The W Files

You are part of a team of explorers from a unique planetary system called Esa-ba-tad. Your courageous team of jaunty researchers has been selected by your fearless leader for the special purpose of locating a suitable place on the continent of Africa as a potential settlement for your fellow Esa-ba-tadians back home. You all are especially qualified for this mission because of your gift for quickly organizing and interpreting data that otherwise may be confusing to ordinary Esa-ba-tad inhabitants, especially young ones. Below are the conditions that must be met as closely as possible.

• New Esa-ba-tad must be near at least one year-round water source.

• Its temperature must range roughly between 65 - 99 degrees Fahrenheit, and its rainfall must have an annual total of at least 30 inches.

• Its landforms must include mountains, beaches, and fertile valleys.

• There may be minor Earthling settlements in the area selected, but the colonists wish to avoid unnecessary contact with native peoples.

• However, if contact is made, Esa-ba-tadians are proficient in French, and they worship a variation of the Muslim religion.

• They wish to avoid any confrontations, especially those involving religious beliefs.

• Esa-ba-tad people eat only fruit and nuts, but they love coffee and tea sweetened with sugar. These things must grow in New Esa-ba-tad.

• There is no specific, physical size for the new colony. Esa-ba-tadians have the enviable ability to shrink or enlarge as space permits, yet their caloric intake never changes. They may share this acquired skill at some future date with humans.

Is there a place in Africa where New Esa-ba-tad can be formed? Create data bases using the Africa Internet sites provided. Organize your data bases around the conditions above. Sort or filter the data bases until you find the best possible place for these brave Esa-ba-tad colonists.

One final note: The Esa-ba-tad researchers have the uncanny ability to generate insightful questions that filter data so that the most meaningful information might be gained. They are fortunate to have an Oracle with them who will answer their queries. Unfortunately, the Oracle is rather bad-tempered due to time-warp sickness and will only entertain two such inquiries. Ask carefully and your task may be simplified by the elimination of many African countries that clearly do not fit the possibilities.