Nequencia III Colony

[Tachyon 0]

To: Commander Cole

CC: Captain Moore

Subject: Nequencia III Colony – Evaluation of Potential Colony Sites

 

Site 1 – Northern Boreal/Tundra Ecotone

 

The first site is located on the largest of the continents in the northern hemisphere. Situated along a river, the site is in the transition zone between the boreal and tundra biomes for that continent. Average temperatures range from -40°C in winter to 10°C in summer (it is currently autumn).

 

This site’s potential advantages for a colony lie in the amount of available land for development as well as accessibility to numerous resources. Softwood lumber is available from the large stretch of forest to the west of the colony site. Initial scans indicate a large quantity of ores available in the mountains to the north. Additionally, water is available in the form of a nearby river.

 

Several existing varieties of wheat, as well as other crops, could be grown without much difficulty in this area. The growing season is longer than Earth’s due to the slightly longer Nequencian year, which will aid in crop development.

 

This site’s potential disadvantages stem from the harsh climate and long Nequencian winter. In addition, the soil, while fertile near the river, becomes increasingly acidic toward the forest. These two factors combined would make a colony possible, but perhaps difficult.

 

Site 2 – Southern Temperate Grassland

 

The second site is located on a smaller continent in the southern hemisphere. Composed mostly of a grassland biome, the area varies from edaphic savannas to more temperate grasslands. The particular area for the colony is of the later type. Average temperatures range from -25°C in the winter to 35°C in the summer (it is currently spring).

 

The grasses in the area have made the topsoil extremely rich and fertile, making it appropriate for numerous types of crops. The climate is comfortable in all seasons and the growing season is long.

 

A lack of available on-site resources may prove to make establishing a self-sufficient colony difficult. Precipitation is mostly seasonal, occurring in late spring and early summer. The main source of water would be a small lake fed by an underground spring. While this lake seems to be reliable, its total capacity for supplying water and supporting the local ecosystem may not be sufficient for an expansive colony. The area has very few trees save for small isolated clumps grouped around the lake.

 

Prior to returning to Challenger, the away team had a close encounter with local fauna, namely Nequencian antelope. Similar to Terran antelope, the major difference lies in the poison-tipped horns used as defences against predators (such as killer rabbits). The antelope avoided the away team for the most part, following its migratory route north. It was also fleeing the approaching Nequencian locusts (again, similar to Terran locusts) which have a life-cycle of several years. The team returned without significant injury.

 

Summary and Recommendations

 

Based on input from the away team members as well as the scientific evidence at both sites, the second site has been recommended for the first colony on Nequencia. It has a viable source of water, fertile soil, as well as demonstrated access to protein. No indigenous diseases that are harmful to humans have been found. Minor concerns, such as the potential threat of locusts to crops, can be overcome using methods already implemented on other planets. So far no significantly challenging threat has presented itself to the colonization of Nequencia, nor is there any signs of such an obstacle appearing in the future.