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Locksmith · (This post was last modified: 05-28-2025, 03:24 AM by Locksmith.)

recording...
location: orkney system
current date: 30.10.834
local time: error
detected entities: locksmith

A seemingly endless number of asteroids, clusters of explosive gas and a nebula that is almost impossible to navigate. A great place to hide or escape from pursuit. All in all, only a madman would chase you here.

And yet one young pilot was not aware of this.

“Well... It's been a while since the last recording. Figured I could make a new one while I wander around this place.”

The lifeless bluish view outside did not seem to change at all, no matter how fast the fighter flew. It's like he was stuck in some kind of limbo.

“It has been quiet in recent months. Just a few fights; no revelations, no voices... Even these strange Atropus units seem to be doing their business somewhere else. And here I am. Having stumbled upon a smuggler with cardamine during a patrol, I pursued him into the depths of the Tau systems. Straight into this huge nebula. Never been here, should have turned back. I'm surprised that I haven't yet come across some kind of anomaly that would tear my ship to pieces, given that I'm flying almost blind.”

The fighter shook, though the shields took all the damage. It was gas. Roland had to slow down in order to avoid the risk of exploding.

“Naturally, I lost the smuggler. I realized this when I got deeper into this shit. And yet there is a silver lining: instead of cardamine, I found something more interesting. An old, dilapidated freighter. Gallic. No traces of the team, no identifying marks... But with cargo. Among usual stuff and guns, there's also some other kind of weapon, apparently. Non-functional. But it looks... Interesting. I've never seen anything like this before. Somewhat similar to plasma, but... As if not quite.”

The shields were finally restored. It was time to accelerate again.

“I'll dig into it when I get out of this. If it really is what it seems, I will hand it over to command. As long as it doesn't explode in my face.”

end of recording

Locksmith · (This post was last modified: 05-28-2025, 06:47 AM by Locksmith.)

recording...
location: invergordon salvage yards, inverness system
current date: 28.05.835
local time: 10:06
detected entities: locksmith

The workroom was in disarray. Disassembled, damaged parts of parts were scattered everywhere. The lights from the interactive monitor flickered with indicators whose meanings were probably known only to the owner of this equipment.

It looks like it was intentional.

“Entry... Who cares what number it is, anyway. Just another entry.”

Freud spoke from somewhere off-camera, his voice slightly irritated and tired.

“Haven't made any new recordings for some time again. Things are still mostly quiet, apart from some military action in Dublin and a busy day in Leeds. Got some new acquaintances, managed not to die like a dog. What's not to like?”

"Sadly, didn't made meaningful progress on that unusual weapon I've brought from the Orkney system. Was too busy with my regular work. It would seem I won't be able to get anything useful from it unless I'll make it a full project."

"Still, at least I managed to repair and modify those common Gallic guns that I've picked up to work with the Defender, so that's something."

A long pause.

"One other thing... That thing in Ontario seems like it gets more active. Now I'm getting a headache each time I'm passing through the system. Shouldn't get any closer to that, probably. More on that later."

end of recording

Locksmith · (This post was last modified: 06-11-2025, 01:29 AM by Locksmith.)

recording...
location: ontario system
current date: 10.06.835
local time: error
detected entities: locksmith

“... I really dropped the ball with that last one, didn't I?”

The fighter flew on autopilot, avoiding asteroids. In the distance, a bright purple beam flickered, emanating from a planet. Freud's voice sounded more serious, more determined. Despite some obvious pain, he continued to speak without long pauses.

“I needed to remind myself why I started doing this. There are people I don't want to hurt. And there will probably be more of them in the future. Met a lot of new faces lately. And I think I can really call Bellamy a good friend by now. And... I think I got a meeting tomorrow that is... The closest thing I ever had to a date. This woman... I never thought I could feel this way when I was sober. I need to control myself.”

"So... With the previous unnumbered entries in mind, this would be entry twelve. About the thing in Ontario. Clearly visible here, and I don't feel like getting closer. The headache is getting worse with each click and I don't need myself passing out from pain here."

"I heard that I'm not the only one experiencing these symptoms. Cobra, leader of the Xenos, mentioned that it seems common these days. Although I suppose in most cases the symptoms are less pronounced, otherwise no one would be able to stay here. Still weird to think that we had a casual conversation with someone like him, but I suppose such are the times now."

"I am also starting work on another project. Quite important for me, I would like to think. A little more detail in the next recording."

end of recording

Locksmith · (This post was last modified: 06-14-2025, 09:58 AM by Locksmith.)

recording...
location: invergordon salvage yards, inverness system
current date: 12.06.835
local time: 07:58
detected entities: locksmith

For several seconds, the recording only featured concentrated tapping on the keys, while a static image of some fighter froze in the frame.

“Entry thirteen.”

Locksmith's voice sounded distant, almost emotionless.

“Won't be talking much about myself in this one. It's hard to focus on everything I'm feeling right now. The day with Thallia was nice, but... Of all the days, this was the one that the fight that nearly cost Bellamy their life happened. I knew they were in a fight, but I thought they could handle it. They always did. But not this time."

"And I wasn't fast enough to help when I got the distress call.”

There are a few seconds of complete silence. After which Locksmith exhales heavily before continuing.

"... I wasn't there when my friend needed me. I walked away abruptly from a woman who offered to help me. I know they'll understand and won't blame me. But I don't share their sentiment."

A couple more seconds of silence.

"Anyway, that's enough. Now... About the project. A few days ago, we encountered LSF forces approaching Valravn. The intruders were driven off, but I noticed fighters among them that did not resemble standard Liberty craft. One such example can be seen in the image. With a frame capable of mounting a variety of weapons, the fighter retained exceptional maneuverability and durability. This... Intrigued me. Although I had no idea what this technology was, the gaps in my knowledge were quickly filled by Keeper Revenant and Exarch West. Order's design. "Bastet". Never having seen one before, I have no idea how easy it would be to replicate this feat of engineering... However, I am determined to do so. This will be my... Magnum opus."

The image of the Order fighter zooms in slightly.

"My will embodied in steel."

end of recording

Locksmith · 06-17-2025, 05:53 AM,

recording...
location: planet gran canaria, omega-48 system
current date: 16.06.835
local time: 07:23
detected entities: locksmith

Recording started with a beautiful view of snow-capped mountains outside the window. It was quiet. So quiet that there was literally no sound except for the muffled hum of some equipment. This silence was broken by a soft sigh.

“Entry fourteen...”

The camera made a smooth, wide turn, showing the minimalist but obviously expensive interior of the spacious apartment. Freud could hardly believe that he was standing in just the living room. This room alone seemed larger to him than all his previous places of residence put together.

“You know, sis, when you left that little message asking me to come to Gran Canaria without any explanation... I almost panicked. Seriously, Gran Canaria? You weren't even supposed to leave Inverness. I knew I might regret giving you a ship, but this...”

Another sigh. Roland sits down on the couch, leaning his head back. The camera recording from his visor now points to the ceiling.

"Thallia barely had time to stitch up my wounds. I still can't believe she risked her life to get me out of that mess with the Navy. Guess I owe her one now."

"Well, at least thanks for saying "it's okay, don't worry," sis. But we'll still have a talk. I don't really like such surprises, even if... Even if it's something we've been dreaming about since we were kids."

The camera goes dark for a second, then comes back on. With interference.

"Right... I need to get my equipment in order after that mess. Otherwise I won't even be able to properly record messages for Bellamy. I was in such a hurry to get here that I completely forgot what condition all my equipment was in. Hopefully Lachesis can handle piloting the Defender while I'm gone. A temporary solution... But at least it's something."

"It still feels like a dream... So, to sum it up: my little sister, who couldn't even get out of bed a year ago due to illness, somehow got us this place."

"Should look around while I record for Bellamy. There's a small town nearby, I think."

end of recording

Locksmith · (This post was last modified: 06-22-2025, 03:43 AM by Locksmith.)

recording...
location: valravn citadel, inverness system
current date: 20.06.835
local time: 21:46
detected entities: locksmith, lachesis

“Did you manage to get a good scan?”

A relatively long recording taken near Barrier Gate Station shows an Order bomber, just hanging in space. Then a feminine, slightly robotic voice is heard.

“Affirmative. We will need some time to analyze it.”

Freud exhaled, then let out a small laugh with a mixture of joy and relief.

“Entry fifteen. Just had a stroke of luck. Lachesis has located an Order agent in Inverness. I flew out as fast as I could and caught up with him at the Barrier Gate. Tried to get him to talk as much as I could while Lachesis was scanning his ship. It's not "Bastet", but the data should still be very useful. I was worried that with the Bounty Hunter and that Mako AI showing up, we wouldn't have enough time, but... Good job, Lachesis.”

“We are gl... glad to bring you joy.”

Pause. Freud's voice then sounds calmer, but still clearly pleased.

"This agent of the Order said that he was there "for shopping". According to him, he allegedly needed civilian transport. I suppose that is far from the whole truth, but this matters little. It's a shame I couldn't find him again after the fight, but... It's nonetheless a step forward."

recording

end of recording

Locksmith · 07-17-2025, 06:22 PM,

recording...
location: omicron delta system
current date: 17.07.835
local time: error
detected entities: locksmith

“What is the Core?”

The fighter hovered in place, some distance from the stations and the massive warship. There was active fire in the background; Order forces were raiding the Core. No one seemed to notice the inconspicuous "Defender". At least for now.

"I know the basics, sure. Evil PMC from the Edge Worlds, yada yada. It's such a hackneyed concept it's hard to believe, but who am I to argue with the line of command and our esteemed allies?"

"Doesn't matter."

"I've encountered them before. The lost gunship in Kansas, that weird AI warship... But I've never really looked into them. And it's not about what moral principles they live by. No, I don't care about that at all, I'll just nod my head at the brass and everyone will be happy."

"It's about... More important things. Their engineering. Their design philosophy. Their technology."

"I need to know more."

Suddenly, the fighter shook. The massive Core warship had finally turned its attention to the "Defender". Activating cruise, Liberty fighter flies away.

"Well, time to pack up before the Core and Order decide to come at me from both sides. I'll patch up at Freeport... and see if I can find an isolated Core fighter. I came here for Order, but... It seems like this might be a more promising prospect in the end."

end of recording

Locksmith · (This post was last modified: 07-26-2025, 04:02 AM by Locksmith.)

recording...
location: baffin system
current date: 25.07.835
local time: error
detected entities: locksmith

"Things were much simpler back in the day, weren't they, friend?"

Defender hovered in space above the orange planet. The pilot leaned back, motionless, observing the cosmic landscape.

"You know, they were even more simple before we met. Every day a struggle. For a piece of food, for a warm place to sleep. Maybe not the happiest days, but they kept me on my toes. Didn't let me get lost in those useless thoughts."

"I guess it's my own fault. Imagined things that never happened. Believed in my ideal picture that never existed."

"Emilia doesn't want me to be mad at Thallia. I wouldn't be anyway. I can only blame myself. And I still find it hard to believe that it's true. I want to linger in my illusions. Stupid dreams that it was something special."

"I wish you were here, Yoko. Right now, I could really use a friend I could trust. But... This place will do. You might not answer, but I can still talk to you."

"Still... I should probably go back. Sawback won't fix itself."

Pause. The engines, having barely set the fighter in motion, suddenly fell silent again.

"Some kind of large ship approaching..."

"Bundschuh cruiser?.. Here?.. Emilia... You actually decided to check on me."

end of recording

Locksmith · (This post was last modified: 08-27-2025, 12:00 AM by Locksmith.)

recording...
location: coronado system
current date: 26.08.835
local time: error
detected entities: locksmith

“That... Really didn't went well, did it?..”

The video shows the icy expanses of the Barrier Rim, along which the recorder slowly floats, clearly moving by inertia. Roland's voice sounds calm, slightly melancholic.

“Entry eighteen. This may be my last.”

"It's quite ironic, really. I joined our forces to ensure the rescue of civilians. Only to find myself in need of rescue myself after the Order and the LSF attacked. I was too stubborn, trying to save the main core of the Lachesis on my gunboat. Managed to get it to the cloud before the explosion tore through the hull and threw me into outer space. Good thing I had my armor on. Too bad the power plant and comms in it were damaged in the blast. The former is barely enough for life support. By the time I can finally stop the inertia with what little power I can spare for the engines, I'll be deep in the cloud. Without any navigation or way to signal distress."

"If whoever finds this is a friend of the Legion, you may keep my armor. With a little repair, it could become a nice asset, and the computer contains some useful blueprints for further work on it. If you are not a friend of the Legion... Well, I can hardly stop you from doing the same."

"If you wish to thank me, send word to the Legion of my fate, so that the people may know."

A deep, heavy sigh.

“Sorry, Emilia. Did what I could. But... I'm sure you'll be fine now.”

There is silence for a few seconds, as if the speaker forgot to end the recording. Then, a couple of seconds before the end of the recording, the camera pans to a view of a large alien object among the icy asteroids.

"What the-"

end of recording

Locksmith · (This post was last modified: 09-01-2025, 05:45 AM by Locksmith.)

recording...
location: <redacted>
current date: 30.08.835
local time: error
detected entities: locksmith

“No video recording, just audio this time.”

Roland’s voice is hoarse and quiet, sounding weak.

“Entry nineteen. Still alive, oddly enough. Barely moving, though. While I was flying on inertia, I came across some alien structure and a couple of broken fighters. I tried to get the core of one of them to work... Didn't succeed. The power plant in my suit completely stalled, and I thought I would simply freeze or suffocate to death.”

“That’s exactly what would have happened if it weren’t for my sister and her new friends from the Platform on the "Falkenhorst"... I’m not turning on the video recording this time so as not to accidentally steal some classified information. The least I can do is show good manners in this regard.”

"Emilia said that Falke, her fiancée's sister, pretty much pulled me back from the other side. As soon as I gather my strength a little and report back to Prometheus, I'll have to thank her properly... This is the second time she's helped me."

"As a side note, I'm working on a new suit. Should be more compact, while also providing some protection."

end of recording

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