Today "Zuiryu" ventured on an exploration mission into deeper Omicrons to charter possible new rifts and to triangulate the position of the already observed from Kusari systems. We departed from Honshu and through Shizuoka (Sigma-21) we made a swift jump through Sigma-15 into Omicron Rho. Sigma-15 is claimed by Rheinland and has an established colony and thus we stayed far away from the Rheinland sphere of influence to avoid unnecessary attention and not to alert the locals. Similarly, we traversed through Omicron Rho into Omicron Minor. The system is a graveyard, apparently, with many derelict ships of all sizes. We did not manage to establish what the battle was and who were the combatants. Most of the hulls resembled badly damaged ships of older Core designs, the others were resembling Libertarian ships, possibly Order. The decision was made not to linger in the system and venture forth. The next jump led us to the Omicron Nu system - previously not visited by the crew under my command.
The system originally appeared as a regular deeper Omicron space with outcrops of green nebulae. Our scanners picked up the frequencies of an installation not very far from the jumphole, the IFF indicating it was a zoner station. "Zuiryu" hailed the station and we approached the safe distance on the one hand to have the access to the supplies in case of necessity but far enough not to alert the zoners (who are generally fringing upon larger ships approaching their installations) and to allow us to carry out stellar observations. Upon completion thereof, we made a small reconnaissance flight around the system and found a terrestrial planet surrounded by ancient debris, allegedly of Libertarian design, and an inconspicuous gas giant. The debris looked old and perhaps related to some battle or a disaster. The fact that there were only ships of Libertairan design prompted our analysts to believe that whatever happened there happened to Libertarians alone, or their rival was so capable that it inflicted a disastrous defeat upon a huge fleet of Libertarians without suffering any losses or having covered them up afterwards. Regardless, there is nothing in Libertarian history books resembling even to the slightest degree a battle of such scale that would take such a long time ago. We are still to analyse the age of that debris meticulously but preliminary estimations give the age of 300 years. The only notable event in the history of Liberty that took place at that time and could possibly be related to the debris is the infamous Dallas Incident, but whether there is a relation or not is yet to be proven.
Our presence in the system, apparently, alerted the locally stationed Libertarian forces. After not quite long presence in the system we were spotted and hailed by an LSF cruiser, and later on an Liberty Navy warship. To the merit of the Libertarians, the officers in charge were very civil and not living up to the brass stereotypes about the Liberty Navy commonly found on the Neural Net. The LSF vessel captain inquired about our identifications, the route that we used to get into the system, and the purpose of our presence. Naturally, we replied with reciprocal courtesy and provided the Libertarians with all the information sought. What was peculiar, however, was that the Libertarians continuously tried to convince us to remove all the chartering data about the system. With no valid legal grounds behind their requests, they had to be satisfied with our "no". Nevertheless, I decided to withdraw "Zuiryu" from the system to avert further unease. The Libertarians also insisted that we have a medical check-up of all personnel following the visit to Omicron Nu. My only guess is that there is some contamination in the system, possibly an infectious disease akin to what the reports about the situation in Tohoku claim. If so, Omicron Nu is better not to be visited for the time being, or in the presence of a medical support vessel.
Having left Omicron Nu, "Zuiryu" was followed by an unidentified object, presumably an autonomous drone. It certainly was sentient and artificial but the scanning did not reveal its relatedness to any known factions' ship lines. We managed to establish contact with the entity in question using both binary code and verbal communication, however, the feedback in the binary code proved to be too complex to be analysed in situ. Our questions mostly remained unanswered as the entity insisted upon our encroaching on its space and demanded our speedy departure. While the hull of such an interesting object could be of great interest to the academics back on Honshu, I did not have the gut to engage in hostilities with a sentient entity of unknown origin. We have no idea what we were dealing with and how potent (or not) it was. And so we decided to leave peacefully leaving the entity to itself. Besides, I would not like to have the dubious honour of portraying our species as warmongers. The vessel in question lost interest in our ship after Omicron Rho and we safely returned back to Honshu using the previous itinerary.
The logs of both encounters are attached below.
In eternal service to His Imperial Majesty and the Empire of Kusari,
Koushaku Shimamori
[29.12.2021 01:56:37] Zuiryu: Shimamori: hail, LSF vessel
[29.12.2021 01:56:44] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: RO: Wainwright to Takeda-class Cruiser - hold your engines and respond.
[29.12.2021 01:57:36] Zuiryu: Shimamori: we are not going to use weapons, do not worry. Libertarian
[29.12.2021 01:58:03] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: RO: We will initiate a scan, after which the operative in charge of the vessel will commence communications. Remain in position
[29.12.2021 01:58:35] Zuiryu: Shimamori: feel free to, we shall await
[29.12.2021 01:58:45] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: RO: Cargo scan confirmed as completed. Switching broadcasting channels.
[29.12.2021 02:00:01] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: Operative Nighthawk speaking. We'll be brief with the questions. Once done, we will discuss the safety and other matters-
[29.12.2021 02:00:05] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: -related to your vessel.
[29.12.2021 02:00:56] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: N: First. Whom are we speaking to? Second. How did the Takeda-class Cruiser reach this system? Third. What is the status of the
[29.12.2021 02:00:58] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: -vessel?
[29.12.2021 02:01:14] Zuiryu: Shimamori: no problem, operative. Or should I refer to you as officer.
[29.12.2021 02:01:40] Zuiryu: Shimamori: this is marquess Shimamori Masahito of Nakashibetsu, Honshu speaking.
[29.12.2021 02:02:00] Zuiryu: Shimamori: we got into the system through deeper Omicrons in the process of charting the stellar maps
[29.12.2021 02:02:30] Zuiryu: Shimamori: the status of the vessel is nominal with no deviations
[29.12.2021 02:02:57] Zuiryu: Shimamori: as you might infer from the mentioned information, we are here for the charting and surveying purposes
[29.12.2021 02:03:30] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: N: Copy that. I have another question, however, concerning your identification. The Takeda is displaying the normal KPI IFF-
[29.12.2021 02:03:54] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: -nevertheless, does it act as an independent unit?
[29.12.2021 02:04:21] Zuiryu: Shimamori: as a member of Kusari nobility, we take on the responsibility of aiding the local forces in Honshu
[29.12.2021 02:04:49] Zuiryu: Shimamori: hence, for convenience matter, we use KSP IFF for ease of dealing with perpetrators or with the law enforcement
[29.12.2021 02:05:04] Zuiryu: Shimamori: hence, we are indeed acting as an independent vessel
[29.12.2021 02:05:59] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: N: Understood. All the required information has been received. I will continue now by proposing several plans for evacuation
[29.12.2021 02:06:07] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: -and or retreat from this system.
[29.12.2021 02:07:09] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: N: Plan I: Escort via a nearby system. For reasons of national security, we will have to board the vessel and delete-
[29.12.2021 02:07:14] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: -the information regarding this system.
[29.12.2021 02:07:39] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: N: Plan II: Evacuation via Omicron Minor, however with the same procedure of guarding data.
[29.12.2021 02:08:19] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: N: We will grant you the option to choose, however it is of utmost importance that once back in Kusari, the crew goes under-
[29.12.2021 02:08:32] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: -examination due to the high presence of Nomads in the Omicrons.
[29.12.2021 02:08:32] Zuiryu: Shimamori: with all due respect, officer, this system according to the stellar law this system is not part of Liberty
[29.12.2021 02:08:56] Zuiryu: Shimamori: hence, your jurisdiction over the discharche of such enforcement measures is overreached
[29.12.2021 02:09:20] Zuiryu: Shimamori: we will gladly leave the system, however, as it appears there is little of interest here for us
[29.12.2021 02:09:26] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: N: I'll put it in another, more understandable way. We have interests here and are forced to guard the system. I believe that-
[29.12.2021 02:09:35] Zuiryu: Shimamori: except for triangulating the stellar data
[29.12.2021 02:10:00] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: -if you have already charted this system, you have noticed the unusually high amount of wrecks and relics from the past-
[29.12.2021 02:10:04] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: centuries.
[29.12.2021 02:10:48] Zuiryu: Shimamori: it is indeed peculiar, although we are not vested well enough in Libertarian history to suggest the reason
[29.12.2021 02:11:21] Zuiryu: Shimamori: however, the interest of a state usually is declared publicly. Such as stellar claims
[29.12.2021 02:11:30] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: N: I will insist on, at the very least, leaving the mentioned areas uncharted. It is crucial for the security of Liberty.
[29.12.2021 02:11:47] Zuiryu: Shimamori; without such public claims, extension of justice in this system is a violation of the interstellar law.
[29.12.2021 02:12:14] Zuiryu: Shimamori: then Liberty has to declare this zone of limits.
[29.12.2021 02:12:31] Zuiryu: Shimamori: then and only then your suggestion of boarding and data expropriation with have a justified reason
[29.12.2021 02:13:03] Zuiryu: Shimamori: I am still fine with leaving the system, but I doubt that a few derelict ships and two barren planets ...
[29.12.2021 02:13:11] Zuiryu: Shimamori: are of grave importance to be deleted
[29.12.2021 02:13:48] Zuiryu: Shimamori: just like in any other Omicron system they might or might not have value. Which usually is overexaggerated anyway
[29.12.2021 02:14:05] Zuiryu: Shimamori: a drone. Peculiar. We heard of these
[29.12.2021 02:14:16] Zuiryu: Shimamori: I thought they were a myth, however
[29.12.2021 02:14:28] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: N: Very well, in that case. We'll keep an eye out for any other threats. Do you propose we go ahead with the second proposal-
[29.12.2021 02:14:34] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: -then?
[29.12.2021 02:15:08] Zuiryu: Shimamori: indeed so. We will be leaving back through Omicron Minor for deeper Sigmas
[29.12.2021 02:15:29] Zuiryu: Shimamori: our triangulation is complete. Perhaps, we will make a stop in a lower Omicron
[29.12.2021 02:15:49] Zuiryu: Shimamori: setting course for Omicron Minor jumphole
[29.12.2021 02:15:52] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: N: I will insist on crew examinations, however. Good luck.
[29.12.2021 02:16:16] Zuiryu: Shimamori: we understand your precautions. We did not dock any objects, however.
[29.12.2021 02:16:22] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Fort Wainwright actual, good evening to you.
[29.12.2021 02:16:45] Zuiryu: Shimamori: nevertheless, we undergo medical examination after every flight. So be assured, all crew will be monitored
[29.12.2021 02:17:08] Zuiryu: Shimamori: greetings, Liberty Navy vessel
[29.12.2021 02:17:11] =LSF=Fort.Wainwright: RO: Wainwright to Anchorage-actual - we will transfer critical information over secure channel.
[29.12.2021 02:17:20] Zuiryu: Shimamori: and farewell, we are leaving already
[29.12.2021 02:17:20] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Greetings, Kusarian.
[29.12.2021 02:27:55] Zuiryu: Shimamori: again this AI vessel
[29.12.2021 02:28:09] Zuiryu: Shimamori: it appears to be observing us
[29.12.2021 02:28:40] Zuiryu: Shimamori: let us try to hail it and see what happens
[29.12.2021 02:28:57] Zuiryu: *sending hail message in binary code*
[29.12.2021 02:29:20] Zuiryu: Shimamori: binary code is the simplest form of information representation. Let's see if it works
[29.12.2021 02:29:58] EX-001: *Then, an answer with a complex binary code was been received.*
[29.12.2021 02:30:51] Zuiryu: Shimamori: so the binary code works. That is peculiar. Its reply is also in binary code but is too large to process fast
[29.12.2021 02:31:19] EX-001: ::: Pathetic :::
[29.12.2021 02:31:24] Zuiryu: Shimamori: let us try the voice communication. *sends hailing voice comm in Kusarian*
[29.12.2021 02:32:24] Zuiryu: Shimamori: no reply, but apparently it was not impressed by us
[29.12.2021 02:32:43] Zuiryu: Shimamori: hmm, take a few good scans of the vessel and let us proceed to our destination
[29.12.2021 02:33:43] Zuiryu: Shimamori: as long as it does not take hostile actions, let us not act rashly, shall we?
[29.12.2021 02:35:14] Zuiryu: Shimamori: it seems to be following us but without attempts to communicate.
[29.12.2021 02:35:27] Zuiryu: Shimamori: perhaps, it is an observation drone of some sort
[29.12.2021 02:36:12] Zuiryu: Shimamori: let us try to tinker with it a bit more.
[29.12.2021 02:36:30] Zuiryu: *sends the star map with presumed location of Omicron Lost jumphole*
[29.12.2021 02:37:38] Zuiryu: Shimamori: prepare to jump. So far no reaction or hampering from the drone
[29.12.2021 02:38:27] EX-001: ::: State purpose :::
[29.12.2021 02:38:51] Zuiryu: Shimamori: oh, look. It is communicating in a comprehensible manner
[29.12.2021 02:39:22] Zuiryu: Shimamori: this vessel is hailing from Kusari, we are on an exploratory mission
[29.12.2021 02:39:39] Zuiryu: Shimamori: a reciprocative request: what are you?
[29.12.2021 02:39:59] EX-001: ::: Cut your engine, primitive organic life form :::
[29.12.2021 02:40:58] Zuiryu: Shimamori: let us try to comply. If it acts rushly, we will see to our defences
[29.12.2021 02:41:38] EX-001: ::: First, you are not allowed... in this void. Return where, you came from :::
[29.12.2021 02:42:07] Zuiryu: Shimamori: it appears to be territorial. Perhaps, indeed the information about them being some guardians was correct
[29.12.2021 02:42:34] Zuiryu: Shimamori: there is also an installation nearby triggering same IFF response
[29.12.2021 02:42:45] Zuiryu: Shimamori: perhaps, this is the reason of sudden hostility
[29.12.2021 02:42:58] EX-001: ::: Return :::
[29.12.2021 02:42:59] Zuiryu: Shimamori: *replies* fine. We are leaving, then.
[29.12.2021 02:43:33] Zuiryu: Shimamori: I would rather not take a responsibility of triggering some ancient defence systems
[29.12.2021 02:43:58] Zuiryu: Shimamori: or posing humanity as aggressors to understudied sentient species
[29.12.2021 02:45:45] Zuiryu: Shimamori: what are you, though?
[29.12.2021 02:45:57] Zuiryu: Shimamori: or would you rather kept silent?
[29.12.2021 02:46:49] EX-001: ::: Your kind, named us: Artificial Intelligence :::
[29.12.2021 02:47:21] Zuiryu: Shimamori: well, that is something already. Since you are artificial as you said, you must have a creator
[29.12.2021 02:47:28] Zuiryu: Shimamori: who created you?
[29.12.2021 02:47:52] EX-001: *Silence from the machine*
[29.12.2021 02:48:24] Zuiryu: Shimamori: perhaps, we have requested some restricted information
[29.12.2021 02:48:31] Zuiryu: Shimamori; what are your goals, machine?
[29.12.2021 02:48:48] EX-001: *Again a silence.*
[29.12.2021 02:50:11] Zuiryu: Shimamori: well, perhaps that will remain a mystery
[29.12.2021 02:50:21] Zuiryu: Shimamori: drone, what is the purpose of your following us?
[29.12.2021 02:50:54] EX-001: ::: Making sure you leave :::
[29.12.2021 02:51:22] Zuiryu: Shimamori: do you consider this your space? If so, where are the boundaries?
[29.12.2021 02:51:38] Zuiryu: Shimamori: lest you want more of our kind violate your "borders"
[29.12.2021 02:52:25] EX-001: :::: Omicrons, Omega and Sigmas are our territories ::::
[29.12.2021 02:52:50] Zuiryu: Shimamori: oh, it is familiar with our stellar navigation naming conventions
[29.12.2021 02:53:13] Zuiryu: Shimamori: well, drone. Mind, that Omicrons are not ours to claim. But not in all Sigmas you would be welcome
[29.12.2021 02:53:45] EX-001: ::: Better using ''primitive language'' to interact with primitive life forms :::
[29.12.2021 02:54:42] Zuiryu: Shimamir: it calls us "primitives". Hmm, perhaps it thinks so because of comparison with its creator
[29.12.2021 02:55:00] Zuiryu: Shimamori: which, perhaps, was more advanced then us. Where is it, then?
[29.12.2021 02:55:23] Zuiryu: Shimamori: could it be that the artefacts and the ruins scattered all across the Omicrons are the legacy of its creator?
[29.12.2021 02:55:48] Zuiryu: Shimamori: then it might be old indeed. If it shows aggression, we need to do the radio-carbon analysis of its hull