Part 4

You gesture to the radish fern, inviting them to speak first. The potato-shaped boulder folds his twiggy arms and pouts. "You'll never know what you're missing. My research rocks!" he mutters under his breath as he stomps off, dragging a heavy-looking case behind him.

"Thank you, esteemed travelers." The well-mannered alien looks just like an adorable turnip with fern-like fronds for hair. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Dr. Murfle J. Dunmeep, PhD, a Plumplim."

Reecho scrunches his whiskers. "The 'plunkin' aren't exactly known for their technological expertise," he grumbles, flexing his claws involuntarily. "Shouldn't you be off gardening or sleeping in the ground or something?"

Murfle ignores Reecho and bows to you slightly, shaking the leaves growing out of the top of their head. "May I tell you a fun fact about us, the PLUM-PLIM? -" they over-enunciate, "Being plant creatures, we photosynthesize. In addition to burrowing into the soil at night and consuming food which we make ourselves, we take in energy from the sun using our fronds. So, matters of space energy are, of course, very relevant to my people." You have to admit, Murfle is the most well-spoken radish you have ever heard.

"As such, we have conducted thorough tests of the energy emitted by the Portal. We would be honored to share our findings with you in the spirit of intergalactic friendship." They smile up at you, the apples of their cheeks round and pink. You could just pinch them. "The Dunmeep Institute for Research and Technology is the premier research facility on Brumigum, my homeworld, and we would gladly make you and your crew comfortable while we collaborate on Portal Research."

Reecho beckons to you far above the Plumplim's head. "Really, the Felisi scientific community on Araveen is far more academically rigorous than any other in the Federation. You would be in very good paws at our Planetary Outreach University and National College Extension. POUNCE is a state of the art facility, not like the facilities on Brumigum. And worst of all, DIRT is," Reecho shivers, "wet. Ugh."

UPDATE: Before a decision can be made, Amele pulls you aside. "It seems like half of you want to go to POUNCE and the other half want to go to DIRT. I understand completely, they're both great, but I have to go with you and I can only be in one place at a time. You can have more time to decide while I go pack. Maybe you can ask some more crew members?" She hops on her floating surf board and glides away, leaving you to reconsider.

Looks like you decided to pounce on the first option for ADVENTURE! Don't worry, the Plumplim don't mind. Right now, they're rolling around having more fun than you are, anyways! As always, click the above option to continue to Part 5.

(41%) Go to Brumigum with Murfle's help to study at DIRT

Braxicon

A smoky world and the home planet of the Zibzab. It is difficult to get to since the Zibzab have converted it into a giant spaceship, complete with atmospheric shielding. Its main exports are Zibzabian jewelry, scrapyard junk, and secret knowledge.

Terragast

A tropical mountainous world and the home planet of the Eglabites. It contains the tallest peaks known to the Federation, including Mount Goliath and Mount Tyrant, both part of the Wendon Mountain Range. Scientists often visit it to study its unique biomes, with lush rainforest in the valleys and dry alpine habitats in the mountains.

Eglabite

Small hedgehog-like sentients that live on Terragast. They keep to themselves, hiding in hard-to-reach places, and refuse to apply for Federation recognition. They often play tricks on unwary travelers. Their spiky fur allows them to blend in with their surroundings along with the lichen and moss that grow on their backs.

Zibzab

Small potato-shaped aliens with stick-thin limbs. They think they are the most superior sentients in the Federation. They excel at research and development. Zibzab children learn advanced mathematics and engineering techniques quite early. They can also see colors outside the normal range of other sentients. Like the color floob.

Felisi

Catlike humanoids from the desert planet Araveen. They are proud, strong, and quick to judge, but, once a friend, they will always stay loyal. They revere the arts of music, epic poetry, and martial arts. An average Felisi is able to keep several, if not dozens, of books memorized in her head for easy recall.

Timtillawink

Swashbuckling humanoids from the planet Cullicut. Their fearsome appearance, with facial horns and sharp teeth, belies their playful nature. They make great mercenaries. If not for their love of games and parties, they would probably rule the sector with their superior firepower and technology.

Lackerdood

Medium-sized aliens with large feet and a passion for surfing. Most Lackerdoods just like to relax and take life easy, especially since their original homeworld was destroyed long ago. They now call the desert planet Urvellion their home. They excel at languages and invented the first version of Federation Standard.