Hey guys and gals, Johns back again. I never thourght they would have let me do my the last of term as a cadet. Oh man! Right now the reseach station (Columbo) is scanning a floating reef of the Great Northern sea. They're a little like terrestal sponges, but only 1 tenth above the surface, like an ice berg. Right now we're 200 killometers from land and most of the life goes on bellow the reef. It's not as calm as it seems, 2 days ago a diver died from a mollusk sting. The shell was only 2 centemeters long, and the toxin is a new class of chemical. On board you can almost hear the tension crackle like static electricity. I was beening trained in skin diving, but everybody has been confined to the station. You know, exploration seen so fun, but we sacrifice everything to do what we want to do. Most times I aced tests and can do most of the practical work with my eyes shut. I'm starting to think I'd rather stay on planet and explore; what's over the next hill is worth finding out. The shell that killed the diver was irridecent red with aqua marine spirals, beautiful really. Leisa was the name of the diver that was killed, she was my diving buddy. It only took 5 minutes for her to die, I'm still stunned. A permanant posting is coming up at the begining of next term. I'm considering joining the crew as an ensign. The only thing is if I did that, I'd miss everybody with a vengence. Please tell me what you think OK guys, I've got a month to make up my mind, it's already been offered to me. If I take it, I'll be here for a 5 year posting. No chance to see new worlds or protect the weak, which is how I feel right now. Weak. Sorry for being a little down guys, but I need to talk I guess. So I'll be in the chat room at 18:00 standard time. John Daus. Blender 3D 2.37a and Bryce for the models. World Machine 1 for the coral (Wiskeysierra for its mat). Watchful Eye mat on the station and probes. Used a 22 radial light light rig to give a nice soft shadow. Dream the strangest dreams...;)