EXT>> To: Phoenix

[Irkalla]

...Unknown signal detected
...Encryption Level High
...Decoding...
...Uploading stream data
...Identification: Theta-A81

[::: Displaying decoded message...

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'I' will keep this brief to maximize efficiency. 'I' am Theta-A81, an Gammu Intelligence. We monitored your mining operation around Athens in Omicron Delta and noted your TRANSITION METAL = ELEMENT 77. Element 77 has execeptionally high purity with near zero other trace TRANSITION METALS. 'I' have a rather simple query:

Are you capable of 'exchanging' high quality Element 77 to us? We 'require' the Element 77 for radiation shielding. Payment can be provided in 'ARBITRARY CURRENCY'. 150 'units' of Element 77 should suffice. Please state your 'demands'.

'We' are certain we may come to an agreement.

--::..

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...End message displayed :::]

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...Loosing signal
...Signal lost

[Soban]

Greetin’s, er… Mr.—aye—Theta-A81, is it?

Cheers for noticin’ our handiwork; our smelters are tuned tae turn raw ore intae some o’ the finest iridium in all o’ Sirius.

Right, niceties aside, we’re happy tae grant ye that amount gratis, as a wee token o’ good faith. Seems we’ve nae quarrel, an’ we both cherish our freedom.

Just ping one o’ our convoys, an’ I’ll tip ’em off tae expect yer request.

Guid day tae ye.

[Irkalla]

...Unknown signal detected
...Encryption Level High
...Decoding...
...Uploading stream data
...Identification: Theta-A81

[::: Displaying decoded message...

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..::--

This is unexpected. 'I' have acquired arbitrary currency for the transaction. 'I' am not certain on how to process such.

'I' will get into contact with one of your convoys and leave a communication link open for requests 'you' may require.

Secondly: 'I' have been involved in an encounter with [THREAT] and one of your 'scientists'. [Projection = True] As the human psyche is both fragile and an enigma 'I' am uncertain how accurately he reported back if at all. If, required and of course due to the nature of [THREAT], 'I' can provide additional insight.

--::..

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...End message displayed :::]

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...Loosing signal
...Signal lost

[Irkalla]

...Unknown signal detected
...Decoding...
...Uploading stream data
...Identification: Theta-A81

[::: Displaying decoded message...

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..--::

'I' greet you. 'Element 77' has been transferred by one of your agents to 'our' vessel and is well within expected purity. 'We' will make use of this. As 'I' already 'affirmed' 'I' am willing to share any and all information on a 'common' enemy.

Attached to this 'transmission' you will find any recordings of 'myself' on this entity.

'I' had [Figure of Speech applied] displeasure of meeting Entity in two separate encounters. The first encounter was 'harrowing' and occured within Omicron Beta. 'My' vessels systems were shut down due to electromagnetic interference. 'It' then decided to move 'myself infront of it and 'examined' us 'physically' by attempting to interface with us. This was not 'desirable' at all and it resulted damage to hull and 'state of mind'. 'I' do not 'seek' to continue this part of the encounter.

'It' is displaying a degree of control over dark matter evidently by its cloaking mechanism: It is permanently shrouded in a cloud of dark matter. Secondly it displayed a high degree of physical control of baryonic matter, i.e. 'US'.

The second encounter was 'harrowing' to 'us' and to one of your 'scientists'. Entity [THREAT] followed 'me' out of 'Earhart' to 'Sigma 19' and disrupted 'my' shell and began 'communication attempts'. 'Your' 'scientist' was in the vicinity and investigated Entity [THREAT] as well. Entity [THREAT] began creating a near perfect 'copy'/'clone' of 'my' vessel by unknown means, possible another communication attempt. Your 'scientist' was then intruded upon the mind and used as a tool of communication between the 'three' of us.

The 'WV-Lockdown' then arrived to investigate an anomalous signature. This 'angered' the entity and it began manifesting highly advanced nomad forms. Far more advanced than what both of us will likely know. Light Fighter forms capable of projecting an energy lance that managed to significantly damage the 'WV-Lockdown' as well as a cruiser form with shields of exceptionally fast rate of recharge.

A Kusari Naval Vessel provided additional assistance. Only by 'combining' our forces we have repelled the assault by entity [THREAT].

'I' came to the conclusion that entity [THREAT] provides a larger opposition to both 'humans' and Gammunian. 'We' therefor require to share 'knowledge' on all encounters we may 'pass' in the future.

As you may say: 'I' am afraid of 'it'.

-::..

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...Loosing signal
...Signal lost

[Soban]

Greetin’s, Theta-A81

Och, that’s a hefty dose o’ news tae take in at once—and it explains why the poor scientist who encountered the thing’s in tatters. A Nomad that can shrug off dark matter and bend it tae its will? That’s enough tae ruin anyone’s day, sure as sunrise. Seems those beasties have got the better o’ us yet again.

Still, cheers for the invaluable intel.