Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
From: Dr. Leo Morningstar
Subject: Bad News
Encryption Strength: SLRC Protocol
We are sounding general quarters due to the movement of the anomaly field for a second time. The Darkhorse has been sent out to investigate a location to tow the station to. Luckily the gravity hooks we installed have no yet been removed so that station should have no problems being towed. Additionally, Dr. Wright has joined the Pathfinder crew to take some preliminary scans of the area to get data on the reasons for the anomaly field suddenly moving around.
What's more is, please ensure that if you are unmooring/undocking your ships to be aware that a large asteroid recently cracked open in the area, spilling several tons of Niobium in the area. This sudden surge of ore and mineral matter may cause troubles for your engines. The Darkhorse is already resilient in this area due to the future planned mission to head to Earhart to recover the Dreamscape.
[He picks up a receive and his voice echoes throughout the station.]
Attention, this is Dr. Leo Morningstar. Secure all stations, ensure that all moored vessels have departed and any remaining ships are lashed down to their respective bays. Station will be moving ASAP. Again, secure all stations.
[He hangs up the receiver and ends the transmission.]
--Dr. Leo Morningstar Chief Engineer, Ikarus Station Ever upwards, towards answers.
Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
From: Forgemaster Goodman
Subject: Fuel Source(s)
Encryption Strength: Standard
Following a rather rambunctious holiday party I was pleased to see that the engineering department took me at my word to switch over to a MOX Iridium supply for the main reactors. Which begs the question, which fuel is actually best? Something for the egg heads to fight over no doubt...
Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
From: Forgemaster Goodman
Subject: New Years, New Direction
Encryption Strength: Standard
As the New Year dawns upon us, I extend my sincerest wishes for a year filled with prosperity, discovery, and continued success in all our endeavors.
I am writing to announce a significant change within the Consortium leadership. Effective immediately, I have accepted the position of Director from Brandon Wright, who is stepping down to focus on his own research pursuits. While I may not be one of the Consortium's founding members, I deeply believe in its history, its mission, and the vital role it plays in shaping the future of humanity amongst the stars.
In keeping with the spirit of this new chapter, I will be announcing several internal projects in the coming weeks.
Our immediate focus will be on updating our records of all Zoner stations across the Sirius Sector. This crucial data will serve as the foundation for future initiatives and ensure we have a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape of our operations.
Following this, the middle of the year will see a period of focused relationship building. Here in Tau's near Ikarus Station, we will be hosting a series of workshops and collaborative ventures. Additionally, I will be personally visiting the Gryphon in the Omicron Theta to strengthen our ties with that vital region and ensure its continued success.
However, it's important to acknowledge that the Gryphon, and indeed the Consortium itself, is at a crossroads. Recent events have highlighted the need for greater autonomy and a re-evaluation of our priorities. We cannot allow ourselves to be shackled by outdated structures or become overly reliant on a single entity.
I encourage all members to embrace this new era with a spirit of innovation and a commitment to our shared goals. Let us work together to build a stronger, more independent Consortium, one that truly serves the needs of its members and pushes the boundaries of human exploration.
Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
From: Forgemaster Goodman
Subject: Freeport 10
Encryption Strength: Standard
To All Consortium Members,
Following my initial message regarding the upcoming focus on Zoner station data updates, I'd like to provide more specific details regarding our first target: Freeport 10.
Freeport 10 presents a fascinating case study. Founded as a haven for those seeking independence from colonial rule, it has evolved into a hub of activity, attracting a diverse population including Outcasts, members of the Independent Mining Guild, and refugees from Malta. I have included a preliminary review below, encompassing current rumors at the bar. The Freeports imports and exports, as well as information from its Public Board.
Should we broaden our scope to include other key groups within Tau 37, such as the Independent Miners Guild? Perhaps a detailed dossier on Freeport 10's Station Administrator would also be beneficial.
Your input is invaluable. Please share your thoughts and suggestions
Until Freeport 10 was established in 760 AS by a band of Zoners looking to establish an outpost as far from the colonies as possible, Tau-37 remained a virtually unexplored system at the distant edge of the Sirius Sector. Largely self-sufficient due to a Synth Foods biodome, the Zoners have continued the open-to-all tradition of the Freeports and frequently play host to members of the Independent Mining Guild (IMG) and Outcasts.
Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
From: Forgemaster Goodman
Subject: New Years, New Direction
Encryption Strength: Standard
To All Consortium Members,
I wanted to provide a brief update on our current activities.
Project Andromeda: Emily Gataki has commenced preliminary work on the Andromeda, a Bustard Class Civilian Carrier. This ambitious project will expand our capabilities and further solidify our presence within the Sirius Sector.
Exploration Initiative: Sailas and Rose have embarked on a long-range research expedition beyond the known boundaries of charted space. We anticipate their return in several months, and eagerly await their findings and discoveries.
Ikarus Station: Karl and Robert continue to… let's say, "add a unique flavor" to daily life at Ikarus Station. Their antics, while occasionally disruptive, remind us all that even amidst the rigors of research and exploration, a sense of humor is essential.
I am pleased to report that all departments are working diligently on their respective projects.
Please note that I am available to address any concerns or requests for additional resources. Simply submit a formal request through the appropriate channels, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
I look forward to a productive and successful remainder of the year.
Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
From: Dr. Leo Morningstar
Subject: Beginning of the Second Chapter
Encryption Strength: SLRC Protocol
[This takes place following the conclusion of the Dreamscape story currently being worked on/written by former SLRC members. Spoilers ahead, if you care.]
With the passing of Dr. Sailas Montgomery and the near-destruction of the Dreamscape, much of SLRC have gone their own ways. The end of an era...and I hope the beginning of another. All those who have moved on from Starlight are always welcome to return home, the docking bays are open. If that be Dr. Rose Emery or the Pathfinders who have taken up a posting with our friends and allies in the Starfliers. Ikarus will always be your home.
With that said, I am assuming the mantle of Director. With titans such as Dr. Montgomery and Dr. Wright previously filling those shoes...I know that I have a lot to live up to. With that said, allow me to begin my first official log as Director.
Approximately 17 Sol's ago, all personnel onboard Ikarus vanished without a trace. I was away at the time so luckily I was spared...if you want to call that lucky. When I returned, I was briefed by Dante Flintlocke, now of the Starfliers, on what had been discovered when he arrived. Deeply concerning. With what goes on in the deep Taus, I hope to never see them again...they might not be who they're supposed to be anymore.
[He shutters.]
I've commissioned a Freighter be setup and on standby. We're equipping Ikarus with the refurbished remains of the Jump Drive from the Dreamscape. The hope is we can punch holes into places we need to go right from our home. With any luck, there will be limited modifications necessary to power the device from the base instead of within a ship.
Finally, I've begun research into repairing and breathing new life into the Dreamscape. While much of the tech that Dr. Montgomery had designed onboard has been lost to the ether as a result of his noble sacrifice, we can at least honor his memory in bringing back one of his greatest projects...although with limited personnel, the timeline for this will be extensive.
One thing at a time, we'll get there.
--Dr. Leo Morningstar Director Ever upwards, towards answers.
Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
From: Dr. Leo Morningstar
Subject: Resuming the dream
Encryption Strength: SLRC Protocol
The overhaul for Ikarus station proceeds apace.
We were successful in configuring the Dreamscape's Full Slip Drive to the stations infrastructure and tested it once already to make sure we didn't get sucked into Earhart. The math was all correct but there was a slim margin that we might get ripped through the rift. I'm pleased to say, we did not. The second test, I flew into Earhart to obtain materials necessary to construction of our new Fabricator.
I must admit, coming back to this place was more jarring than I expected. The last time I was here we were running for our lives from things that wanted us and the Dreamscape...but we managed to give them the slip by flying the old girl into the periphery of this place...if only Sailas had managed to survive.
[Leo becomes quiet in silent contemplation.]
We move on, though...in his name.
I've made several successful runs with the new Freighter. Surprisingly, the Dragur is a much more capable ship than I thought it would be. It's appearance leaves you wondering if the thing is going to snap under the hyperspatial pressure that every drive acivation or jump causes. However, it takes it all like a champ with no recognizable stress. Quite the capable ship. I've heard rumors from our neighbors next door that they've been working on developing and designing a Freighter of their own. Mayhap we can get a sample for our own uses in time...for now, the Dragur is more than capable enough for our uses.
The Fabricator is coming along. We've got all the materials we need from Earhart for it's construction and have outsourced most of the rest of the items needed. Though being the distance that some of the items originate, it may take some time to fully complete the project. Once this is complete, we may see about upgrading to a new Core-4 system. Though, with the amount of personnel on Ikarus these days, I'm not sure if it's necessary.
More to come in the future, I have a few papers to review before moving forward. Heavy is the crown.
[He chuckles to himself before ending the log.]
--Dr. Leo Morningstar Director Ever upwards, towards answers.
Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
From: Dr. Leo Morningstar
Subject: Finish line
Encryption Strength: SLRC Protocol
We are within striking distance of completing the first stage upgrade for Ikarus.
The last item we need are Xeno Relics from the Deep Omicrons. We've send a communication to the Core to have some delivered but haven't heard back yet. Hopefully, within a few days, we'll hear something back so Phase 1 can complete. Phase 2 will entail upgrading Ikarus's core to stage 4. The stage 3 core has been ready for upgrade for years now, but for one reason or another Sailas or Brad never pulled the trigger on it. No doubt there were reasons behind their choice, but we need the extra space and this is as good of a time as any to upgrade.
Phase 3 will entail recovering some storage space as well as constructing a weapons factory, possible shipyard, and additional storage as necessary. This will allow for work on repairing the Dreamscape and getting it ready to fly again. Beyond that, Phase 4 is still in progress. Those still within the ranks of Starlight are considering picking up the old project files that Dr. Wright left behind concerning a Gyro of some sort for researching the nearby anomaly. Perhaps there is something to that.
I did a census of our personnel shortly after taking over and I only just now got the results. The manpower situation is concerning. We've lost more than 90% of our workforce excluding contracted personnel which are generally only responsible for maintaining Ikarus. This severely hampers our ability to perform research and work on various projects related to that research. The upside to this is with the lower manpower, the budget is fairly balanced. By shuttering various departments which used excessive credits to operate, we've been able to draw down our fiscal overhead down to pre-830 A.S levels. All of this to say...we need more people.
[He sighs.]
Hopefully, things turn around. Anyway, back to work. Those resources aren't going to get themselves...though maybe creating a drone to get them would be a good idea...
--Dr. Leo Morningstar Director Ever upwards, towards answers.
Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
From: Dr. Leo Morningstar
Subject: Adjustments
Encryption Strength: SLRC Protocol
Due to various difficulties with maintaining Ikarus with our limited staff, we've adjusted our future plans slightly. Instead of a Core upgrade, a Weapons manufactory will be installed on Ikarus over the coming days. To pair with this change of plans, we've towed a dated Pilgrim Liner into mooring with the station and have worked with a team of experts to convert it's interior to housing for various individual working on Ikarus. This will allow us hire staff onboard the Liner to see to their needs when not working on ongoing projects. The hope is that this will take some of the pressure off maintaining Ikarus's water levels in the future.
Concerning is the lack of a response from both the Core or Starfliers. A review of our external transmission systems may be in order to ensure that communications are getting out to the respective parties.
--Dr. Leo Morningstar Director Ever upwards, towards answers.
Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
From: Dr. Leo Morningstar
Subject: Completion
Encryption Strength: SLRC Protocol
IMG responded willing to work on the Dreamscape. They even offered to send technicians out to assist with bringing the reactor back online and getting it prepped for it's flight to Tau-44. It'll cost us somewhere between 2 to 5 million credits probably just to get the ship back to flight status, but with the influx of credits from Sailas' former accounts, we should be able to cover that no problem.
We have two communications open with the Starfliers and neither have been answered (excepting from Mr. Halpert). I'm starting to wonder if their core group are ignoring us. With two communications open and one being a flippant response from Mr. Halpert (no surprise there), it leads me to believe our wishes to work together are being dismissed. Aside from the Vallis reporting a brief exchange in Earhart, it's been mostly radio silence. I guess we'll just have to be patient and hope they get back to us soon. Else the return of the Dreamscape may take considerably longer than originally projected...we might just cut them out of this project altogether and go with the IMG for the entire thing.
Anyway, we've nearly finished the Weapons Manufactory. Only thing left after that is considerations of an upgrade to Core-4 and the construction of any additional factories onboard Ikarus. Some have mentioned the desire to construct a Hyperspace Factory. Though I'm unsure if I want to pursue that front just yet considering our inability to properly maintain the station as it is. Any excess construction may cause further strain on our ability to operate. The weapons manufactory is bad enough without adding additional stress to our capabilities.
More to come.
--Dr. Leo Morningstar Director Ever upwards, towards answers.
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