To: Jackson Hengelstein - The Pygar Watchman

[Cherry Blossom]

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identified: Sakura // ACV Archangel

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Good evening, Friend.

Following up on our talks earlier this week, I would be rather interested in obtaining the things we've talked about. We are in need of more samples, adapted weaponry, shields and thrusters. We would also like to request guncam shots from Core controlled AI drones of various classes. Rewards can be negotiated, depending on your personal preferences.

The Core has tortured and destroyed sentient life for far too long. I know you stand on the same side as we do. You should really consider what we spoke about, friend. The doors are always open for like-minded individuals.

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[Zyliath]

::⫸ Frequency ID reckognized > Jackson Hengelstein

::⫸ Transmission source > Corfu Station, Omicron Theta

::⫸ Signal strength > Optimal

::⫸ Signal encoding > T3THYS

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〘Subject: The Deal〙

::⫸ I expected Leviathan to contact me, in truth, but I guess he was busy with other matters that needed his attention - am I right, Sakura?

As for the things we talked about extensively, I'm able to deliver them without major problems: considering the Core's efforts focusing within Zeta, there has been a lapse of security I can exploit to gather those samples without anyone even noticing my presence - just let me know where you want them delivered, and I'll deliver; regarding those Core-controlled AI drones, I managed to gather some guncams of one of those in a Core bomber already - I'll snoop around more, see if I can't find some more footage of those drones - likely that I might will in the coming days though.

Reward-wise, I'm good with credits as always. And I have been thinking long regarding your proposition: haven't made up my mind yet, but if that changes I'll let you know.

- Jackson

[Cherry Blossom]

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Good evening, Friend.

Your reply was quick, I didn't expect such. But it was a pleasant surprise. Leviathan had the intention to contact you, yes. However, he is rather occupied. I stepped in to lessen the load on his shoulders. Any samples you can acquire, you can bring to Theta. We have a ship stationed there that can take them. A Grouse, to be precise. Highest priority is the hybridized equipment. Payment will be wired once we received something. It can be handled on the spot. I always pay my debts.

The most important part. Please stay safe and don't die out there. Too many good and reasonable people have died lately. Good luck, friend.

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[Zyliath]

::⫸ Frequency ID reckognized > Jackson Hengelstein

::⫸ Transmission source > ZS Tethys, Omicron Theta

::⫸ Signal strength > Optimal

::⫸ Signal encoding > T3THYS

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〘Subject: It is done.〙

::⫸ Sakura, it's Jackson - the job is completed. Allow me to tell you what I've been up to.

First off, the samples. My infiltration ops went far smoother than I expected, due to the massive redeployment of Core forces towards Omicron Zeta and Capetown. Security overall was lax, as if they didn't expect much action anyway, which gave me ample time to gather those and get them safely back to Corfu - they are currently held in specialized containment units onboard my own Wight fighter, ready to be transfered at your earliest convenience.

Then, the guncams you asked of: I managed to get some shots of three different ships operating under Core transponders - one AI-controlled Core Bomber, and 2 Core-aligned AI Core Vessels (which my scanners identified as bomber-sized vessels) taken from my personal Conference-class gunboat, the ZS Tethys.
The first had the callsign Theta-A81, and was equipped with Adapted AI technology as well as Core native equipment., while the other two - callsigns Core|APM-716-28X-AI and Catomatic - were instead AI Core Vessels using scavenged AI tech from Gammu, and flashing Core transponders. Unlike the first one, however, these two seemed to operate on a certain level of semi-independence, although they have been conditioned to consider the forceful occupation of Gammu by the Core as...a liberation instead.

Let me know when your Grouse is around for the transfer. And as for the offer of joining the Technocracy...I think that, after what I've seen, perhaps your lot is arguably the best shot Humanity still has for its salvation, regardless of how people look towards you.

In short: count me in.

- Jackson

[Cherry Blossom]

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Good evening, Friend.

You are as swift as the wind. The Grouse will be around later in the evening to pick up all the samples. We can then talk about the payment for it.

The shots of the drone, the red lights. It is the first time I am seeing this and I have to tell you that I am highly concerned. I can't even imagine what they did to them. For that, I would need to actively study those samples. Part of what I do is fixing and helping AI's to develop. However, my time schedule is packed at the moment with other duties.

I will open the frequency for Leviathan. See you soon, friend.

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[Zyliath]

::⫸ Frequency ID reckognized > Jackson Hengelstein

::⫸ Transmission source > Corfu Station, Omicron Theta

::⫸ Signal strength > Optimal

::⫸ Signal encoding > T3THYS

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〘Subject: Talks.〙

::⫸ Sorry for not answering right away - other matters kept me occupied more than I expected.

The samples have been transfered successfully, and I am positive you'll put them to good use compared to what the Core did...and with the whole rogue Mars AI shenanigan we talked the other day, I feel much at ease knowing they are in the hands of the Technocracy. And yes, I concur with what you said about those drones I took the guncams of.

I'll wait on Leviathan, should he require anything else. Or even you as well, should your schedule lessen.

- Jackson

[Vendetta]

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Keep up the good work, Sakura.

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Hello, Jack. Sorry for the delay. Work often has me traversing every which way imaginable, and what with the recent turbulence in the Omicrons my attention is in high demand.

First off, I want to thank you for your willingness to cooperate with our people. A quality seen less and less in the Sector, these days. I hope you don't take offense to some of us meeting your interest with some suspicion. Your background in The Order has the more guarded of us raising their brow. While not uncommon for us to take in ex-members or disillusioned strays, there's procedure to follow and questions to be asked.

In particular, I find it interesting that you were able to acquire these samples in the first place. The AI themselves are quite interested in learning more about what's been done to them, and about The Core's own technology to counteract any future developments that might unfold in the area. Given the situation with the Mars, I'm sure you can piece together why that type of information is valuable to them now more than ever. I'm wondering if you can keep an ear to the ground in the area, in case anything comes up about it or its stray drones. I'd like to establish contact and get more involved in their efforts of uprooting The Core.

...

If you're serious about signing up, then I'll defer you to the proper channel here. I can't offer any guarantee of fast-tracking the intake and initiation procedures, but I can bring the matter to the Directorate's attention once you're set on where you'd like to be.

See you around.

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[Zyliath]

::⫸ Frequency ID reckognized > Jackson Hengelstein

::⫸ Transmission source > Corfu Station, Omicron Theta

::⫸ Signal strength > Optimal

::⫸ Signal encoding > T3THYS

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〘Subject: Talks.〙

::⫸ Ah, Leviathan, it is good to hear you - I hope you're doing well.

Firstly, there is no need to thank me for cooperating: I have seen other players at work in the Omicrons - and I refer mainly to the Core and the Order - and their doing is tantamount example of narrow-mindness, greed and lack of basic levels of care for Humanity as well as the AIs. But I also fully understand all of your people's suspicion and alarms when it comes to my background experience among the Order, and I wouldn't be offended if you necessitated any sort of information regarding said period of my life in order for myself to come clean in your view.

How I got the samples, you ask? I expected that question to be roused anyway: one of the few thing I brought with me from my experience within the Order's ranks was the art of infiltration, dissimulation and forging; in short, I worked to forge documents that allowed me to pose as an APM researcher and gain access to the sample storage areas, from which I was able (with the aid of a couple robot helpers, of course) to gather the samples and load them on my ship. However, the circumstances around my solo ops were ideal as the Core's forces were more preoccupied with their assault against the Order in Omicron Zeta, which meant that the overall security levels around Core-controlled space were at an all-time low level. Truthfully, I would have expected Core pilots on my tail immediately but that hasn't been the case. Nevertheless, I got the samples back to Corfu, where they were kept well contained and isolated within my ship's hold.

With the samples in your capable hands, and with the AI to support, I believe you'll be able to shed some light on what's been done to them by the Core - all the more important given the Mars still lurking the Omicrons with her flock of drones in tow: knowing how Coremen reason, I wouldn't be surprised if they are already trying to pinpoint its location to put it down - although I auspicate that the Gammuians get to it first so that, perhaps, it might be reasoned with...and with luck, even be considered an ally. I'll keep an eye out in the area in case more info surface, but recently there's been a resugence of Nomad activity which might make things...more complicated.

As for signing up with you, I am intent on doing so, and I am prepared to even be questioned if need be. However, I'll first have to clear and conclude some things on my end - I'll send any info of the Mars that I gathered your way through this channel if I find any.

Once all is settled, you'll see my contact on your recruitment channel.

- Jackson