The Azura; HIP 19792 C 2 -24.7065, 6.5560 : Betterton Outpost
16 Feb 2021Feldbibliothekar
Betterton Outpost, a destroyed settlement. Demolished by Thargoids still left with the distinctive micro-atmosphere of the attack. It was found by other Cmdrs through broadcasts from 3 listening posts at Pleione 6, HIP 17892 2 A and HIP 19072. As with other settlements in the outer systems, the happenings can be found out through Settlements Comms Log Uplinks.4 downloadable logs:
MERCY 1/4
Superintendent Callahan to System Authority HQ — Site Report 378/8
Things have become complicated over the last few days. I would have submitted a report sooner, but I’ve been trying to quell a widespread panic.
It started last week. Scattered reports of strange sightings. Then a mining ship came in saying it had a ‘close encounter’. I laughed at that…until I reviewed the ship’s security feed.
There’s definitely something out there.
I couldn’t do anything to contain the rumours. I’m not even sure I wanted to. The people in this colony have a right to know. They have a right to be protected. I’ve attached a full report, requesting an investigation. We need assurances that we’re going to be protected from whatever’s out there. I would appreciate it if someone would respond to this request soon.
MERCY 2/4
Superintendent Callahan to System Authority HQ – Site Report 378/7
It’s been three weeks and and you’ve still not responded. Not even a line about there being nothing to worry about. You’ve left me with no other option — I’m authorising the evacuation of the colony.
Believe me, this isn’t a decision I’ve taken lightly, but people are already leaving of their own accord. And with all these encounters that have been happening, I’m not gonna lie – I’m just as spooked as everyone else.
Another couple of days and we’re out of here. I’ve just gotta straighten out a few logistical issues and this place will be cleared. I’m willing to accept the consequences, even if it means my job. Like I say — I’ve been left with little option.
MERCY 3/4
Superintendent Callahan to System Authority HO – Site
Report 378/8
We were too late. No — I was too late. This is my fault.
The facility came under attack before I’d evacuated even half the colonists. Distress signals were sent out on all ,channels, but I’ve got no idea if anyone will receive them. For all we know these things could be blocking our relays. Things? Might as well call them what they are — aliens. They bypassed our sensors and destroyed half the hab-units before we knew what was happening.
I’ve gathered together a group of survivors and we’re going to make a run for the main hangar. If there’s a working ship then we might have a chance. But if anyone at HQ gets this message, we need an immediate military response. And I mean a whole fleet. Whatever these things are, they’re not messing around.
MERCY 4/4
Superintendent Callahan to System Authority HQ — Site Report 378/9
We made it to the hangar. No sign of trouble. Then, wham! An alien ship appears and starts gliding towards us. I froze. I’m not ashamed to admit it. Everyone else did, too. We thought we were done.
But the ship just…floated there, like it was looking at us, thinking about its next move. It let out this sound and then just drifted away.
Who knows why it let us go. I can’t explain it. But this isn’t the time for questions. We’ve got to get out of here. This will be my last report. Just know that you left us to die out here — and I hope that haunts you forever.
After everything we've learned so far about Thargoids, is that they almost never attack unprovoked or without reason. Maybe they really do never attack without reason, but some of them are not comprehensible to us. Why they attacked this settlement doesn't seem to be clear. A hint could be the mining ship. A mining operation might be disrupting to the Thargoids seeding operation. Maybe it jams their communications network - if that term even applies in any sort to their species. This is why this settlement attack is a bit puzzling, but for just having measly 4 logs of the attack and nothing about the operation in Betterton Outposts, one can only assume. Another hint to the Thargoid's - let's dare to say it - unaggressive nature, is that it could have easily wiped out all of the humans. But it didn't. It let them escape, which might be a clue to the motivation. Thargoid's mostly wipe settlements clean of any humans that tamper forcefully with their sensor, pods and structures. But as the outpost is located in the Pleiades, this might be a simple case of territorial behaviour.
Classify as unclear.