Excerpts from research log
A preliminary study on Sleipnir Alpha. Prof. M. Matthews, Prof. J. Hemmingway, Dr. A. Wu, Dr. L. Falkirk.
This report forms the beginning of a series documenting the geology, flora and fauna encountered on the planet provisionally named Sleipnir-α, during the period in which the Jovian 1st Fleet was stranded on its surface while repairs were made to damaged sub-space transit equipment resulting from an unbounded jump while evading Thala warships.
(See report SLP-1-04 for details on the circumstances surrounding the crash.)
Sleipnir is an Earth-like planet, notable for possessing an atmosphere predominantly composed of nitrogen (72.66±0.43%) and oxygen (24.81±0.90%). See attached materials for a tabulated analysis of exact atmospheric composition around the location of the initial crash site.
The planet is 0.92±0.02 Earth masses and orbits its main-sequence G-class star at a similar distance. Inclination is pronounced at 11.5±0.8º. Its rotational period is 101.42±0.032hours.
Sleipnir possesses a single large natural satellite with similar properties to Earth’s moon. Preliminary scans of its visible surface have highlighted additional points of interest, including the apparent existence of unnatural structures. (See report SLP-1-08). It appears likely the body is tidally locked with the planet.
Unique to this planet is a series of small moonlets that orbit along many different axes. Their number is estimated to be in the order 10^6. They appear largely uniform in size and are highly reflective, forming an evenly distributed shell around the planet. Their origin is unknown, however they present a considerable risk to spacecraft attempting manoeuvres in the vicinity, and are likely responsible for the loss of several more vehicles during entry.
By far the planet’s most notable feature is its dominant lifeform, a race of sentient quadrupeds that can be further classified into at least three infraspecific taxa. Colloquially named ‘ponies’ the species is awaiting a formal classification. This species is the focus of this paper.
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The creatures possess a skeletal structure very similar to many quadrupeds from Earth. With the exception of a few additional organs their bodies appear to work in a similar way. DNA sequencing has posed significant questions and hints very strongly at a shared common ancestry with humankind, at some point. Notable differences to earth-species include the eyes, which appear exceptionally large for their well-lit habitat, hinting, perhaps, at a darker past in the planet’s history.
Their size varies amongst individuals, but they are comparable to the size of grown human. The “earth ponies” are generally the heavier breed, with some individuals measured at 125kg. The other two breeds are of slighter build and average around 55kg, with the winged ponies falling at the lighter end of the distribution. (Reference tables 05-31, 05-32, 08-1)
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Their fur is generally short and densely covers the entire body with very fine fibres. Their manes and tails are the exception, often forming fibres as long as their bodies. Of interest is the vivid and wide range of pigments observed in the species. Darker colours appear less prevalent. Of further interest is the hair on the face, which has the peculiar ability to darken slightly, speculated to form a similar social function to blushing in humans. The adult creatures have complex markings on their flanks, these images are a part of the skin itself and vividly affect the colour of the localised hairs. The highly organised and specific appearance of these marks suggests some advanced form of tattooing performed in their society.
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Despite a lack of digits all of the “ponies” are capable of manipulating objects within close range of their feet, without physical contact, with a high degree of accuracy. The mechanisms involved appear to be similar to the tunnelling-hyperdimensional-polariser technology that we already possess for remote manipulation, and that they have evolved biological equivalents is considered remarkable. The ability is provided by a specialised sub-dermal organ which is undergoing a more in-depth study at the time of writing. Samples have also been preserved for study upon return to the core system.
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The sub-species colloquially referred to as “unicorns”, due to the single bony protrusion from their heads that lends them an appearance reminiscent of early Earth mythology, appears to have a further specialisation of the telekinetic organs found in the feet. The organ appears tightly coupled with the brain and central nervous system and is by far the most complex structure in the body. The capabilities of these “unicorns” are surprising, extensive, and currently largely a mystery. Further study is required. The observed effects have ranged from long range telekinesis to the production of light and powerful electric fields and even, in one unique individual, bodily teleportation over distances of at least 100m!
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The “pegasi” possess feathered wings and are capable of extended periods of flight. The wings appear too small to provide the necessary pneumatic lift, however investigations of the feathers have revealed complex structures on the micro-metre scale within the barbules of the feathers. Further study is required, but it is believed these structures operate in a similar manner to the telekinetic organs in the creatures’ feet, providing additional lift and stability by exerting a distributed force upon a wide area underneath the individual when in flight.
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