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.

Stairway To Heaven -

"Bold Moon Ascending the Stairway"
digital collage by Mick Mather

FOREVERLAND, The Stairway to Heaven - Recent acquisitions by the Outer Dust Rings Art Museum - currently on view in the contemporary wing - include this piece by the expatriate Terran artist, Michael Warren. There has been much interest in the worm hole gates - known as jump ports - over the centuries since their discovery. This rendition of the jump port nearest Foreverland shows one of its moons as it crosses in front of the stair-like structure. Myth and legend have long since referred to this portal as the Stairway to Heaven, because, as it is written, the other end of this particular worm hole lies in deep space where Heaven itself is believed to be located. When the first astronomers discovered the unique physical structure of The Stairway some weight of truth was quickly applied to what had heretofore been relegated to the status of faith-enhanced remote viewing, traditional fables and superstition. The Museum is located in Oopsville, Derby and their hours run 24 hours a day Tuesday thru Saturday - closing at midnight thru to midnight Monday.

The Robert Sketch -

"Robert R. Robert Sketch"
montage by Mick Mather

DERBY, Veterans Museum - During the darkest hours of the Tanak Wars, the discovery of the first Jump Port on Earth afforded opportunities for diplomatic couriers and, eventually, military assistance. At that time entire ships went through the jump gates, requiring the steady hand and intuitive reactions of a skilled pilot/navigator. The most famous of these was Robert Robert Robert, a savant whose talent was in the practical application of the Mandelbrot and chaos theory mathematics required to navigate star ships through the gates. This years "Robbie Day" celebration will feature the unveiling of a Historical Document that was previously believed to have been little more than military scuttlebutt - the original anatomical drawing of the Jump Gate at Antarctica Station. Seen here, above the CAD image that went into every flight manual at that time, it was so accurate that the drawing itself, as well as the military post containing the coordinate parameters of this portal, has become known as The Robert Sketch.

Minister of Historical Archives -

"Polar Array On Tanak"
digital collage by Mick Mather

TANAK, South Polar Array - The Historical Archives, in concert with the Ministry of Tourism, have released a packet of souvenir post cards to promote off-season visits to the South Polar Region of Tanak. The recent construction of a modern "Jump House" was completed on schedule and under budget, opening the door of opportunity for the Minister of Historical Archives to upgrade the museum and exhibition spaces housed in the original, now retired, structure. The first card in the series shows the impressive array of old technology associated with this particular jump port and a hint at the astounding southern, polar skies. Brooding and beautiful, this is a sight that you and your family will enjoy and relish for a lifetime.

*(further information, star maps, system maps, jump gate locations, historic documents, arts & culture, myth & legend, etc. is requested - please leave additions in the comment box)