Habitable (Pending)

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Habitable (Pending)
TTA Colonial Survey Register: Initial Descent Log
Designation Provisional: World K-417 / Unnamed

The survey ship Ardent Vector achieved planetary insertion at 04:12 Standard and
commenced controlled descent through a stable nitrogen–oxygen atmosphere
exhibiting no toxic suspensions above baseline tolerance. Surface conditions at
primary touchdown zone showed arid regolith, low biotic density, and a hydrological
cycle presently confined to polar and sub-crustal systems. No artificial emissions
were detected. No prior traffic signatures were recorded in local orbital space.

Touchdown was executed under partial gravity at 0.91 Terran standard. Hull stress
remained within predicted limits. External temperature variance across the landing
ellipse measured within survivable ranges for unaugmented personnel. At that
moment, by Authority convention, the world passed from theoretical asset to
operational question.

Preliminary sampling confirmed water in multiple bound states, trace organics in
sedimentary layers, and a biosignature catalog insufficient to classify indigenous life
as either emergent or extinct. The world was therefore entered into the Register
under the standing condition: Habitable (Pending)—a designation that authorizes
continued observation without claim, exploitation, or population transfer.

It is customary to note that the designation is administrative, not philosophical. A
world marked Pending is neither welcomed nor refused by humanity. It is simply
being considered.

History suggests that few worlds remain in this state for long.