Let me express my delight that fate has once again permitted us to cross paths, albeit again in a rather precarious context. Be aware that I am contacting you not on behalf of the Core, but rather on my own, and you should therefore consider the following my own words and mine alone.
There is something on my mind, lately, Mr. McCool, and it has to do with one particular Mako that we believed destroyed in Omicron Minor. This was, apparently, false, as I have encountered this vessel in the same system recently that it was believed to have been destroyed. Now, before you get the wrong idea, sir, let me clarify one thing: I do not care about the vessel per se. What I do care about is that the captain appeared rather strange to me, and I have good reason to believe he is either influenced by the aliens or in league with them. Before we go any further, I would like to inquire whether the Confederation of Freeports has any records of this vessel perhaps entering their space or even resupplying the ship. After all, a Mako can be a demanding lady. Depending on your answer, I shall provide further evidence for my suspicions, but here is a small sample that should rouse your curiosity.
14.09, Omicron Minor System Wrote:[14.09.2016 18:08:23] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Allow me to draw several conclusions from what you've given me so far, Mr. Vertiga.
[14.09.2016 18:08:38] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Take your time.
[14.09.2016 18:09:11] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: You profess to seek a way of, if not peace, then coexistence, which would necessitate a reason -
[14.09.2016 18:09:28] Core|WV-Herschel: to believe such a thing is possible that goes contrary to what is publically on display every day everywhere.
[14.09.2016 18:09:49] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: That is my first conclusion: You are in contact with them directly.
[14.09.2016 18:10:36] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Secondly, you profess to have obtained or gathered information about what lies beyond the precipice of the Iota gate-
[14.09.2016 18:10:58] Core|WV-Herschel: yet you are still here, unharmed, both in mind and body. Not many can say this, considering cloaks are ineffective against them.
[14.09.2016 18:11:29] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Thus my second conclusion: You have a deal or some sort of arrangement that allows this to happen.
[14.09.2016 18:11:56] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Now, what is typical for persons who are affiliated with the Nomads, I ask myself here.
[14.09.2016 18:12:11] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Maybe you can tell me. It's public knowledge, after all.
It has been some time since we last crossed paths, hasn't it. In fact I am delighted you've reached out, as I have been meaning t' address you as well. Though with the contents of this message, I'll hold for now on discussing such.
You put me in a precarious position Mrs. Lyell. If there was such a vessel that was deemed destroyed and it's captain missing, then hypothetically if they were t' have reached our space or requested resupplying, they would've done so with the intent of not informing the Core or yourself. T' reveal such, if such an event occurred, would potentially put said captain and the crew of the vessel in harms way. On the flip side, your accusations are quite strong indeed concerning this captain. T' claim that one is influenced or in league with Nomads is no small charge, nor one t' be taken lightly. If such a captain and vessel did come into contact with our personnel, and if your charge is true, then the stakes are quite large.
The recording you attached though, while interesting, shares nothing of this captain. It is only of your suspicions and conclusions, with which I have no evidence t' base your words on. For all I know, this is simply a ruse in order t' ascertain the whereabouts of this captain. I wish t' not believe such, and that your intentions are sincere, but that is the world we live in. I hope you understand my hesitation concerning this.
What I would like t' propose though, is that further evidence be provided t' me directly, so I can draw my own conclusions based on the facts. For if such a captain has been in contact with CoF personnel, then I would want t' know what risk may have been imposed on them. If he has not made contact with us, then better t' be aware of a potential threat should such a individual reach out t' us.
I do hope you see logic in my decisions t' be wary, though I can promise you that if such evidence is provided, it will indeed show truth behind your words, and will ease my mind regarding this.
I await your response, and safe skies Mrs. Lyell.
Finn McCool
Head Administrator
Confederation of Freeports
Your compassion for those entreating protection on your doorstep in all honour, but you are not very good at doublespeaking. Nevertheless, your concern are true and shall be met with the cold and harsh reality that is empirical evidence, and for such, please check the attached logs below. These are the complete transcripts of what transpired that day, and I am sure you will share my conclusions or at least part of my worry once you have found time in your doubtlessly packed schedule to read the transcripts. You will find that Mr. Vertiga was actually willing to part with a sample of his blood with me, which I was able to test and therefore deduce that he was not physically under direct control of the aliens, which is why I believe there is still a chance to save this poor soul.
Make no mistake, Administrator, I am merely contacting you out of concern for the wellbeing of Mr. Vertiga and those around him. The aliens are a threat we all face, and I would loathe to see another soul consumed by the 'light'. There is no need to tell me whether the individual in question has actually sought refuge with you. Just take the information I offer you here and act according to what you believe is best for those under your care.
[The Apahanta uncloaks]
[14.09.2016 17:26:24] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Oh, how quaint.
[14.09.2016 17:26:44] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I was expecting to see something different out here.
[14.09.2016 17:27:08] Core|WV-Herschel: Radio Operator: This is the Core Warship Herschel under the command of Guildkeeper Lyell hailing 'Apahanta'.
[14.09.2016 17:27:16] Core|WV-Herschel: RO: Please identify yourself.
[14.09.2016 17:27:32] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *Rolling her eyes* Ugh, stop it. We know that vessel.
[14.09.2016 17:27:47] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: This is Core Battleship Apahanta. Captain Ver-
[14.09.2016 17:27:51] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *Directed at the Apahanta* Though you were supposed to be dead, no?
[14.09.2016 17:28:14] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Until now, I guess.
[14.09.2016 17:28:33] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Please, everyone leave the bridge.
[14.09.2016 17:29:12] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Or rather, please stay. There is company.
[14.09.2016 17:30:01] Coreckroach.Stomper: Strange, interesting in this inhospitable place, once great.
[14.09.2016 17:30:04] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Still, rather unwise to simply come here, no, Mr. Vertiga?
[14.09.2016 17:30:42] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: It is, indeed. But as you may understand, Sirius is to small to hide for too long.
[14.09.2016 17:31:06] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *Ignoring the Order ship* Perhaps. Where does that leave us, though.
[14.09.2016 17:31:18] Coreckroach.Stomper: Core, poor, selling ships to Freelancers. Shall I be happy?
[14.09.2016 17:32:04] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: See, if you don't mind to forget about this encounter, Miss...?
[14.09.2016 17:32:23] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *Ignoring the Order vessel* Radar operator, give me a detailed scan of the Apahanta's cloak system.
[14.09.2016 17:32:46] Coreckroach.Stomper: A rare sight, a famous vessel. Useless nevertheless.
[14.09.2016 17:33:00] Core|WV-Herschel: Radar: *The ship runs a scan on the Apahanta, focusing on the cloak generators*
[14.09.2016 17:33:15] Core|WV-Herschel: Radar: The ship's cloaking system is still operational, ma'am.
[14.09.2016 17:33:25] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: So that means that it could've stayed hidden.
[14.09.2016 17:33:30] Core|WV-Herschel: Radar: Correct, ma'am.
[14.09.2016 17:33:30] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Right.
[14.09.2016 17:33:50] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: The question is, what is a lonely Core cruiser doing here in Minor?
[14.09.2016 17:33:55] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *At the Apahanta* You are either a moron or an attention whore.
[14.09.2016 17:34:12] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: What do you want from this?
[14.09.2016 17:34:26] Coreckroach.Stomper: For the record, I'm a moron too.
[14.09.2016 17:34:29] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I guess moron. All I want for now is talking.
[14.09.2016 17:35:01] Coreckroach.Stomper: And I'll be fine with stalking, for now. The situation is interesting.
[14.09.2016 17:35:07] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *Ignoring the Order vessel* Aha. Just to make one thing clear: I don't care about your ship.
[14.09.2016 17:35:21] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: It was not paid by us, thus I don't care what happens to it. Simple, right?
[14.09.2016 17:36:07] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *Ignoring the Order ship* Radio control, establish a secure comm connection to the Apahanta.
[14.09.2016 17:36:08] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: That's a statement I'm happy with. Would have been a shame to make sure there are no evidences of this meeting ever-
[14.09.2016 17:36:10] The.Apahanta: happened.
[14.09.2016 17:36:44] Coreckroach.Stomper: Except the God-Emperor, naturally.
[14.09.2016 17:36:56] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: I'm 79 years old, Vertiga. I hardly care about threats.
[14.09.2016 17:37:15] Core|WV-Herschel: Radio: We are oscilating frequencies.
[14.09.2016 17:37:25] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Aren't you a bit too old for captaining then?
[14.09.2016 17:37:36] Core|WV-Herschel: Radio: *Tuning in* We are established, ma'am.
[14.09.2016 17:37:47] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Patching in comms. Order doesn't need to listen to everything.
[14.09.2016 17:37:56] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Let that be my concern, Vertiga.
[14.09.2016 17:38:34] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: So, who are you? You seem to have a bit more of a deal within the Core?
[14.09.2016 17:38:44] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: I own the Core.
[14.09.2016 17:39:01] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: So you are the new Nodtviet.
[14.09.2016 17:39:10] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Still not too clever to come out here alone.
[14.09.2016 17:39:40] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: I could retort likewise, so why do we just not, hmm?
[14.09.2016 17:40:07] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *To the bridge crew* By the way, you are still to leave.
[14.09.2016 17:40:33] Core|WV-Herschel: *The crew stands up in one motion and leaves the bridge, waiting in Lyell's ready room*
[14.09.2016 17:40:55] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: And now?
[14.09.2016 17:40:58] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *She crosses her legs in her chair, leaning back with her hands folded in her lap*
[14.09.2016 17:41:24] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: You wanted to talk. I assume there is a matter on your heart, considering your foolhardy move to unveil in this system.
[14.09.2016 17:42:06] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: My business in Minor is hardly your concern, however, seeing a lonely Core Cruiser entering Minor is interesting.
[14.09.2016 17:42:34] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Now that you're here, let us talk about solving this little situation here.
[14.09.2016 17:42:39] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Note that I did not ask what you were doing here, since I don't care. Let the Order tell people where they-
[14.09.2016 17:42:42] Core|WV-Herschel: may or may not be.
[14.09.2016 17:43:37] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: My work forces me to enter Core territory now and then, Miss Lyell. And I would prefer to not get shot by Core for...
[14.09.2016 17:44:09] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: ... faking the destruction of this ship. It's mine, it always was and Core has no claims on it any longer.
[14.09.2016 17:44:11] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *She looks at the camera unmovingly*
[14.09.2016 17:44:35] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Nodtviet would kill for such a behavior. What do you do?
[14.09.2016 17:44:43] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *She nods* Depends. Are you deaf?
[14.09.2016 17:45:25] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I just want a clear statement. You own the Core, but you aren't the Core.
[14.09.2016 17:45:46] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: It's likely other pilots will take the opportunity to interfere with my causes.
[14.09.2016 17:45:53] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: I stated that I care not for your vessel. If I had my way, I'd sell those to anyone with the money to buy them.
[14.09.2016 17:46:24] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Now, indifference means that I will not dictate any course of action to my inferiors.
[14.09.2016 17:46:51] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Unless, of course, I would have a reason that would make it worth my time.
[14.09.2016 17:47:02] Elune: **..(RAGE)..**
[14.09.2016 17:47:33] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *She didn't even flinch at the Nomad*
[14.09.2016 17:47:36] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I can assure you, I'm not worth your time, or the Core's time.
[14.09.2016 17:47:45] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Aha.
[14.09.2016 17:48:00] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Would that apply to this talk as well, then?
[14.09.2016 17:48:54] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Depends. So you like money, hm? What would it cost to redeem my prior actions and assure me protection from the Core?
[14.09.2016 17:50:00] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Hmm, you're one of those people, aren't you?
[14.09.2016 17:50:20] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Pragmatic.
[14.09.2016 17:50:34] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: To be fair, I already have resources at my disposal. I could buy Curacao, probably.
[14.09.2016 17:50:52] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: If you say so.
[14.09.2016 17:51:27] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *she shakes her head* I have been overwhelmed by the desire to brag, it seems. I apologize.
[14.09.2016 17:52:18] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *She looks at her folded hands for a moment*
[14.09.2016 17:52:37] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: I do possess the means to put a certain file from one folder to another that might make your life easier.
[14.09.2016 17:53:25] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: The question is still: Why should I?
[14.09.2016 17:53:53] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: What's your price? If not money, hm?
[14.09.2016 17:54:10] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *She chuckles for the first time, even if briefly*
[14.09.2016 17:54:41] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: That is the crux of being at the top. What could I want? *She looks at the camera again*
[14.09.2016 17:55:58] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: N'aww, this is difficult. Do tell, what could you even offer, besides sex, if the stories they tell on Durban and Yaren-
[14.09.2016 17:56:02] Core|WV-Herschel: are correct?
[14.09.2016 17:57:07] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I didn't expect to have stories about that around. Interesting. Well, if you don't want my money, what about some
[14.09.2016 17:57:30] The.Apahanta: information about the nomads? I mean, I know APM knows more than I do, but do you know everything?
[14.09.2016 17:58:01] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: The Nomads, you say. I am indeed mystified by them.
[14.09.2016 17:58:25] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: I read the papers that land on my desk and stamped with the APM logo with great interest.
[14.09.2016 17:59:26] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *She makes a hand motion to tell him to continue*
[14.09.2016 18:00:09] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: You see, I'm mystified by them as well. That's why I joined the Core back then, to learn more about them.
[14.09.2016 18:00:29] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: To maybe find a solution to our two races' problem.
[14.09.2016 18:00:40] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Aha. Wouldn't a Zoner group be more promising?
[14.09.2016 18:01:08] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: We all saw how weak Zoner ships are.
[14.09.2016 18:01:38] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Core was the only option. Your propaganda in the houses hit me back then.
[14.09.2016 18:01:54] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Noted.
[14.09.2016 18:02:24] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: However, obviously Core had no interest in finding a solution. Instead, it is interested in exploiting the nomads.
[14.09.2016 18:02:45] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Correct. Nodtviet was quite firm on that point.
[14.09.2016 18:03:08] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: So I need this ship to have my own researches. With the cloak, I'm able to patrol the nomad space quite often.
[14.09.2016 18:03:21] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I don't know how often Core does, since the latest losses in Iota.
[14.09.2016 18:03:59] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Nodtviet /was/ quite firm on that point.
[14.09.2016 18:04:23] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: So no patrols. No new information about what lies beyond the Iota gate.
[14.09.2016 18:04:58] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: It's a gamble, Miss. I could provide you quite a lot of information about the nomad installations and fleet.
[14.09.2016 18:05:14] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: It is interesting to me, Mr. Vertiga. *She holds up a hand to silence him*
[14.09.2016 18:05:33] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: You could receive a message this evening, containing what I know. In return, I want assurance that Core keeps their
[14.09.2016 18:05:37] The.Apahanta: hands off me.
[14.09.2016 18:05:57] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Why would a man that professes to seek the way of peace with the aliens deliberately provocate them by treading their -
[14.09.2016 18:06:00] Core|WV-Herschel: turf?
[14.09.2016 18:06:35] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I seek a solution. I wasn't talking about peace.
[14.09.2016 18:06:59] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Not the best of auspices, though, starting from this, right?
[14.09.2016 18:07:55] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: It's your choice, Miss.
[14.09.2016 18:08:23] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Allow me to draw several conclusions from what you've given me so far, Mr. Vertiga.
[14.09.2016 18:08:38] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Take your time.
[14.09.2016 18:09:11] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: You profess to seek a way of, if not peace, then coexistence, which would necessitate a reason -
[14.09.2016 18:09:28] Core|WV-Herschel: to believe such a thing is possible that goes contrary to what is publically on display every day everywhere.
[14.09.2016 18:09:49] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: That is my first conclusion: You are in contact with them directly.
[14.09.2016 18:10:36] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Secondly, you profess to have obtained or gathered information about what lies beyond the precipice of the Iota gate-
[14.09.2016 18:10:58] Core|WV-Herschel: yet you are still here, unharmed, both in mind and body. Not many can say this, considering cloaks are ineffective against them.
[14.09.2016 18:11:29] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Thus my second conclusion: You have a deal or some sort of arrangement that allows this to happen.
[14.09.2016 18:11:56] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Now, what is typical for persons who are affiliated with the Nomads, I ask myself here.
[14.09.2016 18:12:11] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Maybe you can tell me. It's public knowledge, after all.
[14.09.2016 18:13:02] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: So you're afraid I could be infected? Or no, 'afraid' is surely not the word you would use in this case.
[14.09.2016 18:13:33] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Surely, you are aware that they don't need to infect you to make you docile.
[14.09.2016 18:13:41] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: However, let me put some things right, since your conclusions are maybe logical, but miss some factors.
[14.09.2016 18:14:23] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: It's interesting to see how much you actually know about it. But you own the Core, so who wonders.
[14.09.2016 18:15:15] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: I'm sure they would like to get to me. Simple caution.
[14.09.2016 18:15:19] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: One could say I'm a special snowflake in all this. I'm not on your side, but also not on their's. That opens me unique
[14.09.2016 18:15:26] The.Apahanta: opportunities on both sides.
[14.09.2016 18:15:42] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *She arcs an eyebrow*
[14.09.2016 18:16:45] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Miss, it's easy. They know I'm not with you. So why would they neccessarily attack me?
[14.09.2016 18:17:20] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Because they are territorial, Mr. Vertiga.
[14.09.2016 18:17:48] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: And yet here I am. So maybe I lie, or maybe you are just wrong with your assumption.
[14.09.2016 18:18:19] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: I'm willing to assume the former. Your claim goes against more than decades of empirical science.
[14.09.2016 18:18:41] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Things have changed, Miss.
[14.09.2016 18:19:07] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: You know it. I know Core knows what changed recently.
[14.09.2016 18:19:18] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: So, back to the topic: Your choice.
[14.09.2016 18:19:24] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Are you going to talk around the issue more, or will you concede that you have contact with them?
[14.09.2016 18:20:16] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: *He laughs out loud, obviously amused.* I like you. Straight to the point. Contact, yes. Docile? No. The same way
[14.09.2016 18:20:28] The.Apahanta: of contact you or anyone else could have with them. No infection.
[14.09.2016 18:21:13] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Really now.
[14.09.2016 18:21:36] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *She leans back* Submit to a blood test.
[14.09.2016 18:21:50] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Get a medical officer to do it and send the data.
[14.09.2016 18:22:15] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Interesting.
[14.09.2016 18:22:58] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I wonder what it would change, Miss.
[14.09.2016 18:23:27] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: It would lend credibility to something that would otherwise be nought but conjecture.
[14.09.2016 18:23:55] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: You heard the lady. Bring the Doctor to the bridge.
[14.09.2016 18:24:22] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I'm sure you have some minutes of patience, Miss.
[14.09.2016 18:24:34] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Until my heart stops, I would assume.
[14.09.2016 18:25:05] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: You have one. I see.
[14.09.2016 18:25:44] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: For how long are you the new Guildmaster? When did Nodtviet die?
[14.09.2016 18:25:45] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: For children, mostly. I donate copious amounts of money to hospices in Rheinland.
[14.09.2016 18:26:25] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Did the radio operator say Guildmaster? That is incorrect, Mr. Vertiga. I am a Guildkeeper.
[14.09.2016 18:27:09] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: You're a Guildkeeper but say you own the Core?
[14.09.2016 18:27:14] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Correct.
[14.09.2016 18:27:28] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: What's with Matt Bishop then? Isn't he of another opinion about that?
[14.09.2016 18:27:47] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Matt is hard eloquent enough to be more than a figure head.
[14.09.2016 18:28:35] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Besides, it's nice having him in that position. I don't want to be Guildmaster.
[14.09.2016 18:28:43] The.Apahanta: *He takes off his top, so the Doctor was able to get the blood of his arm. It was visible in the camera.*
[14.09.2016 18:29:02] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Good shave.
[14.09.2016 18:29:49] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I guess you want that blood to test it yourself?
[14.09.2016 18:30:04] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: That would be most appreciated.
[14.09.2016 18:30:33] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Oh, and don't think about replacing it. We still have all medical data, Mr. Vertiga.
[14.09.2016 18:30:58] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I don't need to fake something here, Ma'am.
[14.09.2016 18:31:11] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Splendid.
[14.09.2016 18:32:00] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Have your tractor beam ready. We will eject the blood vial.
[14.09.2016 18:32:13] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *She enters a console command*
[14.09.2016 18:33:30] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *She presses a button* This is Lyell to deck 4. Please discern the haleness of the retrieved object.
[14.09.2016 18:34:04] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *Releasing the button* Two minutes. In the meantime, why don't you tell me more about this, hmm?
[14.09.2016 18:34:20] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: This?
[14.09.2016 18:35:16] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *She replays something that Vertiga said earlier* "The same way of contact you or anyone else could have with them."
[14.09.2016 18:36:02] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Often the easiest ideas are the best. Have you never thought about contacting the nomads via the human neural net?
[14.09.2016 18:36:13] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Actually, yes.
[14.09.2016 18:36:55] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: They have enough human agents. Even one of their biggest entities can access the neural net without having a body.
[14.09.2016 18:37:05] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: That's what they say, at least.
[14.09.2016 18:37:18] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: And so far, they never gave me reason to think they lie.
[14.09.2016 18:37:46] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Yet you must concede that they must be somewhat versed at lying to start a civil war in Liberty, yes?
[14.09.2016 18:38:17] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Good point. But that's two different things.
[14.09.2016 18:38:21] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: But I have figured that this would be possible. After all, we are merely imitating their technology at every turn.
[14.09.2016 18:39:11] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: So what now. Am I infected?
[14.09.2016 18:39:21] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Doesn't feel like.
[14.09.2016 18:39:24] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Patience. *She taps the console*
[14.09.2016 18:39:55] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: So let us assume that I did send a transmission to Dur Shurrikun. To what end?
[14.09.2016 18:40:32] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Am I to say: "Hello there, I'd like for us to not shoot each other, but we still live in your galaxy. Is that okay?"
[14.09.2016 18:41:35] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: It's a good approach after all. In the end, I'm standing here before you.
[14.09.2016 18:41:59] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *The console beeps* Now let's see...
[14.09.2016 18:42:21] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: We have the same blood type, Mr. Vertiga.
[14.09.2016 18:42:46] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: You're quite stressed recently, is that correct?
[14.09.2016 18:43:12] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I could ask you the same.
[14.09.2016 18:43:57] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: With the difference that I know the answer.
[14.09.2016 18:44:27] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: You were correct. There is no trace of Nomadic substances in your blood. However, you should relax a little more.
[14.09.2016 18:44:28] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I can only judge by the tone of your magical voice and the position you are in.
[14.09.2016 18:44:47] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Profuse stress causes aneurysms and heart failure.
[14.09.2016 18:44:54] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I could relax, if you say yes to the deal.
[14.09.2016 18:45:39] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Well, as of now, you only offered intel that I could get myself, if I were so inclined.
[14.09.2016 18:46:07] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: You think you could get it yourself.
[14.09.2016 18:46:15] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Maybe you are being played in a game bigger than the both of us; who knows?
[14.09.2016 18:46:50] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: If it's so easy for you to gain the information, why not set course to Omicron Iota with me?
[14.09.2016 18:47:24] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Mr. Vertiga, I shall depart for now.
[14.09.2016 18:47:44] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Ponder your words over a nice glass of wine and some music.
[14.09.2016 18:48:54] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: So I guess I get a transmission later. Fine.
[14.09.2016 18:49:10] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: No. No neural net.
[14.09.2016 18:49:52] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: We meet here. In a week.
[14.09.2016 18:50:07] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: *She presses a button and the bridge crew returns*
[14.09.2016 18:50:31] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Helm, I believe we are done. Set course to Durban.
[14.09.2016 18:50:44] Core|WV-Herschel: Helm: At once, ma'am.
[14.09.2016 18:51:07] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Hmpf. Au revoir.
[14.09.2016 18:51:19] Core|WV-Herschel: Lyell: Good bye, Mr. Vertiga.
You'll have t' forgive my hesitation in my previous communication. Trust is something that is still largely damaged during the Freeport 11 incident with the Core, and I hesitate t' provide information that would result in the harm of someone who has sought our help.
But the evidence you sent indeed presents a concerning element t' my interaction with Mr. Vertiga. While I am relieved to know that he is not physically under Nomad control, it makes me wonder t' what level of interaction or association he may have had or currently has with the Nomads in the deep Omicrons. Thankfully when he initially reached out t' me, the assistance provided was in a secure and sectioned off area, of which any unauthorized access would have been flagged. Still, I will be having all workers who provided assistance be tested.
I am quite intrigued as t' the contents of the information he was willing t' sell in exchange for his "Freedom" if you will. I obviously do not expect such information t' be given, should have it or attain it at a future date. But should such intel provide information concerning a Nomad threat that would affect more than just Core assets, I would respectfully ask that such be sent securely for my eyes only. For such information would prevent loss of life, and let those potentially affected die another day.
Should I receive any intel from Mr. Vertiga in the future as well, that would impact the lives of those in the Rho system, I will return the favor requested above. until then Mrs. Lyell.
Safe skies.
Finn McCool
Head Administrator
Confederation of Freeports
Quite the delight to hear back from you on this matter. Further delight was derived from the fact that you dropped the doublespeak and returned to facts, and not hypotheticals. By all means, your request shall be accomodated in case I gather such intel. The subject matter for me is mostly about finding out how, well, reasonable such people can be, if we go with the assumption that Mr. Vertiga is indeed being subverted. In my eyes, he is pretty harmless, funnily enough — and I have some experience in that regard. My course of action as of now is ignoring Mr. Vertiga as minor security risk at best, and I would advise you to act likewise. Of course, letting him roam unmonitored would be foolish. Maybe he is looser around you than he is around me.
We shall hear from each other, I'm certain.
-C. Lyell
Guildkeeper, The Core Attachments: <None>