Dire Straits
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Dire Straits[edit | edit source]
| Chapter 14: "Dire Straits" | |
|---|---|
| Major players | Universal Council Mímir Research Team Crimson Wolves |
| Vote outcome | Continued transmission of Cradle research data |
| Major events | Suspected takeover of Mímir by Crimson Wolves Discovery of Cradle's wormhole capabilities |
| Timeline Chronology | |
| Previous Chapter | Next Chapter |
| "Blackout" | "Last Stand" |
Summary
After recent events which saw the Heka-α1 drug epidemic more or less contained to Vargas, as well as the revelation that Captain Sera Varse had left station Ignis and was last seen heading for Imperial space, the Universal Council could do little else but to focus on a more pressing issue surrounding planet Mímir. Transmissions received from the research team stationed on the planet have indicated that the Crimson Wolves, who were defeated and last seen in the Battle of Kepler-7 ("The Crimson Wolves"), had launched an attack on Mímir - presumably to seize control of the Cradle. Mímir's defenses were barely managing to ward of the attack, and any prolongation of the battle would see Mímir's inevitable fall.
Despite this, the researchers on the planet were able to propose a plan of action to the Council in their transmission. Over the course of the research, the team found that the Cradle was capable of creating more Anomalies similar to the one that swallowed Mímir ("The Void") if enough Quantum was fed into the artifact; the proposed plan was therefore to generate another Anomaly in an attempt to swallow a part of the attacking fleet before it could reach Mímir to thin out their forces.
Doing so, however, would destroy any research data acquired thus far as a result of activating the artifact - yet ordering the research team to continue transmitting their data would in all likelihood leave them defenseless. Faced with this dilemma, the Council put up the decision to a vote, with the seated Councilmembers briefing their respective factions accordingly.
With the Federation voting to activate the Cradle, and the Union and Empire both opting to save the research data instead, the order was given to the research team to continue their transmission of the Cradle's data in the hopes of gaining crucial information about the artifact.
Transcript
Report from the 30th conference of the Universal Council: time of ζ Sagittarii 3.32
Held on board station Ignis, in the neutral center of the Core Systems.
Councilmembers for the Empire: Ji Young-Joo, Ferus Haden, Moira Craine
Councilmembers for the Federation: Áurea Adonis, Kim Lee, Elijah Burke
Councilmembers for the Union: Aish Fenix, Mandla Bankole, Trice Chavos… and that closes the discussion of the situation on Vargas. Needless to say, the Council is doing everything in its power to ensure that the use of Heka-α1 does not spread beyond Vargas.
It also bears mentioning that Sera Varse has left station Ignis without any notice to the Council or her superiors. This is concerning, considering her recent silence surrounding the events on Mímir. Commander Brighton Conners has been assigned to follow the Lieutenant Commander, last seen heading toward Imperial space.
It is now, councilmembers, that the Universal Council must address a moment of immediate crisis in the Core Systems. What follows is an excerpt of the last transmission the Council received from Mímir:
“This is Mikheil Grimes
(static)
…to the Universal Council on behalf of Professor Reyes.
(static)
…the Crimson Wolves. They’re continuing to hit the ships stationed around Mím-
(static)
…straight through our defenses. They’re advancing, and we have no way
(static)
…stopping them. If they keep this offensive up we’ll be forced to
(loud crashing, static)
…before we can transmit it to the Council. Professor! Don’t move, professor – stay sti-
(static)
But we know now what the Cradle can be used for: it is capable of opening wormholes. That’s what the Anomalies are, they’re
(static)
…large enough burst of Quantum to set it off. But if we do we’ll be interrupting the transmission
(static) …all the data will be lost. But if we don’t… I’m not sure how long we can hold out.
(static, thudding boom off in distance)
Everyone get back! Rezza, get the professor into the caves! Please, councilors – our
(static)
…in your hands.”Yes, councilmembers. The Crimson Wolves, the force that caused so much mayhem during the Kepler-7 incident, have launched an attack on Mímir. Though they are missing their command ship, it seems their numbers have only grown. After focusing all our efforts on their large ships before, it seems we now have many more smaller fighters to deal with. From the reports, it’s a miracle our forces on Mímir were able to hold out as long as they have – had they been thinned any further, the battle would surely have already been lost.
What we have managed to understand from Dr. Mikheil’s report is this: the scientists on Mímir believe they can create another Anomaly – or “wormhole”, as they are now calling them – to swallow a portion of the Crimson Wolves’ fleet before the pirates can reach Mímir’s surface. However, this process would require sending a large amount of Quantum into the Cradle, frying the research equipment, along with all research data on the Cradle currently being transmitted through emergency channels. In the event this plan works – of which we have no guarantee – the loss of data would leave us unable to activate the Cradle any time soon.
In the event that the scientists continue transmitting the data, however, they have no means of defending themselves. The Council has already sent reinforcements toward Mímir, but by the time these fleets arrive it will most likely be too late. Thus, the vote placed before the Council is as follows:
Does the Council order the researchers on Mímir to activate the artifact, hopefully saving themselves from the Crimson Wolves, but losing crucial data in the process? Or does the Council order the scientists to continue transmitting the data, risking their own lives and allowing the Crimson Wolves to gain a stronger foothold on Mímir?
Your faction contact will issue a statement shortly in your respective vote channels before the commencement of the vote, twelve hours from now.
Faction Storylines
Transmission from San’a, Valkyrie of the Federation and representative of President Lee
Good sol, Explorers. I hope you are all keeping well in these uncertain times. Commander Varse leaving so suddenly is certainly… strange. Coupled with the behavior displayed by those Twin Suns mercenaries a while back, I am beginning to think the Union may be planning something. And taking into account that ship carrying a Shard, there is too much going on that I do not like the look of.
The Council is considering asking VasTech Valkyries for assistance in tracking the Ltn. Commander down. As it stands, I am certainly glad we have Brighton Conners on the case, but I am also sure he would welcome the assistance; it would be a welcome change if we were to track down Sera Varse and get some answers.
That brings me to the vote you have been given – for once, we are close to discovering what this new artifact does, only for the Crimson Wolves to try and snatch it away. Sacrificing the lives of those men and women on Mímir would truly be tragic, though of course, they knew what they signed up for. Furthermore, self-sacrifice, pulling through adversity to further the advancement of humanity, those are the very essence of the Federation’s values.
And yet, we must still value the lives of our citizens. Surely, a scientist such Professor Cameron Reyes has more still to contribute to us than purely his research on the Cradle. It might be wise to allow such great minds to live another day. Of course, activating the Cradle is an experiment of tremendous magnitude, but with people like Professor Reyes on site, I am sure it will proceed exactly according to plan.
I do not envy your choice here, Explorers. There is much to be said for either side, but I don’t doubt that with enough critical discussion from everyone, you will come to the right conclusion.
Stay vigilant.
San’a
A directive from Ji Young-Joo, emissary of the Emperor
Here we are then, Explorers. I trust your spiceless days have graced you with good health, and enough time to recount and reconsider your foolish “vote” on behalf of the Council during the last conference. What’s more, now this incident with a Shard has many of the Federation councilmembers screaming “treason”! As if the transport vessel did not come from their own systems to begin with!
It would seem we are currently marred by a slew of such egregious half-truths. Imperator Solas – may he outlive the stars – recently put paid to rumors of mounting Vulpis Oculi insurgency in the Outer Rim. Certainly, there is unrest on these planets, but this is to be expected with such loathsome trade restrictions in place. His Eminence urges us citizens to remain calm until these overblown threats are dealt with. Of course, this has meant Lady Morell’s travel has been slightly delayed, and she will be remaining on Eden Lycanis until the Council’s next conference.
For certain, this vote poses an interesting question at first glance. Do we consider the long-term opportunities we may gain from preserving the data, or do we prioritize our forces, who may benefit us in the more distant future, when this cacophony of metal and blood has all but faded from our memory?
However, for only the third time in the history of the Empire, our Emperor has spoken directly to the Universal Council, and imparted upon the councilmembers the wisdom of the Oracle. Imperator Solas has declared that the Council must not activate the Cradle; that this foolish act would set the Core Systems on a path towards total destruction.
Having spoken thus, Explorers, you know what the Emperor expects of you. Enact his wisdom, and secure the future of the Empire!
Sic itur ad astra.
Comm from Trice Chavos, Union member and Vox representative
Hello, Comrades; Trice here. Sorry if I sound a bit frazzled – just got out of a comms call with the Vox on the Bastion. It’s absolute madness on board right now with the food shortages, and it feels like half the Union’s taking refuge there. Haley’s still off on her mission with Mercer, but they’re expected back soon – skirmish with the Ojin-Kai near Azel is taking longer than anticipated, that’s all.
News of Sera leaving Ignis is a shock to all of us, for sure. I mean, after Iza and Esau, having another Union member suddenly rush off into Empire space is… not ideal. At the moment, I’m inclined to blame Conners; I’ve only spoken to him a couple times, but from what I’ve heard he’s a grade-A Fed ballbag – cares more about results than people. Seems likely he chased Sera off somehow. Or maybe that’s just what I want to believe, I dunno.
Moving on to the vote though, I’d like to say this one’s an easy choice for me. I’ve seen too many people die these past few conferences, and with the amount of folks clustered on the Bastion, I’m afraid that’s only going to get worse. Some heavy times are ahead if these trade restrictions continue, Explorers. I say we have the people on Mímir try and save themselves as much as they can. Data you can replicate – not so much for humans.
But still… I just can’t shake the feeling something’s going to go wrong. The Cradle’s been unpredictable at every turn so far, and there’s no reason to assume that’s going to change suddenly. Even if the Council’s researchers manage to open a wormhole, is it even going to appear where they want it to? My heart still says to put the people’s lives first and lose the data, but my gut’s going in the opposite direction. Don’t forget to discuss with your fellow Unionites, and vote for what you think is right.
Stand together, Comrades – until the end of our days.
Trice
Voting Results
The Universal Council has consolidated the votes of each of the factions: Save the research data 2 (Empire,Union) , Activate the Cradle 1 (Federation)
The final vote is in favor of saving the research data, allowing the scientists to continue their transmission to station Ignis while the Crimson Wolves continue their attack on Mímir. A transmission has been sent to Professor Reyes, who will surely ensure the data is transmitted successfully. The Universal Council will be in contact once the data has arrived in full.
Fenrir[edit | edit source]
Summary
Although the data was received in full, after the last transmission there was no further communication from the research team stationed on Mímir. The Council could only assume the worst and proceed as though the Crimson Wolves had established a foothold on the planet.
However, critical data was received from the researchers detailing the effects of the Cradle. The Cradle appeared to be capable of siphoning organic energy, and upon receiving Quantum, revealed certain symbols on its surface. The artifact was also confirmed to be able to manifest Anomalies - now termed 'wormholes' - which were posited to be capable of transmitting matter through space, and possibly time. Theories suggested that the artifact widened, rather than created, rifts; however, to manifest a wormhole as large as the one that swallowed Mímir would have required an enormous amount of Quantum. Significant use of the Cradle was deemed impossible with current methods, save for the practice of accelerating Quantum, which had long since been outlawed.
The data also confirmed that the events surrounding the Kepler system and Mímir were linked, owing to the similar Quantum signatures, the visible lensing and unique quality of light witnessed in both incidents. The report concluded that it was possible to yet retrieve the missing Crimson Wolves’ command ship, the vanished Council ships and the Arbiter - all of which had gone missing in incidents involving the wormholes.
Transcript
Incoming transmission from the Universal Council to all members of the Explorer program. Originating from station Ignis, in the neutral center of the Core Systems.
The Council has received all the data from the researchers on Mímir. While most of it is steeped in scientific jargon, the abstract of the consolidated data may be of interest to members of the Explorer program. It is vital you do not share this information outside of these channels.
There has been no further communication from Mímir. As our reinforcements cautiously approach the planet, they are noting no immediate signs of the Crimson Wolves, nor of any skirmishes. This likely means that the pirates have reached the surface of the planet, and have established a defensive base there. If we wish to take back Mímir, we will have a long fight ahead of us.
What follows is the abstract for the collected research on the Cradle:
Research data: Artifact no. 4, “The Cradle”
Location: Cave networks of MímirAge: unresponsive to molecular dating methods, surrounding area suggests over 10 billion years, similar to previous artifacts.
Appearance: 70 by 55 meters, the Cradle is oval-shaped, with a smooth, harsh surface which feels cold to the touch. Several protrusions at the bottom of the artifact prop it up above the ground, made from similar material as the Shards. Experiments with living organisms show the Cradle is capable of siphoning organic energy. Cannot be visibly damaged by conventional methods. Surface is covered in incomprehensible carvings shaped like spirals, some of which curve inward, creating the appearance of concentric circles. When Quantum is applied to the artifact certain carvings light up, tracing lines across the Cradle’s surface. Under specific conditions these lines join together into a symbol. So far, two of these symbols have been observed, but we believe there may be several more to be found.
Effects: the Cradle is able to manifest disturbances in space-time, namely wormholes (formerly termed “Anomalies”). Judging from Commander Varse’s decrypted logs, these wormholes function as a means to transmit matter across space, and possibly time. It is still unclear how these wormholes can be stabilized, and what the conditions are to prevent a volatile reaction. The current prevailing theory is that the wormhole does not actually “create” the rift in space-time. Rather, it further exacerbates a smaller, pre-existing rift. This theory stems from the fact that the wormholes’ locations are somewhat limited. They can be offset somewhat from their starting point, but in relatively insignificant ways. What can be adjusted are both the size and duration of the wormhole, which are determined by the concentration and impact of the applied Quantum. Creating a wormhole as large as the one which swallowed Mímir, however, or even one big enough to transport a small reconnaissance vessel, would require more Quantum than has ever been seen in the Core Systems. Unless we develop methods to further accelerate Quantum (a practice which has been illegal since the destruction of the Sol system) it seems we will be unable to make significant use of this artifact in its current state.
Further notes: additional analysis of the Cradle’s behavior, as well as the wormholes it creates, has confirmed a suspicion – that the events surrounding the Kepler system and those surrounding Mímir are somehow linked. The similar signature of the spikes in Quantum energy, as well as the noticeable visual lensing and unique quality of the light, all seem to confirm this as well. This would mean the Crimson Wolves’ command ship, as well as the vanished Council ships and the Arbiter, have not disappeared. They are simply in another location in space and – potentially – time. If the Cradle is only able to open existing rifts, then this may be a blessing for us – we might yet be able to recover those ships, in the event that we discover a way to stabilize the wormholes.
| Expedition to Mímir: | The Catalyst • The Shard • The Crossroads • The Void • Subjugation • The Cradle • Dire Straits • Last Stand |
| Assault on the Crimson Wolves: | The Crimson Wolves • The Ides • Groundswell |
| The Morn Conflict: | On the Brink |
| The Pinnacle Incident: | Quantum Sickness • First Steps |
| The Vargas Epidemic: | Blackout |
| The Opening: | First Contact |