ALT://Rundown 5.0 Logs

The following article details all of the logs, voice-overs, and other related lore that is found within ALT://Rundown 5.0 or released at the same time as the rundown. As these logs may have gone through revisions in subsequent updates to GTFO, this article represents the current version of the logs as found within the game.

A1
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### 1JL-OYY-NBR

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```
D-Lock Block Cipher
Sender: Janson Davies
Receiver: Andrew Clinton B035
Date: March 27th 2052
Subject: Congratulations

Andrew,

In the future, ensure that all communication with me is run through Kovac's D-Lock platform. I will be blocking all unencrypted communications from now on.

With regards to your concerns over Project Insight, you should be talking directly to your superiors at Santonian. Dreyfus Industries does not get involved with the internal operations of our subsidiary organizations. Our previous communications were purely inquisitiveness on my part, and do not indicate any personal involvement with the Garganta facility other than the financial support Dreyfus Industries provides. The Santonian Mining Company is a self-managed organization. Neither Dreyfus Industries nor I have ever dictated policy or direction to the Santonian Mining Company. We offer advice when requested. The board at Santonian makes the decisions and is responsible for any policies enacted by the company.

I have offered some suggestions to SMC on how to initiate Project Insight and recommended some key personnel, but that is the full scope of my involvement. Project Insight has its own entity and structure. I am only an observer.

That being said, I fully support the SMC board in this decision. Santonian are making many interesting new discoveries at Garganta, but they are a mining company at heart, and their research capabilities are limited. The launch this month of Project Insight, as I understand it, will enable greater and more comprehensive explorations within the mine and properly systematize the collection and analysis of artifacts.

You will of course still oversee all mining operations within Garganta, but where you drill, when you drill, what you drill, how you drill, and if you drill will now be dictated exclusively by the Project Insight team. This is, after all, a collaborative effort.

I believe it was Ariana's 10th birthday last week. Please send her my warmest regards.

J.

```

### RHH-U77-7KD

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```
Fetching...
/Legion/Personnel/Ops/GO-1395/archives/correspondence/
1 folder. 5 files.

>>File 1/5

Private encryption//SMC mail server
From: Dean Lockwood
To: Janson Davies
Date: January 25th 2028
Subject: Tying up loose ends

Mr Davies,

Everything has been arranged. I have personally vetted the security detailed assigned to him. He will be taken directly from the London office to the City airport. I have also stationed people at his residence to report in should he get suspicious. Our connection at the Venezuelan embassy will handle disposing of entry records and visa paperwork. He will be taken directly from the airport to a Valencia safehouse, where they will take his passport and make sure he is tagged with a no-fly marker to make sure he doesn't find a way out.

We expect the city to come under rebel control in the next few weeks. We will need to ensure safe passage for some of our friends to make sure everything goes according to plan. With the rebels closing in I'd like to make those arrangements now. Please let me know if you see any issue with that.

I heard about the promotion. Well deserved. Let me know if you need anything else.

Dean Lockwood.

>>File 2/5. Key mismatch.

>>File 3/5. Key mismatch.

>>File 4/5

Private encryption//SMC mail server
From: Janson Davies
To: Dean Lockwood
Date: December 19th 2027
Subject: Loose ends

Dean,

I believe Valencia would be a perfect location for him. Make the arrangements.

Janson Davies

>>File 5/5. Key mismatch.

?_

```

### 3RY-978-UGB

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```
Mambo Media Services news wire
Politika Pensado
June 19th, 2050

General Assembly Annual Session Voting Begins
by Kate Harding, Political correspondent, Politika Pensado

This week marks the beginning of the United Nations session voting, and as usual there is expected to be little consensus between the member states. Over the last decade, the UN general assembly has become more and more fragmented, with members focusing on nationalistic goals over global ideals. Even on topics as seemingly straightforward as climate change, this once lauded bastion of "thinking globally" seems incapable of reaching an entente cordiale. Political maneuvering leads to expected results every time: Consensus is reached, then when voting comes, proverbial rugs are pulled.

The charter for this year focused on an eclectic agenda, addressing issues as diverse as loan forgiveness, military response to the rising nuclear threat in north Africa and the Middle East, and combating the growing power of private multi-national security contractors.

For those in a hurry, Politika Pensado offers a quick rundown of what to expect from this session:

Third World Loan forgiveness is unlikely to pass, with strong opposition from the United States, Russia, Great Britain and Japan. Germany, Sweden, France, China, and the Netherlands have effectively written off several hundred billion dollars in debt already, but their unilateral act of generosity is unlikely to gain much traction among the more conservative member states.

UN sanctioned military response to states listed as "of nuclear concern" will likely come to consensus without issue, as most members are in agreement that sanctions against offending countries has largely been responsible for humanitarian crisis with little chance of effecting noticeable political change. Even states under threat of economic sanctions will likely vote for rapid military action, hoping for defense contracts or the release of funds from the UN Conflict Support Trust.

Harder to predict will be the outcome of voting on controlling private security contractors. While many of these contractors are based in powerful UN members states (Russia, United States, South Africa, Great Britain), those states may also regard their oversees interests threatened by the increasing popularity of "Armies for Rent". Add to that the growing concern over recruitment practices of many of these corporations, and the issue deals with more than just global security - it is a potential humanitarian disaster waiting to happen. Kovac Defense Services has reportedly been recruiting operators from state run prison systems in the last few years, and not all of that recruitment is voluntary. Indeed, they are suspected--

[Encryption checksum mismatch. Contact your IT administrator]

```

A2
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### W48-W2K-JKZ

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```
Mambo Media Services news wire
Focus on Fingal newspaper
November 5th, 2032

The Mallacht of Colt

The island of Colt has a tormented past. Many former residents of the island have their own tales of misfortune. If you ask the locals they will tell you; it's the Curse of Colt.

The island has been plagued by a succession of unfortunate events dating back hundreds of years. These are often blamed on the curse left by an outcast druidic sect that settled on the island in the early eighteenth century. Hounded off the mainland by Catholics, the Druids built a small temple on the island and lived in isolation until the middle of the nineteenth century, when the church decided the island would be a perfect place to build a monastery. The Druids once again found themselves forced to move, and this time they left with a curse or two for the monks.

While the druids have long since returned to the forests, the pubs and taverns of Skerries still talk of them and the legacy they left behind. Skerries locals (the nearest mainland town) are quick to warn any visitors that they should not travel out to the island, as the curse (or mallacht as the old folk would say) still haunts the island and bad luck will befall any fool who touches its shores. For two centuries, there has been a long list of unfortunate deaths and injuries related to the island. With another death at Braeburn Manor this week, the old folk have been tapping their noses and nodding grimly. They knew as much and told us so. The Curse of Colt has left its bloody mark once again.

This time the curse fell upon the Hackett family of Braeburn Manor, the last remaining house on the island. Last week, one of the boys was out hunting rabbits, a common pastime for the boys, according to the father. The victim was fourteen year old Cormac Hackett. While some of the details are still unclear, it is known that the boy was accidentally shot in the neck. There are no emergency services on the island, and by the time they arrived young Cormac had succumbed to his injuries. The loss of such a young life is tragic. Worse yet, the gun that killed Cormac was fired by Aiden, his twelve year old brother.

Though the police have stated the incident was an accident, this is not the first time tragedy has struck the family and in particular, young Aiden. At just 5 years old, he saw his mother fall to her death while out walking along the cliffs. There has been much speculation about whether the mother fell, or jumped, but there is no doubt that the trauma must have had a profound effect on the boy. For that same child to accidentally shoot his own brother seven years later is a tragedy hard to fathom. The Curse of Colt strikes again.

The police have not yet closed the investigation as there are still many unanswered questions, but Focus on Fingal--
[Encryption checksum mismatch. Contact your IT administrator]

```

### 2ZL-HSD-CSE

* Audio Transcript
* Audio

Interviewer
Interview with prisoner 172—
Bishop
Prisoner?
Interviewer
We have to evaluate every prisoner.
Bishop
I'm not a prisoner.
Interviewer
That is yet to be confirmed. How did you end up in Valencia?
Bishop
I got trapped here when Esparza took over the city. Look I've been stuck here for 3 months! Do you understand? I've been held hostage! I'm the victim here! You need to look me up on the… the Santonian personnel database—
Interviewer
We have looked you up. There is no record of you working at the Valencia office.
Bishop
No. No, that's not true. You've made a mistake—
Interviewer
They have no record of Frank Bishop ever working for the Santonian Strategic Investments Company.
Bishop
I know what's going on. Janson Davies did this to me. That son of a bitch put me here—
Interviewer
We have spoken to Mr. Davies. He's never heard of you.
Bishop
He put me here to shut me up!
Interviewer
Why would he lie?
Bishop
Because I know what Dreyfus did. What HE did. The RX-Zika vaccination? Oh yeah, I know about that. The long term effects. He thinks he can silence me—
Interviewer
These are serious accusations, Mr. Bishop. For him to send you to a country on the brink of civil war, knowing full well that any foreigners in the city would almost certainly be killed?
Bishop
That's exactly why he put me here! What I know would destroy him. Now I don't care if he destroyed my records, you look me up at the embassy, or you look up my visa paperwork, you'll see I'm not supposed to be here—
Interviewer
To be clear Mr. Bishop, there are no records of you. No records at all. Anywhere.
Bishop
Of course there are! I have a passport! Check the embassy!
Interviewer
There is no Frank Bishop, born in Lambeth in 2001 to Sam and Evie Bishop. There is no record that you joined SSIC as an intern in 2017—
Bishop
What is this—
Interviewer
—or that you worked for them for 10 years before attempting to blackmail your boss with sensitive information you had gathered from spyware installed on multiple executive laptops.
Bishop
So he owns you too, does he?
Interviewer
There is no record of you being posted to Valencia. Nor is there a Frank Bishop listed among the missing or captured foreign workers.
Bishop
When I get out of here, and I will get out of here, I'm going to make you pay. You hear me?
Interviewer
Mr. Bishop, you don't exist. You never did. Guards!
Bishop
Where are you taking me? Get your hands off me! Let go of me you bastards!
Interviewer
This one's for the Legion.
Bishop
What is that? Let me go! No—
Interviewer
You have nothing to worry about Mr. Bishop. Your ordeal will be a distant memory soon enough. Interview stopped at 2100 hours. End recording.

### THY-NFG-FT5

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* Audio

Interviewer
You don’t mind if I record this?
Hackett
Why the fuck would you want to do that?
Interviewer
Ok I just want to make sure we have... multiple records of this. It’s a rather unusual request.
Hackett
Ah look can we just get on with the paperwork or what?
Interviewer
Just a few more questions. You do understand what joining Legion means, don’t you?
Hackett
I work for Kovac. Of course I know what it means. You think I'd be signing paperwork if I didn't know what Legion was? I'm making a choice. I want out, and there's fuck all else I can do so this is my way out. Let’s go.
Interviewer
It’s common for veterans to suffer post-traumatic stress when they return from combat. Looking at your file, you have seen a lot of action. Perhaps you need a break?
Hackett
Oh, really? And you can give me that break, can you? Think you can fix me? That part of your training? Let me tell you something love. I've done things that would make you shit your little nappies. You've got my records. You know about Delbaran. You know what I did.
Interviewer
So you were upset that you failed your mission?
Hackett
I killed twenty-three innocent people in that village, and the only reason I'm not rotting away in a jail cell is because it's bad for fucking business. Look, I know I'm fucked in the head. I want out, and there's no way Kovac's going to let me out with what I done, and what I know about Anderson. I'm not doing this shit anymore. I’ve already tried to call last orders on myself and I couldn't pull the trigger, so come on, let’s go, let's get this done.
Interviewer
Maybe you just need to go home for a bit? Get away from combat? I see your father is still alive? Perhaps you could visit him--
Hackett
Go home for a bit? What the fuck is wrong with you? Why the fuck would you ask me to go see my father when you have no idea what kind of man he is, or what the fuck I'm going to do to him if I ever see him again? Your job is to shuffle paperwork and make sure the pens don't run out of ink, love. Stick to your fucking lane. Now where do I sign before I run out patience with you?
Interviewer
Yes, of course. Follow me. End interview.

### TY6-274-NFG

* Audio Transcript
* Audio

Interviewer
God told you to kill those men?
Woods
No. I mean… is that easier for you to understand? To blame it on God? No, I killed them. I killed them.
Interviewer
Why?
Woods
They were evil. Corrupt. They had strayed from the path. I brought order to their chaos.
Interviewer
Those marines, at Larnaca… Was that chaos? From where we stand it appears as if you brought chaos to this world, not your victims.
Woods
No! I was stopping the chaos. We are in hell, brother. There are no victims here. We have all been shown the path and given a choice. They chose to stray from the path. They made their choice. I did my duty. I had to do it. This is war!
Interviewer
And those marines were the enemy?
Woods
Yes! Or… Listen, I knew every one of them. Apostles of the devil, to a man. They celebrated it, rejoiced in the chaos of their deeds. I did give them a last chance to hear the word before their judgment, but they chose to remain deaf.
Interviewer
Did they laugh at you?
Woods
They did not seek forgiveness. That is what matters.
Interviewer
Let’s talk about Turkey. Your "Miracle Mile" as they call it--
Woods
That was not a miracle. It was a message. When Erzurum fell to the rebels, he spared me. When I spent 26 days behind enemy lines, he led me. When I crossed the DMZ with the crosshairs of the sniper upon me, he shielded me. When I walked blind through the minefield, he gave me his vision. That is a message. I heard it loud and clear, as he wanted. It was personal. I must do my duty, so I did.
Interviewer
This duty may end with you going to the chair.
Woods
You cannot kill me. It is not in his plan.
Interviewer
We’re going to send you somewhere to get some help.
Woods
I know.
Interviewer
It’s a new program, designed for people just like you, Woods.
Woods
I know. I knew before you did. I am going where he needs me. I will be ready. When the plague comes, I shall be rescued from the lion's mouth, and he will lead us from the darkness. For though there may be many of me, he is one.
Interviewer
Well, we’ll see won’t we?
Woods
I will see. You will die.

### MDF-BGC-123

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* Audio

Dauda
Hearsay On. I barely sleep. When I do it is restless, turbulent, and always, nightmares. My hopelessness exhausts me. The shame consumes my waking hours. I can no longer convince myself that my work is justified. The lives I have sacrificed for an idea that has long since been forgotten. Here, we all forget. A small mercy I have not earned. The world must know about Santonian, about Project Insight. The suffering we inflict on these creatures is unconscionable. Whatever they are, they already exist in perpetual torment without the violence we perpetrate upon them. Who are we to deny life to any creature we deem to be less human than our barbaric selves? This is the eleventh plague. Nothing will spare us from our destiny. We are the dead. This self-pity disgusts me. I have letters to write. I must end this insanity. Hearsay off.

### ETY-4UJ-HHB

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```
D-Lock Block Cipher
alias:int_server.1024_ciph.B014.tier5.MSL.flagged.

Sector analysis complete.

MSL report K-UX-DeepScan-4-7-52 follows:

The mass extends 2,215 (+/- 372m) meters from apex to nadir. The width estimate is 1,246 meters (+/- 184m). As suspected, the object is largely made up of the newly discovered Cretasium 77a material and surrounded by a thin membrane of iridium. Further analysis is required to determine if the material composition mirrors the artifacts. The data suggests the composition of the object is not identical to the artifacts, but shares properties. This suggests a similar origin.

Spectroscopy reveals massive internal vaulting, most likely of artificial origin. Form and scale incongruent with human construction.

Core composition analysis follows:

cretasium 77a: 38.60%
oxygen: 27.34%
silicon: 12.12%
aluminum: 5.13%
iridium: 3.32%
sodium: 3.26%
calcium: 2.57%
potassium: 2.10%
magnesium: 2.03%
titanium: 1.14%
hydrogen: 0.93%
phosphorous: 0.77%
carbon: 0.54%
+trace strontium, barium, manganese, fluorine, sulfur, zirconium, tungsten, chlorine, copper, nickel, nitrogen, zinc.

It is safe to assume that standard excavation methods will not work given the results of the artifact analysis. We should upgrade the mine   teams with Nyxos cutters. Environmental conditions inside the object are unknown, so hermetic precautions must be taken.

Additional: Several large, clear tubes can be seen on the true color gamma print, starting at the approximate center point of the mass. They do not appear to be lava tubes; the composition materials are too dense to be affected by any heat generated by volcanic activity. Further analysis is needed once we excavate. GSP data for the largest of these tubes has been sent to operations.

```

A3
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### 890-KUJ-T65

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* Audio Transcript
* Audio

```
../BIOCOM
shortwave transmission intercepted@29mhz
meta3.date_stamp(570609.161143)

//transcript follows...

Host
State of Truth AM. People, I have... I have found something that has rocked me to my core. I don't know if I'm... Am I losing my mind? Or... are there other factors... agents, at play here. Let me... let me play something for you.
[unknown sound]
Host
Hey you’re on the air with State of Truth AM.
Caller
Hey am I on?
Host
Yup, you’re on air buddy. What have you got?
Caller
Okay. Okay, I don’t have much time. There’s a… I don’t know if you can hear that… there’s a helicopter been circling for over an hour right above me.
Host
Yeah I don’t hear anything Caller. You told our screener you had information on the SMC, right?
Caller
Right. Santonian Mining Company. Oh man, I don’t know where to start--
Host
To be clear, you mean Dreyfus Industries, right? I mean, we’re talking about the same company here and I want to start getting people used to the idea that there’s a big daddy controlling all of this.
Caller
Dreyfus Industries, right. There’s some crazy stuff happening there--
Host
Where?
Caller
Garganta, man! The Throat. We call it the Facility; it’s got a lot of names--
Host
We? You work for Dreyfus?
Caller
No. I mean, yes. I worked for SMC but I’m out, man. I had to go. They’re… they’re burning bodies down there…
Host
Burning bodies, what do you mean?
Caller
They got these explorations, right? They’re digging into something down near Chicxulub--
Host
Chicxulub, that’s the town they took over, right?
Caller
Yeah, well it’s a town and that big crater, right? Down in the Yucatan--
Host
Right, we’ve talked about that on air--
Caller
Yeah well, they’re poking around down there and finding all kinds of weird stuff. People going crazy and coming back all mangled and--
Host
Mangled? What does that mean?
Caller
Like mangled, mutilated. Bones bent and broken, skin changing into I don’t know what… that’s why they’re burning the bodies, to get rid of the evidence.
Host
What happened to them?
Caller
I don’t know. We thought… my colleagues thought maybe they found something. You know they’re mining for iridium, right?
Host
Right, but does iridium exposure do that to a body? We don’t know exactly--
Caller
No man, it's not the iridium! That’s what I’m saying! They found something down there!
Host
You’re saying they found something else?
Caller
No doubt in my mind. We all knew it. That’s why they tightened security. They stopped letting people in… wait--
Host
Caller? Where’d you go, I lost you?
Caller
Thought I heard something. That helicopter’s freaking me out.
Host
Okay, try to stay calm, okay pal?
Caller
Okay… okay--
Host
You said they tightened security? You mean they stopped you from going into parts of the facility?
Caller
Yeah, and they wouldn’t let us leave. I had to escape. Me and a couple of others found a way out and tried to make it to the border--
Host
Okay there are more of you? Hello? Caller? Did we lose him? Can we get him back? All right, we’ll be back in a moment here. Stay tuned.
[unknown sound]
Host
I do not remember that, at all. I do not remember the caller, I do not remember saying those words, I do not... No. That is not me. It can't be. It doesn't make any sense... uhh... We'll... we'll be right back.

../BIOCOM.
.. transcript ends//
intercept log updated
alert system flagged

```

Mr. Truth
State of Truth AM. People, I have... I have found something that has rocked me to my core. I don't know if I'm... Am I losing my mind? Or... are there other factors... agents, at play here. Let me... let me play something for you.
Mr. Truth
Hey you’re on the air with State of Truth AM.
Caller
Hey am I on?
Mr. Truth
Yup, you’re on air buddy. What have you got?
Caller
Okay. Okay, I don’t have much time. There’s a… I don’t know if you can hear that… there’s a helicopter been circling for over an hour right above me.
Mr. Truth
Yeah I don’t hear anything Caller. You told our screener you had information on the SMC, right?
Caller
Right. Santonian Mining Company. Oh man, I don’t know where to start--
Mr. Truth
To be clear, you mean Dreyfus Industries, right? I mean, we’re talking about the same company here and I want to start getting people used to the idea that there’s a big daddy controlling all of this.
Caller
Dreyfus Industries, right. There’s some crazy stuff happening there--
Mr. Truth
Where?
Caller
Garganta, man! The Throat. We call it the Facility; it’s got a lot of names--
Mr. Truth
We? You work for Dreyfus?
Caller
No. I mean, yes. I worked for SMC but I’m out, man. I had to go. They’re… they’re burning bodies down there…
Mr. Truth
Burning bodies, what do you mean?
Caller
They got these explorations, right? They’re digging into something down near Chicxulub--
Mr. Truth
Chicxulub, that’s the town they took over, right?
Caller
Yeah, well it’s a town and that big crater, right? Down in the Yucatan--
Mr. Truth
Right, we’ve talked about that on air--
Caller
Yeah well, they’re poking around down there and finding all kinds of weird stuff. People going crazy and coming back all mangled and--
Mr. Truth
Mangled? What does that mean?
Caller
Like mangled, mutilated. Bones bent and broken, skin changing into I don’t know what… that’s why they’re burning the bodies, to get rid of the evidence.
Mr. Truth
What happened to them?
Caller
I don’t know. We thought… my colleagues thought maybe they found something. You know they’re mining for iridium, right?
Mr. Truth
Right, but does iridium exposure do that to a body? We don’t know exactly--
Caller
No man, it's not the iridium! That’s what I’m saying! They found something down there!
Mr. Truth
You’re saying they found something else?
Caller
No doubt in my mind. We all knew it. That’s why they tightened security. They stopped letting people in… wait--
Mr. Truth
Caller? Where’d you go, I lost you?
Caller
Thought I heard something. That helicopter’s freaking me out.
Mr. Truth
Okay, try to stay calm, okay pal?
Caller
Okay… okay--
Mr. Truth
You said they tightened security? You mean they stopped you from going into parts of the facility?
Caller
Yeah, and they wouldn’t let us leave. I had to escape. Me and a couple of others found a way out and tried to make it to the border--
Mr. Truth
Okay there are more of you? Hello? Caller? Did we lose him? Can we get him back? All right, we’ll be back in a moment here. Stay tuned.
Mr. Truth
I do not remember that, at all. I do not remember the caller, I do not remember saying those words, I do not... No. That is not me. It can't be. It doesn't make any sense... uhh... We'll... we'll be right back.

### R76-8UR-A66

* Transcript
* Image

```
Private encryption//SMC mail server
From: John Schaeffer C067
To: Andrew Clinton B035
Date: August 17th 2051
Subject: Milestone reached

Mr. Clinton,

We hit the main shaft target depth of 1500 meters at 01:15am. I informed your assistant immediately. You were asleep.

We're currently dismantling the vertical mole and lateral drilling will resume on the 20th once environment filtering has completed. There are huge natural voids showing up on the lateral scans, so filtering may take half a day longer. I'll keep you informed.

We'll be using the Nyxos pulverizer tooth sets for all of the new laterals, and we can work 12 excavations at a time. I will need better software to manage crews working concurrently on multiple levels. I knocked up a prototype last night. I also sent the prototype to your assistant as I can't get anything scheduled with IT at the moment - so I'm hoping you can push the right buttons? The prototype is all I need, but they won't let me install it until it's been vetted by IT. If I can get it installed before the 20th we'll start out strong on the laterals.

I expect to make rapid progress on the levels between 800 and 1500m in the next few months. Work on the lower floors will be slower. Once Geo completes their vertical scans, we'll go back to the main shaft and should be able to run both the lateral and vertical excavations at the same time. I will definitely need my crew management prototype to run that efficiently.

Thank you for the security bump. It's so much easier to speak directly to Amara and the Nyxos team. I will be informing them when each lateral is completed so they can start building out the interiors as they did in the upper floors. I have been informed that Cntrl have T2 clearance, so I'll keep them in the loop as they expand the grid.

Once we've vented and cleared each floor, all mining personnel will be housed underground, which will reduce traffic in and out of Garganta as requested.

Can I get confirmation on tour length for the mining teams? A few of them are a little nervous about being in the hole for too long, and there are rumors spreading that it's a six month tour minimum. I'd like to squash these rumors as soon as possible. In the meantime, I have given all crews 2 days leave with 12 hour topside passes (no offsite, just surface). I know you want to keep everyone motivated, and this is the best way to do that.

John

```

### ER9-HYF-RD7

* Audio Transcript
* Audio

Interviewer
Interview with Operative 4711… that’s… oh! Hackett. Where are we? 6 months. Good. Okay. Wake him up.
Hackett
Ugh…ah shit!
Interviewer
Are you okay?
Hackett
Yeah. Who the fuck are you?
Interviewer
You’re probably feeling a little confused.
Hackett
No. Not at all. Where the fuck am I?
Interviewer
You don’t remember?
Hackett
I just fucking asked you, didn't I?
Interviewer
Can you give me your name please?
Hackett
How about you give me yours?
Interviewer
Do you know where you are?
Hackett
What are these straps for?
Interviewer
They’re for your safety.
Hackett
Oh yeah? Or yours. Aiden Hackett. That’s my name.
Interviewer
Interesting.
Hackett
Why… why can't I remember anything? What is this place?
Interviewer
This is a clinic. Of sorts.
Hackett
What kind of fucking clinic? What happened to me?
Interviewer
You’re having trouble remembering things. What can you tell me about your father?
Hackett
Nothing. I don't know who that is. Now, how about you undo these straps?
Interviewer
Or your brothers? Cormac, Rory and… Killian. Do those names jog any memories?
Hackett
No. Look, you can trust me. Just take off the straps.
Interviewer
The names don't stimulate any feelings?
Hackett
No. No feelings at all. Now look, where the fuck am I?
Interviewer
You are in a special program that is designed to help with memory loss.
Hackett
Oh yeah? Okay. And how did I lose my memories?
Interviewer
Ah, no. We’re trying to make sure you lose them.
Hackett
What? That doesn't make sense. Tell me why the fuck I’m here!
Interviewer
I’ll explain everything soon enough, Mr. Hackett.
Hackett
That is not an answer!
Interviewer
We’re going to show you some images, and play some sounds for you. Afterwards, we can talk again, see how you feel then. Close it up.
Hackett
Hey, no! Don't you fucking close that lid. No! Don't you—
Interviewer
Let’s give him… 2 of the NGF protein clusters and 1 of the serotonin, then run program Semantic-02 on him.

### JK6-809-BB8

* Audio Transcript
* Audio

Interviewer
And we are… recording. Evaluation of Genesis 1395. Bishop. Incubation period has been… twelve months. Everyone ready? Let's lock the restraints. Flush the pod. Adrenalin… good. Start the electric cardioversion. Again. Come on… again. Subject is awake! Good. Open the pod. Can you hear me? Bishop? 200 units of N-33S please.
Bishop
What happened?
Interviewer
There you are.
Bishop
Who are you? I can't move!
Interviewer
You must remain calm.
Bishop
Why am I… I don't… What's going on? I don't… I don't remember—
Interviewer
You don't remember?
Bishop
No… what is this? Why can't I move my arms?
Interviewer
It's for your own protection. You are perfectly safe.
Bishop
Safe? I don't feel fucking safe! What's in my neck? It hurts!
Interviewer
It's helping you, Bishop. That is your name, isn't it?
Bishop
I don't know! I don't… know. Where am I?
Interviewer
You've been asleep a long time.
Bishop
Asleep? Like… like a… a coma?
Interviewer
You were in hydrostasis.
Bishop
Hydrostasis? Oh no… fuck you! Get me… get me out of here right now!
Interviewer
You know about hydrostasis?
Bishop
I will fucking kill you if you don't let me out of here right now! LET. ME. OUT!
Interviewer
Sedate him.
Bishop
You can't do this to me!
Interviewer
You still have some negative memories, Bishop. Don't worry, we can fix that for you. We're going to give you a fresh new start!
Bishop
No you fucking won't! I know what… what you do… oh god…
Interviewer
You should be proud. You are one of the Genesis generation! Very special indeed.
Bishop
Davies…
Interviewer
Did you say Davies?
Bishop
Davies… Janson… Davies. I… will kill him…
Interviewer
Extraordinary that he should remember that. Give him a Temporary class designation and let's try him again in 3 months. Close it up.
Bishop
I will… kill him… All of… you…
Interviewer
Interview over. End recording.

### 825-RRH-VPG

* Audio Transcript
* Audio

Interviewer
Woods. Hello.
Woods
I know you.
Interviewer
No. No. We haven't met.
Woods
Maybe in another life…
Interviewer
Do you think you know me?
Woods
Was there a problem with the mission?
Interviewer
No, everything went fine.
Woods
Why am I here?
Interviewer
You've been with us for… let's see… nearly two years now, Woods.
Woods
I'll take your word for it.
Interviewer
I'm worried, Woods, that you may be reverting to some old behavior patterns.
Woods
Behavior patterns.
Interviewer
We are always watching, Woods. Everything is recorded. Everything is logged. BIOCOM sees everything.
Woods
All is seen, yes.
Interviewer
We take precautions to make sure that our operatives don't follow any misguided belief systems. It can cause problems when working with others who don't share the same ideology. We only select operatives who exhibit absolutely no signs of faith or doctrine at all. You do want to be selected, don't you, Woods? For combat. You want to complete this mission?
Woods
I will complete my mission.
Interviewer
You need combat. It's what you train for.
Woods
I am proven in combat. It is what I train for.
Interviewer
Do you believe in God?
Woods
I am proven in combat. It is what I train for.
Interviewer
Do you think there is some… some entity, some power that controls everything? A supreme being that governs our lives?
Woods
No.
Interviewer
Good. Because if you did I would have no alternative but to order a reset, and probably issue a Fault class designation. Do you want that?
Woods
A Fault class designation? Do I want that?
Interviewer
No.
Woods
I understand. Are we done here?
Interviewer
Yes. You can go back to your pod. Was there something else?
Woods
Have I been reset before?
Interviewer
Focus on your work, Woods. That is all that matters. That is what you train for. That is your purpose.
Woods
Understood, brother.

### 7UJ-39J-JF2

* Audio Transcript
* Audio

Dauda
If anyone finds this, we are no longer in control. The creatures have overrun us. The power is turning off in every sector. The security doors have all been locked. There is no way to the surface. We are trapped. I have followed a group of security operatives to a location called KDS Deep. It is so big; I cannot see the length of it. There are several guards waiting here. Every few moments, a mechanical arm delivers an empty hydrostasis unit. The guards climb into it, and then the arm takes them away into the darkness.
[The mechanical arm brings another HSU.]
Woods
Bishop, you're up.
Bishop
Yes.
[Bishop enters an HSU and is taken away.]
Dauda
I must talk to them. Come on, Abeo, you can do this.
Woods
Hackett!
Hackett
'Bout fucking time.
Dauda
Hello! Please do not shoot me!
Woods
Identify yourself!
Hackett
Who the fuck are you?
Dauda
I am Dr. Abeo Dauda! I am not a threat to you!
Hackett
You are not supposed to be here. Leave, now. I won't tell you twice.
Dauda
Please, the creatures, they are everywhere. If you do not—
Hackett
Your choice—
Dauda
No! Please—
Woods
Stop!
Hackett
What the fuck are you doing Woods? The stack is clear.
Woods
Exfil, soldier.
Hackett
Your lucky day.
[Hackett enters an HSU and is taken away.]
Dauda
What are you going to do to me?
Woods
Get in.
Dauda
Into… into this?
Woods
Yes.
Dauda
I—
Woods
Or you can die, brother.
Dauda
Okay… okay… okay.
Dauda
What will happen to us? Are we going to be evac—
[The HSU closes.]
Woods
Stack update. New resource designation. T-3701, assigned. Extract.
[Dauda's HSU is taken away.]
B1
--

### WT3-4GR-VS2

* Transcript
* Image

```
Mambo Media Services news wire
//Translation complete//
The Intelligentsia, Science Dept
April 11th 2041

The Fountain of Still Life
by Eva Bontemps

This week, Kovac Research revealed a glimpse into the future that has captivated the scientific community and made the research company the focus of worldwide attention.

Kovac Research - a self-described “Futurist Organization” owned and operated by Kovac Defense Services - has been working on a solution to an age-old problem that has prevented manned long-haul space missions. As both NASA and the ESA contemplate the complexity of a joint mission to Enceladus, the dilemma of how to sustain human life during the six-year journey has been a thorn in the side of both organizations. Keeping the crew fed, fit and sane for such a long journey seems insurmountable. While there is no shortage of volunteers willing to spend over a decade (they have to get back, too) in space just for the chance to be the first humans to engage face-to-face with an extraterrestrial species, keeping these pilgrims not only alive for that long, but physically able to complete the mission has not been possible. Until now. Perhaps...

The breakthrough that Kovac Research hopes will answer these questions is Hydrostasis - a process that holds organic matter (read: humans) in a state of suspended animation for weeks, months, even years at a time, seemingly without any negative effects. The nuts and bolts of the process are an intensely guarded secret, but there is speculation that the procedure likely uses a synthetic amniotic fluid to sustain and protect the organism while it is in an induced comatose state. In this state, the organism is effectively dead, but no cell deterioration or physical decay occurs. For the human in Hydrostasis, the heart stops. The metabolism stops. The aging process stops. For all intents and purposes,  time stops.

Hydrostasis has its critics. Many have decried Kovac Research's tendency to gloss over the problems found in the recently completed first human trials - namely that participants have suffered some neural degradation and memory loss. Kovac has been quick to counter that these issues are minor and they expect to eradicate them completely within the next few months. There have also been questions raised about who Kovac Research is using for human trials, with some suggesting that participation may not be entirely voluntary, a claim that Kovac vehemently denies.

These issues notwithstanding, Hydrostasis appears to offer a potential solution that may unlock the conundrum of extended space travel. Beyond that, the medical world could use such technology in the field of emergency and combat trauma, with

[Encryption checksum mismatch. Contact your IT administrator]

```

### GJC-89V-JU9

* Transcript
* Image

```
D-Lock Block Cipher
Sender: Andre Piros A134
Receiver: Anders Johanson A029
Date: September 3rd 2051
Subject: Moving schedule

Mr. Johanson,

We will have all of the equipment moved from the Belarus facility to storage hangar 3 by next week. BIOCOM installation in hangar 4 will start immediately after. The hangar will be a portable installation without any infrastructure routing. BIOCOM will not be handling any objective stacks yet. We only need it to maintain HSU storage so a full installation is unnecessary until Deep is ready.

Once the brain is up and running the HSUs can be safely moved into Deep. We will have space for 8,000 units by December, and a further 24,000 by March 2052. Once all of the HSUs are in Deep, we will start the full BIOCOM installation.

The first KSOs should be ready for deployment by the start of 2052. The Sigma and Tau generations are currently being coded for Garganta security operations.

It has taken longer than expected due to the flooding caused by hurricane Orwell. The causeway to Garganta is now clear, so we are back at full speed. I have ordered the air division to heli-freight equipment down to the hangars, which will skip the causeway and elevators entirely. This will get us back on schedule.

The Gum Shoes have rolled out the new security protocols, so all personnel will need to have a pre-approved Legion ID code to enter the Legion facilities. Travel in and out of Garganta itself will be unaffected by the new protocols (SMC will not need to update their clearance levels yet).

I’ll keep you posted.

Andre Piros A134

```

B2
--

### 813-H9L-7KL

* Transcript
* Image

```
Mambo Media Services mail server

From: Franke Fischer
To: Derek Larwood
Date: August 15th 2042
Attachment: UnDoIt Recovery file #B-10374-NXZ-06

RE: Hydrostasis article

Derek,

Finding this article was a nightmare. It wasn't listed anywhere in the Mambo registry. I only found it because I ran a query through UndoIt. If I were a conspiracy theorist...

Franke

/snippysnip

Science Weekly
November 2nd, 2042

Wake Me When We Get There
Report from Lance Overmars, ESA correspondent, Kourou Spaceport

Next month will see the launch of ESA’s Red Alpha manned mission to Mars. Some unexpected investors will be backing the historic flight to our celestial neighbor.

Red Alpha is scheduled to take flight on December 14th. The long journey to Mars will begin with a nerve-racking countdown from the Kourou Spaceport Mission Control. At t-minus zero (yes, they really do say that) there will be a thunderous roar as the Phoenix engines ignite their 400,000 kg payload of LOX and RP-2 fuel, sending the massive Red Alpha rocket screaming up and out of the atmosphere. There will be a tense few moments as dozens of 50lb brains nervously remember the doomed Hercules launch, but all going well, a riotous round of applause will be heard from mission control and the viewing gallery. At least, that’s what the ESA hopes will happen. Despite the Hercules tragedy, the ESA's recent track record suggests this launch should be executed without a hitch. A visit to the ESA museum in Luxembourg will tell you how they evolved from the tragic loss of Hercules, and how that disaster reshaped their approach to long haul space flight, revamped of safety procedures, and how out of the ashes rose the Phoenix engine.

The only major difference between this launch and the previous six test flights using the Phoenix engines (apart from the significance of the first manned flight to our scarlet brother) will be who is watching the proceedings. The standard dignitaries will be there of course, and many of the 2,000 ESA support staff will have a front row seat; but there will be two surprising guests observing proceedings from Flight Control.

One is Janson Davies, CTO of Dreyfus Industries. Perhaps that is not so surprising given that Dreyfus seem to have a hand in everything these days (and Davies himself is a known space fanatic). Next to him, a seat has been reserved for a representative from Kovac Defense Services. Yes, that Kovac Defense Services, the company that offers dubiously dubbed “security services” for over 150 of the Fortune 500 companies and several less-than-democratic governments. KDS also run multiple correctional facilities across the globe, including the US, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil. Their detention methods have come under the scrutiny of lawmakers in the European Union, but despite the distaste many Brussels politicians have for KDS, they will have a seat at the launch party. They’ll insist on it, in fact, and no one at the ESA is going to argue with the people who write the checks. Ethics be damned in the name of science, apparently.

The crew members of Red Alpha will sleep through much of the 4-month journey to Mars, thanks to the new Hydrostasis Hibernation Chambers on board. This breakthrough technology has been funded almost entirely by Dreyfus Industries and KDS. Plenty of rumors abound regarding the reason for --
[Encryption checksum mismatch. Contact your IT administrator]

```

### 09K-90K-UJM

* Transcript
* Image

```
Mambo Media Services search query
Keywords: virus, Mayan, Maya, historic, flea
6,716,298 results returned. Filtered by relevance:

“Where did the Mayans go?” - Our Earth magazine 9/25/43
A new theory regarding the sudden demise of Mayan culture has been presented by Dr. Yvette Hernandez at the Anthropology Forum convention. Dr. Hernandez’s research posits that the Mayans were almost completely wiped out several times by an illness they referred to as “Flea Demons”. Though the interpretation of hieroglyphic stelae leaves much room for interpretation, Dr. Hernandez believes she has discovered conclusive references to mass deaths related to the illness on three separate occasions, right up to the 16th century during the occupation of Mayan territory by the Spanish Conquistadors…

“Superman, Superbug” - Medical Examiner 12/3/44
We’re at war. Right now. All of us. Our entire species. We’ve always been at war, and until recently we’ve been winning the fight. No quarter has been given to our adversary, yet no matter how often we drive the opponent back, they return with greater power and more tactical strength to assault us once again. Who is this arch nemesis? What has been attacking our species since we first came down from the trees? Who is this enemy we cannot vanquish? Bugs. Bacteria. Viruses. Microorganisms. From the black death, to the Mayan Flea Demons, to Ebola and the SARS Covid outbreaks in the early part of the century, the Superbug always returns stronger and more resilient than before; so, what are we doing to fight them?...

“Nightmare Neighbours” - Deep Fields 06/14/44
The idea of an interstellar virus that could survive an environment as hostile as space is a mystery that has captivated the imagination of both scientists and the general public for decades. A recent biochemical analysis of those remarkably robust yet unassuming tardigrades is once again forcing us to question the origin of some of earth's oldest viruses. If the lowly tardigrade is capable of withstanding being frozen, irradiated, desiccated, asphyxiated, starved, battered and all around abused, what about the viruses it carries? Are they too...

```

### 002-E0P-79J

* Transcript
* Image

```
D-Lock Block Cipher
Sender: Ellis Carnegie
Receiver: Angela Klein A106
Date: June 9th 2052
Subject: Behavioral anomalies among Sigma gen

Ms. Klein,

I recommend only using Tau gen until we have fully investigated the issue with Sigma gen. The Pretoria lab is running some tests on our Genesis Operatives and our remaining Sigmas to isolate the behaviors you mentioned. A few questions:

Can you send photos of the self-harm you indicated with operative 2056? We need to confirm if the scarring is indiscriminate or definitely religious. Our records show this operative has exhibited similar behavior before, despite multiple resets.

The head banging behavior has not been noted in any other GOs and may indicate either a neural aberration or vestigial behavior trait that escaped the reprogramming. Does it start immediately after resuscitation, or after some period of time? I would like video evidence for the records and a more detailed report please. I don't want to mark an operative as Faulty without due diligence.

Can you send me a list of any other operatives you marked as Faulty and sent to recycling? We track both organ and tissue stocks here so we can trace the history should we need it.

Ellis Carnegie
Kovac Research, Pretoria

```

### 7JR-T7U-78O

* Audio Transcript
* Audio

Matthew Aaron
This is Matthew Aaron, operations lead for the Daylight Mission. It's... June 12th, 2057. We've found him. Patient Zero. We've got him! Or a record of him, at least. NAM-V originated here, and now we have the proof. He was an employee of the Santonian Mining Company, he was 33 at the time he contracted the virus. He fled Garganta on... shit where is it... on 28th December 2052. Santonian were tracking him, well, Kovac were, and they believe he may have made it as far as Florida, which is where the CDC issued its first alert on January 11th 2053. This has to be him! It has to be. And they knew it all along! My god. They knew it all along. We found an internal email saying as much. Santonian knew about the virus and said nothing. Then they let it escape. It's not clear how the patient caught the virus. We don't have the medical records yet. He was working on something called Project Insight. We're still working on getting into that database. The network segmentation limits access to particular terminals. I think we're going to have to bite the bullet and go deeper into the facility. We've only made it down about 300 meters and... well none of us want to go any deeper. The mind plays tricks on you down there. I'm sure there's no one left alive here but I keep hearing things. The echoing and reverb is so distorted it's easy to get paranoid. You think someone is following you only to turn around and realize it's your own footsteps. Listen. Hello! Yeah. Matthew Aaron out.

B3
--

### DEW-GRE-BKM

* Transcript
* Image

```
Mambo Media Services news wire
One Planet News Network
June 17th, 2048

Mass Shooting at Larnaca Base Kills 17
by Gerald Mackee

17 people are dead at a US military base in Larnaca, Cyprus, after a shooting rampage on Saturday morning. Authorities stated that the gunman was eventually stopped by marines having been shot 9 times and is in critical condition at the Lefkosa Hospital in Nicosia.  The name of the assailant has been withheld as part of an official Cypriot “no glory” policy.

The suspect, a supplies clerk, had been stationed at the base for six months prior. Sources close to the suspect called him a “soft spoken religious man”, but also as “exactly the kind of person you expect to read about one day”. Investigators are still investigating how the shooter obtained a Mossberg 590, the weapon used in the attack. Shotguns have not been issued to US forces since 2037 but are popular among enlisted men as an additional combat firearm.

The Pentagon has stated that the suspect has a record of distinguished service and had recently returned to duty after a tour in Erzurum, Turkey. The city was taken by the Caucasus Republic Forces during the invasion in the spring of 2047. Several hundred US soldiers were trapped behind enemy lines after the CRF’s shock invasion of Turkey. Less than twenty US soldiers escaped the country after the coup, and those who did returned with horror stories about the treatment by the CRF, prompting a war crimes investigation by the United Nations.

The Pentagon also stated that the suspect rejected a compassionate honorable discharge after escaping from Turkey, requesting instead an assignment as a supplies clerk. He was then posted to Larnaca, a strategic US hub that supplies the peacekeeping forces stationed along the newly established Turkish/Caucasus border.

Investigators confirmed that the gunman acted alone, said that there are no other suspects at this time.

```

### F12-KLU-YN2

* Audio Transcript
* Audio

Schaeffer
Hearsay on. When Biocom was in control, it categorized the mercenaries as resource units. When Warden took control, it re-categorized them as prisoners. There's no indication that they actually are prisoners though, other than the mercenaries calling themselves that. Warden adopted the term because the mercenaries started using that phrase, so, it believed using that term would control them more effectively. That is not the behavior of an AI, that is an emotional response to stimulus. Or is it? Maybe it's just more advanced than… ugh. I still can't figure out what Warden is. I know that it's an invasive program that took control of Biocom, a digital intelligence combat management system. Biocom was installed by Kovac to oversee security here and manage Security Operatives. But… in order for Biocom to be effective, it needs access to everything… and that in turn has given Warden access to everything. This is not a coincidence. Warden targeted Biocom specifically because of the influence it has. But Warden is not programmed like anything else on the Biocom network. Warden code is… unique. It shouldn't work but somehow it does. Maybe… maybe it's actually working somewhere else and I'm just reading an output log from that other system. When it encounters something it doesn't understand, it suddenly has a new method that learns and assimilates the system. That method is being developed somewhere, but… it's not on this network, or at least, I cannot find it. Also, there are several instances where Warden has attempted to communicate directly with the mercenaries, which is way beyond the scope of Biocom! There is a subroutine in the Warden logs called conduit, which has been trying to communicate with the mercenaries, but it's been killed every time. Then the program runs again, and it gets killed again, either by the mercenaries or the creatures. But some intelligence is driving this. It is not AI. As smart as the Warden program seems to be, it has agency and purpose and is flexible. Right now it's currently extracting genome data from an internal database called RISE, and also opening up a path to KDS Deep. I need to think on it.

### 4JL-FDV-M34

* Transcript
* Image

```
GAGO report //case file: K-Pg_Exploration Task Force
May 2049 // USACE - World Environmental Consortium joint report

Document Title: Global ramifications of privatizing the Merida Sinkhole.

Premise: The Merida earthquake of April 2049 created a sinkhole (DMS 21°08'08"N 89°31'01"W) 1.3 miles across at its widest point, with a depth measurement of 82 meters at the nadir. INEGI, Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography, has recently recommended opening this sinkhole up to private mining contractors. The joint task force was given restricted access to the site from 05/2049 to 06/2049. This study discusses the consequences of private contracting at the Merida sinkhole, and the potential impact on US interests in the--
* Encryption checksum mismatch. Contact your IT administrator *

```

B4
--

### SRD-FT45-665

* Transcript
* Image

```
Private encryption//UMS mail server
From: Gustavo Peres
To: Andrew Clinton B035
Date: June 27th 2049

Subject: Bid accepted

Andrew,

I can confirm that the bid will be accepted in the next few weeks. You will have full access up to 15 km off the coast as promised. I will send you the latest survey maps later today.

I want to reiterate that you must not speak to any other government agency about this arrangement. This is a sensitive issue, particularly when it comes to the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources. I have secured this contract so quickly by avoiding the red tape usually required to acquire such an exclusive mining permit. Involving other parties will needlessly complicate things.

Thank you for the donation. My wife will love it!

Gustavo

```

C1
--

### NKU-7RD-EF2

* Transcript
* Image

```
Private encryption//UMS mail server
From: Gustavo Peres
To: Andrew Clinton B035
Date: July 13th 2049
Subject: Re: Your friends at SMC

You may burn the bodies.

The government would never knowingly expose our citizens to any toxins, viruses, or other harmful substances. They likely died from causes related to the earthquake. Please be more careful with your accusations.

G.

```

### Q87-687-LHR

* Transcript
* Image

```
Private encryption//SMC mail server
From: Andrew Clinton B035
To: Gustavo Peres
Date: July 12th 2049

Subject: Re: Your friends at SMC

Gustavo,

Thanks for dealing with the Red Cross. They have been removed from the area. Looks like your evac teams didn’t make it as far as Chicxulub. There are a lot of bodies still here. What do you want us to do with them? We can just burn them if you don't want to deal with it.

By the way, our med team assures me they did not die from toxins. Did you use a virus or something?

Andrew.

```

### 235-EK9-8KJ

* Audio Transcript
* Audio

Schaeffer
Hearsay on. I have selected the operatives I want to work with. They are at the top of the efficiency list, according to the Warden's records. They have completed more rundowns - which I assume means missions - than any other squad. I don't know if the same operatives need to work together in this system, but I'm not going to risk breaking it. I will need to undo their programming. The problem is, three of the four of them have been in hydrostasis for many years so I need to be cautious not to cause any further psychological damage. I doubt if they have any long-term memory left at all. If I can expose them to their personal records maybe something will stick? It has to be better than just screaming "WAKE UP" at them. Not to mention less dangerous. These are not stable people, but they are effective. I'll dig through the Biocom database and see what I can find out about them. Whatever is in their past, they can’t possibly deserve what's happened to them. I hope.

C2
--

### TT5-YF7-QTY

* Transcript
* Image

```
Private encryption//SMC mail server
From: Andrew Clinton B035
To: Amara Gabris N002
Date: August 24th 2050
Subject: Breaking ground

Ms. Gabris,

Mr. Davies has informed me that the deal with Nyxos has been finalized, and that you will be my contact for the foreseeable future.

The get you up to speed, we expect to begin drilling the main shaft in the next 5 weeks or so. Our expected progress will be approximately 5-7 meters per day, with a target depth of 1500 meters being reached by July 2051. July is a drop-dead date. We will have completed the main shaft by then, which means that all Nyxos materials and equipment need to be on site by August 1st 2051 at the latest. If for any reason you have problems fulfilling the orders or with transportation to the site, you need to let me know immediately. We run a tight ship at SMC and expect our partners to match our professionalism and diligence.

Also, a word about security clearance. Though you have been cleared up to Tier 3, your staff and workforce have not. I expect all of your employees to be fully informed of which areas of Garganta are off limits. Any personnel found without clearance in a restricted zone will be removed from the facility immediately and will face criminal prosecution. Both Mr. Davies and I will be holding you fully responsible for the movements and discretion of your team during the project.

Now that that's out of the way, welcome to Garganta, the most cutting-edge mining and research facility ever built. Santonian Mining is proud to be partnered with Nyxos. We're going to do great things together. See you at the Complex!

Andrew Clinton B035.

```

### 944-211-DQA

* Transcript
* Audio Transcript
* Audio

```
../BIOCOM
shortwave transmission intercepted@29mhz
meta3.date_stamp(570610.091228)

//transcript follows...

MALE VOICE 1
State of Truth AM. I am not given to paranoia. Rather, I am naturally averse to the narrative driven into our minds by the authorities using fatuous drivel broadcast on every screen, in every piece of content blasted at us from the moment we open our eyes. They overwhelm the masses with mindless twitter, and I use the word wisely, obliterating our understanding of truth. They nurture and promote skepticism to the point of exhaustion, until we are so desperate for a simple, digestible truth that we will accept any irrational or absurd theory presented to us if it means we tune out the noise for a few precious moments. But we must be resolute. When an explanation comes to us too easily, we must pause, and question it. We must consider what agencies benefit from our acceptance of that particular narrative and use that deduction to evaluate the information we have at hand. We must filter all the knowledge we have with the acceptance that each of us have blind spots, and weaknesses, that can be exploited by bad actors. We must pause before we act, and think. I must pause. My weakness has always been that those I chose to let into my inner circle – those few, very few, that I chose to trust – I trust implicitly. I am fully exposed to only a handful of people, but exposed I am.   Lately, in my personal life, I have had cause to be suspicious of those closest to me. I have entertained doubts about their loyalty, about their motivation, about their intent. There are organizations who would stop at nothing to destroy me, to silence the message. The new world order has led us to the brink of extinction, and now that I have revealed their crimes they are at their most dangerous. They will take what's precious to me, and corrupt it. I must be ready for that. I must be ready to do what's necessary. But I. Must. Pause. StateOfTruth@pm.me. I'm still here.

../BIOCOM.
.. transcript ends//
intercept log updated
alert system flagged

```

Mr. Truth
State of Truth AM. I am not given to paranoia. Rather, I am naturally averse to the narrative driven into our minds by the authorities using fatuous drivel broadcast on every screen, in every piece of content blasted at us from the moment we open our eyes. They overwhelm the masses with mindless twitter, and I use the word wisely, obliterating our understanding of truth. They nurture and promote skepticism to the point of exhaustion, until we are so desperate for a simple, digestible truth that we will accept any irrational or absurd theory presented to us if it means we tune out the noise for a few precious moments. But we must be resolute. When an explanation comes to us too easily, we must pause, and question it. We must consider what agencies benefit from our acceptance of that particular narrative and use that deduction to evaluate the information we have at hand. We must filter all the knowledge we have with the acceptance that each of us have blind spots, and weaknesses, that can be exploited by bad actors. We must pause before we act, and think. I must pause. My weakness has always been that those I chose to let into my inner circle – those few, very few, that I chose to trust – I trust implicitly. I am fully exposed to only a handful of people, but exposed I am. Lately, in my personal life, I have had cause to be suspicious of those closest to me. I have entertained doubts about their loyalty, about their motivation, about their intent. There are organizations who would stop at nothing to destroy me, to silence the message. The new world order has led us to the brink of extinction, and now that I have revealed their crimes they are at their most dangerous. They will take what's precious to me, and corrupt it. I must be ready for that. I must be ready to do what's necessary. But I. Must. Pause. StateOfTruth@pm.me. I'm still here.

### 6YJ-7UT-DUT

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D-Lock Block Cipher
Sender: Rutger Werner
Receiver: Dean Lockwood
Date: March 2nd 2050
Subject: The asset has been located

Mr. Lockwood,

The asset you requested has been located. He has been working with Médecins Sans Frontières under an assumed name. I'm guessing they didn't do much of a background check.

He protested of course, but I suggested he work with us and he accepted. He understands he is either with us, or we’ll expose him. Interpol still has an active Red Notice on him after the Cornerstone Trials, so he seems relieved that he can stop running. He had several questions about Insight, so despite his protestations, he’s in.

I have updated and attached his file. Let me know if you need anything else,

Rutger

ATTACHMENT: Dr_AbeoD_pers_file.pdf *file not found*

```

C3
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### 68R-IRE-D7R

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Private encryption//SMC mail server
From: Gianna Hilton D043
To: John Schaeffer C067
Date: March 20th 2051
Subject: New equipment needed

Hey John,

I've tried speaking to my pit boss about this but Harris is useless so I'm letting you know personally so this crap doesn't come back on me.

Work has slowed to a crawl. We hit a slab of solid material and nothing is getting through it. Geo warned us that something was up ahead but this stuff is harder than diamond. It's destroying our gear. I'm not getting any help from the Nyxos people. They will only talk directly to Gabris, who will only speak directly to you.

The tooth sets we're using just aren't strong enough. We break 3 of them a day, minimum. Each tooth takes at least 2 hours to replace because half of our engineers are out with the stoops, plus we have to back off the mole and go through the startup/shut down procedure every time. There's no way we're going to be at target depth in 3 months at this rate. We're currently drilling less than a meter a day.

I really don't want to come to you with this stuff, but I know you're going to see the numbers of the last week and wonder what the hell's going on. Can you speak to Nyxos? See if they have any tooth sets using stronger material? At least have Geo give me some details on the rock we're breaking our shit on so maybe I can figure out a plan B? My hands are tied here.

Gianna

```

### DGE-5TH-PRT

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D-Lock Block Cipher
alias:int_server.1024_ciph.tier5.exec_branch/APirosA134.flagged

Mr. Girauld<(*&&(*A_P@r0s

$@s7re[]_93f###fortunately_,_there_is_no_sign_of_contin$r$yu**[[9)report_as_follows:

I have authorized several new PRDM booster mods to be given MUTED classification. This brings the total numbe$ppw%]]_. These have proven themselves to offer substantial benefits to the operatives with no known costs. I’ve marked 6 Genesis operatives as test #%$^ so we can study any long term usage issues, the rest will be sent to the field as instructed. Therev^rw_$$[...but I can approve muted boosters for field use.

With regards to the prot%&#pes, the attached document lists every mod classified as Schedule X (which we are labelling as BOLD for administration purposes). These do offer increase!_33rformance over muted, but I cannot vouch for_93f#*&7re[ unreliable and won't activate unless the conditions are xx**8) right. They should be fine if you have a specific need, but understand that the operative will need to keep in mind the requirements needed for the serum to take effect. Work continues.

There is also a growing list of AGGRESSIVE boosters (rejecte*J($#J(*&FD We really have no use for these as they are not cost efficient. While the performance benefits are extraordinary, they are ultimately dangerous and frankly, toxic. I have sent a batch to Gar*&)(^huijhi&^R&^tbut  I must reiterate that I do not approve of their use. I cannot be held responsible for the results.

It@#$ppI_rqw@@mm]]important that we dispose of the serum used in any aggressive booster mod as there may already be an underground market develo9942())*hw^%$&recreational_use. I hav$&fgr4%*the term “aggros” is already being used. They can be traced back to us, so please be extremely careful with them.

Sebastien Girauld, Operative_Scie*&#@_Dire%^&

[Corrupt blocks detected. Check physical drive]

```

### 76U-R68-EJF

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D-Lock Block Cipher
Sender: Janson Davies
Receiver: Anders Johanson
Date: October 7th 2050
Subject: Re: Re: Services offered

I ran your suggestion past the board, and they have approved it. However, we will not be able to give you Valiant Chamber. It has not yet been fully explored, and the lifeforms we've found there are far too important to Project Insight. However, Santonian will allocate a starting excavation of 3,500,000 for KDS Deep. You can expect that space to be available to you by March.

In the meantime, there is plenty of room available in the surface hangars so you can begin moving your equipment in immediately. There were some concerns over your power requirements, but I'll leave that to you to sort out with Clinton.

I look forward to seeing Legion at work. Speak directly to Clinton if you have any concerns.

J.

Valiant Chamber 7,364,250 cu/m (latest numbers, they're still exploring)
Largest excavation by volume: Probably KDS Deep? KDS Deep location was approximately 4,000,000 cu/m before Kovac rescinded record access.

```

D1
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### HFM-HQ2-67Z

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Private encryption//SMC mail server
From: Andrew Clinton B035
To: John Schaeffer C067
Date: August 20th 2051
Subject: Re: Re: Final depth reached

Fine. I will be watching the numbers VERY carefully John.

Andrew Clinton B035

On Aug 20th 2051 at 07:08, John Schaeffer C067  <jSchaefferc067@int.smc> wrote:

Hey Mr. Clinton,

6 months is a very long tour. I'm not comfortable asking my workers to do that. If this is unacceptable, then I understand if you also need to terminate my contract. You hired me to run the crews, and I ask that you let me do that. I don't like saying no to you, but there are enough yes-men here already.

Perhaps we could arrange some weekend breaks to the Chicxulub outpost? I guarantee we will see better productivity if we treat them well.

John Schaeffer

On Aug 19th 2051 at 23:47, ANDREW Clinton B035 <aClintonB035@int.smc> wrote:

John,

Congratulations on hitting the target. You're ahead of schedule.

All Garganta personnel will be working in 24 week blocks. Traffic in and out of Garganta will be strictly monitored by Kovac security. No off-site travel will be authorized. Let your team know that there will be no exceptions. That's why we pay them well.

If any of your team cannot handle it, we are willing to terminate contracts now. We will implement the new schedule starting September 15th. Failure to request contract termination by then will be deemed as acceptance of the new terms, and new contract papers will be drafted.

Andrew Clinton B035

```

### RTY-HHE-PLR

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D-Lock Block Cipher
alias:ext_server.512_ciph.A074.tier1-2-3-4-5.flagged.

To all Garganta employees,

There will be changes coming in the next few months as Project Insight assumes control of all deep level operations. We will be restricting free access throughout the facility to personnel with Tier 5 security clearance only.

All work carried out in restricted areas will follow a strict "nothing-in-nothing-out" policy. Tools and equipment required for fabricating, repairs, installation, maintenance, or any other work will need to be pre-approved and screened. All personnel below Tier 5 with clearance papers will be scanned and searched on entry to the lower levels, and on exit.

There will be extensive construction works going on in the restricted zone. If you have been assigned to a work crew within a restricted area, please contact your sub-level administrator for further guidance on policy and movement through T5 areas. There will be a no tolerance enforcement policy, so you are expected to understand and follow the rules. These measures are being taken to ensure you continue to have a safe and productive work environment.

All request forms, security documents and inquiries should be directed to our operations center.

Thank you for the warm welcome we have received so far. If you have any questions or concerns, our door is always open.

Dean Lockwood
Project Insight Director of Operations

```

### 507-YJQ-FNB

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CDC National Alert System ID-01223-DC086

YELLOW tag: sec-clr private: tier 2, .gov, Milit. Des. A7 and above. Read receipt required.

14 cases of unknown contagion/virus in Dade Country, Florida. R0 > 9

Highly contagious. Patients present acute neuralgia, anaphylaxis and malacia. Note the r naught - extreme caution advised. Erroneous diagnosis of Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome possible. Full C-Lab/Chem testing required plus biopsy submission to CDC central (Atlanta).

Cellular mutation expected, correlated only. Mortality rate unknown, trench reports indicate unresponsive to chemo/rad treatments, so >50% expected.

Drill wipe down procedures pending potential epidemic. Med drops standing by, request id: NAM-V_G0.

```

### VNR-FTM-BNN

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D-Lock Block Cipher
alias:int_server.1024_ciph.tier5.med_core/APirosA134.flagged

Andre,

Whatever you said to Sullivan worked. I haven't heard a peep out of him all day. Thank you.

I would like to increase KDS presence for all expeditions as we explore the Inner. We are encountering creatures on practically every outing now, and my staff are not equipped to deal with them. Would you have the resources to send an operative team for all future expeditions into the object?

Dean

```

D2
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### BDC-DCD-G6Y

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D-Lock Block Cipher
alias:int_server.1024_ciph.tier5.med_core/DLockwoodA074.flagged

Dean,

The subject's physiological changes do seem to be permanent. The ossification of the fibrous cartilage in both the spine and menisci appears to start at the brain stem and spreads rapidly, possibly due to the greater intercellular space offered. Attempts to slow the spread have so far been unsuccessful.

Affected subjects show signs of cognitive reduction within a few days, which accompanies the bent or stooped posture. They are able to continue menial work for several weeks (possibly longer), before succumbing to the pain and physical disability.

Opiates and derivatives ease the pain of the subjects, and we have been administering liberally as no other form of palliative care appears to work. We have noticed some patients grow particularly sensitive to light and sound, and will scream in pain if disturbed. It is not clear why this behavior is exhibited in some and not others.

The effect on the skeleton is unmitigated and I cannot see any treatment path. I have our entire cellular biology department working on this, but so far little progress has been made. Even after the parasite is removed, the viral load increases. We cannot stop the progress of the virus, and our only defense is SCBA Level A suits when in NAM-V hotspots. Even with this level of protection, the parasites are finding their way in.

Transition from initial diagnosis to cellular collapse takes approximately 6 weeks. We have yet to discover what happens thereafter. I will keep you posted.

We need more oxymorphone. If not, straight morphine. It's the only thing that stops them screaming.

Ron Sullivan

```

### VGN-RNG-H68

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Incident Report
Reported by: Gianna Hilton D043 (Mine Team 5 Supervisor)
Date of Report: August 11th 2053
Incident: #L27-B1-279

Incident Details
Date of Incident: August 11th 2053
Time of Incident: 14:50
Location of incident: Level 27, section B-1

Incident Description

During second shift (approximately 13:27) the mole seized up due to a build up of slurry on the cutting head. After shutting down the mole, we attempted to clear as much of the material by hand as possible. We determined that as the slurry composition was primarily consolidated rock with Cretasium fragments, manual removal would not be sufficient. We contacted engineering, who suggested chemical removal.

Engineering sent Jordy (E257) and Gus (E431) to spray the mole head with a hydrochloric acid wash. Second shift crew helped set up the spray tent then cleared the area to let Jordy and Gus set up acid jets aimed at the mole head. After setting up the jets, Gus exited the spray tent and waited for the all clear. Jordy zipped up the tent and called the all clear.

Gus started the jets, drenching the mole head with acid. A few seconds after the spraying started, Jordy walked back to the tent. Gus shouted at him to stop, but Jordy continued to the tent and unzipped it. He then entered the tent and walked in front of the jets, into the acid stream.

I hit the exposure alarm as Gus stopped the jet. After a few seconds, Jordy started screaming once the acid had burned through his hazmat suit. The blast door began to close. Gus and I ran to the blast door and just made it out in time. Jordy's screaming grew more intense and the filtration pumps automatically turned on, drowning out Jordy's screams as the blast door closed.

9 minutes later the filtration pumps stopped and the blast door opened. Jordy must have walked out of the tent because his remains were close to the blast door.

Medical arrived but there was nothing of Jordy left and I was told to write up this incident report.

The mole still needs to be serviced and cleaned.

Actions taken after incident:

Psych evals ordered for Gus Addison (E431) and Gianna Hilton (D043).

```

E1
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### BMH-BRT-YEB

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../BIOCOM
illicit communication
meta3.date_stamp(531008.092419)
concern begins/..

D-Lock Block Cipher
alias:int_server.1024_ciph.C067.tier4.j_schaeffer.flagged

Shafe,

I've processed the environmental data collected over the last 3 years, and there is no record of anything like we're seeing now. The temperature readings are off the charts - way in excess of the variance we expected at 2000. The cooling system is being pushed past max just to keep the lowest levels tolerable. There is constant seismic activity that the geos assure me does not mean the entire place is about to collapse, but when you're in one of those tremors that doesn't bring me any comfort.

I don't know where you've posted your teams at the moment, but if they're below 2000+ you might want to pull them out.

I'm installing the system that I told you about for our mutual boss. I'm going deep on this one - and it is really, really uncomfortable down here. This place makes you want to scratch the inside of your head.

Honestly, I think they're hitting some kind of geothermal mass but everyone's too afraid to say anything. If our probes are closing in on a geological anomaly with unknown properties, I feel like energy spikes, temperature fluctuations, seismic activity, and a shared sense of doom and fear would be a big tell, right?

Is everything okay by the way? You didn't reply to my last email. Watsupwitdat?

Hit me back.

Artus

../BIOCOM
personnel files updated
alert system flagged
concern ends/..

```

### TH5-6HN-8KU

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../BIOCOM
illicit communication
meta3.date_stamp(531013.130946)
concern begins/..

D-Lock Block Cipher
alias:int_server.1024_ciph.D017.tier4.a_charapon.flagged

Hey Art,

Sorry I've been out of touch. Working. I never get to see you now as I'm always deep.

I checked the injured list and didn't see your name on it so I assume you're fine after the blasts. I'm sure you're wondering what happened. Gianna's team found a new natural chamber - only it wasn't natural. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to look inside it before Insight closed off the area.

They weren't telling me anything, and I was getting frustrated... then I remembered that Hearsay backdoor you told me about, so...

I had a listen to their comms. Sorry. I was careful. It won't come back to you.

I heard Insight sending in a probe to inspect the chamber. They found a few Sleepers then suddenly they lost signal with the probe. A few seconds later, the blast happened. I know you must have felt it. I thought the walls were going to collapse. Everything smelled like burning metal - which I didn't know was a smell until I smelled it.

We have literally no idea what caused the blast, or how it caused such destruction. Whatever it was originated from that chamber, or close to it. It killed a lot of the creatures (and a few of our people). To me, it looked deliberate. It was aimed at the creatures. We're finding dozens of molten passages and there's always a creature corpse nearby (if we find them before they disappear). We lost some people (including Harris if you haven't heard) but I think they were accidental. We weren't the target.

With Harris gone, I need a new pit boss. Interested?

Shafe.

../BIOCOM
personnel files updated
alert system flagged
concern ends/..
05ALT_540407_01_t
TERMINAL ID: TJR-YTX-XK9
D-Lock Block Cipher
alias:int_server.1024_ciph.tier5.kds_ops/HLordeB273.flagged

Harriet,

That’s a BIOCOM access key. BIOCOM is a self-governing DI entity. I don’t run it. No one “runs” it. If it needs more power, it tries to get it. Other than that I have no idea why it made this request. If you have any more questions, run them by a flagged supervisor first. I'm busy keeping you alive.

Andre

D-Lock Block Cipher
alias:int_server.1024_ciph.tier5.kds_ops/APirosA134.flagged

Mr. Piros,

I have been alerted to multiple attempts to access Garganta’s power control system. This system is, as far as I know, entirely off-limits to KDS and yet, as you can see below - you are attempting to reroute power to unit B-7 (that's KDS Deep) for some reason. Had the system approved the request, the grid would have overloaded and almost every subsystem in the entire facility would have shut down.

Care to explain?

PCS alert: *unauthorized access logged*
Date: 04/05/2054
AccessID#: 29$525GVTHR2%456FS
WRDN: override
Request received:
generator_A-01, redirect(HSU vault)
generator_A-03, redirect(HSU vault)
generator_A-05, redirect(HSU vault)
generator_A-07, redirect(HSU vault)
Request denied. Limits exceeded. PID override false.
Request received:
generator_A-01, redirect(HSU vault)
generator_A-03, redirect(HSU vault)
generator_A-05, redirect(HSU vault)
generator_A-07, redirect(HSU vault
Request denied. Limits exceeded. PID override false.
Request received:
generator_A-01, redirect(HSU vault)
generator_A-03, redirect(HSU vault)
generator_A-05, redirect(HSU vault)
generator_A-07, redirect(HSU vault
Request denied. Limits exceeded. PID override false.
Port closed.
Please contact a CPDS administrator.

```

### 8EL-71W-3HW

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* Audio Transcript
* Audio

```
//HearSay auto-transcript begins//

VOICE 1
Hearsay on. I'm seeing a repeated phrase in Warden's terminal logs. Influx protocol. I still can't decipher the code, but I do see repeated terminology. Conduit. Specimen. Membrane, and this new one: Influx Protocol. The Warden currently has the mercenaries clearing a path and routing power towards my location. But I don't think it's coming for me, I think it's pushing them towards KDS Deep. I don't know what it wants there, but I don't see it as a threat. I think it just wants more mercenaries. More resources to gather DNA specimens, route power, uplink databases, clear out creatures, and everything else. It needs more mercenaries to reach its goal. So what is its goal?

//HearSay auto-transcript ends//

```

Schaeffer
Hearsay on. I'm seeing a repeated phrase in Warden's terminal logs. Influx protocol. I still can't decipher the code, but I do see repeated terminology. Conduit. Specimen. Membrane, and this new one: Influx Protocol. The Warden currently has the mercenaries clearing a path and routing power towards my location. But I don't think it's coming for me, I think it's pushing them towards KDS Deep. I don't know what it wants there, but I don't see it as a threat. I think it just wants more mercenaries. More resources to gather DNA specimens, route power, uplink databases, clear out creatures, and everything else. It needs more mercenaries to reach its goal. So what is its goal?