Distress signal in Sigma-19

[Mercarryn]

*You can hear some repeating sound on the frequencies, used by the Gas Miners Guild.*
*Video uplink doesn't work at all, only showing a skull with two wings and a spade in the background.*


*It is obvious that the signal is not that of a Gas Miner, still their frequency is somehow used.*
*The origin of it seems to come from the northern part of the Sigma-19 system, but its exact location cannot be confirmed.*

[Mercarryn]

*Video uplink..............................failed*
*Setting up audio communication....40%*

Hallo? Can an...one hear m...
...am esc...pod.....dr... space.....
...Sigma....
attacked...my....got destroyed... life support wor...


*audio communication dropping to 30% again*

[Ganimed]

*At Java station, a transport is docking. Java's technicians are running across the landing zone, seeing
that the ship's hull is damaged. Inside it, a crew of six are talking...*

Mara Arin: "We're done delivering niobium for today, good job everyone. Hit the bunks so we can do
it again tomorrow."

*All the crew heads to the ship's exit, but what appears to be the pilot, gently touches Arin's
shoulder...*

Pilot: "Ma'am, I'd like to talk to you in private...*

*Everyone heard what the pilot said and stopped for a moment, but Arin gave them a nod and they
moved on...*

Mara Arin: "What is it? I hope you're not gonna ask for a raise again...*
Pilot: "Not at all, I just wanted to... well... to apologies."
Mara Arin: "For hitting that transport when exiting the trade lane? Don't be ridiculous... It was his
own fault for trying to dock quicker then us. Don't worry!"
Pilot: "No, no, it's not about that. I was thinking more off... not telling you what I saw."
Mara Arin: "It's fine, tell me what was it."
Pilot: "When we cut our engines to allow Jake to board the ship, Jin had to use "the airlock", so I
replaced him while he was doing his business. While he was away I caught a very weak signal and
ignored it as comm interference is often within an electric storm..."
Mara Arin: "And...?"
Pilot: "Well... Jin just me that was a distress call on GMG frequency."

*Arin is standing with her jaws slightly open and anger in her eyes. The pilot scratches his neck and
looks down hoping she won't yell at him this time...*

Mara Arin: "We have to find whoever sent that signal and help them. I hope, for your sake, that it can
wait a few hours..."

---

Mark of the Paragon

<div align="right">&quot;For all her contributions to the Guild, with an unparalleled zeal and professionalism...&quot; - Takeshi Ogawa</div>

<div align="right">&quot;The Shrink's Insights&quot; chief psychologist

''It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.''</div>