Entry 1
The comms crackled to life, finally. The Republic’s cartographers were practically begging for someone to handle this deep-space survey. Few were willing to venture so far past the established trade routes, but the credits were good, and honestly, I was itching for something other than routine trade hustle. So, here we are. The Phoenix, is humming with anticipation, flanked by the Ravens, each bristling with sensors. Mule and Hydra, our workhorse cargo ships, are tagging along, laden with probes, supplies, and enough fuel to make a jump to the galactic rim. Thank the stars for the Tanker, otherwise this fuel journey would be a no-go. Plus, something else has my interest, a strange ping, some relay picked up, said they wanted to check out. The loot is mine, but they want the data. Let the exploration begin.
Entry 2
We’ve plotted the course, and the jump went smoother than I’d hoped. It's a lonely corner of space out here, mostly empty, but the sensors are picking up some interesting anomalies around the first target planet, designation LX-472. The scans show a breathable atmosphere, which is something at least. The probes are out now, painting the surface with data. The ravens are sweeping for any potential hazards. Mule is keeping an eye on the automated probe deployment, one of them is playing up already.
Entry 3
LX-472 is…well, it’s a bust. Mostly barren rock, some mineral deposits, but nothing of significant value. Still, the survey protocols dictate a full assessment. The atmosphere, while breathable, is thin and has a strange tang of sulfur. We deployed atmospheric sensors, they’re showing low but stable readings, which is something at least. Hydra is now running some geological scans and soil analysis. Seems like not much grows here. We’ll move onto the next sector soon. Still, the data ping feels closer so we will look at that after our next survey.
Entry 4
Second planet, designation QX-901, is showing some promise. Lush vegetation, water sources… it's a stark contrast to LX-472. However, our survey probes are reporting some interference. Something’s jamming the sensors, making detailed mapping difficult. It’s like a field of static, emanating from somewhere deep in the largest jungle continent. The Raven is doing close-range scans, trying to pinpoint the source. We will survey the location before landing. I'm getting the feeling this isn't just interference and something more is at play.
Entry 5
The interference was just the start. Turns out it's a magnetic anomaly, caused by some sort of massive crystal formation deep within the jungle. It's throwing off all sorts of readings, and making a proper survey practically impossible. Frustrating, but fascinating. Crow is using its specialized sensors to try and map the crystal structure. The readings are… unusual. It's not behaving like anything I've ever seen. I'm tempted to land a team and investigate, but the risks are too great. We've only got a limited time, and this survey is our priority.
I send two ravens to break off an investigate. The pilots are always itching for some fun. They'll get back to me what secrets this rock holds.
Entry 6
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
We finally managed to work around the interference field. It involved some creative programming and a bit of improvisation, but one of our engineers is a clever girl. The planet's vegetation is quite diverse; it could be of value to the Republic, or maybe just as a place to explore a bit. The planetary scan revealed signs of a structure hidden under thick foliage. We've marked it for closer inspection, but it's likely overgrown and not of much worth. The Republic wants planets and resources not ancient ruins. Still I can’t help but wonder what caused it to fall apart.
Entry 7
Finally, we’re heading towards the source of the data ping. It feels… closer than it did initially. We’re nearing an asteroid field, and according to the historical logs, there should be some sort of forgotten outpost nestled inside this cosmic rock. Phoenix is taking point, the ravens flanking us with defensive measures. Mule and Hydra are following close behind, we might need their cargo capacity. I'm feeling a strange mix of excitement and trepidation. It's been a long time since I’ve found anything substantial out here.
Entry 8
The outpost… it’s in ruins, yes, but not as bad as I imagined. It's a labyrinth of corridors carved into an asteroid. The atmosphere is thin but breathable, and the gravity is almost non-existent. Phoenix is locked down, we are taking a small team inside, we’ll be using the ravens as support. The place is eerily quiet, like a tomb. And yet, there’s a faint hum, a residual energy that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Something happened here, something big. Let's see what secrets this place holds. I’ll write more when I can… hopefully.
Okay, here are some diary entries from a survey team member in a sci-fi world, reflecting your provided prompt. I've tried to capture the conflicted feelings and the desire to protect the newly discovered environment.
Entry 9
The comms crackled with static as the Ravens return. It’s been nearly a standard week since they broke off to conduct deeper scans. I’ve seen this before – the rush to uncover something new, something valuable. But this time…this time, it feels different. It feels wrong.
Entry 10
The preliminary reports are in. Both frigates recorded the same phenomenon: crystalline structures of immense size and complexity, scattered across the valleys. They're not just rocks. They resonate. The energy readings are… substantial. They reported a sustained, non-radioactive pulse emanating from the largest formations. It’s as if they're breathing. The images are breathtaking, fractal patterns shimmering with an internal light, unlike anything I've ever encountered. But the closer I look, the more I feel a knot tightening in my stomach.
Entry 11
I spent the last two shifts in the observation deck, watching the delicate interplay of light and shadow across the alien landscape. The crystals shimmer, they pulse, they seem… alive. My readings show that the deeper you go into the crystalline valleys, the stronger the energy field. I even felt a… a resonance with it. A deep sense of peace, almost a pull. It’s the kind of feeling you get when you step into an ancient forest, feeling a connection to something vast and old. But this feels deeper. This place has a soul. And we are going to destroy it.
Entry 12 - Decision
The report is due in two cycles. I know what my duty is. I should upload everything. I've debated it ceaselessly in my mind. If I were to be honest, I would report it. But I can’t. I can't bring myself to do it. For the first time, I feel a complete and utter reluctance to share what we've found. Those energy readings, the unique properties of the crystals, the unique feeling these give me... It's all too precious. Too delicate. I refuse to be a party to its destruction. I'm going to redact the most important parts, tweak the data, and give them something interesting, but ultimately safe. Let them find their energy somewhere else. Let this planet keep its secrets and its beauty. This time, I choose silence. This time, I will be a silent protector. I’m a trader, out for profit, but this is my bottom line. I’m supposed to bank credits. But this time, I’m not going to. This time, the crystals will stand undisturbed, shimmering in the light of their distant sun, for as long as they can, hopefully, forever.