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thisDerius · (This post was last modified: 02-15-2025, 08:08 PM by thisDerius.)

12-16.8.823.A.S.

"The best way to hide from an enemy is to stay in the shadow right under their nose."
That’s what Z. used to say. It never made more sense than now.

After spending time on Gran Canaria searching for any leads on Joker, I realized I was chasing a ghost. Tracking him directly was leading me nowhere, so I changed my approach. Instead of looking for the man himself, I set my sights on his right hand—Nikolai Arlov. That gamble paid off. Unlike Joker, Nikolai wasn’t hiding in the dark corners of the sector. Instead, for reasons unknown, he had chosen to linger on Cambridge. That alone raised questions. Cambridge wasn’t exactly the place for someone like him to lay low. Too many eyes, too many ears. Something was off, and I didn’t like how this was escalating. I needed to tread carefully.

Journal Update: Artifact Research

The first artifact in Joker’s possession is suspected to be the Daam K’Vosh Mapping Artifact. From what I’ve gathered, it’s capable of pinpointing its exact location anywhere in the universe. In the past, artifacts like this have been sought after just to glimpse a fragment of their maps. If it contains information on alien races beyond the Daam K’Vosh and the Slomon K’hara… well, that’s an entirely different kind of danger. There’s no telling what Joker is planning, but I can be certain it isn’t good.

One of his intercepted transmissions mentioned a man named Nomak. The name rings alarm bells. I've heard whispers about him, none of them good. If Joker is looking for him, I need to be on high alert.

Meanwhile, my allies remain safe, ready to join forces with Saph’s Auxesia. I can only hope this alliance doesn’t turn into a war we don’t need right now. My priority is still Joker, but if Saph requires assistance, I’ll be there. She mentioned her inability to fly much lately—something she didn’t elaborate on. There are only a few reasons why a pilot would be grounded, none of them good. I’ll have to keep an eye on that.

The Map Artifact possible design

Gran Canaria: Cover Blown

I was forced to abandon my search on Gran Canaria when my cover was compromised. I made a quick escape and took a detour through a system linked to Cortez via a jump hole hidden near the ice field. Along the way, I encountered two Order agents but ignored them. I wasn’t in the mood for unnecessary complications.

I stopped at Barrier Gate for a short breather before setting off for Cambridge. Along the way, I crossed paths with Saph. She was heading back to Coronado, but something about her movements didn’t sit right with me. She’s been keeping things from me—understandable, given my history with Joker. I can’t blame her for being cautious. Doesn’t mean I won’t try to uncover what she’s hiding.

Cambridge. Fresh air so crisp, you could survive a month on Pittsburgh without coughing up black dust. It’s the kind of place that could turn anyone sentimental—romantic sunsets, pristine landscapes, high-end restaurants. Shame I don’t have the time or the person for any of it.

I need to find someone who knows this place well enough to point me in the right direction. Until then, I’ll lie low and see if Raven or Endurance can help secure a safehouse.

Before moving forward, I’m running maintenance on my weapons. Here’s what I’m packing:

RX-82-LIGHT PLASMA SHOTGUN