Jack Henderson speaking. I'm calling you because after an incident that happened yesterday, the Guild recovered an artifact of Nomad origin after some large-sized alien creature was destroyed. Following incidents sparked my interest, as these remains seemed to be much higher-priced on the black markets than the normal remains salvaged from these battles.

Checking on our Guild Storages, we were able to find out that the Guild is in possession of different types of alien artefacts after recent skirmishes, some of which seem to be loosely linked by some rumors to temporary worm holes.

While I personally do not believe in the existence of man-made jumpholes, black market prices offered convinced me that there has to be something to it to justify offers like 300.000.000 per unit - much more than normal remains have ever been been sold at.

So, my question is: Does the Republic already have more knowledge on these artifacts? And if so, would you be willing to share? The Guild will start researching our own artifact now, however experience has shown that the wheel doesn't get any better by being invented three times at the same time. Another question is where I put the money that we have for R&D purposes - allocation will be decided once we can judge where it makes most sense to invest into R&D, which of course again depends on whether we cooperate with allies or whether we do it on our own.

So let me know whether at all or inhowfar the Republic is interested in channeling research efforts, cooperate in certain fields of interest, sharing scientific data on research objects, etc.

This is Professor Maxwell Fox, IMG Research & Development. Interesting name you chose, I do not get this kind of stage names often in my line of work, but I have to say: Nice one. Reminds me of... Anyway, I was contacted by Mr. Henderson who thought it is a good idea that the heads of the R&D Departments speak to each other directly. So, here I am.

Firstly, while I honour the Order, I have learnt that it is not very wise to hand scientific material to them too quickly, as they have shown a tendency to make it vanish - forever. Therefore, they are - for very practical reasons - not my personal number one priority intstance when it comes to cooperating as far as alien artifacts are concerned. I guess you know what I am talking about.

So, dangers. Sure. But dangers are merely an obstacle to keep those with a weak will and a lack of scientific knowledge away from discovering truth and new knowledge. Determination trumps whatever is in the way of progress.

I'm opening this research channel for you. It might be interesting, especially when Omicron activity increases, as some have hinted at in the Guild. Something-something around Freeport 11 missions, perhaps your men will be there, too, who knows? So, classified stuff, you know. However, being prepared is key to success and it's R&D that can work miracles sometimes.

The Guild has recovered one of these artifacts linked to these weird Sigma anomalies, and we are internally debating on where to set up shop to do the research. Existing R&D facilities are either too exposed, or not large enough for the kind of approach that I secured funding for. I was looking at a planetary facility in Coronado, on Pecos, however something like this would only make sense in cooperation.

Anyway, let's work together. Somehow. Somewhere. You'll find something, I bet, that you want to answer. If not, then not. I have to get back to my work, I'll see you.