DHAL THETA II SURVEY DATA

PLANET: Dhal Theta II
GRAVITY: 0.8g’s
DIAMETER: 12,100 kilometers
DISTANCE FROM PRIMARY: 109.000,000 kilometers
ROTATION: 22.43 hours
REVOLUTION AROUND PRIMARY: 225 days
SURFACE TEMPERATURE: 48.89 C average

The mineral composition of Dhal Theta II is largely unremarkable. The few exploitable ores present would be far too dangerous to extract due to indigenous life forms. The electro-magnetic phenomena in the atmosphere is worthy of note, as it effectively blocks sensors, communications and transporters unaided by signal boosters or linked transporter units respectively. During the frequent storms that lash the surface of the planet transport, sensor sweeps, real and subspace communication are impossible. Dhal Theta II surface is nearly covered by ocean. 11% of the planet’s surface actually projects above the waves in islands and scattered archipelagoes seldom larger than 200 kilometers.

What makes Dhal Theta II truly remarkable is its ecology. Being located just inside the primary’s biosphere and a lack of an effective ozone layer combines to bathe the planet’s denizens with multi-spectral radiation, causing rapid evolution and/or mutations, which are often observable. On Dhal Theta II the "survival of the fittest" has been taken to new and unparalleled extremes. The struggle to survive is so intense, verbal description cannot possibly do it justice.

FLORA: Both the land and observed aquatic varieties cover every encountered physical description in addition to Dhal Theta II’s unique evolutionary propensities. Without exception, every plant on the planet has either developed highly specialized defensive mechanisms or is actively carnivorous. All indigenous floras will take nutrients whenever and wherever available, from any source, alive or dead, moving or still. The growth rate for plant life is phenomenal, and even observable with the unaided eye. Some species of fungous and vine actually grow quickly enough to seize unwary prey. In short, the flora of Dhal Theta II is either sharp, highly toxic, carnivorous, or all three.

FAUNA: The land variety of animal life is every bit as vicious as the plants and some even more so. They, too, are of nearly every description and have evolved specialized defensive (or offensive, as the case may be) capabilities. Carnivorous will attack almost anything on sight, regardless of size or numbers, as will omnivores and even herbivores. Little is known of the aquatic little in the open ocean. Ten armed probes and an aquatic shuttle have been destroyed by creatures dwelling just below the surface. Little data was retrieved. Further studies have been postponed indefinitely. The observations of aquatic life in the lagoon outside the science station indicate a level of brutality that exceeds even their land bound cousins. The underwater observation window was severely damaged by gigantic variety of Poe cilia reticulate, delaying further studies until a stronger window can be installed.

SUMMARY: While Dhal Theta II closely resembles many species visions of hell, the possibilities for exo-biological and genetic studies are far too great to ignore. The Federation science station established on the surface is protected by force fields, numerous phaser batteries and armored exterior walls. Experience has shown these measures barely adequate to keep the indigenous life at bay. While proven incredibly dangerous, the potential for scientific gain by extensive study of this ecosystem far outweighs the risks.