I have conducted the scheduled patrols of the Core Systems (Dauphine, Orleanais & Ille-de-France). The former two were uneventful with minor elements of pirates that have been driven away from the area. A particular lot were found in the asteroid fields, but given the danger of going there without appropriate escort, I have only noted their locations. Engaging them while outnumbered and no back up realistically in sight, it would have been too one-sided to continue. All others have been eliminated or they've maneuvered through the asteroids out of scanner sights. I would consider this a success, however it may be worth noting that activity seems to have increased within the Core Systems.
While conducting patrols in the capitol system, I've received a communication from a Gallic Metal Services ship asking for assistance in getting rid of an unknown ship carrying civilian pilots in the Picardy system. The GMS captain also mentioned that it was a "Scimitar" type, which was unknown to both of us. I've forwarded his request to the GRN communications channel and proceeded to make way. However, something unnatural blipped up on my scanner on the route - it seemed to be a base of unknown origin. It appeared to have a vast hold of cargo space, and seemingly abandoned. Judging that this is worth investigating as it didn't appear on any modern nav maps, I've attempted to enter the station - it was still active. Grabbing my pistol, I've went out to check for any indicators on what this station was and whether I would be able to find anyone alive. Slowly navigating through the dim lighting - the station's lights were long without maintenance - I've found nothing worth noting until I've reached the cargo area. It was mostly clear, however a few large crates bearing unfamiliar insignia were placed in the middle. Upon closer inspection, it appeared to be a type of space fighter weaponry along with a bundle of documents concerning research about them, titled "TDGWM5K". It didn't seem to be our technology - perhaps it was some Sirian tech? There were a total of 4 of these weapons in the crates.
Nevertheless, I've radioed for backup to retrieve this and returned to navigating the station. This place had not been touched for a long time with doors and lights malfunctioning in certain corridors, stray asteroids bashing into the hull of the station echoing the sound all over. There were no signs of bodies in the main hallways or any other activity besides these strange sounds.
The final top section of the station was the control tower, where I was able to access the still-working computer for any information. Unfortunately, it was clear of everything - all the files were deleted. The only noteworthy thing I've noticed was a handwritten note on top of one of the consoles with the code <REDACTED> written. It may have been coordinates, but not in our format. Again, it may have been Sirian. I have not dared to look deeper into the maintenance corners of the station and slowly returned to my ship to wait for back-up.
A freighter along with a fighter escort arrived after roughly half an hour, where the freighter crew were able to carry the weaponry back to the freighter with the help of exoskeletons. I was assured that it would have been handled from here, so I have left to the nearest station to debrief. The weaponry and documents were supposedly shipped to the nearby Naval Intelligence Melun Research Institution for research.
![[Image: PnPOy9K.png]](http://i.imgur.com/PnPOy9K.png)