Astrofauna

A surprising discovery in Mankind's exploration of the galaxy was the existence of so-called astrofauna, that is creatures that exist in the void between planets, often of extreme scale. The remains of one such creature was discovered in earth's own solar system.

In terms of scale, those astrofauna so far observed tend to be similar in size to earth rockets. Also surprising are these creatures' resemblance to earth mollusks, though the similarity is superficial. All specimens so far encountered feature a large shell comprised of minerals incorporated from orbiting asteroid belts and energy seems to be derived from solar rays.

There seems to be little variety amongst these creatures, suggesting that they are biologically related. That said, two distinct specimens are of particular note. While a proper taxonomy is developed to classify these organisms, the terms Type 1 and Type 2 have been used among rocket crews to describe encounters in official reports.

The Type 1 creature bears a striking resemblance to earth conchs. They tend to be encountered as solitary creatures, one per star system, or in small groups numbering up to three. They are typically found clinging to asteroids with a flexible foot. It is thought that their shells are able to absorb the solar energy of their system's star to sustain themselves. Sizes have ranged from 300 meters to a full kilometer in length.

Type 1 astrofauna are extremely docile and it is thought that they spend most of their lives dormant. Little is known about their biology, their ability to procreate, or the methods they may have used to become so widespread throughout the galaxy. They are capable of emitting electromagnetic waves in similar frequencies to those used for rocket-to-rocket communications. Some have likened the signals to the songs produced by whales on earth. Some rocket crews have come to view encounters with conchs as good omens and have taken to logging their locations and often using their songs as beacons to locate other objects in asteroid belts with similar orbits in their surveys.

Conchs have joined the growing mythology of the galaxy and rocket crew members have been known to carry sea-shells and even full-size earth-conch shells as good luck charms or to scribe spirals on objects reminiscent of conch shells as parts of superstitious rituals.

Type 2 astrofauna are similar in many respects to Type 1. They are solitary or members of very small groups, widespread throughout the galaxy though slightly more rare, and comprise a rocky shell and flexible body. While conchs possess spiraling shells, Type 2 are typically conical, though spiral shells have been encountered. The main thing that distinguishes Type 1 from Type 2 is their aggressive response to the proximity of rocket crews.

Type 2 creatures will quickly abandon their sunning activities to aggressively engage with rockets. Type 2 creatures are capable of extending large prehensile tentacles, often dozens, to ensnare rockets and destroy them. It is not clear if Type 1 creatures also possess this ability, but not Type 1 creatures have ever been observed producing tentacles from beneath their shells.

These creatures have come to be known as krakens, after the giant squids and octopi told of in old seaman's tales. It is still not known if this behavior is a form of predation or territorial defense, but krakens have proven themselves capable of attacking and destroying even well armed rockets. Their method of propultion is theorized as being a form of gravitation manipulation and allows them to be very agile. There are reports of krakens pursuing rocket crews beyond the heliosphere and even into the corona of their home star. At least one has managed to follow a rocket through a stardrive-produced wormhole and survive the trip.

That kraken, now known affectionately as Grendal, lives in the Kuiper asteroid belt. Observations suggest that injuries sustained during it's journey to Sol have rendered it largely dormant, but it has been noted moving within the asteroid belt. Debate exists as to whether an attempt should be made to dispatch the creature or to use its presence as an opportunity to learn more about its species.