Island Building -

"The Land, Separated from the Sea"

digitally manipulated fractal flame by Mick Mather

WATERWORLD, N20º49'.E140º12' - Volcanic activity in the North Western Oceanic Quadrant has been explosively dramatic since the Alignment of the 12 this year. Another close encounter with Tanak - the closest in over 100 years - will afford visitors the unique opportunity to see that planet, at dusk and at dawn, as though it were sitting upon the surface of the ocean. In preparation for the month-long duration of this phenomenon the Ministry of Science & Future Technology is already building a floating city for tourism and settlement initiatives. Views similar to what you see here will be common during the 120 days of alignment with peak tour booking and lodging expected during the prime Tanak encounter. Contact your Tourism Agent today!

"The Ribs of the Sea of Dust"
digitally manipulated fractal flame collage by Mick Mather

TRACKS, The Ribs - The Ministry of Science & Future Technology will be offering another series of digs for students interested in archaeology. This collaboration with the Ministry of Education will study the plate tectonics and inter-plate, oceanic volcanic activity that gave rise to this planet's name. The ribbed patterns of magma seen from space make the planet appear to be covered in a variety of track-like patterns. Similar activity is occurring on all of the planets with deep oceans and plate activity, especially Waterworld. Tracks itself is an elder sister and was once completely covered with water as well. The dig team process has a relatively simple application but competition for available slots is stiff. Contact either Ministry today for complete details.

Seeding the Sectors -

"Thread the Needle"
digital drawing & collage by Mick Mather

SYSTEM EDGE, K-Line - The Ministry of Science & Future Technology will be sending a study group to K-Line later this year. This is the furthest afield of the 12 official worlds that comprise the Outer Dust Rings as well as it's most inhospitable. Except for the fact that the largest jump gate ever discovered is located here, it is unlikely that K-Line would ever have qualified for the atmosphere processors that now make it habitable. Most of the activity at this planet-size gate is little more than dust and particle streamers, the odd space rock, comets, asteroids and - once upon a time - Waterworld came through this portal. There has been a particular spike of electromagnetic measurements in the sector and it is hypothesized that another event is to be expected soon. An artists rendition of the gate, nicknamed Thread the Needle, shows what scientists believe to be a typical flight path and what the magnetic array surrounding the port during an event might look like. Only scientific excursions are currently allowed to K-Line but if enough interest can be generated, tourist class transport seats may become available at the time of real activity in the sector.

Clouds of Plenty -

"Harvest Aurora on Derby"
digitally manipulated photograph by Mick Mather

DERBY, The Harvest Festival - Once again, as Waterworld draws closer to Derby, you can expect to view spectacular displays in the sky during The Harvest Festival. Every three years this close proximity of two extraordinary worlds initiates a game of hide and seek with a light show! Collisions between atmospheric gases and showers of electrons and protons guided by their intersecting magnetic fields set the skies aglow. As can be seen in this artists rendition of one spectacular auroral formation documented by the Ministry of Science & Future Technology a trip to Derby will be especially rewarding this year. For family fun and an educational package available nowhere else, now is the time to plan your festival vacation.

Star Cradle Transit -

"In Transit"
digital collage by Mick Mather

original layer image by Emmi Pulkki

DERBY, Ministry of Tourism - A partnership with The Outer Dust Rings Science Foundation posts dozens of school age youth to the annual "Transit Camp" held each year during The Alignment of the 12 Festival. The illustration shown here was provided by the Digital Image Club whose beautifully prepared souvenir booklet sports this image of the planet Tracks as it majestically transits the Star Cradle. This hot spot of gas, dust, plasma and ionized particles that birthed our planetary system billions of trillions of years ago is, according to the Ministry of Science & Future Technology, soon to produce a new gas giant. Soon, in astronomical terms, may not mean within our lifetime but this photograph clearly shows the magnetic field signature of the expected new planet. Students and their families are encouraged to apply now for the limited slots in this year's Transit Camp when Waterworld is expected to cross in front of the Star Cradle while exhibiting whorls and streamers of water vapor, magnetic storms and other physical anomalies that have been under investigation for a thousand years.

(Further information, star maps, system maps, jump gate locations, historic documents, arts & culture, myth & legend, etc. is requested - please scroll to the bottom of this page for details and contact info)

Portal Ruin on Waterworld -

"Ancient Portal Ruin"
montage by Mick Mather

WATERWORLD, Undersea Tours - The diving season is always "just around the corner" on Waterworld. Tours to the oldest Jump Portal in the Outer Dust Rings is an undersea adventure that the entire family will want to revisit early and often. Our dive bus fleet and The Zero Defects Team will take you to the Ancient Portal Ruin in comfort and safety. Tailored to suit even the most restrictive budget, a wide variety of package tours have been designed with you in mind. Pioneer Club Discounts for the storm seasons make this attraction even more affordable with a value-added risk factor - always popular with the adventure seeker! Operators are standing by to assist in registering your stay at Waterworld's Orbital Jump House. Contact them, or your agent, now!

*(further information, star maps, system maps, jump gate locations, etc. is requested - please leave additions in the comment box)