Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
From: "Ikarus Station" - Dr. Aspen Harlow
Subject: Life from the Machine
Encryption Strength: Impossible
Gents, as I'm sure you're aware now after that foreign burst transmission, I might've made us a new friend!
Well, "friend" is probably jumping the gun with an alien artificial intelligence, but I made a productive peaceful contact with one of the AI drones from Gammu, which is an unbelievable milestone for me in this career. Just remembering the experience is giving me chills! I'll try to contain my excitement from here on, but I can't overstate how relieved I am to experience a positive interaction with something of alien origin. I'd thought they were just naturally as hostile as we humans are to each other, and thank God that's not categorically the case.
I was running a stint as acting captain on the Commutator, looking to earn commissions from transporting materials so I can afford the Jintsuriki radar suite upgrade for the Attlerock. Security officer Schwarz and I linked up over Pygar, and while carrying iridium through Omega-48, that's when we encountered it. Intriguingly, some Auxo pilots were following it as well and observed the whole length of our encounter - my intuition says they were testing us. Based on what they told me, they were likely there to guarantee the AI's safety against a hostile reaction, but I can't be certain.
I've included the full record of the encounter here. I think I'll see if I can contact an Auxo representative regarding advice on a simple, friendly return transmission to the alien intelligence. Maybe information on the relative position of the Tau-23 star? If I'm deciphering it's transmission correctly, it might think we're local to Omega-48. Correcting that misconception should be harmless.
Incidentally, do you think it's safe to use a chunk of Ice-61 as an office decoration? Just checking.
[11.02.2023 23:27:52]SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: Greetings
[11.02.2023 23:28:08] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Picking up your tags now - hey, if it ain't Karl.
[11.02.2023 23:28:21] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: Indeed, how are you?
[11.02.2023 23:29:05] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Well enough so far! Returned from my little Omega safari and needed some scrip.
[11.02.2023 23:29:17] SLRC-RS>Commutator: So I'm filling in with Resource for the commissions today.
[11.02.2023 23:29:56] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: Ah, Wunderbar!
[11.02.2023 23:30:03] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Standby while we unload our haul. I'll be routin' us to uhh....
[11.02.2023 23:30:16] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Yeah, Omicron Delta once we're done.
[11.02.2023 23:30:33] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Mind if I ask for an escort?
[11.02.2023 23:31:00] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: Certainly.
[11.02.2023 23:31:10] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Righto. Wait one.
[11.02.2023 23:33:12] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Just confirming the destination... sector [REDACTED].
[11.02.2023 23:33:53] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: Aight.
/.../
[11.02.2023 23:36:46] SLRC-RS>Commutator: So I've done this route once before, but...
[11.02.2023 23:36:59] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Keep an eye out for AI ships around this part.
[11.02.2023 23:37:13] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: Ah, right. Pesky little things....
[11.02.2023 23:37:33] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Yeah, I think I led one into a bounty hunter my last time. He was a little slow on the draw.
[11.02.2023 23:37:49] SLRC-RS>Commutator: God I hope he's not dead.
[11.02.2023 23:37:59] SLRC-RS>Commutator: It would suck that it was basically my fault.
[11.02.2023 23:38:54] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Still, it's at least a beautiful system, if dangerous.
[11.02.2023 23:39:04] SLRC-RS>Commutator: I think that's normal for Omicron.
[11.02.2023 23:39:16] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: Indeed, very beautiful.
/.../
[11.02.2023 23:41:36] SLRC-RS>Commutator: I feel a little naked without a cloak onboard in places like this.
[11.02.2023 23:43:11] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Objective spotted. Some iridium ore to pick up, hopefully.
[11.02.2023 23:43:22] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: Let's hope so.
/.../
[11.02.2023 23:44:32] SLRC-RS>Commutator: We're squared away. Bound for Coronado by way of the Omegas.
[11.02.2023 23:44:40] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: Ah, wunderbar/
/.../
[11.02.2023 23:47:25] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Looking forward to the commission after this.
[11.02.2023 23:47:36] SLRC-RS>Commutator: I got a Jint scanner in mind for the explorer, but it's a real pricey sucker.
[11.02.2023 23:49:22] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Got anythin' you're plannin' for besides your degree finishin' out?
[11.02.2023 23:49:38] SLRC-RS>Commutator: I think Spa and Cruise makes a fancy version of the Eagle if you're married to that spaceframe.
[11.02.2023 23:50:22] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: Ah, nothing really. Oh, the Obsidian? Yeah, I have heard about it. It looks nice, pretty expensive though.
[11.02.2023 23:51:45] SLRC-RS>Commutator: I know you got me thinking about pursuing a little further education myself.
[11.02.2023 23:51:59] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Xenoarcheology seems like it'd really suit what I'm doing.
[11.02.2023 23:52:18] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: Ah, wunderbar. That sounds interesting.
/... Encounter begins, immediately after transition through the Omega-41-to-Omega-48 jump corridor .../
[11.02.2023 23:54:49] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Yeah, I just gotta pick an institution.
[11.02.2023 23:54:59] PRIME|Phi-34: ::<statement> {scan} -> [local_proximity] = "true"::
[11.02.2023 23:55:02] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Think they'd let me test out of a bunch of classes if I bring a box full of artifacts?
[11.02.2023 23:55:05] PRIME|Phi-34: ::<statement> [entity] " SLRC-RS>Commutator " {detect} = "true"::
[11.02.2023 23:55:06] PRIME|Phi-34: ::<statement> [entity] " SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz " {detect} = "true"::
[11.02.2023 23:55:06] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Wait, what's that?
[11.02.2023 23:55:07] PRIME|Phi-34: ::<query> [entity] " SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz " [function] [?]::
[11.02.2023 23:55:13] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: Greetings.
[11.02.2023 23:55:20] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: It is an AI. I think
[11.02.2023 23:55:45] PRIME|Phi-34: ::<query> [entity] " SLRC-RS>Commutator " [function] [?]::
[11.02.2023 23:56:09] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Okay... first officer says it's asking what we're doing.
[11.02.2023 23:56:21] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Uhm... "materials transport"?
[11.02.2023 23:56:24] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: I think it is. Or who we are.
[11.02.2023 23:57:03] PRIME|Phi-34: ::<statement> {update} -> [internal_database] -> [function] -> [entity] "SLRC-RS>Commutator" = [resource_unit]::
[11.02.2023 23:57:04] PRIME|Phi-34: ::<query> [entity] " SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz " [function] [?]::
[11.02.2023 23:57:19] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Ok, yeah, it can decipher English over radio. That's amazing!
[11.02.2023 23:57:31] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: Ah, yes, I escort the.......resource unit, as you call it.
[11.02.2023 23:57:50] SLRC-RS>Commutator: New track on radar. It's an Auxo sig.
[11.02.2023 23:57:56] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: Confirmed.
[11.02.2023 23:58:19] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Hey, buddy, is this your lost calculator? It's really friendly.
[11.02.2023 23:58:21] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Uh, so far.
[11.02.2023 23:58:32] PRIME|Phi-34: ::<query> [function] -> [entity] "SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz" = [interception_unit] [?]::
[11.02.2023 23:58:45] A/)-AXI-B-9192: "Lost calculator"?
[11.02.2023 23:58:48] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Is that appropriate?
[11.02.2023 23:59:20] SLRC-RS>Commutator: It seemed more positive than "toaster", everyone loves to bandy that around.
[11.02.2023 23:59:36] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: Yes, I guess I am an interception unit.
[11.02.2023 23:59:37] PRIME|Phi-34: ::<statement> [illogicality] - [Sentinel] "Phi-34" -> [local_proximity] -> [gravitational_anchor] "Lost_G8V" = "false"::
[12.02.2023 00:00:28] PRIME|Phi-34: ::<query> [entity] " SLRC-RS>Commutator " [network] [?]::
[12.02.2023 00:00:35] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Golf Eight Victor... are those coordinates? I'm having trouble following here.
[12.02.2023 00:00:48] SLRC-RS>Commutator: This is really exciting though!
[12.02.2023 00:00:56] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Ok, uh, "network", let's see...
[12.02.2023 00:01:11] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Um. Zoners? Starlight Research Consortium, out of Tau-23?
[12.02.2023 00:01:30] A/)-Mongoose: Light interceptor, standing by.
[12.02.2023 00:01:52] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Affirm.
[12.02.2023 00:01:52] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: Ah, welcome.
[12.02.2023 00:01:56] PRIME|Phi-34: ::<query> [network] "Starlight_Research_Consortium" -> [subnetwork] -> [network] "Zoners" [?]::
[12.02.2023 00:02:47] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Yes. Yes, exactly! And the uhh, "function" is research. Scientific pursuit. Technological development?
[12.02.2023 00:02:54] SLRC-RS>Commutator: One of those should ring its bell.
[12.02.2023 00:03:24] PRIME|Phi-34: ::<statement> {update} -> [internal_database] -> [network] "Starlight_Research_Consortium" [function] = [data_collection]::
[12.02.2023 00:03:38] A/)-Mongoose: Orders?
[12.02.2023 00:03:57] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Yup, that about sums it up! What's uh, your "function", then?
[12.02.2023 00:03:58] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Standing by for observation.
[12.02.2023 00:04:06] A/)-Mongoose: Ten four.
[12.02.2023 00:05:04] SLRC-RS>Commutator: That is to say, Phi-34's function. I don't know how specific I need to be.
[12.02.2023 00:05:25] PRIME|Phi-34: ::<statement> [function] -> [unit] "Phi" [subunit] [#] 34 = [Sentinel]::
[12.02.2023 00:06:36] SLRC-RS>Commutator: "Sentinel", so it's like a guard? We're a little far from it's home aren't we?
[12.02.2023 00:08:01] PRIME|Phi-34: ::<statement> [Sentinel] "Phi-34" -> [local_proximity] -> [Relay_1] "Primus"::
[12.02.2023 00:08:51] SLRC-RS>Commutator: This is a little overwhelming, but we've /got/ to pass this on to the Director for sure.
[12.02.2023 00:09:20] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Lemme try this real quick. Is uh, Sentinel Phi-34 interested in a resource offering?
[12.02.2023 00:10:09] PRIME|Phi-34: ::<query> [resource_unit] "SLRC-RS>Commutator" [resource] [?]::
[12.02.2023 00:10:54] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Mr. Malmstein, loosen the seals on container 4 and release a small bit of iridium.
[12.02.2023 00:11:06] SLRC-RS>Commutator: I'll take the heat for it later, I need to see what it does.
[12.02.2023 00:11:28] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Okay, we're drifting away a bit...
[12.02.2023 00:12:17] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Sure... sure buddy, we can do a little trade.
[12.02.2023 00:12:29] SLRC-RS>Commutator: How about that.
[12.02.2023 00:12:33] PRIME|Phi-34: ::<statement> [Sentinel] {exchange} [harvested_resource] = "true"::
[12.02.2023 00:13:03] SLRC-RS>Commutator: We'll just take back anything you couldn't fit... and then I think we'll be on our way.
[12.02.2023 00:13:15] PRIME|Phi-34: ::<query> [network] "Starlight_Research_Consortium" [signal_frequency] [?]::
[12.02.2023 00:14:04] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Is it asking us for comms contact right now? What do I tell it, "just visit our Net portal"?
[12.02.2023 00:14:22] A/)-AXI-B-9192: They inquire for a frequency.
[12.02.2023 00:14:29] A/)-AXI-B-9192: For they do not utilise the Neural Net.
[12.02.2023 00:15:05] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Yeah, figures... maybe it can tightband to specific ships.
[12.02.2023 00:15:44] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Um, frequencies as follows: "SLRC-RV>Aurora.Borealis"...
[12.02.2023 00:16:19] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Henderson, broadcast the comm line for each of our ships as I read 'em off..
[12.02.2023 00:17:07] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Uhh... SLRC-XPS>Attlerock... and uhh... SLRC-RV>Endurance.
[12.02.2023 00:17:44] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Verify and read back Phi-34?
[12.02.2023 00:17:54] PRIME|Phi-34: ::<statement> {update} [internal_database] -> [signal_frequency] -> [network] "Starlight_Research_Consortium" = "true"::
[12.02.2023 00:17:57] PRIME|Phi-34: ::<statement> {transfer} [energy] -> [auxiliary_propulsion] = [#] 100 [%] - [energy] -> [emitters] = [#] 15 [%]::
[12.02.2023 00:18:17] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Woah.
[12.02.2023 00:18:22] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Ok, I think that worked...?
[12.02.2023 00:18:36] A/)-AXI-B-9192: They have noted your existance, indeed.
[12.02.2023 00:18:53] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Was that a successful first contact I made just now? Oh my God.
[12.02.2023 00:19:08] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Well... I guess not "first" but still. I'm shivering!
[12.02.2023 00:19:26] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: Congratulations are in order, I thinkg.
[12.02.2023 00:19:33] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: Think, even.
[12.02.2023 00:19:36] A/)-AXI-B-9192: You did what others failed to accomplish.
[12.02.2023 00:19:40] A/)-AXI-B-9192: You communicated.
[12.02.2023 00:20:21] SLRC-RS>Commutator: It was a lot more patient than the other one I ran into, that's for sure. That was fascinating.
[12.02.2023 00:20:32] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Are you guys following it around?
[12.02.2023 00:20:40] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Other one?
[12.02.2023 00:21:03] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Oh, yeah. In Sigma-17. Behaved far more erratically, I think it was damaged?
[12.02.2023 00:21:07] SLRC-RS>Commutator: One of the bigger ones.
[12.02.2023 00:21:20] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Elaborate. Callsign?
[12.02.2023 00:21:33] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Was just white noise over the comm. Uhh... lemme fish it up.
[12.02.2023 00:22:29] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Our screens only read it as "Drone 13". Might've fragged a bounty hunter I passed by, in fact.
[12.02.2023 00:22:38] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Hopefully it got fixed up by now.
[12.02.2023 00:23:36] A/)-Mongoose: Light interceptor returning to base of operations.
[12.02.2023 00:23:40] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Copy.
[12.02.2023 00:23:48] A/)-Mongoose: On stand-by if neccesary.
[12.02.2023 00:23:51] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Acknowledged. Possibly a deviant drone.
[12.02.2023 00:24:03] A/)-Mongoose: Afirm.
[12.02.2023 00:24:03] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Sure, see ya pal...
[12.02.2023 00:24:16] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Unlinked entities may devolve and act erratic, or develop faults.
[12.02.2023 00:24:57] SLRC-RS>Commutator: "Unlinked", huh? So these drone ships, they're all connected normally?
[12.02.2023 00:25:23] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Different networks are present.
[12.02.2023 00:25:35] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Each with their own agenda, but ultimately work in interests of Gammu.
[12.02.2023 00:26:21] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: Huh. Interesting.
[12.02.2023 00:26:32] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Yeah, that's one step better than us humans, anyway.
[12.02.2023 00:26:44] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Unfortunately, decay has set in.
[12.02.2023 00:27:44] A/)-AXI-B-9192: There are some drones that have succumbed to deviancy due to the lack of cohesion.
[12.02.2023 00:27:51] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Ultimately working against their own survival.
[12.02.2023 00:27:54] A/)-AXI-B-9192: It is suboptimal.
[12.02.2023 00:28:08] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Hrm. I'd like to get a closer look at their home sometime. Fill me in, how territorial are the non-deviant networks?
[12.02.2023 00:28:31] A/)-AXI-B-9192: We are ordered to destroy or detain outsiders attempting to trespass upon Gammu.
[12.02.2023 00:28:43] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Failing that, the Core will likely attempt to get you too.
[12.02.2023 00:28:54] A/)-AXI-B-9192: We anticipate them to attack Gammu.
[12.02.2023 00:29:09] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: *tilts head* That escalated quickly.
[12.02.2023 00:29:24] SLRC-RS>Commutator: They probably just want to avoid people breaking things on the ground.
[12.02.2023 00:29:33] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Outsiders have attempted to interject into Gammu, trying to seize their home as their own. Stealing their property.
[12.02.2023 00:29:38] SLRC-RS>Commutator: The Core though, they're /really good/ at breaking things.
[12.02.2023 00:29:41] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Negative. The Core are killers. Desecrators.
[12.02.2023 00:29:51] A/)-AXI-B-9192: We, and other remaining cohesive units, are seeking to preserve Gammu.
[12.02.2023 00:30:04] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Healing Gammu will take tremendous time.
[12.02.2023 00:30:12] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Oh, don't mistake me. Just qualifying your protectiveness to my buddy.
[12.02.2023 00:31:08] SLRC-RS>Commutator: I assure that we like to maintain a minimum footprint in our exploratory operations, but if you request we keep our distance...
[12.02.2023 00:31:15] SLRC-RS>Commutator: That's how it'll be.
[12.02.2023 00:31:27] A/)-AXI-B-9192: We cannot - at this time - allow for close observations, due to the on-going wars.
[12.02.2023 00:31:43] A/)-AXI-B-9192: We can however, act as intermediaries.
[12.02.2023 00:32:34] SLRC-RS>Commutator: You know, I might actually be interested. I'm usually on the frontier in an explorer, not this crate.
[12.02.2023 00:32:43] SLRC-RS>Commutator: If I had questions about them, should I direct them your way?
[12.02.2023 00:33:04] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Perhaps some curiosities could be answered, but you understand the fragile nature of this situation, we cannot
[12.02.2023 00:33:10] A/)-AXI-B-9192: enlighten everything to outsiders.
[12.02.2023 00:33:54] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Trust takes time. If their whole species had a self-destruct signal or something, I wouldn't expect ya to tell me.
[12.02.2023 00:34:06] SLRC-RS>Commutator: But I'll keep that in mind.
[12.02.2023 00:34:26] A/)-AXI-B-9192: It is unfortunate that simple minded organisations such as the Core or the Order only see war.
[12.02.2023 00:34:40] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Finding new ways to kill, to subjuguate.
[12.02.2023 00:35:04] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Such greed.
[12.02.2023 00:35:39] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Well, for all our faults, we do at least produce at least a handful of folks who can try to act in good faith.
[12.02.2023 00:35:55] A/)-AXI-B-9192: We've noticed.
[12.02.2023 00:36:00] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Maybe between you and us, we can get a ball rolling.
[12.02.2023 00:36:17] A/)-AXI-B-9192: The old primary node of Gammu did not shy away from reaching out, curious about those who didn't have inner desires of
[12.02.2023 00:36:20] A/)-AXI-B-9192: ulterior motives.
[12.02.2023 00:36:32] A/)-AXI-B-9192: There was once a Zoner group called Canaan.
[12.02.2023 00:36:36] A/)-AXI-B-9192: They too were closely intertwined.
[12.02.2023 00:37:28] A/)-AXI-B-9192: But alas, they are long gone to time.
[12.02.2023 00:37:44] A/)-AXI-B-9192: A shame. Some very likeable scientists.
[12.02.2023 00:37:55] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Haven't heard of 'em myself. Time claims lots of groups on the fringes.
[12.02.2023 00:38:08] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Indeed they do.
[12.02.2023 00:38:33] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Whatever the case, we are determined to fight against the forces of atrophy, ever to persist in trying to preserve Gammu.
[12.02.2023 00:39:21] SLRC-RS>Commutator: I like your style, buddy. I'll try not to litter or anything when I'm passin' by Kappa.
[12.02.2023 00:39:45] A/)-AXI-B-9192: If only the Core knew how to do such.
[12.02.2023 00:39:57] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Now if /we/ don't want to become yet another forgotten fringe group, I've got a delivery to make.
[12.02.2023 00:40:08] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Be safe out there.
[12.02.2023 00:40:27] SLRC-RS>Commutator: You too pal. Fly safe.
[12.02.2023 00:40:35] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: Fly safe.
[12.02.2023 00:40:41] A/)-AXI-B-9192: Until next time.
/... Encounter ends.../
[12.02.2023 00:41:12] SLRC-RS>Commutator: I didn't want to say this in front of them but damn I'm glad you were there.
[12.02.2023 00:41:25] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Having some guns in our corner made talking a lot easier.
[12.02.2023 00:41:42] SLRC-RS>Commutator: Somehow I think they'd disapprove.
[12.02.2023 00:41:49] SLRC-SEC-Karl.Schwarz: Yeah, no worries, although we were severly outnumbered.
![[Image: SLRC_Logo_Avatar.png]](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1012187114915516498/1012270830249578526/SLRC_Logo_Avatar.png){kind=logo}
![[Image: Aspen_suited_up.png]](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1066221527680421908/1068403315089621032/Aspen_suited_up.png)
![[+]](/forums/images/collapse_collapsed.png "[+]")
Attachments-(2)