Post by zephyr40k on Aug 21, 2013 1:35:55 GMT -5
Report log: 233.36.21
Date: October 26, 2213 (ConFed standard calendar)
Filed By: Elohim Assange, Explorator first class / exobiologist second class, SCA
To: Senior Expeditionary Director Janus Alliant
Sir,
Our xenobiological survey of the planet "Algol Prime" - referred to simply as "Al-Ghul" by the natives - has begun in earnest. After many extraordinary delays in securing the necessary supplies and permits, we have set off in our vehicle.
The conditions we have encountered are even worse than we imagined. As you know, I have led many expeditions in desert regions in my 20 years of working for the SCA. Al-Ghul is by far the most difficult. The combination of heat, alkali dust, background radiation, and wind combines to put a severe amount of wear and tear on our vehicles, chillsuits, and people. But, nevertheless, we shall endure.
Even in the very first week I have made some amazing discoveries in terms of the local flora and fauna. In this report I would like to highlight a truly fascinating creature that I have dubbed the "Sandcrab." This is because, in its larval form, it closely resembles Terran sand crabs. These creatures lay their eggs in nests in the desert by the thousands. We were fortunate when we began our survey that the mating season had, apparently, just concluded, and there were plenty of nests filled with eggs. Soon, these eggs hatched, and the larvae emerged:
The picture shows the tremendous growth rate of the sand crab, from newly hatched (on the extreme left) to 48 hours old (on the far right). And this is only the beginning. At this stage, they hunt small insects in the sand, but seem capable of consuming any organic matter if need be. Within a week they have grown to be almost two feet long:
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They continue their predatory behavior, but now against larger creatures such as small lizards and mammals. They also begin to display ambush behavior, burying themselves shallowly in the sand to wait for prey (and also possibly to avoid the direct sun). Here is a diagram of a sandcrab hidden just under the surface:
(As an aside, I must caution future researchers that these creatures are perfectly capable of inflicting significant injury on an adult male. The photographer was attacked by this sandcrab immediately after taking the picture and was grievously wounded before another expedition member intervened, beating the thing to death with a shovel. I do believe, however, that this was an anomalous occurrence).
Upon dissecting the now deceased Sandcrab, I discovered something surprising and a bit alarming. The joints of the chitinous skeleton were soft and pliable, and far from sutured. I had presumed up to this point that this was the adult version of the creature, but now I am beginning to think that it is not, and may have a bit more growing to do.
I will keep you updated as to my progress.
Your servant,
Elohim Assange
Date: October 26, 2213 (ConFed standard calendar)
Filed By: Elohim Assange, Explorator first class / exobiologist second class, SCA
To: Senior Expeditionary Director Janus Alliant
Sir,
Our xenobiological survey of the planet "Algol Prime" - referred to simply as "Al-Ghul" by the natives - has begun in earnest. After many extraordinary delays in securing the necessary supplies and permits, we have set off in our vehicle.
The conditions we have encountered are even worse than we imagined. As you know, I have led many expeditions in desert regions in my 20 years of working for the SCA. Al-Ghul is by far the most difficult. The combination of heat, alkali dust, background radiation, and wind combines to put a severe amount of wear and tear on our vehicles, chillsuits, and people. But, nevertheless, we shall endure.
Even in the very first week I have made some amazing discoveries in terms of the local flora and fauna. In this report I would like to highlight a truly fascinating creature that I have dubbed the "Sandcrab." This is because, in its larval form, it closely resembles Terran sand crabs. These creatures lay their eggs in nests in the desert by the thousands. We were fortunate when we began our survey that the mating season had, apparently, just concluded, and there were plenty of nests filled with eggs. Soon, these eggs hatched, and the larvae emerged:
The picture shows the tremendous growth rate of the sand crab, from newly hatched (on the extreme left) to 48 hours old (on the far right). And this is only the beginning. At this stage, they hunt small insects in the sand, but seem capable of consuming any organic matter if need be. Within a week they have grown to be almost two feet long:
They continue their predatory behavior, but now against larger creatures such as small lizards and mammals. They also begin to display ambush behavior, burying themselves shallowly in the sand to wait for prey (and also possibly to avoid the direct sun). Here is a diagram of a sandcrab hidden just under the surface:
(As an aside, I must caution future researchers that these creatures are perfectly capable of inflicting significant injury on an adult male. The photographer was attacked by this sandcrab immediately after taking the picture and was grievously wounded before another expedition member intervened, beating the thing to death with a shovel. I do believe, however, that this was an anomalous occurrence).
Upon dissecting the now deceased Sandcrab, I discovered something surprising and a bit alarming. The joints of the chitinous skeleton were soft and pliable, and far from sutured. I had presumed up to this point that this was the adult version of the creature, but now I am beginning to think that it is not, and may have a bit more growing to do.
I will keep you updated as to my progress.
Your servant,
Elohim Assange
