Sirius. An ampitheatre for the ambitious. A sandpit for the sly. A playground for the powerful. In a galaxy where knowledge is a power that governments constrain and restrict and leverage, is there a better place for the unbridled mind than Heisenberg Research Station?
Dr. Thorn would argue there wasn't.
Originally founded as an observatory to study the Walker Nebula's leading edge by Rheinland's Federal Observatory Service, the station found itself in disrepair and abandonment fulling budget cuts in 769AS. Liberated from House control by the steady erosion of time, 40 years pass before the station's renovation and rehabitation by those who sought refuge during the Colony Wars.
Abandoned with much of the Federal Observatory Service's infrastructure present and free from the restraints House oversight brings, Heisenberg has become a favoured locale of those who value uninhibited debate and unhindered scientific pursuit. At least for those who can also tolerate the stations other, more rambunctious residents.
Keeping to herself and laying low for nearly two years, Thallia has constructed for herself a small reseach facility on the Station she has come to call 'Laboratory 13'. Away from prying eyes, secluded from those she would defy in her quest for truth, Dr. Thorn has come to call this haven home. It helps there is plenty of racing to watch on those rainier days.
The Solace MK3
Who is the adventurous scientist without their trusty steed to carry them between the stars? The Solace is a DS-2 Voyager Freighter available on a Civilian license. Popular amongst Thallia's peers for it's ease of adaption for their needs and the independent nature of it's manufacturer, Breton Workshop, the Solace is fitted to serve as Dr. Thorn's primary means of transportation, survey and sample collection. With little room left over for dedicated analytical equipment or tools, Thallia relies on making it to her site of interest and back again to carry out her research.
The Solace needs not only act as the Doctor's means of reaching for the stars, but also a hand veiled from those authorities that would keep the forbidden out of arms reach. It's smaller signature compared to larger research vessels, such as the "Corvo" Deep Space Explorer, allows Thallia greater chances of slipping past cordons and utilising routes that they would typically struggle to exploit. Such capabilities are oft on the forefront of Thallia's mind. She's regularly seen amongst the engine-heads and racers of Heisenberg seeking the next edge in the arms race to avoid detection.
The Solace is also fitted with the server racks and hardware necessary to host Thallia's AI companion LEXI. Limited in comparison to the contemporary AI found within Sirius, it none the less allows the pair to travel together on their treks across the void.
LEXI
Who is a researcher without that first problem? That igniting spark? LEXI was Thallia's spark that first sent her to the stars. The focus of her studies and academic career on Cambridge, LEXI was an attempt to create Artificial Intelligence through human ingenity, hard-work, and compassion. Despite the achievement of it's creation, LEXI began to severely degrade shortly after it's origin. Desparate for solutions she could not find herself, she turned to rumours and heresay of artifical lifeforms in the furthest parts of Sirius. Seeking the help of the Gammuian intelligences, LEXI was for a time renewed.
Alas, such a time was not fated to last. Attacked by PRIME and various other AI actors, LEXI was set back on the path towards degradation and has been ever since. Reluctant to say goodbye, Thallia has done what she can to maintain LEXIs functionality and keep her protected from other artifical intelligence's that may transgress in taking her friend away for good. Meanwhile, the entrepid LEXI has not given up and continues the search for means of recovery.
What does fate have in store for her? Only time shall tell.
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