Comm ID: Peter Kristall, aboard the Aperture)Equinaut
Really, Mr. Markson, your fears are utterly unfounded.
These are NOT Ageira's jumpgates. I assure you, they have a novel and advanced security system that prevents any unauthorized usage. Unlike our competitor's system of no security at all. Furthermore, they operate on an entirely different principal. A repeat of the Texas incident is simply not possible.
Any illegal attempt to interfere with these tests or steal this technology WILL be met with lethal force. Consider yourself warned.
Mr. Richards, in response to your questions: This technology is, as previously stated, harnessing natural phenomena that are NOT jump holes. These phenomena seem to occur only in two places in all of Sirius: The New York Badlands, and the Graham ice cloud in Omega-3. Any information you have that contradicts the previous statement would be richly rewarded.
Be kinder than necessary, because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
J.M. Barrie
*** Incoming transmission *** Comms ID: Johnathan Sanders, R&D Division, Independant Miners Guild
Signal origin: Holman Outpost relay, Tau 31
To: Aperture Science
Subject: Experimental drive test
Greetings, sirs.
I am most interested in this technology and thus will be attending this drive test. I will instruct the Aland Shipyard base sensors to record what they can on the probe vessel entering Omega 3, if it makes it there... I'm not sure how effective the Freeport 1 sensors are, considering the damage it sustained in Corsair attacks not long ago.
I feel however, that I must caution you that the departure site you have selected takes you very close to a protostar forming inside the Barrier outcropping. Nebula density and radiation in this area can be erratic. If your engine targeting is off, you may find the probe ramming into that protostar, and I doubt it could survive for long. The guild has long since marked the area in question as a navigational hazard.
Speaking of hazards, why are the Badlands selected as a exit point? Not only is it a sensory blindspot, but pirate activity is intense in that area, and the asteroids make it near impossible for defense vessels to maneuver. Now that you've publically announced this test to take place in that area, you've basically guaranteed yourself a brigand visit or two. I strongly recommend you relocate, if possible.
Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.
Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.
Ah. So you are attempting to manipulate the Baxter anomalies for transit? Fascinating. But how do you intend to do this? My studies have indicated no link between them, but rather they seem to link to a third location, or possibly even two different locations. I would express concern that opening such a portal might result in our having bitten off more than we can chew, as the saying goes. Should this occur, there may be no way of closing the portals afterward. I suggest further research is in order, and would also like to advise you to keep a strong military contingent in the area.
>type of transmission: text message, no encryption.
>to: all travellers.
>from: DSE mining department, remote space operations section, employee Fins.
Jentlemen, the below is my personal opinion, and nothing else than that.
This so-called "technology" test, be it indeed what they say it is, or something else, is obviously attracting significant attention of numerous groups of criminals, terrorists, and military forces (perhaps more than just Liberty navy, that is). No matter if the technology itself is working or not, - in either case, i expect very high chances of high amounts of violence in areas (and at times) where (and when) the demonstration is supposed to happen. So, when they say "demonstration of new technology", i read "the place where simple people can loose their ship, if not their life".
Safe flying.
Fins.
>end of transmission
Do you see the groundhog there? No? Me neither. But, it's there nonetheless.
..incoming Transmission
from: jan hauser
position: not attached
subject: anomaly gate
encrypting message..
opening..
Guten Tag,
My name is Jan Hauser, at the moment im am here in Bretonia and I've already read about your science projects. I wish you success in your Project, I will sadly be not able to watch your test run... because... of various reasons, but I hope your report will be watchable at this channel.
I also visited the anomaly today and have to report hessian and corsair patrols in the area... a test run could be dangerous with them around.
Another question, do you still search people for other science projects?
Incoming Transmission
Location: Research vessel Borealis
Comm ID: Aperture Science CEO
All valid questions, and thank you for asking.
First of all as Kristall said, the location is fixed because of the anomalies present there. Using natural phenomenon such as these lowers the danger factor dramatically and makes it more efficient than if we were to generate similar anomalies ourselves.
As for security, we intend to hire a third party to help us keep the area secure for the test. Unauthorized use at a later date is not an issue, Due to the fact that the rings are movable. They will be put in place before the test, and removed afterward. There is no risk of any house or faction using them later because they will be packed away safely back in our labs.
We HAVE done small scale tests with much success, hence why this is a much larger scale demonstration. It is also to be expected that this bears similarities to other technologies the Zoners have been working on, because the Zoners are funding this research. They own the rights to this technology should it be deemed ready for practical use and will likely be the first to build more of these gates.
Now, in response to the questions on the internal workings and principles behind this technology, we are not prepared to disclose such details at this time. It is classified, as we do not want it falling into the wrong hands for obvious reasons.
::::: transmission opened ::::: ::::: highly encrypted, authentication level Apperture Science, Omicroners :::::
From: Lucy Ferret, (]o[)
To: Apperture Science
Location: Project Organization Team, Corinth Research Station
You will certainly understand that we cannot dispatch any of our security wings to your field tests, since we absolutley do not want to see our cooperation being revealed at the moment - too many witnesses. One or two of our civilian vessels might appear unobtrusively in order to monitor your work and take the collected data back to Corinth for further evaluations. We recommend to commission the Mandalorian Mercenaries as guards for this experiement, professionals who will not ask too many questions and do their job flawlessly.
Best wishes from Corinth.
::::: transmission closed :::::
Incoming Transmission
Location: Research vessel Borealis
Comm ID: Aperture Science CEO
A live video feed begins. A sizable crowd has gathered, mostly civilians and a few corporate vessels are lined up in rows off to the side. Conspicuously missing are any Ageira ships. An AI drone bearing Aperture's colors is holding position, facing the bright swirling Baxter anomaly. On the other side of the drone there is a full squadron of BHG ships, watching over the proceedings, keeping an eye out for interlopers.
Around the anomaly is a thin, shiny metallic ring. The CEO's voice comes over the comm, broadcast from the Borealis which sits just behind the drone.
Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, this is the CEO of Aperture Science. The demonstration will begin shortly, but first I want to thank you all for coming. This momentous day will go down in history, and you will all be able to tell your grandchildren that you were there the day the first gate was opened...
Please, take as many pictures as you like... scans, paintings... whatever.
And now, we step through the doorway of history.
The ring starts to rotate clockwise around the anomaly. Not too fast, more like an idling pace. The probe starts to glow and slowly move towards the gate...
Omega three system:
4:59:02 PM: The gate picks up speed, and so does the probe. Electricity arcs from the gate into the anomaly, and it grows into a swirling white funnel which fills the ring completely. In the center of the funnel is a purely black circle.
4:59:37 PM: The probe reaches cruising speed and streaks toward the center of the anomaly. As it gets closer a ringing sound starts, almost like feedback from a sound system.
5:00:02 PM: The sound reaches an ear-splitting volume and the probe plunges into the funnel, disappearing from view.
5:00:04 PM: The funnel collapses, the ringing stops, and the probe is nowhere in sight. The Baxter anomaly returns to its normal shape and size.
New York system:
4:59:00 PM: An identical structure around the New York badlands anomaly spins in tune with its counterpart and the anomaly opens.
4:59:35 PM: A faint ring can be heard, progressively getting louder and louder.
5:00:00 PM: The ring becomes extremely loud, and suddenly there is a bright flash in the middle of the funnel. The probe emerges.
5:00:02 PM: The funnel collapses, the ringing stops, and the probe slowly comes to a stop. The anomaly returns to its normal shape and size.
Crowds on the New York side begin to cheer, and the message is delivered to omega three that the test was successful. The spectators in omega 3 wait silently with baited breath, until the message comes through.
Ladies and gentlemen... The probe is through! The jump was successful!
Aperture ships move in to recover the probe, and the spectators talk excitedly amongst themselves for a while before gradually dispersing.