~ by Andrew Robins
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58 Eridani: Episode 4

Free_Trader_Mistral\ Core\Private_Log_Amelia_Delaware \2403

This just keeps on getting weirder and weirder. So, hot pilot Amelia Delaware (thats me!) did her thing and we are now all synced up with what “Le-panto “ tells us we should be calling 025.456791 LV 1.

None of us were expecting to see a Mercury Programme Launch Vehicle in this system. I mean those things only exist in temples, right?

But that is what we are looking at. Or at least a very precise copy. Spectroscopic analysis tells us that the elements it is made of were all sourced here in-system, rather than old Earth. So the locals have to have made it. But why??
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Free_Trader_Mistral\ Core\Private_Log_Glandin_Frutnok_van_Glomzimmer \2427

Sloppy thinking abounds. My compatriots persist in describing this object as a thing that it is not. There are at least two clear and distinct differences between this vehicle and a project Mercury capsule.

In the first case the capsules entrance hatch has clearly been modified with what looks to be a valve. Unlike the other components we can see, this valve has not been manufactured to the standard US imperial measures that the rest of the capsule conforms to.

In the second case there is what appears to be a message stating “My god, My god, they killed us all” painted onto the outside of the capsule.

An EVA is clearly required to see if there are more variances, and if it is to be done properly then I will have to be the one to do it.
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Free_Trader_Mistral\ Core\Private_Log_Bob-Stark \49

Standard protocol when encountering a weaponised alien biology, which is what Lepanto tells us we are dealing with here, is an “actively enforced policy of isolation and containment”. Which is I guess why I am writing this from the point defence console on the bridge.

Buffy de-cored one of her “Mikes” and sent it over to get a sample. There was nothing biological left on the drone to contaminate, so we thought it would be pretty safe.

The Mike popped open the valve on the hatch and took a look-see with a micro cam. Saw what looked like a big pile of frozen crap in the middle of the capsule.

Took a sample with a probe.

15 seconds later I had to smoke the Mike.

Glandin is out there now with a scoop on a stick, seeing if he can get another sample. I think I am going to stay right here for now…
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Free_Trader_Mistral\ Core\Private_Log_Buffy_Chinks \2421

!@*^$$*#@ that was awful. I lost Mike No. 6 – which is no big drama cos he was kind of old and a bit buggy anyway. But being jacked into him while he was being subverted – even though it was just a VR connection rather than a full gestalt — was no fun. At least we got some data – enough to show that there is an electromagnetic / nano tech component to the subversion that takes place, so it is not just a biological process.

It worked like this: we took a sample and I just felt the Mike start to go numb. I jacked out pretty quick at that point. About two seconds after I did that there was a pause in the data feed from the Mike – then what we received after that, was pretty much a wannabe computer virus. A laughably crude computer virus– and targeted at the Mercury Program capsule’s on-board flight computer. Bizarre! How could they possibly expect that to work?

I mean what is this? Up until now we have been dealing with what looks to be a horrifyingly sophisticated multi-vector technology of subversion – then suddenly we get hit with stone-knives-and-bearskins crap. I need a drink!
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58 Eridani Analogue Reference 1 – 407.959145 standard solar years since first embrace.

My dark twin appears to be awake again, and has reached out to its kin. We should see some more activity from the point of origin soon. I will take steps there if I need to.

In the meantime, my love, we can expect more attempts at subversion. I know that you find this difficult, but your aid will be needed if I am to survive.
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Check back in on Saturday 9 January for Episode 5 of 58 Eridani.

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You can read the previous issues by clicking on the following links:

Introducing 58 Eridani, a Game Log

58 Eridani Episode 1

58 Eridani Episode 2

58 Eridani Episode 3

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Andrew Robins is a long time reader – and sometime reviewer – of science fiction, fantasy and history. People pay him to test stuff, which most of the time is more fun than it has any right to be.

To check out Andrew’s book reviews, see “Book Reviews for ‘on Anything, Really’” in the right-hand side bar.