Kreet Research Lab is an abandoned United Colonies Xenowarfare Research Laboratory on Kreet.
Background[]
This former UC Xenowarfare Laboratory was illegally built on the Freestar Collective world Kreet in the Narion System sometime before February 11, 2307. It was on that day that the researchers under Senior Xenobiologist Hayden Wynn moved into the facility and began their work. They were drawn to Kreet by the presence of the homarus gammarus species, later referred to as Kreet Stalkers, which were native to the world.
Over the next eleven months, the Xenowarfare Division worked under the codename Project Petshop to convert many of the local Kreet Stalkers into Xenoweapons using their Neural Control Interfaces, or NCIs. They paired the stalkers with the United Colonies Marine unit, the Red Devils, creating the first Xenowarfare units that would wreak havoc in the upcoming Colony War.
When the Freestar Collective began farming the world Vesta in the Lunara System, the United Colonies declared it to be a violation of the Treaty of Narion. In January 2308 the UC attacked the FC colony on Vesta using the forces trained at the Kreet Research Lab with devestating results. No Red Devils or Stalkers were lost in the attack, as the defenders suffered a 93% fatality rate.
In the aftermath of their success with the Kreet Stalkers, the Kreet Research Laboratory began work on the weaponization of Heatleeches, but found the process impossible at that time. They then began to attempt to weaponize Terrormorphs. The most terrifying alien threat in the Settled Systems, Terrormorphs proved to be incompatible with the NCIs and on August 20, 2310, a single captive specimen killed the entire staff, leaving the laboratory abandoned.
In 2330 the Crimson Fleet took over the site, and began to use it to raid ships in the vicinity.
Layout[]
The exterior of the research lab holds four pirates, a first aid kit and a storage box. A door leads into the facility proper.
Kreet Research Lab[]
The main entrance area does not feature much of note, barring three lockers. Inside one of the fridge units is a pod from which a Heatleech will come out. A stair leads up to office 01.
Office 01[]
This is a small office. It features two lockers, a first aid kit, and two Digipicks. A stair connects it to the kitchen and cafeteria.
Kitchen and Cafeteria[]
Upon entering this section of the building, three pirates can be overheard in conversation. The area itself features some food, a storage box, some Antibiotics, a first aid kit and a pharmaceutical kit. Yet another stair leads to the living quarters.
Living Quarters[]
Upon entering this area, two Crimson Fleet pirates can be overheard in the distance listening to a panic call from dr Hayden Wynn. Inside living quarter 01 is a computer terminal with some information on the site. The rest of the area features two first aid kits, some ammo, food, eight lockers, two beds, a novice-locked safe, some clothing, a weapon rack, three ammo cases and some Bandages. A door connects the living quarters directly to the lab.
Lab 01[]
The lab is the place where the Terrormorph was being held - its containment unit still being on site with shattered glass. Ten dead scientists can be found here, as well as 6 pirates. In terms of loot, there are three lockers, two weapon cases, a Heal Paste, some food, a storage box, and a Pharmaceutical Lab. A computer in the alcove next to the stairs sheds more information about the facility.
Research 02[]
A small research area, upon entering two pirates can be overheard talking about the loot of the lab. There are three dead scientists here, as well as another first aid kit, four lockers, and a storage box. A novice-locked door leads to a "Testing" room. Inside here is an ammo case, a novice-locked safe, and Hayden Wynn's Project Terminal.
Going up the stairs in the research area leads to the office of Hayden Wynn.
Hayden Wynn's Office[]
Inside the office is one pirate as well as the corpse of Hayden Wynn. Dr. Wynn Emergency Slate 1 can be found here on a slate holder, next to a computer which provides the last bit of details on the facility. There is also a space helmet and a novice-locked ammo case.
Connected directly to the office is a small storage area. Here is another dead scientist, with another Heatleech pod next to him. There is also a novice-locked safe, on top of which is Dr. Wynn Emergency Slate 2. There is an ammo case, a cooler, and two digipicks, as well as a ladder that leads to the storage entrance on the roof.
Storage Entrance[]
This is a small area features a science crate, pharmaceutical kit, and a first aid kit. A door leads to the roof proper.
Roof[]
The roof holds some loot in the form of a weapon case, two first aid kits, a storage crate, two lockers, a Med Pack and two Helium-3 dispensers. Brogan and two pirates are also located here. Upon engaging in combat with them, another Crimson Fleet spacecraft will land and drop off four more pirates.
Computer Entries[]
Living Quarters[]
New Beginnings![]
"Hayden Wynn
Personal Journal
January 13, 2306
I can't believe it! I got the posting!
The United Colonies Xenowarfare Division is now official. I can't even imagine the amount of red tape they had to cut through at MAST, but it's long overdue. And I get to be a part of it from the ground up.
My official title will be Associate Xenobiology Technician, and I ship out in three days. Amanda is upset, but I assured her I'll have plenty of leave, and will be back in New Atlantis all the time.
I'm still not sure where I'm going. Definitely somewhere in United Colonies space. Guess I'll find out when I get there."
Candidate One[]
"Hayden Wynn
Personal Journal
February 6, 2306
We got out first extraterrestial candidate today, what appeared to be an alien form of leucauge venusta - essentially, a giant spider.
Michelson, in full protective gear, attempted to attach the Neural Control Interface (NCI). Our security detail is still trying to remove him from the cocoon. And we had no choice but to put down the creature.
A minor setback. None of us expected success on the first try.
I heard Doctor Paulson tell the others that a detachment of United Colonies Marines is scheduled to deliver another creature next Thursday."
Ashta Specimen[]
"Hayden Wynn
Personal Journal
May 5, 2306
I'm not sure how they managed it, but the UC Marines actually managed to bring us an Ashta.
It's not that the Ashta is a terrifying beast and natural predator (those are both exceptional and wonderful qualities, and essential to the work we're doing here). It's that the Ashta is native to the planet Akila in the Cheyenne system. Akila, home to Akila City, capital of the Freestar Collective.
Leave it to a group of groundpounders to grab a candidate right from the enemy's backyard. Though it does beg the question - have the Freestar Collective scientists managed to weaponize their greatest natural predator? If so, our timetable just go accelerated."
Trial Failure[]
"Hayden Wynn
Personal Journal
May 7, 2306
Any fears that our Freestar Collective counterparts have managed to weaponize the Ashta have been completely dispelled.
After the Michelson debacle, we determined the NCI should only be attached under full sedation, so that wasn't an issue. The problems started immediately afterward. The Ashta proved incredibly resistant to synchronization, and we never achieved control fidelity beyond 47%. Doctor Chin's arm was nearly ripped off five minutes into the first trial.
In short, the Ashta simply can't be controlled. If not by us, then certainly not by the Freestar Collective.
Doctor Paulson has been in touch with Colonel Kasarov. Looks like the Marines will have another species collected and dropped off by this time next week."
More Disappointment[]
"Hayden Wynn
Personal Journal
May 12, 2306
Another creature, another failure. No fault of the UC groundpounders - we wanted a predator, and they delivered. These things were SO alien, Paulson had a difficult time deciding on a designation. Opted for "Reptans Venenum."
Shame we couldn't properly sync the NCI. These things would have been spectacular. Especially the poison."
New Specimens[]
"Hayden Wynn
Personal Journal
July 6, 2306
Marines dropped another few specimens off this morning. Totally unscheduled.
Best way to describe them? They're arthropods - the alien equivalent of Homarus Gammarus, giant space lobsters. Very promising giant space lobsters.
I'm not entirely sure where the UC grunts found these particular test subjects - some godforsaken backwater rock, I imagine. After the third or fourth unsuccessful trial, I stopped asking. None of those earlier species could be controlled with any reliability. As noted in my earlier logs, their natural aggressiveness made them effective weapons, but a bullet is less than useless if the gun keeps turning itself on the shooter.
But these new creatures possess a perfect natural disposition - non-aggressive, even docile, yet capable of defending themselves with deadly efficiency when threatened. And when they do go on the attack, they're terrifying.
So we'll see..."
Relocation[]
"Hayden Wynn
Personal Journal
August 1, 2306
We're moving! Packing up shop and transitioning the entire operation. It's happened so fast... My head is spinning.
The work on the arthropods has been so successful, we're actually relocating to their homeworld. We'll have an unlimited supply of creatures for the Xenowarfare Division.
I've been named Senior Xenobiologist. That means I'll be running the entire facility. My first instinct was to tell Amanda. I'm still not used to her not being there.
I'll give Michelson credit - the guy really went to bat for me. He let the MAST brass know that it was my work tuning the Neural Control Interface that was instrumental in controlling the arthropod.
I guess Paulson is being forced to retire. Good riddance."
Lab 01[]
Project Petshop[]
"Hayden Wynn - Senior Xenobiologist
Kreet Research Facility
Project Log
February 11th, 2307
My staff and I just arrived this morning, and I'm not surprised to find the facility completely operational. As usual, the United Colonies spared no expense. It's all very exciting. Inspirational, really, knowing you have the full support of the decision makers.
I have to admit, I was surprised to learn that the lab is a closely guarded secret, located IN Freestar Collective space, no less. But we go where the work takes us.
Xenowarfare is the evolution of armed ground conflict. We know it, and the Freestar Collective surely knows it as well. Forget what the calendar says - this is 1942 all over again. We may as well be the Manhatten Project, racing to create the game changer before the other side.
So, to that effect, I am overjoyed to officially announce:
Project Petshop - Phase 1 is a go."
Arthropods[]
"Hayden Wynn - Senior Xenobiologist
Kreet Research Facility
Project Log
March 3rd, 2307
The arthropods are, in a word, incredible.
Calm, easy to work with, and they even allow themselves to be fitted with the NCIs without much trouble. Synchronization has, thus far, been nearly instantaneous. And their control fidelity has remained in the 95%-97% range.
They've passed all environmental survivability tests as well. Hot, cold, low or no oxygen - I'm pretty sure these things could operate effectively in any environment.
Most promising is how well they've already integrated with the Red Devils, who have joined us for a period of extended training. After all, they'll be leading the creatures into combat, so it's critical they establish a warbond."
Success![]
"Hayden Wynn - Senior Xenobiologist
Kreet Research Facility
Project Log
August 7th, 2307
After months of testing a variety of extraterrestrial species, I am overjoyed to report that we have finally found a species that will serve as the backbone of the United Colonies' Xenowarfare Division.
The arthropods are everything we hoped for and more. Imagine a pack of alien beasts, suited to any terrain, capable of instantly obeying any command.
I have designated these beasts "Obedientes Pes." But we just call them Stalkers.
I think it may finally be time to crack open that bottle of Chateau Avignon 2170."
The Red Devils[]
"Hayden Wynn - Senior Xenobiologist
Kreet Research Facility
Project Log
August 12th, 2307
The Red Devils' progress with the Stalkers has been nothing less than amazing. Now I see why they're so highly regarded in UC military circles. None of the rah-rah bullshit you see with the regular grunts - these are focused professionals.
After another week of training here in the Petshop I am confident they'll be ready for a live test in the field. Michelson suggests I contact Colonel Kasarov and find out where his Marines grabbed that spider from the early trials. He wants his comeuppance, but then, it WOULD make for a good trial."
Hayden Wynn's Project Terminal[]
War[]
"Hayden Wynn - Senior Xenobiologist
Kreet Research Facility
Project Log
January 5th, 2308
We're at war.
By establishing the colony of Vesta, the Freestar Collective have forced the UC's hand. The unmitigated gall, thinking they could establish control over a fourth star system. Such a flagrant violation of the Treaty of Narion!
Our diplomats tried to resolve this peacefully, but the Council of Governors wouldn't listen to reason. Apparently they claimed that Vesta was NOT a colony, but rather just an insignificant farming outpost. Nice try.
By all accounts, the Red Devils and Stalkers worked in perfect unison, and the results were everything we could have hoped for. No Red Devil or Stalker casualties. Vesta's defenders were apparently taken by complete surprise, which greatly contributed to their fatality rate (93%).
This is a great day for the Red Devils, a great day for the United Colonies, and a great day for Xenowarfare.
Note: No, it's not lost one me that this classified facility is actually located within Freestar Collective space. So goes the Great Game."
Phase 2[]
"Hayden Wynn - Senior Xenobiologist
Kreet Research Facility
Project Log
April 5th, 2308
It's finally time.
After a number of successful missions with the Red Devils, the Stalkers have proven to be exactly the weapons we had hoped for. So, it's time to expand our operations. MAST has finally approved the next stage of this facility's operations.
Project Petshop - Phase 2 will now commence."
Stalkers[]
"Hayden Wynn - Senior Xenobiologist
Kreet Research Facility
Project Log
April 18, 2308
We've officially stopped work on the Stalkers. There are enough creatures in the field to serve the Red Devils (who haven't been here to train in over a year). If they need more, we can easily gather some from the planet and fit them with NCIs.
But from this point on, our focus is Phase 2."
Heatleeches[]
"Hayden Wynn - Senior Xenobiologist
Kreet Research Facility
Project Log
May 1, 2308
Throughout the Settled Systems, from civilized worlds to backwater bush towns, pilots have had to deal with the nuisance known commonly as the Heatleech.
I had my own unpleasant experience four years ago, at the New Atlantis spaceport. My transport was delayed while the deck crew removed a few of these filthy little things from the aft thrusters.
They're attracted to heat, feed off it through some endothermic process, so thrusters are the perfect place for them to hide. They can take a full afterburner burst with no ill effects. No ill effects on the Heatleeches, that is. A ship with an infestation can generally expect a 3-5% drop in thruster efficiency.
Working with the Heatleeches has been interesting if not entirely satisfying. We have eleven of them in the lab, and by all accounts they're completely innocuous, save for their heat-siphoning properties. But what if there were a way to weaponize them? Perhaps artificially enhance their heat siphoning to completely and instantly disable a ship. Or, even better, to somehow reverse the process so that they transfer their own heat into a ship.
Someday. Today, I fear, we lack the means to do either."
Hayden Wynn's Office[]
Terrormorph Specimen[]
"Hayden Wynn - Senior Xenobiologist
Kreet Research Facility
Project Log
August 15th, 2310
Thanks to the UC Marines, we now have the second piece of the puzzle - a fully grown alpha predator!
According to my research, a group of astrogeologists made first contact nearly a hundred years ago, on some remote moon. The creature didn't appear to be indigenous, and was alone. There's currently no record of how it got there, so it was sheer cosmic chance that the astrogeologists found it. Or rather, it found them.
Scientists were quick to categorize it Occisio Machina - roughly, "Killing Machine." The UC Marines tasked with taking it down chose a simpler name - Terrormorph. I read the official record once. Of the eight-person squad, only two of the grunts survived, and one of those two lost a leg.
Such an exciting time to be in Xenowarfare!"
NCI Fitting Today[]
"Hayden Wynn - Senior Xenobiologist
Kreet Research Facility
Project Log
August 20th, 2310
Today we fit the Terrormorph with the NCI. If our experience when the grunts first dropped off the creature is any indication, our sedation window will be around fifteen minutes. We'd better make them count."
Gallery[]
