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Albert McKenzie, Starfliers To: Administration, Starlight Research Consortium Subject: Tau-23
Hello, Administration of Starlight Research Consortium.
We have recently charted a significant area of the Tau Border Worlds. As your station is located in the Tau-23 system, we have scouted that area. To our surprise, we have discovered some rather interesting crystalline structures. I am establishing contact here to obtain more information about these. Since your teams are stationed there, you may be more familiar with these structures than myself or my colleagues.
If you are willing and able to share any information about these distant asteroids, it would only benefit any ongoing projects we have.
Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
From: Dr. Leo Morningstar
Subject: RE: Tau-23
Encryption Strength: Impossible
Greetings and salutations, my name is Dr. Leo Morningstar. I have been given clearance by our Director and Pathfinder department to discuss this classified research project with you. The reasons for the secrecy about the makeup of these asteroids will be come abundantly clear shortly.
Our Pathfinder teams located these crystal asteroids within our home system some time ago. Their unusual appearance generated quite a buzz within our organization. We deployed one of our research Bustards to investigate these beautiful crystalline structures almost as soon as the Pathfinder and Security teams gave the green light. We obtained a sample of the one located near the Tau-37 jump hole and they were en-route back to Ikarus when the sample was exposed to atmosphere within the test chamber.
The sample immediately began showing signs of high-instability. Our research team attempted to re-isolate the crystals within a vacuum but it would appear that a chemical transformation had occurred as it was exposed to atmospheric pressure, oxygen, and nitrogen. Unfortunately, that chemical transformation was not able to be fully understood as our Pathfinder and Security teams met the Andromeda to evacuate the crew. Shortly after the evacuation was completed, the inside of the Bustard sustained an explosion which ripped the ship apart from the inside--damaging the Pathfinder Q-ship, the Darkhorse, in the process. We have only just now begun the process of rebuilding the Andromeda; the damage to the large Carrier was violent and total.
In closing, we advise a considerable amount of caution when handling these crystals if harvested for research. The team researching them have not been deterred from continuing their study of them and if possible, they would like to participate in a collaborative effort with your teams to ascertain their makeup and practical applications. Due to the chronic instability of the crystals, we advise remaining in Tau-23 for the research duration until a suitable delivery method can be derived for transport. There is no telling the effects that gravimetric tidal forces sustained within a rift transition point will have on these unique crystals and an explosion within a rift would not be a nice Tuesday.
Let me know your intentions studying these crystals and what for if you are able and we will see to setting up some kind of a localized research platform near the asteroid itself for further study.
--Dr. Leo Morningstar Chief Engineer, Ikarus Station Ever upwards, towards answers.
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Albert McKenzie, Starfliers To: Dr. Leo Morningstar, Starlight Research Consortium Subject: Crystals
Hello, Dr. Morningstar.
Your information on these formations is quite useful, as it provides us other methods of examination and research. I do not wish for for my own teams to be subjected to spontaneous explosion, as your Carrier did. Were your teams able to be rescued? Losing intelligent minds is a significant loss in the pursuit of shared knowledge.
I am sorry to hear about the accident.
Our intentions with these crystals are quite clear. As no other such object has been spotted across Sirius as of yet, my teams are interested in learning more about them. As you have already experienced the instability of the crystals firsthand, we would like to know more about this, and see if there is a way of applying these elements into any projects.
I am able to bring our own research liner, the Sol, to Tau-23 and moor on Ikarus. Whenever we are both ready, we can travel together to these crystals and examine them together. See what else they hold. I may need to ferry in and out while the Sol is in-system, however I will agree to your request to keep any research stored on Ikarus.
Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
From: Dante Flintlocke
Subject: RE: Crystals
Encryption Strength: Impossible
As Dr. Morningstar has moved onto work elsewhere and Dr. Wright is otherwise indisposed, this falls to me to follow up as the individual in charge. Let it be known, I am not a doctor of science. In fact, I am not a doctor at all. I am a Pathfinder. My job is to do the discovering while others with degrees sus out the truth of what we find. With that out of the way, let us move on.
Our researchers have been standing by for the Starfliers to arrive for many weeks with nary a communication as to the delay. I suspect it has something to do with the recent scuffle in Inverness. However, your communication about the particular nature of the crystals was far before this incident.
During your teams lack of communication, our Pathfinders have agonizingly recovered additional crystals and have painstakingly ensured that they are kept in a vacuum to prevent another Andromeda incident. Our lab technicians have theorized there may be a way to stabilize the material so that it can be exposed to atmosphere without detonating. The running theory is that the material may be able to be synthesized to produce hull panels with at least triple the strength of normal ship materials with added stealth and light refracting capabilities. On the other end of the spectrum, there are those who believe the atmospheric instability may be focused into a form of thrust far exceeding nominal Sirian engine standards.
I will let you decide which to persue with our scientists. I certainly hope that you haven't forgot about us, Dr. McKenzie.
Flintlocke out.
--Dante Flintlocke Pathfinder-1 Ever upwards, towards answers.
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Albert McKenzie, Starfliers To: Dante Flintlocke, Starlight Research Consortium Subject: Crystals
Hello, Dante.
Hmm, Pathfinder. What an appropriate name for a task similar to our own processes. Ignore me, the name itself is rather simple and straight to the point. I quite like this. But I do digress.
We have had a reduction in activity across the sector over the last few weeks. As our work regime is not strict, our pilots are free to perform their tasks whenever they are able to. This, of course, leads to periods of inactivity. I do apologize. Without the active staff around, it is white overwhelming to keep up with the rest of it.
I am still very curious to know what theories your teams have come up with to stabilize the crystals. The Sol is still available for dispatch to Tau-23, and with the fighting within Inverness subsided, it will give us an opening to venture out and continue to investigate this new material. I had hoped Dr. Morningstar and Dr. Wright would still be available, but as you are representing Starlight, I will continue to work on this matter with you to see what can be discovered here.
James Weatherly, Starfliers To: Administration, Starlight Research Consortium Subject: RE: RE: Crystals
To Whom it may Concern:
During a recent Ion Storm that swept through the system, I have arrived at Tau-23 to update the cartography charts and note any alignment drifts in any previous catalogued AccessWays
During this expeditions, curious formations were noted, catalogued, and assessed given preliminary scans.
After the re-scan, I happened to dock at Ikarus Research Station to re-supply. There I met some friendly folks at the Cantina who informed me that a previous expedition was performed in conjunction between SLRC and the Starfliers. Pulling up the old research reports, which lead me to this existing comm channel, my predecessors reviewed what I've categorized as "The Spike", and discovered some...interesting results.
Before I continue, please know you need not fear the potential dangers of my analysis. My time analyzing dangerous conditions and risk mitigation have instilled a wrote-memory and deeply in-grained sense of safety and procedure. As such, I believe I have both experience and data to provide your research teams on Ikarus Station for further dissemination of the samples you have collected.
I understand that this sample in question was collected within the locality of the Tau-37 Jump Hole (Universal System Coordinates USC Foxtrot 2) (aka The Spike). By happenstance I performed a spectrographic analysis [ref 1] and my conclusion is you will find a complex crystalline lattice of Cesium, Rubidium, and other metallic salts. These elements when in contact with water vapors and oxygen (and it's conjoining hydrogen friend) can lead to the tremendous release of energy Dr. Leo Morningstar reported.
Now that what is unknown is known, these are the mitigations I propose for continued research:
1/ Chosen Lab equipped with Negative Pressure System, vented into
2/ Industrial-Grade Chemical Incinerator (known to be explosive resistant with self-isolating and contained sub-systems).
3/ Positive pressurized bio suits
4/ Lab pressurized in a chemically inert gas (Helium, Argon, etc.)
5/ Outer Lab Air-Locks maintaining a high-pressure helium "reactive gas air-gap".
Note that while a separate research suite is warranted, it may be possible to retrofit an physically isolated suite on base to the same effect. This will not only be cost effective, and use existing infrastructure systems within their mechanical parameters (requiring lowered maintenance costs); but can be further modified for subsequent materials you may discover.
Now with all this said, caution aside, I am sorry to say the Darkhorse and Andromeda may have hit an unlucky strike. Based on my prelims, I ask that your teams review my research and hypothesis attached to this correspondence, the red-yellow crystalline lattice appears to be the only that may contain these highly reactive substances. Reviewing both cores, a new black crystal specimen, these lattices appear to be metallic in nature from cobalt, manganese, to other Rare Sirian Elements. While isolation is strongly advised until proven, long-term may see these samples at a risk classification 1 level lower than that of the 'Red' Crystal Lattice.
Given allowance from Albert, and permission for the SLRC, I would happily take up the offer of join research and myself available to work with your lab leads to progress this.
Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
From: Dr. Leo Morningstar
Subject: RE: Tau-23
Encryption Strength: Impossible
Greetings and Salutations, Mr. Weatherly. This is Dr. Leo Morningstar, acting Director for SLRC. Mr. Flintlocke has rehired me as acting Director until Dr. Wright is able to return to management tasks.
To the point at hand, we've tested the material with a variety of atmospheres yet the material always continues to remain unstable in any environment. Our tests have returned the following discoveries:
➊ Positive pressure causes the instability. However, returning the crystals to a vacuum, without a gas of any type, returns the crystals to their previous inert state.
➋ Applying a gas to the structure in vacuum appears to do nothing of substance other than changing a molecular component we do not yet understand.
➌ Applying pressure and an atmosphere of any kind causes instability which cannot be reversed when returning the crystals to vacuum.
⤷ We believe this is due to an unknown reaction of the crystal itself causing a runaway chemical cascading effect within the cell structure that either releases some component of stored energy or another misunderstood reaction.
➍ Applying pressure after exposing the crystal to gas in a vacuum appears to cause a similar less potent reaction with a more focused energy release.
⤷The practical applications here are the most viable but getting them to this state still can cause instability.
Unfortunately, Mr. Weatherly, we have already attempted the gasses you have referred in your report. It appears that those gasses (Argon and and Helium both) cause the reaction as well, albeit at a much lower rate than others we have tested with. It would appear we are missing an element these crystal latices are made of.
I would be most interested to learn how you have come to the conclusion of the material make up of these crystals. Were they detailed scans or did your team collect samples? If so, what was the procedure you used to identify the makeup? Scans can be erroneous and I would like to work with the Starfliers research contingent to view their structures under magnification to solidify your proposal of their makeup, as well to discover what other element (possibly undiscovered) is at play here.
Lastly, some of our researchers have theorized that the crystal can be used in the manufature of extremely dense and refractive hull panels. The crystals appear to refract light in certain settings and this could be a use for the purposes in more clandestine operations. However, this has yet to be tested and their instability leads to problems with being exposed to both pressure and atmospheres as previously discussed.
I am looking forward to your return message. Perhaps between both our teams, we can "crack" the mystery of these crystals and come up with practical applications.
--Dr. Leo Morningstar Acting Director, SLRC Ever upwards, towards answers.
James Weatherly, Starfliers To: Dr. Leo Morningstar, SLRC Subject: Tau-23
Ahh! Dr. Morningstar, please to meet you over the Neural-Net. Dr. James Weatherly at your service, pleased as always to meet a fellow academic.
Sorry to hear the inert gas hypothesis didn't work out, however as you mentioned, it is interesting how these can allow for a more 'controlled' reaction to occur.
Now to the question of replicating analysis.
Quote:Were they detailed scans or did your team collect samples? If so, what was the procedure you used to identify the makeup?
The process of determining likely candidates for material make up involved a Spectroscopy of each crystal formation in its natural state. No samples were collected. Only the natural electo-magnetic radiation for each source, along with an active pass-filter to remove background radiation as modifier.
By absorbing the radiation emissions of each source, and plotting out their wave-length scattering, we can plot out both the intensity and wavelength said source emits. Can charting this out against the visible spectrum, we can arrive that Manganese Ions, in the example of the split dark purple crystal, emits a deep violet visible radiation when excited.
This does not mean the radiation source is strictly Manganese, but it likely includes this metal in its composition.
Now...how to determine what our lattice substrate is made of...each material emits is own unique 'spectrum fingerprint'. By process of elimination, we will review the entire radiation signature of each source, rule out common elements, one by one. And independently determine the supporting lattice substrate of each source, then confirm if there is commonality. Even if this spectrum signature is unknown, its pattern may help identify 'material features' of its composition. Item such as: phase transition points, phase transition temperatures and pressures, hardness, ductility, and more.
Quote:Lastly, some of our researchers have theorized that the crystal can be used in the manufature of extremely dense and refractive hull panels. The crystals appear to refract light in certain settings and this could be a use for the purposes in more clandestine operations. However, this has yet to be tested and their instability leads to problems with being exposed to both pressure and atmospheres as previously discussed.
Hmmm...if mounting of ship components is the end intention, perhaps it may lead to a new discovery if solid mass interactions within a vacuum are the focus of future testing. In fight, the external mounting proposed would remain in the vacuum of space, eliminating the gas/pressure interaction, with only the physical matter interfacing with the crystal lattice. This is all hypothesizing we will see different reactions between solid and gas element introduction to the crystals.
However, this theory grows in confidence as the crystals currently interface with solid matter presently in the form of the host asteroids they are attached to.
Further, can you share with me the details of the settings passed to change the refraction of light within the crystals? I am curious to know the differences in elemental impurities within the lattice, and the noted settings changing the refraction.
Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
From: Dr. Leo Morningstar
Subject: RE: Tau-23
Encryption Strength: Impossible
Impressive that you used a spectrographic study to ascertain the crystals make up. However, this isn't a sure fire conclusion that these crystals are the elements that you say. Spectrometry has come a long way in the past thousand years since Ancient Earth, but it isn't 100% conclusive--at least in my experience. What we need to do now, is obtain samples and examine them within a vacuum under a microscope to confirm your findings. This is a critical step of our research.
Once we confirm the elements that make up the crystals, we can do a process of elimination and see if these things possess a fourth or even fifth element yet discovered which are causing these strange reactions. Your research stated that there were unusual vibrations in the vicinity of these crystals. This was not in the report we received from our Pathfinders. We will need to send them back out in a smaller craft to investigate as both visitations of the crystals in system were from larger vessels and perhaps the vibrations are more noticeable in a smaller craft.
As to your last question concerning the light refraction, align your ship with the local star behind your ship and allow it to shine past your fuselage. You will note that parts of the crystal facing your cockpit at a 90 degree appear to shimmer and warp as the starlight hits it. Keep in mind, this is only a theorized reason for the strange light refracting effects. More research is needed on this to verify this hypothesis.
In closing, I have earmarked much of our limited budget on completing the Andromeda-II, a liner with advanced research capabilities for future studies such as this. With any luck, we will be able to get a completed prototype space-worthy during our studies to support the Sol with it's studies anon.
--Dr. Leo Morningstar Acting Director, SLRC Ever upwards, towards answers.