[Encryption Process Error Opening Transmission]
User:Jokoto Nokimi Location:Heavens Gate [Accessing Recent Data Files Begin Upload]
{Secure Channel Established} Data Entry 6: The subject zero died today. I am only surprised he lasted this long; the process was much too rushed. His body could not adapt to the stress. Very little data was gained through his death, but it may be enough of a display to make the Slomon KHara understand that these experiments will take time.
I feel the sense of urgency at the back of my mind. The alien and I cannot communicate using words, but we share emotions and sometimes images often enough. The reason I was allowed to retain a majority of control over my mind and body is still unknown to me, but I have several theories. Perhaps I can better understand the motive of the Slomon KHara the more this project unfolds.
More subjects are being captured and prepared for testing. A small portion is being held aside as a control group, but the majority undergoes infestation. As soon as we find a way to make the subjects stable enough to {ERROR: SECURITY BREACH DETECTED. BEGIN DATA CHANNEL SHUTDOWN} It is worth a try, right? I just hope that the Slomon KHara will not rush the process again. Death is one thing but those screams oh those screams {CHANNEL SHUTDOWN COMPLETE}
[Encryption Process Error Opening Transmission] User: Jokoto Nokimi Location: Heavens Gate [Accessing Recent Data Files Begin Upload]
{Secure Channel Established} Data Entry 8: Success! Subject 207, subject 347, and subject 567 have survived the first stage of the experiment. It is a grueling process; an infested individual is separated from the other subjects, pauses for a few moments, screams in agony as he clutches his head, and then collapses in the throes of death.
There is no outward display of change during that slight pause, but I can feel the connection between his incubi and mine. Then, suddenly and almost violently, the connection is gone. It seems as though the incubi severs itself from the collective mind of the Slomon KHara. It is merely an idea, but it would explain the quick death of the human host.
The survival of these three subjects caused elation from the Nomad inside me. Could {UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS DETECTED. BEGIN CHANNEL SHUTDOWN} be the goal of these experiments? It is possible I have to research this more. There ARE records of Nomads surviving such a traumatic sundering after the Nomad War perhaps I should see what others have found. {CHANNEL SHUTDOWN COMPLETE}
[Encryption Process Error Opening Transmission] User: Jokoto Nokimi Location: Planet New Manhattan, New York System [Accessing Recent Data Files Begin Upload]
{Secure Channel Established} This will have to be a quick transmission; Im not sure how secure the connection is or how quickly the hack will be detected. Needless to say, the forces of Liberty were not exactly keen on sharing their findings. Sending the files now
So it seems some Nomads reacted differently than others to the collapse of the Mindshare at the end of the Nomad War. Some died, some slipped into a dormant state similar to a coma, while a few were able to operate independently without a connection to the Mindshare. These last specimens are of most interest to me it seems to be the focus of our experiments back home to recreate the success of these Nomads that survived the process.
I cannot guess why the Slomon KHara so intrigued by the possibility that individual Nomads can exist outside of the Mindshare, one of their greatest assets. Either way, I do not think Planet Manhattan holds any more secrets for me. My next destination is {UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS DETECTED. BEGIN CHANNEL SHUTDOWN} just a feeling, but it might be the best place to continue my search for answers. Damn it, I think someone is trying to trace my signal. {CHANNEL SHUTDOWN COMPLETE}
Message entry 1:A fine vessel has been selected for collection. I mobilize tomorrow in search of specimens and subjects whom will serve for a greater goal in the furthering of our race.
The scientists have assured me that there is no risk of detection in my deep journey within the sampling grounds. Libertonians, Rheinlanders, Bretonians, and even Hispanians must be tested. I plan to gain healthy stock from each nation.
I will start my journey within Kepler, basing myself out of Ames Research Station. It's a rather ironic spot, but it is a Freeport. They don't take as many liberties there as they do on privatized institutions. Reports will be sent to document significant happenings.
Farewell, brothers and sisters.
"THE HULL HAS BEEN BREACHED AND THESCIENCEIS LEAKING OUT!"
[Encryption Process Error ' Opening Transmission] User: Jokoto Nokimi Location: Planet Altair Research Station [Accessing Recent Data Files'¦ Begin Upload]
Progress. Nomads survive disconnecting from the Mindshare by rapid physiological change for the typical Nomad brain. To summarize, Nomad brains are usually not designed to operate independently from the Mindshare; the anatomy and physiology of the organ reflect this. The Nomads that became wanderers after the Nomad War were able to change the brain before the mental backlash destroyed them completely. These brains could operate at minimum energy consumption and survive independently until it encountered other Nomads to form a localshare with or could reconnect with the new Mindshare.
Wild pilots have the human brain to act as a secondary safety if the Mindshare fails. This is why the Das Wilde and the hiding followers of Tekagi were able to operate even after the Nomad defeat. The clues were here, and I believe my theory is now complete.
Yet even with this new knowledge, I still did not know why the Slomon K'Hara needed such knowledge so desperately. My incubus still shields its thoughts for me, though we both understand that we are each a part of the other now, two halves of a symbiotic relationship. My goal was murky, unknown.
Until now.
Was it my own search for answers that brought me to this place? Or was it subtle guiding by the incubus, it knowing that I would understand once I encountered the challenge that is Marcus Strauss? No time for {ERROR ' CORRUPTED FILE PLAYBACK} have to get back to work.
<<<Secure Link Established>>> <<<Arch Intra-Network Database>>> <<<Uploading User File>>>
Work is underway, but with each bridge we meet there is invariably one that is broken. Our path may be clear, but each morning brings with it the dense mist that delays the journey. It is perhaps necessary, then, that we reinforce the origin of this sojourn.
The great Opus was wrought before Project Vanguard, the hands of our brethren wrote the first stanza; the humans silenced our Muse and stole from us our work. In turn they created the second stanza, yet our influence remained. Wrongs were made right, and the Opus returned to the fold. Despite this, years have passed since a new contribution was made; there must be refinement, there must be a conclusion. We will complete this Opus.
We have followed the steps of those who walked this path before us, but they are scattered. They leave the path, double-back, and are listless. The mould derived from a Shell cannot be changed, it is perhaps necessary then to create our own.
For this, we must look to the most basic of materials...
Maybe some day, they'll see a hero is just a man who knowshe's free.
[Encryption Process Error ' Opening Transmission] User: Jokoto Nokimi Location: Heaven's Gate [Accessing Recent Data Files'¦ Begin Upload]
Enlightenment. The knowledge burns through a mind like a holy flame, purging the remnants of dark doubt that hide in the depths of thought.
Revelation. Energy awakens the soul, renewing the spirit and empowering the body to labor with zeal once believed to be lost forever.
Purpose. Destiny wrought not by some supernatural being or the chances of fate, but by willpower and courage alone.
The Slomon K'Hara call on me to create, to use my genius to aid them. I wandered, directionless, unsure of what to do or how to proceed. No longer am I lost.
[Encryption Process Error ' Opening Transmission] User: Jokoto Nokimi Location: Heaven's Gate [Accessing Recent Data Files'¦ Begin Upload]
The dreams return to me every night. A multitude of blues, pinks, and purples glow with the brilliance of a star, blinding the very darkness of space itself. The sheer radiance of the creatures makes the heavens themselves jealous of such a grand display of natural beauty. It is a breathtaking scene, as thousands of forms move in unison. I spy ancient structures that I cannot recognize, alien relics that hum with unbelievable power.
There is an intense light, blinding as a supernova, and then nothing. I stare upon abandoned ruins, the remnants of such a unique and mysterious civilization. As I gaze into the shadow, I slip away into the abyss. A whisper grows in my mind, slowly growing louder until it consumes my thought.
'We shall return.'
I awaken, confused at these images that haunt my sleep. The whisper echoes on long after I rise. It creates many new questions, but I fear I will not live long enough to know the answers.
I do, however, know now why I labor.
My children will be the guardians of the glory and power that is the Slomon K'Hara.
<<<Secure Link Established>>> <<<Arch Intra-Network Database>>> <<<Uploading User File>>>
The acquisition of the first Key was a timely and fortunate event; a pure essence derived from the crop sown by those that imbued the flame of life upon us and our brethren. A detailed analysis was easily completed, the components lending themselves to a facilitated process as though they cried out for recognition. The sample was only 3.41 liters in volume, but it is more than adequate for isolating the major components that establish its profound effects:
High Throughput Analysis - Nanochromatography Results:
-Ribonucleoprotein Complex CC-2, 45%
-Polymerase Type A Co-Factor, 20%
-Dyskerin H/ACA Sub-Unit Analogue, 18%
-Organolithium Components, 10%
-Ligase IV Analogue, 5%
-Transposable Genetic Elements, 2%
Direct component analysis still remains as one hurdle that must be overcome, but this is only a minor inconvenience; the foundation for a sustainable growth medium is now available. Progress can now be made in assembling the cellular mould, but this as well provides another hurdle.
The language of a chromosome as translated by the Shells is foreign to our tongue. It is seen as 'self' to Us, yet exists as an entity in its own right. Adjustments must be made, but there are keys that do not match the locks we must bypass. We must seek a reference, we must see what our creators saw. The Shells were able to find a diamond in the rough, a translation amongst the archives locked away in ancient debris. This is where we will find our skeleton key.
We have made the necessary preparations for our departure. A Library awaits us in a foreign star system. We will go there. We will learn.
Maybe some day, they'll see a hero is just a man who knowshe's free.
[Encryption Process Error ' Opening Transmission] User: Jokoto Nokimi Location: Heaven's Arch [Accessing Recent Data Files'¦ Begin Upload]
Progress. Agents today scouted the Vespucci System for remnants of the hidden Hellfire Legion base that produced the first and only hybrid. Fortune smiled on the venture. When the Slomon K'Hara destroyed the station, it was assumed the original Nomad Power Cell was ruined and the Artifact that described the potential of Nomad DNA was lost.
We were wrong.
This is the second key we needed. The Power Cell is the core of this process, the heart and soul of this operation. The original Artifact will enhance the pace of the project ' we can see where the Hell Legion started, identified where they failed, and find success beyond anything they could dream possible. We will need more cardimine; with the excellent analysis of the drug by Aono, we are ahead of schedule. We will also need more test subjects. Three seem particularly promising'¦