerococta is only found near the surface. The blades don’t have to penetrate deep to reach the ceramics.”
Doog: “There’s plenty of things you can get without penetrating too deep – trust me. Ever hear of Collum Gonorrhea?” 

​CJ: “A vacuum car follows the Raker. It sucks up all the loosened regolith.”
Doog: “Wait…you just vacuum the planet’s surface?”
CJ: “Yeah. It only works if the surface is plowed first, but that’s how me mine from a train, vacuums.”
Doog: “I wasn’t expecting that. I’m essentially riding on a high-speed Roomba.”

​CJ: “These vacuums are a little more advanced than a household appliance.”
Doog: “How so?”
CJ: “Aerococta is nonconductive and nonmagnetic. Electromagnetic filters utilize these characteristics to remove non-Aerococtic materials from the vacuums.”

​CJ: “Aerococta is also much heavier than standard regolith. Flushing tanks take advantage of this feature.”
Doog: “Flushing tanks? Do you mean toilets?”
CJ: “No. Flushing tanks, like these, are full of water. Vacuumed materials are deposited into these tanks and agitated. The heavy Aerococta sinks, while lighter things like dirt float to the top. The lighter material is then flushed away.”

​Doog: “Can I flush it?”
CJ: “Again, it’s not like a toilet. The flushing is computerized and automatic. There’s no handle to pull down.”
Doog: “I see plenty of buttons to push.”
CJ: “Seriously, it’s not a toilet.”

​CJ: “Electromagnetic filtering and water-flushing do the majority of the work, but nothing beats a good pair of eyes. Before it’s stored away, sorters personally inspect the Aerococta haul for impurities.”
Doog: “Dirt inspectors, huh?”
CJ: “Ceramic Sorters is the preferred term.”
Doog: “Right. And I’m a Galaxy-Class Investigative Reporter.”
CJ: “Okay, titles aside, they’re technically dirt inspectors. That doesn’t mean their job isn’t hard. They are our last line of defense. The more impurities that make it through, the faster the storage tanks fill up. The train only has so much storage, so wasting space with non-ceramic soils is a big waste. It will quickly cut into our profits.”

​CJ: “Aerococta is easily distinguished from other materials. It’s glassy, jet-black, and much heavier than other chunks of regolith. It’s easy to identify with just your bare eyes and a shovel. A spectral scanner makes it even easier.”
Doog: “What’s this blackened ceramic used for?”
CJ: “Some of the properties we’ve already discussed makes it extremely useful.”
Doog: “Remind me of those again. I was totally paying attention…for some parts of that. But, let’s be sure the audience knows.”
CJ: “Galaxy-class reporting, indeed. Anyway, Aerococta is nonconductive, nonmagnetic, and extremely durable when energized or heated. It’s great for plasma battery cases and fuel cell components. It’s one of the best insulators for Fusion Star Chambers. It’s often used in weapons containers too.”
Doog: “And it’s only found on Fere Mane?”
CJ: “Oh no, it’s found several other places – notably, the Inferno Mines of Kaustós and the ejecta rings of the brown dwarf, Spadix. Fere Mane probably has the safest and most cost-effective operation, though.”

​CJ: “Before being stored, the Aerococta undergoes another round of extreme heating. This builds up the materials’ strength, so it’s not too brittle when stored.”
Doog: “It’s hotter than a spice-pipe on Unification Day. Holy Emperor!”
CJ: “It’s hot, for sure. Given the extreme heat of this train car, the employment of heat-resistant beings was necessary.”
Doog: “That’s a Dokkal. I’ve met some of his race on Dokkalfar before.”
CJ: “Wow, that’s right. Maybe you are a galaxy-class reporter.”
Doog: “Nah, I just got lucky. I was there, last season.”

​CJ: “The last half of the train is mostly storage. Raw Aerococta is stored in detachable pods. The pods can be quickly removed and replaced when the train temporarily docks at a terminal. This helps the train maintain its position near dawn. Offloading can’t take too long.”
Doog: “Speaking of terminals, when will the Morning’s Edge re-arrive at one? I don’t want to hang out on this train for weeks.”
CJ: “The train orbits the entire planet once every two days, but the path obviously varies – the Morning’s Edge can’t follow the same path every time.  That would be inefficient.”
Doog: “Meaning?”
CJ: “We’re not due for another offload until Iota Basin – twelve days from now. It’s a dozen or so miles south of Lambda Gulch Terminal.”
Doog: “At these speeds, a dozen miles south is practically nothing.”
CJ: “We’re not moving directly south. We’re moving a mile south every rotation.”
Doog: “Math it for me…”
CJ: “Iota is a few weeks away.”
Doog: “And, that means what?”
CJ: “You’re riding with us for a while, unless you want to jump from the train to your ship.”
Doog: “I’ll try anything to get off this train. Don’t underestimate how much I don’t want to be here.”

Doog: “Well folks, that’s Fere Mane. The story here is less about the planet and more about this train. High-speed hover trains, like the Morning’s Edge, circumnavigate Fere Mane while mining the valuable ceramic, Aerococta. Aerococta is difficult to mine when it’s hot, but heat is needed to create it. It’s a bit of a conundrum. Trains solve this problem by mining Aerococta when it is at its most brittle state, dawn. In order to stay in dawn-time conditions, these trains travel at the same speed that the planet rotates. It’s perpetual dawn as long as you stay on the train. I, however, do not wish to remain on this train. So, I’ll need to plan how I’m jumping off this thing. Wish me luck. See ya!”
 
Note: There are six trains in constant motion around Fere Mane, stopping only to unload their hauls.
Trains: Morning’s Edge, Dawn Drifter, First Light, Antemeridian, Never Rising, and Fleeing Daybreak.
Terminals: Lambda Gulch Terminal, Iota Basin Terminal, and Upsilon North Terminal.

Doog: “Welcome to Season Thirteen of LIU Atlas. Today, we’re visiting Murex, a small planet in the Grex Cluster. Murex has some agriculture, but it’s more famous for its textile industry. This industry is based out of the planet’s largest city, Pannus. That’s where we’re headed.”

Doog: “Alright folks. When Season Twelve ended, the crew and I were given the option to stay anywhere within the Grex Cluster for two weeks. Most of the crew decided to stay with Amaya on Bulla Bulla, but Mike and I wanted to get a head start on the next season, so we decided to come here.”
Mike: “Was that a great decision? I guess we’ll find out.”
Doog: “What Mike’s trying to say is – we’re taking a bit of a risk. If we stayed with Amaya on Bulla Bulla, we could have stayed in one of her family’s condos for free, and we could have used our Season Twelve earnings however we saw fit.”
Mike: “But we didn’t want to stay on Bulla Bulla again. Been there done that.”
Doog: “It didn’t help that Bulla Bulla didn’t have any brothels.”
Mike: “That too. Mostly that.”
Doog: “So, we’ve come to this industrious little planet – with brothels – instead. That means we’ll need to find our own lodging and food. It can’t be that hard, can it?”

Mike: “Pannus seems like a decent place.”
Doog: “Yeah, it’s not too bad.”
Mike: “So, what’s first? Finding an apartment? Getting some food? Checking out the brothel scene?”
Doog: “If we want to be wise with our money, we should probably check out the brothel scene first. We don’t want to get an apartment that’s miles away from the brothel. Taxi fare would eat into our budget. Let’s find the bordello that we’ll be spending most of our time at and then get an apartment nearby.”
Mike: “I can’t argue with that logic.”
Doog: “We’ll need to venture out a bit from this landing dock though. Everything is more expensive around the spaceport.”

Mike: “The city has a lot of food vendors. That could be good for us.”
Doog: “It’s cheap and convenient – for sure – but I don’t think street-beef-stew is a good idea before the brothel.”
Mike: “What would I do without you? I never think of things like that.”
Doog: “Probably give the prostitutes nightmares.”
Mike: “Probably.”  

Doog: “Now this is what I’m talking about.”
Mike: “Brothels, bars, diners, and hotel rooms rentable by the hour.”
Doog: “This plaza might be all we need for the next few weeks.”
Mike: “The tattoo parlor scares me a bit, especially with the bars nearby. I don’t want to wake up with some random tattoo.”
Doog: “Let’s face it. We’re going to wake up with plenty of things we don’t want – tattoos, STD’s, hangovers…”
Mike: “Yeah, I guess. Well, what are we waiting for? Happy, Happy is calling our name.”
Doog: “That place looks too expensive. Clean? We’ll have pay extra for that. Let’s check out one of these smaller joints first.”

Doog: “Like this place.”
Mike: “How do you know it’s a brothel? There are no signs written in ‘basic’.”
Doog: “I’m pretty sure that one sign says it’s a brothel. I’ve learned to read ‘brothel’ in several languages.”
Mike: “Fair enough.”

Doog: “Oops. My bad. It said, ‘slots’. I was off by a letter.”
Mike: “Pannus has gambling?”
Doog: “I guess. It looks like a local variation of a slot machine.”
Mike: “This variation is really enticing. The lights and sounds are calling my name.”
Doog: “Me too. I can’t look away.”
Mike: “We could afford Happy, Happy if we win big.”
Doog: “We could.”

Doog: “I feel a big win coming soon. I just have to keep playing.”
Mike: “It better come real soon. We’ve blown through most of our money.”
Doog: “Wait! How much have you lost?”
Mike: “I’ve lost almost everything. I’m down to fifty credits.”
Doog: “Me too! We need to stop!”
Mike: “But how will we win our money back?”
Doog: “We’re going to be homeless for the next two weeks if we keep going.”
Mike: “Then why do you keep pressing the button?”
Doog: “I don’t know. The pretty lights tell me to do it.”
Mike: “Let’s get out of here!”

Mike: “There goes our plans for the next two weeks.”
Doog: “Don’t give up yet. We still have a handful of credits between us. We can make this work.”
Mike: “How?”

Doog: “There’s a pawn shop next to that tattoo shop.”
Mike: “We only have the clothes on our back. Unless you plan on selling that microphone?”
Doog: “Never!”
Mike: “Then the pawn shop won’t help us.”
Doog: “We can find a nice dumpster and live there. That way, we can save the remaining credits for brothels.”
Mike: “I’m not opposed to the dumpster plan, but I’m not sure we’ll get into places like, Happy, Happy, smelling like garbage.”

Doog: “There are several bars around here. Maybe we rely on our good looks and charm. We don’t pay for the ladies – we earn them.”
Mike: “That might work today, but once we start selling like dumpsters…I think we’re in trouble.”
Doog: “Well, let’s do it.”

Mike: “Comet Bar. Drinks look cheap. It’s not too crowded. Let’s try this place.”
Doog: “Turning my Doog Charm up to maximum.”

Doog: “And turning it off.”
Mike: “What? Why?”
Doog: “There’s only one human female here, and she already has a dozen guys around her. I don’t like those odds.”
Mike: “We could try another bar?”
Doog: “Or…”

Doog: “…we could invest our remaining credits into this beautiful, flashing machine.”
Mike: “The lights say we’ll win.”
Doog: “Indeed.”

Doog: “It’s official. We’re destitute vagrants for the next two weeks.”
Mike: “We don’t even have a cup to beg for change.”
Doog: “Time to sniff out a dumpster-home. If we’re lucky, it will be near a restaurant, and we can eat scraps.”
Mike: “Can we call Amaya for help?”
Doog: “We can’t let her know we messed up this quick. I don’t want to hear her say – you should have stayed on Bulla Bulla – in that scolding tone of hers.” 

Mike: “Do we really have to live in a dumpster?”
Doog: “Well, we could find a nice box. I’m not sure about the weather here.”
Mike: “It’s temperate with occasional rain.”
Doog: “See, a dumpster is just better. Once you get used to the smell, it’s almost like a home. Wait…how did you know about the weather?”
Mike: “I always look up the places we’re going to visit. Will I need a jacket? A respirator?”
Doog: “So, you know a little bit about Murex.”
Mike: “I know the basics.”
Doog: “I think I have an idea that might just save us.”

Mike: “If it means sleeping in a real bed, I’m all ears.”
Doog: “We came here under the premise that we’re getting a head start on the next season.”
Mike: “Yeah, but we just said that so we can splurge on hookers for two weeks.”
Doog: “But, what if we really shot an episode. With your pre-trip research, we can easily turn some of this footage into an episode.”
Mike: “I guess. How does that help us?”
Doog: “If we make an episode while we’re here, we can get paid. Amaya will transfer us some credits for the episode in advance.”
Mike: “That could work.”

Doog: “So, Mike. What can you tell us about Murex, specifically Pannus?”
Mike: “Um, it’s a multicultural factory town that specializes in textiles.”
Doog: “Yeah, that’s been well established. Can’t you add anything else?”
Mike: “There’s lots of food vendors everywhere.”
Doog: “We’ve already talked about that too. We need new material.”
Mike: “Sorry, my research wasn’t that extensive. Also, it smells good here, and I’m starving.”
Doog: “We’re really going to starve if we can’t make an episode.”

Mike: “We need to find a local or something. My research isn’t going to be enough to make an episode.”
Doog: “You’ve never been good at making things up. Here, watch me. It looks like we’re in an open-air-market that sells fabric and fruit?”
Mike: “Fruit?”
Doog: “I don’t know what those things are. Ok, so it’s not that easy.”

Doog: “Hey, what are you selling?”
Local: “Licium, 65 credits per kilo. I offer free shipping to any factory within Pannus.”
Doog: “Licium? What’s it used for?”
Local: “What do you mean? You can use it however you want. Use it to make purple dye. Extract the fibers to make purple fabric. Eat it if you’re into that kind of thing. Do you want it or not?”
Doog: “No thanks. We don’t have any money.”
Local: “Wow, thanks for wasting my time off-worlder.”

Doog: “Alright. We’re getting somewhere now. We’ll get some stock footage and do a voiceover. Murex is home to a plant called Licium. It’s grown in the countryside and shipped into big towns like Pannus. Here, it’s used to make cotton-like fabric and purple dye.”
Local: “Why are you still talking to me?”

Doog: “We’re making some progress. We need some factory shots and some looks at the final products, but I think we have enough for now.”
Mike: “So, we contact Amaya now?”
Doog: “Yeah, I think we have enough footage to get an advance on this episode’s salary.”

Doog: “There’s an E-Café up ahead with Wi-Fi. We can contact her from there.”

Mike: “Don’t you have to buy things to use the Wi-Fi?”
Doog: “Maybe. I’ll stay in line and pretend to order while you make contact.”

Doog: “Remember. Don’t tell her about the brothels or the gambling. Our plan was to make an episode this whole time.”
Mike: “Got it.”

Doog: “What did she say?”
Mike: “I’m pretty sure the Hover Cam sold us out. She knew everything that’s happened.”
Doog: “We have to stop bringing this thing everywhere.”
Mike: “Yeah, so she’s not giving us any advance. She’s afraid we’ll gamble it away. She’s gathering up the crew. They’ll be here in a week. We’re on our own until then.”
Doog: “Can you use the Wi-Fi to search for nearby dumpsters?”
Mike: “I already tried. You can’t.”

Doog: “We can’t let her win. Even though we’re homeless and penniless, we’re finishing this episode.”
Mike: “I’m game. We don’t have anything else to do. Well, look for dumpsters and beg for food, but we can do that later.”
Doog: “Exactly. Let’s check out these factories and finish this episode.”
Mike: “Maybe one of these factories have a nice industrial-size dumpster.”
Doog: “Ooh, luxury accommodations. I like it.”

Mike: “Ok. We’re in. Is this the part where we make stuff up again?”
Doog: “It sure is. It looks like the fruits…what are they again?”
Mike: “Licium.”
Doog: “It looks like the Licium gets broken down into its fibers in those tanks. The fibrous purple goo gets sent to some type of weaving machine. The machine turns it into sheets of fabric.”
Mike: “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
Doog: “I’m not sure what these things are in front of us.”
Mike: “They look like ironing stations. The fabric gets neatly pressed before being boxed.”

Foreman: “Are you two here for the steam ironing job?”
Mike: “No, we’re actually…”
Doog: “Wait! What does it pay?”
Foreman: “Five credits daily plus you get to stay in one of our worker dorms.”
Doog: “We’re the guys. When do we start?”

Mike: “Are we really going to iron fabric for the next week?”
Doog: “It’s better than living in a dumpster.”
Mike: “Is it? This job sucks.”
Doog: “Maybe, but five credits a day plus free housing. We might just salvage a brothel visit.”
Mike: “Let the ironing commence.”

Mike: “Five hours is a half-day? That means we have to work ten hours a day the rest of the week.”
Doog: “Two and half credits a piece though. That’s more than we had five hours ago.”
Mike: “Speak for yourself. I only got two credits. The rest went to the taxi.”
Doog: “Well, I wasn’t going to walk.”
Mike: “Then you should have paid for the taxi!”

Doog: “This place isn’t so bad. We each have a bed, and it smells better than a dumpster.”
Mike: “There’s no food in the kitchen. Some of our daily salary is going to have to go towards food.”
Doog: “That might hurt the brothel budget. Is there anything not nailed down that we can pawn?”
Mike: “I don’t see anything.”
Doog: “Even the chairs are nailed down.”

Mike: “We can’t sell the bathroom door, because there isn’t one.”
Doog: “Having no door is bad enough, but did we really need the only bathroom wall to be glass?”
Mike: “This place is just one notch above a dumpster.”
Doog: “It is, but we need to keep the end goal in mind. We suffer now for the brothel later.” 

Mike: “And the food situation?”
Doog: “I think we still hit up the garbage cans.”
Mike: “If we’re working ten hours and dumpster diving tomorrow, I’m going to bed now. I’ll need my rest.”
Doog: “I’m going to stay up for a bit.”

Computer: “Power shutoff initiated. Your ten minutes of daily allotted energy have expired.”
Doog: “Or not. Well folks, this isn’t the best way to start off the season. Mike and I had our dreams for a mini-vacation destroyed. I guess it’s our own fault. We shouldn’t have gambled our money away. Those machines were too addicting. Well, I guess we did learn a little about Murex. They grow…something.”
Mike: “Licium.”
Doog: “Yeah, licium. These plants are turned into textiles in nearby factories. They are also used to make purple dyes. Speaking of factories, Mike and I are now factory workers for the next six days. Good times. Oh well, see ya!”
 
Note: Doog and Mike fell short of their lofty brothel goals after being fired on day #3. Impromptu steam fights are not allowed on the factory floor. Both were briefly hospitalized after eating dumpster food, but they are expected to make a full recovery. 

​Doog: “Welcome to the season finale of Season 12 of LIU Atlas. I’m your host, Terrance “Doog” McDoogal. Today, we’re wrapping up both the season and our tour of the Hyperplexity by visiting the remote space-station, L1-L1. L1-L1, like most of the galaxy’s space-stations, is named after its galactic position. This large station orbits the galactic center directly – keeping it in a fixed position within the Hyperplexity. This place is supposedly a research station, but I have no idea what they’re researching. Given the geography, I’d guess, loneliness.  It’s pretty sparse out here. Well, the only way to find out is to land. Let’s head down.”

​Doog: “Alright folks, I’ve been dropped off in the station’s cargo bay. My initial observations are that this is a space-station. It’s easily distinguishable by its dry, sterile air. We already knew it was a space-station coming-in, so I’m not sure I delivered any new information. I guess we’ll have to wait for my guide to get any relevant information.”

​Chief: “Hey there, big man. You must be Doog. Welcome to Sakigake Station. I’m Jake Atorasu, but everyone here calls me Chief.”
Doog: “Chief, huh? Chief Engineer? Chief Scientist?”
Chief: “Nope. I’m just a pilot.”
Doog: “A Chief Pilot?”
Chief: “Nope, not even that. I’m just a regular pilot, bud.”
Doog: “That’s weird.”
Chief: “It is, man. It is.”

​Doog: “I was so distracted by your nickname, that I forgot to ask what you called this place.”
Chief: “I think this is called Corridor #83 or #85 or something. I’m not too sure.”
Doog: “No, not this exact place. You called the space-station something else. Like, Mahi-mahi Station or something like that.”
Chief: “Oh. My bad. Yeah, this place is called Sakigake Station.”
Doog: “I thought it was called L1-L1.”
Chief: “L1-L1 are the station’s coordinates. I mean, officially, that’s the name, but, like me, it has a nickname. Nobody calls it by its official name. We call it, Sakigake, which roughly translates to ‘pathfinder’.”
Doog: “Pathfinder?”
Chief: “Yep.”

​Chief: “Ha! Hilarious!”
Doog: “What?”
Chief: “Mahi-mahi Station. That’s hilarious! I finally got it!”
Doog: “It wasn’t THAT funny. Wait a minute…. I think I see what’s happening here.”
Chief: “What do you mean?”
Doog: “I’m no detective, but if we look at the clues…your delayed reaction to my joke…you thinking said joke is funny…people call you ‘Chief’. You’re high, aren’t you?”
Chief: “Perhaps a tad. Call it a perk of my job, big man.”
Doog: “I’m not sure what your job is, but how do I apply?!”
Chief: “Ha! The Pathfinder Mission is always searching for more pilots, especially funny ones. The mood can be a little somber here. You should sign up!”
Doog: “I’m not a pilot, but maybe you’re in need of a TV Host or an equally non-talented person?”
Chief: “Outside of pilots, I think we’re only looking for people that know science and stuff. It never hurts to try though.”
Doog: “I don’t science at all, but don’t count me out. I have some skills. What is this mission?”

​Chief: “The Pathfinder mission seeks faster hyperspace routes through the galaxy’s Deep Core region. There are a few routes that come close, like the Corcot Run and the Deep Core Expressway, but they don’t actually cross through the galaxy’s true deep core. Finding new, shorter routes could save time and money. It might even make the Hyperplexity more accessible.”
Doog: “This requires high pilots?”
Chief: “No, regular, lowly pilots can do it too.”
Doog: “No, I mean, high on drugs.”
Chief: “Oh, ha. Yeah, I get you. No, drugs have nothing to do with it.”

​Chief: “Some of the galaxy’s greatest scientists study collected data in an attempt to calculate shorter more direct routes through the galaxy. However, the problem lies in the data. It’s hard to get clear information from that part of the galaxy. There’s gravitational distortions, dense regions of unmapped stars, and a massive blackhole in the way.”
Doog: “This station plans on fixing that?”
Chief: “Yeah, man. I think so.”
Doog: “And drugs help?”
Chief: “Not that I know of, but testing proposed routes is extremely dangerous. Us pilots get some leeway when it comes to extracurricular activities.”
Doog: “You test the new routes?”
Chief: “Well…”

Chief: “…eventually. There’s plenty of steps before that though.”
Doog: “Like what? What am I looking at here?”
Chief: “This is the probe lab.”
Doog: “Probe lab? What are they probing?”

Chief: “No, bud. We don't probe anyone. We send them out. The LIU has sent out thousands, if not millions, of drones to more accurately map the Deep Core.”
Doog: “And they haven’t found a better way across the core?”
Chief: “Don’t underestimate the core’s size and density. There’s probably twenty million stars within a parsec of the core. It’s super dense. The drones help, but they only deliver a fraction of the necessary information.”
Doog: “Why aren’t you sending more?”
Chief: “Gravity, and, uh…hyperspace are… enemies. Yeah, let’s call them that. We can’t send too many probes, because most will be ripped from Hyperspace and will be destroyed by gravity. Each round of probes gets us more information. The plan is simple; we strategically send exponential rounds of probes as information becomes more and more available.”
Doog: “So, each round is more accurate?”
Chief: “Yep. The more info we have, the more probes that survive. The more that survive…”
Doog: “The more info we have.”
Chief: “Nailed it, dude!”

​Chief: “The number of probes dispersed depends on this lab. It’s called the Telemetry Center. They use new data from the probes to deliver more accurate mapping info for the next round of probes. I think. I’m having trouble concentrating with these potato chips cravings.”
Doog: “Fight the munchies. Tell us more.”
Chief: “I guess I know some more stuff. Maybe. Hopefully.”
Doog: “Don’t let our viewers get too confident in our reporting…”
Chief: “Huh?”
Doog: “Nothing. Please, continue.”
Chief: “Alrighty. After a dozen or so rounds of probe launches, we have some early contenders for new routes. I can’t remember any at this moment…”
Doog: “Because of drug-induced memory loss?”
Chief: “No, because of the ever-increasing number of possible routes. I’m not a genius AI or something.”
Doog: “No one on this end is accusing you of that…”

​Chief: “Undoubtedly, given my chemically-enhanced status, but I wasn’t trying to be funny. We actually have an AI attempting to compute our more promising routes.”
Doog: “So, you do. I see that now.”
Chief: “Hey bud! How’s it computing, Anaximander?”

​Anaximander: “All my computation software is running at expected levels. My processors are below the predetermined temperature ranges.”
Chief: “Ha. Don’t be so literal, dude. I mean, how’s the search for routes going?”
Anaximander: “Progress is slow, but that is expected given the slow trickle of information available for analysis.”
Doog: “What does that mean?”
Chief: “Don’t ask me.”
Anaximander: “Each successive round of probes delivers more information, but, without all the information, I cannot form full routes. It is like trying to put together a puzzle without all the pieces.”
Chief: “That does sound hard. It’s hard enough putting together puzzles with all the pieces.”
Doog: “Maybe for you, Chief, but I’m not judging. You’re living my dream life.”

​Doog: “So, have you made any progress at all? Is there any part of the puzzle you’ve been able to put together?”
Anaximander: “A few years ago, I discovered a new hyperspace route called the Sakigake Reroute #6. While a nice achievement, the route is longer and less efficient than both the Corcot Run and the Deep Core Expressway. It did connect a few more worlds into the galactic economy, though. It will have its uses.”
Doog: “That’s something, I guess.”
Anaximander: “I have also calculated nearly a million partial routes in the Deep Core. Some stretch a few star systems, some cross fifty systems. Finding connections between these shorter routes will yield a hyperspace route twice as effective as anything currently in existence. I am ninety-six percent certain.”
Doog: “Hey, I’m not sure if I understand everything you’re saying, but I appreciate your effort. Anything that makes galactic travel shorter and faster is alright in my book. I spend most of my life travelling.”

​Doog: “So, this place has probes, an AI, science labs, and…a gym? I don’t see how this fits.”
Chief: “Yeah, I’m not a big fan myself, bud.”
Doog: “What? I didn’t ask if you’re a fan of gyms. I’m asking why we’re in a gym on a science-station?”
Chief: “Oh, ha. Yeah. I see your point.”
Doog: “And?”
Chief: “And what?”
Doog: “WHY is there a gym here?! WHY are we in it?!”
Chief: “Oh, I see. Well, we’re getting close to the pilot quarters. There are facilities like these to keep us pilots in tiptop shape. As you can probably tell, I don’t come here often.”
Doog: “Then why did we come here today?!”

​Chief: “Ha, I’m not sure. I spaced out. I think I was following you.”
Doog: “I was following YOU!”
Chief: “Ha, I guess its lucky we didn’t end up in an airlock.”
Doog: “For the love of the Emperor! Can we move on? It’s not fun being the sober one.”

​Chief: “No worries, Doog. This part of the station is all connected. It won’t take us long to get to the bays.”
Doog: “Unless you zone-out again. Speaking of which, you’re still with us, aren’t you?”
Chief: “I’m still here. I’m totally focused. The bay is not far off now; it’s just on the other side of the centrifuge.”
Doog: “The centrifuge? Is this one of those things that tests G-forces?”
Chief: “Yep. I hate this thing. I prefer to get the spins from…”
Doog: “…ingesting drugs. Yeah, I get it. Quit rubbing it in. Why do you pilots need to be able to withstand G-forces? Don’t inertia dampeners counter G-forces?”
Chief: “Under normal circumstances, but not when travelling in the high gravitational areas of the deep core.”

​Doog: “You fly in the deep core?”
Chief: “I wouldn’t be a good test pilot if I didn’t.”
Doog: “You’re a test pilot?”
Chief: “Well, yeah, man. I thought that was obvious.”
Doog: “How would that be obvious? You never said anything about that.”
Chief: “You think they let normal pilots get high? I don’t think so. Only us test jockeys that risk our lives get leeway like that.”
Doog: “I didn’t know you had to risk dying to get free drugs.  Maybe I’ll stay at my current job.”

​Doog: “So, what are you testing? Better ships?”
Chief: “The LIU is attacking the routing problem from two-sides. First side, find better routes – AI’s, probes, and scientists. The other side, develop better hardware – test pilots and new hyperspace technology.”
Doog: “Brute forcing your way through the core?”
Chief: “In a way. More powerful hyperspace engines are able to resist the pull of gravity for much longer. If you develop an engine that’s strong enough, then you might be able to take routes that were otherwise impossible.”
Doog: “Opening up more possible routes.”
Chief: “Nailed it again, bud.”

​Chief: “We’ve been testing this beast for the last year or so. It has some of the most powerful engines ever built into a single-seater. We call her, ‘Starblazer’, because she’s a trailblazer, but in the stars.”
Doog: “Yeah, I picked up on that one.”
Chief: “Starblazer has eight, state-of-the-art hyperspace engines. She can maintain hyperflight in some extreme gravity. She’ll stay in hyperspace a few hundred kilometers from of a type G star. Heck, she’ll skim the corona of a type M without missing a pulse.”
Doog: “That sounds good. Those letters mean something, I’m sure.”
Chief: “There is a problem though. While the engines can withstand the gravitational fields, we’re not entirely sure the hull or inertial dampeners can. The ship could break apart or the pilot could be violently crushed by excessive G’s.”
Doog: “That’s what you test? Geez, that sounds dangerous.”
Chief: “It is, bud. It is. If I didn’t have something to take the edge off, my anxiety would be through the roof.”

Chief: “Each test pushes her boundaries even further. I might be the first person to navigate the deepest parts of the core, or I could die alone, light-centuries from the next lifeform. Frick, saying that out loud gave me chills. I think we need to wrap things up. Time for part four of my anti-anxiety rips.”
Doog: “I think I needs some of those too. I never imagined how scary your job could be.”
Chief: “I’d like some company, especially a funny guy like you. Meet back in the dorms after you wrap things up. I could spare a few doses.”

Doog: “Well folks, that was L1-L1, AKA Sakigake Station. This station is home to the Pathfinder Mission, a quest to find quicker routes through the dense, deep core of the galaxy. These routes have the potential to cut down on galactic travel times. The station uses a variety of methods for determining these routes – an AI, hyperspace probes, and a full science team. They are also attempting to tackle the problem from another angle – making more powerful engines. Unfortunately, brave men and women have to risk their lives to test these new engines. It’s a steep price to pay for the travel convenience of the galactic populace. At least they get rewarded with good drugs though. Speaking of good drugs, I have some more in-depth reporting to do in Chief’s dorm. See ya next season!”
 
 
Note: Test pilots with the Pathfinder Mission are supplied with several mind-altering drugs to combat the anxiety and despair associated with their jobs, including:

• Awe (stimulant – increases reaction time and focus – usually used to counteract the effects of other drugs during flights)
• Tetrahydrocannabinol (depressant/stimulant – treats anxiety)
• Purplex (depressant – barbiturate-based sleeping aid and relaxant)
• AOF (opioid/narcotic – street name ‘Silly Lilly’ – hallucinogenic pain-killer)

​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.
 
Previously on LIU Atlas:

Doog: “What’s happening!?”
RUN2: “We are being ambushed by a superior force. We won’t win this fight. Evacuate!”
Doog: “I’m freaking out! I’m too scared to run! What should I do?”
RUN2: “There are too many friendlies in the way. I can’t open up my cannon to max. If you won’t run, then I recommend surrendering. Otherwise, you’ll be dead like the others.”
Doog: “I surrender! I surrender! Do they understand me?”
RUN2: “We’ll find out in a few seconds….”
 
Now:

Doog: “Am I alive? Where am I?! What’s happening?!”
RUN2: “Try to remain calm. You are alive…for now. We’ve been taken prisoner by the Seor.”
Doog: “R.U.N.2, is that you? Why can’t I see you?”
RUN2: “Yes, I’m here with you…well, part of me anyways.”
Doog: “But I can’t see you! Why can’t I see?! Did they take my eyes?!”
RUN2: “Stop panicking. You can’t see because you’ve been blindfolded. You’re not missing much. It’s pretty dark in here.”
Doog: “Here? Where’s here?”
RUN2: “Some type of underground tunnel. I can’t get more detailed than that. I don’t have access to my full complement of spectral scanners at this moment.”
Doog: “Why not? And, why aren’t you shooting these guys and freeing us?”
RUN2: “I’ve been severely damaged. I have very few capabilities at this time. Don’t despair though. I have an idea.”

Doog: “What’s your idea? I’m up for about anything if we get to live. Well, unless it’s something ridiculous like running or exercising. In those scenarios, I’d probably rather die.”
RUN2: “I’m in. Full penetration.”
Doog: “You’re in? In what? I’m not up for anything like that either! Lump that into the running and exercise scenarios!”
RUN2: “I’ve gained access to the Hover Camera via its shortwave antenna. I can use the camera to pinpoint our location and send an SOS.”
Doog: “Oh…that type of penetration. Maybe say ‘hacked’ next time.”
RUN2: “Noted. I’ve also hacked the camera’s shooting mode. It should be able to see more in these low light conditions.”
Doog: “Why is that important? Do we really need our deaths captured in full quality?”
RUN2: “I can see through the camera and use it to better ascertain our situation. If our rescuers get close enough, they’ll be able to see through the camera too. It will improve our odds.”
Doog: “Uh, yeah. Good thinking.”

Doog: “Wait…my blindfold got knocked loose when they shoved us into this cell. I think I can sort of see now…HOLY EMPEROR! You got damaged alright! You’re just a head!”
RUN2: “Yes. It’s not ideal. Luckily, my CPU is still operational, and I have enough power to remain functional for another thirty-six hours.”
Doog: “Is that enough time for a rescue?”
RUN2: “That depends.”
Doog: “Depends on what?”
RUN2: “If anyone is even coming in the first place.”
Doog: “WHAT!?”
RUN2: “Kottai Dept has limited resources. We might not be worth the risk.”
Doog: “I’m worth it! Hover Cam, tell them I’m worth it!”
RUN2: “We are not in direct communication. I can only broadcast our location. We do have other options to consider, though.”
Doog: “Screaming? Crying?”
RUN2: “No, that won’t help anything. The Seor have kept you alive so far. Maybe they don’t intend to kill you. Perhaps, you should attempt to befriend the natives.”
Doog: “I can make friends. I’m good at friends. Everyone likes me…usually.”
RUN2: “You want me to do the talking?”
Doog: “Yes, please.”

RUN2: “My translation of the Seor language is inexact, but I think this is the local leader. He or she calls themself, Kulam. I’ve introduced you and apologized for our transgressions.”
Doog: “Apologized for what? I didn’t do anything! They attacked me!”
RUN2: “Clearly, they believe they’ve been wronged in some fashion. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have attacked.  I believe apologizing, regardless of your individual behavior, is in our best interest.”
Doog: “So…we’re sucking up to these guys? Kissing some butts?”
RUN2: “Indeed. Was I not clear before? We need the Seor to like you.”
Doog: “Ooh, maybe we should throw in some compliments. Say something about their smiles or outfits or something.”
RUN2: “We are not attempting to date the natives. However, I will indicate to the Seor that we have a lot of respect for their culture.”

Doog: “You should have used my compliments! They’re marching us off to die now!”
RUN2: “Actually, they going to show us some of their culture. Kulam doesn’t believe we can respect their culture if we don’t know anything about them. The Seor are smarter than we’ve predicted.”
Doog: “Can I get these bindings off while we learn? I can’t feel my hands.”
RUN2: “Is that some type of joke?”
Doog: “What?”
RUN2: “You can’t feel your hands…”
Doog: “Oh, I forgot your only a head. Well, it wasn’t intentional. I guess I’ll stop complaining now.”

RUN2: “It appears our initial theories were incorrect. The Seor aren’t nomadic.”
Doog: “Yeah, these homes look pretty permanent.”
RUN2: “Permanent and underground. We didn’t expect either. Perhaps our mining activity has damaged some of the Seor’s settlements. That would explain why they attacked.”
Doog: “If they live mostly underground, why do we see so many on the surface? Why do they herd those creatures above ground?”
RUN2: “Let me ask.”

RUN2: “Interesting. The Seor use the Periya Kalai, or Perikali, to fertilize their underground fields. They don’t herd them to eat or to milk. They funnel them into fields above their crops, so the animals’ manure nourishes their harvest.”
Doog: “You guys were way off.”
RUN2: “We were. By disrupting the herds with our tracks, we were causing crops to die. We were unintentionally causing the Seor to starve.”
Doog: “You guys were starving them while also destroying their homes by mining. No wonder the Seor attacked.”
RUN2: “Yes. I will need to report these discoveries. It appears our current operations cannot coexist with the Seor.”
Doog: “It shouldn’t be too hard to fix. You’ll need higher tracks, and you’ll need to be more careful where you dig.”
RUN2: “Maybe.”

Doog: “What kind of crops are these?”
RUN2: “They are some type of root nodules. The nodules hold a type of bacteria that helps convert Perikali manure into nitrogen. Kulam said that these nodules are the only source of food for the Seor.”
Doog: “We can’t destroy their only food source.”
RUN2: “Perhaps.”

Doog: “Whoa, the natives have tons of fuki!”
RUN2: “Yes, it appears a large vein of euhedral coal runs through their village.”
Kulam: “Iḷañcivappu pāṟaikaḷukku eṅkaḷukku atika payaṉ illai. Eṅkaḷ pātukāppukkāka nāṅkaḷ varttakam ceyyalām.”
RUN2: “Oh really? That’s interesting.”
Doog: “What’s interesting? What did Kulam say?”
RUN2: “The Seor wish to trade their euhedral coal to the LIU. They only want safety in return.”
Doog: “That sounds great! The LIU gets free fuki, and the natives get to live. This might solve everything. Tell him yes! They might let us go if you say yes!”
RUN2: “Maybe.”
Doog: “Why won’t you answer anything definitively? Every discovery we make about the Seor makes conflict easier to avoid. We’ve discovered tons of ways to make this relationship work, but you respond to every suggestion with, ‘maybe’ and ‘perhaps’.”
RUN2: “It is not my place to make any decisions for the LIU. Remember, we are only feigning interest to stay alive and buy time. Ultimately, this is just a ploy.”
Doog: “But, we figured this out. I’m sure the LIU will approve.”
RUN2: “Maybe. Without long range communication, I can’t confirm any deals with LIU leadership. For now, we should continue to play along.”

RUN2: “Kulam is as impatient as you are, it seems. He wants an answer. He’s even upped his offer. He will free you if we agree.”
Doog: “What are you waiting for!? Tell him yes, even if it’s a lie!”
RUN2: “If he frees you, the Hover Cam will leave, right?”
Doog: “Yeah, it’s programmed to follow me. What does that have to do with anything?”
RUN2: “If the Hover Cam leaves, I won’t have navigational and communication abilities.”
Doog: “So! I’ll be free! Who cares about you? You’re a robot!”
RUN2: “The survival of Kottai Depot is more important than your life. I need the Hover Cam to fulfill my mission.”
Doog: “Your mission is to make sure this famous TV host survives!”
RUN2: “My mission is to eliminate any threats to mining productivity. I’ve tolerated your survival because it has aided my primary mission.”
Doog: “You don’t care about anything we’ve learned, do you?”
RUN2: “Some of the information is of strategic importance. I’m afraid that’s all I’m programmed to interpret.”

Doog: “That’s it! Hover Cam! Stay with R.U.N.2! Don’t follow me! If you stay, I can go!”
RUN2: “I don’t think your camera has intelligence. It’s programmed to follow your identification chip. It has no choice in the matter.”
Doog: “Sure it does. Look it’s moving up.”
RUN2: “That’s odd. Why is it doing that?”
Doog: “Hover Cam always listens.”
RUN2: “I don’t think so. I think the camera is obtaining a better tactical angle.”
Doog: “What? Why?”
RUN2: “You need to get down.”
Doog: “Why? Will the camera listen if I beg from my knees?”
RUN2: “No. Something else is controlling the Hover Cam. I think our rescue party has arrived.”

Doog: “STOP! STOP! I brokered us a deal! R.U.N.2 stop them! Give them the information!”
RUN2: “Negative. My limited processing power is fully devoted to target identification. I’m trying to keep us from getting hit by friendly fire.”
Doog: “The Seor are innocent! They’re friendlies too!”

Doog: “Rencar, is that you? You have to stop your attack! The Seor want peace.”
Rencar: “It didn’t seem like they wanted peace when they killed our men in that mine.”
Doog: “Your mining operation has been killing the Seor for years. You’ve destroyed their homes and crops. Despite this, they wanted peace. They wanted to trade.”
Rencar: “Hmm. It’s a little late for that information now.”
Doog: “What do you mean?”
Rencar: “R.U.N.2 has been identifying and mapping targets since you two were captured. We’ve eliminated every target that you guys encountered. This settlement has basically been eradicated.”
Doog: “Stupid robot! All these deaths could have been avoided!”
RUN2: “My decisions were tactically sound. You remained alive and disruptions to mining operations were minimized.”
Doog: “Do you have any semblance of a soul? Is everything just a number?”
Rencar: “Ooh. I see our mistake now.”
Doog: “Mistake?”
Rencar: “When we engaged R.U.N.2’s ‘mute mode’ during the tour, we might have limited his decision-making powers. Essentially, it locks him into tactical mode.”
Doog: “So, this is your fault?”
Rencar: “Well, I wouldn’t say that. You’re the one that wanted him to stop talking.”
Doog: “I’m not taking the blame for this. I didn’t know not talking equaled apathetic serial-killer mode.”
Rencar: “Uh…maybe it’s nobody’s fault. What if we just look at the positives? You guys learned some valuable stuff about the natives that we can put to use later.”
Doog: “They’re all dead now. There is no later.”
Rencar: “There are other settlements. We can use this new information to make peace with them. We can give their deaths meaning.”
Doog: “Whatever helps you sleep.”

Doog: “Well folks, I’ve been rescued. I didn’t really need rescued because the natives weren’t all that dangerous. They were just defending their homes and crops. Like with most conflicts, a little understanding goes a long way. A few face-to-face meetings could have settled everything without all this unnecessary death. Technology has its place, but it can’t solve everything. It even makes some things worse. Speaking of worse, Rencar really messed this all up. It’s his fault. I had nothing to do with this! Oh well, see ya!”
Rencar: “Hey!”
 
 
Note: This is the third confirmed ‘Mute Mode Massacre’ associated with the R.U.N. model. Engaging mute mode prohibits the unit from utilizing its emotional and empathetic programming, forcing it to rely solely on tactical software.

Doog: “Welcome to another episode of LIU Atlas. I’m your host, Terrance “Doog” McDoogal. Today, we’re visiting one of the most remote planets in the Hyperplexity, Seorsus. Seorsus orbits the supergiant, Seorsum, a member of a quadruple star system. The gravitational anomalies produced by this star grouping make travel here really difficult. It takes almost a full week of sub-light travel and several small hyperspace jumps to reach this isolated world. The residents of Seorsus must be able to survive on their own – help is weeks away. Let’s head down and see how they do it.”

Doog: “Alright, I’ve been dropped off in the planet’s largest settlement, Kottai Depot. As you can see, I’m wearing a respirator. Seorsus has plenty of oxygen, but it is extremely dusty. Miniscule particulates of sand and rock are suspended in the atmosphere. That’s why the sky is so red. This reddish dust cloud can cause respiratory distress if inhaled, and I don’t want that. I probably should have worn even more protective gear – I don’t want this irritating dust anywhere on my body.”

Rencar: “Mr. McDoogal, welcome to Kottai Depot. I’m Lieutenant Governor Rencar. I’ll be showing you around Seorsus.”
Doog: “Call me Doog, Lieutenant. Speaking of Lieutenants, should I be saluting right now? I didn’t know this was a military outpost.”
Rencar: “There’s no need to salute. This isn’t a military depot, and I’m not a military officer. Lieutenant, in my case, means junior or second-in-command. I’m second to the System Governor.”
Doog: “That sounds important.”
Rencar: “It is, at least on Seorsus. Lieutenant Governors aren’t usually that important in other systems. It’s typically just a title. But here, it means a lot. Our isolation requires us to have clearly defined lines of succession. We can’t wait weeks for replacements. Someone has to be able to move up and take over vacant positions quickly.”
Doog: “Makes sense. I didn’t really even think about that.”
Rencar: “That’s just one of many issues that comes with our isolation. Most other worlds don’t have the problems that we deal with.”
Doog: “What’s some others?”

Rencar: “Well, maintaining our food supply is a big issue. Resupply ships are rare. Imported food has to last for months, requiring us to ration between deliveries. To offset this difficulty, we try our best to grow some of our own food. There are greenhouses positioned throughout the depot.”
Doog: “Could you imagine not getting a delivery and…shudders… having to eat plants for weeks and weeks?”
Rencar: “I don’t have to imagine that. It’s happened before.”
Doog: “This place is terrible!”

Rencar: “We must maintain a security force at all times.”
Doog: “To stop the vegetable riots?”
Rencar: “The what?”
Doog: “You know, when everyone goes mad from eating only plants for weeks.”
Rencar: “Not that specifically, but they do help maintain law and order. Their primary responsibility is to defend the depot.”
Doog: “Defend it from what?”
Rencar: “Pirates, marauders, and even the locals. Assistance is weeks away. If we ever came under attack, we’d have no help for a long time. We must be able to defend ourselves.”

Rencar: “Energy is another issue. We only get fuel and energy imports a few times a year. We have to ration fuel and energy just like food. Solar-energy systems supplement our imported supply and insure we at least have some energy if imports cease.”
Doog: “So…I guess this isn’t a good time to ask if I can charge my phone…”
Rencar: “I’m afraid not.”
Doog: “Bummer.”
Rencar: “We also have to be able to repair any system that fails, so we have a full maintenance and engineering crew stationed here.”
Doog: “I see. Why go through all these hardships? What makes it worth the trouble?”
Rencar: “Follow me.”

Rencar: “Seorsus is loaded with a rare mineral that we call ‘euhedral coal’.”
Doog: “Eu-what?”
Rencar: “Euhedral coal, a crystalline compound of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. It’s the pink rocks on those mining carts. If it makes it any easier, we sometimes call it ‘fuki’.”
Doog: “Fuki?”
Rencar: “Yep, because it’s used to fuel Fusion kilns.”
Doog: “I’ve heard of fusion kilns before…I think.”
Rencar: “Nothing burns hotter than euhedral coal. It’s used in many of the LIU’s metallurgical industries and fuel cell factories.”
Doog: “Speaking of fusion kilns, have you ever eaten microwavable pizza rolls?”
Rencar: “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Doog: “Oh, I forgot. You guys have limited food here. Well, they’re like mini-fusion kilns, and they fuki your mouth up every time you eat them.”
Rencar: “I feel like you’re doing some type of wordplay here, but I still have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Doog: “Is this fuki underground, below the depot?”
Rencar: “Euhedral coal is underground, but it’s not under the depot. Deposits of this rare resource are dispersed across the region, where an ancient forest once stood. Kottai Depot is central among these many deposits.”
Doog: “So, all the fuki from these deposits come here?”
Rencar: “Exactly. It’s transported here by track, and we ship it off-world every few months. Think of Kottai Depot as the regional mining hub.”

Rencar: “Automated carts transport fuki from the deposits to the depot. Some must cross vast distances.”
Doog: “How far are we talking?”
Rencar: “The farthest deposits are hundreds of kilometers away.”
Doog: “The miners at these deposits can’t rely on the depot then, can they?”
Rencar: “No, but they’re not alone. Our security forces are spread throughout the area. You’ll also notice security towers positioned around the region. We’ll see more as we leave the depot.”
Doog: “We’re venturing out of this joint?”
Rencar: “We have to if we want to see the mining operations.”

Rencar: “Due to fuel rationing, we’ll have to walk.”
Doog: “I don’t like the sound of that.”
Rencar: “Relax. We’ll be fine. I’m bringing a security team with us - two security officers and a security-bot.”
Doog: “Oh, I wasn’t worried about my safety. I don’t like the walking part…too much exercise.”
Rencar: “Well, there’s nothing I can do about that. We won’t venture too far though. There’s a deposit a couple of miles from here.”
Doog: “Tell me you didn’t say miles with a ‘s’…”

RUN2: “Lieutenant Governor, Robotic Unit Number 2 reporting for duty.”
Rencar: “R.U.N.2, our guest would like to visit one of our closest mining deposits. Lead the way.”
Doog: “Do we have to take the robot? I’m not a big fan of mechanicals, even ones aptly named Number 2.”
Rencar: “These plains are crawling with indigenous peoples, Doog. We don’t have any relationship with them. We’re not sure if they’re hostile or not. We do know that they have rudimentary weapons though. It’s safer with R.U.N.2.”
RUN2: “I possess a Rivlin Auto-Gun that’s accurate up to 1000 yards and can fire 600 rounds per minute. You’re safe with me.”
Doog: “Am I though? I rather risk the natives than deal with a robot.”
RUN2: “My advanced map processing software has discovered the shortest route to our destination. Follow me, and I’ll shorten the route by half a mile.”
Doog: “Appealing to my lazy-side, huh? I guess the robot isn’t that bad.”

Rencar: “Euhedral coal is a fossil fuel. It’s only formed when ancient plant matter is subjected to millions of years of heat and pressure.”
Doog: “So, fuki is not renewable?”
Rencar: “It is not. Deposits of euhedral coal are permanently depleted once we begin the extraction process. It didn’t make sense to build a depot over any particular deposit, because said deposit would be exhausted in a matter of time. Instead, it was placed in the region’s geographical center. In a few decades, Kottai Depot will be obsolete though, and we’ll have to relocate and rebuild in a new central position.”
Doog: “The nearest deposit is miles away. Maybe you should consider relocating even sooner.”
Rencar: “Nah. The auto-cart rail system has a pretty good range. Coal is still easy to transport between the mines and depot. The track system can be extended for hundreds of miles before it becomes too troublesome.”
Doog: “But these walks, though. I’m so…”
RUN2: “Not to interrupt our guest, but I detect motion in the plains below the steppe. Use caution.”

Doog: “Whoa, what are those?”
Rencar: “The sentient bipeds are the Seor. They’re the native race I mentioned earlier. Those big creatures are their livestock. We call them, Perikali.”
Doog: “Perikali?”
Rencar: “Yeah. From what we can tell, that’s what the natives call them.”
RUN2: “While my knowledge of their language is limited, I believe the natives are actually saying, ‘periya kalai’. It loosely translates to big animal or big bull.”
Doog: “No one asked for your input, robot. Can’t you turn this guy off, Lieutenant?”
Rencar: “Uh, sure. R.U.N.2 enter mute mode. Limit speech to emergency situations.”
RUN2: “Confirmed.”

Doog: “So, the locals eat these Perikali?”
Rencar: “We’re not sure. Due to resource constraints, we haven’t really studied the Seor. We sort of operate on the principle – if they don’t bother us, we don’t bother them.”
Doog: “How’s that working out?”
Rencar: “Not too bad. We occasionally have run-ins, but violence is usually limited. We try to give them space. The stuff we want is underground. They can keep the surface…well, outside of Kottai Depot.”
RUN2: “I’ve detected damage to company property. Protocol dictates that we investigate.”
Doog: “I thought you told him to shut up.”
Rencar: “Damage to company property is an emergency situation. My hands are tied. Let’s go.”

Rencar: “Not again.”
Doog: “What happened here? Are we at war with the natives!? Turn the bot back on! Save us!”
Rencar: “Settle down. It’s nothing like that. Looks like a Perikali walked through a section of track. I don’t think it was purposeful.”
RUN2: “I have targeted the offending creature and its master. Awaiting firing commands.”
Rencar: “No! Let’s not start trouble! Stand down!”
RUN2: “Confirmed. Standing down.”
Rencar: “This happens from time to time. I don’t think the locals do it on purpose. Our track is just in the way of their route. We’ll just dispatch a repair team. Let’s go.”

Rencar: “We need to establish relations with the natives to avoid these types of situations, but we don’t have the time or manpower to do it. It’s cheaper to make repairs than it is to befriend the Seor.”
Doog: “At least you didn’t have them murdered. Costing the LIU money usually means death.”
Rencar: “Murdering the natives might start a conflict that is more expensive than the replacement track. The LIU will understand.”

Rencar: “Wow. That’s new.”
Doog: “What?”
Rencar: “The natives have a settlement close to this mine. I’ve never seen anything like this before. We assumed they were nomadic and followed their herds.”

Doog: “What does that mean?”
Rencar: “It means we know even less about the natives than we thought.”
RUN2: “I estimate that we can expect further disruptions to mining operations if this settlement continues to grow. Authorize me to end this productivity threat.”
Rencar: “No! For the last time, we’re not starting a conflict. At least, not without the LIU’s permission. We might have to adjust our track system. Raise it or reroute it.”

Rencar: “While we’re here, we need to analyze what we can. I only see one structure on the surface, but there appears to be a tunnel leading underground. Are they tunneling into our mines? That won’t be good.”
Doog: “I don’t know about that, but I see some type of shrine. Is this a graveyard or something? Maybe the underground tunnel leads to a cemetery?”
Rencar: “It’s impossible to say without further studies. I wish we had the resources to figure this all out.”
Doog: “Want me to go down and talk to them? I have first contact experience.”
Rencar: “You do?”
Doog: “Technically yes, but I wasn’t very successful. Also, I might have run way. Now that I think about it, I might retract my offer. I’m not getting murdered by these guys. Not for free anyway.”
Rencar: “Well, I guess we’ll maintain the status quo for now. Maybe the LIU will budget more for xenological studies sometime down the road. These studies are getting more and more cost-effective as time goes on.”

Doog: “This is a mine entrance?”
Rencar: “Actually, it’s the mine’s maintenance entrance. It looks like R.U.N.2 was looking out for you. He knocked a half-mile off our journey by bringing us here.”
Doog: “I usually hate robots, but this guy gets me. Maybe mute mode was too much.”
Rencar: “Want me to reverse it?”
Doog: “I’m not saying that, but I wouldn’t mind keeping him around for a bit.”
Rencar: “Glad you said that. We’ll need to ditch our human escorts here. They need to get back to their posts at the depot. We’ll keep R.U.N.2, though.”

Doog: “Yikes. This descent is giving me freefall vibes in my stomach.”
Rencar: “Yeah, it’s quite the drop. The euhedral coal seams are at least 200 feet deep, if not more. At this depth, I think we’re safe from the locals. At least, I hope we are.”
Doog: “Maybe I’m right about the cemetery scenario. If I am, it’s doubtful they’d be this deep. Six feet under is the norm, right?”
Rencar: “We have no way of knowing. It’s a valid theory, but we don’t know if the Seor subscribe to our depth ideologies, or, if the Seor even bury their dead.”

Rencar: “You can definitely tell that this is a maintenance portal. There’s still mineral here. That means the extractors haven’t made their way here yet.”
Doog: “Can I hand-mine this stuff? I could make a few bucks while I’m here.”
Rencar: “You could, but taking the LIU’s minerals is basically theft.”
Doog: “Never mind. I’m not looking to get the death penalty for some coal.”

Rencar: “And, here we go. This is an actual euhedral coal mine. Pretty standard stuff.”
Doog: “Mining mechs and tracks. Yep, pretty standard.”

Doog: “Anything else to add?”
Rencar: “No, I think that’s about it.”

Doog: “Well folks, that’s Seorsus. This remote world is home to the fossil fuel, fuki. Workers extract this resource so it can be used to power fusion kilns. The mining isn’t that difficult, but life here is hard. There’s little outside assistance. Food and fuel must be rationed. There are also some mysterious natives. What’s the deal with…”
RUN2: “Rencar! We need to evacuate!”
Rencar: “Doog! Follow me! R.U.N.2 will cover us!”

Doog: “What’s happening!?”
RUN2: “We are being ambushed by a superior force. We won’t win this fight. Evacuate!”
Doog: “I’m freaking out! I’m too scared to run!”

Doog: “What should I do?”
RUN2: “There are too many friendlies in the way. I can’t open up my cannon to max. If you won’t run, then I recommend surrendering. Otherwise, you’ll be dead like the others.”
Doog: “I surrender! I surrender! Do they understand me?”
RUN2: “We’ll find out in a few seconds….”
 
Note: To be continued…

Doog: “Welcome to another episode of LIU Atlas. I’m your host, Terrance “Doog” McDoogal. Today, we’re continuing our tour of the Hyperplexity and visiting the planet, Manduco. Manduco is only eight light years from Fenestrula, but travel here requires six FTL jumps and two days of sub-light travel. Despite the difficulties, travel between Fenestrula and Manduco is important. Manduco is often referred to as the ‘breadbasket’ of the Hyperplexity. Most of the Hyperplexity’s remote population is dependent on Manduco for food. Let’s head on down and see what type of food Manduco produces.”

Doog: “Alright folks, we have a double whammy on our hands. Manduco is both an agricultural world and a swamp planet – my two least favorite types of worlds. How can a swamp planet be an agricultural world? Do the people of the Hyperplexity eat pond scum or swamp vegetation? I guess we’ll find out.”

Doog: “The only way this place could get worse is if my guide turns out to be some weird-looking, deep-core alien race. Luckily for me, these guys look human. Uh, hey? Are one of you two my guide?”

Tavalai: “Oh, he’s here, Komali! How do I look? Are we on TV yet?”
Doog: “Whoa! You guys ARE NOT humans.”
Komali: “Of course not. There are very few humans here. That won’t be a problem, will it? I can arrange for another human to join us, if that would make you happier?”
Doog: “Not a problem at all. You just looked human from behind. It’s not the first time I’ve made that mistake. At this one brothel, I totally thought this chick was a human, but it turns out he was neither female or human.”
Tavalai: “Did you hear that, Komali?!”
Komali: “I did! I did! Doog made a brothel joke!”
Tavalai: “Those are our favorite!”
Doog: “You guys actually watch my show?”
Tavalai: “We never miss an episode!”
Doog: “Wow, I’m actually famous on this planet.”

Komali: “I don’t know about the whole planet. Tavalai and I run the regional spaceport. We have access to state-run, subspace programming, unlike most of the other residents here.”
Doog: “You could have let me dream for a few minutes, Comb-A-Lee.”
Tavalai: “He did the thing where he messes up your name!”
Komali: “I heard! I heard!”
Doog: “So, you two run the local spaceport?”
Komali: “We do. Goods from this region get transported here, and we ship it off to other worlds. Well, it mostly goes to Fenestrula.”
Doog: “These goods are generally food, right? I heard that Manduco is the ‘breadbasket’ of the Hyperplexity.”
Komali: “Meat-basket would be a more fitting analogy. We don’t make bread on Manduco.”
Doog: “I can get behind the idea of a meat planet – even if it’s swamp meat.”
Komali: “I bet you could! Maybe you’ll get the meat madness again!”
Doog: “Ok, maybe you’ve watched too much LIU Atlas.”

Tavalai: “Where are our manners?! All this meat-talk reminded me that we didn’t offer you any refreshments. We’ve made some Bort-Fly juice earlier. You have to try it.”
Doog: “Bort-Fly juice?  I think I’ll pass.”
Komali: “Don’t you have that clause in your contract where you have to eat any local foods offered?”
Doog: “I…uh…did you see that episode? Of course, you did. I…uh…guess I’m having some bug juice.”
Komali: “Well, we won’t force you to try anything you don’t want.”
Doog: “Thank the Emperor. I wasn’t looking forward to puking today.”

Komali: “If you want a sample taste of a Bort-Fly, just stand next to this bug zapper a bit longer. One is sure to fly by anytime now.”
Doog: “Yeah, I'm still passing.”
Komali: “Are you sure? If you time it right, the zapper gives them the perfect amount of crunch.”
Doog: “My tongue doesn’t work like yours, and I don’t eat bugs.”
Komali: “Your loss. Well, it looks like the boats almost here. Tavalai, we’re heading out.”
Tavalai: “You boys be safe. Well, not too safe. I want to see some hijinks and shenanigans when I watch the rest of the episode later.”
Komali: “I’m sure we’ll get into some type of trouble!”

Doog: “Looks like my biggest-super-fan and I are headed down river. If it wasn’t for the promise of meat, this might be my least favorite planet to date.”
Komali: “Condescending talk about his host while still in earshot! Classic Doog!”
Doog: “Sigh.”

​Doog: “Where are we going? This is looking increasingly remote.”
Komali: “Most meat production on Manduco is decentralized. There’s not a big meat farm or something. Locals catch fish from their waterside homes. They sell whatever they don’t need to the LIU.”
Doog: “Swamp fishing makes Manduco the region’s ‘meat-basket’? Gross, look at those things.”
Komali: “After processing, protein is protein. Who cares what the fish look like before?”
Doog: “Not all protein is equal, but I wouldn’t expect a person who eats flies to understand that.”
Komali: “That’s coming from a guy that eats Kaadu and ponies.”
Doog: “Fair enough.”

Doog: “Let’s put the protein debate to the side. I’m more worried about the tune that guy is strumming. Where have I heard that before? Why do I fear venturing into the swamp even more now?”
Komali: “The locals often communicate with music. The sound carries further than their voices.”
Doog: “Yeah, I hear a response coming from downriver. It’s eerily similar, but a little more elaborate”
Komali: “One might say they’re dueling.”
Doog: “Am I going to die out here?”

Komali: “Hopefully not, but let’s return to the main channel. These backwoods swamp people scare me too. I said I was up for some misadventures, but getting raped and murdered isn’t on my agenda.”

Komali: “Fishing is just a small part of our meat production. Most of our meat comes from a local creature called the Alakana. They graze in pastures just off the main channel.  There’s one just ahead.”
Doog: “I don’t see anything. The vegetation is too thick.”
Komali: “It’s on the other side of the river.”
Doog: “That would be the problem.”
Komali: “It would.”

Komali: “Another bug zapper, just what the doctor ordered. This guy needs a snack.”
Doog: “Oh, come on. That’s so gross. Let’s see the real meat.”

Komali: “Come back! I thought of some physical humor we can throw into this episode.”
Doog: “What are you talking about?”
Komali: “Somehow, you need to get shocked by this zapper and fall into the river. It will be hilarious.”
Doog: “What! No! I’m not doing that.”
Komali: “Come on, it will be so funny. I want to be in a funny episode!”
Doog: “LIU Atlas isn’t scripted. If something happens, it happens. I’m not getting purposely electrocuted.”
Komali: “Are you telling me that all those other mishaps on LIU Atlas were just accidents?”
Doog: “Yes!”

Komali: “I see we’re not doing stair jokes this episode either.”
Doog: “What are you talking about?”
Komali: “Almost every other episode I watch, you complain about the stairs. You didn’t say anything about those stairs we just went down.”
Doog: “I only complain about going upstairs. I can do down just fine.”
Komali: “Sure.”
Doog: “You have to stop trying to force stuff. Let the disaster that is LIU Atlas just happen on its own. Trust me. It will happen on its own.”
Komali: “Alright. Fine.”
Doog: “Why are we in this tunnel anyway? I thought we were checking out the pastures.”

Komali: “The pastures are set into depressions within the swamp that are naturally enclosed. It makes it harder for the Alakana to escape into the riverways.”
Doog: “I guess it saves on fencing.”
Komali: “Yes.”

Doog: “When you said meat, I was picturing swamp hogs. Not these things. What am I looking at here?”
Komali: “These are Alakana, an amphibian native to Manduco. Some outsiders have mentioned that they look like terrestrial octopuses, but I don’t see it. I’ve never seen an octopus, so who knows.”

Doog: “They’re so cute. Who could eat those?”
Komali: “The millions of people on Fenestrula. To be fair, they never see them while they’re alive, though. Ooh, maybe I’m in an episode that shakes cultural norms and changes local culture. That would be cool.”
Doog: “Nope, you’re in a funny one. I just stepped in crap. Dang it.”
Komali: “Haha, Tavalai will be so jealous!”
Doog: “It’s all the way up to my ankle, for Emperor’s sake!”
Komali: “Too funny!”
Doog: “See, you never have to force anything on this show. Crap always happens, literally in this instance.”

Komali: “Each pasture holds hundreds of Alakana. They are culled responsibly to maintain numbers. Today, they’ll harvest a few dozen.”
Doog: “Part of me doesn’t want to see cute creatures get murdered, but part of me does – the part of me covered in Alakana poop, mostly.”
Komali: “That sure does smell. Is it worse than the sewers on that space station?”
Doog: “You remember that one too? Trust me. Nothing was worse than that.”

Doog: “I might want to hose this off before we go in the slaughterhouse. There’s probably food standards or something.”
Komali: “This is a funny episode, isn’t it? Food standards in the LIU…hilarious!”

Komali: “Each pasture processes its own Alakana. It’s a pretty easy process.”

Komali: “The creatures are weighed to ensure that mature adults are being processed. They are then quickly and painlessly dispatched with a bolt gun.”
Doog: “I’m having creepy flashbacks right now.”
Komali: “Yeah, this has to be eerily similar to the prison you visited. What was it called? Reatus Societati or something?”
Doog: “I think you remember more about this show than I do.”

Komali: “Alakana have no bones. They can easily be parted out into various chunks of meat. Digestive organs are removed though. They’re used as bait by the local fisherman.”

​Komali: “Grinding machines shred the chunks of meat into a uniform paste. It’s then sprayed with some antimicrobial preservatives…”

Komali: “…and boxed into vacuum-sealed containers.”
Doog: “Blue protein sludge in a box. Glad I don’t live in this portion of the galaxy.”
Komali: “I don’t think they’ll stop production for you to try some, but I’ll try to get you a box to bring back with you.”
Doog: “No thanks.”

Komali: “These slaughterhouses also handle the local catch. Canned river fish is almost as good as toasted Bort-Fly. I’ll get you some of that too.”
Doog: “Please, you’re too generous. No…really…you’re too generous. I’m not eating this stuff.”

Doog: “All this meat gets shipped to you, right?”
Komali: “Yep. Me and Tavalai’s spaceport then ships it off-world.”
Doog: “I guess that is a wrap, then.”
Komali: “Not quite yet. Manduco has another large export that isn’t tied to the food industry.”
Doog: “Wood? Rotten vegetation? Fish guts?”
Komali: “No, it’s medicine.”
Doog: “From the swamp?”
Komali: “Yep! It’s time for the big reveal! Classic LIU Atlas!”

Doog: ‘This place makes medicine? It looks like the place those banjo guys murder people.”
Komali: “Maybe that’s the big twist!”
Doog: “What! Tell me your kidding!”
Komali: “I am. I am. We’ve already established that this place makes medicine.”

Doog: “Is that swamp water? What kind of medicine are they making? Euthanasia drugs?”
Komali: “No, but there is something hidden in the water that is very useful. After several rounds of filtration, the mostly clear water is practically devoid of life. Only the smallest molecular life is left.”
Doog: “Which is what?”
Komali: “Viruses.”
Doog: “Viruses are medicine?”
Komali: “They can be. This specific virus is a bacteriophage. It replicates in bacteria, killing it.”
Doog: “I guess that is good.”
Komali: “It is especially useful in eradicating drug-resistant bacteria in water. The Manduco Bacteriophage is used across the galaxy.”
Doog: “We can use a bit less diarrhea in this galaxy.” 

Scientist: “Speaking of diarrhea, what’s that smell? Did someone track in Alakana feces!”
Doog: “Sorry, that might have been me.”
Scientist: “Who are you? Why are you in my lab? Does sterile environment mean anything to you?”
Doog: “This guy told me to come here. Blame him.”
Komali: “A classic! Doog turns on his guide! I can’t believe I’m part of this!”
Doog: “Uh, yeah. We’ll be leaving.”

Doog: “Well folks, that’s Manduco. One of my biggest super-fans, Kong-Alley – or whatever his name is – showed me around the meat-basket of the Hyperplexity. That sounded weird. He showed me the meat production on this planet. Yeah, let’s go with that. They make more than meat here, though. They also produce viruses capable of killing bacteria in water. I guess Manduco is even more important than I thought. Oh well, see ya!”
Komali: “Let me go get you some samples for the road.”
Doog: “I told you I’m not eating that stuff!”
 
 
Note: 

Doog: “What’s all this?”
Amaya: “Your new buddy had his wife bring some samples to our ship.”
Doog: “I told him not to do that! Just throw it out!”
Amaya: “Actually, Komali was right about your contract. The clause states that you have to eat any local food offered to you.”
Doog: “You’re not really going to make me eat this, are you?”
Amaya: “I already heated up some blue protein for you to try, and there’s some Bort-Fly juice to wash it down with.”
Doog: “You’re the worst!”

Doog: “It can’t be that bad…can it?”
Mike: “You can do it, Doog! Shovel it down!”
Doog: “Why are you worried about it? Do you want some?”
Mike: “Nope.”
Doog: “Here goes nothing…”

Doog: “BAAARFFFF!”
Amaya: “I win. Pay up!”
Mike: “Seriously Doog. You threw up on the first bite!”
Amaya: “I told you he would. It’s the slimy texture.”
Mike: “Fine. Let me get my wallet.”
Doog: “You guys are the worst! BAAAARF!”

Doog: “Welcome to another episode of LIU Atlas. I’m your host, Terrance “Doog” McDoogal. Today, we’re visiting the trade capital of the Hyperplexity, Fenestrula. Fenestrula, the fourth planet in the Jendela System, is the most accessible habitable planet within the Hyperplexity, requiring just four highly-calculated hyperspace jumps. All cargo and products produced on the various worlds of the Hyperplexity come to Fenestrula to be exported to the rest of the galaxy. I’m told, however, that Fenestrula is more important than I know. We’re here to get to the bottom of that.”  

Doog: “In case you missed the last episode, the Hyperplexity is a region of space in the Deep Core. Due to the abundance of stars, planets, dust, and debris in this region, hyperspace travel is exceptionally difficult. There are lots of complex gravitational fields that require visitors to make several highly-calculated hyperspace jumps. There are no direct routes to any planet. The name speaks for itself, Hyperplexity is a portmanteau of Hyperspace and Perplexity. Luckily, our fine pilot, Hugo, and our new navigator, Seitse, got us to Fenestrula in one piece. Now, let’s head down and check it out.”

Doog: “Alright folks, I’ve been dropped off in the port city of Latebra. You can tell it’s a port city, because there’s cargo being transported everywhere you look. Also, the signage. The signs give it away every time.”

Doog: “Latebra is a newer city – built specifically to handle cargo from all the worlds in the Hyperplexity. Large Hover-Tunnels were built below the city to allow cargo to move uninterrupted. You can see some Cargo-Skiffs flying through the tunnel as we speak.”

Doog: “There are several industrial worlds within the Hyperplexity. The older stars here, and the dense amounts of material, make the region rich in metals and chemicals. Most of these materials are brought to Fenestrula to be processed into usable materials. So, Fenestrula is more than a trade planet. It’s also a factory world. But, that’s not the secret that Fenestrula is hiding. We’ll need to continue on to discover that.”

Doog: “You might have noticed that I’m operating solo for right now. There’s no guide in sight. The producers thought my guide would give away too much, too early. I won’t meet them until later. Instead, I’m navigating this ultra-complex mega-port by myself. As long as I don’t accidentally wander into one of these cargo highways, I’ll be ok. Maybe. Hopefully.”

Doog: “Excuse me. Pardon me. Famous TV Host coming through. Wow, someone smells like cheese. Is that me? Hmm. I hope not.”

Doog: “What’s the hold-up! Why are three thousand people trying to cross a narrow path over the cargo tunnels the same time as me!? Are there people just standing on the path watching the Cargo-Skiffs!? Quit holding up the lines! Get a life!”

Doog: “Of course I pick this line! The slow, cheese-smelling line. I could have been over there. It looks like that path goes past some restaurants. I bet it smells better over there. Hey! Someone over there throw me some samples! I’m stuck in this line!”

Doog: “Wait. Wait. One foot further. That’s progress. At this rate, I’ll make it to my guide in four days. Where are the samples?! Are you guys holding out on us?! You think you’re better than us because we picked the slow line?!”

Doog: “We’re finally out of the cargo-district. Things have opened up. There’s bad news though. That cheese smell was definitely me. Oh well. Time to look for my guide.”

Doog: “I think this is the place. ‘Military Entry Only. Bunker 25’. Why is the military on Fenestrula? Is this the big twist?”

Saragarhi: “You must be the reporter. What’s your name again, civilian?”
Doog: “I’m Doog.”
Saragarhi: “Ah, that’s right. I’m Commander Saragarhi. Welcome to Bunker-25.”
Doog: “Thanks, Commander Sarcophagus. It’s good to be here…I guess.”
Saragarhi: “It’s Saragarhi, civilian.”
Doog: “Oh, I’ll never get that right. Maybe I can just call you Commander?”
Saragarhi: “That is acceptable.”
Doog: “Well, Commander, I’m just going to say it – why is the military on a trade world, like Fenestrula?”
Saragarhi: “The military can be wherever it likes, civilian.”
Doog: “Oh, sorry. I guess it can.”
Saragarhi: “I’m just messing with you, civilian. The military is here for good reason. Follow me.”

Saragarhi: “The Hyperplexity is one of the most remote portions of the galaxy. Most of the Hyperplexity can only be accessed from Fenestrula.”
Doog: “Yeah, I’ve heard. So, the military uses it as a chokepoint or something?”
Saragarhi: “Something like that. It’s more of a contingency plan.”
Doog: “Contingency plan?”
Saragarhi: “If the galaxy were ever invaded and military losses were high, Fenestula is one of our fallback contingency bases. The LIU could mass forces here for a counter-attack.”
Doog: “Why Fenestrula? The remoteness?”
Saragarhi: “Yes. There’s only one route in and one route out. It is easily defendable. The LIU could retreat to Fenestrula and survive, even against a superior force.”

Saragarhi: “There are hundreds of bunkers under Latebra, each holding supplies, like food, medicine, or ammo. The bunkers have enough rations to support millions of military personnel during an extended siege.”
Doog: “Just the military? What about the millions of civilians here?”
Saragarhi: “Just the military. However, in a Last Stand Scenario, most civilians will be conscripted anyway.”
Doog: “So, that’s what Fenestrula is – the LIU’s Last Stand location.”
Saragarhi: “While the Emperor has full faith in the military, having a contingency plan is never a bad idea. In the rare event that a superior force invades the galaxy and overwhelms our galactic fortifications, the remainder of the Emperor’s forces will retreat to Fenestrula to make a last stand. This galactic chokepoint will swing the odds in our favor.”
Doog: “Let’s hope that never happens.”
Saragarhi: “I agree, civilian.”

Doog: “We’re not under siege right now, are we?”
Saragarhi: “No, of course not.”
Doog: “Why are there so many troops here then?”
Saragarhi: “A three-hundred-thousand-man defense force occupies Fenestrula at all times. There’s no point in making a Last Stand Base if you let the enemy take it at the beginning of the conflict.”
Doog: “I guess that makes sense. Must be a pretty boring assignment, though. There’s no action here, unless the galaxy is being attacked.”
Saragarhi: “Exactly, civilian. That’s why most of the troops positioned here are new recruits. Follow me.”

Saragarhi: “New recruits, fresh out of boot camp, are assigned to Fenestrula to continue their training. After a few months, they are reassigned to more meaningful posts.”
Doog: “Pretty smart. The LIU’s Last Stand Base gets defended while the troops train.”
Saragarhi: “Precisely. The bunkers have numerous training grounds, like this. The new recruits are able to sharpen up their skills while maintaining a presence on Fenestrula.”

Saragarhi: “I can arrange for you to run the course, if you need some shots for your show.”
Doog: “I got winded walking up the incline to this point, so I’m going to pass. Besides, the last time I was assigned to a military group, they told me I couldn’t have a gun anymore.”
Saragarhi: “Trust me, I wasn’t going to give you a gun.”
Doog: “Fair enough. Well, anything else to add?”
Saragarhi: “No, civilian. I think we covered it all.”

Doog: “Well folks, that’s Fenestrula. The planet’s unique, strategic location makes it an important world. It’s the trade capital of the Hyperplexity. It’s the region’s largest factory world. And, it’s home to the LIU’s Last Stand Base. If you’re fresh out of boot camp, you might find yourself being assigned here for a few months. Oh well, time to move on to the next planet in the Hyperplexity. See ya!”
 
 
Note: The Fortress Worlds, Vectum Bellicus (Vec-B) and Vectum Duellicus (Vec-D), house the LIU’s military recruit training facilities or boot camps. Soldiers that score too low on the physical portions of the training are shipped to Fenestrula to continue training. In military slang, Fenestrula is sometimes called, Vectum Wimpicus or Vec-W, implying the recruits here failed traditional boot camp for being too weak.

Onboard the Magellan MK II:

Amaya: “Thanks for coming, guys. I’ll try to keep this brief.”
Doog: “You act like we had a choice. There’s not a lot of alternatives on this ship. I guess I could have hung out in the bathroom or airlock.”
Mike: “Quit interrupting the boss, Doog.”
Doog: “Whatever. You’re just sucking up to her because she promised us pie.”
Amaya: “A promise I intend to keep, as long as we get through this meeting.”

Oldie: “Did I miss the pie?!”
Mike: “Looks like we have an underwear and suspenders scenario again…”
Oldie: “Forget about my outfit. Answer me! Is there still pie?”
Amaya: “The pie is still here, settle down.”
Doog: “Even your wrinkles have wrinkles, Oldie. I’m losing my pie appetite as we speak.”
Oldie: “That’s just more for me.”
Amaya: “That’s enough! Sure, Oldie’s attire is…distracting…but we don’t have time to linger on it. I have time sensitive information to deliver.”

Amaya: “Computer, display the destination.”
Computer: “Displaying the Hyperplexity.”
Amaya: “Thank you. Right now, Hugo and Seitse are plotting a course to our next destination, a planet called Fenestrula. Fenestrula is located near the Deep Core, in a section of the galaxy called the Hyperplexity.”
Doog: “The Hyperplexity?”
Amaya: “Yes. This dense portion of the galaxy is packed with stars, blackholes, and planetary debris. Hyperspace travel is exceptionally difficult in this area due to the complex gravitational fields.”
Oldie: “What does that mean for us? Do we still get pie? I want pie.”
Amaya: “It doesn’t mean anything for you guys. Hugo and Seitse are plotting a series of finely-tuned jumps…”

Doog: “Are they qualified for that? Seitse just got her license a few months ago. Maybe Mike should be up there.”
Amaya: “I’m…”
Mike: “Me? I don’t think I’d be any help. I have no training. Also, I might miss the pie.”
Oldie: “I think Mike should be up there too. More pie for me. Whoops, I didn’t mean to say that last part out loud.”
Amaya: “If…”
Doog: “When a teenager finally gets their Hover-Car license, you don’t send them to drive the Emperor across the galaxy.”
Amaya: “What?! What are you talking about?”
Cam: “I think he’s trying to say that novices shouldn’t take on complex tasks.”
Mike: “That, or he’s comparing himself to the Emperor.”
Amaya: “I have full faith in our pilot and navigator. That’s not even what this meeting is about.”

Doog: “Uhh! Somethings happening!”
Cam: “I don’t feel so good!”
Mike: “Are we crashing?!”
Amaya: “If you guys would let me…”
Mike: “Should we panic? I think we should panic!”
Doog: “We’re going down boys! Ahhh! Ahhh!”

Hugo: “Jump one in progress.”
Seitse: “Readings are within range. Crew may be experiencing gravitational turbulence. We expected that though.”
Hugo: “Yep. Everything looks good. Well plotted, Seitse.”
Seitse: “Thanks!”

Doog: “Amaya, you have to go up there and find out what’s going on! Did we lose an engine? Did we hit something? Are we going to die? How long do we have?!”
Amaya: “Everything is going to be just…”

Doog: “Ahhh! Ahhh! It’s happening again!”
Amaya: “Quit screaming!”
Oldie: “That’s it! It’s every man for himself!”

Seitse: “Slingshot maneuver in progress. Sub-light engines are at max.”
Hugo: “Stand-by for second jump in 5…4…3…2…1. Jump!”

Amaya: “Oldie! What are you doing?!”
Oldie: “It’s every man for himself!”
Amaya: “What does that have to do with our table? And why are you holding Cam’s screwdriver?”
Oldie: “I’ll shank anyone that comes by this refrigerator! The food and pie are mine!”
Amaya: “For Emperor’s Sake, quit panicking! This is…”

Doog: “Ahhh! Ahhh!”
Mike: “Ahhh!”
Oldie: “Rawr! I’ll murder you all if you come closer!”

Amaya: “I’m coming to get the screwdriver, Oldie. Just breathe and relax. It’s going to be ok.”
Mike: “You don’t want to do that. Oldie is a maniac when he panics. It’s worse when food is involved.”
Oldie: “I’ll do it! I swear!”
Doog: “Stop helping Amaya, Mike! We’ve clearly declared this an every-man-for-himself scenario.”
Mike: “Sorry, I forgot!”
Doog: “Now, what should I do with the remainder of my life? I was leaning towards a last meal, but Oldie took care of that. What else is there to do?”

Doog: “I got it! I need to call my loved ones!”
Mike: “Your grandma?”
Doog: “No, Candy and Fantasy.”
Amaya: “Who?”
Mike: “His favorite girls from the brothel.”
Doog: “Computer call Candy!”
Computer: “Sorry, I found no subspace contact information for a ‘Candy”. Please manually enter the subspace address or utilize the directory.”
Doog: “I don’t have the address! I guess look it up in the directory! Hurry! We might die any minute! Ahh!”
Computer: “I will need additional information to process your request. What is Candy’s full name and planetary location.”
Doog: “Um, she’s on Camana V. I don’t know her last name! I don’t even know if that’s her real first name! Just call all the Candy’s in the galaxy. I’ll know her voice.”
Amaya: “Doog, stop panic dialing random prostitutes! There’s nothing to worry about. This is just turbulence. It’s expected. Everyone needs to stop freaking out. If it was an emergency, the computer would have warned us.”
Doog: “I didn’t think about that. Maybe we are panicking for no reason.”

Hugo: “We’ve successfully navigated Tereshkova’s Maze. Stand-by for jump number three.”
Seitse: “Hold on. The computer has spotted something. We might have an asteroid crossing our trajectory.”
Hugo: “I see it. Reducing our speed as we speak. This might be a close call!”
Seitse: “I’m going to have the computer alert the crew. They might want to take a seat!”

Computer: “Alert! Alert! Collision warning! Alert! Alert!”
Doog: “I almost fell for it! We are going to die! Computer, what’s our progress with the Candy call?!”
Amaya: “What bad timing. They’ll never believe me now.”

Seitse: “Trajectory is now clear. It wasn’t even that close.”
Hugo: “Better safe than sorry. Punch it!”
Seitse: “Hyperspace jump number three, engage.”

Doog: “Ahhh! The shaking is getting worse. We must be nearing the end!”

Hugo: “Jump three was perfect. Another navigational work of art.”
Seitse: “Ah, thanks. It wasn’t too hard.”
Hugo: “You’re being modest. The Anceps Binary System is one of the hardest jumps in the Hyperplexity. You took it on like a pro.”
Seitse: “Yeah, I guess I did. It’s too bad I can’t plot something easier for the crew. The gravitational turbulence has to be bothering them.”
Hugo: “Turbulence is unavoidable in the Hyperplexity. The crew will be fine.”

Amaya: “Cam, you’re usually pretty level-headed. You believe me, right?”
Cam: “I did…until the collision alert. Now, I’m plotting my next move. If the ship goes down, where do I want to be? Hmm…”
Amaya: “Not you too!”

Mike: “Doog! Doog! Forget about Candy! I have an idea!”
Doog: “You really don’t get this every-man-for-himself thing, do you?”
Mike: “I have an idea to counter Oldie’s kitchen seize, but, if you’re not interested…”
Doog: “I’m listening.”
Mike: “If we take the bathroom, he’ll have no choice. He’ll have to negotiate. We’ll control the toilet and toilet paper!”
Doog: “Hmm, I’m not sure if I want to spend the remainder of my life locked with you in a bathroom. However, the bathroom IS under the cockpit. If Hugo and Seitse eject the cockpit, we’ll be with them. I’m in!”
Cam: “That’s one of the smartest things you’ve said, Doog. Not that that means a whole lot. Timbo! You and I can take the laundry room! It’s under the cockpit too!”

Doog: “I’ll secure the door. You look for weapons.”
Mike: “Weapons? Where am I going to find a weapon in here?”
Doog: “Grab the toilet brush. No one will dare challenge us with that in my hand.”
Mike: “Do we really need weapons?”
Doog: “When Oldie realizes this is a life boat or his prune salad kicks in, he’s going to want in here. We need to keep him out long enough to barter for some pie.”
Mike: “If we have pie, we can die in peace.”
Doog: “Exactly.”

Hugo: “That’s the gas giant, Ianuella. It’s in the same system as Fenestrula. We did it!”
Seitse: “Great!”
Hugo: “We need to lose some speed before we dock at Fenestrula. I might use the gas giant for some air-braking.”
Seitse: “Good idea. I’ll lower the flaps.”

Doog: “I, Doog, Chief of the Bathroom Tribe, welcome you to these peace talks.”
Mike: “Who made you chief?”
Doog: “Shut it. I’m trying to look powerful for negotiating purposes. As you all may have noticed, the shaking and collision alerts have ceased. It is possible that we all overreacted. However, there is still the matter of the pie. We want some.”
Oldie: “Never!”
Doog: “Hear me out, old man! Mike and I control the bathroom. We’re willing to defend this acquired territory with germ-laden toilet brushes and disinfectant spray.”
Mike: “It burns. Trust me. I got some in my eye.”
Doog: “Stop interrupting me! Anyway, we are willing to drop our weapons and return the bathroom, if we get some pie.”

Cam: “The Utility Room Clan also wants peace. We also want pie. We will relinquish our assets for a piece of the pie.”
Oldie: “What assets do you have? I need the bathroom. I don’t need anything in there.”
Cam: “That’s where you’re wrong. Doog and Mike might control one roll of toilet paper, but we have the rest. Did you forget the extra is stored in here?”
Oldie: “You both have my interest. I think a trade can be arranged.”

Doog: “That just leaves you, Amaya. What do you have to offer? If you give me your game, I might cut you into the Bathroom Tribe deal.”
Amaya: “You guys are nuts. I’m not giving up anything. This all could have been avoided if you guys just listened to me from the start.”
Doog: “The panicking? That’s old news. We’re over that. This is a pie negotiation. Try to keep up.”
Amaya: “Oh, I’m caught up. You guys can keep the pie. I’ve had enough nonsense for today.”

Hugo: “I scheduled us to dock, but it’s going to be a few hours. Fenestrula is a pretty busy port. I’m going to go into orbit around Ianuella’s little moon until we get called to Fenestrula. Why don’t you go down and check on the crew?”
Seitse: “You sure you don’t need me?”
Hugo: “Trust me, you’ve done enough for today. Good job.”
Seitse: “Thanks. You too. I’ll be back up in a little bit.”

Seitse: “What in the heck happened down here?!”
Amaya: “These idiots wouldn’t listen to me, so the turbulence freaked them out. In a matter of minutes, they devolved into primitive madmen. Oldie tried to shank several of us to protect his pie. The rest of the crew split into various city-states to counter Oldie. Now, they’re fighting over how much pie everyone gets.”
Seitse: “So…a typical Wednesday.”
Amaya: “More or less.”

Doog: “On the count of three, we drop our weapons, ok?”
Oldie: “I’ll drop mine after you drop yours.”
Doog: “That’s not how pie truces work, ​Nards. We go at the same time.”
Oldie: “That Nards comment is going to cost you some pie.”
Doog: “Is it? How much can your diaper hold, geezer?”
Oldie: “I DON’T wear diapers! That’s it! I’m pulling out of the treaty!”
Doog: “So, it’s war you want!”
Oldie: “Bring it. Utility Room Clan, I will double your pie serving if you fight for me!”
Cam: “That’s tempting.”
Doog: “Slowly back up, Mike.”
Mike: “Retreat? I don’t retreat. I’m going to light these boys up.”
Doog: “Well, I’m retreating. Lay me down some suppressive fire.”
Mike: “Gladly.”

​Seitse: “Should I intervene?”
Amaya: “Nah. This will keep them busy until we can dock at Fenestrula. Besides, that’s disinfectant that Mike’s spraying everywhere. This place might accidentally get cleaned.”
 
 
Note: Although it is the most accessible planet within the Hyperplexity, it still takes four precise hyperspace jumps to reach Fenestrula. The jumps are as follows:
Jump #1: Deep Core Expressway to The Seven Sisters
The Seven Sisters are seven gravitationally bound stars. Their powerful gravity can pull a ship out of hyperspace if this jump is not precisely measured.
Jump #2: The Seven Sisters to Tereshkova’s Maze
Tereshkova’s Maze is an asteroid field that stretches several light years. The field will never coalesce due to the gravitational pull of the hundreds of nearby stars. Jumping into an unoccupied region within the field is a challenge. Not hitting an asteroid on the way out can be even harder.
Jump 3: Tereshkova’s Maze to the Anceps Binary System
The hypergiants, Alcyone and Ceyx, make up this massive binary system. If their gravity waves weren’t troublesome enough, the twin stars have dozens of planets. Some of these planets have dozens of moons. Finding a clear hyperspace route in and out of this system is the journey’s biggest challenge.
Jump #4: Anceps Binary System to the Jendela System
This is the journey’s easiest jump, but it still has its challenges. Finding a clear path out the Anceps System is difficult, but achievable. Dropping out of hyperspace in the Jendela System is much harder. The system has thirteen planets; nine which are large gas giants. Navigators tend to aim for the system’s outermost planet, Ianuella. Then, it’s a quick sub-light trip to Fenestrula, the system’s fourth planet.