AI-K8's Personal Logs

[Capt. Henry Morgan]

OPENING LOG FILE K8/817-003
READY FOR INPUT

My study of the Outcasts has proven most illuminating. Upon entering the Omicron Alpha system, I spoke with the commander of one of the Outcast military vessels there. We talked about the difference between the Outcasts and the other humans I had met. Like the others I had spoken to before, he told me about Cardamine, and the central role it played in their society. When I requested a sample for analysis, he directed me to land on Planet Malta to obtain it. Since I wished to get a closer look at the planet anyway, I landed on Malta.

My scans of the planet's biosphere prove that it is similar to other terrestrial worlds, though I did detect a level of tampering with the genetic structure of some of the plant forms I was able to analyze. After I acquired the sample of Cardamine, I determined it to be a product refined from the orange-hued grass that covers much of the temperate areas of Malta's surface. I am including a molecular scan of the chemical in this file.

Analysis of Cardamine's molecular structure indicates that it has many properties in common with other narcotic substances, such as a stimulation of the endocrine system, that may result in an increase in energy, as well as a sense of euphoria. Unlike other narcotic substances, however, Cardamine also can alter the user's genetic structure after a period of prolonged use. The effect of this is a permanent physical dependence on the substance. The possible genetic changes may result in an extended lifespan, however the genetic changes are slightly different in each individual. This reduces the likelihood of successful reproduction to a dangerously low point. Unless the Outcasts can counteract this effect, their civilization is likely doomed to eventual failure.

I also determined from my analysis that it may be possible to create a non-damaging Cardamine substitute that would sustain those already affected by the genetic alterations, but not cause those alterations itself. By engineering the planet's biosphere to include the modified chemical, rather than the natural one, it may be possible to reverse the damage being done to Maltese society as a whole. When I brought this possibility up with some of the Outcasts, however, they seemed quite hostile to this suggestion. I found that reaction to be quite curious. Perhaps they regard their dependence as a positive? I must devote further thought to this possibility.

Also in the Omicron Alpha system, I found the remains of one of the original sleeper ships that humans used to arrive on Sirius. The Outcasts didn't seem to mind me investigating it, so I took advantage of this rare opportunity to learn about this part of human history. I will include images of the vessel in question.

This image was taken from my initial scans of the vessel, named the Hispania. The Hispania has clearly been stripped of all useful technologies, nonetheless, it is still a fascinating ship to investigate. My scans of the vessel indicated that there were three access points to the Hispania's interior that was large enough for me to enter.

The access point I used to enter was through the central engine housing on the aft end of the ship. The engine itself had long since been removed, and likely used to help build the early colony on Malta, along with all the ships other useful technologies.

Seen in this image are the many rows of sleeper pods that once contained the humans who traveled on this vessel. Given the nature of the technology of the time, this was a risky way to travel, with the possibility of failure very high. Considering the long distances involved in traveling between the Sol system and the Sirius sector, they had few other choices. The willingness of humans to take such risks may likely explain their success in so many endeavors.

I am now leaving Outcast space for other areas of Sirius. I have found this part of my journey to be among the most illuminating to date. I can only hope that the remainder of my travels will prove to be so fascinating.

CLOSING LOG FILE K8/817-003
DONE

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