MESSAGE FAILURE CANNOT DECODE IN FULL….ENCRYPTION PROTOCOL MISSING///
…… leaving ……. ………. ……….. ….. ….. . can’t…. …. …… ……. attempt…. ….. …. …… ….., …. …… ……… … ……… ……., Alex……. ….. , ….. …… …… track….. …….. …. …… important…. …..science. …… …….. …. trail….., …. …….. location, … …. .. ……… …. ………….
010*0110 MSGJEHH GJDSGON 100%0110 0583927 96#0032
– 56jm

Image: AWIGNC8SKH GL8SAJSDY – Note: This message is no longer available.

Commander,
An old friend in the Pilots’ Federation has allowed me to use this channel to ask you for help.
Terri Tora, a maverick in the exobiology field, has gone radio silent. I’m her assistant and sponsor. We’ve worked closely for years, specialising in rare alien flora and fauna. Her last comms message was three weeks ago. Since then I haven’t heard anything. It’s not like Terri – we usually talk every other day.
Our last conversation was quite animated. Terri said she was on the verge of uncovering ‘something big’, a discovery that would excite the wider scientific community. I can’t share much more yet – will explain further soon. But Terri has good instincts, and if she says her hunt was for something important then I believe her.
I’ve traced her last position to somewhere in the vicinity of COL 285 SECTOR TQ-A B 15-4. Has to have been within a 10 light year radius. Head out there and see if you can find anything. Look for comms beacons, relays, anything that could store information. I’ve added her transponder ID to this message, so your ship computer will filter out and automatically decode any secure comms sent from Terri.
I appreciate any help you can give.
-Professor Frank Raddix

Image: HELP FIND MY MISSING STUDENT!

DECODING MESSAGE….TORA CODEX PROTOCOL///
Prof, I’m leaving these messages encrypted from here. I can’t let what I’m about to attempt get found out. Don’t frown, but I’ve dragged two of your newest students, Alex and Elyssia, with me to help me track this down. This is too important to exoscience. I’m following the trail to the next system, encoding the location. A mirror would come in handy.
01000110 10010110 01001110 10000110 01000110 00110110 10000010
– Terri

Image: I THINK I’VE FOUND SOMETHING! – Note: If you had previously received the original incomplete message, this more complete version will replace it in the Codex.

DECODING MESSAGE….TORA CODEX PROTOCOL///
We were attacked by opportunist pirates while aiding Terri on her ‘little quest’. I fear this is our last message unless we’re rescued, but she asked us to encode her last transmission in the hope you find this, Prof. Frank. It’s just a bunch of letters : kjmpk rppq omplozbk.
She said it’s a two-stage encryption and to use our ship as the key, whatever that means.
Good luck and don’t be too annoyed with us next time you see us in class!
– Alex

Image: WE’VE BEEN ATTACKED!

Commander,
It’s just like Terri to get herself into trouble and now she’s dragging others into her mischief. She was my brightest student, and also the most troublesome! While the rest preferred more rigorous and academic methods to study exobiology, Terri loved the field trips out into the black. She saw exobiology as an adventure. I do hope this isn’t her last.”
-Professor Frank Raddix

Image: WHAT IS TERRI UP TO?

DECODING MESSAGE….TORA CODEX PROTOCOL///
An October Consortium science expedition using two megaships passed through here recently, it seems one of the megaships can get me to where I need to go because someone in October I know can sneak me aboard. I’m heading out again. Keep up and hopefully see you at 24 9 18 9 25 1 14 15 1 18.
– Terri

Image: GETTING CLOSER TO THE TRUTH

DECODING MESSAGE….TORA CODEX PROTOCOL///
I’m dropping this beacon, I’m sure comms are being tracked now, I think someone from the last outpost has alerted ahead of me. Damn! I thought I was being careful. I can’t get caught, not when I’m this close. Encoding my location again, maybe use the Codex for this one.
Lefthand side of the Knowledge Base, 6th entry, 5th paragraph.
– Terri

Image: THEY MIGHT BE ON TO ME!

Commander,
Please hurry! I fear for Terri’s safety, she seems to be on the verge of uncovering something that could radically shake-up the exobiology field and it seems she’s attracting too much interest in her little quest.
-Professor Frank Raddix

Image: I HOPE SHE’S SAFE!

DECODING MESSAGE….TORA CODEX PROTOCOL///
I’m aboard. My contact came through and my sources were right, something is definitely being kept a secret but nobody knows why. I managed to scan their jump manifest but it’s incomplete, sorry.
Best thing you can do is find this ship and scan the manifest properly for all locations. I can’t transmit again for fear of being discovered. The location order is listed, so my guess is that you will only be able to locate the ship in the target systems in short intervals.
According to the manifest, it should restart a new run on 31st August at 18:00 UGT.
I’m encrypting the manifest.
If in ##doubt## your student, Vigenere, has the key.
ycxztnogbgd hbsxh
qiebfeo iox
polgbf tivk
jfugylom upr
xduobnzct yljy
– Terri

Image: THERE’S A SECRET THEY DON’T WANT US TO KNOW

Full Jump Cycle:
Nukamba
Graffias
Vodyakamana
Marfic
Upaniklis
HR 6524
Col 359 Sector AE-N B9-4
##OCTOBER ENCRYPTION ERROR##
Rendezvous with The Orion on completion.

Image: COMPLETE CYGNUS MANIFEST

I don’t know why the Captain of the Cygnus is so sloppy, it’s just the usual sweep of potential sites. We’ll wait here a little longer, I expect we’ll rendezvous at COL 359 SECTOR AE-N B9-4 to complete scans before heading into the target system again for final analysis.

Image: CYGNUS IS LATE. AGAIN.

Prof,
I’ve asked my contact to drop this beacon, I’m going to try to get off the ship undetected while they’re conducting more scans. They’ve had this place permit locked for years and I’ve no idea who ‘they’ are but it’s clear the October Consortium has something to do with it otherwise how else could they get by the permit lock?
I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to stay without being discovered but from my initial scans I think I’ve stumbled onto something that will blow your mind!
– Terri

Image: I’VE FOUND IT

Commander,
This appears to be the final message from Terri. There are no more encrypted messages here. That concerns me. If I’m reading the data from this, there’s a permit-locked system neighbouring this one. But its contents aren’t registered on any cartographic maps as far as I can tell. What could be in there? What was she hunting for that is being kept secret, and who wants to keep it a secret? Any secret big enough to hide from explorers and exobiologists must mean something remarkable. I’m going to continue to dig into this – you’ll from me again once I find out useful. Something feels wrong about all of this, but I now know I can count on your help.
I’ve issued a reward to your account.
-Professor Frank Raddix

Image: WHAT DID SHE FIND?!

02 SEP 3311

A recent hunt for maverick exobiology scientist Terri Tora has only deepened the mystery surrounding her disappearance.

The search began after Professor Frank Raddix issued an appeal to locate his missing colleague, who was last reported pursuing “something big” for the science community. An encrypted trail of messages led search pilots across multiple systems, piecing together encrypted comms data. Thousands participated, ultimately confirming Tora’s final location at HIP 87621, a permit locked system.

Speculation about the system is rife as no third party or superpower has claimed ownership of the permit lock, leading to rumours about its true significance and why access has been restricted for so long.

Professor Raddix issued the following statement after the discovery of Tora’s last known location: “My thanks go to the many pilots who answered my call. Terri’s trail has led us somewhere we have never been able to access before. Why is access to this system restricted? Who operates the permit? And what discovery did Terri make that beyond this cloak of secrecy?”

A spokesperson for the October Consortium responded to calls regarding the presence of two of its megaships, stating that a routine survey expedition was occurring in the region. It denied knowing anything regarding Tora’s current whereabouts.

As one mystery has been answered more questions are raised, with ICE-casters and opinion piece authors demanding to know what lies within HIP 87621 and where Terri Tora is now.

Galnet: Mystery Of Missing Exobiology Protégé Deepens

08 SEP 3311

The mystery surrounding the permit-locked HIP 87621 system continues, with claims of unusual planetary signatures detected via long-range scan.

Many independent pilots have also reported that all colonisation has been blocked within a 37ly radius, fuelling speculation further.

While authorities remain tight-lipped, multiple independent analysts claim that at least one world within the system is exhibiting anomalous exobiological readings. These findings have prompted the galaxy’s wealthiest citizen, Zachary Rackham, to offer a lucrative incentive for explorers willing to examine the puzzle via cross-reference.

Rackham, speaking from his villa on Lake Rackham on Homeland, said:

“Whatever’s in HIP 87621 is strange enough to have the boffins scratching their heads. Therefore, I propose scouring every corner of the galaxy for similar planets. With enough data, maybe our top scientists will be able to confirm that these anomalous readings are indeed unique to this mysteriously locked system!”

“Of course, I will be funding this initiative personally. No expense spared for our brave heroes in the science and research fields!”

Independent pilots are being asked to locate and conduct full scans of Rocky and High Metal Content worlds, the same classifications as those of interest within the system. The resulting data will be collated and analysed by scientific experts sponsored by Rackham Capital Investments, with results expected to be shared publicly at a later date.

Galnet: Rackham Funds Exploration Push After HIP 87621 Discovery

Commander,

I’ve heard nothing from Terri since her last message regarding HIP 87621 and I’m growing increasingly concerned at her silence. It’s not like her to be so quiet, And why were October Consortium vessels in the area around the time she disappeared? Something feels very wrong about all of this.

I’m going to try to rally the exobiology community to push for answers. Perhaps with public demands for information we can force the owner of the HIP 87621 permit to revel themselves. We must find Terri!

I’ll be in touch again soon.

-Professor Frank Raddix

Image: TERRI TORA IS STILL MISSING

22 SEP 3311

The Zachary Rackham-sponsored initiative to collect planetary scan data from across the galaxy has concluded.

Rackham Capital Investments confirmed an ‘unprecedented volume of high-quality submissions’ from independent explorers. Pilots were tasked to scan worlds matching the classification of certain planets within the permit-locked HIP 87621 system, after long-range scans revealed unusual exobiological signatures. The findings are now being analysed by researchers sponsored by RCI.

Zachary Rackham praised the pilot community for their efforts:

“I knew the galaxy’s finest explorers wouldn’t let me down. Thanks to the staggering amount of data you’ve gathered, our scientific teams are already narrowing down what makes HIP 87621 so special. Let me tell you, we’re on the brink of cracking the mystery of that system. Won’t that be marvellous?”

However, Federal Times journalist Bryanna Blanco, who for years has accused Rackham of being notorious pirate lord ‘Calico Zack’, suggested that the trillionaire’s reasons for funding this expedition are “flimsy at best.”

“The motives for this exploration campaign are not to be trusted. Rackham is many things, but altruistic is not one of them.”

Galnet: Rackham Seeks Clues to HIP 87621 Mystery

25 SEP 3311

Leading voices in the exobiological community are demanding clarity on the fate of Terri Tora, the young researcher who recently went missing around HIP 87621.

Professor Frank Raddix, who originally appealed for help in locating his young partner, issued a new statement this week:

“Terri risked everything in pursuit of discovery. We deserve to know whether she is safe and what exactly she found. Continued silence from the authorities is unacceptable.”

Independent journalist Alexei Keel of Vox Galactica has published evidence linking the permit lock to billionaire investor Lexi October. October Consortium, which predominantly deals in technology, gambling circles, and high-profile investments, refused to comment when approached. Lexi’s silence has fuelled intense speculation over whether her organisation is involved with controlling access to the system.

Keel noted that the October Consortium’s resources would make it well-placed to secure influence over a site of potential scientific importance. Many now speculate that HIP 87621 contains valuable discoveries that have been secured for private interests.

Keel also pressed representatives of the Empire, Federation, and Alliance, and while each denied any connection to HIP 87621’s permit or the whereabouts of Terri Torra, he did note that they were following developments closely.

Galnet: Exobiologists Demand Answers as HIP 87621 Speculation Grows

09 OCT 3311

Lexi October, billionaire investor and head of the October Consortium, has issued a statement clarifying her organisation’s ownership of the HIP 87621 permit.

“The October Consortium acquired system rights through all proper and legal channels over a decade ago,” October declared. “Our researchers are conducting a legitimate study of several planetary bodies. Any infringement upon these rights will be rigorously challenged through interstellar courts. Permit access is not granted lightly, nor will we tolerate attempts to undermine lawful operations.”

October also questioned the intensity of media and scientific scrutiny directed at her organisation:

“Zachary Rackham’s recent survey campaign enlisted thousands of independent pilots to scour the galaxy for planetary data. Yet Rackham has not shared the promised results with the scientific community – not a single piece of scan data. Why, then, is my organisation’s small research initiative attracting so much attention? Is it because we are not protected by the glamour of his former political ambition?”

The October Consortium has so far declined to provide specifics regarding their discoveries within HIP 87621, citing ongoing studies and confidentiality agreements. October stressed that findings would be released at an unspecified date and conclusions should be drawn responsibly, rather than speculatively.

At time of publication, HIP 87621 remains closed to independent access.

Galnet: October Consortium Defends Control of HIP 87621

14 OCT 3311

Brewer Corporation has issued an urgent call for mined and manufactured materials to support the rapid construction of multiple new starports.

Reports have started to circulate among the pilot community of receiving internal communications from their Power contacts specifically calling for their support in relation to securing interests around HIP 87621.

While the corporation confirmed that the priority was immediate, it declined to identify their clients or intended deployment locations.

The megacorp’s CEO, Madelyn Teague, explained:

“Brewer Corporation adheres to the strictest standards of client confidentiality and therefore cannot reveal the origin of this order. What I can assure shareholders is that the sheer scale and limited timeframe of the order is considerable. While this has stressed our reserves of certain stocks, we are taking steps to ensure the order is fulfilled with the level of service Brewer Corporation is famed for.”

Brewer Corporation has nominated the Trailblazer Dream in the HIP 90578 system as the staging point for this order, and independent pilots are requested to deliver Bromellite or Cobalt to its commodity market. These materials will be sent directly to construction yards and support networks building the modular starport sections.

Galnet: Strategic Order Placed with Brewer Corporation

Commander,

I’ve continued to monitor restricted channels used by superpower departments, hoping to find some mention of Terri Tora. Yeah, it’s not strictly legal but my friend’s life is at stake.

However… I’ve caught wind of something else. Multiple Powers are placing large orders for new infrastructure from Brewer Corporation. I’m also hearing chatter that October Consortium’s ownership of the HIP 87621 permit is making several influential people very unhappy. Terri might not have meant it, but she’s really kicked a hornet’s nest this time.

Pledging to one of the Powers could offer more insight on what their plans are. I feel like something consequential is brewing, and having access to Power comms is going to be useful.

I can only hope whatever is us helps us to discover what happened to Terri.

– Professor Frank Raddix

Image: SUPERPOWER INTEREST IN HIP 87621?

Independent:

Alliance:

Empire:

Federation:

23 OCT 3311

Independent observers have reported unusual activity in systems surrounding HIP 87621, intensifying rumours of covert operations in the region.

Multiple reports indicate that megaships have been spotted operating near the permit-locked system over the past week. Though no Power has formally acknowledged involvement, analysts believe this early mobilisation suggests a push for influence around HIP 87621.

Access to the system itself remains under permit lock. All independent colonisation requests for the surrounding area continue to be denied with no reasons cited. Conrad Sterling, a political correspondent for Vox Galactica, noted:

“Typically, when you see megaships mobilising on this scale it usually precedes territorial stakes being claimed. None of the Powers have formally announced such plans but pilots continue to report receiving private messages from their pledged Power representatives indicating each have a vested interest in whatever HIP 87621 is hiding.”

Galnet: Megaship Movements Spark HIP 87621 Speculation

28 OCT 3311

Brewer Corporation has confirmed the success of its recent campaign to acquire construction materials, with independent pilots delivering vast quantities of resources to meet its clients’ order.

CEO Madelyn Teague released a statement from Brewer’s Minerva headquarters:

“Our sincere thanks go to the many pilots who supported this campaign. The required stocks have been secured in record time, enabling us to meet the terms of this urgent order.”

Independent observers believe that the concentration of megaship traffic and the secrecy surrounding the order, together with the reported direct messages to pilots pledged to one of the twelve Powers, are strong indicators of an intention to rapidly construct a science and security enclave around HIP 87621.

Analysts have concluded that given the sheer scale of Brewer Corporation’s logistical operations deployed for this project, the enclave could be completed within just a few days.

Lexi October has remained tight-lipped following the news, with many now speculating whether she will bow to pressure from the Superpowers to remove the permit lock.

Galnet: Brewer Construction Campaign Achieves Targets

06 NOV 3311

*Pilots’ Federation Alert*

The Pilots’ Federation has confirmed that licensed Commanders will be granted access to the HIP 87621 system by October Consortium.

The unexpected move has followed weeks of speculation surrounding HIP 87621, with growing interest from all three superpowers piling pressure on the megacorp. A spokesperson from within the Pilots’ Federation stated:

“The continued delay from October Consortium to relinquish permit control has only created further tension between political and scientific communities. To assuage concerns over the type of research taking place in HIP 87621, we have been invited to grant access to the system to licensed Pilots’ Federation members.”

However, Lexi October, head of the October Consortium, was less cordial in her statement to Vox Galactica:

“We have done nothing but preserve our discovery within HIP 87621 for security and scientific purposes. The continued encroachment of superpower and corporate interests sets a dangerous precedence that can only have a detrimental effect to other independent entities that have operate claimed systems.”

“I hope that our decision to allow Commanders to enter this system is accepted as a sign of good faith. Our work is legal, ethical and in full accordance with all relevant interstellar directives regarding the study of local flora.”

The Pilots’ Federation has advised that Commanders will be able to access HIP 87621 from 16:00 UGT on the 13th of November 3311.

Galnet: Pilots’ Federation to Receive HIP 87621 Access

13 NOV 3311

*Pilots’ Federation Alert*

The Pilots’ Federation has confirmed that members are now authorised to enter the HIP 87621 system, following months of speculation and political wrangling.

This unprecedented decision grants exclusive access to licensed Commanders, with civilian, corporate and government organisations still restricted from entering the system.

October Consortium officials explained apparent inconsistencies between previously available system data and actual astrometric data as “spoofing”, citing “security and scientific integrity” as major reasons. They have also confirmed placing a permanent exclusion on fleet carriers entering the system under the same basis.

Scientists believe the plant’s unusual biological markers may explain the long-range scan anomalies that first drew attention to the system.

Commanders who have already ventured into HIP 87621 report the discovery of an exobiological flora unlike any previously catalogued. As a result, October Consortium has now issued a call for exobiological scan data to help with further scientific analysis.

The Pilots’ Federation has encouraged all licensed members to support this initiative by conducting on-site surveys and delivering complete exobiology data scans to Vista Genomics at the Exogene Sciences asteroid base.

They have also issued a cautionary warning that the plant has so far only been found thriving on hot planets with thin atmospheres, so appropriate gear must be always worn to ensure protection.

Galnet: Pilots’ Federation Members Enter HIP 87621

Frank,

Gotta hope this message somehow reaches you. Don’t think it will, though.

I’ve found myself in big trouble and wrecked my ship in the process – but boy, it could be worth it. A new genus of flora we’ve never encountered before. Kept secret from us. But why? What’s so special about it?

I’m going out to collect samples for analysis. I’ve seen October Consortium ships pass overhead. They’re looking for me, no doubt. It’s only a matter of time before I‘m caught. Hopefully I can send one last transmission with data from the exobiological samples before that happens.

If you’re reading this, Frank: Press October Consortium on what they’re doing here. New exobiological finds must be shared with the scientific community. I don’t trust any company that hides their discoveries from us. Too many bad examples in the past.

Talk soon…I hope.

– Terri

Image: I’VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS

20 NOV 3311

Speculation continues to mount around Radicoida unica, the rare exobiological discovered in HIP 87621.

Though scientific data remains tightly controlled, fragments of research are circulating among the scientific community opposed to the system’s military lockdown. The source of these research fragments is currently unconfirmed.

The source suggests that Radicoida unica can remain dormant for centuries and contains an unusually complex bio-chemical compound which may have pharmaceutical applications.

Critics argue that military control of the enclave is less about protecting a fragile discovery, and more about ensuring exclusive access to what could become the most potent biological discovery in centuries. Since the leaked reports of its unusual bio-chemical make-up, analysts note that military mobilisation has increased across the enclave with some suggesting the region could soon become a flashpoint.

It remains to be seen whether Radicoida unica’s potential merits the powers increasing their military presence in the region surrounding HIP 87621 over the past week. For now, the rumours only deepen the mystery surrounding the galaxy’s most in-demand plant.

Galnet: Rumours Spread About HIP 87621 Flora

27 NOV 3311

Exobiological data delivered to Exogene Sciences in HIP 87621 have confirmed that a new species of flora with unique properties has been discovered on several bodies.

Allied, Imperial, Federal and Independent Powers have now deployed fleets to secure control of the enclave surrounding HIP 87621 following the discovery of Radicoida unica, with reports of the rival powers clashing in open combat across the region.

Speculation has ignited over why this flora, which has rumoured to exhibit unique bio-chemical properties during analysis, has inspired such aggressive action by all Powers. Political analysts have noted that this is the most significant military mobilisation since the Second Thargoid War.

A spokesperson for Denton Patreus stated: “Imperial interests cannot allow rivals to dictate the future of HIP 87621. Order must be maintained, and only Imperial governance has the authority to do so.”

By contrast, a Nakato Kaine staff member said: “Members of the Alliance will not sit idle while bullies seek to snatch a legally claimed system by force. We will defend equal access and resist attempts at domination.”

Federal and assorted independent Powers have also issued adversarial statements, respectively framing their involvement as necessary to protect their interests or preserve freedom from superpower control.

Military analysts have suggested they expect this military campaign to last months with the goal to occupy the 49-system enclave surrounding HIP 87621, securing exclusive control over Radicoida unica as the primary objective. Whichever power succeeds will likely be the first to benefit from the applications of this new discovery.

Each power has issued a call to arms to their pledged pilots, and two-week initiatives have begun to open their respective campaigns.

Galnet: HIP 87621 At Centre of Major Military Conflict

Commander,

I’ve received troubling confirmation regarding Terri Tora‘s research. The data she gathered has been seized and reclassified by October Consortium’s science division and deemed too important to share with the wider scientific community.

Terri believed passionately in the freedom of information. She wanted every discovery shared for the benefit of science and humanity alike. To see her work buried behind sealed files is a betrayal of everything she stood for.

I must not fail to support my friend now. Knowledge should never be hoarded by those in power. The galaxy deserves to know what Terri uncovered before she disappeared.

I urge you to stay vigilant, Commander. Pledging to a Power may glean more insider information in time if you have not done so already.

Don’t let this become another truth lost to politics and corporate secrecy.

– Professor Frank Raddix

Image: TERRI TORA’S WORK CLASSIFIED

Independent:

Alliance:

Empire:

Federation:

11 DEC 3311

Conflict continues across the 49-system enclave surrounding HIP 87621, with military forces from all major powers showing no signs of a ceasefire after two weeks of heavy fighting.

Ernesto Rios, a freelance war correspondent for Vox Galactica, reported:

“Although the Empire appears to be the dominant force across the enclave after this initial campaign, it’s becoming clear that this conflict concerns far more than territorial influence. Radicoida unica has been confirmed by Vista Genomics as a wholly unique species, with early genetic indicators suggesting potential advancements once fully understood.”

“Given the scale of the mobilisation across the enclave, it is possible that certain details of its properties are known only to a select few within senior leadership circles.”

Military analysts note that the strategic and tactical situation shifts daily. The first week saw aggressive offensives from all sides, placing all fortified positions at risk as few efforts were directed into defensive action. Rapid strategic adjustments soon followed, with most Powers reinforcing key footholds to avoid being overrun.

By the second week, a more balanced pattern of defensive and offensive operations had emerged, alongside rumours of temporary concords between smaller Powers against larger rivals within the enclave.

All Powers involved in the enclave battle have issued urgent calls for pledged supporters to participate, while encouraging unaffiliated pilots to align themselves to a cause.

Leaked internal communications suggest the conflict will continue until one Power secures dominance across the 49-system enclave, confirming some analyst reports that the Powers wants strategic control over HIP 87621 for themselves. Powers are now targeting each other, regardless of their superpower alignment.

According to Vox Galactica’s most recent assessment by Conrad Sterling, the following three Powers currently control the largest number of systems in the opening phase:

Rank 1: Aisling Duval – 6 systems

Rank 2: Nakato Kaine – 5 systems

Rank 3: Pranav Antal/Arissa Lavigny-Duval – 3 systems

Jerome Archer has lost their foothold in the enclave and are now eliminated from contention for control of the region.

Pilots who contributed during the initial two-week phase may now collect rewards from the megaship where they registered participation.

Galnet: Battle Rages On Across HIP 87621 Enclave