=/\= PERSONAL LOG =/\=

[rosetto 0]

Rosetto arrived early in the SIM Lab and found Lt. Lopez sitting at her desk. She invited him to sit and they began to discuss the mission that would be presented. It was a test of both navigational and analytical skills, she explained. Most cadets do not pass and the test’s purpose is to observe ‘how’ the cadet fails. She told him, however, that she had been watching his progress closely and expected him to pass. She continued to explain the system in detail as she had actually been there and had personally written the Holodeck program.

 

“The Rigel System is as unique as it is large. The two Outer Worlds, identified as I & II are huge frozen gaseous giants with several natural satellites that could support life in contained dome systems. Three currently have mining camps established. The systems are mostly automated however the camps must be manned to support and maintain the operating systems. These are usually manned by a small crew of no more than 5 men. Because they are so far away from the primary star there is little change from the frigid cold.”

 

Rosetto’s eyes were wide as he listened intently. She went on…

 

 

“Rigel is a class B8 blue-white star 40,000 times brighter than our sun. Because of this, the two inner planets are essentially molten rock, class-C, D. The inner-most planet is liquid metal and has a large magnetic field about it. Neither planet is not nor ever will be inhabitable.”

 

“Between these two sets of shepherding planets are situated three planets of similar mass who share an orbit. Even though this orbit is almost 200 times that of the Earth, the planets are quite temperate and flourish with life. The surface gravity on these worlds is very similar to Earth’s however the density is only about 1/10^th, liquid terrains. The floating continental island plates are in constant motion.”

 

Lopez stopped and looked down at her display. “Well, we have spent all of our prep time chatting”, she added. “We should head over to the lab.”

 

Rosetto looked at her and nodded and rose toward the door. She followed close behind. They walked across the hall and entered the SIM Lab where the rest of the crew waited. Again, they were all strangers to him but he was ready visit this strange new world.