Documents & Speeches

== Documents ==
Firmament Initiative SynopsisFirmament Initiative SynopsisThis two-page printed document is found in the docking section of the Atelis.
Firmament Initiative Synopsis
(Revision 77v1: 09/02/1972)
Introduction
Welcome to the Firmament Initiative—a multi-generational, multi-national, privately-funded endeavor designed to preserve and secure the future of humanity through interstellar exploration. Your participation, dedication, and service to this monumental mission is acknowledged and appreciated.
CLASSIFIED: Please note that due to the nature and duration of the mission, this information is exclusively for the Crew's perusal. Keepers must remain segregated, concentrating on the preservation of the cargo without distraction.
Founders: Andrew Carnegie, Marie Curie, Karl Marx, Nikola Tesla, Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, Jules Verne
Starship: Atelis
Background
Phase 1: The Great Lift
Phase one centered on sending crucial Earth-based elements—minerals, flora, and fauna—into orbit. The Founders utilized their considerable resources to launch massive projectiles into orbit using twelve colossal Rail-Rifles situated at various mountainous locations on Earth. Between 1895 and 1907, over 6000 containers of cargo were transported into space, totaling more than sixteen million tons, including technology for the assembly of the starship. In 1910, the mission commenced with the Atelis gradually accelerating towards a nearby star system via rudimentary steam propulsion and solar sails.
Phase 2: The Augmentation
The Atelis initially possessed very limited acceleration capabilities. The mission's design relied on future advancements in space technology to enhance the Starship during its journey. The founders correctly anticipated that future technology would be able to catch up with and upgrade the Atelis, potentially redirecting it to a different star system if a more suitable one was discovered. The timing and frequency of such augmentations were uncertain, but attachment and docking ports were incorporated in anticipation.
Phase 3: The Embrace and The Arrival
The Starship Atelis features artificial gravity generated by the vessel's rotation. To create the required gravity, cargo realms are positioned further from the center of rotation, resulting in a structurally weaker vessel susceptible to stress during intense acceleration. Consequently, the ship was also designed to retract and secure the cargo realms during periods of high acceleration. It was expected that this would only be necessary deceleration for arrival or for a final upgrade providing unanticipated thrust. The Keepers were prepared for these events with a narrative combining the arrival of trained personnel required to "Engage the embrace" and the actual arrival of the Starship Atelis at its final destination.
Personnel
The Keepers
Acknowledging that a journey to even the closest star system could take centuries or millennia, the founders designed the ship's maintenance to be performed by Keepers. Keepers reside in large cargo realms, rotating in and out of sleep chambers that enabled them to live for the mission's entire duration. The sleep process gradually purges memories, starting from the most recent. As a result, Keepers are limited to a maximum sleep duration of twelve years before being awakened and retrained. Mentors facilitate the retraining process by passing on their knowledge and preparing for sleep. To minimize social complications among Keepers, a tightly controlled and rigorously managed protocol was established. Keepers are not informed about the mission's nature and are instead taught that they existed within three small realms, comprising their entire universe. Questioning was discouraged, and all necessary answers were provided through strict cultural indoctrination.
The Crew
A small group of trained astronauts is accommodated at the ship's fore. The Crew's primary responsibility is to remotely monitor the Keepers and ensure the smooth operation of the mission during launch and subsequent upgrades. The Crew has access to Threshold suspension chambers, but their usage is limited to approximately one year. Suspension periods exceeding two years pose memory loss risks, which could compromise the Crew's effectiveness. Consequently, the Crew members are expected to live out their lives in support of the mission. It is of utmost importance that the Crew remains separated from the Keepers to prevent interference with the Keepers' strictly dictated culture. The only exception to this segregation is the Arrivers.
The Arrivers
As the mission progresses, it is anticipated that the frequency of upgrades will increase due to advancements in space travel engines and speeds. The final stages of the mission will likely occur rapidly, necessitating the arrival of a final Crew known as the Arrivers. The Keepers' lore predicts the arrival of this group, who will require access to the Realms to prepare the ship for acceleration/deceleration. Only members of the Crew, specifically the Arrivers, are authorized to prepare the Starship Atelis in this manner.
(Note: Detailed information and specific procedures for all aspects of Crew tasks and protocol can be found in Volumes 1 through 22 of the "Firmament Initiative Protocol and Procedure." Digital versions are available on Disk A2.)
(END)
Database PrintoutDatabase PrintoutRecord of a database search performed by the Mentor.
::db.search/db:"crew",name:"turner",format:screen,details:terse
MULTIPLE FOUND, SELECT FROM...
 1) TURNER, ARNALDO S
 2) TURNER, LEWIS DARMA
 3) TURNET, MARIS, D T
 4) TURNER, SUSIANA
 5) TURNET, WYLIE BARR
 X) MORE...
::2
 TURNER, LEWIS DARMA
 EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
 2100-2105 Ensign, Class C, Nexus Protectorate Corporation, Karachi Inc. Division
 2106-2115 Corporate Security Officer, Firmament Industries, Eastern Field Storage
 2110-2117 Lt. Jr. Grade, Firmament Industries Inc. Military Police: Ensign, Class C. Spaceforce Division
 2118-PRESENT Ensign, Firmament Industries, Inc. Security and Amelioration Duty, Crewship Nikola — Lottery Draft (Atelis recon and augment)
 CARCERAL RECORD
 06/2105 Bias Motivated Offense Level 2 (3 Terms Served)
	09/2109 Insubordination Level 1 (2.4 Terms Served)
	02/2116 Misconduct Level 3 (9 Terms Served)
	12/2117 Contract Breach Level 4 (1 Term Served)
::dblogout
12.04.DB...LOGOUT
::print/screen
Newspaper — Miscellaneous DetailsNewspaper — Miscellaneous Details
PHILADELPHIA REVIEW
NEWS AND VIEWS
WEATHER — RAIN TODAY, FAIR ON MONDAY
VOL. 67 NO. 22,121
PHILADELPHIA, SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1910
TWO CENTS
Newspaper — Primary Firmament ArticleNewspaper — Primary Firmament Article
THE MAJESTIC STARSHIP ATELIS EMBARKS ON A STELLAR ODYSSEY
Firmament Initiative Ushers in a New Era of Human Ingenuity and Optimism
PARIS, May 7 — In a dazzling display of human brilliance and determination, the colossal starship Atelis has torn from the bonds of Earth, marking the commencement of a pioneering voyage to safeguard humanity's future. The Firmament Initiative, a grand coalition spearheaded by esteemed visionaries such as Andrew Carnegie, Marie Curie, Nikola Tesla, Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, Jules Verne, and Karl Marx, seeks to propel mankind into a new epoch of cosmic exploration and preservation.
The prodigious Atelis, a vessel unlike any other, is designed to traverse the celestial expanses on a multi-generational journey. After over a decade of monumental efforts, the so-called "Great Lift" triumphantly concluded, using gargantuan rail-rifles to thrust sixteen million tons of indispensable cargo into the celestial abyss.
Bearing the Greek name for "incomplete" (ατελής), the Atelis was assembled and commissioned under the unyielding hope that future advancements will augment and perfect the vessel as it journeys through the cosmos. Gracefully propelled by a sophisticated steam propulsion system and massive sunlight sails, the starship Atelis is poised to advance the marvels of technological progress.
Within the Atelis, the Keepers inhabit massive Realms, carefully preserving the ship's cargo. Sequestered and protected, these individuals adhere to a strict regimen, safeguarding their duties' integrity. The groundbreaking Threshold sleep chambers sustain the Keepers' well-being, allowing extended periods of suspended restfulness. Newly awakened Keepers, having freshly renewed minds, are re-mentored by experienced Keepers, ensuring a seamless transfer of expertise across generations. The Keepers' unwavering dedication is a testament to the Firmament Initiative's foresight, crucial to the Starship Atelis' mission success.
The Crew, a select group of skilled astronauts, will give their lives to maintain a watchful eye on the unknowing Keepers and the Atelis. Stationed in the ship's fore, they will be refreshed with new arriving members on rare occasions to ensure the mission's smooth progress. As the journey nears its end, a final crew, known as the Arrivers, is expected to join the mission. The Keepers' lore has been embedded to inform them of this final arrival, so the Keepers and Crew can, at long last, join in preparing the Atelis for its ultimate destination, a magnificent and welcoming new Earth.
Let us all join together in celebration of this historic event, as we bear witness to the dawn of a new age of exploration and wonder. With the launch of the Starship Atlelis, humanity takes its first steps towards the stars, and we stand united, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Godspeed, Starship Atelis! May you carry us towards a brighter tomorrow!
[Caption under photo of Atelis in Earth orbit:]
"Behold the Starship Atelis: A Majestic Marvel of Human Ingenuity, Embarking on a Boundless Voyage Across the Cosmos with Advanced Steam Propulsion, Intricate Solar Sails, and a Revolutionary Threshold Sleep Chamber System, Housing the Valiant Crew and Keepers on their Grand Multigenerational Odyssey."
Newspaper — Secondary Firmament ArticleNewspaper — Secondary Firmament ArticleThis article crosses the fold of the newspaper, so the complete contents are unknown.
The Firmament Initiative Unveils Secrets of the Atelis' Design and Its Vision for Future
PARIS, May 7 — As the world marvels at the grand launch of the Starship Atelis, we delve deeper into the astounding engineering feats and the brilliant minds that made this extraordinary journey possible. The Firmament Initiative, a collaboration of unparalleled intellect and creativity, has brought forth the most ambitious and innovative spacefaring vessel ever conceived. The Atelis is a marvel of human engineering, boasting a range of cutting edge
[...]
success of its mission. It's state-of-the-art propulsion system, powered by the latest steam technology, allows the behemoth to traverse the vast expanse of space at previously unattainable speeds. The ships navigation and communication systems are equipped with the most advanced instruments of the era, enabling the crew to chart a course through the stars with precision and ease.
Internally, the Starship Atelis is divided into two primary sections: the Crew Quarters and
[...]
composed of highly trained astronauts, will oversee the operations and maintenance of the vessel. The Keepers, on the other hand, will reside within the Realms, diligently preserving the precious cargo of minerals, flora, and fauna, essential for the mission's success.
The Firmament Initiative, through its visionary founders, has left no stone unturned in ensuring the Atelis' resilience and sustainability. Ingenious systems for resource
[...]
management and waste recycling have been meticulously designed to support the life aboard the ship for the entirety of its voyage. As the Starship Atelis embarks on its celestial odyssey, the world watches with bated breath, eager to witness the unfolding of this historic expedition. The Firmament Initiative has not only set the stage for an unparalleled era of discovery but also showcased the limitless potential of human innovation and ambition.
May the Starship Atelis and its intrepid crew
Newspaper — Unrelated Indictment ArticleNewspaper — Unrelated Indictment ArticleAppears to be largely AI-generated and based on a real article from this genuine newspaper.
INDICTMENT OF OHIO OFFICIALS
Browne, Democratic Leader, Accused of Paying Bribes to Elect Lorimer to Senate.
OTHERS HELD FOR PERJURY
More Developments Promised -- Former Railroad President Indicted Because of "Slush Fund" Charges
CHICAGO, MAY 6 -- Lee O'Neill Browne of Ottawa, Democratic leader in the Illinois House of Representatives, was indicted to-day on a charge of bribery, and Representative Robert E. Wilson of Chicago and Representative Michael S. Link of Mitchell were indicted on charges of perjury by the Cook County special Grand Jury which for a week has been investigating the election on May 26, 1909, of William Lorimer of Chicago to the United States Senate and other dealings of the Legislature.
The evidence on which the indictments were returned in Judge Kersten's court was supplied by Representative Charles A. White of O'Fallon and Representative H. J. Beckemeyer of Carlyle. Wilson and Link, as well as White and Beckemeyer, are Democratic members of the Legislature.
The indictment against Browne is based on the charge that he gave Representative White $850 at a hotel in Chicago late in May, 1909, as part compensation for White's vote for Lorimer for Senator.
The perjury indictment against Link is based on his testimony given before the Grand Jury yesterday. Link is alleged to have sworn that he was not in St. Louis on July 15, 1909, and that he did not there meet Representative Wilson. The jury declares that it finds that Link was in St. Louis on that date and did meet Wilson. It further declares that Link willfully perjured himself after full realization of the value of his statements.
The perjury indictment against Wilson is also based on testimony given before the jury yesterday. It alleges that Wilson testified that he did not hand sums of money to Representative White and Representative Beckemeyer in the Southern Hotel at St. Louis on July 15, 1909. The jury states that it finds that Wilson did hand money to both White and Beckemeyer on that date.
Immediately upon the return of these indictments Judge Kersten fixed Browne's and Wilson's bail at $15,000 and that of Link at $5,000. Following his indictment Link worked closely with State's Attorney
Newspaper — Unrelated Succession ArticleNewspaper — Unrelated Succession ArticleLike the other article used as filler, this one seems to be largely AI-generated and based on real articles: the left column is pulled from an article in this newspaper, and the right column is pulled from an article in another newspaper.The first sentence following the headline is incomplete, but it is complete in the source article.Like the secondary Firmament article, this one is missing content due to the fold of the newspaper.
ENGLAND EMBRACES THEIR NEW RULER
Diagnosing the King's illness as a return of the bronchitis which affected him at Biarritz. He had then some amount of fever, but it was slight compared to that in the present case, and his medical attendants had then no fear of pneumonia supervening, as it did in this instance. The King himself recognized that the illness was identical with that from which he suffered at
[...]
driven thither from Marlborough House at 10:30 and remained in the room next to that in which the dying King lay. Here Queen Alexandra and the Princess Victoria also spent the day. The King was very glad he was able to command once more the services of the sister who nursed him during his recovery from the operation in 1901, and several times sent out word to his
== Speeches ==
The Mentor guides the player and gives them prerecorded messages throughout the game.
IntroductionIntroductionThe mentor's bodily apparition gives this monologue when the player first starts a new game.
So... here we are. Finally. Your first breath... and... I have taken my last. But... uh... who cares, right? There is so much to be done. I'm dead, but... you have so much to learn. (chuckles) I once woke up, just as you have. A blank mind, a clean canvas. Confused, yes, but... I will teach you, just as I was taught. And so... First lesson: You are a Keeper! I was a Keeper. We were all Keepers. Second lesson: (sighs) I will lie to you. I learned much later that this is the way to keep The Realms. And third lesson: this machine... ...is your Adjunct. Your tool to learn and to keep The Realms. Take it, and we will begin. The Firmament! It is... remarkable... that we are... here.
CurievaleCurievale
It's beautiful, no? The majesty and peace of the ice and stone... I didn't emerge from The Threshold here as you did — I awoke at The Swan. My first journey to this Realm? Oh, I remember it like it was yesterday.
You have small stinging all over? It's normal. And your hearing... ah... maybe only the alarms... or your own heartbeat? These effects will cease in time, as your body becomes accustomed to the heat. We all have these problems when we emerge from The Threshold. You will live. And that is a good thing.
The Adjunct is making sense to you? If not, no worries. It will soon be as natural as your hand. Keep trying. (laughs) And this one-sided prose is strange, is it not? (laughs) I feel like a... performer? Hm. But... this is where we are.
I had a most wonderful mentor. She taught me all of these Realms. I will teach you. But... Then... Turner arrived, also. And, well... He first taught me beyond these Realms. I will teach you that as well.
So, this realm is our source of our water. And you will learn what must be done by doing all that we did. And I will help, but I will not hold your hand. It is better to learn by contemplating, failing. And hopefully understanding. We thought we understood...
Isn't it breathtaking? The Arches of the Firmaments... So... inspiring... and, uh... Reassuring? (chuckles) And this... uh, this Pod will convey you to the Swan, where I once lived with my comrades. Go when you like. You can return here.
I was taught that temperature is what divides ice from liquid, liquid from steam, steam from ice. The environment can change it. Turner made me realize that this applies to living things, as well as water. I have been changed.
I am sorry for the state of disrepair. I performed all the duties of all The Keepers for so many years... Alone. Except for my loyal Adjunct. Your Adjunct requires the augmentation in each Arch. Find your way to all of them.
I wish I could speak to you. Do you know who you are... what your story is? Your story IS you.
I have done all that I could do. I am used up. But you are different. This time is different. YOU will finish this task. Awaken The Embrace. The Arch will guide you.
I imagine your journey... your questions. It makes me laugh... and weep. Will you ever have the answers?
The Keepers are simple people. Maintain the Firmament. We learned our world well. We knew our facts well! The Threshold came in handy for maintaining peace — Supressing [sic] hate and violence. No lies - or luxuries - gods or greed. We had everything we needed. Except the truth. But... what is that?
St. AndrewSt. Andrew
St. Andrew. Home. Before and now. My purpose was here. My solace is here.
This all must seem so... puzzling, but such is life and learning. Problems and solutions. I think I have solved this final problem well. (chuckles)
It was here, in the seed vaults, I first met... Turner. He came to observe. I heard the stories by then. Oh... I wish you could remember. And yet, I am glad you do not.
I awoke from the Deep Sleep and was mentored in this Realm - caring for the animals. Few animals now remain.
This is where I choose to spend my time... after Turner broke our worlds. I was broken - the beauty here kept me alive.
The Deep Sleep. We wake, we live, we sleep. The cycle! We keep. We are kept.
The cycles of life here were used to affirm the disciplines of the Firmament. But the simpleness of it innoculated [sic] us from what was deeper!
We knew about The Arrival... that the cycle would change. Turner broke the cycle... and more...
JulestonJuleston
Welcome to the Juleston Realm. Be careful. Many were sent to Deep Sleep before their time.
Ah, the mystery of this realm... I never understood it. Now, I see.
I lost friends here. What has become of them? What has become of their memories? I have learned that The Threshold deals harshly with memories.
LoudspeakersLoudspeakers
We wake.
We eat.
We work.
We converse.
We rest.
We are the Firmament. [Two variations of this line exist.]
We measure.
We test.
We understand.
We care for our world.
We care for our comrades.
We are Keepers.
We are The Keepers.
We have all that is required.
We have no needs.
Our task is our purpose.
We are united.
The SwanThe Swan
Oh, they prepared us well. They gave us everything we needed. They gave us life, hope, and purpose... and answers. They gave us a name: The Keepers. Regardless, there are more important things. You must begin to prepare for the Assembly. You must do things that have never been done before. You must do things that I can only imagine, and have even imagined for little of my life. I only wish I could see it. Awaken the Embrace to prepare.
Heretic. I did not know that word. I learned its meaning by meeting... Turner. I was drawn to him, to his ideas, like... an insect to a flame. You rely on me now, as I once relied on him. The others were afraid of Turner. I was obsessed. I have learned that it is... Difficult... for the stories of those who fear to move forward.
"Time heals all wounds"... I recently learned of that saying. Seems like a... patronization... when the wounds of deceit are so fresh. I recently learned of that word. But, indeed... time in the Threshold heals all wounds. What mixed emotions I have about that.
This is The Threshold. Where we cross from wake to sleep... from sleep to wake. I... put them all to sleep. It was... very difficult.
Welcome to The Swan. Where we gathered, talked, sang, learned, ate, laughed... Shared... My memories of this place... So vivid... so wonderful... so peaceful... Until it was shattered. Lies are controlling, but comforting.
Where were we before we were awakened? We were not allowed to ask.
Turner taught me a new story. The lies I had been taught... resisted this new story.
"Keep the mission!", they told us. And I believed them! And we did it well - preparing for The Arrival.
We all knew of The Arrival. It was foretold. We waited and kept, hoping we would experience it.
We were told to joyfully anticipate The Arrival. Turner and two others arrived, and we were joyful beyond measure. They were powerful. We obeyed.
They knew so much, but they were not patient with us. Not kind, as we were. We were not used to... force. We were peaceful!
Yes, we were peaceful, but we were not weak. It troubled us to serve someone as though they were greater than us. We were taught that all are equal.
And then, suddenly... Marta killed one of them. Oh, that moment is burned in my mind! Quiet Marta. She could not talk about why. That day... Nothing was ever the same.
Turner and the other Arrivers also changed. They took Marta and... Panic engulfed the Realms.
There was blood. There was death. It was... I... I have no words for it. Only twelve Keepers remained. Of the Arrivers, only Turner remained.
Turner was afraid, I suppose. He... became our master, and ruled us with a heavy hand. We learned about masters... and... their weapons.
We were subdued... and... lost. And Turner... Rather than intent on The Assembly and completing the mission, became intoxicated with this power. Our angry god! He could command, and we would comply, or die. His every need!
Only one of the Arrivers could Prepare for the Assembly. Our mission was in peril - resting in Turner's distracted hands. I lost hope.
And then... A plan came to me. An ingenious plan. I refined it for many weeks.
I became close to Turner... to use him. I made a wall in my mind for my own sanity. Befriending the monster for the greater good. I learned much. I wept much.
So, after many weeks, I told my comrade Jacque the truth that I had learned. I knew he would be afraid. He... provoked the others, and they all lashed out at me. I convinced Turner to use his weapons to force them into... the Deep Sleep. I told Turner we could wake new ones from the Threshold, and I would mentor them to be more compliant as his servants.
I gained Turner's praise with this idea... (giggles) And his trust. Right up until I sedated him, and placed him in the Threshold as well.
And, so... I was... alone. Keeping and preparing. Not for days, or weeks, or even months... But for years. Everyone was gone. The Embrace could only be Awakened, The Assembly could only occur... only with the power of an Arriver. But now Turner was in the Deep Sleep.
And... you will learn the truth now. The truth of sleep. The truth of the mission. The... truth of Keeping. And... the truth of... Turner. Our Assembly, and Ending.
The Threshold keeps the Keepers. The cycle of Keepers. Blank new Keepers to be mentored. The seven year cycle. But I will not go to sleep. I will keep my memories. I will not forget.
Hm. The only difference between a heresy and the truth... is time. I wonder... do you agree?
And now... you have experienced the revelation that I had. The grand Realms I thought were everything, are nothing but firmament - Structures. But yet... they hold everything dear to me, except my own memories. I have kept those.
Can you imagine the first time I saw such a sight? I cannot describe what happened to my body. I did not think Turner would lie, but... there is no preparation to face what one has never contemplated, never imagined! I was distraught. And... opened. And... offended! And... freed. I do not have words to describe to you... And now, I have returned here many times. And still, I do not know... where The Firmament ends? Can we ever?
Arch StatuesArch StatuesThe statues outside the arches play short blurbs from the Founders when approached. Though the speakers are not identified in-game, the source code identifies them and has been used to clarify this list.	Arch StatuesArch StatuesThe statues outside the arches play short blurbs from the Founders when approached. Though the speakers are not identified in-game, the source code identifies them and has been used to clarify this list.
Jules Verne, St. Andrew left: 	We are the story... We are the Firmament.
Karl Marx, St. Andrew right: 	We are the workers... We are the Firmament.
Marie Curie, Curievale left: 	We are the elements... We are the Firmament.
Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, Curievale right: 	We are the expanse... We are the Firmament.
Nikola Tesla, Juleston left: 	We are the power... We are the Firmament.
Andrew Carnegie, Juleston right: 	We are the resources... We are the Firmament.
SpiresSpires
How is it I could stare at this Spire for my whole life, and never wonder what was below? Because a box of the story we were told comforted and constrained us. The Spire is important. You will return here to completely Awaken The Embrace.
This place... It represents my comfort and my confusion. This was a grand anchor of our worlds - a perfect term for it. How could I have been so naive?
These additions to your Adjunct... These are required to Awaken the Embrace, and save the Realms.
This is necessary... But that does not mean it does not eat at my heart. That you should witness such mysteries instead of me.
What do you see? What? Tell me! Speak to me! Ah... but you cannot. It is for you alone. And you must repeat this two more times in the other realms.
You are the first to enter a doorway that we never knew existed. Oh, so many doorways that we never knew existed...
If you can hear my voice, then you have started to Awaken the Embrace. Now two more before the portal is opened. The Assembly is at hand.
I wish I could see what you have become. I wish I could see what our Realms have become. We kept them while not understanding.
And the Embrace has now been Awakened! Can it be true? Could this really have gone as I planned? You have kept the mission! Now the Gateway in the Swan will open and you can prepare for the Assembly.
PodsPods
You will now be able to witness the wonder of the other Realms, but you will transit to the Swan first.
The Pod always amazed me. Magically bridging the gap between the distant Realms...
Mentor's FinaleMentor's Finale
I was... never given a choice. The Firmament protected, restrained, and... used us. You understand that now. And... I have not given you a choice. I... placed you in The Threshold seven years ago. You slept... (chuckles) and forgot. I... sat alone and remembered. You woke up, I lied to you... and used you. You see how it feels. You arrived and pulled back the curtain of this monumental illusion for me. Now I thought I knew so much, but... you astonished me with how small my world was! And as you held my awe, my... veneration in your hand... You closed your fist around us. We were like children, and you tore our small world apart. I... have thought of this moment often as I waited. I wish I was alive now to see your face. There is a part of me that hopes you are enraged. (chuckles) Oh, it's not reasonable, I know. These... violent thoughts never get us very far. You were our god. And then... you were our monster. Do you feel some kind of remorse now? (chuckles) Can there even be atonement without choice? I... it doesn't matter. At the very least, I used you to provide the way home for the Keepers — My comrades... my family. But... now.... maybe you can do more than just the very least. One choice remains for you. And I will not beg a man such as you, but I will ask: Do something good with this second life you have been given. Remember the Keepers — those you looked down on and mocked — those you... erased. I forced you to travel their path, to learn their names, understand what they accomplished — miracles! And you... (chuckles) now you have become the most important Keeper of all. The keeper of all of these memories. You sit on the verge of the awaited destination, a new world, a new home! When you arrive, you can choose to tell the stories that only you now know. You can tell the tales of the Keepers of this grand spaceship... how we worked so hard to save... all of this. Including... even you. Adieu.
Endgame RobotEndgame Robot
(futuristic-sounding chime) Scanning... Biosignature confirmed. Turner, Lewis Dharma. Earth equivalent date: 2231-3-17. The United Earth Space Agency sends its sincere gratitude and greetings, Ensign Turner. Mission protocol requiring your presence and approval is now satisfied. Thank you for your preparations to Firmament Starship Atelis. No further human intervention is required. All additional assembly, preparations, and flight control will be handled autonomously, by me. Final fold-engine upgrades to Starship Atelis now commencing. Standby for space folding and transport to the Tau Ceti system.
Starship Atelis has now been upgraded and is fold-engine enabled. Prepare for acceleration and fold-jump to the Tau Ceti system. Any questions you may have will be answered upon arrival, which will occur in approximately... 7.4 hours. New life awaits you and your fellow Atelis comrades on planet Firma. Thank you for your service to the Firmament initiative, Ensign Turner.