Alpha Command
The first alien planet visible through every Window portal on Earth was designated "Alpha" and selected as the first target for interplanetary exploration. The view through the Window was that of a relatively flat savanna covered with tall yellow grass, ringed by low foothills on two sides. In the distance, the foothills gave way to jagged mountain peaks capped with snow.
A probe was sent through to test climate, temperature, and various other geological and biological conditions, but it was impossible to retrieve the probe automatically and a team of explorers were sent in a small airtight mini-submarine to retrieve the data. Following this brief excursion, the planet was deemed habitable to humans and a subsequent team of Marine Special Operations soldiers, accompanied by a larger team of Navy Construction Brigade (known as Sea Bees) were dispatched to build a camp near the portal which would be used as a base for planetary exploration. Within a few days, tents and temporary shelters had been built to house personnel, supplies and equipment.
After the exploration team, dubbed X-1, scouted the area nearest the portal, it was decided to build a more permanent camp further from the original site in a place that might be easily defended and yet also provide space for agricultural and biological experimentation. This area was located in the nearby northern foothills which were named after the sitting President of the United States, LeTourneau Hills.
The camp's initial perimeter was built of chain-link fence topped with razor wire, electrified to provide an additional deterrent to any curious wildlife.
Of interest is a single tree vastly different from the others in the area. Located due east from the Window Portal near Hidden Lake, this object has the appearance of a dried up husk of a willow tree embedded around the trunk with large black crystal beads. The ground around the tree is also gray and lifeless, like ash, and nothing grew within that ten-foot area. Samples were taken of the tree and at a later date, it was determined that this "tree" was actually Ahea, an intelligent alien set to keep watch on the Window and greet humans when they arrived. It was unknown exactly when or how the creature died.
A probe was sent through to test climate, temperature, and various other geological and biological conditions, but it was impossible to retrieve the probe automatically and a team of explorers were sent in a small airtight mini-submarine to retrieve the data. Following this brief excursion, the planet was deemed habitable to humans and a subsequent team of Marine Special Operations soldiers, accompanied by a larger team of Navy Construction Brigade (known as Sea Bees) were dispatched to build a camp near the portal which would be used as a base for planetary exploration. Within a few days, tents and temporary shelters had been built to house personnel, supplies and equipment.
After the exploration team, dubbed X-1, scouted the area nearest the portal, it was decided to build a more permanent camp further from the original site in a place that might be easily defended and yet also provide space for agricultural and biological experimentation. This area was located in the nearby northern foothills which were named after the sitting President of the United States, LeTourneau Hills.
The camp's initial perimeter was built of chain-link fence topped with razor wire, electrified to provide an additional deterrent to any curious wildlife.
Of interest is a single tree vastly different from the others in the area. Located due east from the Window Portal near Hidden Lake, this object has the appearance of a dried up husk of a willow tree embedded around the trunk with large black crystal beads. The ground around the tree is also gray and lifeless, like ash, and nothing grew within that ten-foot area. Samples were taken of the tree and at a later date, it was determined that this "tree" was actually Ahea, an intelligent alien set to keep watch on the Window and greet humans when they arrived. It was unknown exactly when or how the creature died.
Demographics
This colony's purpose was designated as an exploration base camp. Since it was not known what potential threats might be present through the Windows Portal Network, the primary contingent of the population is military personnel, followed by scientists and researchers.
Government
Kept under martial law as a Forward Operating Base, all personnel answer to Earth government. Since this endeavor was sponsored chiefly by the United States of America, this site is therefore governed by American laws.
Defences
In due time, a permanent cinder-block wall was built around the settlement for protection from large predatory animals. A Gatehouse is attached to the wall just beyond the bridge which acts as a checkpoint for all arriving convoys of equipment and supplies. Sentries are posted along the wall to keep watch for animals that may present a danger to the settlers.
Industry & Trade
At present, no trade exists on Alpha. Settlers are mainly concerned with scientific study and experimentation with Earth crops and livestock to see if they flourish in this setting.
Infrastructure
Only two signs of the presence of intelligent life have been found on Alpha: 1) ruts in the soil of the savanna carved into the shape of The Hummingbird (in the exact formation of the Nazca Plain in southern Peru, Earth) and 2) an item called The Monument located in a direct line from the beak of The Hummingbird, approximately a mile north. Other than these, the landscape of Alpha was a natural, untouched wilderness.
Over the months of occupation by humans, a settlement has gradually been built. No roads exist other than footpaths and dirt tracks created by the movement of vehicles. A bridge has been built over Little Creek, and the track continues into the foothills where the settlement is located. The first major building erected was a medical facility named after the commander of the permanent camp, Col. Beckett Stewart.
Other buildings were used for food and supply storage, a command center and bunkhouses were created using Quonset huts and shipping containers. Plans are under way to build more permanent structures as time permits.
Over the months of occupation by humans, a settlement has gradually been built. No roads exist other than footpaths and dirt tracks created by the movement of vehicles. A bridge has been built over Little Creek, and the track continues into the foothills where the settlement is located. The first major building erected was a medical facility named after the commander of the permanent camp, Col. Beckett Stewart.
Other buildings were used for food and supply storage, a command center and bunkhouses were created using Quonset huts and shipping containers. Plans are under way to build more permanent structures as time permits.
Assets
A wealth of scientific equipment is available on Alpha for studying the geology, flora, fauna and climate of the planet. The hospital is equipped with two surgical suites, attached to a fully stocked and functioning clinic.
Geography
The area immediately surrounding the Window Portal is a vast plain of yellowish grasses occasionally dotted with short (approximately ten foot tall) conifers with densely packed reddish needles and pale gray, smooth trunks. These umbrella-shaped trees are more frequent among the nearby foothills, which also sport large tracts of sunlight tolerant ferns and other vegitation. A large spring-fed lake (dubbed Claire Lake) provides water to North River, which winds through the foothills into a small lush valley. Further north is a range of saw-toothed mountains yet to be explored.
Natural Resources
Though human scientists are experimenting for the feasibility of raising Earth-born livestock on this planet, there is meat aplenty from the local wildlife. Whiplashes, while extremely dangerous, are large and produce nutritious flesh with a taste akin to lobster. Space chicken are about the size of a small turkey and are plentiful, tasting much like Earth chicken. The seeded grasses on which the Space chickens feed are reminiscent of many cereal grains found on Earth, and similarly useful.
Founding Date
January 12, 2021
Alternative Name(s)
Alpha Colony
Type
Military, Camp
Inhabitant Demonym
Alphans
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