Pleiades Nebula Deployment, Mission Addendum #5
23 Aug 2017User78245
Major Systems Surveyed:Col 285 Sector CV-Y D57
Mel 22 Sector BV-P C5-2
After-Action Report: After retrieving the requested Unknown Resin from the Thargoid base I reported on previously in the Aries Dark Region, it was noted by my co-pilot that the substance was causing a fast acting form of corrosion-based damage to our vessel's internals. Per emergency protocols, I broke comms silence to inform our handling team of our immediate return to Obsidian Orbital in the Maia system vice our previous flight plan.
Immediately after our first jump, I was relayed information from Professor Palin that we were being followed. Our handling team informed us that our nearest support unit was currently located over 300 light years away in the Kaal system. While exiting witchspace from our next jump thereafter, we were interdicted by a crew of Ant Hill Mob pirates piloting a Vulture and a Gutamaya Clipper. Due to the aforementioned corrosion damage to our internals, the inop status of our chaff dispenser, and overall reduced effectiveness of our shields, I ordered evasive maneuvers to be taken to avoid direct conflict. Taking into account the obstinate pursuit of the pirates, I was forced to break with Alliance Defence Force tactical doctrine and perform fuel scooping at a higher speed and at a closer range to stellar bodies than typically allowed, causing further heat damage to our vessel.
Due to the Resin-induced corrosion and heat damage, the vessel's canopy shattered two jumps away from the Maia system and emergency breathing equipment was donned at this point. Approximately 2 minutes outside of Obsidian Orbital, the cargo hatch malfunctioned and dumped 8 tons worth of collected Meta-Alloys and an occupied escape pod we retrieved at HIP 19026. The Resin was delivered as requested, and I have spent the last three days engaged with repairing my ship.
Remarks: I have returned to surveying Thargoid planetary bases after this week's previous Resin-based debacle. My results are as follows:
-Col 285 Sector CV-Y D57: Thargoid base found on planetary body AB 4 A. All conditions previously noted at the base in the Aries Dark Region have been noted here as well. I've taken this opportunity to test the threat response of the "skimmer" biological robots. I have observed that they do indeed only respond to direct attack or "near misses", but do not respond to threatening actions to any other structure inside the boundaries of the base. I have also noted that this system is host to a planet with an ammonia-based atmosphere. Due to the Thargoids' well-known affinity to atmospheres of this type, I strongly advise this system be placed under direct and continuous observation. Nothing else of interest found.
-Mel 22 Sector BV-P C5-2: Thargoid base found on planetary body 1 A. All conditions found to be identical to the other bases as previously noted, with the exception that this one seems to be in a more "active" state albeit still unoccupied. Of particular interest is the presence of several massive structures that appear to be some sort of hangar or open-ended shelter. On a related note, I have also encountered several unknown biological devices in this system that appear to a probe or micro-satellite with the ability to perform scans. I have forwarded the relevant scan data and visual evidence as requested, but I will not continue to transport Thargoid technology without an AFMU installed and a substantial increase in my pay.
End of report.