Season 1 - Episode 2 - Solus

LIU Atlas - Solus

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


                                                                      LIU Atlas - Solus            

The Ludgonian Industrial Union's galaxy contains billions of stars and billions of planets. Unfortunately, most residents of the LIU could only name a handful of these worlds. In order to improve astronomy grades across the LIU, TV2 has started a new program called LIU Atlas. Follow our host, Terrance McDoogal, as he takes you on a tour across the LIU and some of its more obscure worlds.


Note: This episode is presented in full screen. The corresponding dialogue is underneath each photo.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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


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