Captain's Log - September 22, 2023
23 Sep 2023dead_bothan
Captain's Log - September 22, 20230947
I'm on a planet called Altair III-B with Andreja. We're looking for another artifact piece. I think we only have a few left before we've found all of the available artifacts. After that we'll have to deal with the Emissery and the Hunter. I think I burned the bridge with the two of them when I didn't agree with their philosophy. We'll find out.
0954
This abandoned Cryo Lab is completely over-run with Spacers. These assholes shoot for no reason.
1007
Found the artifact. The Omicron artifact. Was being guarded by a Starborn. Or maybe the Starborn showed up to stop me from getting the artifact. Hard to tell. Went down pretty easily with the gun I got from Vladimir's place. Visions are getting more detailed. Time to get the fuck outta dodge.
1015
Back on the ship. Didn't realize my new ship, the Achilles II, was already over its weight limit on cargo. Not sure how that happened. Need to probably figure that out. Also, I only got this ship because of it's travel range. Andreja was a big help in that abandoned Cryo Lab. We got the artifact. Now we're off to the next scouted location for another artifact. Speaking of which, I need to get the my other main ship to store these artifacts. After I get the next one I'll transfer ships. Oh, and I just walked in on Sarah working out and Barrett just sort of watching. Lol ok guys
1036
Made a quick pit stop at Akila city to sell off some junk. Still concerned about my ship being overloaded, couldn't take on a mission from the mission board to delivery supplies. Couldn't quite make the jump to the next galaxy for the next artifact so had to stop in the Arcturus System and did some planet scans while there. On to the final stop.
1041
Made the jump to the Freya system where the final artifact is located. Once I came out of hyperspace next to Freya III, I was immediately hailed by a satellite with a distress call from a Nishina Research Station. Guess I'll go check this out since I can't continue to finding the next artifact without checking this out first. I'll take Andreja to see what's going on.
1046
I got to the Nishina Research Lab with Andreja. Standing outside the door, I used their comms system to see what was going on. The person on the other side wasn't aware of a distress call. I asked about the explosion in the High Research Lab and he still wasn't sure. Now I'm being directed to go talk to the Director of the Lab. Oh boy, here we go. Space Pirates?
1050
Ok, the security guy was leading me to the Director through the storage area and all of a sudden my vision went black and when I came to the whole research lab is in ruins. It's disgusting in here. Not sure where Andreja is. I need to figure out what the hell just happened.
1053
Walked forward a few paces and was attacked by some scorpion looking monsters. Started shooting at them and then my vision went black and I was back with the security guy. No more ruins, no more monsters. Fucking hell. We're both very confused. Is it the artifact that's causing this? We're going to go ask the Director. Also, I don't think Andreja is with me.
1057
Just shifted again. This time, a man named Rafael was hiding behind a table. He said that he sent out a distress signal because 3 months ago they were doing experiments on what sounds like an artifact and there was an explosion in their High Energy Research Lab. Everyone died except him. Just as I was about to get more information from Rafael, I shifted back to the security guy. Well, this is interesting.
1105
Talked to the Director. Definitely shifting from this universe to another one. Rafael was their Chief Engineer who was doing experiments on the artifact. In this universe, Rafael stopped a hydrogen leak but ended up shutting down the entire underground research level. Rafael in the other universe was not able to stop the leak and that caused an explosion, killing everyone. The Director and other researchers have not been able to regain access to the underground research levels. We've proposed an idea for me to shift to the alternate universe and restore power to the elevator system and hopefully that will carry over to this universe. This shit just got weird.
1115
We figured out how to shift between universes in a controlled manner. Using a calibrated probe, I can make my way down to the research level to shut down the experiment. This will cause the temporal shifting to end. However, I have to choose which universe to save. The one with Rafael, or the one where Rafael sacrificed himself for the 30 other scientists at Nishina Research Lab. Not an easy decision. Heading down to the underground research level now...
1242
Whew. Just fought through a horde of scorpion monsters and rogue robots, depending on which universe I was in. Luckily I had two effective shotgun weapons for each type of enemy. Fought through down to the lowest level where the probe was hitting onto the artifact, Lambda. Shut down the probe and retrieved the Lambda Artifact. I decided to save the universe with all the researchers. I'll be sad that Rafael didn't get to live, but I believe that this is the universe Rafael would have wanted me to save. His sacrifice will not be forgotten.
1249
Back onto the Achilles II. Found Andreja, she was just waiting for me right outside the ship. I have one of the last pieces of artifacts. Now I have to go confront the Emmisary and the Hunter and the rest of the spaceborn in a fight for the final artifact piece. Why can't we resolve everything peacefully? Why must it all end in violence? I'm going to make a pit stop back in Akila to switch back to my home ship and do some trading. The researchers at Nishina gave me some interesting gear that does -15% damange from aliens. This might come in handy dealing with the spaceborn. Also, I am hoping to talk to Andreja more, I feel our relationship could be stronger. The spaceborn are waiting for me at Masada III at a Buried Temple.
1328
Finished my stop at Akila. Restocked and traded junk to the local dealers. Also switched ships to the Star Eagle. Now off to Masada III. The Star Eagle has a smaller grav drive so I have to make smaller jumps. First stop was in the Sagan system where I was immediately attacked by Space Pirates. There were nearly 10 of them but I managed to defend myself and keep the ship intact. This system is really small, one red sun and a small planet. I think before I continue to Masada III, I'm going to check out the small planet. It's an ice planet with no atmosphere. Appears to be rich in water, nickel, and cobalt.
1341
So, I landed on Sagan I to check the planet out. There's some ship debris that I scanned that I want to go look at. Andreja wasn't following me so I went back into the ship to get her and out of nowhere Sarah and Barrett were yelling at me. No idea what they were mad about but they were both angry about something. I calmed them both down and they are no longer angry with me, but I still have no clue what they were upset about. They also aren't telling me, which isn't useful. I'm trying to remember if I did something that would have upset them but I really don't think I did. Is there something about this planet that is triggering them? I'll have to pay close attention as we spend more time exploring Sagan I.
1356
The Space Debris was a bust. Nothing interesting at all, except some minor resources. There was a nearby structure that ended up being a UC Marine Training Post that was overrun with space grubs. They didn't appear aggressive so I left them alone. Weirdly, they were training against robots that nearly overtook their squad. I watched as I didn't want to get involved but I was nervous they weren't going to come out of the training event alive. Thankfully, they were all ok. A true training moment for everyone. Returned back to the ship to check up on Sarah and Barrett and they are acting as if nothing ever happened. So weird. There's another point of interest on the other side of the planet I'm going to go check out.
1408
This planet is a bust. I'm out of the system. Sagan System, you got nothin'. I still have no idea why Sarah and Barrett were mad at me. I don't think I can blame Sagan I anymore. I'm continuing on to Masada III. Have to make little hops as this whole route is unexplored. I had to go through Kryx, which was Crimson Fleet airspace and things got hairy for a few minutes before I jumped again. My next jump was to the Jaffa System. Seems chill enough. Going to explore around this system a bit before moving along. I found a POI called Vulture's Roost on Jaffa IV. Let's see what this is all about
1418
Vulture's Roost is overrun by the Eclectic. What's with these guys? I found a key to a cell somewhere. Maybe somebody needs a rescue?
1421
Nobody needed rescuing. Just an empty cell with some pills that slow down time (cool!). Cleared the place out. I don't even know why these guys were here. Also don't know why they just attacked me on site. Continuing on to Masada III.
1424
Ok, I'm back on Jaffa IV at the Vulture's Roost. Apparently, after doing a quick scan before leaving, I missed the whole back section of the POI. Going back in to see what the Ecliptic are up to.
1434
Looks like I've busted into a gang hideout for the Ecliptic. These guys like heavy metal music and heavy pours of alcohol. Amy is apparently an alcoholic and there are notes to not serve her more than 5 drinks. Her tab has her at like 15 lol. Just broke into a safe and grabbed a bunch of room keys. Let's see what I can find. Am I a monster for just murdering everyone in their home? Maybe that's why Sarah and Barrett were mad at me.
1500
At the back of Vulture's Roost was a spaceship! I still feel kinda bad for just mowing down this whole group of Eclectic, but they were swimming in contraband. I don't know if that justifies the murder, but at least that's one less gang running wild in the galaxy. This ship kinda sucks though, The Dagger. No shielding so even if I wanted to take the contraband, I couldn't because there'd be no way to hide it. I know I know, I can hear myself and the complete hypocrisy. It was weird though, lots of body organs. Seems weird to just leave it all behind. As a Freestar Ranger, maybe I should confiscate? But I don't have a channel to distribute this back to Akila safely. I'll keep the ship though and maybe sell it for parts.
1510
Uhhh, totally forgot to check the cargo! This ship was full of contraband! Stupid Dagger. Immediately got scanned as soon as I tried entering into Akila airspace. Hightailed it out of there to avoid getting fined. Is that bad? Maybe. Landed at an outpost of mine. Should have offloaded but I really just want to get this stupid ship off my hands. Went to Deimos to try and sell it and noticed I have a BOUNTY from the Freestar Collective! Probably for evading their scan. Had to land 1000 meters away from Cydonia and walk the whole way there. Cleared my bounty and now I'm going to try and sell this cursed ship. I am so far away from Masada III! I wonder if the bounty is why Sarah and Barrett were mad at me. But that would have been before I evaded the contraband scan...so maybe I had the bounty for something else?
1518
Sold the Dagger. Cursed ship. Also, the ship didn't have contraband, I had the contraband on my persons. Turns out those pills that slow time is called aurora and is totally illegal contraband. I'm just going to eat them all at once so I don't have to deal with it anymore. Man, learn something new all the time. I gotta stay away from any more Ecliptic settlements, those guys are trouble.
1528
Decided to just sell the Aurora to the Trade Authority here in Cydonia. I mean, while I'm here might as well take advantage. I'm still wondering about Sarah and Barrett. I wish I could ask them more questions as to why they got so mad at me, seemingly randomly. Alright, well I think I'm all done here in Cydonia. Made some trades and now we're back in space on the Star Eagle. Cargo space is about 80% full so I'll have to start figuring out what to do about that. I wish the cargo for each one of my ships could be linked and I could move cargo around. On the other hand, I probably don't need to be hauling as much junk as I am either. Ok, off to Masada III again!
1534
Stopped in the Tidacha System. Nothing to report. There was one planet with three moons. All appeared to be barren off of initial scans. Moving on to the next system on my path to Masada III. Next up is the Heisenberg System.
1537
Heisenberg has some interesting planets with a couple that have a standard O2 atmosphere. Most are barren with no atmosphere though. Maybe I'll come back and explore, but for now on to the next system. Next up is the Decaran System.
1540
Decaran System had a few outposts but mostly I just want to get to Masada III. Tried to make the jump but the Star Eagle doesn't have a large enough grav drive. Ugh. Back to Akila to trade out the Star Eagle for a ship with a bigger grav drive.
1543
Quick trip to Akila city. Swapped over from the Star Eagle to the Achilles II. This thing has a huge grav drive, it can do 28 light years in one jump. Finally, should be good to go to Masada III. No distractions now!
1550
Got all the way back to the Decaran System, last stop before Masada. Was hailed by a Sanctum Universum ship. They were making jumps all around the galaxy trying to find a spiritual connection to space. It's interesting to have an entire religion based around creating a spiritual connection with space by just grav jumping around, but I suppose there is some merit to the miracle of grav jumping. They seem peaceful enough so I guess there's no issue. My immediate reaction is not trust organized religion, but I guess most are innocent enough. Onwards to Masada.
1559
I jumped into Masada System and was immediately met by the Emmisary and the Hunter. We fought, and I blew their ships apart. Now I'm going to land on Masada III at the Buried Temple and get the last Artifact. I disagree with their tactics and their philosophy. I am glad to put them behind me, for now.
1610
At the Buried Temple. There's a military installation on top of it. I'm just starting to walk through and I see a Starborn ship landed up on a hill nearby. There's a trail of dead Ecliplics going from the Starborn Ship down to the Buried Temple through the military installation. It's a blood bath.
1622
Fighting my way through this military installation. I've come across some Starborn and then further in, near the entrance to the Buried Temple, these Ecliptics start appearing. First let me say, these Ecliptic guys are just the worst. Complete assholes. But, interestingly enough, the Starborn appear to be able to take control of their bodies temporarily and shift in and out. Makes fighting the Starborn more challenging. I wonder if there is something going on with the Ecliptics that allow the Starborn to do that?
1630
Haven't quite reached the Buried Temple yet. Stumped upon an anomaly inside this Ecliptic base. I stepped through the anomaly and I'm back at the Argos mine with Lin and Heller! It's like a repeat of that fateful day that seems like forever ago! Months? Years? But now I'm back. I can go back through the anomaly to the "normal" world, but it's evident I need to go through the anomaly first to get access to the Buried Temple. I have Andreja with me but only I can go through the anomaly. Hopefully she'll be ok while I figure this out.
1644
I traveled through the mine of Argos, the same one I did so many months ago, and right before the first artifact I ever found, there was another anomaly that brought me back to my current time. Andreja was safe. We continued on through the Ecliptic base. We encountered more Starborn who had turned the sentry and robots against us. I hacked into the system and turned them onto the Starborn and we successfully beat them. Continuing on, we found another anomaly. This one took me back to when I met with The Collector for the second artifact I ever found. I remember I had to murder him to steal the artifact he was hoarding. The ship let me go without a fight, but I didn't want to murder him. He wasn't giving me another option though. I couldn't steal it. So now I have to face that demon. I once again had to murder him to get through the anomaly. Something feels very off about all of this. Am I ok with the life I've lived?
1724
There was one more anomaly I had to go through where I was on Vladimir's telescope station, The Eye. Except, I was dead and Vladimir was mourning my death in his arms. I talked to Vladimir and re-assured him that we will get through this and to keep going. This is my first time I feel like as a universe traveler that I'm making a positive impact. Maybe? It's hard to tell. Maybe Vladimir just thinks he's seeing ghosts.
I came out of the anomaly and fought more Starborn. This time they were projecting as mirror images of myself and Andreja. We fought them together and persevered. I'm not in the Buried Temple and The Hunter and The Emmisary appeared to fight me one last time before I get the final artifact. However, I convinced them that this isn't worth fighting over. That this time, someone else should get the artifact. I think they've done enough damage. They, somehow, agreed with my logic and left. Now to get the final artifact!
1735
I have all the artifacts. Now to enter the Unity. I'm going to say goodbye to everyone first. I really hope this isn't the end.
I've also concluded that Sarah and Barrett were mad at me because I may have accidentally destroyed a UC ship while in a dog fight with some space pirates. I didn't realize it at the time, but yeah that's what happened. Also why I had a bounty on me from the UC (duh). I'd feel bad, but honestly, that's kind of the risk of dog fighting in space. I'll have to be more careful next time because obviously I'm not out here trying to make enemies of the UC.
1812
Said goodbye to everyone from Constellation. I still don't know why this has to be goodbye. I have faith that going through the Unity won't change who I am and I'll still be able to live a life with the friends I've made. But hey, here's to the journey and finding out. See you on the other side.
1837
I stepped into the Unity. I was greeted by...myself. But not truly myself, it was more like a representation of all my selves in every existing universe. I was given the choice to either make the leap into the Unity to become Starborn or to return to my ship and continue to live out my life. I watched how my actions impacted the universe I was about to leave behind and then made my final decision. I have become Starborn.
1841
I have awoken as Starborn. I am in my ship outside the moon Vectara, moon of Anselon of the Narion system. I think my first stop will be to go back to the Lodge and see how the Constellation is doing. Maybe my friends will be there. Maybe they will remember me. Mystery awaits.