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\n\t\t\t\t\t| " | \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCaptain's Personal Log Stardate 3322.09.12 It has been a month since I've crashed landed on Lotsarohks. The first week was constructing a crude shelter with the remnants of my starship, and the following week looking for signs of any vessels that may pass near the planet. Having found no such luck, I was forced to venture out into the wasteland to look for parts to construct a beacon. The geology of Lotsarohks is interesting; while the surface area of the planet is covered by an arid, jagged wasteland, the massive chasms that mar the landscape host a rich ecosystem within each and every one. The walls and floor of each crevasse is overrun by lush wildlife and vegetation, and I had found that many of these species have not been recorded in the digital archives of the Central Agglomeration of Galactic Environments. I suspect this is due to many exploration vessels choosing to explore elsewhere after glancing at the uninhabitable, barren surface of the planet. That, or perhaps previous explorers fell victim to the strange behaviours of the flora and fauna of Lotsarohks. For example, one of the plants I encountered was found to be highly animated, with its leaves, roots and tendrils showing a tendency to move towards any bodies that radiate a heat source. This behaviour is highly unusual for most forms of vegetation so I ventured forth to take a closer look. It wasn't until I got close to the plant that I realised why the plant behaved in this manner; being situated inside a crevasse severely limits the options for seed distribution. The winds that batter the surface of the planet do not flow into the chasms, so most vegetations are force to rely on using the local flora to transport their seeds. Most commonly, this is done by by encasing the seeds in fruit and having the animals consume them, and while the method works it does give rise to another issue; most animals are not keen on leaving the safety of the crevasse and venture out into the harsh wasteland that awaits them above, so this results in the seeds being distributed within the confines of the chasm. So other plants employ a different method of animal-driven seed distribution; by taking hold of them and filling their orifices with a large quantity of pollen, delivered in the form of a thick gelatinous goo. The stems of each stamen are covered with soft but rigid bumps that secrete a liquid that sexually arouses the host, making them more receptive to the plant while it fills them to the brim with a heavy load before releasing them. Interestingly this particular plant (which I have given the name of "Lover's Vine") will become inactive and far less animated in the presence of a host that it has inseminated before, so animals that wish to relive the experience are forced to venture out to search for another Vine elsewhere, whether it is further into the crevasse or in another chasm elsewhere. I can only assume that the second plant will attempt to extract its pollen through a similar method, though it’ll likely use the stigma portion of the plant instead. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have my duty as a responsible member of the Explorer's League in ensuring that this plant is able to continue reproduction. Hopefully the next Vine isn't far from here… \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t | \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Another piece I got from Pafii recently of Captain Penny, having a close encounter with some of the flora on an unexplored planet. Don't mind the situation our intrepid explorer is going through; I assure you she's enjoying it far more than she looks!
See more of the artist's work here!
Artwork by @Fiiro
Captain Penelope Welles belongs to \r\n\t\t\t\t\t
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