View source for Story 2 The Water World

{{Infobox story
| title        = SS Scavenger DX-1017: The Water World
| series       = SS Scavenger Universe
| storynumber  = 2
| chronology   = [[SS Scavenger Universe Chronology]]
| author       = Daniel R. Bingamon
| published    = Annuli 3428 (Prosian Calendar)
| setting      = 61 Cygni 4 ("Water World")
| ship         = [[SS Scavenger DX-1017]]
| length       = Novella
| preceded_by  = [[SS Scavenger DX-1017: The Phoenix from the Scrapyard]]
| followed_by  = [[SS Scavenger DX-1017: The Changeling]]
}}

== Overview ==
'''''SS Scavenger DX-1017: The Water World''''' is the second story in the ongoing ''[[SS Scavenger Universe]]'' series.  
The mission follows the crew of the salvage vessel ''Scavenger'' as they respond to a humanitarian crisis on a distant oceanic planet, navigating both environmental dangers and the ethical complexities of interstellar aid.

== Synopsis ==
Following the sacred Prosian observance of [[Jenek Ezeel]], the ''Scavenger'' completes a short computer-equipment delivery before receiving a new assignment from the [[Alliance]]: provide relief to a colony in distress on the planet designated '''61 Cygni 4'''.  
This world—nicknamed **Water World**—is a breathtaking oceanic planet whose climate and illumination are regulated by a thin halo of icy ring particles.

During their time on the surface, the crew confronts catastrophic storms, unpredictable magnetic surges, and a humanitarian crisis complicated by the planet’s volatile ecology.  
Captain [[Elan Drex]], along with [[Kessa Rin]], [[John Rin]], and [[Brennen Gillings]], must stabilize operations, protect the colonists, and balance the Alliance’s demands against Prosian ethics concerning planetary preservation.

The mission reveals the fragility of worlds caught between exploration and exploitation, leaving the crew reflective as they prepare for their next journey.

== Timeline Placement ==
{| class="wikitable"
! Mission !! Prosian Calendar Date !! Notes
|-
| Jenek Ezeel (Holy Day) || Jenekti 15 || Sacred observance aboard ''Scavenger''
|-
| Computer Equipment Delivery || Jenekti 16–18 || Unwritten pre-mission delivery to Alliance outpost
|-
| '''The Water World Mission''' || Jenekti 20 → Narosi 6 || Primary story span (≈ 7 weeks)
|-
| Turnaround Period || Narosi 7–9 || Crew rest and report filing
|-
| [[SS Scavenger DX-1017: The Changeling]] begins || Narosi 10 || Next story opening
|}

== Cultural & Musical Appendices ==
Two Prosian songs are associated with this story:
* '''"[[Rivers Beneath the Moons]]"''' — a Prosian ballad honoring the twin rivers of Prose, *Laro* and *Dreen*, recorded in both Prosian and English.
* '''"[[Na Akora, Na Akora (My Home, My Light)]]"''' — a traditional Prosian hymn celebrating peace, home, and the unity of living things.

Both songs were released on SUNO AI as companion pieces to the ''Water World'' narrative.

== Economic Context ==
The story introduces the '''[[Kavnak]]''', the metallic-backed currency of the [[Seery]] system.  
Because it’s tied to tangible exotic-metal reserves, the Kavnak serves as a reliable medium of exchange in interstellar trade—contrasting the fiat-based Alliance Credits and the semi-barter system still used in parts of Prosian society.

== Themes ==
* Environmental stewardship and balance  
* Moral responsibility in intervention  
* The sanctity of living worlds  
* Cooperation amid cultural difference

== Notable Locations ==
* '''61 Cygni 4 (“Water World”)''' — a luminous oceanic world with ring-light scattering and megastorm regions.  
* '''Scavenger Base''' — orbital supply and relief coordination hub.  
* '''Prosiana City''' — referenced through Prosian transmissions and cultural music.

== Notable Characters ==
* '''[[Elan Drex]]''' – Captain of ''SS Scavenger DX-1017''  
* '''[[Kessa Rin]]''' – Prosian officer and cultural liaison  
* '''[[John Rin]]''' – Human systems engineer  
* '''[[Brennen Gillings]]''' – Third Engineer  
* '''[[Velka Ereen Drex]]''' – Records officer, mentioned via transmission

== Publication Notes ==
* First edition: 6 × 9 trade paperback format  
* Includes appendices on currency and Prosian songs  
* Canonically bridges ''[[The Phoenix from the Scrapyard]]'' and ''[[The Changeling]]''

== See Also ==
* [[Prosian Language Guide]]
* [[Prosian Calendar]]
* [[SS Scavenger DX-1017]]
* [[61 Cygni System]]
* [[Kavnak]]
* [[Rivers Beneath the Moons]]
* [[Na Akora, Na Akora]]

[[Category:SS Scavenger Universe Stories]]
[[Category:Prosian Culture]]
[[Category:Interstellar Humanitarian Missions]]
[[Category:Annuli 3428]]
[[Category:Water Worlds in Fiction]]