In these increasingly turbulent times, we have neglected a vital part of our Zoner identity for far too long.
As the events in Zeta have shown us, even stations can be obliterated in the blink of an eye. This stark reminder reinforces the urgent need to secure more remote and stable locations for ourselves and our brethren. Do not mistake my words—Kadesh stands firm and will endure the trials ahead. But it can only shoulder part of our burden.
As Sirius tightens its grip and becomes more oppressive, more individuals—Zoners and others alike—are drawn to our cause, seeking the independence and freedom we continue to uphold.
Some still cling to the doctrine of neutrality at all costs… and we all know too well where that path has led us.
It is time to renew our calling—to explore, to chart the unknown, and to secure the future for those who choose not to live under the shadow of domination. As Herman Melville once wrote:
“As for me, I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote. I love to sail forbidden seas, and land on barbarous coasts.”
This, too, is our nature.
Therefore, I am issuing new directives to our valiant explorers. As our fleet expands, we can now allocate a number of vessels to update our navigational charts and begin reaching toward new frontiers.
Our first objective is to find a route around the Theta bottleneck. The destabilization of the jump hole network has effectively split the Omicrons in two—Outcast-aligned territories in the north, and the rest of us in the deep and southern reaches.
While older routes remain technically accessible, they are treacherous. Heavy trade convoys cannot traverse them safely or without considerable loss.
We have received older reports from other Zoner groups suggesting that a connection between the deep Omicrons and either Sigma or Beta systems may exist. Our goal is to find it.
Initial scouting will concentrate on:
Omicron Delta, particularly the A/B grid columns of your local chart, using Planet Vaitupu as a central reference point.
Omicron Zeta, with priority around the location of our fallen brother colony ship.
Omicron Kappa, with the exception of zones near Corsair and AI-controlled installations.
When hostilities with the Corsairs subside, we will dispatch two Nephilim, each with an escort squadron, to push deeper into uncharted space.
The Omega Region will be the first priority, given our allies and fellow Zoners in the area. Rich in resources, the Omegas hold great promise for sustaining our fleet and stations.
Exploration of the Sigma systems will follow—but not without diplomacy. We might need to actualize dialogue with the current GMG leadership. Though our alliance remains in principle, communication has been scarce, limited to occasional coordination against Corsair threats.
Let me be clear: We do not intend to exploit Sigma resources unless a formal agreement is reached with the GMG. Our primary objective is to identify routes linking the Omicrons and uncover new opportunities for future settlement.
Captains eager to participate in this renewed age of discovery are encouraged to step forward and make themselves known.
Let me be among the first to say that Desponia will once again rise to answer the call.
In fact, I welcome this change in direction, having seen scientific endeavours increasingly sidelined or redirected toward security-oriented projects in more recent times. I often remind my students and colleagues that, no matter the political distractions or conflicts thrown our way, we must never stop looking outward toward the stars.
As for the Desponia, this very vessel once served as one of our stellar cartography platforms during the Great Voyage not so long ago, helping to survey and chart paths for the core fleet as we pressed forward.
We will, of course, require time to prepare. Since returning to Sirius, the ship has been repurposed into a conference and accommodation vessel and is currently hosting a symposium near Heisenberg Station. Once the event concludes, we will make our return to the Omicrons at best speed.
I will instruct the Captain to initiate preparations and arrange for a full refit at Livadia. The ship will revert to its deep-space configuration, with the conference suite converted back into drone bays, excess accommodations into functional offices and drone control centres. The existing research labs will be re-equipped for survey operations, and the databanks cleared in anticipation of the upcoming mission.
While some of our surveyors and researchers have since moved on, a significant number remain onboard or within close reach, and they are eager to lend their expertise once more. Opportunities for potential true deep-space work are rare within House space, and this opportunity is not one they will pass up lightly.
I also intend to reach out to several philanthropists I’ve met through outreach efforts, individuals sympathetic to our cause and to the broader pursuit of exploration; with the aim of securing funding to cover the refit and operational expenses for the survey and preparations for deep space should we find it.
Since my arrival among the Phoenix, my daily life has drastically changed, and I'm thankful for that, but my scientific DNA is itching me to discover new things, and I can't deny it anymore.
I've been preparing the Zeus over the weeks for that specific kind of mission, scientific modules and tools I brought from my home in New Tokyo. Its precision would be a great help to find and analyze those potential connections. Those modules are almost ready at Lividia since the Zeus will be commissioned for the upcoming war. Once it's over, we can attach them to the ship and start his purposes.
Zeus's Crew and I will be honored to take part in that expedition project.
I would be honored to escort these scientific vessels into the great unknown. While my scientific and diplomatic knowledge is lackluster at best I have always felt a calling for exploration in all its beauty. It would be my honor to fly to the edges of space and beyond for phoenix. You have done nothing but treated me like one of your own since my arrival.
Sincerely Milan
It warms my heart to see that our core values continue to kindle that enduring spirit of exploration we all share.
To support your efforts, we’ve established a dedicated sub-net for reporting discoveries and archiving your findings. Should any of the systems you intend to explore lack a corresponding entry in the database, feel free to create a new log to ensure our records remain comprehensive.
We shall begin with a focused first phase in the systems closest to our sphere of influence:
Omicron Delta, particularly the A/B grid columns of your local chart, using Planet Vaitupu as a central reference point.
Omicron Zeta, with priority around the location of our fallen brother colony ship.
Omicron Kappa, with the exception of zones near Corsair and AI-controlled installations.
May fortune favor your journey, and may your discoveries guide us to new horizons.
