Nya - Day 11
From Greencorp Logs, Yari Lang, Day 11 on Nya
A Greencorp logo marks the corner of the templated page, which is dotted with dried drops of a murky bluish substance. Immaculate handwriting pencils in the gaps between the printed text. The pages following feature scientific sketches of various plants and animals.
Health Report
Physical Health: Pass
Mental Health: Pass
Oxygen Rebreather: 18% saturation
Exposure Suit: Pass, 4 patches remaining
Water: 4 liters, 7 filters remaining
Food: 7 kg remaining
Location
Nya, approx. 87 km from crash site, still 65 km to the northeast of Valis Kyndri
Findings
3 new unidentified epiphytic organisms, 1 confirmed sighting of Atrius bentellica
2 new unidentified aquatic organisms
6 new unidentified flying insect-like organisms
New hypotheses about M1
Notes
Sighting of Atrius bentellica is concerning. Though this is the first I’ve seen in the 11 days I’ve explored Nya, Atrius bentellica is parasitic and has been shown to invasively dominate habitats where introduced. Most likely introduced by a past interplanetary visitor.
Sample EF13-2, which appears to be a growing bud of unidentified epiphyte EF13, contains an assortment of cannabinoids, some of which are new to the database. Like all other epiphytes found, EF13 was attached to an M1 branch.
Mangrove-like life form M1 still appears to be the only structural species in this forested marsh. Upon further genetic analysis, sample M1-9 taken today may not only be the same species but the same individual as all other 8 samples. If this observation is confirmed, M1 could be one of the most massive individual life forms ever discovered.
From Yari’s Personal Journal, Day 11 on Nya
Less neat handwriting fills the unlined page. On the two pages following is a sketch of a large salamander-like creature.
At this rate, I’m still at least 8 days out from Valis Kyndri. Though my HC has passed me, I’m mentally and physically exhausted. The three-dimensional structure of this mangrove turns every kilometer into two, challenging my climbing abilities and endurance. Today, one nest of branches was so thick that I had to dive beneath the surface, take my pack off, and slide it through a narrow gap to fit my own body. Thankfully, my exposure suit held together.
Gunther seems to be right at home and is in a much happier mood. His right gill seems to have grown most of the way back after it was severed in the crash. I thought he would surely be dead by now, but apparently he can tolerate the andryl just fine. His physiology is almost more fascinating than his behaviors. I still can’t believe how well he can ambush hunt some of these fish-like creatures. They must not be used to predators from above the surface. Fresh fish sounds delightful...
I think Gunther’s companionship is the one thing keeping me sane.
As excited as I am about my discoveries involving M1, I’m worried I might join the stomach contents of the aquatic organisms beneath us if I don’t make it to Valis Kyndri soon. So far, I have enough resources to get there, but I’m once again questioning my own capabilities. Maybe my dad was right.
I’m going to give it my best. I think I just need a day of rest.