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!

Battle Front: The Tanak Wars -

"On the Deck in a Hot Landing Zone"
digital collage by Mick Mather

TANAK, Fire Fight - A rare photograph of The Sloganeer taken as he piloted the SSCV -Sub Space Combat Vehicle - "Freedom" during an early battle on Tanak before air support was little more than an odd memory. With controls for a pilot and a navigator the famed Robert Robert Robert was, in this instance, able to get a series of in-flight combat mission photographs as part of a low level troop support operation. These combat craft were modified from the EADS-designed subspace jet, The Astrium, used for early space tourism on Terra. Redesigned for low-level support and reconnaissance runs, they were equally effective for sub space attacks on incoming enemy transports and fighters. The contact sheets of this documentation were discovered in a wastebasket that had been relegated to the back of a closet at an old ground support field mechanics shed. Its value as a historic record is unquestioned with the added bonus of having another dozen actual photographs of the infamous mercenary whose efforts in leading the guerrilla resistance were crucial in turning the tide against the invading horde. A new exhibition is planned for immediate display at The Tanak Wars Museum.

Star Cradle of Tanak -

"Starbirth"

digitally manipulated photograph & digital drawing by Mick Mather

TANAK, The Star Cradle - The eccentric orbit of Tanak brings it closer than any of the other Outer Dust Ring planets to that area of space where stars are born. The recent discovery of a rogue planet and its companion, as they transit a forming star, is making Tanak a scientific and tourist destination. Teams of experts have been assembled by the Ministry of Science and Future Technology with the express purpose of studying a phenomena of symbiosis never before seen. As this rogue planet and her moon come into close proximity of the new star - dubbed Egg, Egbert and RM214 respectively by the study group - it is becoming apparent the magnetic fields of each orb and the infant star are affecting each other. All current indications point to the unusual occurrence where Egg and Egbert will merge with the ionized plasma to create the star's core. This raises many questions and many new theories - will the moon continue to orbit within the star and what effects would that have on the core layers, the surface and the corona. Why not plan your visit to Tanak today and be part of this amazing conversation of discovery!

Historical Antiquities -

"Dreaming the Glyphs of Tanak"
montage by Mick Mather

TANAK, The Ancient Glyphs - The Ministry of Ancient Antiquities has announced that a cache of hieroglyphic tablets, never before seen, has been installed at The Tanak Museum and will remain on view indefinitely. This exhibition will afford an opportunity for these particular tablets to be viewed and examined, with an appointment to request special permission for access. A post card featuring one of the clay tablets with Professor Gillian "Gil" O'Casey super-imposed on it is one of seven cards on sale at the Museum Shop. Professor O'Casey was instrumental in translating this group of tablets and will preside over a lecture series to be presented over the course of the next two years. All presentations will be recorded and archived but those who wish to attend in person are urged to make reservations now. Send all requests and inquiries to The Ministry of Ancient Antiquities.

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

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.

The Crossing -

"The Crossing"
mixed media collage by Art Nahpro

VETERAN'S HOME, Tanak - An old footlocker at The Veteran's Home of Painted Post, Tanak, gave up it's treasure at the recent "Alignment of the Twelve Festival". This old artwork was purchased by the infamous mercenary soldier, The Sloganeer, who carried it with him into scores of campaigns, battles and skirmishes while fighting to keep Tanak and her Indigenous People free. It has been told that the dream described in the poem was an allegory for his own recurring nightmare of sorts. In the end, "beguiled" he most surely was, having been smitten by the Beautiful Princess of Derby - with whom he had a life long love affair although they never married. Between them, each departure for the next field of battle was referenced as "The Crossing". In her memoirs, The Princess relates that each parting was sealed with a kiss and a whisper into his deaf ear, "Return to your Lonesome Princess".

*(First - my sincere thanks to Paul Jackson, Keith Bates & Art Nahpro for permission to use the image seen in this post - 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)

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)