Rift Station: Open Worlds
The possibility of being able to contact earlier volunteers who have already learned how to survive near the arrival location is tempting. You agree to that instead, signing the modified set of papers given to you. Before you're whisked to another conference room, you hear enough to know that the Asian woman is most interested in WHY these particular signals keep repeating, although that's unlikely a question that will be answered in either of your lifetimes. With the aid of a holographic projector, you're taught the scant information known about the five arrival locations on these mysterious planets. ((Which are not mine: http://chooseyourstory.com/forums/the-lounge/message/24121))
Atlas
Approximately 20% of the planet is covered in very deep oceans, much deeper than Earth. The landmass consists of steep, high rising mountains dotted with freshwater lakes. The planet is known to contain shaggy sheep-like creatures the size of small elephants, and a glimpse of a seven meter long avian creature was caught on camera once before the rift closed. Additionally, the planet is believed to contain significant amounts of mineral resources and ore, although extracting the resources would be a major challenge due to the terrain.
Charizard
Over 99.7% of the planet is a saltwater ocean. Significant volcanic activity occurs, with simulations showing new small islands forming on a regular basis. However, due to more recent data collected, these islands are theorized to be unstable and may collapse back into the ocean after a year or two. Small but stable land masses with flora and fauna are known to exist however. Fresh rainwater falls regularly. However, some regions have been proven to experience acid rain, due to the volcanic sulfur in the air.
Glacier
According to all data assembled, the average daytime temperature at the equator here hovers right below freezing. The planet has mountains, plains, valleys, and several oceans of mercury. The entire landmass is covered in a layer of ice and permafrost, with special flora and fauna adapted to survive the harsh conditions. Alien structures have been recorded on the landscape, making the site of immense scientific interest. (They gave off no energy signals that could be detected and appeared to be abandoned.) The existence of the extensive cave systems detected could potentially provide shelter from the harsh environment.
Arthe
The planet resembles Earth in its geological makeup and has many fascinatingly similar species of flora and fauna. However, no less than seven established sapient species at a bronze age level of technology populate the planet. Data from the most recent subject to go through the rift at this frequency indicates at least two of the species may currently be at war. Additionally, a 12 meter statue of what appears to be a human has been erected near the arrival site. It would be of interest to find out what that's all about.
Detroit
The fifth planet, which hovers at the line of what is considered survivable for humans.
The planet is a barren wasteland, dotted with collapsing structures and the ruins of former civilization. There is acid rain and dirty water, but not to the extent that it cannot be purified. The atmosphere is mildly toxic, but small pockets of land exhibit signs of life, including both flora and fauna. Resources, such as minerals and metals, are abundant and easily accessible.
Interesting features include: an incredibly deep pit, a glass desert, a perpetually burning underground coal fire beneath a wasted city, a massive petrified forest, packs of feral canines, a lake of oil, and an eight meter bronze statue of a humanoid figure depicted holding what is believed to be the sun (the real one no longer visible through the polluted atmosphere) with a stone monument more than twice its height directly behind it and covered in intriguing carvings.
Atlas
Approximately 20% of the planet is covered in very deep oceans, much deeper than Earth. The landmass consists of steep, high rising mountains dotted with freshwater lakes. The planet is known to contain shaggy sheep-like creatures the size of small elephants, and a glimpse of a seven meter long avian creature was caught on camera once before the rift closed. Additionally, the planet is believed to contain significant amounts of mineral resources and ore, although extracting the resources would be a major challenge due to the terrain.
Charizard
Over 99.7% of the planet is a saltwater ocean. Significant volcanic activity occurs, with simulations showing new small islands forming on a regular basis. However, due to more recent data collected, these islands are theorized to be unstable and may collapse back into the ocean after a year or two. Small but stable land masses with flora and fauna are known to exist however. Fresh rainwater falls regularly. However, some regions have been proven to experience acid rain, due to the volcanic sulfur in the air.
Glacier
According to all data assembled, the average daytime temperature at the equator here hovers right below freezing. The planet has mountains, plains, valleys, and several oceans of mercury. The entire landmass is covered in a layer of ice and permafrost, with special flora and fauna adapted to survive the harsh conditions. Alien structures have been recorded on the landscape, making the site of immense scientific interest. (They gave off no energy signals that could be detected and appeared to be abandoned.) The existence of the extensive cave systems detected could potentially provide shelter from the harsh environment.
Arthe
The planet resembles Earth in its geological makeup and has many fascinatingly similar species of flora and fauna. However, no less than seven established sapient species at a bronze age level of technology populate the planet. Data from the most recent subject to go through the rift at this frequency indicates at least two of the species may currently be at war. Additionally, a 12 meter statue of what appears to be a human has been erected near the arrival site. It would be of interest to find out what that's all about.
Detroit
The fifth planet, which hovers at the line of what is considered survivable for humans.
The planet is a barren wasteland, dotted with collapsing structures and the ruins of former civilization. There is acid rain and dirty water, but not to the extent that it cannot be purified. The atmosphere is mildly toxic, but small pockets of land exhibit signs of life, including both flora and fauna. Resources, such as minerals and metals, are abundant and easily accessible.
Interesting features include: an incredibly deep pit, a glass desert, a perpetually burning underground coal fire beneath a wasted city, a massive petrified forest, packs of feral canines, a lake of oil, and an eight meter bronze statue of a humanoid figure depicted holding what is believed to be the sun (the real one no longer visible through the polluted atmosphere) with a stone monument more than twice its height directly behind it and covered in intriguing carvings.