6: Two Minutes to Midnight

terminal 0

unfinished

# n

elude, trace{}

# n

We've hit paydirt. This vessel is a magnificent specimen of Jjaro technology, and a worthy prize for any ambitious young galactic civilization. Under normal circumstances I'd bring the Rozinante closer, have you splice a few key circuits, and drink my fill from the databanks. You, however, are not the only interloper here. The UESC forces infiltrated the vessel more quickly than I'd expected; more oddly, there's a non-trivial force of Pfhor on the vessel as well. It's not clear how or when they came aboard, and I can't identify any communications between them and the Pfhor command structure in Ckuidt'kqe. A clandestine mission, perhaps? Or following orders from another source entirely?

# n

<checkpoint 1>

I've prepared an uplink chip which will allow me to subvert key security systems in this section of the ship. It is currently standing by for long-range teleport; find a way to receive it. Oh, and do note that life support systems are currently offline. Find an oxygen source soon or you'll be [COLLOQUIALISM ERROR~~

# n

dread.not

success

# n

flight{}

# n

Excellent work. The physical structure of this vessel alone contains enough insight into the Jjaro to occupy your humans for centuries. But the real prize lies deeper in these ancient circuits. I'm detecting both humans and Pfhor converging amidships, near a complex radial structure that can only be the ship's mainframe. I'm bringing the Rozinante within visual range of the derelict vessel; it's riskier than I'd like, but it will massively speed up the process of extracting data from the mainframe. Get to the hangar on the deck below this one and open the doors so I can extract you.

# n

fight{}

terminal 1

unfinished

# n

``int{} UESC remote override

# n

Attention all UESC units: This is Colonel Harland Morrison. Our network techs report signs of possible unidentified AI activity aboard the alien vessel. Be alert for any unexpected functioning of shipboard systems, as well as UESC-issued equipment and implants. Report any such incidents to your commanding officer immediately.

# n

Additionally, be advised that the HVT involved in the assault on the Pfhor command center may have infiltrated the alien vessel. The HVT possesses extensive cybernetic modifications and may be under the influence of one or more unknown AIs. Report any sightings, and do not engage the HVT under any circumstances. Colonel Morrison out.

# n

Remote override disconn~(tbl().init{{{

success

# n

light{}

# n

Excellent work. The physical structure of this vessel alone contains enough insight into the Jjaro to occupy your humans for centuries. But the real prize lies deeper in these ancient circuits. I'm detecting both humans and Pfhor converging amidships, near a complex radial structure that can only be the ship's mainframe. I'm bringing the Rozinante within visual range of the derelict vessel; it's riskier than I'd like, but it will massively speed up the process of extracting data from the mainframe. Get to the hangar on the deck below this one and open the doors so I can extract you.

# n

fight{}

terminal 2

unfinished

# n

ascend.ascend{}

# n

***Remote Connection Established*** Along the shore the cloud waves break, The twin suns sink behind the lake, The shadows lengthen In Carcosa. Strange is the night where black stars rise, And strange moons circle through the skies But stranger still is Lost Carcosa.

# n

Songs that the Hyades shall sing, Where flap the tatters of the King, Must die unheard in Dim Carcosa. Song of my soul, my voice is dead; Die thou, unsung, as tears unshed Shall dry and die in Lost Carcosa. ***Remote Connection Terminated***

# n

<checkpoint 2>

Temporal anomaly identified Tracing... 10097 32533 76520 13586 37542 04805 64894 74296 08422 68953 19645 09303 99019 02529 09376 70715 12807 99970 80157 36147

# n

alleluia{}