Scientists from all over Sirius marveled over the phenomenon in the Omicrons. No one knew what it was, no one knew where it came from, but everyone wanted to. Cambridge Research Institute and Cambridge University, as soon as the anomaly was detected, set forth putting together an expedition to the Omicrons and the approximate whereabouts of the detected phenomenon.
Ageira Technologies was contacted and agreed to provide additional funding, as well as computers and its own scientists to the project as well. Ageira’s interests in the Omicrons notwithstanding, an energy signature of that magnitude had gotten their attention because of its effects on Ageira Tradelane technology. Also, in an unprecedented act of d?tente, Kishiro Technology contacted Cambridge University about possibly joining the venture. Cambridge gladly accepted, and Kishiro was able to furnish some of the best Optronic in Sirius.
The project chose a Percheron from Leeds to be the vehicle intended to store and deliver all the electronic equipment to the Omicron Nebula. With is combination of good firepower, armor, maneuverability, and hold size; and the added fact that it was the pride of Bretonian shipping, the Percheron seemed to be the best choice. Now, the consortium only needed someone who could fly the ship out into the Omicrons and bring back the delicate instruments and valuable data in one piece.
The Consortium called on Cryer pilot Markus Keller. Markus had been with Cambridge Research Institute for a few short months, but had taken on the dangerous task of transporting various commodities from Sigma 17 to Cambridge and bringing supplies back to Atka. Cryer considered this run volunteer, and Keller always took the job. Flying a beat-up, rusted shell of a Collector through some of the roughest systems in Sirius, the Consortium gave Markus the option of flying the Percheron, codenamed White Cloud, and he gladly accepted.
