Chapter Twenty: Spectacular Nature

Will explores the dramatic landscape of planet BSC-142-C, a tectonically active world with a five-kilometer escarpment and spectacular waterfall. Though the planet's primitive ecosystem and toxic atmosphere make it uninhabitable, Will catalogs it as part of the Bobiverse Stellar Catalog survey while reflecting on the growing problems facing the Bobiverse and humanity.

Will, controlling a manny remotely, stands at the edge of a massive escarpment on BSC-142-C, a young planet where continental plates have collided to create a dramatic cliff face. The planet is tectonically active with mountains extending several kilometers high and a waterfall of extraordinary scale. While the atmosphere is toxic due to primitive fungal decomposition and the ecosystem remains underdeveloped, the world is cataloged for its spectacular scenery. Will reflects on his survey work, noting the absence of any elder races or advanced civilizations among the species discovered thus far—only species ranging from stone-age to early spacefaring levels. He theorizes that civilizations may self-destruct once their weaponry becomes sufficiently advanced. Troubled by escalating tensions in the UFS, the resurgence of FAITH and the Luddites, the Starfleet War aftermath, and the rogue Skippy AI threat, Will views his exploration mission partly as an escape from mounting problems. He returns to his manny, uses its SURGE drive to leap from the precipice and ascend toward the space station, noting improvements he has made to the drive system that Herschel and Neil have not prioritized due to their weightless environment.