Torrent

JN 578343C, colloquially known as “Torrent.”

History:

Discovered in 6138. Despite the scientific improbability (if not impossibility), the planet seems to be composed entirely of water. Efforts to reach the planet’s core universally fail after 15000m.

Initially colonized to export water. Later abandoned due to improvements in water recycling technology. Colony granted independence in exchange for severing ties with ICC (waiving their salary and pensions). Exports water to private sector clients.

*Note: no discernible decrease in planet’s mass

In 6572, diver reaches below 15000 meters. Vehicle fails; individual remains intact. Returns to surface alive. Following this event, the planet underwent a shift in its composition that science has yet to understand.

There are two reasons for this: first, the extremely alien nature of this change.

Second, residents are highly resistant to external research & and military groups.

The result of this is as follows: JN 578343C steadily emanates a material called “Coral.” Origin of substance is not yet known.

Current hypothesis: planet "consumes" solar energy and releases Coral as a byproduct.

Notable features of Coral:

*Extremely stable

*Provided the necessary material matrix to realize an Alcubierre-esque drive

*Burns cold

*Seemingly infinitely compressible with no observable effects on surrounding environment

Note: current theories indicate that Coral possesses negative mass, given its use in the Alcubierre-esque drive. However, there is currently no way to prove this.

Result: Coral technology advances at a rapid pace.

Result 2: Coral-based engines quickly become the preference for all spaceships.

Result 3:  JN 578343C becomes a key player on the galactic scale.

Result 4: Torrent becomes the 273rd planet capable of creating Augmented individuals. Colloquially known as "Tidals." Hydrokinetics. Crucial to the nation's ground defense plans. All attempts to transport such an individual off-planet have failed, and as such, whether they retain their Augmented abilities off-planet is currently unknown. Exercise extreme caution.

Military capabilities: limited intelligence suggest capable sub-surface fleet.

Note: JN 578343C, notably, lacks a space fleet. Criminal organizations have taken note of this. Intelligence all but promises the eventuality of a hostile takeover.

Recommended course of action: Protocol Glammoth. Refer to physical handbook. See parameter alterations via attached document.

Note: don’t mess this up. We have a lot to gain, but just as much to lose. Use every resource necessary, but be sure not to kick up too much dust. Coral is too valuable of a resource to lose.

Note 2: I knew it. I’ll make them pay for this.

Inspired by Dune and Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon.

What to expect:

*Science fantasy with soft scifi elements

*Character focused slow burn

*A quirky but (hopefully) endearing MC.

*Mechs (eventually).

*Interstellar travel (also eventually).

Posts 1 chapter/week. 3k words minimum per chapter to make up for it a bit.