First Contact: The Hexagonal Riddle, Orbit Log Chapter _06

Structured hexagonal formations have been spotted on Erythra Ferris. Are these the blueprint of life, or a planetary echo of deep geology? Mission Control must choose its next move carefully.

An Anomaly of Geometry

The latest downlink from the JWST-NG Array brought back stunning, high-resolution topographical maps of Erythra Ferris. Scattered across the vast, reddish surface, where dormant ferric geysers cluster, are impossibly regular hexagonal patterns. Lead Astro-Geologist Dr. Bob Stanley argues these formations, unlike anything seen before, could be a crystal-lattice side effect of the moon's unique iron/magnesium-rich composition. However, Chief Astro-Biologist Dr. Sanny Wace believes this geometry is too precise, too ordered, to be a random geological occurrence. The pattern, Vex posits, might be a life building block—a fundamental, hexagonal nuclear structure for an exotic, non-carbon-based biology. The budget allows for only one immediate priority. Do we focus on a quick optical gain, or commit to a long-term subsurface mapping effort?

Mission Query: Prioritize the Pattern?

What should the Foundryon Universe Mission Control prioritize for investigation?

• A. Rapid Optical Analysis: Immediately task the high-resolution orbital arrays to conduct short-term, hyper-focused optical spectroscopy on the hexagon formations. This will quickly determine the surface composition and elemental signatures, offering immediate, actionable data on the structure's origin.

• B. Long-Term Subsurface Mapping: Commit the global Earth-based satellite array to a long-term data collection campaign focusing on the magnetic and gravimetric anomalies across the moon. This will reveal the complete subsurface composition and geological drivers, requiring patience for definitive results.