SY-920 is a restricted United Colonies starstation orbiting Luyten's Rock in the Luyten's Star system, under the command of Commander Natara. It can be boarded during the mission The Best There Is.
Background[]
Starstation SY-920 is a strictly restricted high security outpost of the UC Navy. Only the highest ranking members of United Colonie's government and military know about the projects being worked on there and only the best and brightest scientists and engineers are chosen for the projects. Despite not being part of the United Colonies' territory, the UC Navy made the whole orbit of Luyten's Rock a restricted area. Every ship that gets close enough to get called receives a warning and the order to leave immediately. There are no exceptions, even for other members of the united colonies or the UC Vanguard.
The defense of the station very high, including several ships and particle turrets. Ships who act hostile, refuse to identify themselves or get too close despite warning are immediately attacked. Inside the station, the security is similar high. A huge number of watchful UC marines, guarded checkpoints and strict access limitations make an infiltration very difficult. Every employee has an identification code to sort out imposter.
The station is divided into four security levels. Civilian employees of authorized supply ships can carry out their work in the cargo bay. There is also a lounge and mess hall for the staff as well as living quarters. Behind the first checkpoint is the command bay with the administration and security offices. The current commander also has an office here. To pass this checkpoint, a uniform is needed to not raise attention. However, it seems authorized personnel are allowed to be accompanied by civilians. The third security level contains the workplaces of the scientists and engineers. It is not allowed to enter without security ID and with a rank below ensign. Security guards at this level will immediately check on everybody who acts strange or seems off place. The fourth and last security level is the testing area. It is only accessible with a direct approval of a project leader. In this area, the prototypes of the different projects are constructed, stored and tested. The area also has a control center and docking ports for test flights.
The reason for all these securities is that at this station scientists and engineers work on secret defense projects for the United Colonies. These projects are considered to be very important for the future defense and technical superiority of the United colonies. Known projects of SY-920 are Project Archangel, a new type of star fighters, and Project ComSpike, a device for signal decryption and tracking.
The stations' history has been kind of messy in the past. Under former commander Woods, the marines had a rather low discipline. Consume alcohol, smuggling, and a lack of control lead to a rather poor performance. The station was still considered as a great workplace for the best scientists and pilots, but there were several situations that could have become terrible accidents. On top of this, commander Woods and head scientist Eubanks embezzled funds and purchased substandard equipment and materials, which lead to a fatal accident at Project Archangel. A pilot died in a prototype of a new star fighter and Alex Vong, another pilot, was blamed for the accident because he was drunk from smuggled booze.
However, MAST was not convinced and sent commander Natara to investigate. She was able to find a connection between Dr. Eubanks and the bad material. As a result, Eubanks was fired because of his “mistake” and Dr. Vogel took over Project ComSpike. But commander Natara spared Eubanks a charge and a dishonorable discharge. Alex Vong was offered a job as a pilot at UC SysDef headship, the UC Vigilance, and commander Woods was transferred to an unknown position because of his poor leadership. Commander Natara replaced him as head of SY-920 two weeks after the investigation.
Under commander Natara, corruption and smuggling quickly reduced to a minimum and was replaced by a strict and observant structure. Some employees were not exactly happy with their new leader, but a mix of minor concessions and tough action against insubordination brought the station back on track very quickly.
Some time later, the pirate alliance Crimson Fleet found out about starstaion SY-920 and Project ComSpike. Their leader Delgado saw this device as a key to find a lost GalBank-ship with an enormous fortune on board.
Known Projects[]
- Project Archangel (creating prototypes of advanced star fighter, canceled after fatal accident)
- Project UCE-85 Svalinn (creating advanced shield systems, project successfully closed and shipped for implementation)
- Project UCE-86 ComSpike (creating an advanced signal decryption and tracking device, prototype finished but not fully tested)
- Project UCA-44 Teucer (creating a system of very precise ballistic rockets to disable ships without killing the crew, test flight in progress)
- Project UCG-38 XNN (research into Xenoneural Networks, put on hold because of questions about finances and usefulness for military)
Staff[]
Named staff[]
- Commander Natara (commander of the station)
- Dr. Gabriel Vogal (head scientist of project ComSpike)
- Okoye (chef of mess hall)
- Lieutenant Messina (logistic supervisor)
- Ensign Ngata
- Ensign Ziremi
- Ensign Akaska
- Elijah Schilling (hauler)
- Huan Daiyu (cargo supplier, secretly smuggler for Crimson Fleet, status determinant)
Unnamed staff[]
- UC Cargo Hauler
- UC Clerk
- UC Recruit
- UC Marine
- UC Marine Grunt
- UC Marine Sergeant
- UC Marine Corporal
- UC Comms Officer
- United Colonies Officer
- SY-920 Engineer
- SY-920 Scientist
Former Staff[]
- Alex Vong (pilot, currently working for UC SysDef)
- Dr. Marcin Eubanks (former head of project ComSpike, fired)
- Commander Woods (commander of the station, transferred because of his poor leadership, status determinant)
Computer Entries[]
Cargo Bay 2[]
Crew Quarters Computer (Ensign Ngata)[]
Security Standards[]
| Show: Security Standards |
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"From: Commander Natara A reminder to all personnel that the projects being developed on this station are highly classified and involve extremely sensitive information. As a loyal citizen of the United Colonies and a member of the UC Navy, your are being entrusted not to share this knowledge with any outside party, including your families. Any disclosure of the activities, projects, or data on this station will result in an immediate dismissal and court martial. For those in Cargo Bay, an extra reminder that only uniformed personnel are allowed in the Mess Hall and barracks. I've heard instances of contractors being allowed in the dining area and this is strictly forbidden." |
About the other night[]
| Show: About the other night |
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"From: Wynn Akasaka Haukea, As it stands, I cannot. I don't even remember the thing that didn't happen. So if you could clear this up with Leanna, and tell her this non-fact, I'd appreciate it. P.S. I get that what didn't happen left a trail of physical evidence implying that it actually DID happen, but maybe you can convince her it was basically nothing? Damnit, I'm screwed, aren't I." |
Discipline[]
| Show: Discipline |
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"From: Commander Natara Ensign Ngata, With these changes, I trust there will be no more questions about your behavior going forward. When you are not on your shift, leave your uniform and elevator keycard in the locker at the checkpoint." |
Personal Profile: Haekea Ngata[]
| Show: Personal Profile: Haekea Ngata |
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"Name: Haukea Ngata Height: 1.71 meters Weight: 60.7 kilograms Birthplace: Mars Rank: Ensign Bio: Originally worked for the Cydonia security team before training as a UC marine. Pedigree notwithstanding, shows high marks and efficiency with assault weapons and hand-to-hand combat." |
Crew Quarters Computer (Ensign Ziremi)[]
Security Standards[]
| Show: Security Standards |
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"From: Commander Natara A reminder to all personnel that the projects being developed on this station are highly classified and involve extremely sensitive information. As a loyal citizen of the United Colonies and a member of the UC Navy, your are being entrusted not to share this knowledge with any outside party, including your families. Any disclosure of the activities, projects, or data on this station will result in an immediate dismissal and court martial. For those in Cargo Bay, an extra reminder that only uniformed personnel are allowed in the Mess Hall and barracks. I've heard instances of contractors being allowed in the dining area and this is strictly forbidden." |
Rules of Engagement[]
| Show: Rules of Engagement |
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"From: Wynn Akasaka Lee, But it's the uniform that I really need back. What do you think would happen if I was wearing yours, and used the wrong cipher in the Command Bay? They would think me an intruder and shoot me on sight. So I'll ask you one more time, let's meet up somewhere and trade. We don't have to talk, and I'm not going to try and explain myself. I just want my uniform back." |
Personal Profile: Leanna Ziremi[]
| Show: Personal Profile: Leanna Ziremi |
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"Name: Leanna Ziremi Height: 1.5 meters Weight: 49.7 kilograms Birthplace: Gagarin Rank: Ensign Bio: Graduated with a focus on computer engineering and software as a civilian. Employed briefly at GalBank, before being recruited as a military software specialist. Eventually was allowed to transferred to infantry at her own request. Serving initial tour on SY-920." |
Crew Quarters Computer (Wynn Akasaka)[]
Security Standards[]
| Show: Security Standards |
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"From: Commander Natara A reminder to all personnel that the projects being developed on this station are highly classified and involve extremely sensitive information. As a loyal citizen of the United Colonies and a member of the UC Navy, your are being entrusted not to share this knowledge with any outside party, including your families. Any disclosure of the activities, projects, or data on this station will result in an immediate dismissal and court martial. For those in Cargo Bay, an extra reminder that only uniformed personnel are allowed in the Mess Hall and barracks. I've heard instances of contractors being allowed in the dining area and this is strictly forbidden." |
RE: Rules of Engagement[]
| Show: RE: Rules of Engagement |
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"From: Leanna Ziremi Wynn, But after what you did, and who you did it with, I don't want to see you ever again. If I'm in the Mess Hall, you need to be in your bunk. If I'm in the Cargo Bay, you need to be in your bunk. If I'm anywhere in the Settled Systems outside my personal quarters, then you need to be in your bunk. In fact, the only time you are allowed to leave your bunk, as far as I'm concerned, is when I'm in mine. Because if I so much as see your face again, I'm going to discharge my firearm right in your teeth." |
Personal Profile: Wynn Akasaka[]
| Show: Personal Profile: Wynn Akasaka |
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"Name: Wynn Akasaka Height: 1.92 meters Weight: 95.1 kilograms Birthplace: Jemison Rank: Ensign Bio: Matriculated to the Sword Military Academy after being recruited at a job fair. Received accommodations for marksmanship and physical fitness. Assigned to SY-920 following graduation." |
Command Bay[]
Security Room[]
Clearance Code Computer[]
“For checkpoint access, please retrieve a clearance code based on your last name and rank.”
Last Name A-H[]
| Show: Last Name A-H |
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"Your daily clearance codes: Ensign: AK127C |
Last Name L-P[]
| Show: Last Name L-P |
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"Your daily clearance codes: Ensign: NG983P |
Last Name Q-Z[]
| Show: Last Name Q-Z |
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"Your daily clearance codes: Ensign: ZX321D |
Logistics Room[]
Logistics Office Computer 1[]
Mission Secrecy[]
| Show: Mission Secrecy |
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"I was talking to another marine about some of the project on this station, and we both concluded we don't know a damn thing about them. I get that operation security is always integral to a successful mission, but usually the circle of trust extends to the jarheads working the perimeter. But here - especially on the Command Bay level - we can't even put on our pants without an access card. I can't imagine how restrictive it must be in Engineering." |
Slow Days[]
| Show: Slow Days |
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"My wife thought the transfer to logistics would do me some good, and I can't say I disagree. I've done enough combat tours to write my own personal war trilogy and so it's good to have some R&R. The slow days are a killer though. There must be a black hole nearby the way time moves here. When this tour is over, I'll probably come back home and find the missus old and gray." |
Slower Days[]
| Show: Slower Days |
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"Okay, now I'm officially bored. This is a high level mission with top secret clearance and all of that, but those are the jobs that see the least amount of action. The hard-working people in UC Intelligence make sure of that. So I'm not sure what to do when I'm done filing my daily inactivity report. Maybe I will write that novel." |
Logistics Office Computer 2[]
Clearance Code[]
| Show: Clearance Code |
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"I keep forgetting to check the computer in the security room before going through the checkpoint. I've got a bit of an astigmatism too, which seems to manifest itself whenever I'm looking at lines of text. So sometimes I'll look at the code for the wrong rank, or the wrong surname, and I'll get denied entrance to the Operations Center." |
Being on time[]
| Show: Being on time |
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"I knew this was coming. Commander Natara read me the riot act for always being the last one in to report. She's not wrong. In the marines, if you aren't five minutes early, you're ten minutes late. Funny part is, I'm actually the first one to leave the barracks. But it's the damn codes. I always screw those up. Also, I hate to beat a dead horse, but we never had all these procedures under Commander Woods, but he's been disappeared for reasons that remain classified." |
Transfer to Logistics[]
| Show: Transfer to Logistics |
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"I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I got transferred to logistics because of my issues being punctual. While having to sit in a cubicle all day is pretty depressing, on the bright side, at least I don't need a clearance code to sit at my desk." |
Logistics Office Computer 3[]
Top Secret Projects[]
| Show: Top Secret Projects |
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"Whatever projects are being worked on here must be incredibly important. Keycards at every elevator, checkpoints on every floor. The COs don't tell us anything except when to eat, patrol, and sleep. Fine by me. The less I know, the fewer secrets I have to keep." |
Ensign Palavi[]
| Show: Ensign Palavi |
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"What is Ensign Palavi doing that requires him to type ALL day? The worst part is he has one of those annoying, one finger typing techniques that is the equivalent of paint drying in zero gravity. Is he writing a novel? Because no single military report requires that much typing. He's made it so I can't even think, because all I do is rage. Well, two can play at that game. I'm just going to type loudly and self-importantly until he can no longer keep the chapters in his story straight. No great fiction will be written by your hand tonight, Ensign Palavi. Not if I can help it." |
Take this, Palavi![]
| Show: Take this, Palavi! |
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"AKL;JSDKJL;SDJKL;SDFKML,32DSOI;UVMNDSXSC8932JKRSRDIUOFASDKLAWSDFVCOIPCSOIKASdFIJUHDkiopjfsdkfsadf98p3eam,d98pQEJWFSDJKENKMSNKJCLNCKLKSKNLFDKALNDOI;HE98PWEIO;3KJ;LN3NJK;L3NJKL;DSFNOI;SD90838903KL3IHUJDSNKLFDAJKH;DM,NDKMDSNKLSDFNLK;JFDSANKL;FDNKL;FAKNL;FDN;LKJFDSN;KLJFDSN;KJLFDWAN;LKJFDASN;LKJFDSANKL;FDSNK;LFDSANK;LFDSANK;LAFDSNKLFDASKLF98032KM3M,CI9894IKL23890Fdskjl"SDZFI98FJWEK,9PUIYPFUSZDJKLVCNXIOPUDSIFKASDDIO;AFDSKFDAJIO;;oi3489a;jahugfyufghnczby8OS78HAOFSD87A34HADUSIFH78uswajdaulhfdsjfna3879pUJHDSJFHO8PUSIDHf789y3hoaH87FhpHOS78oh78YDFHOuldhf78oHDFuhdfO789dyhfulHFO8hDOF87yPDo879HDFJBXCKZBZ.KZO8z98DJIFLAHD87FHAUDH708hLUIHL87fhdsufhaudho78HDUFAHDUH897FA7D8oHFAOU8DHFO78A9DHFAUOIDFH7800UHFDUSA08HFDO8S7Houhfo78HO8dhfudshaijdhfnjabnvujizhafj;aisdfhjasdufhadsyufhsakdjfhdsufjadsiohf8P9Hpaudhfaoudhfaliueyuh2n3jhaudfhHuhdaopudfhsajifhadslijdhauidfhadujifhadsuifhdajifhdasuijfndasufhadsufadju9fdhafjidhaliudhfulaishflaiudfhodah89YH73RHUAIDHF8oudhP9121982321J;3N2ILUHP98DNFJIHADFALIFHDDDSFFA9" |
Logistics Office Computer 4[]
Hotshot pilots[]
| Show: Hotshot pilots |
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"I hear they're bringing in some hotshot test pilots to the station. They should've asked me, I flew for the Vanguard, I would've saved them the trouble." |
Top Secret Project?[]
| Show: Top Secret Project? |
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"Secrecy on this project is unlike anything I've ever seen. Hell, I feel weird just typing this. Will probably delete later. People rarely exit the Engineering Bay elevators, except when they get fired. The other day, some poor engineer named Eubanks came out Engineering Bay 4 with a box. They'll probably ship him off to Aranae I and bury him in it." |
***DELETED***[]
| Show: ***DELETED*** |
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"[This entry has been deleted]" |
***DELETED***[]
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"[This entry has been deleted]" |
Logistics Supervisor's Computer[]
Perishable Goods (DELIVERED)[]
| Show: Perishable Goods (DELIVERED) |
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"Location: Cargo Bay 2 ----------------------------------- |
Engineering Supplies (DELIVERED)[]
| Show: Engineering Supplies (DELIVERED) |
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"Location: Cargo Bay 6 ----------------------------------- |
Pilot Uniforms (CANCELED)[]
| Show: Pilot Uniforms (CANCELED) |
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"Location: Cargo Bay 3 ----------------------------------- |
Lieutenant Messina's Personal Logs[]
=Unauthorized goods on station=[]
| Show: Unauthorized goods on station |
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"The incident with Project Archangels highlights two areas of concern, with both the safety of the projects and the smuggling of contraband to SY-920. At some point, we should probably do a full audit of all cargo ships authorized to dock. Commander Woods poured money into two tentpole items: safety and security. But the safety record for our projects is terrible, and the leaks to outside sources proves security was not up to standard. Now we've swung in the opposite direction, and it's been a welcome adjustment. Commander Natara has put in multiple checkpoints and security measures that will help safeguard the sensitive nature of the projects here. In any case, I'll need to put together a proper report on potential smugglers before presenting to Commander Natara. She doesn't like it when I make suggestions off the cuff. The list is daunting, unfortunately, given the supplies we need. Another spreadsheet for the pile." |
=Red flag transports=[]
| Show: Red flag transports |
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"After staring at this spreadsheet for hours, I've decided to cull the list down to a handful of ships that may be suspect. This is not proof of guilt by any means, they simply match the criteria I've laid down to narrow my search. Mainly, ships that began as independent contractors not directly associated with the United Colonies, and ships that have less than a decade of operational history we can refer to. In the list are: Ship: Anansi UC-576B, Cargo Class Transport Ship: Jade Swan UC-793A, Cargo Class Transport Ship: Clair de Lune UC-887C, Cargo Class Transport Ship: Izanagi UC-996C, Cargo Class Transport |
=Operations leaks?=[]
| Show: Operations leaks? |
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"I wonder if it's possible that one of the transports I've flagged is the source of our operations leak. I'll need to cross-reference the delivery dates with the ones on my spreadsheet, maybe there's some correlation there. But right now even I have to admit there's just not enough evidence. Commander Natara dismissed my initial report as lacking anything concrete. "As thin as the slate it was written on," she said. To be fair, I can tell she's under a lot of pressure. Commander Woods still has some loyalists on this station, and any misstep will subvert her authority." |
Operations Center[]
Commander's Computer[]
Smugglers[]
| Show: Smugglers |
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"Lieutenant Messina finally submitted her report on the subject of cargo transports, and the evidence was circumstantial at best. Most of it seemed to imply that a handful of soldiers have been making a number of unauthorized requests, ranging from snacks to firearms. This, of course, is unacceptable and a full investigation will be required. However, our focus right now has to be the project deadlines and shoring up station security and safety protocols. We stop the source, and the soldiers will fall in line." |
UC Vigilance Shield Upgrade[]
| Show: UC Vigilance Shield Upgrade |
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"I've spoken to Commander Ikande about the potential shield upgrade for the UC Vigilance. After talking with the engineers, we have a number of projects in the works that have moved past the beta stage and will be ready for deployment by the time the ship docks. Project Svalinn is the obvious choice here but there are other candidates to consider." |
Dr. Gabriel Vogel[]
| Show: Dr. Gabriel Vogel |
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"Dr. Vogel is brilliant, there's no denying that. The problem is he communicates the same way he engineers, in a manner that is inscrutable to anyone but him. Commander Woods seems to have taken advantage of this when allocating funding to various projects. And because Dr. Vogel kept such poor documentation, it's impossible to find an adequate paper trail. He made a mistake though by pouring so much money into safety and security. No one would've batted an eye if he focused on R&D. The costly projects would've been blamed on Dr. Vogel chasing another dead end. But the fact that pilots are dead, items are being smuggled off the station, and now we have leaks? It doesn't add up. Add to that all the trouble with Project XNN, and I'm starting to sense a pattern. Bloated funding combined with bad Op security and extreme cost cutting. But if that's the case, then where did the money go?" |
Commander Woods[]
| Show: Commander Woods |
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"I'm confliced on whether I should turn in the evidence regarding Commander Woods' activities on this station. On the one hand, my duties as a soldier are clear. But on a personal level, I would not be where I am without his guidance, advice and support. He has been nothing short of a father figure to me. I owe him my life. Which is why this is an impossible situation. Part of me hoped he would just make the decision easy for me and retire. But now that his sabbatical is almost over, I'm hearing rumblings that he may be reinstated here. The higher ups at MAST will want a recommendation from me, and given my track record, if I deny any wrongdoing on his part, it will be taken as gospel. That's probably what he's counting on, that I'd never betray his trust -- and I wouldn't. But I also would never betray my oath to serve the UC. So what do I do?" |
Data Access Computer[]
Beta Project Approvals[]
| Show: Beta Project Approvals |
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"Current Projects in Beta For all projects not yet in Beta, please consult the Project Lead for more information." |
Beta Project Leads[]
| Show: Beta Project Leads |
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"UCE-85 (Svalinn) UCE-86 (SomSpike) UCE-44 (Teucer) |
Engineering Bay 4[]
Engineering Labs[]
Engineering Lab Computer 1[]
Project Archangel: Supplementary Proposal[]
| Show: Project Archangel: Supplementary Proposal |
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"Project Funding Engineer Bandwidth |
Transfer of Archangel Pilot[]
| Show: Transfer of Archangel Pilot |
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"From: Commander Natara I'm requesting a transfer of the pilot Alex Vong, codename "Archangel Azrael," over to the UC Vigilance due to the accident on the project that killed two of his peers. He is in no mental state to continue and we will need replacement pilots for both Project Archangel and ComSpike. Until these new pilots are vetted, test flights will be divided up amongst the remaining roster of available testers. Leads will need to provide the pilots with a code to bypass the checkpoint." |
RE: Project Archangel[]
| Show: RE: Project Archangel |
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"From: Dr. Gustav Ames Your project does indeed sound promising, Dr. Ram. Make your instincts your compass, and they will always point to true north. Unfortunately, I cannot commit my time or heart to something new at the moment. Moreover, I feel my presence would only hurt your chances in acquiring MAST's stamp of approval. The number of hurdles Project XNN encountered with procuring the specimens I required -- both in terms of the hazardous terrain and the political nonsense that accompanies any deep space mission -- as well as Commander Woods' involvement in my projects makes them a third rail. As such, it is in your best interests to make your proposal free of the baggage that comes with my name." |
Budget Cuts[]
| Show: Budget Cuts |
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"From: Commander Natara Once more, I am sending a reminder to all departments that we are doing extensive budget cuts as part of the internal audit into Commander Woods' tenure here. Most existing projects will be allowed to continue provided a realistic roadmap to completion has been submitted. Going forward, all new projects will have much stricter requirements for approval. A checklist for meeting this criteria will be supplied as part of your weekly briefings." |
Dr. Vogel[]
| Show: Dr. Vogel |
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"From: Dr. Erin Kang Sandra, Should I just take this to Commander Natara? I've never met her before, but I feel like my concerns are valid. At times, Dr. Vogel doesn't seem like he's all thre. (And yes Sandra, that "there" type was unintentional but I'm keeping it)" |
Engineering Lab Computer 2[]
Project Proposal: XNN[]
| Show: Project Proposal: XNN |
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"Overview After all, there is often a human-centric bias when we attempt to classify one species as smart than the other. For example, we tend to view plants as less intelligent than animals because they lack a central nervous system, when in fact Mycorrhizal fungi have long developed sophisticated networks where plants transfer nutries and minerals to each other withoput a centralized command center. We often hold the same view of machine intelligence versus biological alternatives. We rely on ship computer algorithms to dispense energy efficiently, the same way the brain directs our limbs. Yet in my study of xenofungal networks (XNN), I've learned there is a better way. Rather than centralize ship control, if a collective intelligence can be used to direct ship power it could increase speed and efficiency by a factor of 2. Potential Military Applications Potential Civilian Applications |
Project Suspension: XNN[]
| Show: Project Suspension: XNN |
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"From: Commander Natara I warned the department that cuts would be coming with Commander Woods' dismissal. And after conferring with MAST, I am recommending we suspend this project effective immediately. Your research into Xenoneural Networks is interesting, Dr. Ames, but in order for me to justify funding anything that involves alien organisms, we need to be able to pitch some kind of military application to the higher ups. To have it appear as if we are violating the Treaty of Narion, without producing any actual weapons would be a foolish endeavor. However, my main concern is the budget. Along with the ComSpike, this was one of Commander Woods' pet projects, and he seemed to have a heavy influence in several areas that I believe are outside his purview. I'm not making an accusation, I understand he had junior engineers serve as his liaison for much of this, and that is being investigated by my team. Let me be clear when I say I am not singling you out. More casualties should be expected, and I will send a message out to the entire team soon." |
Project Archangel[]
| Show: Project Archangel |
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"From: Dr. Sandra Ram Hey, I'm sorry to hear about the suspension of Project XNN. It was bold and ambitious, as all your work is! But since you're now free, I was wondering if you might consider bringing that big, bold way of thinking to our project instead? I know the team has been trying to design a ship that will take full advantage of our pilots' flying prowess. And with the recent accidents, we could all use a pick me up. That's why I've drawn up this supplementary proposal to alter the engine and the fuel of the latest prototype. Historically, we've sought lighter elements. Hydrogen as a property is 57 times lighter than gaseous vapors, and 14 times lighter than air! It's odorless, and non-corrosive. Liquid hydrogen, combined with oxidizers, was basically the go to fuel in old school space exploration. And yeah, more modern engines have done the opposite, going with the weightier, gravitational warping to bend space-time. So we made the switch from Hydrogen fuel to Helium, which is also way less flammable and requires less venting. It's the preferred choice in powering grav drives. Now, I've always been a contrarian -- mom always said so, anyway, so maybe this is all just foolish speculation. But I wonder if a shift back to hydrogen based fuel may be worth exploring? Given the crystallization process on other planets can enrich chemical properties in different ways and reduce hydrogen's more volatile tendencies, maybe we need to explore the possibilities of a hydrogen based grav drive? I don't know, just a thought, but one that's been rattling around in my brain for a hot minute now. So after I do my i's and cross my t's, I'm thinking of pitching the idea to Dr. Vogel next week, but I would love to hear your feedback on the idea first." |
Budget Cuts[]
| Show: Budget Cuts |
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"From: Commander Natara Once more, I am sending a reminder to all departments that we are doing extensive budget cuts as part of the internal audit into Commander Woods' tenure here. Most existing projects will be allowed to continue provided a realistic roadmap to completion has been submitted. Going forward, all new projects will have much stricter requirements for approval. A checklist for meeting this criteria will be supplied as part of your weekly briefings." |
Engineering Lab Computer 3[]
Project UCE-86 "ComSpike” Overview[]
| Show: Project UCE-86 "ComSpike" Overview |
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"Overview It can be argued that having advanced knowledge of enemy tactics, plans, and intentions is of far greater value than superior firepower or numbers. Historically this has proven so, and thus it is the opinion of Dr. Vogel and his team that the development of Project UCE-86 should be prioritized over projects designed to provide a brute force solution to potential war. Potential Military Applications Potential Civilian Applications |
Project UCE-86 - Phase One[]
| Show: Project UCE-86 - Phase One |
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"Dr. Gabriel Vogel's project, codename ComSpike, is now underway. The scientists are unsure where the idea originally sprang from, as Dr. Vogel is notoriously private, but the concept itself is genius. Having the technology be mobile is a particularly interesting quirk. I've relayed the details of the proposal to the admirals at MAST. We've secured the necessary funding and will begin construction immediately. Engineers have been given blueprints but as far as they know this is simply a standard prototype construction for use in space warfare. The actual details of what is onboard will come after the initial phase." |
Project UCE-86 - Phase Two[]
| Show: Project UCE-86 - Phase Two |
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"While Phase One is not yet complete, the ComSpike is now being developed by the scientists in tandem with the engineers. The two teams will eventually need to be merged, but for now Dr. Vogel thinks it best to keep the two teams separated. He feels a friendly rivalry will lead to a more "competitive spirit." Some of the engineers and scientists have even placed bets on which project will be finished first, not realizing both are part of Project UCE-86." |
Engineering Lab Computer 4[]
Safety of our Test Pilots[]
| Show: Safety of our Test Pilots |
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"From: Commander Natara Dr. Kang, That being said, the origin of the mechanical failures should have been caught much earlier, especially considering the very LARGE amount of credits budgeted for safety. I realize all of this was greenlit by my predecessor, but the fact that it occurred across multiple cycles and two separate projects is unacceptable." |
Budget Cuts[]
| Show: Budget Cuts |
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"From: Commander Natara Once more, I am sending a reminder to all departments that we are doing extensive budget cuts as part of the internal audit into Commander Woods' tenure here. Most existing projects will be allowed to continue provided a realistic roadmap to completion has been submitted. Going forward, all new projects will have much stricter requirements for approval. A checklist for meeting this criteria will be supplied as part of your weekly briefings." |
Fwd - Draft letter to Commander Natara[]
| Show: Fwd - Draft letter to Commander Natara |
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"From: Dr. Marcin Eubanks Erin, >>>Commander Natara, I am not saying things need to go back to how they were. But I think myself and my colleagues have earned something beyond the meager salary MAST has so generously provided. That's all I'm asking here -- compensation requisite to the work we do -- and I don't think that's asking for much. If you'd speak to us human being to human being rather than as a mouthpiece for MAST, maybe we can come to an accord." |
Did you read my draft?[]
| Show: Did you read my draft? |
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"From: Dr. Marcin Eubanks Erin, To be honest I was banking on the benefits from the verious projects Commander Woods had us set up. I've got a mortgage back in New Atlantis and a kid on the way. And of course Dr. Vogel is no help. I don't think he even realizes Project ComSpike started out as another bullshit proposal we made up to fatten our pockets. It does help that the ComSpike project is near completion. Whenever Commander Natara questions one of the projects greenlit by the previous command, we can always point to that as a success. Let's just ignore the inordinate amount of creds put into the safety budget, and the procession of dead pilots that make everyone doubt the number on the page." |
Engineering Lab Computer 5[]
Investigation into Commander Woods[]
| Show: Investigation into Commander Woods |
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"From: Dr. Gabriel Vogel Dr. Eubanks, Now Commander Natara is telling me we don't have the funds for additional test pilots? YOU told me our budget was BOUNDLESS. Clearly I need to purchase you a dictionary so you can become better acquainted with the meaning of the words. I will not let Project ComSpike get derailed because some bean counter forget to carry the one." |
Budget Cuts[]
| Show: Budget Cuts |
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"From: Commander Natara Once more, I am sending a reminder to all departments that we are doing extensive budget cuts as part of the internal audit into Commander Woods' tenure here. Most existing projects will be allowed to continue provided a realistic roadmap to completion has been submitted. Going forward, all new projects will have much stricter requirements for approval. A checklist for meeting this criteria will be supplied as part of your weekly briefings." |
DON'T HIT SEND!!![]
| Show: DON'T HIT SEND | ! |
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"From: Dr. Erin Kang Dr. Eubanks, That message is not subtle at all. "Certain benefits?" Really Marcin? Are you crazy? You're basically admitting you were part of Commander Woods' scheme. We need to lean into the fact that the ComSpike is working and a success, and refer every question to Dr. Vogel. I don't know if he's a savant or just out of his mind, but Dr. Vogel is the kind of engineer who will come into a meeting with a sack full of parts, dump them on the floor, and pray to a toaster that a pattern emerges. Five minutes with him, and Commander Natara will never question our expenditures again. Dr. Vogel is our buffer against any investigation. The fact that we have him leading Poject UCE-86 is a gift from the universe. Let's not waste it." |
Termination[]
| Show: Termination |
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"From: Commander Natara Dr. Eubanks, You are terminated effective immediately. A marine will be here to escort you from the premises." |
Engineering Lab Terminal[]
"ComSpike Project"
Status[]
| Show: Status |
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"Project Status: Active Prototype Testing Prototype Status: V3.7 Complete |
Updates[]
| Show: Updates |
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"From: Commander Natara The UCE-86 ComSpike prototype ship has been cleared for the next round of testing. Your ship has been moved to Docking Bay 8 to be prepped for flight. Per recommended precautions access to the ship is restricted to authorized test pilots. All pilots will be required to pass through the security checkpoint and confirm their test flight number." |
Dr. Vogel's Computer[]
ComSpike Project[]
"ComSpike Project”
=Status=[]
| Show: Status |
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"Project Status: Active Prototype Testing Prototype Status: V3.7 Complete |
=Updates=[]
| Show: Updates |
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"From: Commander Natara The UCE-86 ComSpike prototype ship has been cleared for the next round of testing. Your ship has been moved to Docking Bay 8 to be prepped for flight. Per recommended precautions access to the ship is restricted to authorized test pilots. All pilots will be required to pass through the security checkpoint and confirm their test flight number." |
URGENT: Pilots needed![]
| Show: URGENT: Pilots needed! |
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"To: Commander Natara Commander, the fact that I am writing you at all, and not relaying this through the usual mediums should speak to the urgency of the situation. In short, we need pilots, and we need them now. I am aware that we are understaffed, and that has slowed the process of recruiting new pilots. I am also aware that operational secrecy requires background checks and non-disclosure agreements and a stack of paperwork that would extend from here to MAST. Let me remind you, however, that the importance of the project is such that any delays could cause irreparable harm. That is why I am proposing an alternative solution. We have many soldiers on this station, some of whom you personally have brought on and deemed to be trustworthy marines of high moral character. And I take it a good share of these intrepid souls have flown a ship or two in their lifetime. Which brings me to my point -- for the ComSpike, we don't need "ace" pilots to gather the necessary flight data. Would it not make sense to use who we have here?" |
Flight Control Computer[]
Authorized Flights[]
=Project: UCA-44 Teucer=[]
| Show: Project: UCA-44 Teucer |
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"Test flight already in progress. For collected data, contact the Project Lead." |
=Project: UCG-04 Archangel=[]
| Show: Project: UCG-04 Archangel |
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"Test flight already in progress. For collected data, contact the Project Lead." |
=Project: UCE-86 ComSpike=[]
| Show: Project: UCE-86 ComSpike |
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"Test flight prepped and authorized." |
=Select Project to Add=[]
==Project: UCG-38 XNN==[]
| Show: Project: UCG-38 XNN |
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"Failed to add project. Project UCG-38 XNN has been grounded." |
==Project: UCE-85 Svalinn==[]
| Show: Project: UCE-85 Svalinn |
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"Failed to add project. Project UCE-85 Svalinn has been completed and shipped for implementation." |