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Comrades, whoever receives this message! This is Doctor Belov, we have an emergency situation here and need assistance ASAP. We are trapped withing a subterran cave system on planet Y-3 and cannot get out on our own. In particular, we are in demand of food supplies, atmospheric and water filters, batteries as well as special drilling equipment plus towing ships for temporal space lift operation. We are running out of ratios, the filtering equipment is barely managing to cope with local water and our batteries are almost out of charge. The requested goods and equipment are to be delivered to facility X-3.

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Situation Summary

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As you might have noticed, I have disappeared from public and have ceased all communications. A team of researchers and two squads of 89th mechanised special battalion of Coalition Cosmotroopers under the command of Captain Mindaugas Šimkus initiated field research of planet Y-3. Previous observations from X-3 had proven inadequacy of establishing a base on the surface of the planet. Intense radiation, lack of atmosphere and hostile environment combined with complex orbit rendered setting foot as expedient operation with minimal chance of success. Under the circumstances, further presence of the Coalition in the system was doubtful, more especially given irregular supplies of X-3 facility in view of objective itinerary difficulties. Under these dire circumstances, a ray of hope was cast: massive subterran cave systems spanning throughout at least 34% (preliminary orbital survey) of the planetary upper crust. Believing that failure is not an option, I commenced operation “Descend” under my personal supervision.

Not to attract attention, we used surface-based drilling installations hastily assembled on X-3 to get into the cave system. It took a few days for us to reach the necessary depth – 1454 metres – to get into the caves. Unfortunately, the tunnel collapsed immediately afterwards, leaving us to ourselves. Although we had taken such development of events into consideration prior to descending, we did not expect the interferences in communication to be that severe. The planet has a very strong magnetosphere, indicating a massive metal core. Although not felt on the surface due to the lack of atmosphere, magnetosphere makes it possible for humans to endure the radiation levels in the cave systems given the proper equipment and medication.

Our greatest discovery was the subterran river and lake. The water was too salty (54% NaCl) which prevented it from freezing completely even under low temperature of -87 C. We decided to set up a base near the lake, using the equipment to filter the water from beneath the ice crust for our technical needs, saving more drinkable water that we have brought. Local water was completely devoid of microorganisms that can be found in the upper layers of “atmosphere” of the planet, making it easier to filter. The 3D scans of the adjacent caves indicated most of them being dangerous to venture into due to frail stalagmites that can collapse with the movement of our machinery. A few scouts were dispatched who found deposits of valuable metals (Ni, Ti, Au, Fe, Ur) as well as gasses from the lower levers of the cave system, including CH4. The scans of distant caves with UAV yielded suspicious objects that can be identified as ruins, although the quality of scans remains to be improved and we cannot be certain of this findings.

Our scouting efforts were primarily directed at finding a cave closest to the surface that would enable us to communicate with the surface. Until a few hours ago, our endeavours were in vain. Now we send the distress signal, hoping that the rescue team will be fast enough.

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In view of our findings, unique subterran conditions enabling limited colonisation, and strategic location of the planet and the system, I undertook my responsibility of the Chief Researcher as representative of the Coalition ex officio to proclaim the planet the sovereign territory of the People’s Republic of Sirius, naming it “Istanbul” while the system shall be referred to in Coalition documentation as Anatolia. Henceforth, the system is to be reinforced with our military presence and regular supply lines established with our trusted allies. Despite the secrecy of the location, the obstacles with the supply lines force us to disclose the spot to our friends from other factions, although low profile should be kept. The development of X-3 project is to be intensified for it to become less dependent on deliveries from afar as well as capable of self-defending.

This information is to be delivered to SCRA HC, the recommendations above suggested as the course of action. Should the rescue team fail at the operation of salvation, SCRA is temporary established as officially overseeing the project while the new chain of command in SCEC is established.

We trust you, comrades, on this and hope you come in time. We have already lost a few brave men and women here. Time is not on our side.
Remember, failure is not an option. Even in death.

Chief Research Officer Mstislav Belov out.