Surface Support

     1. Hydrofoil:

Advantages:
The hydrofoil is capable of speeds of up to 30-50 knots which is about 40 mph.

Disadvantages:
Hydrofoils are still experimental technology. Professor Consi remembered one report on how hard hyrofoils are to maintain because how the waves batter the hydrofoil at high speeds.

Cost:
Has yet to be researched

     2. Cigar Boats:

Has yet to be researched

Base Location

     1. Rodriguez:

Description:
Rodriguez is a 119 square kilometer island. It is surrounded by coral reef and has one port.

Distance away from the Edmond Vent System:

* Coordinates of the Edmond Vent System: 23° 52.7' south, 69° 35.8' east

* Coordinates of Rodriguez: 19.5° south, 63.25° east

x = r^4*theta = r*sin(theta_latitude)*theta_longitude, where r = radius of the earth

y = r*theta_latittude = 6,400 km/15

Distance = Sqrt(x^2 + y^2) = 430 km +/- 3 km

Questions:
a. Is it a US territory?
b. Is the weather stable enough for a base?
c. Will the base be shared with communications?