First thing I did was blast off for the area with the so-called 'Androids'. It didn't take them long to find me; I had life-form readings in the area and scanned them the minute I made contact. I raised shields to be safe; they asked me if I confirmed my vessel was made from Empire technology; they also asked if I was "Group 9". I have no idea what they meant, but in the name of friendly relations sayed 'no' to each one.
They promptly opened fire on me. Glad I raised my shields! They were armed with basic pulse cannons only, so they weren't much of a threat - my "Tri-Cannon" promptly annahilated them after a few hits; I collected my booty and went about my business. I decided to explore this area further; for starters, I want to know where these "androids" are coming from - they must have a base in the area somewhere. I ran into a continuum flux and was teleported to an area of continuum fluxes I'd visited before. I ran into another life form in this area. I picked up strange communications via the comm, as if no message was recieved, but it was being read loud and clear. Their message was something about a dance, comedy, and almost like a play. They answered no questions. They did reference 'ancient ones' though, so I can only wonder. I was promptly pulled into the same continuum flux I arrived in and warped back to the Android territory.
I approached the first star system south-east of this area. There was some alien activity, I chose to ignore it. It did not follow me into the system. These are my findings on the system:
157, 98 - Touched Down, uninteresting system, oxygen planet, violent weather
I left the system and approached the alien activity found on the sensors. This time it was a strange satellite that approached me. This was no ordinary satellite; it weighted in at twenty tons, had deep space engines and otherwise was meant to record and relay planet data. I tried communicating with it, but it only relayed planetary data. I wasnt going to bother recording it, as it could be a wild-goose chase, a lie, or worse - some malificent force bent on luring in ships (I can dream right?). I decided to record it down for future reference - just to be on the safe side; you never know, it may come in handy!
3/5 94,42 - Life Bearing, Bio Density Medium, Mineral Density Medium
3/4 163,46 - Life Bearing, Bio Density Medium to Low, Mineral Density Medium to Low
3/4 179,195 - Life Bearing, Bio Density Medium, Mineral Density Medium
2/6 17,213 - Life Bearing, Bio Density Very high, Mineral Density High
3/7 163, 119 - Life Bearing, Bio Density High, Mineral Density Medium to Low
1/6 149, 133 - Molten, Non-Colinizable, Mineral Density Very high
I decided to explore the other many planets in the other star systems in this four cluster group. There is also a nebula south-east of here that I will explore before returning to the main continuum flux I encountered in this area.
158, 95 - Many Planets, first time seen, touched down on outermost planet on an aluminum sensor reading; null find and a dead end, waste of time, innermost world had aluminum and plutonium - great find; second planet seemed to be habitable - logged for colonization; I can't land on gas giants; second outermost world is oxygen/nitrogen based, but has 9Gs of crushing gravity and extremely violent weather; I will skim the lower atmosphere to check things out and land to test the odds if it seems probable
[Followup] The gravity was too strong and I underestimated it; I had to hit my boosters before I crashed - I was needless to say, forced to make a landing. I tested the odds on the grounds of the calm weather. All I encountered was extremely high winds and freezing nights; my ATV was pushed around a bit, but nothing the turbo chargers couldn't fix. I blasted off after taking up some elements into my cargo hold.
156, 94 - One Star, Two Planets; Landed on molten planet on a Rhodnium, Silver, Plutonium read; I did this without thinking about it - my starship can handle the heat however. I will be more careful in the future. I found two surface minerals and should have listened to the '0' reading from the ship's scanner. This planet's light gravity made it easy to blast off to the next world. Last planet was a wild goose chase.
157, 91 - Single Planetary system; dead system with nothing to report
4620-01-25:20; I blasted off for the nebula area and found four star systems in close proximity to each other. I would check back at these four stars after exploring the nebula. I found alien activity via the sensors in this area. I have them approaching the ship as I write this.
[Followup] It is the alien I encountered at the continuum flux region from before. I'm not sure if it was following me or not. I raised shields and weapons to be safe. At best, I was confined to a weapon and my shields wouldn't work in this nebula. That is okay, because the alien didn't have shields according to my scanners; it had a paultry pulse cannon. When hailing it, it gave the same response as before. I chose to blast out and ignore it.
My findings from the star system include:
164, 85 - Many Planets; First planet (second to outermost) had bio and mineral readings; it was temperate to searing, I logged it. I landed just to see what was going on here. I was attacked by something the minute I left the ship. The native animals are hostile here; the creature attacking my ATV was a flying predator of sorts; there were also some kind of creatures with many arms that were firing projectiles at my ship. I stunned a few to collect them. I ran into ruins at 30N x 10E with nothing to find. I will explore furthe.
[Followup] More ruins directly north. I investigated further, exploring surrounding regions and even moving the ship. I have been pushed around by heavy winds, seen tornados, and otherwise been attacked by lightning and native creatures for my efforts. My findings report nill, save for this planet was inhabited at one point. Minerals and hull damage are the only tell-tale signs I was here. Moved the ship and thought I landed on the ocean surface; turns out it was a lake; thank god for pontoon floats! Followed the land at an angle to the poles and equater to do a quick ruin spot-check of things around the planet; found some ruins on the central north-west area of the planet. Will investigate further and followup. ---Screw these native life forms--- I didn't want to be outright hostile, I am an explorer here, but enough is enough. I opened fire and went maverick on these bastards. I made quick work of them and mother nature promptly unleashed a thunderstorm on my atv. This lightning is wreaking havoc with my sensors and hull. I realized some of these ruin patterns looked familiar; I somehow double backed over my area - I must not have paid attention to my instruments when I was here before - I blasted off and said goodbye to this hellhole.
The molten planet nearby had nothing of interest. The outermost ice world had bio and mineral readings, but was uncolonizable. That is okay though! Because when I touched down to investigate, I landed next to some ruins. I am under the impression there was an alien civilization in this system at one point; I'm very excited!
My excitement was illfounded. I will attempt to be more professioal later on (yeah right!). If there was an alien civilization here at one point, they are now extinct. The native lifeforms were not hostile, a few were unphased by the ATV vehicle, while another slowly tried to escape. Stunning one did not do me any good - my cargo holds are full.
The rest of the system was a dud save for the outermost planet. Rhodnium, Aluminum and Plutonium based on the sensor readings. I didn't bother scanning the planet; I should be more careful in the future; it was big while descending, I underestimated the gravity and landed hard. I did a scan of the are and found some Rhodnium, I went back into my ship, lifted off and jetisoned the lighter minerals in the cargo hold and relanded. I landed hard again despite using my thrusters. I found mostly Plantium rather than Rhodnium. I have a better cache of minerals for my efforts. This planet also has high winds.
165, 85 - One planet, ice world - oxygen and nitrogen with no life. Best of all - no weather. Logged for colonization.
165, 84 - Outermost world had 100% bio and low mineral content. Despite being an oxygen and nitrogen world, I decided to check the analysis of the scanners this time. 2Gs, with sub-arctic to tropical temperatures and moderate weather. I will descend on this planet before logging it for colonization; I will most likely do a surface flyby of the ship first to see if there are any ruins. I picked up some lifeforms and scars from lightning strikes and that was it - there are no ruins on this planet.
Two rock worlds (outermost) and three magma planets (innermost) nothing else to report.
164, 84 - Nothing to report in this system, three gas giants which I will not be investigating.
I am leaving this area to investigate the area where I encountered the androids initially. Scratch that - there is a lone red star northeast of this nebula - it is sitting by itself and seems to be lonely. Think I'll detour before heading back to the main mission.
[Contingency] Ran right into a continuum flux en route to the red star and was teleported to another region. My starmap indicates I am 74 sectors from my current location. I may as well explore the nearby star system while I am here. Will follow up.
145, 168 - Got caught in the star's gravity; had to achieve orbit before I could escape. The ice world here has nothing to report.
I doubled back through the continuum flux and proceeded to investigate the star system. I saw alien activity on the scanners the minute I entered the system. This was strange as I'd not seen any outside of this system. I left to confirm and did confirm; reentered and there was alien activity. Engaging the alien vessel now. I had my pulse cannon armed from before and raised shields; the vessel I approached was nearly 2000 tons on scanners. This thing is massive. Max indicated we were picking up a distress signal. We punched it up on display to see what was the matter.
What we ran into was not what I was expecting, nor something I wanted to see. The message was recorded in March of 3480; this was nearly one thousand years before the current date. The ship was apparently a colony ship and captained by "Smelenuf"; the ship's name is "Lasthope". The ship was critically damaged and two-thirds of the crew and colonists are dead. They put down on the third planet in this system. The repeated message contained coordinates 22N x 97W on the third planet. The message ends with "we will survive as long as we can; I just hope you are not too late". Just what I needed was dead bodies. I had an opportunity to raid the ship - I decided to respect the dead and leave it as is. It was composed of lighter mineral element materials anyway.
The third planet is at the other end of the system. I will investigate (and would rather) investigate the first two anyway. The first planet was life bearing, but low; the mineral content was the same. I touched down. It took the native wildlife awhile to find me; they were hostile and resembled the things I'd seen on another planet - makes me wonder. I dug up some minerals for my trouble. I did a low-land flyby to see if there were any ruins; found nothing and blasted off for the third planet. I found nothing at the expected coordinates. I think I may have flubbed on the first and third worlds being the touch down point. I blasted off for the first planet at the designated coordinates to be certain.
4620-02-01:23 - I touched down at the coordinates and found the ruins; they settled in the middle of an icelake or ocean or whatever. I put Max on point while I waited at the ship; he reported some findings - dwellings, an small vessel (presumably a ship), miscellaneous stuff reminiscent of a civilization. There were dead bodies well preserved due to the extremes of this planet. I followed in with the ATV and left accordingly with my space suit. I will respect the dead here and not loot anything of interest; most of it appeared to be non-technological which I was interested in the opposite. Either way, I found the captain's decayed corpse and his log book nearby. They lasted eight and a half months.
What the log book reported was astounding! They were on their way to establish the Noah 9 colony world of "Heaven" when the ship blew. The "Mechans" are currently in a preperatory state of 'code blue'; their arrival would have signified 'code red'. They would have taken control of the mechans by that point. The ship, at least the captain assumes, was damaged by the "Laytonites". The log confirms that a bomb detonated the entire aft quarter section of the ship - something Max and I confirmed upon approaching the ship before hand. There was mention of a single pod. I assume this was a lifeboat. the log ends there.
I will put two and two together here - the Mechans are the androids north-west of here; this colony ship was "Group 9". Odds are I can communicate with them now if they are still not ticked at the fact I destroyed some of their ships. Better still, maybe the ships I did destroy did not get a chance to radio back to base and I'm all set.
I've decided to double-back to the continuum flux I encountered before and explore the neighboring region of the star system nearly seventy sectors away. I expect to find some alien activity on a hunch. I will then rendezvous back at Arth to restock supplies, sell my cargo and check with command on these colony worlds I've logged. I also need to catch up on some stuff with the locals. I will not be reparring any dents and dings to the hulls of the ship and the ATV at this time. Interest as of note, I chanced a look outside the ATV's window and noticed several predators were circling. The ship must have scared them; I entered the ship and blasted off, leaving them in the dust!They can't get in, but it was a funny sight.
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4620-02-02:21; This area has a number of stars north of the star immedietly outside of the continuum flux's entry. I will do a fly through, but will not explore these systems. I may chance it later. I'm here to investigate possible alien activity due to my findings elsewhere and I will remain professional. David out!
I ran into alien activity in less than an hour. I scanned the ship accordingly; cobalt and molybdenum composite, with lots of fuel on board. It was a little over 300 tons; about three-quarters the weight of my ship. Analysis of sensors indicated this was a scoutship, class three shields, it used torpedos for attack, but its weapons were disarmed. Shields were raised. I hailed them accordingly indicating my peaceful intentions. I was greeted to a giant insect on screen; my training with the auto translator worked as intended. He identified himself as Captain Chufe of the vessel "Pux". He identified himself as a Veloxi, which I assume is his race.
I questioned them about themselves first before anything else. He immediately accused mes of trespassing in their space. His speaking style was not necessarily grammatically correct English - for whatever reason the auto translator was either malfunctioning or this was how they actually spoke when translated. Anyway, he was up front about wanting three energy crystals (read: Endurium, my ship's fuel) as a tribute to their queen; then perhaps their queen's disgust with my behavior would be forgiven. I promptly agreed and jetisoned them from the cargo - which they collected promptly.
He was pleased with this and then promptly answered my question. The Veloxi are 'ancient and prestigous', their empire has been in space the longest and they are the most civilized. He didn't provide any other information, so I asked him about something important on my mind by this point - if there were other races out there. He didn't care about other races on the grounds they were barbarians and not knowing about the prophecy of 'the egg'. Apparently the Veloxi are held in number one regard above all races in their culture. Upon further enquiries; life in the galaxy is going to end and only the Veloxi understand it. Further enquiries turned up racial info - a stupid race called the 'Spemin', two races the "Elowan" plant and Thrynn 'scaly beast' are always fighting with the "Thrynn" attacking all the time. The Veloxi were under the impression that all humans (my race) had been destroyed in the "Second Wave". This "Second Wave" consisted of the Uhlek and Gazurtoid. He refused anymore information and blasted off.
Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
As I confirmed my findings and the fact I was trespassing, I decided to leave my investigation of the area and blast off for Arth to get some much needed break time. This little venture cost me about two weeks and burned through half of my fuel.
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4620-02-03; My little expedition in logging planets paid off. 35,000, 30,000, 25,000, 35,000, and 25,000 MUs all into my greedy piggy bank; uwehehehahasdga;sdgklas -cough-. I still have to check the listings, sell my mineral cache and then take some much needed R&R. Listings included "Continuum Flux Locations", they are 128, 105 to 146, 112; 126, 87 to 173, 88; 148, 166 to 170, 93; 99, 82 to 118, 107. There was also a listing for employment by a female "Thrynn" by the name of IHSSS T'Larra; 'her' experience is extensive having served onboard the "ISS Intrepid" as a communicator; she also has a Class 5 navigator's license. I will look into this later; R&R comes first. Lastly, my cargo cache netted enough money to fill my fuel stores two/thirds more than when I first started.
[Followup] After some much needed R&R, I met with Miss T'Larra. The "Thrynn" are a reptile, and despite having been in the same habitat as them at Arth, I've never seen any of them - only heard of reptiles onboard, so they must keep to themselves or something. Anyway, I expressed my interest in having comrades on board; her skills would also lighten a bit of the load so to speak. She wanted money; that was the stipulation. I counter-offered to train her in further and serve aboard our ship as permanent crew; she would have access to 5% of our cargo hold's networth. She agreed. Must have been desperate. She is undergoing further navigation and communications training. Of interest is her current skills in science and engineering capacity; her skills in medicine are a bit laughable and she seems uninterested in learning anymore.
We blasted off for the 'androids' after a few short hours. With Max as our sturdy engineer and T'Larra as our helmsman and communicator, I'm sure we'll be fine. Also on the topic, "T'Larra" has better communications skills than I do. I'm told it is a racial trait - my comments to this are, "Whatever".
4620-02-05:03; Breakfast consisted of sausage, eggs, and the top half of a hamburger bun. T'Larra is definitely a carnivore and will have nothing to do with vegetables; Max was unimpressed at the exchange. I asked T'Larra what her thoughts on her place in the universe were; she expressed she did not care and needed money to survive before anything else. I had to agree; although I'm not necessarily in this for the money - I want to know what those androids are up to. We were stuck in orbit for awhile; I passed the time performing diagnostics on the ship. 15 wasted Arth Crystals (read: Endurium) later, we blasted off for better or worse.
4620-02-05:10; This time we just went straight to their territory until we found alien activity on sensors. We hailed them this time; they introduced themselves as "Mechan 9". This was it, these are the Mechans reported in Smelenuf's log. The first thing I did is question them. The refused to answer any questions. Any information regarding other races or general information was also denied by them. We finally introduced ourselves and intentions. They straight away asked us if we were prepared for Heaven; I said no. They terminated communications. I scanned their ships - they use class two shields; paultry compared to ours. Their ships were scoutships in the same vane as the Noah 9 colony ship, only smaller.
The only star systems in the vicinity that we hadn't explored were north of here; it was doubtful there would be anything south as we never encountered any "Mechans" south-east of here. We entered the first star system accordingly and found several planets and went to investigate; of interest was alien activity here. Upon attempting to orbit the first planet we encountered alien ships. We hailed them; more Mechans. They refused questions - again. We expressed our intents as peaceful explorers and were scanned (ugh!). The interrogations began. They asked if we serve Layton. Considering the circumstances from before and Smelenuf's theory, answering "Yes" would be a bad thing; I answered "No" as it was the truth anyway. They asked about waiting for Noah; I simply told them "Yes" without breaking the news. They then asked if it was our desire they maintain "Code Blue". I told them "No." They asked about "Code Red" I said "No". They terminated communications. Either they are dedicated to Noah despite the undertones of what I wasn't communicating, or they simply were not interested.
145, 107; Outermost world we attempted to orbit was disrupted as we were engaged by androids dubbed "Mechan". Planet when finally assessed was a lost cause. The innermost planets were either molten or rock and of no interest; the last planet at the other side of the system upon closer inspection appeared to be habitable so we went to investigate. We achieved orbit and found above-medium mineral and bio readings. We logged the planet and landed to investigate. The sensor readings indicated this planet was about average. We landed at 14N x 11W to investigate. Outside of the indigenous life being afraid of us, we encountered uninteresting minerals (tin) and a thunderstorm with medium winds.
---
[Supplemental] En route to the last planet we encountered more Mechans. The interrogations began again; are we an enemy of Noah, 'no', are we ready to take our place in the brave new world, 'yes'. The machine on the comm responded with an odd statement; he said we were delayed and they were not programmed for this contingency. They asked about their scanner readout, "Empire Technology" and if we were "Noah 9". I said no. This was a mistake; they opend fire. They are currently circling the ship and attempting to hit us with pulse cannons; they have bad aim and have yet to land one. They just landed one and another; it is barely scratching the shields. I looked over to T'Larra and Max; T'Larra said nothing and Max was silent as usual. I let out a chuckle and started writing this log entry.
[Followup] Shields recharge before their pulse cannons do any major damage. This is laughable. I don't know if we should destroy them or not. I let out a hail just to ensure our intentions. No response so far. No response. I let out a hostile warning this time. No response. I finally gave the all clear to T'Larra to open fire. Of note, our own 'Pulse Cannon' fires quicker than their's and in rapid succession. I attempted to hail them again; this time hostile, after their remaining ship was left with near 100% damage. They still insisted on firing at us, so I told T'Larra to finish it. We collected some space debris and headed for the fifth planet.
We blasted off for the next system; reading alien activity in this system the entire time. The Mechans left us alone while we were in the system, but the minute we hit the outer-limits of the system they engaged us. This time I hailed them quite aggressively. To told them of their situation. They were not impressed and continued to interrogate us. I was forced to change my posture and answer questions in the same fashion as before. They would answer no questions as before. This time I told them to maintain "Code Blue". They promptly terminated communications.
[Report] Before we entered the system; we encountered more Mechan ships. I wonder what happens if I lie? It is -NOT- as if they are a threat to us. I verified "Code Red"; they said we were delayed and they weren't programmed for this contingency. We were clearly, 'not' an enemy of Noah. They terminated communications.
Upon entering the system and attempting to orbit a planet, we ran into a strange satellite weighing in at 100 tons according to scanners. It had class 5 shields and phasers as weapons. We treaded lightly if this was a Mechan ship. It started asking us questions in the form of numbers. I said no to all of them. Nothing happened when it cut communications. It turned around and went off for some reason. This planet, once we achieved orbit - turned out to be an oxygen and nitrogen world with high bio-density and low mineral density. Sensor analysis reported it was habitable, so I logged it in the colonization log.
We landed at xxxxx ----I forgot to log this, but it was west of what happens next--- we did some mineral digging. It was largely uninteresting deposits of Chromium with some more important Rhodnium deposits here and there. The local lifeforms were otherwise content to mind their own business and ignore us. At 27N x 2E we spotted something in the distance. It looks like a black egg suspended in some kind of device. We've taken it aboard for safe keeping. If there was another civilization here, we haven't seen any traces of it. So I assume it has something to do with the satellite in orbit or there was another ship here. We will circle the planet before blasting off. At 54N x 34W we ran into a strange pyramid. It appears to be some kind of ruins. We ran ruins a little north at 62N x 39W. A thunderstorm and heavy winds stalled our exploration; we used the ship instead and only found another set of ruins in the area. They are confined to this area with nothing of interest; all save for the "Black Egg" of course.
4620-02-09:05; After some analysis of the "Black Egg" in question, T'Larra and I agree it is some kind of detonation device. It is clearly of alien origin. What we have confirmed is there is a switch on the bottom that is used to trigger it, but we do not know what it's payload is. We wouldn't want it to blow up the ship now, would we? We have locked it in suspension material in a safe and left it on the bridge for safe keeping.
We blasted off for the next planet. It had a frozen oxygen hydrosphere, but other than that Fluorine compounds do not make a breathable atmosphere. We blasted off to explore the surrounding star systems. Surprisingly no Mechans disturbed us in our venture through this system - which was surprising.
151, 119 - Five Planets - Outermost is a gas giant; innerworlds are all rock. System has low mineral content. No alien activity; nothing of interest here.
4620-02-09-17; We ran into another Veloxi scoutship North-West of the system at 151,119. The Veloxi identified himself as a valiant drone of the Veloxi Empire and us as the inferior aliens trespassing. He wanted energy crystals as a tribute. We complied and he started to interrogate us. He asked us if we were part of the "Old Empire"; I have no idea what he means. He then said not to try anything funny as the Veloxi was superior and the most powerful. He said as long as we showed the proper respect for the distinguished Veloxi, everyone would be as happy as a 'Bivalve Mollusk'. I asked him about his race and he gave us the same information as before about the Veloxi being prestigious and ancient.
I asked about other races. He inferred the "Uhlek" was the most powerful of all races, with the "Gazurtoid" following behind them as the Uhlek move outward from corward (outter rim from core of galaxy) during the "Second Wave". He rudely cut communications after and we were left to our devices.
South of our encounter we encountered no alien readings. We ventured further-south still until we hit a star system; we ran through them quickly, but did not turn up anything. These systems were 143, 82; 145, 81; and 140, 80. We come from the area West of here, so the only other area to explore was further North of our encounters with the androids and then North-West still. We went North-West first, then North. 131, 116 was of no interest; but once we exited the system we ran into alien activity. Another Veloxi ship. The captain was to the point in threatening us; we are now 'evil trespassers'. He wanted more energy crystals to which we complied. He proceeded to communicate his "flabbergasted sensory apparatus" in the fact we were not acknowledging their superiority. I changed my tone - and while not sincere about it, begged him to spare our lives. He changed his tone.
We enquird more about other races in the galaxy. We asked about the "First Wave", to which he told us it was the Phlegmak and Numlox races attacking from Coreward in the year "3000". Nearly a millenia ago. He cut communications - quite rudely as is usual for this race - and took off.
At 129,123 we saw alien activity. I had a hunch it was the Veloxi, so we did not stick around. We entered the system and there was more alien activity on the sensors. We were intercepted by more ships that identified themselves as Veloxi. They told us we were surrending our "space boat" and creating the best of situations "no doubt". They had us outnumbered, so again, I changed my tone. More energy crystals. He asked if we were going to worship the "illustriousness" of the queen of their race. I promptly said "Yes". He asked us if we were killing "the Spemins", I said "no". He said perhaps the Veloxi would be 'nice guys' and not kill us if we cooperate. I really did not want a fight by this point. He then proceeds to tell us we probably think they are smart; and he agreed that 'no wonder! All Veloxi are exceptionally cunning the brain." I could have puked if I weren't trying to hold back my laughter. T'Larra was unphased. Max was looking at me for my reaction. I went to ask them about other races and they cut communications again. Once they cut communications, I scanned their ships - 300, 550 and 700 tons equivalent. They were a scoutship, warship and transport. Sensor readings indicated their shields were inferior to ours and the only ship which might give us trouble would be the warship. We left peacefully.
In trying to figure out why they were so hostile towards us; T'Larra pointed out the shields and weapons were raised in all situations where as only their shields were raised. We lowered our defences and went about our business.
128, 125; Red Star; Three Planets - Innermost are rock worlds and outermost was a world with some kind of liquid. The planets orbited unusually close; so we figured we'd give a closer look. We encounterd alien ships before we got to far into the system. They raised their shields the minute we encounterd them; scans showed it was the Veloxi. We went to hail them and they were a bit more pleasant than before. Rather than any formalities, I asked about alien races almost immediately. They wanted more energy crystals to which we agreed. We're not out of fuel - yet; but another 100 encounters in our investigation and we'll need to refuel (-cough-).
The communicator informed us that the "Uhlek" are further outward (west), much to the happiness of the Veloxi. Further, no Veloxi knows what the "Uhlek" look like. He gave proceeded to tell us about the Numlock and Phlegmak which are now 'dead'. The Veloxi killed them in 3250; he gave a location in the handle of the "Axe" constellation; second planet at 35S x 99E. He failed to give us the planet coordinates. We'll investigate later. He mentioned the first and second waves coming from the galactic center in the years 3000 and 3400 respectively. He told us about the Gazurtoid; they are squid-like and fanatically stupid. They want to wipe all air-breathers from the galaxy. The "Minstrels" are a race as almost as old as the "Veloxi"; they are harmless and wander space singing ballads. Veloxi think they are strange. The Veloxi have encountered a strange ship that communicates only occasionally.
They lowered their shields by this point and gave one final communication. We are now 'best friends' and that perhaps we would eat together the many slimy nodules the most delicious. I kind of gave a wave and motioned for T'Larra to cut communications. We blasted off without another word and left the Veloxi alone. We didn't bother investigating the system. Our next stop was the multi-planet system in Mechan territory. We at least now know where they reside. It is about 20-30 sectors distance by our estimate, but they are closer in to about 10 sectors.
4620-02-11:01 - We waited outside of the system; the Mechans intercepted us soon enough. They performed another interrogation. This time I lied. I put on the best award winning act I could muster. They terminated communications. We waited in the same spot for them to intercept us yet again; it took an hour of waiting. Again more lieing. They terminated communications again; we repeatedly hailed them - they finally answered. More lieing. We hit paydirt when they gave us access to their databanks.
Immediately, I wanted to know about them. Our findings were this - their mission is to establish the underground colony of "Heaven". They were to be followed by "Group 9" one year later; but they did not arrive. At this point it was obvious they thought "We" were Group 9, and it explained why they hadn't attacked us. They went on to say they left "Earth" in 3479, sent out by the "Institute" with instructions for standard Noah project procedure. They were given instructions to patrol the area within 8 sectors of the Heaven system, and repel any invaders after Heaven was established. Heaven was initially only marginally habitable and needed to terraform the entire planet and engineer the suitable biota. Since being established, they were attacked at least 14 times; twice they had to retreat underground.
Personal Comment: I'm surprised with as weak as they are compared to our single ship that they stand a chance against other ships; but perhaps other ships are as weak as the ones we have encountered up until now.
Project Noah was a final attempt by the "Institute" to ensure the survival of "The Empire" and the human species. All Noah colonies are underground for this reason. Heaven supports several hundred thousand colonists; it is the fourth world in the nearby star system.
I finally questioned them about "The Empire". They mentioned the first and second waves; which we knew about. At the time of their departure, the Empire had wiped out the Numlox and Phlegmak with an 84% certainty factor. Our presence (my crew's ship) indicates the Empire survived; at the time of their departure the probability of this was very low. During the wars with the Phlegmak, many worlds of the Empire were destroyed with their "Black Egg" planet bombs.
Personal Comment: It explains what might be in our cargo hold. I only looked at T'Larra whom gave me a thoughtful glance. Max had nothing to say - as usual.
The entire economy of the Empire was based in endurium with the richest planet being "New Scotland" located in the upsin end of the staff constellation. When the Mechans left, the Empire was divided into many factions. One was headed by "Layton"; Laytonites believed the empire was evil and should die. Layton and his followers are the enemies of Project Noah. The Mechans were explicit that they were their enemies. In 3440, Empire morale was broken when their offensive headquarters at Mardan-2 were destroyed by the Uhlek. The Institute has an underground station on Earth at 12N x 104W. The Empire uses drones called "Nomads" in preliminary explorations; these explorations and drones are used to map out possible colony worlds.
We cut communications by this point and sped off. It was finally apparent what we were dealing with. Me and T'Larra had a lot to discuss in the coming evening. In the meantime, we have decided to remian stationary in Mechan territory, just outside of the Heaven system.