To: BretGov | From: Planetform | Re: Leeds

[Capt. Henry Morgan]

Planetform, Inc.

---

From: Dr. Norman Grey, CEO

Location: Canterbury Station, New London


To: Government of the Kingdom of Bretonia


Subject: Leeds

---

Good day,

My name is Doctor Norman Grey, newly appointed CEO of Planetform. Until my predecessor's retirement, I spent my career overseeing the California Minor terraforming operation. My reason for calling you today is to give you an update on on the state of Leeds. According to the preliminary reports I have in front of me, our researchers initially concluded that restoring Leeds would be impossible. With more up-to-date information, I can comfortably revise that statement. Though we do not currently possess the technologies required, simulations show that restoring Leeds to habitable condition is theoretically possible, given enough time and effort. Needless to say, Leeds poses a number of unique challenges compared to our more traditional projects, but none of them should prove to be insurmountable obstacles. I will begin by reiterating the current condition of Leeds, and how the Gallic military brought it to this state.

The Gallic operation was carried out in four steps. The first was a surface-level glassing of the entire surface of the planet. The second was targeted strikes at fault lines intended to induce volcanic and tectonic instability. The third step was a deliberate melting of the ice caps, intended to induce a runaway greenhouse effect. Finally, a number of dirty bombs were detonated over the planets surface to produce planet-wide nuclear fallout contamination.

The planet's current state is, to put it bluntly, a disaster of unparalleled scope and severity. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes continue, though projections show that those will die down within the next thirty to forty years as the planet's geology returns to a state of equilibrium. The planet is currently in a state of nuclear winter due to the amount of particulates and vapor in the atmosphere. At present, this is causing the planet to cool, though the release of carbon dioxide and methane from the ice caps will reverse this trend within the next 25 years. Finally, radiation levels are well above safe exposure levels, and will remain so for the foreseeable future, both due to the Gallic bombs and the complete destruction of Leeds' infrastructure.

Our current simulations show that we can restore Leeds to a habitable state in 450 to 500 years, though it will require the development of a number of technologies that are currently still theoretical. Excess carbon dioxide can be removed through well-understood chemical processes, though scaling up to planetary scale will require experimentation. Methane can be removed through the introduction of methanotrophic bacteria engineered to survive the planets harsh conditions. The bacteria will die off naturally when methane levels are successfully reduced. There is little to be done about the geological instability, though as stated, that will settle on its own over time. There is also little that can be done about the particulates in the atmosphere or the planet-wide thunderstorms, but those will likewise settle over time.

The one matter that remains insurmountable in all our simulations is the planet-wide radioactive contamination. I would like to confer with experts at ALG Waste Disposal on this matter, as they have more experience at cleaning up after industrial accidents than anyone else in Sirius. I am well aware, however, that the current political situation prevents it. In any case, there's no need to rush into a decision, as the technology required to begin work is still in development. I am confident, however, that one day our descendants will walk on Leeds, on green grass under blue skies. Humanity has risen to every challenge placed before it, and this one will be no exception, provided we're willing to make the investment of effort and resources.

Dr. Norman Grey
CEO, Planetform, Inc.

---

Creating Worlds

---

Natio Octavarium
Faction Information and Status • Recruitment
Faction Feedback • Internal Affairs

[The Kingdom of Bretonia]

Dr. Norman Grey

It seems that those at the University of Cambridge have rather a different view than yours. Regardless all seem to agree that the planet is, at current, dead. Therefore, it is the position of the Government to ask planetform what the point of a project regarding Leeds would be? If nature is to take her course, there are those within the Government who favour a 'Hands off' approach. Especially since your organisation is already considering other terraforming projects.

On that note, we would inquire as to the states of Planet Sydney and Sprauge and their current habitability. Planetform should be more than aware that the Government's resources are stretched thin and that a project for the theoretical future terraforming of Leeds does not sit well with the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

In service to the Crown,

Alexander East
Secretary to the Cabinet

---

[Capt. Henry Morgan]

Planetform, Inc.

---

From: Dr. Norman Grey, CEO

Location: Canterbury Station, New London


To: Cabinet Secretary Alexander East


Subject: Leeds

---

Secretary East,

You are correct that Planetform's assessment differs from Cambridge's, though not so much as you might initially think. Of all the academics that cowrote that paper, not one of them was from the Geoengineering Department. All of them are able to describe the situation as it is now, but without the necessary knowledge in the field, none of them can accurately state that the situation is permanent. This is not a slight against them. I know all of them either personally or by reputation, and their reputations in their fields are well deserved. Certainly, without intervention, the planet will never again live, this is true. Planetform's scientists and engineers, on the other hand, are keenly aware of what's possible now, and what will be in the future.

You ask what the point of restoring Leeds would be? Leeds was once a vibrant, if not ecologically sound, world that was home to billions of people. The world as it stands now is a grave, a monument to mankind's inhumanity. I understand the argument of leaving Leeds untouched in remembrance of those who died, but I disagree with that argument. I firmly believe a better tribute would be to make Leeds live again, in defiance of those who committed this atrocity.

In any case, to put the Chancellor of the Exchequers mind at ease, we are not ready to begin work there at the moment. A lot of preparation needs to be done first. Planetform R&D is hard at work turning theories into prototypes, and prototypes into functional equipment. Our project on Planet Forres in Inverness, for example, is a testing ground for technology we eventually hope to apply to the greenhouse problem on Leeds. I am confident that, by the time our other projects, such as the proposed project in Manchester, are completed, we'll be more than ready to move forward with Leeds.

Finally, I'll need to dispatch teams to Sprague and Sydney to inspect their current conditions and viability for terraforming. At first glance, I believe it should be possible to do something to make Sprague a little more hospitable for the people there. Sydney, on the other hand, may not be possible due to the unique astronomical conditions present in the system, but I don't want to reject anything out of hand until a proper assessment has been done. I will contact you again when I have the reports on my desk.

Dr. Norman Grey
CEO, Planetform, Inc.

---

Creating Worlds

---

Natio Octavarium
Faction Information and Status • Recruitment
Faction Feedback • Internal Affairs