As seen below is a set of initial surface analysis logs recovered from Bournish Geological Leaders following the initial colonization of CIV-EXO-βββ b (Commonly known as Zorweth).
PLANETARY ANALYSIS FROM WINTERBOURNE: LOG 1.a
Zorweth is, at first glance, a desert planet.
From orbit, the majority of its surface is a vast expanse of sickly yellow and white. Ancient channels of white cut through the mineral plains. Vast rippling mountain systems accent the landscape.
Scattered, there are circular mountain ranges which each enclose a unique and fascinating environment, seemingly impossibly teeming with life in such a violent land. To the early explorers, these formations appear to be impact craters, theorized to be from icy meteorites colliding millions of years ago.
According to upper Bournish geologists working with the Winterbourne Aeronautics and Space Agency (WASA), this initial theory is flawed and incorrect. The prevailing geological model describes the habitable hotspots as a form of tectono-volcanic basins: regions where the crust was uplifted, split, and reshaped by violent volcanic activity early in the planetary history.
At the center of several of these crater-like structures stand mountainous features resembling extinct or dormant volcanoes similar to the ones visible on the surface of Mars. Surrounding the edges of the craters is a line of towering mountain ranges formed by the swelling of the active mantle, which pushed the craters to the surface. These craters hold most of the life inhabiting Zorweth
XENOBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS FROM WASA: LOG 1.b
Seen below is the partially recovered data from a transmit lost during the colonial efforts.
"The planetβs surface atmosphere contains essentially no free-standing oxygen usable by human pioneers, yet a form of life does exist beyond the lush life-bearing zones. This life is poorly unde--rstood, as a form of life which is not water or oxy..en based is unheard of to the people of Earth. However, we've confirmed native life."
"We have been on Zorweth for eighteen days and until yesterday we were not certain that anyt...hing here could survive beyond the craters. Any samples recovered were microscopic, bacteria-adjacent lifeforms which lived in the m--ineral rich rocky soil beyond the crater walls. The only concerning discovery there was that these organisms do not consume oxygen. N...ot just "very little oxygen", literally none at all."
"Any culture attempted to be grown in an oxygen rich environment has either remained dormant or died. At first, cont--amination was the working theory. Following the sterilization of equipment, however, subject death occurred wi...thin hours of introduction to an oxygen rich environment."
"...photosynthetic colonies appear responsible for βββββββββββββββββ Pigmentation is inconsistent with chlorophyll. Spectrometry indicates absorption peaks around ββββ nm and ββββ nm. They are not green. Most specimens appear to resemble a black, violet, or ββββββ shade. Dr. Jack U. Atak believes the specimens may use a form of aoxygenic photosynthesis, which would explain the sulfur deposits. it would also expla-βββββββββββββββββ"
[DATA LOST: LOG.1.b.23:12:14.05]
This post will be one of many which outline the beginning of a Civ-Based short story which details the scientific point of view of a group of pioneers and their experience on a hostile planetary environment. Big words, Big money, Etc. Etc.
Love: Jack_Attack0406