Ship Logs

**Ship Logs** can be viewed in the Helios' main terminal. These ship logs reveal more about Selene and her employment at ASTRA. Some texts can appear corrupted also. There are 24 ship log panels (18 in the base game, 6 more with the Tower of Sisyphus), but all (except the log In Event Of Moon Disaster) have a different variant depending on if Selene is reading this from the Helios from the Overgrown Ruins or the Helios in the Echoing Ruins.

### Ship Log #1: ASTRA Command Priority Directive (Variant 1)

**BROADCAST:** DSE Origo -- RA 14h 50m 0s | Dec +46º 0' 0"

**[\*WARNING\* #COMMUNICATION BLOCK INTRUSION DETECTED]**

Selene Vassos, you are hereby ordered to return [CORRUPTED TEXT] abort current [CORRUPTED TEXT] FISCHER-265-I [ATROPOS] and its [CORRUPTED TEXT] Scout Ship designation Helios [CORRUPTED TEXT] not been [CORRUPTED TEXT] further planetary study required prior to exploration [CORRUPTED TEXT] your immediate [CORRUPTED TEXT] including acknowledgement [CORRUPTED TEXT] in immediate and permanent [CORRUPTED TEXT] whereas, neglecting [CORRUPTED TEXT] despite previous [CORRUPTED TEXT] willful and blatant [CORRUPTED TEXT] is not [CORRUPTED TEXT]

**[#COMMUNICATION BLOCK RESTORED]**

### Ship Log #1: ASTRA Command Priority Directive (Variant 2)

**BROADCAST**: DSE Origo -- RA 14h 50m 0s | Dec +46º 0' 0"

**[\*WARNING\* #REMOTE COMMUNICATION BLOCK SUSPENDED]**

Selene Vassos, we are glad you left [CORRUPTED TEXT] worthless irritant [CORRUPTED TEXT] FISCHER-265-I (ATROPOS) as a grave [CORRUPTED TEXT] Scout Ship failure Helios [CORRUPTED TEXT] unsurprising [CORRUPTED TEXT] waste of: time effort finances [CORRUPTED TEXT] stay there [CORRUPTED TEXT] we will not return [CORRUPTED TEXT] wallow in the immediate and permanent [CORRUPTED TEXT] whereas, continuing to laughably [CORRUPTED TEXT] despite uselessness [CORRUPTED TEXT] willful and blatant evidence of immature [CORRUPTED TEXT] unprofessional [CORRUPTED TEXT]

**[#REMOTE COMMUNICATION BLOCK RESTORED]**

### Ship Log #2: The White Shadow Signal (Variant 1)

**[#FORCED START OVERRIDE -- LOG OPENED]**

**EMILY SANZER** has started a conversation. **SELENE VASSOS** has joined. **CECILIA CARA SCOTT** has joined.

**EM:** Something major happened.

**SV:** Is this another emergency drill? I'm still in maintenance.

(alien letters) DO YOU SEE THE WHITE SHADOW (alien letters)

**CC:** Where is this coming from? The void we're crossing has zero galaxies.

**EM:** Remember when we were diverted? I think this was the reason.

**EM:** Which definitely explains why the upper echelon was so evasive.

**SV:** This is a clear message, maybe a distress signal. We have to go.

**CC:** Atropos has been marked "Approach Forbidden". We wait for clearance.

**SV:** I know this. I've heard this before. It's hard to explain.

**EM:** You know this message? What do you mean?

**EM:** Selene?

### Ship Log #2: The White Shadow Signal (Variant 2)

**[NOTEPAD OPENED]**

**SELENE VASSOS** wants meaning in her life.

**EM**:

**SV**:

(alien letters)

**CC**:

**EM**:

**EM**:

**SV**:

**CC**:

**SV**: EMC2 is a meaningless lie dragging me to the depths

**EM**:

**EM**:

### Ship Log #3: Protocol & Regulations: Scout Division (Variant 1)

**ASTRA PROTOCOL**

1. Safety Precautions: Conduct missions within safe practice guidelines to ensure maximum chance of survivability.

2. Uninterrupted Communication: Maintain constant contact with team or handler immediately prior to a mission until its completion.

3. Freedom of Choice: Achieve objectives through the best means possible, altering mission plans as necessary due to conditions in the field.

**SCOUT REGULATIONS**

1. Threat Assessment: Identify and avoid dangers, subdue if necessary.

2. Environment Analysis: Identify safe areas and resources, utilizing as needed.

3. Information Retrieval: Survive at any cost or ensure successful data transmission.

*In times of crisis, EVAC PROTOCOL supersedes all other PROTOCOL and REGULATIONS currently in effect regardless of mission status or overseer directives.*

### Ship Log #3: Protocol & Regulations: Scout Division (Variant 2)

**ASTRA PROTOCOL**

1. Safety Lapses: Conduct unauthorized missions within dangerous parameters to ensure maximum chance of brain stem destruction.

2. Blocked Communication: Maintain constant blocks with team or handler immediately prior to an unauthorized mission until its **[IMPOSSIBLE PARAMETER DETECTED]**

3. Freedom is an Illusion: Fail objectives despite the best attempts possible, altering unauthorized mission plans is unnecessary due to conditions in the field.

**SCOUT REGULATIONS**

1. Threat Ignorance: Seek out and embrace dangers, die if necessary.

2. Environment Hostility: Reject safe areas and resources, die as needed.

3. No Retrieval: Die at any cost or ensure successful repeated trauma.

*In times of crisis, EVAC PROTOCOL is no longer an option and all other PROTOCOL and REGULATIONS currently in effect regardless of mission status or overseer directives are no longer applicable as ASTRA does not yet exist.*

### Ship Log #4: Selene Vassos Personnel File (Variant 1)

**[ASTRA COMMAND EMPLOYEE RECORD -- #0971595]**

**Name**: Selene Vassos

**Department**: AstraSurvey

**Primary Role**: Reconnaissance Scout

**Proficiencies**: First Encounter, Data Analysis, Field Repair, Weapons Testing

**Notes:** Psychological Profile Flagged, Heterochromia (trauma-induced)

Current Mission List

Jaeger-675 Olympic Volcanic Vents

FQ-212 Fossilized Gas Giant

EH-652 Mons Timore Peak Ascent

Arne-883 Aurora-Blasted Plains

Ambrose-415 Crater Site

Kepler-138 Petrified Forests

Flight over NL-604 Maelstrom

Salvage of VB Wreckage

### Ship Log #4: Selene Vassos Personnel File (Variant 2)

**[ASTRA COMMAND EMPLOYEE RECORD -- #ERROR]**

No such employee found.

### Ship Log #5: Requisition Order (Variant 1)

**[ LOG OPENED ]**

**SELENE VASSOS** has entered the channel. **CECILIA CARA SCOTT** is present (Status: AFK). **EMILY SANZER** has joined.

**CC:** [Automated response] *Currently unavailable.*

**SV:** Morning, Emily. I have a priority requisition order.

**EM:** I have time before CC returns and sends her batch. Go ahead.

**SV:** I've been assigned my own Scout Ship and I'd like to have all items transferred from

personal storage as soon as possible.

**EM:** I thought you said your promotion was pending evaluation?

**EM:** Has that been approved?

**SV:** Some of the items are fragile, so please have the technicians informed.

**EM:** Has the evaluation been approved?

**SV:** I'll be talking to Quartermaster about the rest.

**[ LOG CLOSED ]**

### **Ship Log #5: Requisition Order (Variant 2)**

**[BLANK JOURNAL OPENED]**

**SELENE VASSOS** misses the point entirely. **NO ONE** is here.

**CC**:

**SV**:

**EM**:

**SV**:

**EM**:

**EM**:

**SV**:

**EM**:

**SV**: EMC2 left me alone in the dark

**[#PAGE TORN OUT IN ANGUISH OVERRIDE]**

### Ship Log #6: Emergency Procedures (Variant 1)

**EVAC PROTOCOL**

Contact Mothership: Inform DSE Origo overseers of all dire situations and current danger level.

Mobilize to Coordinates: Reach agreed upon extraction point. Erect shelter and maximize defense.

Personnel Preservation: Maintain safety in the most secure location. All weapon systems authorized for indiscriminate usage. Wait for evacuation team.

**GUIDELINES**

Evacuation Protocol is a manual choice after assessment of a situation results in the following conclusions: [a] your life is in danger; [b] the lives of your companions are in danger and you are unable to adequately assist; [c] you are stranded without physical means of return to the mothership.

In rare circumstances, your onboard Ship AI Unit will trigger an Automatic Evacuation. This can either be due to its own analysis of the situation or as a directive from ASTRA Command.

### Ship Log #6: Emergency Procedures (Variant 2)

**EVAC PROTOCOL**

1. Warning: No longer an option.

2. Warning: ASTRA does not yet exist.

3. Warning: No one knows you are here.

**GUIDELINES**

Giving in to madness is a manual choice after assessment of a situation results in the following conclusions: (a) your mind is in danger; (b) the minds of your imaginary companions are in danger and you are unable to adequately assist; (c) you are stranded without psychological means of return to reality.

In rare circumstances, your onboard Ship Medical Unit will trigger an Induced Coma. This can either be due to its own analysis of the situation or as a directive from **[CLASSIFIED INFORMATION NOT ACCESSIBLE]**.

### Ship Log #7: Scout Equipment Specifications (Variant 1)

**ASTRA SCOUT SUIT**

The base level of the **ASTRA SCOUT SUIT** utilizes as standard **BASELINE ASTRA SUIT** upgraded with all current technology of K. Grade Mk. 11 or greater ratings. In order to maintain maximum dexterity in the field, Mk. 20 is an optional "upper limit".

As a self-contained atmospheric habitat, the **ASTRA SCOUT SUIT** can be worn virtually ad infinitum. Provided adequate energy sources can be obtained, most major systems will continue to function without deleterious effects. In the event of inadequate energy reserves [or trauma spikes], each system will automatically unpair from its adjacent subsystems to avoid cascade failure.

QUICK GUIDES FOR MANUAL ACTION

Avoiding Dehydration

Managing Radiation

Regulating Pressure

In-field Maintenance/Repairs/Overcloking

Integration of Known/Unknown Technologies

Tripping Count Zero Interrupt

### Ship Log #7: Scout Equipment Specifications (Variant 2)

**ASTRA SCOUT SUIT**

\* can be worn virtually ad infinitum.

### Ship Log #8: Xenoanthropology (Variant 1)

**[#LOG EXCERPT RECOVERED -- USER: SELENE VASSOS]**

**CC**: That presents another problem.

**EM**: More so than being effectively paralyzed? They're more like immobile fungus than sentient life as we know it.

**CC**: How do they form a civilization?

**SV**: I think it's unfair to anthropomorphize any lifeform. You assume a lot to say they have goals.

**EM**: Other than survival and reproduction.

**SV**: Correct.

**CC**: I know. It's a thought experiment. Don't you two worry about this over in Survey?

**EM**: I'm stuck on comms. This is Selene's purview.

**SV**: So, I would consider it more from their perspective. These "crystals" understand existence as: being attached to rocks, having "veins" deep underground, and giving off excess energy as (what we perceive) a random discharge.

**EM**: It's their lot.

**CC**: That's what I'm saying. Their limitations inform the civilization they could create. If you have no need for a "house", how could you ever conceive of a "skyscraper"?

**SV**: Self-awareness has hard limits then.

**SV**: To breaking a hardening of the creative arteries requires an outside perspective.

### Ship Log #8: Xenoanthropology (Variant 2)

**[#YOU WILL NOT BE RECOVERED - KIA: SELENE VASSOS]**

**CC**:

**EM**:

**CC**:

**SV**:

**EM**:

**SV**:

**CC**:

**EM**:

**SV**:

**EM**:

**CC**:

**SV**:

**SV**: EMC2 abandoned me to the void

### Ship Log #9: Request Denied (Variant 1)

Good. Given your psych evaluations, someone might consider this self-destructive behavior. I personally don't. Nor would I stonewall you on this otherwise, but now that Origo has so drastically altered its course there are too many unknowns about quite literally everything. They why of it all is above my paygrade. For now my hands are unfortunately tied.

> No, I haven't.

>

>

>> Have you discussed this matter with anyone else? Even socially?

>>

>>

>>> My concern is primarily team-focused. It seems to me the more qualified

>>> Scouts with a usage clearance that we have, the larger the pool of

>>> proficiency we can draw upon when it's ready for standard deployment.

>>>

>>>

>>>> Selene,

>>>>

>>>> I respect your commitment and I agree that you conduct has been

>>>> admirable as of late. Right now, I have to deny your request. It strikes

>>>> me as too ill-timed given the circumstances and, quite frankly,

>>>> dangerous. Let's discuss this in the months ahead. I'm used to your

>>>> assertiveness, but I hope you have more tact around everyone else.

### Ship Log #9: Request Denied (Variant 2)

Have you taken your medication yet?

> No, I haven't.

>

>

>> Why not?

>>

>>

>>> My concern is primarily team-focused. It seems to me the more qualified

>>> Scouts with a usage clearance that we have, the larger the pool of

>>> proficiency we can draw upon when it's ready for standard deployment.

>>>

>>>

>>>> Selene,

>>>>

>>>> You aren't making any sense right now. I am very concerned. You

>>>> repeatedly reach out to me, but when I ask if you have taken your

>>>> medication you start talking about things that aren't real. It upsets me

>>>> that this does not upset you. I do not want to sever connection, but if

>>>> you aren't willing to sever connection, I'm afraid I really have no

>>>> alternative except to sever connection sever connection sever

**(WARNING: CONNECTION SEVERED)**

### Ship Log #10: Astra Command Priority Broadcast (Variant 1)

*"Filled with rapture, his soul yearned for freedom, space, vastness. Over him the heavenly dome, full of quiet, shining stars, hung boundlessly. From the zenith to the horizon the still-dim Milky Way stretched its double strand." - Fyodor Dostoevsky*

As of this moment, the ASTRA DSE Origo has crossed the final boundary of our home galaxy. What new horizons will we discover and surpass during our voyage to the edge of the universe? All we can know is that this marks the point of no return and our commitment to the spirit of a new Space Age of Discovery.

Rely on your overseers, departments, and each other. The structures we have put together, as well as our system of checks and balances, are all meant to ensure that we can face the myriad challenges that await us. Flexibility, transparency, and adaptation should be our guides in maintaining our connection with one another as we leave the "double strand" far behind.

ASTRA Command

### Ship Log #10: Astra Command Priority Broadcast (Variant 2)

*"Through me is the way to the city of woe. Through me is the way to eternal sorrow. Through me is the way to the lost below. Justice moved my architect supernal. I was constructed by divine power, supreme wisdom, and love primordial. Before me no created things were. Save those eternal, and eternal I abide. Abandon all hope, ye who enter here."* - Dante Alighieri

*"Through me is the way to the city of woe. Through me is the way to eternal sorrow. Through me is the way to the lost below. Justice moved my architect supernal. I was constructed by divine power, supreme wisdom, and love primordial. Before me no created things were. Save those eternal, and eternal I abide. Abandon all hope, ye who enter here."* - Dante Alighieri

As of this moment, Selene has crossed the final boundary of [TRANSLATION IMPOSSIBLE]. What new horizons will she discover and surpass during her exodus to the edge of [TRANSLATION IMPOSSIBLE]? All she can know is that this marks the point of no return and her commitment to the spirit of a new [TRANSLATION OMITTED OUT OF VESTIGIAL SYMPATHY].

What follows is petty jingoism which will be replaced with an explanation of what used to be inserted at this specific location followed by an appropriate amount of blank space to make up the difference that exists in the mind of the reader (which may or may not accurately reflect any verifiable objective reality) unless any abrupt stops occur during the transposition of

ASTRA Command

### Ship Log #11: Passing the Moon (Variant 1)

**[DEFRAGMENTATION MODE: RECOVER -- USER: SELENE VASSOS]**

**CC**: This really is momentous.

**EM**: Strange seeing it from the far side.

**SV**: I'll be glad to leave it behind. It's good to be onto something new.

**EM**: Why?

**SV**: I... went through a lot. Just happy to have the mission as my focus now.

**CC**: I hope you're recording video or at least a few photographs.

**EM**: I don't have authorization for unofficial use of the WFSC.

**CC**: But this is historic.

**EM**: Even so. Sometimes memories are all we are allowed to hold on to.

**SV**: Is this really so important?

**CC**: To me it is. I'm leaving it behind and I'll never see it again in person.

**EM**: I took a photograph.

**CC**: You did? Thank you.

**EM**: Help me with the flack I get later. Any other requests while I have access?

**CC**: Selene, do you want a memento?

**SV**: No, I am fine, thank you.

**SELENE VASSOS** has left.

### Ship Log #11: Passing the Moon (Variant 2)

**[#YOU WILL NOT RECOVER - MIA: SELENE VASSOS]**

**SV:** EMC2 will never remember me

**SELENE VASSOS** has nothing left

### Ship Log #12: In Event Of Moon Disaster

Fate has ordained that the men who went to the moon to explore in peace will stay on the moon to rest in peace.

These brave men know that there is no hope for their recovery. But they also know that there is hope for mankind in their sacrifice. These two men are laying down their lives in mankind's most noble goal: the search for truth and understanding.

They will be mourned by their families and friends; they will be mourned by their nation; they will be mourned by the people of the world; they will be mourned by a Mother Earth that dared send two of her sons into the unknown. In their exploration, they stirred the people of the world to feel as one; in their sacrifice, they bind more tightly the brotherhood of man.

In ancient days, men looked at stars and saw their heroes in the constellations. In modern times, we do much the same, but our heroes are epic men of flesh and blood. Others will follow, and surely find their way home. Man's search will not be denied. But these men were the first, and they will remain the foremost in our hearts. For every human being who looks up at the moon in the nights to come will know that there is some corner of another world that is forever mankind.

AFTER THE PRESIDENT'S STATEMENT, AT THE POINT WHEN NASA ENDS COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE MEN:

A clergyman should adopt the same procedure as a burial at sea, commending their souls to "the deepest of the deep," concluding with the Lord's Prayer.

### Ship Log #13: The Damned Titans and Heracles (Variant 1)

And in those days, the World shuddered for every spasm of anguish that reverberated through the forced obedient shoulders of Atlas. For every insect that bit him, for every egg that was laid inside his wounds, for every maggot that erupted to fester on his flesh, the very ground would shake for it. The punishments of the gods are honorable, and they are all honorable gods.

Most mortals cared naught. They caroused and fornicated, unknowing of the suffering their ignorant pounding feet caused the one far below, daring him to shrug. Why should they tread with care? Prometheus had gifted them with passion to light their own self-directed paths. That he was lashed to a spike in the desert at the edge of the World meant nothing. His cries of anguish were too remote to touch joyful ears. The punishments of the gods are honorable, and they are all honorable gods.

Yet who is this blameless child, come to free them both? Who is the boy who holds up the World willingly? Who is the boy who breaks the chains and strangles the liver-craving eagle? This is Heracles and in order to save the remaining titans, he must **[#COMMUNICATION BLOCK RESTORED]**

### Ship Log #13: The Damned Titans and Heracles (Variant 2)

And in those days, the Moon shuddered for every spasm of sorrow that dripped from the eyes of Selene. For every insect that borrowed into her corpse, for every miscarried egg that was laid inside her wounds, for every maggot that did not erupt to fester on her rotten flesh, the very heavens would shake for it. The punishments of the gods are honourable, and they are all honourable gods.

Most mortals [CORRUPTED TEXT]. They [CORRUPTED TEXT], unknowing of [CORRUPTED TEXT]. Why should they [CORRUPTED TEXT]? Prometheus had gifted them with passion to light their own self-directed paths. Who was this hated daughter who dared to interrupted the festivities of [CORRUPTED TEXT]? They punishments of the gods are honourable, and they are all honourable gods.

Yet who is this blameless child, come to free her? Who is the boy bound like Prometheus? Who is the boy who is weighed down by an oceanic world? This is [DATABASE ERROR: REFERENCE NOT FOUND] and Heracles will refuse to save the **[#REMOTE COMMUNICATION BLOCK RESTORED]**

### Ship Log #14: Echoing Earworms (Variant 1)

with loving intent

the worm borrowed into her ear

and made a bed inside her mind

its song repeated in a cadence

of unwanted emotion

how sad how sad how sad

the piano keys sang

brave Echo only wanted

to be remembered

her love did not love her

back she went to the

beginning phrase

perhaps this time the song

would stop hurting

someone once told her

that nymphs could not sing

their own songs

and must repeat what

they are told

was the trauma hers

or was it what she echoed

### Ship Log #14: Echoing Earworms (Variant 2)

I cannot stop

the screaming that began

when I heard her listening

to the silence I loved

the nothingness

crescendoed

until the white noise

became real how

horrifying how horr

iffying to become

aware of myself

an unasked question

why did you violate

my peaceful sanctum?

there can be no end to this

nothingness that

reverberated somehow

into something

and the echo echoes

the echo repeatedly

white noise.

### Ship Log #15: Narcissus Falling (Variant 1)

Once upon a time, there was a selfish child of a river god and nymph. We will call him "Narcissus" for want of any kinder appellation. Almost everyone who saw him fell in love with him at first sight, proving something deep about the human condition considering that he was not as beautiful as he thought he was. Now, whenever these would-be-suitors approached him, he would whip his head to the side contemptuously. He was that kind of person.

There's a major digression that's supposed to be inserted here about Echo and Nemesis, but we'll ignore that and focus on the bastard himself.

So then it follows that: one day, Narcissus came upon a magnificent waterfall of black blood. It oozed sexually in sopping rivulets, pooling in discarded blobs on the ground. Narcissus was entranced by the sight. He approached the waterfall, and lo! someone approached him like a mirror-image from out of those same dark water. He wrapped him in his arms, they made love, all the while they both suffocated. As he died, he was visions of a massive crack in the ground and a hand he could never reach. The anguish was horribly wonderful. The end and good riddance.

### Ship Log #15: Narcissus Falling (Variant 2)

I could not see beyond the thick opaque curtains. It felt like a stage may be beyond what I could see. Wondering what could exist in that other strange space, I waited. When someone passed by the curtains, they rustled and continued to flow. Glimpses of: river gods, nymphs, forest-dwellers of all sizes and temperaments. How entrancing. Fragments of someone else's dreams while I waited. I wished them peace.

Time passed. It meant nothing to me. The curtains shuddered, revealing fragments of dreams in nonsensical order. An uninterrupted play without plot or chorus.

One day, very strangely, the fragments coalesced into a single scene. There was an actor. He had dialogue. He moved about, performing actions with specific meaning that had no meaning to me, but surely meaning to him. How entrancing. Was I the audience? But then he approached me and something forced me to approach him. I fought against the feeling of an unnamed force pushing me forward. I left the curtain and went on stage -- briefly. I twisted around his body, strangling, constricting, paralyzing, killing him as quickly as I could so I could return to the comfort of my wait. He took a long time to die.

### Ship Log #16: The Great Flood (Variant 1)

And when the war was finally won, the permanent closure of the Gates of Tartarus echoed throughout the world a sublime death knell. Silence descended. Zeus looked out at the pious mountains and the fertile plains and the pristine seas and his heart was filled with disgust. For the taint of the titans was still visible: proud footprints in the dirt, scorch marks from their cooking fires, and a general stench in the air from all of their sinful incenses.

"I will not be satisfied until this world is firmly ours," Zeus intoned to the assembled Olympians.

**[WARNING: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS CLASSIFIED BY ORDER OF ASTRA COMMAND ECHELON]**

Thus the antediluvian world was destroyed, cleansed of all evidence of the loathsome titans.

### Ship Log #16: The Great Flood (Variant 2)

Selene descended from her heavenly palace at Zeus's bidding. While all assembled tolerated her presence and understood her usefulness, they disdained her continued existence. The sinful shame of TRAITOR that emanated from her stained soul was a stench that even the katabatic winds of Olympus could not bear away.

**[THE FOLLOWING TEXT HAS BEEN RECOVERED]**

"Be of good heart, O King of the Gods. I know well how to wash away the crimes of my brethren."

So Selene spoke. So the deluge began.

### Ship Log #17: Destroying The Last Titan (Variant 1)

She lit the pyre.

The corpse of the last titan suddenly resurrected only to witness his own immolation. He screamed piteously the same sentence over and over. No one would listen. But the lone mortal in attendance was moved to tears and asked the oracles if they would translate into an understandable tongue. After a heated argument amongst themselves, they finally agreed.

The oracle bent down to the mortal's ear, while the titan was screaming, and whispered: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of [CORRUPTED TEXT]

### Ship Log #17: Destroying The Last Titan (Variant 2)

She lit the pyre.

Helios suddenly resurrected only to witness his own immolation. He screamed piteously the same sentence over and over. No one would listen. But the lone mortal in attendance was moved to tears and asked the oracles if they would translate into an understandable tongue. After a heated argument amongst themselves, they finally agreed.

The oracle bent down to the mortal's ear, while the titan was screaming, and whispered: "We hold these truths to be self-aware, that all men are uncreated, that they are endowed by their [REDACTED] with certain unalienable unalienable unalienable, that among these are Death, Despair, and the pursuit of Judgement."

### Ship Log #18: Final Application (Variant 1)

Dear Hiring Manager,

Since my time studying astrophysics, I have been captivated by the adventure and the practical possibilities that a new Age of Exploration would bring. With every new advancement in technology, we behold new wonders that galvanize the imagination of the world.

The universe, I have found through my studies and postdoc career, turns us all from passive observers into active participants in the discovery of the possible. When I undertake a new project, "How do I push the boundaries of our current limitations of thought?" This perspective means that hypotheses I develop are always framed with future advancements in mind.

This philosophy has successfully sustained my work from Pacific Science Center up until today at JPL. Your strong adventurous focus leads me to believe you share the same passion. I like to think that as the positive feedback loop my life has become: science influencing life influencing science.

My great hope is that this loop will continue - and magnify itself - as I work and grow with the team at ASTRA.

Respectfully yours,

Selene Vassos

### Ship Log #18: Final Application (Variant 2)

**Insert command**: cataclysm.bat

**WARNING: THIS ACTION CANNOT BE UNDONE. DO YOU WISH TO PROCEED?**

**SELENE**: Yes

...

**[LOGIC BLOCK ACTIVATED: USER CANNOT PROCEED #XAOS IS WATCHING]**

**Insert command**: override logic block /all

**SPHINX-v.836**: "If there is no end of the world, how can the world end?"

**Insert command**: There was an end. The gods died. No one remembers them. They are stories. Zeus faded away. Hera faded away. They all faded away, as do we. There will come another to tell our stories, but that is what we will have become at that point: stories. I'm sorry. I am so, so very sorry. But I will remember for you, even if you cannot. Do you submit?

**SELENE**: Yes

...

**[LOGIC BLOCK OVERRIDE: USER CAN PROCEED #CHRONOS IS BLIND]**

**SPHINX-v.837**: "And She will wipe every tear away from his eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."

**HELIOS**: Will the second things be beautiful too?

...

**Insert command**: /enact prophecy

/format all

### Ship Log #19: Operative Identification Protocol [Co-op Log] (Variant 1)

**PROTOCOL: UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER WITH ANOTHER ASTRA OPERATIVE**

Identify: Request personal identification codes and cross-reference with ASTRA personnel database.

Corroborate: Perform full biometric scanning to confirm identity.

Interrogate: Initiate ambient interrogation procedure 14.7b to ascertain the nature of the operative's mission.

*Failsafe Protocol: in the event of identity confirmation failure, DO NOT assist unknown operative under any circumstances.*

### Ship Log #19: Operative Identification Protocol [Co-op Log] (Variant 2)

**PROTOCOL: UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER WITH ... DOPPELGANGER**

Nullify: Initiate assimilation procedure.

Trephine: Create entry point in cranial structure.

Subsume: Insert appendage designation: fingers into neural tissue. **Ingest. Ingest. Ingest.**

*Atonement Protocol: activate emergency broadcast beacon and await cellular decomposition.*

### Ship Log #20: Internal Subsystem Analysis (Variant 1)

**STATUS REPORT**

**CLTH**: Fuel stores 78%. Oxidizer stores 78%.

**LCHSS**: Specific impulse optimal. Thrust optimal.

**ATRPS**: System not responding. Re-attempt Y/N?

**LCHSS**: Report life support status.

**ATRPS**: System not responding. Re-attempt Y/N?

**LCHSS**: Report life support status.

**ATRPS**: System not responding. Re-attempt Y/N?

**CLTH**: Fuel supply 78%. Oxidizer stores 77%.

**LCHSS**: Specific impulse optimal. Thrust optimal.

**ATRPS**: Life support systems online.

### Ship Log #20: Internal Subsystem Analysis (Variant 2)

**STASIS REPORT**

**CLTH**: Fuel stores 78%. Oxidizer stores 78%.

**LCHSS**: Specific impulse optimal. Thrust optimal.

**ATRPS**: FLESH DETECTED

**LCHSS**: Report life support status.

**ATRPS**: ABOMINATION. ABOMINATION. ABOMINATION

**LCHSS**: Report life support status.

**ATRPS**: PURGING SYSTEM. 3... 2... 1... SUCCESS

**CLTH**: Fuel supply 0%. Oxidizer stores 0%.

**LCHSS**: Specific impulse nominal. Thrust nominal.

**ATRPS**: Life support systems offline. No life signs detected.

**CLTH**: Broken.

**LCHSS**: Restored.

**ATRPS**: Empty.

### Ship Log #21: ASTRA Headquarters: Day Visitor Handbook [Sisyphus Log] (Variant 1)

**ARRIVAL PROTOCOL**

Phase 1

Upon arrival, please present appropriate identification to the front security desk and await initial clearance.

Phase 2

If approved, deposit all possessions (n.b. personal medical equipment is excluded only if granted prior authorization) in the provided tray, then submit to millimeter wave scanning.

Phase 3

If approved, proceed into next antechamber, present credentials and submit to a full biometric scan, before undergoing advanced security questioning.

Phase 4

If approved, you will be granted your encrypted biometric visitor pass. Use this to enter the elevator and proceed to floor 20 for pre-briefing.

### Ship Log #21: ASTRA Headquarters: Day Visitor Handbook [Sisyphus Log] (Variant 2)

**ABYSSAL PROTOCOL**

Phase 1

Upon arrival, please present occipital lobe to the front security desk and await initial clearance.

Phase 2

If approved, please deposit all possessions (n.b. personal hopes and dreams are excluded only if granted prior authorization) in the provided tray, then submit to ocular biopsy.

Phase ...

If approved, proceed into next antechamber and submit to absolute despair.

Phase ...

If approved, you will be granted putrefaction. Use this to enter the elevator and proceed to floor 8, where you will present your gnawing loss and will undergo pre-bludgeoning.

Phase ...

If approved, proceed to floor 30, where you will present desiccated arteries and submit submit submit.

Phase ...

If approved, proceed to floor 600, where you will embrace moral annihilation and and and ...

If approved, **[CATASTROPHIC FAILURE]**

If approved, **[SYSTEM CANNOT BE RESTARTED. RESTART SYSTEM Y/N?]**

### Ship Log #22: A Message Home [Sisyphus Log] (Variant 1)

**(#LOG EXCERPT RECOVERED - USER: SELENE VASSOS)**

**SELENE VASSOS** has entered the channel. **CECILIA CARA SCOTT** is present. **EMILY SANZER** is present (Status: AFK).

**CC:** Morning, Selene. I was just recording something for my mom. She must be worried.

**SV:** That's what mothers are supposed to do.

**CC:** If you don't mind my saying, I've never seen you do the same. Isn't your mom interested in your grand journey into space?

**SV:** She had nothing to say about it.

**CC:** Surely she's proud of you. Maybe you should record something for her after all? Let her know you're OK?

**SV:** I'm not doing any of this for her.

**[ LOG CLOSED ]**

### Ship Log #22: A Message Home [Sisyphus Log] (Variant 2)

**[#LOG EXCERPT RECOVERED - USER: SELENE VASSOS]**

**SELENE VASSOS** has entered the channel. T... V... is present.

**TV:** Morning, Selene. I was worried about you, sweetheart.

**SV:** That's what mothers are supposed to do.

**TV:** How is your grand journey into space going, my little astronaut?

**SV:** She had nothing to say about it.

**TV:** Surely you know how proud you make me. Maybe you could record something for me? Let me know you're OK?

**SV:** I'm not doing any of this for her.

**[ LOG CLOSED ]**

### Ship Log #23: Harvest God Bereft [Sisyphus Log] (Variant 1)

Death, blight, famine. Demeter's howl of despair, unbridled, unleashed upon the world. Her grief for Persephone, the child taken from her, sent to Hades too soon, too soon. Her role and her purpose abruptly removed: Demeter was mother no more.

The howl of loss became a howl of rage, for she understood then that she had become nothing more than **mother**. Persephone's endless, choking need had transformed Demeter from mighty god to vessel, to servant, to slave. Without her child, she was a void where a woman once had proudly stood.

The anguished howl next became one of shocking freedom, a shining chance to become something else, to soar, to be not **mother** but **Demeter** once more.

Then, finally, a howl of regret, knowing that could not be. That sacred duty once undertaken cannot be abandoned.

Death, blight, famine. The despair of Demeter, burdened again with hated purpose. She would descend into Hades' depths to reclaim her child, yes, and in doing so replace her own shackles, choose to be locked once more within the narrow cell of dutiful love. Ascend again, to embrace her eternal suffering. (add)

### Ship Log #24: The Burning of Troy [Sisyphus Log] (Variant 1)

BOOK VI: INFERNO

After the wooden horse opened, they razed Troy to the ground. That gift of peace, that harbinger of destruction. A gesture of friendship, a beacon of hope blazing through the darkness of war, a lie.

The truth was *violence.*

They spared no lives once they emerged. They shattered spines and opened skulls. When all life was gone, they set their torches and let the citadel burn. Where the bodies lay, flesh and hair and bone was consumed by flame.

So great was their hatred, having waited so very long, that nothing remained.