There are billions of stars, millions of planets, but there is only one man, Terrance McDoogal. Welcome to LIU Atlas.
LIU Atlas - Olentia
The Ludgonian Industrial Union's galaxy contains billions of stars and billions of planets. Unfortunately, most residents of the LIU could only name a handful of these worlds. In order to improve astronomy grades across the LIU Galaxy, TV2 has started a new program called LIU Atlas. Follow our host, Terrance McDoogal, as he takes you on a tour across the LIU and some of its more obscure worlds.
Note: This episode is presented in full screen. The corresponding dialogue is underneath each photo.
Note: This episode is presented in full screen. The corresponding dialogue is underneath each photo.
Doog: “Welcome to another episode of LIU Atlas. I’m your host, Terrance “Doog” McDoogal. Today, we’re 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?”
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: “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.”
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: “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?”
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.”
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?”
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…”
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.”
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.”
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: “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?”
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?”
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: “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!”
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: “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.”
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: “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?”
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.”
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.”
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.
Note: Olentin Musk is sold under the name, Eau de Elite Essences or E³.
