Data Transmission 9479: Type – Daily Log
Source: Hub 1 Captain Seat
Time: 20:32
This is Thomas Milton Vance, Acting Captain of the second awakened crew on ship EE3. It is approximately 8:30 PM, 14 October, in the cabin year 2380. We remain on course to T7-404, now estimated at approximately 50 light-years from target. Standard log procedures remain in place, and I confirm that all system checks have returned nominal results.
Today, we received preliminary results from our long-range spectroscopic analysis of T7-404's atmosphere. As expected, the planet exhibits strong biosignatures—oxygen, nitrogen, and traces of methane indicative of a stable, habitable environment. However, several unexpected deviations have been flagged by our automated analysis models.
Specifically, our analysis indicates that localized regions are emitting surges in carbon based emissions, coinciding with additional atmospheric disturbances and temperature variances that are inconsistent with any anticipated weather patterns or natural fluctuations within the parameters projected in any locatable pre-flight research and data points.
My first instinct, and that of the majority of awakened crew members, is that these surges indicate either sentient life that was previously undetected, or an environmental disaster akin to a volcanic eruption has occurred on the planet since departure from earth. The latter being the more likely event, as no radar, radio, or artificial light signatures have been detected by any usable instruments thus far.
While the crew is split as to the source, I find it unlikely that any sentient life without sufficient technological advancement could produce temperature and atmospheric variances of a detectable magnitude. Additional testing and detailed instrumental analysis will be available as we get closer.
For now, we maintain standard course.
End Log Transmission.
Acting Captain Thomas Milton Vance, EE3.
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Data Transmission 10324: Type – Daily Log
Source: Hub 1 Captain Seat
Time: 21:15
This is Elena Vasquez, Acting Captain of the third awakened crew on ship EE3. It is approximately 9:15 PM, 7 February, in the cabin year 2434. We remain on course to T7-404, now estimated at 10 light-years from target. Standard log procedures remain in place, and I confirm that all system checks have returned nominal results.
We continue our analysis of T7-404’s atmospheric and surface composition, which I will summarize prior to asserting my conclusions. Ongoing examinations have revealed additional inconsistencies beyond those logged exhaustively in previous transmissions. Our updated scans have confirmed that all prior anomalous carbon signatures persist, now traceable to persistent patterns across multiple regions. The periodic nature of these emissions suggests an intentional source, rather than a random geological event.
Thermal imaging has also identified structured temperature variability in multiple areas across the planet’s night side. These signatures are irregular but localized, and while still faint, their distribution suggests more than mere natural variance. Current analysis rules out volcanic activity as the primary cause, given the absence of expected accompanying emissions such as sulfur dioxide or tectonic displacement indicators.
The absence of radio or radar signals remains consistent with prior findings. However, localized electromagnetic fluctuations have now been recorded in areas corresponding with the strongest thermal anomalies. These fluctuations remain below the threshold for artificial signal classification but deviate from naturally occurring planetary magnetic activity.
Crew discussions regarding the nature of these findings have grown increasingly divided. Some maintain that the anomalies merely suggest a low-technology civilization or sentient population, one that does not rely on electronic communication or detectable artificial light sources. Others insist that no civilization could create thermal or electromagnetic patterns at this scale without some form of detectable infrastructure, and instead there must exist a form of unknown atmospheric or energy-based phenomenon, possibly biological in nature.
With only 10 light-years remaining until arrival, the time for speculation is ending. I have ordered the emergency awakening from stasis of research crews 8, 14 and 20 to assist in ongoing evaluation of these phenomena, with awakening to occur using standard protocols and procedures. All other crews and the civilian population will remain in stasis until intended awakening at 6 months pre-descent.
For now, we maintain standard course.
End Log Transmission.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
Acting Captain Elena Vasquez, EE3.
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Data Transmission 10976: Type – Daily Log
Source: Hub 1 Captain Seat
Time: 22:04
This is Elena Vasquez, Acting Captain of the third awakened crew on ship EE3. It is approximately 10:04 PM, 29 August, in the cabin year 2445. We remain on course to T7-404, now estimated at 5 light-years from target. Standard log procedures remain in place, and I confirm that all system checks have returned nominal results.
Today marks a significant turning point in our approach. For the first time, our telescopes have provided high-resolution images of T7-404's surface, resolving features that unmistakably confirm the presence of an advanced, structured civilization. Settlements of various sizes, defined road networks, and cultivated agricultural regions are now visible. The architectural structures suggest an organized, large-scale society, with walled cities, fortified compounds, and intricate layouts that imply urban planning.
What is most striking is that these civilizational markers are entirely pre-industrial, with no visible electrical infrastructure, no evidence of widespread industrial activity, and still no artificial light sources detectable. Instead, settlements appear illuminated by open flame and other primitive lighting methods. Roadways appear to be built for what seem to be animal-drawn carts, and there is no visible sign of vehicles or mechanical transport.
The absence of technological infrastructure raises significant questions, particularly given the continued detection of energetic anomalies that have not only persisted but increased in variability and complexity across all scans. These anomalies, which correspond with several of the larger settlements, continue to exhibit localized electromagnetic fluctuations and sporadic thermal variances inconsistent with any known natural or technological sources. Their distribution patterns, frequency, and intensity suggest a deliberate phenomenon, yet we remain unable to classify them within any framework of known physics. More alarming, is that our long laser interferometry is now detecting fluctuations in the gravitational field, with no known or explicable basis for the readings given our visual observations.
Crew discussions have shifted from debating the presence of sentient life—now undeniably confirmed—to understanding the nature of this civilization. The prevailing theory remains that we are observing a low-technology society, but the energy anomalies present a direct contradiction. Without an obvious technological explanation, the possibility of unidentified natural phenomena or a currently unknown energy source of societal function is being considered. Theories range from localized geothermal activity, naturally occurring electromagnetic fields, or even some unknown form of biological interaction with the environment.
I have authorized increased observational focus on these anomalies, prioritizing any correlation between their activity and movement within the settlements. Additionally, I have requested the research crews to refine their spectral analysis models to determine if any non-traditional energy sources can be isolated.
With only 5 light-years remaining, we are quickly approaching the stage where direct observation will replace speculation. Until then, we continue to monitor, analyze, and prepare.
We remain standard course.
End Log Transmission.
Acting Captain Elena Vasquez, EE3.
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Data Transmission 11742: Type – Daily Log
Source: Hub 1 Captain Seat
Time: 06:45
This is Captain Jameson Tate, Captain of the fourth awakened and descent crews on ship EE3. It is approximately 6:45 AM, 14 May, in the cabin year 2450. We remain on course to T7-404, now estimated at 3 light-years from target. Standard log procedures remain in place, and I confirm that all system checks have returned nominal results.
Following an extensive briefing on prior findings by third awakened crew, it is clear that we are dealing with an unidentified and unclassifiable planetary force beyond current scientific understanding. Despite numerous scans and analysis, no definitive explanation has emerged for the gravitational fluctuations, electromagnetic anomalies, or persistent energy signatures concentrated around settlements on T7-404. The time for speculation is over.
Given these unresolved variables, I am authorizing the early awakening of all scientific and security forces aboard EE3. Diplomatic training and tactical preparation will commence immediately to ensure all personnel are mission-ready ahead of descent operations. All awakened crew are to adhere to revised protocols, with priority placed on situational readiness and adaptive response training.
Until further notice, we maintain standard course.
End Log Transmission.
Captain Jameson Tate, EE3.
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Data Transmission 12410: Type – Daily Log
Source: Hub 1 Captain Seat
Time: 23:30
This is Captain Jameson Tate, Acting Commander of ship EE3. It is approximately 11:30 AM, 12 September, in the cabin year 2450. We remain on course to T7-404, now estimated at 1.5 light-years from target. Standard log procedures remain in place, and I confirm that all system checks have returned nominal results.
Following the latest observational data, I am initiating full crew awakening to begin immediately. Imaging and enhanced optical analysis have now confirmed visible movement on the planet’s surface, including what appear to be organized settlements with active populations. While these findings were anticipated, the scale and behavior observed in these movements have raised significant concerns among the research and security teams. The persistent gravitational fluctuations and energy anomalies remain unexplained and now appear to correlate with certain regions of heightened activity.
All crew will be brought out of stasis over the next 72 hours, with priority placed on mission leadership, planetary science, and diplomatic personnel. Descent protocols are being revised to account for the unknown variables presented by these findings. Until further notice, all personnel are advised to maintain heightened readiness.
Final approach preparations begin now.
End Log Transmission.
Captain Jameson Tate, EE3.