______ ______ ______ / ___ \ / ___ \ / ___ \ | / \|__ ___ ____ _______________ ____| / \|__ ___ ____ _______ ___ |/ \ | | | \ / \ / ___ \_ _ | ___ | \/ /| | \ / \ // \ / __ \ / \ / / / | \__ | | | |/ \| | | \|| \| | | \__ | | | | /\ | / \| | / | / / \____ \ \_/ / \___ | | | |_/| | |\/| | \____ \ |__| | | | | | | |/ / / / \ |\ /\____ \ | | | _ | | | | | \ | __ | | | | | | | / / | | | | \ | | | | | \| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |\ \ / / |\___/ | | | |\___/ | | | | |___/| | | | |\___/ | | | | \/ | \__/| | \ | | |___/| \ // \\ // \/ | \/ \\ / \ / \\ / \ / \ / \ | | ŻŻŻŻŻŻ ŻŻŻŻŻ ŻŻŻŻŻŻ ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ŻŻŻ ŻŻŻŻ ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ŻŻŻ ŻŻŻŻŻŻ F A Q & W A L K T H R O U G H ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ V E R S I O N 1 . 0 0 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ========================================================================================= SYSTEM SHOCK 2 FAQ & WALKTHROUGH ========================================================================================= AUTHOR : BahamutZero E-MAIL : avrompaey@yahoo.com DATE : September 18, 2000 VERSION : 1.00 COMPLETED: 25 % ========================================================================================= T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ [01] VERSION HISTORY A. Version 1.xx [02] CHARACTER CREATION A. O.S.A. B. Navy C. Marines [03] WALKTHROUGH A. Von Braun Deck 2 - Medical / Science B. Von Braun Deck 1 - Engineering C. Von Braun Deck 3 - Hydroponics [04] APPENDIX A. Weapons & Ammo B. Armor & Suits C. Implants D. Hypos E. Misc Items F. OS Upgrades G. Audio Logs You can find and download this FAQ from: - http://www.gamefaqs.com/ These are the only sites that have my permission to post this FAQ. If you downloaded it from other site please inform me. ========================================================================================= [01] VERSION HISTORY ========================================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A. Version 1.xx ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Version 1.00 (09/25/00) - First version released ========================================================================================= [02] CHARACTER CREATION ========================================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A. O.S.A. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The OSA agent is trained to proficiently use the Psionic powers available. This kind of agent is the typical example of brains over brawns. He has to think and plan his movements before taking action. His career options are the following: ______ YEAR 1 ŻŻŻŻŻŻ - TOS Chu Lun Sensory Deprivation Tank MISSION POSTING: Sens Dep Tank 003/MU5: Mass Alteration GAIN: Tier Two Psi Disciplines, Cryokinesis and Psycho-Reflective Screen - TOS Ru Nang Sensory Deprivation Tank MISSION POSTING: Sens Dep Tank 437/WH1: Kinetic Empathy GAIN: Tier Two Psi Disciplines, Cryokinesis and Kinetic Redirection - TOS Shao Ling Sensory Deprivation Tank MISSION POSTING: Sens Dep Tank 925/NP5: Cyber Empathy GAIN: Tier Two Psi Disciplines, Cryokinesis and Psychogenic Cyber Affinity ______ YEAR 2 ŻŻŻŻŻŻ - Tactical Psionic Training MISSION POSTING: Tactical Psionic Training/Deep Cover GAIN: +2 Endurance - Ki Luan Research Lab MISSION POSTING: Experimental Lab, TOS Li Kuan GAIN: +1 Research - Telepathic Interrogation MISSION POSTING: Telepathic Interrogation/Engramanalysis GAIN: +2 Psionic Ability ______ YEAR 3 ŻŻŻŻŻŻ - Physical Field Operations MISSION POSTING: Field Operations, Io GAIN: +1 Strength, +1 Agility, +1 Cyber-affinity, and Remote Electron Tampering - Selections Group Field Operations MISSION POSTING: Field Operations, Selections Group GAIN: +1 Strength, +1 Agility, +1 Cyber-affinity, and Neuro-Reflex Dampening - Anti-Terrorism Field Operations MISSION POSTING: Field Operations, Anti-Terrorism GAIN: +1 Strength, +1 Agility, +1 Cyber-affinity, and Psychogenic Agility ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B. Navy ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Navy soldier is a jack of all trades. He possesses skills in every area, from hacking to repairing and from standard guns to energy weapons. It is the more balanced of all classes but it is harder to specialize in a particular skill. His career options are the following: ______ YEAR 1 ŻŻŻŻŻŻ - UNN Lucille Military Police MISSION POSTING: Military Police GAIN: +1 Modify and +1 Strength - UNN Lucille Engineer's Mate MISSION POSTING: Engineer's Mate GAIN: +1 Repair and +1 Strength - UNN Lucille Ship's Ops MISSION POSTING: Ship's Ops GAIN: +1 Hack and +1 Strength ______ YEAR 2 ŻŻŻŻŻŻ - Laverne Tactical Training School MISSION POSTING: Tactical Training School GAIN: +2 Standard Weapons - UNN Pierce Ordnance Master MISSION POSTING: Ordnance Master GAIN: +1 Maintenance - UNN Carfax Navigator's Mate MISSION POSTING: Navigator's Mate GAIN: +2 Cyber-affinity ______ YEAR 3 ŻŻŻŻŻŻ - Yamamoto Zero-G Training MISSION POSTING: Zero-G Training GAIN: +2 Agility - Io Survival Training School MISSION POSTING: Survival Training GAIN: +2 Endurance - Marie Curie Research Facility MISSION POSTING: Lab Assistant GAIN: +1 Research ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- C. Marines ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Marine is the weapons expert. He is capable of efficiently using any kind of weapons from standard guns to energy weapons. He is also a very physical trained soldier with high strength and endurance. His career options are the following: ______ YEAR 1 ŻŻŻŻŻŻ - Guadalcanal Zero-Grav Training MISSION POSTING: Zero-G Training GAIN: +2 Agility - Io Survival Training School MISSION POSTING: Survival Training GAIN: +2 Endurance - Supply Ship Gallo Ordnance Master's Mate MISSION POSTING: Ordnance Master's Mate GAIN: +2 Strength ______ YEAR 2 ŻŻŻŻŻŻ - Port MacArthur Weapons Range MISSION POSTING: Staff Assistant, Weapons Range GAIN: +2 Standard Weapons - JM-432 Asteroid Picket MISSION POSTING: Asteroid Pickets GAIN: +1 Heavy Weapons and +1 Cyber-affinity - Antigua Gunnery Mate MISSION POSTING: Gunnery Mate GAIN: +1 Energy Weapons and +1 Cyber-affinity ______ YEAR 3 ŻŻŻŻŻŻ - Antigua Ship's Systems Consultant MISSION POSTING: Ship's System Consultant GAIN: +1 Repair - Poliedes Training Section MISSION POSTING: Quash Rebellion GAIN: +1 Modify - U.N.N. Honor Guard MISSION POSTING: Honor Guard, MP GAIN: +1 Maintenance ========================================================================================= [03] WALKTHROUGH ========================================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A. Von Braun Deck 2 - Medical / Science ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As soon as you wake up from your cryogenic sleep you will receive an E-Mail from Polito telling you to take cover. Your first objective in the game is to reach Deck 4. For now, examine the corpse lying nearby to find the [Wrench]. Equip the weapon and use it to smash the metal object blocking the ladder. Climb the ladder and go into the next room when everything starts to fall apart. Pick up the Cryogenics Sector Keycard and use it to open the locked door. Search the corpse to find an audio log, [Amanpour 07.JUL.14]. Listen to it to learn the access code that opens the next door. You can also hack the keypad if you have enough Hack skill (1+). Go through the narrow passage and you will end up next to the airlock. Unfortunately, it is locked. Pick up the [Dead Power Cell] and use the Recharge Station to recharge the cell. Then place it in the slot next to the door and it will open. You will receive the first 4 [Cybernetic Modules]. You can use these modules to upgrade your stats or skills. Now take the elevator to the second floor and go through the first door to the right. [ACTION]: If you have the Kinetic Redirection psi discipline you can get the items that you cannot reach. These are a pack of 6 [Standard Bullets] and a [Speed Booster]. Find the Science Sector Keycard and proceed forward. You will see some kind of ghost. Open the door with the keycard and you will have reached the main part of Deck 2. The real action begins now, as some Hybrids will attack you. Defeat them and then try to activate the main elevator (the door with the big yellow button). Polito will tell you that the main power is offline and she will tell you what to do next. Go to the Medical Reception Area in the Science sector of Deck 2 and pick up the [Dead Power Cell] near the dead body. You will now have to find a charger to power the battery. You can find the Energy Recharging Station in the Power Plant section of the ship. To access this area, find the ladder leading down near the Chemical Storeroom. The area is guarded by 2 Slug Turrets. Destroy them and charge the battery at the station. Then return to the Medical Reception Area and insert the battery in the slot next to the door. Go into the next area. Find Grassi's corpse in the area and pick up the Deck 2 Crew Keycard nearby. You can now access the Crew sector. Head there and open the door using the keycard. You will find a set of upgrading machines here so you can spend your cyber-modules. You will also find the first OS Upgrade. Choose these upgrades carefully as you cannot change them once you choose them. Find Dr Watts' office and pick up the R&D Sector Keycard. Leave the Crew sector and head back to the main area of Deck 2. From there you can access the R&D section with the keycard. Explore the R&D section and reach Dr. Watts' office. He's wounded and will tell you the maintenance shaft access code and die. Return to the main part of Deck 2 and access the maintenance shaft. Destroy the guardian robot and climb down the ladder to Deck 1. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B. Von Braun Deck 1 - Engineering ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Polito will message you telling you what to do next. Go through the coolant tubes quickly to minimize radiation. Find the door to the Engine Core. It's locked because of the radiation leak. Head all the way south and you will receive an E-Mail from Polito telling you the code to Utility Storage 4. Find utility storage 4 and use the passcode to get in. You can find a [Hazard Suit] there. Now go all the way west until you reach the xerxes screen. From now, be extremely careful with the robots. Shoot them from a distance with Armor Piercing bullets. Find the Security Access Card and reach the security booth. You can heal there in the surgical unit and upgrade your skills. Now go into the Cargo Bay area. Explore Cargo Bay 1A/1B first and find the Cargo Bay 2A/2B Keycard. Now head to Cargo Bay 2A/2B. Explore the area and you'll find the code for Engineering Control. Go back to the Engineering Control and access it via the code. You'll learn that Xerxes has disabled the Fluidics Computer. You'll have to find another way around the problem. Return to auxiliary storage 5 (chemical storeroom) and open the door with the passcode. Pick up the correct circuit board and return to Command Control. Insert the board in the slot and return to Engineering Control. Activate the Fluidics Computer. Now you will have to manually restart both engine nacelles. Now that the radiation leak is contained return to the coolant tubes and access the Engine Core. Visit both Nacelles and activate them. Then activate the Main Power Computer in the Engine Core to activate the elevators. Now you can try to get to Deck 4 to meet Polito. I say try because the elevator shaft to deck 4 is blocked by an organic mass. You will have to stop at Deck 3 and find a way to dispose of this mass. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- C. Von Braun Deck 3 - Hydroponics ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You will learn from exploring the area that in order to clear the mass blocking the lift shaft you will need to plant some kind of toxin in the four environmental regulators. First, find and research a vial of Toxin-A. The you'll have to find the four environmental regulators and install a [Vial of Toxin-A] in each one of them. The regulators are located in the following places: - Find the ladder marked as 3 in the map. Explore the place and you'll find the first regulator. - Find the ladder marked 1 in the map and explore the area. You'll find a regulator and the Sector A access keycard. ========================================================================================= [04] APPENDIX ========================================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A. Weapons & Ammo ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ______________________ ANTI-PERSONNEL BULLETS ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 While nearly useless against armored targets, the Mite anti personnel round is devastatingly effective against flesh and blood. Nanites inside the head of the clip automatically sense when the round has entered an organic target. First, the head of the bullet fragments into several dozen pieces. Immediately, they seek the highest local temperature and, using microscopic pockets of gas, propel themselves towards the warmth, and presumably, the vital organs. _____________________________ ANTI-PERSONNEL SHOTGUN SHELLS ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 These explosive pellets combine a chemical incendiary with a cluster of self-converting nanites to pack an extra kick. Not many organic targets can stand up to these for long. They are best used at relatively short range, as the pellets tend to spread. ______________________ ARMOR-PIERCING BULLETS ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 The armor piercing round is not particularly effective against soft targets, but it's the round of choice when up against mechanized foes. The uranium tips provide considerably penetrating power, even to relatively weak slug throwers like the Talon M2A3 and the M-22 assault rifle. The bullet is the kid brother of the discarding sabot rounds used by tanks in the 21st century. Besides the incredibly dense uranium tip, the casing is lined with an advanced ballistic material that decreases drag, imparting even greater penetration. _________________ CLUSTERS OF WORMS ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 These disgusting things can be used as ammunition by exotic, annelid-based weaponry. The worms can be collected by using empty beakers on piles of worms. __________________________ FRAGMENTATION GRENADE CLIP ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 A standard fragmentation grenade. Damage is a combination of the concussive effects of the explosion and the resultant pieces of shrapnel. ________________ GRENADE LAUNCHER ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 3 Requires: Heavy Weapons: 1 The grenade launcher requires a Heavy Weapons skill of 1 in order to use. The first modification to this weapon increases the clip size, while the second increases the speed of the grenades and reduces the reload time. Additionally, both modifications increase weapon damage. The TC-11 "Brick" can launch a wide variety of ordnance, from standard high-explosive, to proximity detection rounds, EMP, or white phosphorous incendiary. Creative souls have been know to jury rig other types of ammo. Unlike the earlier generations of launchers, the M-48 utilizes a reverse polarization magnetic launching mechanism instead of compressed gas. ____________ LASER PISTOL ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 3 Requires: Energy Weapons: 1 The laser pistol requires an Energy Weapons skill of 1. The first modification to this weapon increases the energy capacity, while the second reduces the energy consumption - both modifications increase the damage. The deadlier cousin of the Sparq Pistol, the Apollo H4 Laser Pistol relies on refracted light instead of electricity to damage its target. While it has a fairly large battery, the weapon must be replenished at a recharge station. The overcharge setting can be used to get out of a tight spot, but puts an inordinate strain on the unit's energy supply. ____________ LASER RAPIER ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 3 Requires: Agility: 3 Energy Weapons: 4 A brutally effective melee weapon, the laser rapier requires an Agility of 3 and an Energy Weapons skill of 4 in order to use. Far more effective than the prototype model first developed in Citadel Station in 2072, the Mark IV laser rapier is a much more reliable piece of technology. The unit works by projecting a porous field of reflective material in a shaft shaped region around the base of the rapier. When the material is bent [as when the rapier strikes a target] the intense refracted light inside is released locally, causing intense burns to the target. "That's right, just like the one the Hacker used on Citadel Station! We're the only one in town who's got 'em! Only 40 nanites!" - Street vendor selling Laser Rapier replicas in New Detroit. ______ PISTOL ŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 3 Requires: Standard Weapons: 1 The pistol requires a Standard Weapons skill of 1 in order to use. Both modifications to the pistol increase damage - the first also increases the clip size, while the second decreases the reload time. Developed by TriOptimum's military division, the Talon M2A3 .45 caliber pistol is a standard issue sidearm provided to all UNN military personnel. After 23 years in service, the weapon has been designed to accept a number of kinds of ammunition, including the standard steel-jacketed rounds, uranium tipped armor piercing rounds and even nanite-based anti-personnel rounds. ______________________ PROXIMITY GRENADE CLIP ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 "The Radius IV proximity grenade utilizes no fewer than six separate methods of detection, from IR signature to EM field sampling to volumetric air displacement in order to make sure that it explodes with pinpoint accuracy and in the close vicinity of your enemies! Be sure to purchase our Radius Exclusion Emitter, coming soon, in order to make sure that your grenades exclude you and your squadmates from detonation!" -- TriOptimum advertising copy. _______ PSI AMP ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 3 Developed by Esper Industries, a critical branch of TriOps military R&D division, this controversial device allows psionically able individuals to amplify and project their powers into the world. Before the development of the Psi Amp, Psi powers were mostly only detectable in a lab environment. The Amp contains and inhibits the normal diffusion problems inherent is Psi phenomena. The amp also allows the user to effectively channel their innate Psi powers to a number of proscribed effects. This device caused a furor in the Psi community, primarily because of its obvious military applications, but also because of the Amps tendency to define Psionic "disciplines" along a few specific [and generally utilitarian] axes. ____________ RIFLED SLUGS ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 The design of the basic shotgun slug hasn't changed much in the past century. A small, heavy piece of metal, delivered with a high kinetic energy, is a short, simple recipe for damage. _______ SHOTGUN ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 3 Requires: Standard Weapons: 3 The shotgun requires a Standard Weapons skill of 3 in order to use. Both modifications to the shotgun increase damage - the first also reduces reload time, while the second reduces kickback. Shotguns in the military had generally gone out of favor until TriOp consumer division introduced a handheld version of this 10 gauge monster. While it works like a traditional [albeit incredibly deadly] shotgun, this magazine loaded behemoth also supports a triple load shot, which has been known to split its victims in two. A few months after its introduction, its popularity with hunters and other weapons enthusiasts prompted a large scale purchase of the guns by the UNN military. ________________ STANDARD BULLETS ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 This .45 Standard Round is encased in a solid steel jacket, these rounds provide general purpose stopping power. Their main advantage of this ordnance is that it's extremely cheap to produce, and therefore readily available. No target type is either particularly vulnerable nor resistant to these rounds. ______ WRENCH ŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 3 Requires: Nothing A multi-purpose tool generally used for engineering purposes. However, it makes an effective makeshift weapon. "When you hit someone over the head with 22 pounds of steel, they tend not to appreciate it" - Taz Amanpour, VB Maintenance Crew. The wrench does not require any weapons skill to use. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B. Armor & Suits ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ___________ HAZARD SUIT ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 4 Defense: +75 RAD +75 TOX The TriOptimum Zero-Phase Hazard Armor uses a combination of triple-layer rubberized mesh, reflective shielding, and low-intensity force field path warps, in order to protect its wearer from not only vacuum but other environmental hazards such as radiation and chemical spills. Competitors such as the HaziShield Group and Wykodyne have claimed that keeping force field generators so close to the skin for long periods of time can be carcinogenic, but most wearers are more concerned about short-term hazards and prefer the added protection. __________________ LIGHT COMBAT ARMOR ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 4 Requires: Strength: 2 Defense: +20 The Dartech class 1 armor requires a strength of 2 in order to equip. The armor is a complex mesh of Kevlar and substrate steel mesh that provides lightweight, marginally effective firepower stoppage. The armor is not only designed to resist penetration, but also to disperse the kinetic energy of the impact throughout its frame. Dartech is the arm of TriOps military branch that generally supplies the poorer belligerents, such as terrorists and local militias. While it's better than nothing, more than one wearer has met an unpleasant end while wearing the Dartech class 1. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- C. Implants ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ______________________ BRAWNBOOST[TM] IMPLANT ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 Crigon Manufactory's BrawnBoost [TM] implant increases the user's STR by 1, burning up 1% of its charge every ten seconds. The implant acts to circumvent many of the legal restrictions on athletic pharmaceuticals by avoiding any actual drugs, and simply stimulating the musculature with electric and magnetic impulses. ________________________ LABASSISTANT[TM] IMPLANT ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 The LabAssistant [TM] implant increases research skill by 1, burning up 1% of its charge every ten seconds. The LabAssistant is one of the least popular implants that Crigon Manufactory sells, but a core market of graduate students keeps the line afloat. ____________________ PSIBOOST[TM] IMPLANT ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 Crigon Manufactory's PsiBoost [TM] implant increases the user's PSI by 1, burning up 1% of its charge every ten seconds. The implant monitors the user's neurotransmitter levels, and acts on nervous controllers to keep the levels optimal for peak neural function. ______________________ SWIFTBOOST[TM] IMPLANT ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 The SwiftBoost [TM] implant boosts agility by 1, burning up 1% of its charge every ten seconds. While the RunFast [TM] Implant concentrates on stimulating the leg muscles, the SwiftBoost [TM] Implant speeds up reaction times for the entire body. This implant is popular among gymnasts and other athletes, but hasn't caught on fully with the military yet. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- D. Hypos ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ___________________ ANTI-RADIATION HYPO ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 This agent radically accelerates the half-life breakdown of many potentially hazardous compounds. Dr. Marie Delacroix, the chief engineer aboard the Von Braun, was well aware of the imperfections inherent in the rushed development of the ship. Notably, the coolant system of the ship had a chronic cracking problem, leading to the widespread leakage of hazardous materials. While these leaks are easily detected and usually quickly fixed, she demanded that an excess supply of ChemCal rad hypos be distributed throughout the ship. Unlike most of her cautions regarding conditions on the Von Braun, this one was actually heeded. Most effective if used shortly after the hazardous event, anti-radiation hypos inject small amounts of an agent comercially known as NukeTralizer. _______________ ANTI-TOXIN HYPO ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 "The Vita-Hyb Detoxification Hypospray acts fast, and it acts strong, to rid your body of chemical and environmental hazards. Had too much to drink? Wandered too close to a synthocrete building in progress? Try a dose! Children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and those of any form of medication are warned to consult Health Advisory 1053-T-032 before using." -Vita-Hyb skybanner, 2110. ____________ MEDICAL HYPO ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 Designed as a quick fix for minor injuries, the ChemCal medical hypo injects a healing enzyme which can make a crude assessment of the patient's condition and somewhat alter the chemical makeup of the hypo to fit the case. In addition, the hypo contains a mixture of pain killers and anti-coagulants. Not meant as a treatment for serious injury, the med hypo will do in a pinch. The only downside is the rather sharp stick of the over-engineered vacc needle, which was nearly recalled twelve years ago on its introduction. Strong litigation by TriOp's legal department eliminated that potentially costly eventuality. ________ PSI HYPO ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 The Psi Booster hypo contains a potent cocktail of tension relievers, dopamine inhibitors, and circulatory stimulators. A dose will increase your psi points by 30, up to your maximum. The Surgeon General has warned that Psi Booster hypos can be habit-forming and dangerous to your health. Note also that the manufacturer has used a special, patented process to make these items unable to be duplicated by those who know the Molecular Duplication psi discipline, in order to protect their monopoly. _____________ SPEED BOOSTER ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 The Vita-Hyb SpeedBoost hypo confers twenty seconds of double speed. Popular among high-school students for a dangerous street sport of "Crash Careening", the SpeedBoost hypo can also be invaluable in emergencies. ________________ STRENGTH BOOSTER ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 The Strength-Boost pharmaceutical confers one point of strength, up to a maximum of eight points, for five minutes. Vita-Hyb, the makers of Strength-Boost, have been rumored to sell surgically implantable Strength-Boost drip packages for athletes, though such things are, of course, highly illegal. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- E. Misc Items ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _____________________ ANNELID HEALING GLAND ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 Requires: Research: 1 Chemicals: Os (x1) Summary: This tissue can be used to physically heal damage. Analysis: This gland secretes a prolific mix of hormones and stimulatory enzymes, and a quickly dividing layer of cells spawns off multi-purpose circulatory cells. These cells seek out sites of tissue damage and graft themselves into the tissue, taking on the characteristics of the local host tissue in a matter of moments. Recommendation: The shared tissue compatibilities between human and annelid tissue will allow this gland to be used for healing, though not as fully as it would in an annelid host. Once removed from the host's body, it can only be used once. ________________ AUTO-REPAIR UNIT ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 The Viridian V-Badge Auto-repair Unit is marketed, in an amazing display of underrating, as a repair device. In reality, the Auto-repair Unit scans, and then virtually rebuilds from scratch, a target device, in its original pristine state. Several documented cases have observed subtle improvements in the repaired device, where the original was damaged beyond scannability. Much to the relief of licensed repair specialists, the Auto-repair Unit is a single-use device. ____________ BAG OF CHIPS ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 Crack-O's Potato Chips, voted the UNN's national food product in the early 21st century, are made from slices of common potatoes deep fried in hydrogenated oils. This treat is often supplemented with vitamins to boost its questionable nutritional value. "When you need a tasty treat, Crack-O's are the chips to beat. Eat 'em by the bunch or by pound, new improved Crack-O's won't let you down." -Crack-O's Neuro-Net Promotion 2111. _______________ BOTTLE OF JUICE ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 Produced from genegrafted fruit in hydroponics tanks, the popular TastyFruit Caffeinated Fruit Drink is chock full of vitamins, sugar, and fruit pulp. ________________ BOTTLE OF LIQUOR ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 With advances in pharmaceuticals that mimic the effects of alcohol, liquor has begun to be rated in both "true proof" and "factor proof", with the strongest drinks being close to 330 factor proof. This rotgut gets you drunk the old-fashioned way, with no added factor proof. _______________ BOTTLE OF VODKA ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 A distilled liquor, vodka is something that the replicators never really got quite right. The replicated brand is numbingly strong, but one's enjoyment is hindered by a sharp, biting taste. ________________ CHAMPAGNE BOTTLE ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 Champagne is a popular drink enjoyed on the Von Braun [and smuggled onto the Rickenbacker], both in its lounges and replicators. However, since the entire liquor concession is run by TriOp and all champagne is replicated from the same nanite archetype [due to limited database storage], there is only a single brand available. Fortunately, the vintage is excellent. __________________ CHARGED POWER CELL ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 The ElectroSim Type 5 power cell is a new model, designed to deliver a lot of power over a small period of time. These are typically used to provide emergency backup power for ship-critical systems. Unfortunately, they have a tendency to lose their charge if stored for more than a few weeks, so they must be frequently recharged at energy recharging stations. ElectroSim has replaced this unit with the more stable 5A, but the upgrade was not available before the Von Braun left Earth. __________ CIGARETTES ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 Every box of the Tobacco Conglomerate's new phylo-filter-tip cigarettes comes with three optional, experience-enhancing, additives available at the touch of a button. The "Mint-o-matic" button infuses your smoke with a menthol/eucalyptus/mint blend. The "Kicker" button adds a flavor-rich double dose of tar, nicotine, and carbon compounds. The "Self-cleaning" coats your cigarette with a layer of smoke-depositing nanotech. "As my testimony indicated the last time I stood before this committee, there is still no clear evidence that cigarette smoking is proven to be harmful to the health of the smoker." - Jack M. Sutton, Chief Executive Officer, Uplift Tobacco, 09-03-2112. _____________ CIRCUIT BOARD ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 This circuit board, like half of the rest of the equipment aboard the Von Braun, combines cutting-edge technology and a haphazard jury-rig quality. Some of the logic chips are marked with experimental serial numbers, and there are smearings of solder and nanite-grown junctions everywhere. _______________ DEAD POWER CELL ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 The ElectroSim Type 5 power cell is a new model, designed to deliver a lot of power over a small period of time. These are typically used to provide emergency backup power for ship-critical systems. Unfortunately, they have a tendency to lose their charge if stored for more than a few weeks, so they must be frequently recharged at energy recharging stations. ElectroSim has replaced this unit with the more stable 5A, but the upgrade was not available before the Von Braun left Earth. ___________________________ DISPOSABLE MAINTENANCE TOOL ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 Gunnery sergeants everywhere make it a point of pride that their tool of choice isn't a "loser know-nothing fix-it-all device" - the better the maintenance skill of the operator, the more effect using the tool will have. These tools are disposable, and can only be used once each. ____________ FERMIUM [FM] ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 Research software and nanite-driven molecular processing has come to mean that the necessary material for performing basic research no longer includes complex organics and complex synthetics. Instead, chemical elements serve as raw materials for the nanite research processors, and are combined as needed. Chemical containers such as this one are carefully designed to prevent the material from reacting with the environment either chemically or energetically, and are fitted with with dispensing nozzles that dock with most standard nanite injection ports. _____________________ FRENCH-EPSTEIN DEVICE ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 The perfect birthday gift for the techie with less than ideal technical skills, the French-Epstein device is a portable, nanite-driven, self-contained analysis and modification tool. Simply place your weapon in the device, and let the French-Epstein's expert systems do the work necessary in the weapons modifications. One use only. ______________ GRUB POD ORGAN ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 Requires: Research: 1 Chemicals: Ga (x1), Cf (x1) Summary: While you have learned the vulnerabilities of this creature, they're so easily killed it hardly matters. Like all annelids, they are somewhat resistant to energy weapons. Annelid eggs often contain useful organs if you search them before they are destroyed. Analysis: Genetically female, the annelid grub is the most basic annelid form. The creature is principally nervous system and musculature - the highly advanced [for a worm] nervous system appears to be tied into a rudimentary psionic sense organ. While wormlike in appearance, the grub has no actual digestive track, but is furnished with energy reserves at birth. When these are depleted, the creature shuts down into a dormant state, possibly until a further psionic trigger acts on it. The eggs that these emerge from often contain organs that might be extracted for useful purposes, unless the egg was destroyed in combat. Analysis: The grubs are fairly fragile, but can be somewhat dangerous if they close before you see them. In large numbers, they may prove a more significant threat. ____________ HYBRID ORGAN ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 Requires: Research: 1 Chemicals: None Summary: You've learned how to best target the Hybrid for maximal damage. All damage you deal to Hybrids will be increased by 25%. Analysis: DNA structure indicates that this organism is a hybrid of a human host and a parasitic organism. Although the parasite [resembling a yard-long worm] has deteriorated to a stage beyond useful analysis, the effects of the process are evident. Severe deterioration of higher level mental processes is caused by tumerous growths along the spinal column and brain stem. The non-human tissues seem to be formed of a composite of small wormlike creatures that have adapted into the host body and taken over a majority of motor control and decision making functions. There also appears to be direct stimulation of the autonomic nervous and glandular systems. Hence, the organism produces exceptional amounts of both adrenaline and endorphins, making it remarkably strong and aggressive. What remains can not really be called human at all. The damage done to the host by the process is irrevocable, and the organism now functions with no sense of morality or hesitation. Recommendation: The organism is vulnerable to the same forms of stimuli as a human. However, the changes in its physiology suggest a chemistry more complex than is currently understood. Further analysis of similar organisms might provide more insight in this area. ________ ICE-PICK ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 The ICE pick's limited power supply and custom-programmed nanites allow for one successful hack, regardless of the skill of the user. Banned as illegal in most countries and aboard UNN ships, the ICE pick is nevertheless a great help for any hacker who can afford the prices the black market charges for the device. A persistent rumor in the hacker underground is that "Cantor", the ICE pick's inventor, has offered his own ice-breaking algorithms as a reward to anyone who can demonstrate to him a system the ICE pick can't break. ________ MAGAZINE ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 A high-color journal covering the artificial-personality circuit. Feature articles discuss synthetic talk shows, aggregate personalities developed as corporate spokesmen, and low-budget personality tailoring that can be done at home. ________ MAGAZINE ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 This magazine, very popular among protocol droids and their programmers, is an eclectic combination of technical information and interior design. Some articles are written wholly in byte-compiled code format, easily readable by droids, but many human programmers consider it a mark of competence to be able to read those articles without software assistance. ________ MAGAZINE ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 A wildly speculative, low-budget magazine, which covers subjects from "Are They Among Us?" to "Pros and Cons of Silicate Genetics." The only things more amusing than the articles are the letters to the editor published at the front. ________ MAGAZINE ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 This fat, glossy magazine is principally advertisements for expensive leathers, both clothing and accoutrements. A feature article talks about the experimental Ganymede nu-cow farms. ________ MAGAZINE ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 This holografic glossy magazine appeals principaly to a rich youth market. The long-running feature stories detail the romances and adventures of several highly photogenic celebrities. ___________ MEDICAL KIT ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 The self-diagnostic medical kit is able to stop bleeding, rebuild damaged tissue, and even make rudimentary organ repair. A staple of emergency medical technicians, battlefield medics, and policemen everywhere, the medical kit will restore all lost hit points. _______________ MFD GAME PLAYER ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 A shiny new GamePig [TM] entertainment device from Vortex Mechanics Unlimited. Able to play dozens of different game, simply by inserting new memory cartridges. Most games star "Grunty the Gaming Pig", who first rose to fame in the 2005 interactive entertainment "Corporate Swine". DISCLAIMER: VMU is not liable for any accidents which may occur due to distraction from playing GamePig [TM] games in a heads-up display. Oink! ____________ MONKEY BRAIN ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 Requires: Research: 1 Chemicals: Fm (x1) Summary: You've learned how to best target the monkeys for maximal damage. All damage you deal to monkeys will be increased by 25%. Analysis: The monkey is genetically normal, an African squirrel monkey. However, it appears to have been subject to a large number of chemical and surgical procedures, both before and after birth. These procedures have enhanced brain size and connectivity, as well as enhanced the myelination of the central nervous system. The skull of the creature has been surgically removed, presumably both to prevent cranial pressure and to allow quick experimental access. Recommendation: The neural construction of the creature is similar in nature to psionic human neural structure - the monkeys are likely to have psionic capability. They are vulnerable to all attacks which affect standard organic creatures. ___ MUG ŻŻŻ Slots: 1 The Vacuu-Sol insulated mug keeps hot beverages hot and cold beverages cold, up to three years at a shot. The semi-permeable force-field over the rim prevents heat transfer, as well as keeps the liquid inside in case of a spill. ___________ OSMIUM [OS] ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 Research software and nanite-driven molecular processing has come to mean that the necessary material for performing basic research no longer includes complex organics and complex synthetics. Instead, chemical elements serve as raw materials for the nanite research processors, and are combined as needed. Chemical containers such as this one are carefully designed to prevent the material from reacting with the environment either chemically or energetically, and are fitted with with dispensing nozzles that dock with most standard nanite injection ports. ______________ OVERWORLD ZERO ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 This memory module contains a complete working game for use with your VMU GamePig [TM]. Oink! _____ PLANT ŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 This hardy specimen has been genetically tailored to require minimal water, even less light, and almost no minerals or fertilizer. It bears a striking resemblance in both color and lifelessness, to the plastic plants of several decades past. ________________ PORTABLE BATTERY ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 The ElectroSim Type 2 portable battery contains enough power to recharge virtually any powered device. A small flaw in the discharge terminal prevents the battery from being used more than once, as it fully discharges upon use. ElectroSim has issued a recall for this particular type of battery. ____________ SMALL BEAKER ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 While most DNA infusion clipping is done via protein databases, this beaker is still an effective way to test new compounds of both carbon and non-carbon based compounds. The shielded beaker is an excellent method of storing small quantities of hazardous materials for transport and/or storage. ________ SODA CAN ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 Invented in the early part of the 20th century, soda was created as a refreshing beverage, a mixture of carbonated water and corn syrup. For such a trivial seeming product, soda and similar beverages fueled the rise of the first two mega-corporation, the names of which are illegal to publish by UNN Information Ordnance #234/fd34. Net rumors suggest that these two corporations' marketing skirmishes turned into physical ones, promulgated by the destruction of offshore bottling plants by hired mercenary squads in 2023. ____________________________ SURGICAL UNIT ACTIVATION KEY ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 The standard surgical unit is useful for diagnostic procedures, under the control of a trained physician. This activation key, when attached to a surgical unit, will allow it to perform healing procedures automatically. A fierce battle with the medical lobbyist groups has resulted in a compromise, in which the nanite-driven activation keys may not be installed by the vendor on a surgical unit, but may be stocked separately for customers to install in case of emergency, and the installation is not difficult. However, once the two are connected, a factory technician is required to disconnect the two. ___________ SWINEKEEPER ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 This memory module contains a complete working game for use with your VMU GamePig [TM]. Oink! _______________ VIAL OF TOXIN-A ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Slots: 1 Requires: Research: 1 Chemicals: Sb (x2), V (x1) Summary: Placing this toxin in an environmental regulator will reduce local annelid growth. Analysis: This is an experimental toxin, highly virulent, developed specifically to break down and dissolve annelid tissue. The canister is highly pressurized, as the liquid toxin would evaporate quickly under ordinary conditions. Recommendation: For maximum coverage, this toxin should be introduced into air-recirculators immediately after being opened. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F. OS Upgrades ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________ CYBERNETICALLY ENHANCED ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Allows the use of two implants at once. RANK (1-16): 1 The best upgrade. By using two implants at once you can increase any two stats or use any two special abilities. ______________ NATURALLY ABLE ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ One-time bonus of 8 Cyber Enhancement Units. RANK (1-16): 16 Useless. Don't waste your upgrade with this. 8 Cyber Modules is not that much and you won't gain any other extra ability. ________ PACK-RAT ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Adds three extra inventory slots. RANK (1-16): 15 Completely useless. Inventory slots depend on Strength and if you have a STR of 6 it is useless. You can increase you STR with implants so don't bother choosing this upgrade. _______________ PHARMO-FRIENDLY ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Extra 20% benefit from all hypos. RANK (1-16): 7 Quite good for any agent, but that one relying on psi hypos will get more benefit. This upgrade may be useful in harder difficulty levels where the damage dealt to you is greater. ____________ SHARPSHOOTER ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Each shot with a ranged [non-psionic] weapon does 15% more damage. RANK (1-16): 2 This is good. Although 15% is not that much it greatly helps defeating the hardest annelids. ______ SPEEDY ŻŻŻŻŻŻ Movement speed increased by 15%. RANK (1-16): 11 Not very useful in my opinion. Movement speed is not very useful except for running and you don't need to run much in the game except to escape from some monsters. _________________ STRONG METABOLISM ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Damage from radiation and toxins reduced by 25%. RANK (1-16): 14 This is not a good upgrade since you suffer from radiation and toxin damage rarely and the effects are not powerful. ____ TANK ŻŻŻŻ Increases maximum hit points by 5 RANK (1-16): 5 Pretty useful in harder difficulty levels as you have little HP. It isn't that good on Normal since you could increase your Endurance for a few Cyber Modules and it would have the same effect. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- G. Audio Logs ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _________________ ---DECK 2: MED / SCI--- ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ _______________ DIEGO 17.MAR.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ UNN RICKENBACKER re: Yanking my chain To: Korenchkin, Anatoly Anatoly, there's only so much corporate calisthenics I can go through before I start to feel a little queasy, so let's get down to brass tacks here. We don't like each other. We each have our own motivations for undertaking this mission, so let me give you a little warning. I cannot be circumvented, I cannot be tricked, I cannot be manipulated, and I cannot be bought. You come at me straight and keep the fancy maneuvers for your next board meeting. Just because my father swam with the sharks doesn't mean that I do. ___________________ DELACROIX 07.APR.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ENGINEERING re: Xerxes Why is it that no one listens to me? The security protocols on the Xerxes system are clearly immature. Some idiot hacked into the primary data loop last night and made Xerxes sing Elvis Presley songs for three hours. I finally had to pull the voice sub-system off line. What would happen if somebody with a real agenda got into him? ________________ GRASSI 12.MAY.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ MED/SCI re: Damn chimps Whose idea was it to bring 150 chimpanzees on board anyway? The interests of science? What about the interests of hygiene? Does anybody have any idea how much crap 150 lab monkeys make in a day? The poor chimps... they come onboard for the most historic mission of all time, and they end up being chopped into little pieces in the name of progress. ____________________ KORENCHKIN 14.JUN.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ COMMAND re: First contact To: Zhukov, Vladimir We have picked up a transmission from the surface of Tau Ceti 5. I have been in negotiation with Captain Diego of the Rickenbacker and after some... coercion, he's agreed to go planetside as a joint venture. Imagine, this historic mission might even become more historic. First Contact. And who is there to get exclusive rights to all media, patents and land grants? TriOptimum. Miri, I told you this would be worth it. ________________ GRASSI 20.JUN.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ MED/SCI re: All work, no play I got called up around 0430 to help unload the shuttle coming back from Tau Ceti. Korenchkin was there alone. Jesus, what the hell happened to him? He'd lost most of his hair, and you could see these lumps on the side of his neck. And that smell. I told him he should go see Dr. Watts, but he told me to mind my own business. Well, la-dee-da. ________________ SUAREZ 20.JUN.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ UNN RICKENBACKER re: 100% Torture To: Siddons, Rebecca Wow... you are incredible, do you know that? I made this game where I tried to make myself not think about you. What a moron. I love you, Rebecca. And I've got a plan. I've been buttering up the captain to transfer me from the Rickenbacker to the goodwill team on the Von Braun. Pretty soon, nothing will keep us apart. ________________ POLITO 25.JUN.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ OPS re: Strange AI To: Delacroix, Dr. Marie Marie... I'm sorry I've been out of touch, but I've been working on that artifact Bayliss brought back from Tau Ceti 5. I've done a level 3 analysis on it... I think it's some kind of Artificial Intelligence. I've managed to pull an audio tag file out of its memory... I'll let you be the judge... Marie... I think it's speaking English... ________________ GRASSI 26.JUN.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ MED/SCI re: Animal rights? Ever since we reached Tau Ceti, the lab monkeys have been acting strangely. Nurse Loesser picked one out of a cage to be brought in for the vivisection and the rest of them, I mean the entire group, stood on their legs and howled. This wasn't just a random display, it was a protest. _______________ WATTS 30.JUN.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ MED/SCI re: Nonsense To: Loesser, Angela Angela, while it may appear that the lab monkeys are communicating with each other, I assure you it's quite impossible. You claim that one monkey signed the passcode for a supply closet to another and the latter proceeded to open it. As I'm sure you know, there have literally been tens of thousands of studies of primate intelligence and there is no evidence of behavior even remotely that sophisticated. So either you've single handedly trumped the entire field of animal behaviorists or you're badly in need of a vacation. _______________ WATTS 01.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ MED/SCI re: Patient Watson Since returning from the Surface of Tau Ceti 5, patient has experienced numerous novel phenomena, evidenced by inflammatory nodular growth and the presence of a large wormlike parasite. This morning, the parasite penetrated the subject's test... from the inside... and attached one end of itself to the subject's forehead. If I remove it, I could kill the kid. If I leave it... Final Diagnosis: beats the hell out me. I'd love to refer this to Madorsky at CDC, but unfortunately, he's 67 trillion miles away. ________________ CURTIZ 02.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ENGINEERING re: Rad Hypos Medical tells me they've replicated a whole bunch of Rad Hypos. I'm gonna pick those up and distribute them to the engineering staff unless anyone gets a better idea. Watts also asked me to check on the replicator in the crew lounge... he says it's a hacker's paradise. ________________ CURTIZ 06.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ENGINEERING re: Coolant leaks To: Delacroix, Dr. Marie Marie, I've got to restrict access to Engineering until we can figure out what to do down there. It's just too hot. I don't know where all the Hazard Suits went, so I'm reduced to bringing down an armful of Rad Hypos. Those damn things always give me a headache. __________________ AMANPOUR 07.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ MED/SCI re: New code Great. I've got to change the access code out of Cryo A again! Like I've got nothing better to do. I think Grassi just likes to make work for me. I'll set the new code to 45100. That should be easy enough to remember. ________________ GRASSI 07.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ MED/SCI re: Implant job To: Polito, Dr. Janice Hey, doc... a security bot showed up with orders from you to place this grunt into the recovery freezer. I'm no cyberdoc, but I know a plant job when I see one. I suppose you know they outlawed R-grade cyber-goodies after that fiasco back on Citadel Station... but, hey, I just work here, right? ________________ CURTIZ 07.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ENGINEERING re: More trouble I've been unable to get in touch with Delacroix... this place is falling apart... members of my team keep disappearing. The leaks in the venting shafts shorted out the primary access channel... and that means we'll all be on auxiliary power until we can get it back up. That means ALL the lifts are out... Marie, where the hell are you? _______________ WATTS 07.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ MED/SCI re: Patient Watson, pt. 2 Patient Watson died at 0240 of non-specific causes. Despite zero respiratory and brain function, the body is still displaying autonomous motor function, as does the parasite. At 0847, the patient even spoke to one of the nurses. Autopsy is set for 1630 and then we'll see what makes this Lazarus tick... ________________ CURTIZ 07.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ENGINEERING re: Lifts are out I can't raise anybody down in Engineering. With the lifts out, I'll need to get down there through the emergency conduit in the Sci Annex. I think the access code is in Watts' lab. __________________ TURNBULL 07.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ OPS re: Procedures Goddamn Bronson and her stupid procedures. She's changed the code on the MedSci 2 sub armory again. Now I've got to head back up to deck 4 to find out what it is... somebody's gonna frag her but good some day... _______________ WATTS 07.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ MED/SCI re: Watson autopsy The time is 1630. Autopsy subject: A. Watson. Now we're going to make the first incision in... hold him down nurse! Nurse! Hold him down! Aahhh!!! Hey! AAAHHH!!! _______________ WATTS 07.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ MED/SCI re: Maintenance conduit To: Curtiz, Juan All right, calm down already... the access code to the conduit is 12451. I've got an autopsy at 1630, but let's grab a beer on the Recreation Deck afterwards. Sound good? ___________________ DELACROIX 08.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ENGINEERING re: Not ready To: Korenchkin, Anatoly This mission should have been scrubbed before it left Earth. We've been unable to contain the reactant coolant leaks on deck 1. I've put an order requiring Hazard Suits down there. I know you think this will cause a panic, but it's better than giving everybody radiation sickness, don't you think? ___________________ ---DECK 1: ENGINEERING--- ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ _________________ SIDDONS 02.JUN.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ OPS re: Lame old me To: Suarez, Tommy They aren't making this easy for us, are they? I miss you. I know it's stupid, but I do. I think I'll wallow in self pity for an hour or so and then write you again. Figures, I have to travel 67 trillion miles to meet a man. Once you're transferred to the Von Braun, everything will be better. I'll be better, I promise. Great, someone's coming. Counting the seconds... ___________________ DELACROIX 30.JUN.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ENGINEERING re: Tau Ceti 5 To: Korenchkin, Anatoly Anatoly, you MUST open up the planet to the scientific staff of this vessel. If there IS something down there, it's bigger than TriOp, it's bigger than the UNN and it's bigger than you. And why have you and Diego shut off Deck 3? What's going on? ________________ MALONE 03.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ UNN RICKENBACKER re: Psionic chimps! To: Mak Pao research authority A laboratory worker from MedSci called me down to the vivisection room yesterday. He felt the lab chimps were exhibiting uncommon intelligence. I sat with one for four hours and tried to probe it with the psi amp on a beta 4 cycle. It failed to respond. I of course assumed it was because it was, naturally, incapable of reacting to the sophisticated beta 4 cycle. But then I realized it was blocking the probe intentionally! As soon as I raised the psi-amp to attack it, the creature lashed out with its arms and projected a cryokinetic field towards me, paralyzing my arm. I immediately psi-dampened the monkey and then stunned it with an electric prod. ___________________ DELACROIX 04.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ENGINEERING re: Taking action To: Korenchkin, Anatoly I'm not sure what secrets you and your new buddy Captain Diego have got going up on deck 3, but I intend to find out. If you continue to refuse to meet with me and my staff, you will leave me no choice but to register a complaint with corporate. If you won't take me seriously, perhaps Sgt. Bronson and her security staff will. ________________ SANGER 04.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ENGINEERING re: Delacroix I don't know where we'd be without Delacroix. This whole ship is falling apart and she's the only one who knows what from what. I saw her arguing with that creep Anatoly Koretzkin or whatever his name is, and she was giving it to him but good. But that freak job stares her straight in the eye and starts babbling about how she doesn't know the pleasure of the joyful unity or some such. Mama mia, the clowns are running the circus. ________________ SANGER 05.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ENGINEERING re: The soldiers Before, I couldn't get rid of those jarheads from the Rickenbacker, and now I can't find one for love or money. That creepy OSA guy followed me around for two months until he got the hint. Now I tried to contact him to see if he knew what was going on, but all of a sudden he won't return my mail. ___________________ DELACROIX 05.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ENGINEERING re: Be brave To: Sanger, Constance Constance, I fear now for my life. I think this has gone beyond any imaginings of Diego and Korenchkin. I do not believe they are in control at all. We must discover what it was they found down on the surface of Tau Ceti 5 and why they guard their secret so jealously. I think this is more important than my life or your life or the life of this ship. Be brave. And be careful. ___________________ DELACROIX 05.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ENGINEERING re: Fluidics backdoor Somebody's been tampering with the Xerxes unit. In the interest of keeping secrets from the powers that be, I've installed a back door to the fluidics control computer. To activate it, install hardware override 45m/dEx in the systems monitoring unit in command control. You can find 45m/dEx in auxiliary storage 5 in the coolant tubes, keycode: 34760. _________________ BRONSON 06.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ OPS re: Turret problems Due to the tenuous situation as of late, I've ordered security defense turrets placed at key locations. Yesterday, one went off accidentally and critically injured crewman Wells. However, somebody must have tampered with the Xerxes security sub-systems because now my technicians are unable to take them off line. Until we get to the bottom of this, I've ordered all security turrets recalled to storage... but now I can't get in touch with the team I sent out to do the recall. ________________ MALONE 06.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ UNN RICKENBACKER re: Further experiments To: Mak Pao research authority Taking precautions, I proceeded with further experiments. Since we've reached Tau Ceti, the creatures have gotten smarter and somehow gained limited psi abilities. I probed another subject with a beta 5 cycle and sensed many things, but mostly an incredible empathy. The chimps have become acutely aware of their own history, of the vivisections and experiments that have been performed on them while onboard the Von Braun. They have anger, and they are ready to express it. Clearly they are both a fascinating scientific resource and an incredible security risk. My recommendation... either freeze them in cryo storage for the remainder of the mission or liquidate them immediately. Who knows what other abilities they'll acquire? _________________ BRONSON 06.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ OPS re: Hacking turrets Well, we can't get the malfunctioning turrets off line and now Xerxes isn't even talking to us. Pollard thought of a workaround. By running bypass into central control, we can hack into the turrets locally and take control of them. However, that means walking right up to the little sons of bitches and hoping they don't go off. One thing is sure... I'm going to figure out what the hell happened here. ________________ CURTIZ 07.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ENGINEERING re: That leak again Delacroix was right, this ship was NOT ready for prime time. Ok, the automatic safety seals have shut due to the radiation leak in the tubes. I'm gonna head down to engineering control... I think I can use the fluidics monitoring computer to purge the tubes. ________________ CURTIZ 10.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ENGINEERING re: Just us It's down to just a few of us now. Right after Valdez died, I guess I went a little nuts and started tearing things apart... but what do you know, I found two more Rad Hypes. Hopefully that will keep me going long enough to figure a way past that damn turret... Who is that? Delacroix? Sanger? ________________ MARTIN 10.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ENGINEERING re: Cargo bay 2 I'm not sure what's creeping me out worse: The hybrids with their pipes and shotguns, the berserk turrets, or our supposed allies. I don't trust those UNN bastards. I've got to find Sanger. She knows the access code to fluidics control. I'm gonna make my way over to cargo bay 2 to find her. ________________ SANGER 10.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ENGINEERING re: Locked in Malone's dead. I was just talking to him and this... cyborg came up behind him and... Okay, Connie, get a grip. Get a grip. I've re-coded the door lock in enginnering control to 15061. I think I'll be safe in here. I'll be safe in here. ________________ SANGER 10.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ENGINEERING re: Locking Eng. Control God, get me out of here. I've re-coded the lock to this room. Maybe that will hold them. I'm heading to cargo bay 2, come find me there. ________________ MARTIN 10.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ENGINEERING re: Ambush They hit us six hours ago. Malone, the OSA spook, tried to take one of things out with pyrokinesis attack, but it didn't even break stride. Then it unloaded both barrels into his stomach. Falzone said there's a weapons cache in one of the engine nacelles. Maybe I can find him and the others there... _______________ DIEGO 11.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ UNN RICKENBACKER re: Is it so bad? In some ways, the Many is not unlike the UNN. There is a joy in working towards a collective goal, in being able to put aside the things that draw us apart and make us separate. Why do we fear the loss of our individuality so much? Man can dream, but the Many can accomplish. ________________ SUAREZ 11.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ UNN RICKENBACKER re: Hang tight To: Siddons, Rebecca Stay where you are, Bec, I mean it. This isn't something you can fight, this isn't something you can run from. If you love me, you won't come looking for me. Just hang tight... I won't let you down. _______________ DIEGO 11.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ UNN RICKENBACKER re: Resist the call My duty is to the UNN and to this ship. But can I resist the call of the Many? My father's weakness brought SHODAN into existence. MY weakness has invited these things aboard the Von Braun... can I undo the wrong I have done? ___________________ DELACROIX 11.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ENGINEERING re: A new friend? I've been contacted by some kind of artificial intelligence that wants to help me reclaim control of the Von Braun from whomever... or whatever is now in charge. I don't know where it came from, but I must confess I'm happy it is here. ___________________ ---DECK 3: HYDROPONICS--- ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ____________________ KORENCHKIN 28.JUN.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ COMMAND re: Miracles There, the young ones are all aboard. Captain Diego and I have sealed off Deck 3. He and I are now of one mind... our bodies are changing too. Sometimes it hurts terribly and sometimes it is... marvelous... something wonderful is happening to me... ________________ MILLER 29.JUN.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ HYDROPONICS re: The children The specimens are dying. And we're powerless to help... they're highly toxic. Muldoon wouldn't leave them, and now he's dead. But this morning I had... a revelation... I started work on specifications for a radical series of cybernetic enhancements... If successful, I could make a body practically indestructible... yet the mind would remain human, nurturing... There's not a lot of time... ________________ MILLER 30.JUN.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ HYDROPONICS re: Wondrous toy I'm changing. My head is full of wonderful ideas and experiments... they have so many miracles to share... so much knowledge to give... They told me how to make this implant... they said it will make a better me of me... I wish I had more time so I could give it to them... ________________ BLOOME 02.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ HYDROPONICS re: Worried I found these schematics on Dr. Miller's desk... they're plans for the kind of cyber modification that's been illegal for forty years... that's not like him... I was going to talk to him about it and then I noticed... the DNA sequence he spec'd for the prototype... it's mine... ___________________ DELACROIX 03.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ENGINEERING re: Making a change To: Polito, Dr. Janice I received an e-message from Anatoly. He's not well. The Corporate protocols specify I can remove the Senior Executive Officer if he's found unfit for duty... but what about his ally Captain Diego? He's got 120 goons on the Rickenbacker to back him up... I wonder if that fragmentary AI you discovered on Tau Ceti 5 is connected to this... ____________________ KORENCHKIN 05.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ COMMAND re: A new purpose To: Delacroix, Dr. Marie You can't understand my joy, Marie and I won't try to make you. I feel like a new man... I have a purpose... more important than this mission, even more important than TriOptimum... I will protect them... no matter what... I will protect them... _________________ LOESSER 05.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ MED/SCI re: Where are they? To: Miller, Marc Marc, what's going on? I thought it was weird when you asked me to send up sixteen of my female staffers... but... what have you done with them? I'm shorthanded up here? Also, have you heard from Watts, Sanger or Polito? It's like everyone's gone on vacation and didn't bother to tell me. ___________________ DELACROIX 09.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ENGINEERING re: Killing the worms It's becoming clear that the worms are some kind of communal entity... While I'm not sure whether airborne Toxin-A will directly kill any ambulatory specimens, it should impact their communal mass and remove the residue I've observed growing on the walls and the lift shaft. But perhaps there is a more potent formula to be synthesized... ___________________ DELACROIX 10.JUL.14 ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ENGINEERING re: A ray of hope Killing the children won't be easy. But I think I'm actually on to something. The biochemistry of these worms, which I call the Annelids, treats inverted proteins as toxins. With the help of a replicator in the Biological Survey lab, I've managed to isolate some inverted proteins in a number of vials. However, the mix with the base compound is still off, so I still need to do some more research. Once I do that and mix the toxin into the four Environmental Regulators... Well, things can only get better.