✦ Orion’s Travel Log #1

To begin my first entry into my exploration journal, I came across an ash-shrouded planet by the name of Hacas X orbiting the yellow star Arburnarr IV.

✦

My first observations were of the towering, prickly flora that littered the ash smothered hillside. Many rocks and minerals covered the ground while ancient volcanoes ruled over the landscape. Eruptions were constant, with each one hurling hot rocks and magma into the surrounding area. It makes me wonder if this planet was always so inhospitable.

I never would have thought animals could survive in such a harsh environment, yet I observed multiple different species thriving, filling their own unique niches in an established ecosystem.

One such creature was the beautiful T. Oistridkeania, a flying insect-like species about 2 meters long. These delicate animals fluttered and weaved in groups through the sharp branches of the native trees, their long tails trailing behind like a ribbon on a kite. Occasionally, they would all land together, fanning their wings and waving their tails as they rest or eat the nuts that the sparse vegetation provided.

I did not stay on Hacas X for long. Not only was the atmosphere, at the very least, apocalyptic and dire, but the frequent flamewall storms that had me hiding in my starship were not appreciated. If only I was as thick skinned as T. Oistridkeania, maybe this ash-shrouded planet would be like a second home.

Until next time, I continue onward.