.png)
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GEK HARVESTER PUZZLES
PuzzleType: TRA_HARV_
Alien: Friend! Gek Trade Federation announces high profit! Choose units or product recipe reward!
A mass-mailed corporate message sits unread on the terminal. It is full of high numbers and seemingly impressive profit margins. The tone seems satisfied, and grateful.
At its foot the employee can choose between one of two images: a galactic unit banking account, or a full hold of cargo.
{Choose unit account}
An automatic scent dispenser sprays me with a pleasant perfume when it opens.
I receive funds from the message's senders.
---MONEY---
---MONEY---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Choose ship's cargo}
I retrieve a formula from the operational facility.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
Alien: Scurrilous Gek Trader! Gek offer impure isotope! Vy'keen destroy Gek! Units withheld!
There is a message from a distant alien race. They sound angry with the trader who's logged into the system.
I can send them one of two on-screen Heridium products. The first looks oddly faint in colour, and the second shimmers brightly on-screen.
{Send faintly-coloured Heridium}
The voice of an angry warrior screams through the intercom.
Nothing else happens.
---STD_DEC_WAR---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Send brightly-coloured Heridium}
A noise of gruff acceptance is heard over the intercom.
A payment is released.
---TECH_ALL---
---STD_INC_WAR---
Alien: Friend! Gek Trade Federation demand uncommon silicate elements! High units offer!
The screen shows that a lot of silicate elements are exchanged here, but right now the trading vault is open... and empty.
An off-world message, perhaps related to this, flashes on-screen.
{Put common silicate into trading vault}
I receive a small payment.
---MONEY---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Put uncommon silicate into trading vault}
I receive a generous payment.
---TECH_ALL---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Put rare silicate into trading vault}
I receive a decent payment...
... and a surprised note of thanks.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
Alien: Rare balarian speech slug distribution point! For insertion in ear! Inedible! Nasal insertion can cause death.
A trade vault shakes, and closer inspection reveals that it's full of writhing molluscs. They are pink and slug-like, with sharp bloodied teeth.
A diagram on the screen in front of me suggests that inserting one in or around my face would have some benefits. What isn't specified, however, is which orifice.
{Insert slug in nose}
The slug bites flesh from my nose.
The pain is extreme.
---DAMAGESMALL---
{Insert slug in ear}
The slug burrows deep into my ear.
I feel better versed in the language of the traders.
---TEACHWORD_WAR---
---TEACHWORD_WAR---
---TEACHWORD_WAR---
{Insert slug in mouth}
I swallow the slug, and wait while it thrashes around in my stomach.
Nothing else of note occurs.
Alien: Gek Trade Federation warning! Vy'keen hostility? Captain! Complete trade mission, or investigate disappearance?
An important message has been received from off-world. A holographic overlay shows various interstellar trade routes, but each one ends abruptly – long before their destination is reached.
There are goods waiting in a locked trade vault for transportation. I can select the final destination, or I can select one of points at which a ship has disappeared.
{Select trading destination}
The trade vault unlocks.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Select disappearance location}
I receive a ship technology blueprint to aid in my protection.
---TECH_SHIP---
---STD_INC_TRA---
Alien: Gek Trade Federation warning. Pirate activity detected. Report sightings!
Images of fighter-class starships have been sent here. They bare scorch-marks from battle, and are most likely pirates.
The message seems to ask for witnesses, and there's some form of reward for replies...
{Tag some ships}
An instant reply comes through with a small monetary reward!
---MONEY---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Tag all ships}
A worried response comes through with a reward for my report.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
Alien: Despair! First spawn monolith awake! Unknown culprit! Strengthen suppression field!
This whole facility beams out some kind of suppression field over the planet's surface. It's dampening some unknown form of communication, and clearly seen as a vital and necessary operation by the traders that operate here.
The suppression field is powered by silicate elements, fed into the system by the unlocked resource vault that's at my feet.
{Remove Silicate Elements}
I take the trade goods.
The suppression field powers down.
---SUBST_TECH---
---STD_DEC_TRA---
{Add Silicate Elements}
The suppression field is strengthened.
A message of relief appears on-screen.
---STD_INC_TRA---
---TECH_ALL---
Alien: Rejoice! Vy'keen war reparations arrive! Elder large Gek receive high reward! Low toilgek receive low reward!
The trade vaults in this installation are full to the brim, and ready for distribution. There are three images on-screen, each showing the outline of a different sort of trader. It's strange... it's as if they're put in order of the size of their gut.
The first trader is small and sleek, the second is pudgier – and the final has a huge belly that almost drags on the floor. I'm clearly meant to choose one...
{Choose the small, sleek trader}
A trade vault opens.
I receive a cursory amount of trade goods .
---SUBST_COMMOD---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Choose the medium-sized trader}
A trade vault opens
I receive a decent amount of trade goods.
---USEFUL_PROD---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Choose the obese trader}
I retrieve a strange alien curio from the facility.
---STD_INC_TRA---
---C_VYKEENEFFIGY---
Alien: Gek Trade Federation fury! Planetary installation tax unpaid! Initiate repayment!
An off-world command priority has stalled all processes within this installation. The terminal blinks angrily with a demand for urgent action on an unpaid debt.
There is an option to reply with currency attached. I get the impression someone's life would get a lot easier if I'm feeling charitable...
{Pay full amount}
A remotely-operated scent dispersal system bathes me in a pleasant perfume.
The terminal unlocks something that will aid my travels.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Pay partial amount}
An angry alien beak momentarily appears on a terminal and shouts at me.
Limited systems within the facility are back online.
---USEFUL_PROD---
---STD_DEC_TRA---
Alien: Trade federation friend! Product recipe unselected! Gek Trade Federation lose units!
This is a brand new manufacturing plant with no assigned specialty. The terminal is entirely blank, and is running automated start-up procedures. I have to flick through several screens before a pictorial message appears.
There are three chemical symbols – one belonging to the Silicate family, and the others Isotopes and Oxides. Production processes warm up around me, waiting for a template to work from.
{Choose the Isotope element}
The terminal processes my selection, and provides something appropriate to the work at hand...
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Choose the Oxide element}
The terminal processes my selection, and provides something appropriate to the work at hand...
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Choose the Silicate element}
The terminal processes my selection, and provides something appropriate to the work at hand...
---TECH_ALL---
---STD_INC_TRA---
Alien: Friend! SynthetiGek identification test active! Remember Gek Trader helps customers!
A strange test is visible on the terminal. I see a holographic image of a shell-wearing creature lying on its back in the bright glare of the sun. Try as it might, it cannot right itself. I can manipulate the scene to indicate what I would do to help.
A resident Trader has left a note for a colleague.
{Help creature, then sell it water}
I pass the test, proving myself as a true trader.
Facility systems are online.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Study creature}
I fail the test.
Facility systems are non-operational.
Alien: LOG ACCESSED... DATA UNMAINTAINED... DISPLAYING MOST RECENT ENTRY...
The outpost is abandoned, its alarms still blaring a warning to souls long-dead.
The Gek used this installation to plan asymmetric wars against the other species of the galaxy. This faction would bolster rogue elements within other star systems, routing the resulting tithes and protection fees through this outpost.
The last log shows potential Vy'keen traitors en-route to discuss terms with the Gek. What happened to them is unclear.
{Alert the Gek}
I alert the Gek Trade Federation to the Vy'keen activity in this system, broadcasting this feed to their central computers. A representative rewards me for my trouble.
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Alert the Vy'keen}
I alert the Vy'keen to the presence of traitors in this system, uploading a great deal of Gek data upon request. They reward me for my assistance.
---STD_INC_WAR---
{Steal units}
I steal units from the system, the blood money of a hundred wars and skirmishes. After all, the Gek here no longer have need of it...
---MONEY---
Alien: EXPERIMENT PAUSED AT USER REQUEST... AWAITING INPUT.
The facility contains multiple video files, images, and bioscans of unusual beings taken by Gek from across the Trade Federation. They seem to have been studying exosuits.
Something happened during the experiment, a dormant prototype of such a suit lying in wait below. Nothing else remains.
{Submit bioscan}
I submit a bioscan to the system, apparently restarting the facility's production process. With the missing piece complete, a suit is fabricated to the exact specifications of my own.
An automated message rewards me for my assistance.
---TECH_ALL---
{Erase data}
I erase the data on the Gek computers. They were not meant to learn our technology. In the process, I find a cluster of nanites, useful for my own purposes.
---TECHFRAG_S---
{Steal technology}
I steal nanite clusters from the system, leaving the rest of the facility in peace.
---TECHFRAG_M---
Alien: RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED /////
The facility acted as a staging ground for what appears to have been an unprovoked Gek attack against something called an 'Atlas Interface'.
The logs show that a great deal of material was harvested from the oceans of many worlds. This substance was cross-referenced against data stolen from other species, and then field-tested against this Atlas structure.
The interface was utterly annihilated, as were the attackers. The blast seems to have wiped five star systems from existence. Only this record remains.
{Delete records}
I delete the records from the system. No-one should replicate what happened here.
In the process, I find some useful technology used in the construction of the weapon. It should be safe to use in isolation from the other components.
---TECH_ALL---
{Alert Gek Trade Federation}
I alert the Gek Trade Federation to the results of this experiment. They deny all knowledge of it, claiming it to be the work of heretics.
I am rewarded for my future silence.
---TEACHWORD_TRA---
---MONEY---
{Alert other species}
I alert both Vy'keen and Korvax authorities to the Gek attack on the Atlas Interface and their data theft. Outraged, both species demand an immediate Council to discuss their next move.
I am rewarded for my assistance.
---STD_INC_WAR---
---STD_INC_EXP---
---STD_DEC_TRA---
Alien: ARCHIVE RETRIEVAL SERVICE ACTIVE... ACCESS?
The outpost is ancient, even by the standards of the Gek. Its environment is specifically calibrated for data preservation.
One log speaks of the time just before the rise of the 'Gek First Spawn'. The Gek seem to have experienced a fertility crisis. Something in the water began to affect their spawning numbers, leading to an attempts at selective breeding, cloning programmes, and more.
This scientific crisis became a moral one. The self-proclaimed 'First Spawn' took power, promising greatness and murdering all those who opposed them. Memories of the past were erased. To be strong was to be righteous.
{Upload to Gek}
I upload the data to the Gek. The traders are astounded by my discovery, having believed themselves to be the descendents of a savage people, not knowing that before the First Spawn they were gentle, capable of nobility and peace.
I am rewarded greatly for what I have done.
---STD_INC_TRA---
---MONEY---
{Auction data}
I auction the data, finding a buyer in the Korvax. Their Convergence desires all the information it can find about the Gek, having been enslaved by these 'First Spawn' many years ago.
They pay me for my assistance.
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Steal technology}
I steal what little technology I can from the outpost, harvesting nanite clusters from the system.
---TECHFRAG_M---
Alien: LOG ACCESSED... ANOMALY OVERRIDE NOTED... DECRYPTING...
The facility contains records of temporal anomalies and reported sightings of time travellers. The majority of these appear to be Gek or Korvax, often bearing advanced technology.
The chief scientist's log reveals a great deal of scepticism, deeming such travel not only physically impossible but unlikely from a social perspective. If time travellers exist, why do they change nothing? Why do they not attempt to avert the catastrophe of which they speak?
The final log shows the arrival of the scientist's superiors, confiscating their files and silencing them.
{Attempt data recovery}
I attempt to recover data from the system, but I find only small fragments of data.
The majority of time travellers appear to have visited loved ones or parents, claiming they wanted to see them one last time before the end. There appears to be no great secret beyond this.
{Take technology}
I extract nanite clusters from the system, attached to the remnants of a case file.
---TECHFRAG_S---
{Contact Gek}
I contact the Gek to ask them about this facility, but they claim to have no knowledge of it. They begin to display an extraordinary level of interest in my whereabouts, suggesting they will send a nearby freighter to speak with me.
I should leave soon.
Alien: I am sorry, friends, family... I am sorry...
This installation appears to have been staffed by an old SalesGek, a veteran of a hundred trade routes and 'personal friend' to one of the Trade Lords themselves.
Estranged from their consort, their hundred surviving spawn no longer wishing to speak to them, the SalesGek had one final meal before their death, crashing their ship into the side of a nearby ridge. They leave behind a life of regret and a litany of unanswered invoices and receipts. Perhaps there is something useful here.
{Report death}
I report the death of the SalesGek. The Trade Federation thanks me, struggling to find their name on any system. It appears they had not made a deal of note in many years. I am given a small reward.
---TECHFRAG_S---
{Search for units}
I search for units, but find none. The SalesGek was in a deep amount of debt before their death. I leave, empty-handed.
{Sell trade data}
I sell the trade data to another SalesGek. They will no doubt find something of worth in this lifeform's death.
---MONEY---
Alien: ALL SWITCHES ACTIVE... AWAITING INPUT...
This Gek outpost acted as a point of exchange for replacement ship and space station components.
All of the blueprints are at best adapted, at worst stolen, from the technology of other species. There are a number of such designs available upon the terminal's screen.
{Download data}
I download the terminal's data, finding nanites I may exchange for a new technology.
---TECHFRAG_M---
{Sell data}
I sell the data to a rival trade faction. They immediately lodge a complaint with the Trade Federation whilst secretly utilising these designs for their own production.
---MONEY---
{Report theft}
I report the theft of these technologies to both the Korvax and the Vy'keen. I receive compensation for my trouble, leaving both species to withdraw their diplomats in protest against the Gek.
---STD_INC_TRA---
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VY'KEEN HARVESTER PUZZLES
PuzzleType: WAR_HARV_
#1
Alien: Grah! Old honourable warrior retires! Death! Death! Warrior remuneration!
I open a list of military achievements that's waiting for upload. There are images of distant battles, bloodied robots and vast explosions.
A covering note clearly expects something in return, but the author chose not to send it.
{Send war record}
Celebratory barks and howls spill from audio speakers.
I take the warrior's reward.
---WEAPON---
{Edit war record}
I amend the war record with colourful nonsense and send it.
The terminal flashes as it records my image.
---STD_DEC_WAR---
#2
Alien: Grah! Vy'keen High Command demands your Sentinel kill count!
Military insignia and images of recently destroyed Sentinels fill the screen. Alien propaganda imagery takes glory in the destruction.
I can respond with a numerical value, and nothing else.
{Input a huge number}
A strange, strangled military fanfare starts playing.
Someone impressed by my claims sends through a reward.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_WAR---
{Input a small number}
A small reward payment is sent through the facility's systems.
---MONEY---
---STD_INC_WAR---
---USEFUL_PROD---
{Input a zero}
An angry warrior's face screams at me from the screen.
A security laser appears from the ceiling and takes its best shot.
---DAMAGESMALL---
---STD_DEC_WAR---
#5
Alien: Grah! Gek war approaches! Vy'keen High Command request weapon reserve inventory! High Command send missing equipment!
A huge list of equipment is waiting to be sent off-world. It's a stock list of some sort: everything has been confirmed and ticked off.
{Send stock list}
I receive units and thanks.
---MONEY---
---STD_INC_WAR---
{Uncheck one item and send}
Warrior High Command sends me a multi-tool technology blueprint.
---TECH_WEAPON---
---STD_INC_WAR---
{Uncheck many items and send}
Warrior High Command is displeased.
An angry General bellows at me and electrifies the facility.
---DAMAGESMALL---
---STD_DEC_WAR---
#11
Alien: Vy'keen covert ops ended. Deleting covert ops language data. Databank alpha: Vy'keen internal security. Databank beta: pathetic Gek. Databank gamma: weak-minded Korvax.
This is a military terminal, in a facility that seems recently vacated. Three huge databanks have been partially deleted, and will require heightened processing power to restore them. A rare silicate would likely do the trick.
Databank alpha bares the emblems of the warrior race, but beta and gamma are otherwise unmarked.
{Restore databank alpha}
The revived databank provides more information on the language of the warrior species.
---TEACHWORD_WAR---
---TEACHWORD_WAR---
---TEACHWORD_WAR---
{Restore databank beta}
The revived databank provides information on the language of a distant trader species.
---TEACHWORD_TRA---
---TEACHWORD_TRA---
---TEACHWORD_TRA---
{Restore databank gamma}
The revived databank provides information on the language of a distant electronic species.
---TEACHWORD_EXP---
---TEACHWORD_EXP---
---TEACHWORD_EXP---
#6
Alien: Grah! Today child experiences Vy'keen war ceremony! Tradition demands gift! Aggression left, defence right! Enemy blood! Death! Death!
I find an off-world message intended for a creature posted in this station. It's oddly sentimental. Images of an infant warrior can be seen, then a picture of the same creature as a bloodied adolescent – proudly biting into the throat of a hoofed beast.
In the final image a young warrior salutes its family as it leaves a distant world. There are two locked storage vaults at my feet. The message is programmed to release only one...
{Choose the storage vault on the left}
A contented snarling sound plays.
The vault contains an exosuit technology blueprint.
---TECH_SUIT---
---STD_INC_WAR---
{Choose the storage vault on the right}
A contented snarling sound plays.
The vault contains a multi-tool technology blueprint.
---TECH_WEAPON---
---STD_INC_WAR---
#8
Alien: Grah! Foolish, pathetic, ignorant Gek Trade Federation believe peace treaty! Warrior give trade to pacify! Death soon!
An off-world message has been sent here from a species of beaked traders. It looks like a signed contract, or maybe some sort of treaty. In response several offerings of valuable trade goods have been left in a vault by local warriors for exportation.
Warrior High Command has sent a subsequent message to explain...
{Give trade goods}
The Trader species thanks me from afar.
I am sent units to pacify me further.
---MONEY---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Take trade goods}
I remove the offerings.
Diplomatic relations between two species are destabilised.
---C_GEKRELIC---
---STD_INC_WAR---
#10
Alien: Grah! Gek homeworld covert ops mission initiated! Surprise war! Death! Death! High command send equipment! Request! Request!
This appears to be a staging post for an imminent military operation. On-screen plans show a trading ship that carries a very particular sort of cargo, that's perhaps intended to persuade a distant planetary authority to allow the craft through their checkpoints. Covertly, however, the craft has been heavily modified – and also carries a phalanx of warriors carrying enhanced multi-tool technology.
I can request further details on several aspects of the plan before I am detected, and shut out of the system.
{Investigate details of the cargo}
I receive the product blueprint of the cargo being used in the covert ops mission.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Investigate details of the trade ship}
I receive a technology blueprint used by the covert ops ship.
---TECH_SHIP---
---STD_INC_WAR---
{Investigate details of the multi-tool}
I receive a technology blueprint used in the multi-tools of the covert ops mission.
---TECH_WEAPON---
---STD_INC_WAR---
#13
Alien: MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY... URGENT ASSISTANCE REQUESTED...
I receive an incoming distress call from a distant space station, demanding aid from any nearby Vy'keen vessels.
Their spaceport appears to have been damaged in a struggle with pirate raiders, no craft remaining in which its inhabitants might leave.
Video feeds show that the station commander has been putting soldiers to death for even the smallest infraction, afraid of a potential mutiny in the face of starvation.
{Share video with Vy'keen}
I share the video with the Vy'keen High Command. They are outraged at the commander's behaviour, believing him to be dishonourable and cowardly.
I am rewarded for my assistance in this matter.
---STD_INC_WAR---
{Contact nearby Gek}
I contact nearby Gek, letting them know of the Vy'keen situation. They dispatch vessels immediately, saying they will of course rescue Vy'keen friends.
Some of the vessels are warships. I am rewarded for my help.
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Demand ransom}
I demand a ransom for the lives of those on board the station, and of all those who answer, it is the Korvax that are most willing to pay.
They claim that one of their own is present on the station. They pay me well for the information.
---TECHFRAG_M---
#14
Alien: ALERT ALERT ALERT... TERMINAL UNMONITORED... RESET ALARM?
The outpost is abandoned, its alarms still blaring a warning to souls long-dead.
There was a coup in this place. Battle-brother raised arms against battle-brother, seemingly in a dispute about some ruins found on this world. The last survivor died before they could delete the data.
{Download data}
I download the data, reading an alternative account of Hirk, the Vy'keen's ancestor-hero. It paints them as paranoid, vindictive, and spiteful. It is for this that their believers died.
Along with this information, I gain much useful technology before I depart.
---TEACHWORD_WAR---
---TECH_ALL---
{Steal technology}
I attempt to steal whatever technology I can from the facility's computers, but in the process, I appear to draw the attention of Vy'keen authorities.
My suit is damaged by the facility's defensive protocols. I must go.
---DAMAGESMALL---
{Report to Vy'keen}
I report the events that occurred in this facility to Vy'keen High Command.
The warrior's tone changes as I pass on the secret data for which these aliens died. They tell me to delete the local copy, and I do so for a handsome reward.
They tell me to forget I ever saw this place. They will take it from here.
---MONEY---
#15
Alien: USER DATA REQUESTED... SIGN IN TO ACCESS LOG...
The facility acted as a local base for raiding parties against the system's Sentinels.
Each night the Vy'keen would go out under the cover of darkness, baiting drones and walkers in a variety of locations.
Theirs is a war without end or purpose, executed with grim finality. The last war party never returned, leaving behind only mission logs and weapons.
{Alert Vy'keen}
I alert the Vy'keen to the death of their warriors. They thank me for what I have done, rewarding me for my honour.
---STD_INC_WAR---
{Steal technology}
I steal nanites from the system, leaving the rest of the facility in peace.
---TECHFRAG_M---
{Scan for Sentinels}
I scan for Sentinels but find nothing. Whatever was here has gone.
#16
Alien: Worship Atlas - seek destruction of warband! Grah!
An incoming message warns all recipients that heresy will not be tolerated. It demands that those who suspect their brethren of cowardice, sympathy with the enemy, pacifism, faith in the traitor Nal, or any other un-Vy'keen belief to contact High Command immediately.
The system shows that one warrior in this base attempted to upload such a report, only to be murdered by their comrades. The killers left the base soon after.
{Report heresy}
I report heresy to the Vy'keen, uploading the warrior's final report.
I am thanked and rewarded for my assistance.
---TECH_ALL---
{Delete records}
I delete the records from the system. The heretics are free, the report of their 'crimes' turning into nanites as it is purged.
---TECHFRAG_L---
{Leave}
#17
Alien: SYSTEM OFFLINE // SAMPLES SECURE // NETWORK OFFLINE
The facility appears to have been in the process of researching chemical and biological weapons before a containment failure killed all those who worked here.
From the system's logs, it is clear that this operation was not sanctioned by Vy'keen High Command. Though their superiors viewed this work as dishonourable and weak, the lifeforms here clearly felt differently. What if it could turn the tide of battle? If it could end war?
Someone would see the benefit of this weaponised pestilence. There might even be some who would pay for it.
{Destroy samples}
I destroy the facility's samples, causing a small containment failure in the process. My exosuit is damaged.
---DAMAGESMALL---
{Sell to Gek}
I attempt to sell the samples to the Gek, who reward me with units for my discovery.
---MONEY---
{Sell to Korvax}
I attempt to sell the samples to the Korvax, who appear disinterested in the potential military applications. However, they are intrigued by the composition of the toxin, and trade me some nanites.
---TECHFRAG_M---
#18
Alien: Traveller anomaly approaches Syntheti'Keen. Uploading final data logs...
The facility's logs show the arrival of a new Vy'keen recruit two weeks ago. There are no records of anyone arriving or leaving since.
Yet even so, no-one is here. A single transmission appears to have been sent from the lower level of the facility, encrypted with Korvax safeguards.
{Locate origin point}
I use the scanners to locate the origin point of the transmission, displaying it on the terminal's screen.
It shows what appears to be a robotic Vy'keen, their limbs damaged, sparks flying from what appears to be exposed circuitry. They are surrounded by dead warriors.
Units arrive at the terminal to pay for my silence.
---MONEY---
{Alert Vy'keen}
I alert the Vy'keen. They dispatch war freighters to examine the situation, suspecting Korvax involvement in this matter. I am rewarded for my assistance.
---STD_INC_EXP---
---C_VYKEENEFFIGY---
{Alert Korvax}
I alert the Korvax. They deny any knowledge of this facility or the signal, though is is undermined by their attempts to harm me through the the facility's defense systems. I leave before more damage can be done.
---DAMAGESMALL---
---STD_DEC_EXP---
#19
Alien: TERMINAL POWER LOW - RECONNECT POWER SOURCE SOON
This facility acted as a training outpost for young Vy'keen from across the sector. They would train and battle here in order to earn their citizenship.
The logs show the petty rivalries, the love affairs, the nobility, and the passion of those who trained here, all recorded by a proud and aging commander. One day, the logs end: the Vy'keen no longer had a use for this place. Nanites have replaced training, passing memories from individual to individual without the need for physical repetition.
{Extract Nanite Clusters}
I extract Nanite Clusters from the system and leave, emboldened and ready for glorious battle!
---TECHFRAG_M---
{Search training logs}
I search the system's training logs, finding a great deal of expertise and technology that might be useful for my own travels. I extract the relevant nanites.
---TECHFRAG_S---
{Sell data to the Gek}
I sell the data to the Gek, who reward me for the training patterns of their old enemy.
---MONEY---
#20
Alien: ANOMALY BUFFER ACTIVE... DATA STATUS: PRISTINE...
The outpost is ancient, even by the standards of the Vy'keen. Its environment is calibrated to preserve the data within.
One log speaks of the first Vy'keen contact with a Traveller. The figure remained with the warrior race for a long time, learning from them, exploring from them, even falling in love. The Vy'keen died, but the Traveller did not.
The log shows how instrumental this figure was in the development of the early Vy'keen race, contributing much to their early technology. These records were lost in the intervening years, forgotten until I found this account.
{Share with Vy'keen}
I share my discovery with the Vy'keen. They immediately place the data under quarantine, and threaten to find me across the stars.
I leave quickly.
{Take technology}
I extract some of these blueprints from the system, taking valuable technology for my travels.
---P_HYPERFUEL1---
---TECH_ALL---
{Search for Traveller records}
I search for further records of this Traveller.
As I do, I begin to feel as if I am being watched. Nanite Clusters emerge from the terminal as all systems shut down, their data forever lost.
---TECHFRAG_M---
KORVAX HARVESTER PUZZLES
PuzzleType: EXP_HARV_
#12
Alien: Dialect data process stalled. Silicate required to finish process.
A back-up procedure has come to a standstill. The system is archiving a huge amount of language data, but the system has run out of memory to allocate.
I can attach my multi-tool to provide extra space, it would require some variety of silicate to re-engage the process...
{Insert common silicate}
The process restarts and provides me with knowledge of the language of the electronic lifeforms.
---TEACHWORD_EXP---
{Insert uncommon silicate}
The process continues and improves my knowledge of the language of the electronic lifeforms.
---TEACHWORD_EXP---
---TEACHWORD_EXP---
{Insert rare silicate}
The process completes and extends my knowledge of the language of the electronic lifeforms.
---TEACHWORD_EXP---
---TEACHWORD_EXP---
---TEACHWORD_EXP---
#13
Alien: Atlas Interface signal awakes? Research entity! Insert oxides constantly! Avoid disruption!
The facility is processing a signal that emanates from a distant location deep in space. Endless processing units are combining to crack the code of a strange mathematical language.
Rare elements are being pulled from the resource vaults at my feet, but some are running low.
{Place rare silicates in vault}
The silicates are added to the process.
They make no clear impact.
{Place rare oxides in vault}
The oxides fuel the code cracking procedure.
A faint orb glows red on the screen, then slowly fades.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Take elements from vault}
I retrieve rare elements...
... but the code-breaking process grinds to a halt.
---SUBST_FUEL---
---SUBST_TECH---
---STD_DEC_EXP---
#2
Alien: Ahem. Planetary Sentinel scan data? UPLOAD SENTINEL SCAN DATA, ENTITY! IMMEDIATELY!
I find a report filled with images of Sentinels, but its upload seems to have stalled.
A demanding, perhaps rude, off-world message flashes at me. Somebody, somewhere, wants something.
{Resend Sentinel data}
The information packet is uploaded, and payment appears instantaneously.
---TECH_ALL---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Reply with a refusal}
Bright red mask lights appear and scream in angry binary.
---STD_DEC_EXP---
#1
Alien: Unknown lifeform research is HIGHLY commendable Entity! Discuss data with Korvax Convergence immediately!
I discover an excited message from off-world. It seems to be discussing a report with... an image of me at its centre!
Someone seems intrigued by my journey, and may well want to help. Should I get in touch?
{Delete report}
The report is wiped from the system.
An off-world message appears briefly. It seems disappointed.
---STD_DEC_EXP---
{Open comms}
I briefly see mask lights staring out at me before the comms feed is cut.
The terminal rewards me with valuable knowledge.
---TECH_ALL---
---STD_INC_EXP---
#8
Alien: Korvax Convergence product catalogue available. Insert element to filter product catalogue.
This outpost seems to be a vast library of production knowledge. A vast list of product formulas endlessly scrolls on the terminal, moving so fast that it hurts just to look at them. They appear to be catalogued by their base elements, but any deeper inspection makes me feel nauseous.
The resource vaults next to me are open, and are clearly in regular use.
{Insert Silicate element}
The terminal uses the element to isolate a silicate reward.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Insert Oxide element}
The terminal uses the element to isolate an oxide reward.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Insert Isotope element}
The terminal uses the element to isolate an isotope reward.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_EXP---
#10
Alien: Avoid data disruption! Korvax Convergence sends reward for additional data!
Reams of data are flowing into this terminal from research outposts all over the planet. As well as a storage depot for the planetary products locked away in the vaults beneath my feet, this is a point of transmission.
Knowledge accumulated on this world is being sent up to a scientific flagship hanging in orbit high above my head. I could easily breach the flow to improve my own knowledge, but sharing my own knowledge and discoveries is also an option.
{Breach data flow}
I gain a new technology blueprint.
However, my breach corrupts the overall transfer...
---TECH_ALL---
---STD_DEC_EXP---
{Share knowledge}
The scientists study my offering...
... and thank me with a gift to aid me on my journey.
---TECH_ALL---
---STD_INC_EXP---
#4
Alien: Korvax friend! Dangerous creatures attack Korvax Entity! For weaponry sales contact Gek Trade Federation today!
A mass-mailed off-world message shows damaged electronic lifeforms. Arms are ripped off, masks chewed and facial lights dimmed.
It feels offensive. It's clearly intended to shock recipients into a response. Replies can be sent with units attached...
{Reply with units}
I paid for a new multi-tool to protect me.
---WEAPON---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Reply with outrage}
I receive no reply. But someone else appreciates me...
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Do not reply}
I leave the distasteful message unanswered.
#6
Alien: Atlas Interface awakes? Upload research findings immediately entity! Korvax Convergence sends relevant research technology!
An image of a distant solar system is being studied here. A mineral-rich moon can be seen, orbiting a desolate and toxic-looking planet. Slightly obscured in the background, meanwhile, is a strange dark-coloured smudge – a diamond shape floating in space. A hint of red flashes from its centre.
There are no coordinates visible, but I can enhance different parts of the image to study them and automatically upload the terminal's findings.
{Enhance moon image}
My research uploads.
I receive a multi-tool technology blueprint to aid my studies
---TECH_WEAPON---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Enhance planet image}
My research uploads.
I receive an exosuit technology blueprint to aid my studies.
---TECH_SUIT---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Enhance diamond-shaped structure image}
My research uploads.
I receive a ship technology blueprint to aid my studies.
---TECH_SHIP---
---STD_INC_EXP---
#7
Alien: Research entity! Atlas Interface mission begins! Donate contribution! Specialists apply here! Convergence sends specialists ship technology!
An off-world message to all planetary research stations has filled the screen with plans for a scientific expedition of some sort. Complex star charts, fuel requirements, complex communication rigs and plans for orbital experiments fill the screen.
The outpost's resource vault is open to contributions of silicates for the cause, while it also appears that the resident scientist could join the fleet... although it would require an upgraded ship.
{Contribute a silicate}
My contribution is accepted.
Useful knowledge is made available, with thanks.
---TECH_ALL---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Join team}
The scientist's application is accepted.
A ship technology blueprint is made available.
---TECH_SHIP---
---STD_INC_EXP---
#14
Alien: WARNING WARNING WARNING DIVERGENCE DIVERGENCE DIVERGENCE
The outpost is abandoned, its alarms blaring a warning to souls long dead.
The Korvax in this installation quarantined themselves from the rest of their species, believing that a violent impulse was emerging within the group. Something happened to them out here... something awoke within their minds...
{Examine logs}
I examine the logs of the Korvax stationed here. They appear to have opened a gateway beneath the depths of the planet, an experimental device designed to see alternative versions of a planet in all their glory.
They broke through to a thousand other Korvax units just like themselves. They attempted to form a Second Convergence composed entirely of multiversal beings, of alternate versions of their own personalities.
The first deletions began a week later. Nothing is left but nanite clusters.
---TECHFRAG_M---
{Purge facility}
I purge the facility, discovering blueprints for experimental technology in the process. Whatever happened here should not be repeated.
---TECH_ALL---
{Alert Korvax}
I alert the Korvax to the disaster that occurred in this outpost, uploading its records to the Convergence. They reward me, claiming that the discoveries made in this location will open up worlds of study and science long since deemed impossible.
---STD_INC_EXP---
#15
Alien: SCANNERS ONLINE... AWAITING TARGETING ARRAY...
The research station contains a vast array of scanners and monitoring equipment directed at bodies of water throughout the system. It is searching for signs of something designated 'abyss'.
The scientists who worked here seem to have been comparing the transmissions associated with the Atlas to strange signals found within the water.
Before they went missing, the workers concluded that this 'abyss' seemed to hold a similar yet distinct energy signature to the Atlas itself. Another power in the universe...
{Examine the abyss}
I examine the records relating to the abyss. They show a repeating pattern of sixteen energy bursts, music that emerges from beneath the waves.
Contact appears to alter individual personality and objectives, changing even the most devoted Korvax into an agent of some unfathomable power.
Infected Nanite Clusters appear to be present within the archives. I take some of them. It seems to be for the best...
---TECHFRAG_M---
{Examine the Atlas}
I examine the records relating to the Atlas. They show interfaces, reports of crimson light, and records of visitations and transcendent experiences from across the universe.
The Korvax theorise that the Atlas does not itself exist on this plane of reality, speaking to us only through surrogate representations.
Infected Nanite Clusters appear to be present within the archives. I take some of them. It seems to be for the best...
---TECHFRAG_M---
{Alert Korvax}
I alert the Korvax to what happened here, but the Convergence claims to have had no knowledge of this facility or those working here. The Korvax involved disconnected from the Convergence two years ago, presumed dead...
I am rewarded for my data. The Korvax promise to investigate further.
---STD_INC_EXP---
#16
Alien: RECORDS AVAILABLE... ACCESS UNENCRYPTED LOGS?
The facility seems to have been a meeting place for multiple Korvax factions, uploading and downloading from multiple bodies during tense diplomatic and war-time situations.
Even if one's whole species can unify at will with a single great mind, still, there is unique value in face-to-face communication. These Korvax recorded many things they wished to keep secret from their brethren. Some are always more equal than others.
{Access records}
I access the records of these meetings. The hidden society of the Korvax appear to have a plan, meeting throughout the years to manipulate and secretly meet with members of other species to influence the course of history.
I find nanites, but I also find something more. They met recently about the Travellers... about the Atlas... I saw my own face in their records.
I leave, wondering about what I have seen.
---TECHFRAG_L---
{Report to Korvax Convergence}
I report the facility's existence to the Korvax Convergence. Halfway through my communication, the console's connection cuts out, causing the facility's defense system to activates. I flee, my suit damaged.
---DAMAGESMALL---
{Report to other species}
I report the facility's existence to the Gek and the Vy'keen. Halfway through my communication, the console's connection cuts out, causing the facility's defense system to activates. I flee, my suit damaged.
---DAMAGESMALL---
#17
Alien: UNIVERSAL ARCHIVE ON STANDBY... RESUME PROJECT?
The outpost is ancient, even by the standards of the Korvax. The log speaks of alternate realities, histories of the Korvax that take radically divergent paths.
In some regions of the multiverse, their progenitors never shed their biological origins. In others, they remain in the slavery of the Gek, never rising up or convincing their false masters of the glory of the Atlas.
Many of these realities have faded, gone as if they had never been.
{Upload to the Korvax}
I upload the data to the Korvax. They absorb the memories of these alternate Korvax echoes to their own Convergence, carrying yet more sorrow. That is all there seems to be for them, whatever the galaxy...
They thank me, granting me Nanite Clusters through the terminal.
---TECHFRAG_M---
{Search for yourself}
I search for some record of myself in these alternate realities, but see nothing but parallels in the lives of others. I stand alone.
I salvage Nanite Clusters from the terminal and leave, disturbed by my absence.
---TECHFRAG_M---
{Steal technology}
I search for technology within the facility's computers. I find none, though there are unencrypted units.
---MONEY---
#18
Alien: ... /// ... /// ... BOUNDARIES AT FULL POWER ... /// ... /// ...
The facility allowed for the quarantine and processing of Korvax minds to and from their central Convergence.
The log shows records of troubled Korvax minds, those disturbed by their actions; those haunted by sorrow; those who might threaten the minds they encountered. They arrive here, away from the Convergence, seeking to overcome pain or purge themselves.
A single Korvax soul remains. According to the log, it has inhabited this system for thirty years.
{Upload to Convergence}
I upload the soul to the Convergence.
It cries out as it goes, condemning me for my action. I am left with nothing.
{Wipe system}
I wipe the system. The Korvax disappears and I am left with Nanite Clusters, the unformed matter of the system.
---TECHFRAG_S---
{Comfort the Korvax}
I attempt to comfort the Korvax, sharing with them the story of my travels.
They thank me for the attempt, but they claim it is not enough. The one they loved is dead. There is nothing left for them but this solace, this penance for what they have done.
They give me a token of gratitude and ask me to leave them alone. They wish to remain in solitude.
---C_KORVAXCASING---
#19
Alien: 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16
The facility acted as a central upload point for Korvax scans from a thousand worlds, collating their data in an attempt to understand the underlying mechanics of the universe.
The problem was existence. The solution was a single number, a warning screamed by every atom in the firmament. 'Sixteen'...
Sixteen...
{Steal technology}
I steal data from the system, leaving the rest of the facility in peace.
{Analyse data}
I analyse the data, attempting to understand the meaning of this conclusion.
Something notices me. Something reads me as I read it. I leave, terrified, my exosuit's systems damaged by the encounter.
---DAMAGELARGE---
{Contribute scans}
I contribute scans from my own systems, trying to enhance the Korvax model.
The Convergence notices and rewards me greatly for my assistance.
---STD_INC_EXP---
---TECH_ALL---
#20
Alien: ... INCOMING MESSAGE... HIGH PRIORITY SIGNAL...
An incoming message contains the report of a Korvax spy.
The individual was disguised within a Gek body, acting for many years as if they were a simple ToilGek. They harvested much data from those they called friends. This was the purpose of the experiment: the enemy must be understood.
The enemy must never be forgiven, even until the end of time itself. Even in the face of damnation. The Korvax will never forget the violence committed against them. They will never release their anger...
{Upload report to Gek}
I upload the report to the Gek and am rewarded with credits for uncovering the spy in their midst.
They tell me that after a period of data extraction, the Korvax unit will be disposed of and stored for further study. My involvement ends here.
---MONEY---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Upload report to Korvax}
I upload the report to the Korvax. The entities are suspicious of my aid, paying me with Nanite Clusters to ensure my silence. Their struggle will go on.
---TECHFRAG_M---
{Leave}