Observations on the Asta

I write this journal to record my observations on the Asta and their culture. Being on New Oxford and being able to conduct my research is a huge privilege. I want people to be able to experience it through my notes

— Samantha Mason in the beginning of her notes

Samantha Mason is a xenoanthropologist working on New Oxford and studying the Asta, a sapient species on the planet below the moon. From the very first day of her work, Samantha has been making notes with an intent to publish them one day in an almost raw and barely edited form, so others could get the most true view of the Asta as it is possible.

Document Structure

Clauses

Samantha's notes aren't the most organized notes in the galaxy. She has just three seperate parts: culture, history and current affairs. Inside each of those there is something resembling a stream of consciousness. Samantha found this the easiest method of note taking when dictating her thoughts while on an expedition to the planet. Using her hands to type on a touchscreen while having the cosmetic alterations on them was too tiring for her.

I came across an interesting element of the Asta culture. I met with a scholar who claimed that the Asta are not of this world. According to him, the Asta came to the planet 3 millennia ago and intermingled with the local population. This scholar is on the quest to find out if there are still pureblooded Asta left on the planet. I don't know how he will do it without the knowledge and equipment necessary for genectic research.

— Fragment of Samantha's notes

Publication Status

Currently, Samantha's notes are private and accessible only to her and anyone she authorizes to access them. At the moment of publication, however, they will become freely accessible to anyone who can access the internet in the United Republic. Some of her colleagues tell Samantha to charge money for the access to the notes, but she is adamant about them being free. She believes that knowledge is for everyone, no matter the financial status.

Type

Journal, Personal

Medium

Digital Recording, Text

Authoring Date

2355-Present Day (ongoing project)

Location

New Oxford

Authors

• Samantha Mason