Curator of the Starsby SepulcherChaptersReport #1 - 3QU15 Logs #1-4Report #2 - 3QU15 Logs #5-6Message #3 - From Curator Ω to Curator ξMessage #5 - From Curator Ω to Curators Σ, Ψ, and ΦReport #3 - 3QU15 Logs #7-10Message #1 - From Curator Ω to XiMessage #2 - From Curator Ω to Curator ξMessage #4 - From Curator Ω to Director JidoxReport #1 - 3QU15 Logs #1-4Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15: Log #1 This system is incredibly strange. 3QU15-1 is the solitary planet, which appears to be orbited by a lone star and moon. I have never studied anything mentioning a system in which the gravitational polarity could, quite possibly, be reversed. All of the laws regarding the science behind the pull of solar and planetary bodies indicate that 3QU15 should not exist. When Curator Ω told me that there are things that I simply won't be able to comprehend, I thought that to be exaggeration. Now I realize my error in misjudging the Esteemed Curator Ω, as I don't understand how this system remains stable. I must Observe this system in depth, as the seemingly blatant disregard of the Celestial Laws is cause enough for study. I can barely contain my excitement at such a prospect. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15: Log #2 After several Standard Hours of taking measurements and calculations of 3QU15, I have determined that the planet, codenamed 3QU15-1, is indeed the center of this system. The star is of the common variety, a Class G2V yellow dwarf. It is orbiting the planet at a rate of one hundred and seven thousand three hundred and two (107,302) Standard Unit-speed per hour. While this rate would be considered fairly standard in a normal system, the fact that it is the star moving around the planet at this speed is incredible. Whatever forces are moving the two nonillion (2x10³¹) Standard Unit-mass star at those speeds is beyond my understanding. The moon however, codenamed 3QU15-1-1, is fairly ordinary. Like most planetary satellites, 3QU15-1-1 is spherical and in synchronous rotation with the planet that it orbits. The only blatantly differing attribute of this moon from the norm is the fact that it has an atmosphere more comparable to a planet than a standard moon. While I doubt that there is life, as the compound H20 has not show up on the sensors, it is certainly something to investigate when my Observations regarding the solitary planet are complete. My Observations will now be entirely upon the planet 3QU15-1, since the scans have indicated there is copious amounts of H20 on the surface of the planet, giving it the main requirement for sustainable life. I wonder what the elements and layers this planet has, as a possible reason for the reversed orbit could be due to an extremely dense core. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #1 There is life on 3QU15-1. Intelligent life. My first system and I have already found an intelligent race, something many Curators spend their entire lives searching for. The Primary Drone I sent has just returned, carrying aerial pictures of infrastructure amongst forested, frozen, and mountainous areas from 3QU15-1's orbit. The structure designs vary indiscriminately, indicating that the Apex Species on this world requires shelter from all standard weather and temperature shifts (precipitation, heat, cold). The actual presence of the structures virtually guarantees that the Apex Species is capable of handling simple tools. I have sent the Secondary Drone to record video images from the planet's surface and to collect data on the exact atmospheric makeup. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #2 The Secondary Drone should have returned over a Standard Hour ago. While it is not unheard of for a Drone to be delayed, I cannot help but feel anxiety as to why it is late. I have continued to observe the aerial pictures from the Primary Drone while I await the return of the Secondary Drone. The climate on planet 3QU15-1 seems to be stable, with locations showing evidence of both warm and cold seasons in relatively equal measures. Some locations closer to the equator line are warmer than other locations, as is to be expected. Something not normal that I noticed is that there are no magnetic poles on the planet. I can only assume that the absence of the poles is due in part to the reversed gravitational polarity. The causes of such a strange system could have dramatic effects on the planet that I cannot even begin to comprehend, let alone Catalogue at this point in time. I have noticed an irregularity: one of the colder regions have no reason to be so. In one picture, there is a frozen landmass surrounded on all sides by mild-weathered grasslands. The frozen landmass is of the same elevation as the grassland, yet it is spontaneously cold enough to accumulate frozen H20 particles while the neighbouring plateaus are not. I can only blame the erratic irregularity on the strange orbit of this system. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #3 It has been over eleven (11) Standard Hours since the Secondary Drone was supposed to return. I am considering launching the Emergency Retrieval Drone. Should the Secondary Drone not be back within one (1) more standard hour, I will be forced to, as per the Non-Interference Rule. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #4a Thirteen (13) Standard Minutes before my deadline, the Secondary Drone returned. I took no chances: I commissioned the Drone to be given a full detoxification and a full-body scan to ensure that no malfunctions had been the cause of the Drone's delay. With the detoxification revealing no foreign materials and the scan showing the Drone to be in (almost) perfect working order, I had the Drone brought in. There were slight scratches and what appeared to be burn marks on the underside of the Drone, although none of the recording software was damaged. I should have completed a full diagnosis on the extent of the Drone's damage then and there, but I admit that my curiosity to know what postponed the Secondary Drone won out over the monotonous Damage Protocol. A Connection was bridged between the Drone and myself, and I settled in to watch the events unfold. Everything went splendidly at the beginning: the shielding worked perfectly, enabling the Drone to survive the intense heat of the atmospheric entrance with ease. The Drone waited until the outer layer had cooled sufficiently before activating its cloaking field and beginning its job of collecting data. Standard operating procedure. The Drone flew to the closest group of structures, keeping its speed below Mach One (1) so that it did not startle or possibly injure any beings that could have been near. The buildings were located near the base of a large mountain chain. It was in this first group of structures that the Drone, and me by extent, were given our first glimpse of the First Apex Species. The First Apex Species. The chances of a life on a planet are roughly one (1) in one hundred and sixty-six (166) based on results collected from the tens (10s) of thousands (1000s) of systems that have already been Catalogued. One species evolving enough to gain superiority over the others is a rare occurrence, occurring on roughly one (1) out of every one thousand four hundred and eighty-two (1482) planets that had life on them. The very way that Sapients come to being does not allow more than one species to become the Apex Species, the Sapients. Normally. There has only been one (1) other Catalogued planet in which two species evolved into Sapients without some form of parasitism, commensalism, or mutualism taking place between the two. The reason for this was that the planet, 8YO86-7, was almost perfectly split with oceans and landmass. One Species evolved on the land and became the undisputed ruler of their domain while the other Species evolved in the water and became the uncontested rulers of the sea. Neither Species interfered with each other, as their food sources, territory, and shelter never overlapped. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #4b There are multiple Apex Species on 3QU15-1. I suppose it shouldn't have come as much surprise to me, considering the eccentricities of the 3QU15 system. The First Sentients that the Drone Observed are winged quadrupeds, with indications of both avian and mammalian ancestry. Their head, chest, and the upper portion of their forelegs are covered in a layer of feathers, while their back, underbelly, hind legs, and tail are coated in thin hair. Their heads are largely reminiscent of other avian species, with a large beak as a mouth, two nostrils positioned on the upper portion of aforementioned beak, and two large, round eyes. From their simple colourations of black, white, grey and tan, along with their sharp beaks, I can almost guarantee that they are carnivores. Carnivorous creatures generally have less colourings than Herbivorous creatures. Their sharp claws on the end of their forelegs could possibly be used as graspers, but I have not seen any indication of the Firsts using them in such a way. Their rear legs end in paws, similar to many mammals. The presence of a long tail made for balancing strikes me as odd, however, as they are able to fly. Their wings are covered with the same feathers as their chest and head, albeit longer and more streamlined. Their wingspan is approximately twice their body-length, and they can carry their own body weight with ease and agility. After Observing the avian-mammals long enough to provide enough video footage for study, the Drone flew towards the next closest group of structures, which was located not at the base of a mountain, but was instead embedded in the side. There were several smaller accumulations of buildings that the Drone passed over without investigating, as the larger assemblages would provide more informative footage at a greater rate. When the Drone flew into the city to Observe, it started Observing the Second Sentients. The Seconds are also quadrupeds, but have far more variations than the Firsts in terms of physical characteristics. They vary wildly in colour and height. Among the most notable differences are the presence of protruding, horn-like objects atop roughly one quarter (25%) of the population, along with the presence of wings placed upon another quarter (25%) of the population. The remaining half (50%) had neither protrusion, nor wings. The Drone did not find any Second Sentients with both the protrusion and wings. The general shape of the Second Sentients seemed familiar to me, so I searched for any species with similar characteristics. My memory had not deceived me. The Database had found a species similar to my query. The Seconds were strikingly similar to something called a 'Pony' that had once lived on the planet 3AR74-3, located in the 3AR74 Solar System. There are only two (2) 'Ponies' currently in existence: the two (2) that were mandatorily Saved before the Cleansing of 3AR74-3's surface, along with two (2) of every other species native to the planet. The only species that wasn't Saved were the bipedal Sapients known as Humans. I will not type out the full description of the physical attributes of the Second Sentients, as they are virtually identical to the 'Ponies', aside from some minor differences, such as more flexible leg joints to enable basic handling of objects and smaller, narrower heads that enable them to communicate with each other. The exotic colourings, along with the wings and protrusions, are also not present on the 'Ponies.' -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #4c The Drone attempted to Observe the Second Sentients for the established amount of time, two (2) Standard Hours. Towards the end of the second Standard Hour, the Drone was seemingly noticed by a Second Sentient. One (1) of them with a protrusion pointed a hoof at where the Drone was hovering, approximately twenty (20) Standard Unit-heights above them, and started to converse with the others. The Drone did not move. It assumed that the Seconds could not see it, as its cloaking generator was still working at full capacity. The Seconds chattered amongst themselves for a short time, before one (1) with wings shook its head in what I presume to be anger or annoyance and pointed along with the other. The Drone recorded the whole event, curious to see how the Seconds resolved an argument. A brilliant flash of white light launched from the protrusion at a speed fast enough that it allowed no time for the Drone to move out of the way. The Drone was hit on its underbelly in the exact same spot that a scorch mark presently covers. The blast managed to temporarily shut down the Drone's thruster systems, causing the Drone to fall from the air and impact into the ground. While the Drone was not damaged, the collision disabled the already weakened cloaking generator. The recording system was still fully functional, however. Several of the quadrupeds slowly approached the downed Drone. The emotions present on their faces seemed to indicate a combination of shock and curiosity. The Second Sentients also appeared to be wearing some sort of protection, or armour. Perhaps they are part of some sort of authority caste, as the other Sentients that the Drone observed were wearing no such protection. As the Drone was still unable to move, it was unable to prevent its capture. The Seconds chatted amongst each other before seemingly coming to an agreement. The protrusion on the Sentient that had disabled the Drone lit up with a silver glow and the Drone started to float without any input from itself or any of the Sentients, aside from the glowing protrusion atop its head. The last thing the Drone recorded before shutting down to repair itself was an extreme close up of one of the Second Sentients. As I compare the Second Sentients and the 'Ponies', I can only see more and more similarities between the two (2). Enough so that there is the possibility that they may have been taken from their native planet 3AR74-3 and placed upon 3QU15-1 by another Tier One (1) race like Ourselves. I have provided all of the relevant information regarding the irregularities of Solar System 3QU15 and the presence of two (2) Apex Species upon the singular planet, 3QU15-1, in my report to you, Curator Ω. I will attempt to pry any more information from the Drone, such as how it escaped the Second Sentients clutches, while I await your response. -Curator ξ {END OF REPORT #1} Report #2 - 3QU15 Logs #5-6Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #5a After performing a multi-tiered reset process, the Drone was finally able to show me how it escaped from the planet's surface and the inhabitants that had entrapped it. When the Drone 'woke up' after being forcefully shut down by one of the Second Sapients, {I shall hereto refer to the Second Sapients as 'Ponies,' as it seems more fitting} it activated its recording software immediately. The Secondary Drone appeared to be... strapped to a metallic table in the middle of a room, deep underground: the Drone's barometric pressure indicators told it as much. Several of the horned variety of Ponies were surrounding the Drone, each of them wearing a mask of some kind that covered their nose and mouth. Despite it just regaining control of its faculties and finding itself within the Ponies clutches, the E.I. {Evolving Intelligence} of the Drone did not immediately attempt to escape, as it was programmed to do in such a situation. Instead, the Drone gathered as much data as possible without alerting the Ponies that it was no longer disabled. Forgive me from straying from the topic, but just how intelligent are the E.I.'s that control the Drones? The Drone showed immediate and unmitigated understanding of exactly what it should do in its situation, not just reverting to its primary routine and fleeing back to the vessel. Question aside, the Drone continued its charade of being deactivated for as long as it could get away with it. The Secondary Drone was forced to reveal its alertness when one of the Ponies attempted to use some sort of small, sharp cutting tool to vivisect the Drone. The E.I. responded promptly, letting out a loud and high-pitched whine which had a greater effect on the Ponies than both I and the Drone expected. The Ponies fell to the ground, clutching their ears and making shrill noises that proclaimed that they were in extreme amounts of pain. With the Ponies temporarily disabled, the Drone activated its thruster systems, causing it to start hovering. Strangely enough, the straps that were holding the Drone to the table were so secure that the Drone was hovering with the table still attached to its underbelly. Awkward with the extra weight that it should not have been carrying, the Drone managed to fly out of the open door and into a spacious hallway. The Drone pinged, and using echolocation and its radar, determined the quickest way out of the domicile that it was currently trapped within: a primitive transport system that used ropes and pulleys to move a steel box up and down a large and spacious shaft. Knowing its destination, the Drone flew towards the elevator system with a trail of molten metal left in its wake. The thruster system is designed for maximum efficiency, but since the proximity of the thrusters to the metal table was far too close, the metal became superheated rather quickly and began to liquefy. Before the Drone reached the elevator shaft, a deep, booming, and repetitive sound started up and seemed to be coming from every direction: the Ponies had an alarm system that must have been activated when one of them recovered from the incapacitating whine that the Drone originally used to pacify them. Sensing that the Ponies were soon to give chase, the E.I. flew as quickly as was safe within the relatively narrow corridors. After a few seconds of the alarm, the sound faded away to be replaced with a message in what could only be the Ponies' speech. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #5b It was a flowing and strangely melodic language, with one word seamlessly flowing to the next. The Drone made sure to record everything that it saw or heard, and the speech was no exception to this rule: the translation software aboard my vessel is currently deciphering the message as I write this Report. Strangely, the Drone's progress towards the elevator system was unhindered. Either the Ponies had no way of tracking the Drone's progress {which is unlikely, considering the trail of molten metal flowing behind it} or the message was a cease and desist order towards all the other Ponies in the compound. At the entrance to the elevator system, the Drone was met with a barrier to its escape plan: the entrance to the elevator shaft was protected by a large steel door. The Drone was planning on slowly melting a hole large enough for itself using its thrusters {with the table still attached, this would've been quite difficult} but before it could enact on its plan, the doors were opened by an external force. Unsure of why the Ponies were helping it escape, but not willing to disregard such obvious help, the Drone flew into the shaft and quickly ascended to the top. The Drone flew through the open entrance and found itself to be in a large and spacious room. The majority of the room was comprised of a smooth, white stone. It was in this room that the Drone Observed a fourth sub-species of the Ponies: there were two (2) with both a protrusion and wings. The Drone believed, and I can only concur, that the two (2) Ponies with both a horn atop their head and wings are their equivalent to royalty. Many facts point to this, such as the other, possibly authoritarian Ponies, huddled around them in an attempt at protection; their stature being much greater than the other Ponies; and the fact that they are the only two (2) Ponies so far discovered with both a horn and wings. Another interesting, although possibly unrelated, fact is that the winged-horned Ponies' mane seems to flow in an artificial wind. Both I and the Drone do not know what the cause of this is, although it may be related to the horned variants' ability that disabled the Drone in the first place {see attached videos at the end of this Report for videographic evidence}. The next event that followed the Drone's entrance to aforementioned room full of Ponies is...odd, to say the least. The winged-horned Pony with a brilliant white coat and a flowing, multi-coloured mane pointed a hoof at the Drone, and attempted to communicate with it. After the Drone made no response or indication that it understood, which it didn't, the Pony's horn {which was noticeably longer than a regular horned Pony's} glowed bright gold, much like the horned Pony that shut down the Drone in the first place. The Drone gave off a warning sound, lower pitched than its previous one, but still high enough to cause several of the Ponies to wince. The Drone was trying to make it abundantly clear that it would not tolerate being disabled again. The Pony surprised the Drone by not attempting to disable it, but instead it undid the straps that were holding the Drone to the table, freeing it from the extra weight and enabling the Drone to engage its cloaking field again. Without further ado, the Drone determined the weakest point in the room, which happened to be superheated sand windows, and flew straight through the glass. The Drone then put on extra speed and came directly back to the vessel, eager to report its findings. ... Never before has any Apex Species discovered, let alone captured a Secondary Drone before. What makes the Ponies special? How could they see the Drone, even though it was invisible to the naked eye and any possible equipment that the Ponies could operate? Why did they let the Drone go when they could've disabled it again? So many questions, no answers. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #6a As per the instructions you left me in the most recent Message, Curator Ω, I left the study of the Ponies alone for now and sent the Secondary Drone to the planet's surface once more to search for any more Apex Species while I continued to try and determine why the orbit is reversed. While the answer as to why the star orbits around the planet is still a mystery to me, the Drone came back with some... interesting information. The Drone found four (4) more Apex Species on 3QU15-1's surface, bringing the total amount of Sapient Species to six (6). -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #6b The first 'new' Apex Species to be discovered by the Drone was a race of insect-like quadrupeds, similar to the Ponies in basic design {see attached video}. They seem to operate with a hive-like mentality, with the Queen or King being the undisputed leader. Unlike the Ponies, which have shown four (4) different sub-species, there seems to be only two (2) variants of the insects: the Queen/King and the workers/gatherers/warriors. There was no overlap between the duties of the workers/gatherers/warriors: each was capable of fulfilling any role deemed necessary by the hive. I shall call this Sapient Species 'insectrupeds.' Their appearances vary the least out of all the Apex Species, with every single insectruped being black in colour and having both a small, gnarled horn similar to the horned variety of Ponies and delicate, shear wings that are generally found on insects. The insectrupeds carapace is made of a black chitin that seems uniform across all the different types. Their legs are strange in that they have holes interspersed at seemingly random intervals along the entire length of both their front and back legs. I don't know what the holes could be for: from what the Drone Observed, they eat and breath through their mouths. The Queen/King is much bigger than the average insectruped, nearly three times as large, with a much longer horn and larger wings as well. The Drone did not gather as much information as it wanted to about the inner machinations of the insectrupedal hive solely because it did not want to get captured again. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #6c The other three (3) Apex Species were only given cursory examinations by the Drone, enough information to determine that they are indeed Sapient, but not enough for me to write a lengthy Report about them. This includes the race of landlocked bipedal bovines that have a warlike culture and promote strength as the primarily desired attribute; flying, reptilian quadrupeds with tails that are capable of breathing fire and are larger than any of the other Apex Species, but are much fewer in number; and a race of Sapient canines that live in underground burrows and seem to consume stones and smaller creatures for sustenance. The videos tell more than I am capable of with the limited amount of information at my disposal. ... What does this mean, Esteemed Curator Ω? Could this be the planet that we have been searching for? -Curator ξ {END OF REPORT #2} Message #3 - From Curator Ω to Curator ξMessage - From Curator Ω to Curator ξ Thank you for alerting me to the presence of... six different Apex Species, Curator ξ. Please stand by and continue running scans on the star and planet while I contact my superiors. As for your questions that were directed towards me, I shall do my best to answer them in as short of time as possible. How intelligent are the E.I.'s that control the Drones? They are 'super smart' as they learn like we do, and are even capable of passing judgment on decisions that would befuddle us. Sometimes, morality only gets in the way of doing what must be done. What does this mean, Esteemed Curator Ω? Could this be the planet that we have been searching for? I cannot say. The signs are pointing towards it being the One, but without more Observations, it could simply be a very rare and interesting planet. -Curator Ω Message Response - From Curator ξ to Curator Ω Thank you for answering my questions. I will do as you command and await your orders, Esteemed Curator Ω. -Curator ξ Message #5 - From Curator Ω to Curators Σ, Ψ, and ΦMessage {ENCRYPTED, URGENT} - From Curator Ω to Curators Σ, Ψ, and Φ INSTRUCTIONS: See attached information. Halt all Observations and examinations of the Star Systems that you are currently located at. Enter Inversion immediately and travel to System 3QU15 with haste. We are on the precipice of discovery and enlightenment, my fellow Curators, and some of Them threaten to plot against us and our Way. I ask you three (3), the Senior Curators, to assist me in ensuring that our race does not fall from fear of change and the unknown. If you disagree, speak now, or forever hold your words within. -Curator Ω Message {ENCRYPTED, URGENT} - From Curator Σ to Curator Ω I shall depart immediately, Esteemed Curator Ω. May the Path grant us foresight and wisdom through what very well could be the darkest moment of our race. -Curator Σ Message {ENCRYPTED, URGENT} - From Curator Φ to Curator Ω Is Jidox behind this nefarious scheme? It certainly sounds like him; even in the face of true enlightenment, he blindly scrabbles for power and control. I am departing as I send this message. I regret that I will be no longer studying the fascinating creatures of 8OO75-6, but I know where I am truly needed. I will see you in a few Months, Esteemed Curator Ω. -Curator Φ Message {ENCRYPTED, URGENT} - From Curator Ψ to Curator Ω While I don't believe in luck, I will say that it is mildly coincidental that the newest member of the Curators happens to get assigned what very well could be the fabled One. Regardless of the fickle deigning of fate, I hold no love for the Director: you can count on my assistance on whatever trials lie ahead. -Curator Ψ Report #3 - 3QU15 Logs #7-10Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #7 The results of the atmospheric makeup are as follows: seventy-three point eight percent (73.08%) nitrogen, twenty five point nine-five percent (25.95%) oxygen, a variable amount {an average of or around one point two-four-seven percent (1.247%)} of water vapour, point nine-three percent (0.93%) argon, zero point zero three-eight percent (0.038%) carbon dioxide, and traces amounts of hydrogen, helium, and other noble gases. The percentages of oxygen is slightly above the normal life-bearing planet, which may contribute to why there are so many Sapients living amongst each other, as all of their respiration systems are based upon the intake of oxygen and the exhalation of carbon dioxide. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #8 Due to the nature of this planet being home to a minimum of six (6) Apex Species that are all Sapient, and via the orders of my superior, I have decided sent out the Tertiary Drone to the largest city belonging to the Ponies. This is being done with the intent to gather more information about the Ponies' culture, language, and any other Data that can possibly be obtained. Sending the Tertiary Drone to the Ponies first is an obvious choice to me, and one that I hope others will agree with. I am going to launch the Tertiary Drone under the cover of night and I shall Observe through its live feed, taking notes as it traverses. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #9a The Tertiary Drone has been successfully launched without any issues. The hull sustained no damage from entering the stratosphere and it endured the impact of landing upon the cobbled stone road while sustaining no damage, as the Drone is in its amorphous and unstructured phase. The road is unharmed as far as I can tell, save for a few rocks that were heated from being in contact with the Drone. Conveniently enough, there seems to be no Ponies within the immediate vicinity of the Drone's successful landing. It has begun flowing along the ground, sticking to the shadows and keeping out of sight as it makes its way towards the pre-determined coordinates--where I presume the 'royalty' lives, in the large and spacious building that the Secondary Drone had originally been brought to whence it was captured. Through my limited Observational capacities of seeing what only the Drone sees, I cannot tell if any Ponies are following it just out of range of the Drone's proverbial 'eye.' However, I can safely assume that the Tertiary Drone knows what to do better than I: it is a Tertiary Drone, after all. From what I can tell, there are four Ponies belonging to what I am now calling the Security caste located outside of the building's exterior. Ponies of all three sub-species {not including the fourth winged-horned variety of which I am sure are special cases} are wearing ornately decorated armour covering their heads, chest, and legs. They are also somehow capable of holding onto primitive bladed and speared weapons with their forehooves. I may require a specimen to study, as their hooves should not be able to grasp objects, and I would like to see how in fact they are capable of it. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #9b The Tertiary Drone has successfully infiltrated the large and guarded domicile undetected. It was a simple task for it to remain in its amorphous and practically liquid state while skirting around the Security caste members, then slipping underneath the door. The Tertiary Drone is currently winding its way along, using the pre-recorded blueprints gathered from the Secondary Drone to aid its search for some form of logged information. While I become nervous whenever a Pony is nearby, I should put more trust into the Tertiary Drone: it was selected specifically to be of the Saboteur-class for good reason. After searching through multiple closed off rooms, the Drone has finally found the equivalent of an information jackpot: a very large amount of bound, thin sheets made from a fibrous material and used to bear printed type and other Data. Books. Many books all together in one location, designating it as a 'library.' Exactly what we needed... While the Drone scans and transmits the Data back to my vessel, I will work on translating the language. Linguistics are not my primary Attribute, but I am more than capable of assisting the vessel in elucidating the language symbol by symbol. The launch of the Tertiary Drone has already been worth it, and it has not even been one (1) Standard Hour yet. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #9c There was a slight mishap in the library. Nothing that will immediately compromise the mission, but the two (ponies) that were forced to be incapacitated will eventually be missed. I shall allay a maximum of four (4) Standard Hours before the Tertiary Drone is to return to the vessel based on the size of the domicile and the average reaction time of the Security caste. I shall not underestimate the Ponies' abilities or comprehension. The imprisonment and subsequent release of the Secondary Drone has convinced me enough. Even though the discovery was unavoidable, I still feel partially at fault: I was only half concentrating upon the Drone, so engrossed I was upon deciphering the language. I didn't notice the two Security caste sneak into the library through a hidden door, one winged and one horned. I'm not sure what they were doing there, as they didn't seem to be searching for any intruders. Regardless, both the Drone and I were caught unawares, and it almost brought the mission to a quick halt. I know that the Tertiary Drone should receive the majority of the blame, yet I still feel responsible. Perhaps the lingering tension regarding the fact that no System nor planet like 3QU15 and 3QU15-1 have been recorded in our history has finally started to wear on me. I digress. The Drone has successfully recorded the majority of the information from the vast library of written Data. I calculate that all the relevant information will have been absorbed, processed, and transmitted back to the vessel within the Hour. My deadline seems to be unnecessary, but on the off chance that another 'fountain' of knowledge is found, I will upkeep it. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #10a My time-frame was not created out of baseless anxiety. Shortly after the Tertiary Drone finished assimilating the last cluster of bound fibrous sheets, a contingent of twenty-one (21) Security caste members, seven (7) of each sub-species, entered the library. They are currently searching the entirety of the room while the Tertiary Drone continues to evade them, waiting for its chance to scurry out the exit. The Security caste have found the unconscious members that were silenced earlier. They are trying to awaken them, but the two knocked out Ponies are staying that way, and will be for at least another eight (8) hours. The Drone has managed to escape, leaving the contingent behind. The Ponies don't know what the Drones are capable of: this much is fact based upon their reactions. The Saboteur-class Drone is currently making its exit of the large compound that it resides in, heading towards an open area where it can re-launch itself and return to the vessel. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #10b The Drone slid underneath a door, one of the last ones blocking its way along the path to freedom. From outside of the door, there were no signs indicating anything other than a completely empty room. From the inside, however, that is not the case. There seems to be some sort of purple and moderately translucent shield-like dome encompassing the entirety of the chamber. The dome seems to provide complete and utter proofing of the sound within. Strangely enough, the dome is not a solid and instead appears to be some sort of plasma, although the heat component is missing. The Drone accidently entered this dome without realizing that there were over two-hundred (200) Ponies all located within the same antechamber. It passed straight through the shielding and became assaulted with the noise of dozens of Ponies communicating at once. Unfortunately, the Drone was spotted before it could slink away unseen. The amorphous-form Tertiary Drone was quickly surrounded by a ring of Security caste, all of them of the horned variety. The Drone made no motions to flee or attack, and neither did the Ponies. They remained that way for almost an entire Minute, neither side moving to engage the other. It was strange, almost comical. Nine (9) armoured Ponies surrounding the lone Tertiary Drone, nothing more than an amorphous globule that barely reached up to a Ponies' chest. I had no idea what to do in this situation, so I allowed the Drone to control itself as it saw fit. The stand-off was interrupted when the same winged-horned Pony with a brilliant white coat and a flowing, multi-coloured mane shouted, causing the Security caste to take several steps backwards. The winged-horned Pony took to the air swiftly and flew towards the Tertiary Drone, landing close, but not overly so. The Pony craned her neck down so that it was eye-to-metal with the Drone. The Pony spoke, slowly and deliberately. The translation program onboard hadn't made very much progress in decoding the language, but it had deciphered enough to translate a few simple words. "What. Are. You." I found myself shivering in excitement. This was the moment of truth: act correctly, and I will have single-handedly bridged the gap between Ourselves and the Ponies. Act incorrectly, however, and I would shatter the bridge before it is even established. I took manual control of the Drone and uploaded a schematic into it of the basic blueprint of a Pony, one without wings or a horn. The Drone began its metamorphosis into a Pony, its amorphous form expanding outward to fill in the shape that was outlined to it. It was the size of a young Pony; a foal. Needless to say, the Ponies were startled by this show of technology. Actually, startled is too mild of a word to describe their reactions. Only the white, winged-horned Pony showed no signs of fear. I made the Drone stick out its right leg, as that was how I observed some Ponies greeting each other. The white pony seemed confused for a second before seeming to realize what the Drone was doing. She {I'm certain of it now; child bearing hips} tentatively walked closer to the faux and metallic foal. I forced the Drone not to move, as I didn't want to scare her away. The white Pony gingerly raised a hoof and pressed it against the Drone's. I noticed that she forced herself not to wince from the contact. With the contact made, I programmed the Drone to scratch out three words into the white stone beneath its feet. "We. Are. Friends." This had the exact reaction that I was hoping for. After the white Pony read the words aloud, the entire chamber exploded into a chorus of happy voices. I was glad for the welcome reception, but my work was not yet complete. Since the Drone was no longer in its amorphous state, and without any way to turn it back, it was as good as useless. So, while the Ponies were celebrating, I made the Drone scratch out five more words. "Automaton. Irreparable. Sacrifice." "Return. Soon." I made the Drone step back, putting enough space between itself and any of the Ponies that may have been within the blast radius. With a simple command, the Drone became undone. After the last remains of the Drone dissipated, all that was left was the small, spherical 'heart' of the Drone. I regret leaving a part of the Drone behind, but it was a necessary sacrifice. It has begun. Soon, I will send out the Quaternary Drone and with any amount of luck, one of the Ponies will volunteer to clamber aboard. I don't want to have to forcibly abduct one of them. -Curator ξ {END OF REPORT #3} Message #1 - From Curator Ω to XiMessage - From Curator Ω to Xi You, Xi, are to uphold the integrity, honour, and unwavering diligence to us as a whole. As a Curator, your entire life must be devoted to the Cataloguing and Observing of an endless amounts of species. In your travels, you will come to witness things that are more beautiful than anything you will have ever Observed previously. You will find brilliance of previously unheard of levels. You will find understanding of things that most of us strive our entire lives to find. Perhaps you may even find a species capable of being our successors, a species that we may bestow our knowledge and technology to when we ourselves die out. There is a price, however. Like everything else, there must be an equilibrium. For every beautiful thing that graces your eyes by its very presence, there is something else so terrible and grotesque that you will be forced to Cleanse. For every brilliant thing you discover, you will find equal amounts of dementia and ignorance. For every understanding, there will be something that you simply will not be able to answer. So is the way of the Universe. Be warned: Once you accept the Title of Curator, you will leave your old life and name behind. It is a worthy and noble sacrifice, but not one that we will force upon you. If you still wish to become a Curator, your Title shall be given to you immediately and your training will begin at once. If you decline this gracious offer, you may find another Title and Mission of your choosing. -Curator Ω Message Response - From Xi to Curator Ω I accept your generous offer, Esteemed Curator Ω. -Xi Message #2 - From Curator Ω to Curator ξMessage - From Curator Ω to Curator ξ I applaud your calm and collect response regarding the large amount of abnormalities that has befallen you during your first System, Curator ξ. The gravitational reversed solar orbit of System 3QU15 is indeed strange: I have never seen anything like. Theoretically, it shouldn't be possible, but your relevant data shows it to be very much so. I implore you to take utmost care in determining the exact cause of why 3QU15 is orbiting 3QU15-1 and not the other way around. If there were any more veteran Curators in your Sector, I would have sent them to take over your System. Alas, all of the other Curators are otherwise occupied or too far away to arrive there in a reasonable amount of time. Do not take this as an insult to your intelligence or your capabilities: I am simply enforcing Protocol, which dictates that the atypical and bizarre Systems should be Observed by the senior Curators. As for the evidence that shows there to be two Apex species on 3QU15-1... ...Make sure that there are two, and not more. If there is more than two Apex species, alert me immediately. -Curator Ω Message Response - From Curator ξ to Curator Ω Thank you for allowing me to continue my work on 3QU15 and its solitary planet, Esteemed Curator Ω. I will do everything in my power to discern the true cause behind the juxtaposition of the orbit and whether or not there are more Sapients than the avian-mammals and the 'Ponies.' -Curator ξ Message #4 - From Curator Ω to Director JidoxMessage {ENCRYPTED} - From Curator Ω to Director Jidox Director Jidox, I send you this message with most troubling news. There have been a total of six (6) different and sapient Apex Species found on the planet 3QU15-1, located in the 3QU15 System, that have been found by the newest Curator, ξ. There have been no accounts of any planets that we have discovered containing any more than two (2) Apex Species at one point in time. Along with the inversed orbital patterns of the star and planet... I fear that this may be the One. Esteemed Director Jidox, what are your orders? -Curator Ω Message Response {ENCRYPTED} - From Director Jidox to Curator Ω Tell no one else about what has been discovered so far. It is bad enough that this new Curator, Xi, happened to chance upon what could very well cause a massive upheaval within the Conclave. Are you positive that there are no other trustworthy Curators within a relatively short travel distance? -Director Jidox Message Response {ENCRYPTED} - From Curator Ω to Director Jidox I consider all of my Curators trustworthy, Director Jidox. The closest Curator to ξ would be Curator Σ, but it would take her more than forty-seven (47) Standard Days to travel to 3QU15, even while travelling through Inversion as often as possible. I believe that we will have to be content with Curator ξ doing the Reports for now. I ask again: What are your orders, Director Jidox? -Curator Ω Message Response {ENCRYPTED} - From Director Jidox to Curator Ω I want as few of us to know of this discovery as possible: allow Xi to continue doing the Reports, but if he steps out of line or asks any questions he shouldn't be asking, I will have to replace him with another Curator. We can only wait and hope that no other signs point to 3QU15-1 being the One. -Director Jidox Message Response {ENCRYPTED} - From Curator Ω to Director Jidox I shall comply with your orders, Jidox. As an added note, please refrain from referring to any and all Curators by name. We gave up Ourselves and use symbols to show our devotion to the Way, something a non-Curator could never understand. -Curator Ω Message Response {ENCRYPTED} - From Director Jidox to Curator Ω If you were anyone besides the Head Curator, Omega, I would strip you of your title and send you to the furthest corner of Known Space to work as a Cleaner for the rest of your Days for being as insolent as you are. I will call whomever I want whatever I want, Omega, and not you or anyone else has the authority to tell me otherwise! -Director Jidox Message Response {ENCRYPTED} - From Curator Ω to Director Jidox My name is Omega no longer, Jidox. I gave that up when I joined the Curators all those Years ago; you would be wise to remember that. You may outrank me, Director, but I hold more power than you ever will. ... The next Report shall be forwarded to you as soon as I receive it from Curator ξ. -Curator Ω
Report #1 - 3QU15 Logs #1-4Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15: Log #1 This system is incredibly strange. 3QU15-1 is the solitary planet, which appears to be orbited by a lone star and moon. I have never studied anything mentioning a system in which the gravitational polarity could, quite possibly, be reversed. All of the laws regarding the science behind the pull of solar and planetary bodies indicate that 3QU15 should not exist. When Curator Ω told me that there are things that I simply won't be able to comprehend, I thought that to be exaggeration. Now I realize my error in misjudging the Esteemed Curator Ω, as I don't understand how this system remains stable. I must Observe this system in depth, as the seemingly blatant disregard of the Celestial Laws is cause enough for study. I can barely contain my excitement at such a prospect. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15: Log #2 After several Standard Hours of taking measurements and calculations of 3QU15, I have determined that the planet, codenamed 3QU15-1, is indeed the center of this system. The star is of the common variety, a Class G2V yellow dwarf. It is orbiting the planet at a rate of one hundred and seven thousand three hundred and two (107,302) Standard Unit-speed per hour. While this rate would be considered fairly standard in a normal system, the fact that it is the star moving around the planet at this speed is incredible. Whatever forces are moving the two nonillion (2x10³¹) Standard Unit-mass star at those speeds is beyond my understanding. The moon however, codenamed 3QU15-1-1, is fairly ordinary. Like most planetary satellites, 3QU15-1-1 is spherical and in synchronous rotation with the planet that it orbits. The only blatantly differing attribute of this moon from the norm is the fact that it has an atmosphere more comparable to a planet than a standard moon. While I doubt that there is life, as the compound H20 has not show up on the sensors, it is certainly something to investigate when my Observations regarding the solitary planet are complete. My Observations will now be entirely upon the planet 3QU15-1, since the scans have indicated there is copious amounts of H20 on the surface of the planet, giving it the main requirement for sustainable life. I wonder what the elements and layers this planet has, as a possible reason for the reversed orbit could be due to an extremely dense core. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #1 There is life on 3QU15-1. Intelligent life. My first system and I have already found an intelligent race, something many Curators spend their entire lives searching for. The Primary Drone I sent has just returned, carrying aerial pictures of infrastructure amongst forested, frozen, and mountainous areas from 3QU15-1's orbit. The structure designs vary indiscriminately, indicating that the Apex Species on this world requires shelter from all standard weather and temperature shifts (precipitation, heat, cold). The actual presence of the structures virtually guarantees that the Apex Species is capable of handling simple tools. I have sent the Secondary Drone to record video images from the planet's surface and to collect data on the exact atmospheric makeup. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #2 The Secondary Drone should have returned over a Standard Hour ago. While it is not unheard of for a Drone to be delayed, I cannot help but feel anxiety as to why it is late. I have continued to observe the aerial pictures from the Primary Drone while I await the return of the Secondary Drone. The climate on planet 3QU15-1 seems to be stable, with locations showing evidence of both warm and cold seasons in relatively equal measures. Some locations closer to the equator line are warmer than other locations, as is to be expected. Something not normal that I noticed is that there are no magnetic poles on the planet. I can only assume that the absence of the poles is due in part to the reversed gravitational polarity. The causes of such a strange system could have dramatic effects on the planet that I cannot even begin to comprehend, let alone Catalogue at this point in time. I have noticed an irregularity: one of the colder regions have no reason to be so. In one picture, there is a frozen landmass surrounded on all sides by mild-weathered grasslands. The frozen landmass is of the same elevation as the grassland, yet it is spontaneously cold enough to accumulate frozen H20 particles while the neighbouring plateaus are not. I can only blame the erratic irregularity on the strange orbit of this system. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #3 It has been over eleven (11) Standard Hours since the Secondary Drone was supposed to return. I am considering launching the Emergency Retrieval Drone. Should the Secondary Drone not be back within one (1) more standard hour, I will be forced to, as per the Non-Interference Rule. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #4a Thirteen (13) Standard Minutes before my deadline, the Secondary Drone returned. I took no chances: I commissioned the Drone to be given a full detoxification and a full-body scan to ensure that no malfunctions had been the cause of the Drone's delay. With the detoxification revealing no foreign materials and the scan showing the Drone to be in (almost) perfect working order, I had the Drone brought in. There were slight scratches and what appeared to be burn marks on the underside of the Drone, although none of the recording software was damaged. I should have completed a full diagnosis on the extent of the Drone's damage then and there, but I admit that my curiosity to know what postponed the Secondary Drone won out over the monotonous Damage Protocol. A Connection was bridged between the Drone and myself, and I settled in to watch the events unfold. Everything went splendidly at the beginning: the shielding worked perfectly, enabling the Drone to survive the intense heat of the atmospheric entrance with ease. The Drone waited until the outer layer had cooled sufficiently before activating its cloaking field and beginning its job of collecting data. Standard operating procedure. The Drone flew to the closest group of structures, keeping its speed below Mach One (1) so that it did not startle or possibly injure any beings that could have been near. The buildings were located near the base of a large mountain chain. It was in this first group of structures that the Drone, and me by extent, were given our first glimpse of the First Apex Species. The First Apex Species. The chances of a life on a planet are roughly one (1) in one hundred and sixty-six (166) based on results collected from the tens (10s) of thousands (1000s) of systems that have already been Catalogued. One species evolving enough to gain superiority over the others is a rare occurrence, occurring on roughly one (1) out of every one thousand four hundred and eighty-two (1482) planets that had life on them. The very way that Sapients come to being does not allow more than one species to become the Apex Species, the Sapients. Normally. There has only been one (1) other Catalogued planet in which two species evolved into Sapients without some form of parasitism, commensalism, or mutualism taking place between the two. The reason for this was that the planet, 8YO86-7, was almost perfectly split with oceans and landmass. One Species evolved on the land and became the undisputed ruler of their domain while the other Species evolved in the water and became the uncontested rulers of the sea. Neither Species interfered with each other, as their food sources, territory, and shelter never overlapped. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #4b There are multiple Apex Species on 3QU15-1. I suppose it shouldn't have come as much surprise to me, considering the eccentricities of the 3QU15 system. The First Sentients that the Drone Observed are winged quadrupeds, with indications of both avian and mammalian ancestry. Their head, chest, and the upper portion of their forelegs are covered in a layer of feathers, while their back, underbelly, hind legs, and tail are coated in thin hair. Their heads are largely reminiscent of other avian species, with a large beak as a mouth, two nostrils positioned on the upper portion of aforementioned beak, and two large, round eyes. From their simple colourations of black, white, grey and tan, along with their sharp beaks, I can almost guarantee that they are carnivores. Carnivorous creatures generally have less colourings than Herbivorous creatures. Their sharp claws on the end of their forelegs could possibly be used as graspers, but I have not seen any indication of the Firsts using them in such a way. Their rear legs end in paws, similar to many mammals. The presence of a long tail made for balancing strikes me as odd, however, as they are able to fly. Their wings are covered with the same feathers as their chest and head, albeit longer and more streamlined. Their wingspan is approximately twice their body-length, and they can carry their own body weight with ease and agility. After Observing the avian-mammals long enough to provide enough video footage for study, the Drone flew towards the next closest group of structures, which was located not at the base of a mountain, but was instead embedded in the side. There were several smaller accumulations of buildings that the Drone passed over without investigating, as the larger assemblages would provide more informative footage at a greater rate. When the Drone flew into the city to Observe, it started Observing the Second Sentients. The Seconds are also quadrupeds, but have far more variations than the Firsts in terms of physical characteristics. They vary wildly in colour and height. Among the most notable differences are the presence of protruding, horn-like objects atop roughly one quarter (25%) of the population, along with the presence of wings placed upon another quarter (25%) of the population. The remaining half (50%) had neither protrusion, nor wings. The Drone did not find any Second Sentients with both the protrusion and wings. The general shape of the Second Sentients seemed familiar to me, so I searched for any species with similar characteristics. My memory had not deceived me. The Database had found a species similar to my query. The Seconds were strikingly similar to something called a 'Pony' that had once lived on the planet 3AR74-3, located in the 3AR74 Solar System. There are only two (2) 'Ponies' currently in existence: the two (2) that were mandatorily Saved before the Cleansing of 3AR74-3's surface, along with two (2) of every other species native to the planet. The only species that wasn't Saved were the bipedal Sapients known as Humans. I will not type out the full description of the physical attributes of the Second Sentients, as they are virtually identical to the 'Ponies', aside from some minor differences, such as more flexible leg joints to enable basic handling of objects and smaller, narrower heads that enable them to communicate with each other. The exotic colourings, along with the wings and protrusions, are also not present on the 'Ponies.' -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #4c The Drone attempted to Observe the Second Sentients for the established amount of time, two (2) Standard Hours. Towards the end of the second Standard Hour, the Drone was seemingly noticed by a Second Sentient. One (1) of them with a protrusion pointed a hoof at where the Drone was hovering, approximately twenty (20) Standard Unit-heights above them, and started to converse with the others. The Drone did not move. It assumed that the Seconds could not see it, as its cloaking generator was still working at full capacity. The Seconds chattered amongst themselves for a short time, before one (1) with wings shook its head in what I presume to be anger or annoyance and pointed along with the other. The Drone recorded the whole event, curious to see how the Seconds resolved an argument. A brilliant flash of white light launched from the protrusion at a speed fast enough that it allowed no time for the Drone to move out of the way. The Drone was hit on its underbelly in the exact same spot that a scorch mark presently covers. The blast managed to temporarily shut down the Drone's thruster systems, causing the Drone to fall from the air and impact into the ground. While the Drone was not damaged, the collision disabled the already weakened cloaking generator. The recording system was still fully functional, however. Several of the quadrupeds slowly approached the downed Drone. The emotions present on their faces seemed to indicate a combination of shock and curiosity. The Second Sentients also appeared to be wearing some sort of protection, or armour. Perhaps they are part of some sort of authority caste, as the other Sentients that the Drone observed were wearing no such protection. As the Drone was still unable to move, it was unable to prevent its capture. The Seconds chatted amongst each other before seemingly coming to an agreement. The protrusion on the Sentient that had disabled the Drone lit up with a silver glow and the Drone started to float without any input from itself or any of the Sentients, aside from the glowing protrusion atop its head. The last thing the Drone recorded before shutting down to repair itself was an extreme close up of one of the Second Sentients. As I compare the Second Sentients and the 'Ponies', I can only see more and more similarities between the two (2). Enough so that there is the possibility that they may have been taken from their native planet 3AR74-3 and placed upon 3QU15-1 by another Tier One (1) race like Ourselves. I have provided all of the relevant information regarding the irregularities of Solar System 3QU15 and the presence of two (2) Apex Species upon the singular planet, 3QU15-1, in my report to you, Curator Ω. I will attempt to pry any more information from the Drone, such as how it escaped the Second Sentients clutches, while I await your response. -Curator ξ {END OF REPORT #1}
Report #2 - 3QU15 Logs #5-6Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #5a After performing a multi-tiered reset process, the Drone was finally able to show me how it escaped from the planet's surface and the inhabitants that had entrapped it. When the Drone 'woke up' after being forcefully shut down by one of the Second Sapients, {I shall hereto refer to the Second Sapients as 'Ponies,' as it seems more fitting} it activated its recording software immediately. The Secondary Drone appeared to be... strapped to a metallic table in the middle of a room, deep underground: the Drone's barometric pressure indicators told it as much. Several of the horned variety of Ponies were surrounding the Drone, each of them wearing a mask of some kind that covered their nose and mouth. Despite it just regaining control of its faculties and finding itself within the Ponies clutches, the E.I. {Evolving Intelligence} of the Drone did not immediately attempt to escape, as it was programmed to do in such a situation. Instead, the Drone gathered as much data as possible without alerting the Ponies that it was no longer disabled. Forgive me from straying from the topic, but just how intelligent are the E.I.'s that control the Drones? The Drone showed immediate and unmitigated understanding of exactly what it should do in its situation, not just reverting to its primary routine and fleeing back to the vessel. Question aside, the Drone continued its charade of being deactivated for as long as it could get away with it. The Secondary Drone was forced to reveal its alertness when one of the Ponies attempted to use some sort of small, sharp cutting tool to vivisect the Drone. The E.I. responded promptly, letting out a loud and high-pitched whine which had a greater effect on the Ponies than both I and the Drone expected. The Ponies fell to the ground, clutching their ears and making shrill noises that proclaimed that they were in extreme amounts of pain. With the Ponies temporarily disabled, the Drone activated its thruster systems, causing it to start hovering. Strangely enough, the straps that were holding the Drone to the table were so secure that the Drone was hovering with the table still attached to its underbelly. Awkward with the extra weight that it should not have been carrying, the Drone managed to fly out of the open door and into a spacious hallway. The Drone pinged, and using echolocation and its radar, determined the quickest way out of the domicile that it was currently trapped within: a primitive transport system that used ropes and pulleys to move a steel box up and down a large and spacious shaft. Knowing its destination, the Drone flew towards the elevator system with a trail of molten metal left in its wake. The thruster system is designed for maximum efficiency, but since the proximity of the thrusters to the metal table was far too close, the metal became superheated rather quickly and began to liquefy. Before the Drone reached the elevator shaft, a deep, booming, and repetitive sound started up and seemed to be coming from every direction: the Ponies had an alarm system that must have been activated when one of them recovered from the incapacitating whine that the Drone originally used to pacify them. Sensing that the Ponies were soon to give chase, the E.I. flew as quickly as was safe within the relatively narrow corridors. After a few seconds of the alarm, the sound faded away to be replaced with a message in what could only be the Ponies' speech. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #5b It was a flowing and strangely melodic language, with one word seamlessly flowing to the next. The Drone made sure to record everything that it saw or heard, and the speech was no exception to this rule: the translation software aboard my vessel is currently deciphering the message as I write this Report. Strangely, the Drone's progress towards the elevator system was unhindered. Either the Ponies had no way of tracking the Drone's progress {which is unlikely, considering the trail of molten metal flowing behind it} or the message was a cease and desist order towards all the other Ponies in the compound. At the entrance to the elevator system, the Drone was met with a barrier to its escape plan: the entrance to the elevator shaft was protected by a large steel door. The Drone was planning on slowly melting a hole large enough for itself using its thrusters {with the table still attached, this would've been quite difficult} but before it could enact on its plan, the doors were opened by an external force. Unsure of why the Ponies were helping it escape, but not willing to disregard such obvious help, the Drone flew into the shaft and quickly ascended to the top. The Drone flew through the open entrance and found itself to be in a large and spacious room. The majority of the room was comprised of a smooth, white stone. It was in this room that the Drone Observed a fourth sub-species of the Ponies: there were two (2) with both a protrusion and wings. The Drone believed, and I can only concur, that the two (2) Ponies with both a horn atop their head and wings are their equivalent to royalty. Many facts point to this, such as the other, possibly authoritarian Ponies, huddled around them in an attempt at protection; their stature being much greater than the other Ponies; and the fact that they are the only two (2) Ponies so far discovered with both a horn and wings. Another interesting, although possibly unrelated, fact is that the winged-horned Ponies' mane seems to flow in an artificial wind. Both I and the Drone do not know what the cause of this is, although it may be related to the horned variants' ability that disabled the Drone in the first place {see attached videos at the end of this Report for videographic evidence}. The next event that followed the Drone's entrance to aforementioned room full of Ponies is...odd, to say the least. The winged-horned Pony with a brilliant white coat and a flowing, multi-coloured mane pointed a hoof at the Drone, and attempted to communicate with it. After the Drone made no response or indication that it understood, which it didn't, the Pony's horn {which was noticeably longer than a regular horned Pony's} glowed bright gold, much like the horned Pony that shut down the Drone in the first place. The Drone gave off a warning sound, lower pitched than its previous one, but still high enough to cause several of the Ponies to wince. The Drone was trying to make it abundantly clear that it would not tolerate being disabled again. The Pony surprised the Drone by not attempting to disable it, but instead it undid the straps that were holding the Drone to the table, freeing it from the extra weight and enabling the Drone to engage its cloaking field again. Without further ado, the Drone determined the weakest point in the room, which happened to be superheated sand windows, and flew straight through the glass. The Drone then put on extra speed and came directly back to the vessel, eager to report its findings. ... Never before has any Apex Species discovered, let alone captured a Secondary Drone before. What makes the Ponies special? How could they see the Drone, even though it was invisible to the naked eye and any possible equipment that the Ponies could operate? Why did they let the Drone go when they could've disabled it again? So many questions, no answers. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #6a As per the instructions you left me in the most recent Message, Curator Ω, I left the study of the Ponies alone for now and sent the Secondary Drone to the planet's surface once more to search for any more Apex Species while I continued to try and determine why the orbit is reversed. While the answer as to why the star orbits around the planet is still a mystery to me, the Drone came back with some... interesting information. The Drone found four (4) more Apex Species on 3QU15-1's surface, bringing the total amount of Sapient Species to six (6). -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #6b The first 'new' Apex Species to be discovered by the Drone was a race of insect-like quadrupeds, similar to the Ponies in basic design {see attached video}. They seem to operate with a hive-like mentality, with the Queen or King being the undisputed leader. Unlike the Ponies, which have shown four (4) different sub-species, there seems to be only two (2) variants of the insects: the Queen/King and the workers/gatherers/warriors. There was no overlap between the duties of the workers/gatherers/warriors: each was capable of fulfilling any role deemed necessary by the hive. I shall call this Sapient Species 'insectrupeds.' Their appearances vary the least out of all the Apex Species, with every single insectruped being black in colour and having both a small, gnarled horn similar to the horned variety of Ponies and delicate, shear wings that are generally found on insects. The insectrupeds carapace is made of a black chitin that seems uniform across all the different types. Their legs are strange in that they have holes interspersed at seemingly random intervals along the entire length of both their front and back legs. I don't know what the holes could be for: from what the Drone Observed, they eat and breath through their mouths. The Queen/King is much bigger than the average insectruped, nearly three times as large, with a much longer horn and larger wings as well. The Drone did not gather as much information as it wanted to about the inner machinations of the insectrupedal hive solely because it did not want to get captured again. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #6c The other three (3) Apex Species were only given cursory examinations by the Drone, enough information to determine that they are indeed Sapient, but not enough for me to write a lengthy Report about them. This includes the race of landlocked bipedal bovines that have a warlike culture and promote strength as the primarily desired attribute; flying, reptilian quadrupeds with tails that are capable of breathing fire and are larger than any of the other Apex Species, but are much fewer in number; and a race of Sapient canines that live in underground burrows and seem to consume stones and smaller creatures for sustenance. The videos tell more than I am capable of with the limited amount of information at my disposal. ... What does this mean, Esteemed Curator Ω? Could this be the planet that we have been searching for? -Curator ξ {END OF REPORT #2}
Message #3 - From Curator Ω to Curator ξMessage - From Curator Ω to Curator ξ Thank you for alerting me to the presence of... six different Apex Species, Curator ξ. Please stand by and continue running scans on the star and planet while I contact my superiors. As for your questions that were directed towards me, I shall do my best to answer them in as short of time as possible. How intelligent are the E.I.'s that control the Drones? They are 'super smart' as they learn like we do, and are even capable of passing judgment on decisions that would befuddle us. Sometimes, morality only gets in the way of doing what must be done. What does this mean, Esteemed Curator Ω? Could this be the planet that we have been searching for? I cannot say. The signs are pointing towards it being the One, but without more Observations, it could simply be a very rare and interesting planet. -Curator Ω Message Response - From Curator ξ to Curator Ω Thank you for answering my questions. I will do as you command and await your orders, Esteemed Curator Ω. -Curator ξ
Message #5 - From Curator Ω to Curators Σ, Ψ, and ΦMessage {ENCRYPTED, URGENT} - From Curator Ω to Curators Σ, Ψ, and Φ INSTRUCTIONS: See attached information. Halt all Observations and examinations of the Star Systems that you are currently located at. Enter Inversion immediately and travel to System 3QU15 with haste. We are on the precipice of discovery and enlightenment, my fellow Curators, and some of Them threaten to plot against us and our Way. I ask you three (3), the Senior Curators, to assist me in ensuring that our race does not fall from fear of change and the unknown. If you disagree, speak now, or forever hold your words within. -Curator Ω Message {ENCRYPTED, URGENT} - From Curator Σ to Curator Ω I shall depart immediately, Esteemed Curator Ω. May the Path grant us foresight and wisdom through what very well could be the darkest moment of our race. -Curator Σ Message {ENCRYPTED, URGENT} - From Curator Φ to Curator Ω Is Jidox behind this nefarious scheme? It certainly sounds like him; even in the face of true enlightenment, he blindly scrabbles for power and control. I am departing as I send this message. I regret that I will be no longer studying the fascinating creatures of 8OO75-6, but I know where I am truly needed. I will see you in a few Months, Esteemed Curator Ω. -Curator Φ Message {ENCRYPTED, URGENT} - From Curator Ψ to Curator Ω While I don't believe in luck, I will say that it is mildly coincidental that the newest member of the Curators happens to get assigned what very well could be the fabled One. Regardless of the fickle deigning of fate, I hold no love for the Director: you can count on my assistance on whatever trials lie ahead. -Curator Ψ
Report #3 - 3QU15 Logs #7-10Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #7 The results of the atmospheric makeup are as follows: seventy-three point eight percent (73.08%) nitrogen, twenty five point nine-five percent (25.95%) oxygen, a variable amount {an average of or around one point two-four-seven percent (1.247%)} of water vapour, point nine-three percent (0.93%) argon, zero point zero three-eight percent (0.038%) carbon dioxide, and traces amounts of hydrogen, helium, and other noble gases. The percentages of oxygen is slightly above the normal life-bearing planet, which may contribute to why there are so many Sapients living amongst each other, as all of their respiration systems are based upon the intake of oxygen and the exhalation of carbon dioxide. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #8 Due to the nature of this planet being home to a minimum of six (6) Apex Species that are all Sapient, and via the orders of my superior, I have decided sent out the Tertiary Drone to the largest city belonging to the Ponies. This is being done with the intent to gather more information about the Ponies' culture, language, and any other Data that can possibly be obtained. Sending the Tertiary Drone to the Ponies first is an obvious choice to me, and one that I hope others will agree with. I am going to launch the Tertiary Drone under the cover of night and I shall Observe through its live feed, taking notes as it traverses. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #9a The Tertiary Drone has been successfully launched without any issues. The hull sustained no damage from entering the stratosphere and it endured the impact of landing upon the cobbled stone road while sustaining no damage, as the Drone is in its amorphous and unstructured phase. The road is unharmed as far as I can tell, save for a few rocks that were heated from being in contact with the Drone. Conveniently enough, there seems to be no Ponies within the immediate vicinity of the Drone's successful landing. It has begun flowing along the ground, sticking to the shadows and keeping out of sight as it makes its way towards the pre-determined coordinates--where I presume the 'royalty' lives, in the large and spacious building that the Secondary Drone had originally been brought to whence it was captured. Through my limited Observational capacities of seeing what only the Drone sees, I cannot tell if any Ponies are following it just out of range of the Drone's proverbial 'eye.' However, I can safely assume that the Tertiary Drone knows what to do better than I: it is a Tertiary Drone, after all. From what I can tell, there are four Ponies belonging to what I am now calling the Security caste located outside of the building's exterior. Ponies of all three sub-species {not including the fourth winged-horned variety of which I am sure are special cases} are wearing ornately decorated armour covering their heads, chest, and legs. They are also somehow capable of holding onto primitive bladed and speared weapons with their forehooves. I may require a specimen to study, as their hooves should not be able to grasp objects, and I would like to see how in fact they are capable of it. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #9b The Tertiary Drone has successfully infiltrated the large and guarded domicile undetected. It was a simple task for it to remain in its amorphous and practically liquid state while skirting around the Security caste members, then slipping underneath the door. The Tertiary Drone is currently winding its way along, using the pre-recorded blueprints gathered from the Secondary Drone to aid its search for some form of logged information. While I become nervous whenever a Pony is nearby, I should put more trust into the Tertiary Drone: it was selected specifically to be of the Saboteur-class for good reason. After searching through multiple closed off rooms, the Drone has finally found the equivalent of an information jackpot: a very large amount of bound, thin sheets made from a fibrous material and used to bear printed type and other Data. Books. Many books all together in one location, designating it as a 'library.' Exactly what we needed... While the Drone scans and transmits the Data back to my vessel, I will work on translating the language. Linguistics are not my primary Attribute, but I am more than capable of assisting the vessel in elucidating the language symbol by symbol. The launch of the Tertiary Drone has already been worth it, and it has not even been one (1) Standard Hour yet. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #9c There was a slight mishap in the library. Nothing that will immediately compromise the mission, but the two (ponies) that were forced to be incapacitated will eventually be missed. I shall allay a maximum of four (4) Standard Hours before the Tertiary Drone is to return to the vessel based on the size of the domicile and the average reaction time of the Security caste. I shall not underestimate the Ponies' abilities or comprehension. The imprisonment and subsequent release of the Secondary Drone has convinced me enough. Even though the discovery was unavoidable, I still feel partially at fault: I was only half concentrating upon the Drone, so engrossed I was upon deciphering the language. I didn't notice the two Security caste sneak into the library through a hidden door, one winged and one horned. I'm not sure what they were doing there, as they didn't seem to be searching for any intruders. Regardless, both the Drone and I were caught unawares, and it almost brought the mission to a quick halt. I know that the Tertiary Drone should receive the majority of the blame, yet I still feel responsible. Perhaps the lingering tension regarding the fact that no System nor planet like 3QU15 and 3QU15-1 have been recorded in our history has finally started to wear on me. I digress. The Drone has successfully recorded the majority of the information from the vast library of written Data. I calculate that all the relevant information will have been absorbed, processed, and transmitted back to the vessel within the Hour. My deadline seems to be unnecessary, but on the off chance that another 'fountain' of knowledge is found, I will upkeep it. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #10a My time-frame was not created out of baseless anxiety. Shortly after the Tertiary Drone finished assimilating the last cluster of bound fibrous sheets, a contingent of twenty-one (21) Security caste members, seven (7) of each sub-species, entered the library. They are currently searching the entirety of the room while the Tertiary Drone continues to evade them, waiting for its chance to scurry out the exit. The Security caste have found the unconscious members that were silenced earlier. They are trying to awaken them, but the two knocked out Ponies are staying that way, and will be for at least another eight (8) hours. The Drone has managed to escape, leaving the contingent behind. The Ponies don't know what the Drones are capable of: this much is fact based upon their reactions. The Saboteur-class Drone is currently making its exit of the large compound that it resides in, heading towards an open area where it can re-launch itself and return to the vessel. -Curator ξ Curator's Log - Solar System 3QU15, Planet 3QU15-1: Log #10b The Drone slid underneath a door, one of the last ones blocking its way along the path to freedom. From outside of the door, there were no signs indicating anything other than a completely empty room. From the inside, however, that is not the case. There seems to be some sort of purple and moderately translucent shield-like dome encompassing the entirety of the chamber. The dome seems to provide complete and utter proofing of the sound within. Strangely enough, the dome is not a solid and instead appears to be some sort of plasma, although the heat component is missing. The Drone accidently entered this dome without realizing that there were over two-hundred (200) Ponies all located within the same antechamber. It passed straight through the shielding and became assaulted with the noise of dozens of Ponies communicating at once. Unfortunately, the Drone was spotted before it could slink away unseen. The amorphous-form Tertiary Drone was quickly surrounded by a ring of Security caste, all of them of the horned variety. The Drone made no motions to flee or attack, and neither did the Ponies. They remained that way for almost an entire Minute, neither side moving to engage the other. It was strange, almost comical. Nine (9) armoured Ponies surrounding the lone Tertiary Drone, nothing more than an amorphous globule that barely reached up to a Ponies' chest. I had no idea what to do in this situation, so I allowed the Drone to control itself as it saw fit. The stand-off was interrupted when the same winged-horned Pony with a brilliant white coat and a flowing, multi-coloured mane shouted, causing the Security caste to take several steps backwards. The winged-horned Pony took to the air swiftly and flew towards the Tertiary Drone, landing close, but not overly so. The Pony craned her neck down so that it was eye-to-metal with the Drone. The Pony spoke, slowly and deliberately. The translation program onboard hadn't made very much progress in decoding the language, but it had deciphered enough to translate a few simple words. "What. Are. You." I found myself shivering in excitement. This was the moment of truth: act correctly, and I will have single-handedly bridged the gap between Ourselves and the Ponies. Act incorrectly, however, and I would shatter the bridge before it is even established. I took manual control of the Drone and uploaded a schematic into it of the basic blueprint of a Pony, one without wings or a horn. The Drone began its metamorphosis into a Pony, its amorphous form expanding outward to fill in the shape that was outlined to it. It was the size of a young Pony; a foal. Needless to say, the Ponies were startled by this show of technology. Actually, startled is too mild of a word to describe their reactions. Only the white, winged-horned Pony showed no signs of fear. I made the Drone stick out its right leg, as that was how I observed some Ponies greeting each other. The white pony seemed confused for a second before seeming to realize what the Drone was doing. She {I'm certain of it now; child bearing hips} tentatively walked closer to the faux and metallic foal. I forced the Drone not to move, as I didn't want to scare her away. The white Pony gingerly raised a hoof and pressed it against the Drone's. I noticed that she forced herself not to wince from the contact. With the contact made, I programmed the Drone to scratch out three words into the white stone beneath its feet. "We. Are. Friends." This had the exact reaction that I was hoping for. After the white Pony read the words aloud, the entire chamber exploded into a chorus of happy voices. I was glad for the welcome reception, but my work was not yet complete. Since the Drone was no longer in its amorphous state, and without any way to turn it back, it was as good as useless. So, while the Ponies were celebrating, I made the Drone scratch out five more words. "Automaton. Irreparable. Sacrifice." "Return. Soon." I made the Drone step back, putting enough space between itself and any of the Ponies that may have been within the blast radius. With a simple command, the Drone became undone. After the last remains of the Drone dissipated, all that was left was the small, spherical 'heart' of the Drone. I regret leaving a part of the Drone behind, but it was a necessary sacrifice. It has begun. Soon, I will send out the Quaternary Drone and with any amount of luck, one of the Ponies will volunteer to clamber aboard. I don't want to have to forcibly abduct one of them. -Curator ξ {END OF REPORT #3}
Message #1 - From Curator Ω to XiMessage - From Curator Ω to Xi You, Xi, are to uphold the integrity, honour, and unwavering diligence to us as a whole. As a Curator, your entire life must be devoted to the Cataloguing and Observing of an endless amounts of species. In your travels, you will come to witness things that are more beautiful than anything you will have ever Observed previously. You will find brilliance of previously unheard of levels. You will find understanding of things that most of us strive our entire lives to find. Perhaps you may even find a species capable of being our successors, a species that we may bestow our knowledge and technology to when we ourselves die out. There is a price, however. Like everything else, there must be an equilibrium. For every beautiful thing that graces your eyes by its very presence, there is something else so terrible and grotesque that you will be forced to Cleanse. For every brilliant thing you discover, you will find equal amounts of dementia and ignorance. For every understanding, there will be something that you simply will not be able to answer. So is the way of the Universe. Be warned: Once you accept the Title of Curator, you will leave your old life and name behind. It is a worthy and noble sacrifice, but not one that we will force upon you. If you still wish to become a Curator, your Title shall be given to you immediately and your training will begin at once. If you decline this gracious offer, you may find another Title and Mission of your choosing. -Curator Ω Message Response - From Xi to Curator Ω I accept your generous offer, Esteemed Curator Ω. -Xi
Message #2 - From Curator Ω to Curator ξMessage - From Curator Ω to Curator ξ I applaud your calm and collect response regarding the large amount of abnormalities that has befallen you during your first System, Curator ξ. The gravitational reversed solar orbit of System 3QU15 is indeed strange: I have never seen anything like. Theoretically, it shouldn't be possible, but your relevant data shows it to be very much so. I implore you to take utmost care in determining the exact cause of why 3QU15 is orbiting 3QU15-1 and not the other way around. If there were any more veteran Curators in your Sector, I would have sent them to take over your System. Alas, all of the other Curators are otherwise occupied or too far away to arrive there in a reasonable amount of time. Do not take this as an insult to your intelligence or your capabilities: I am simply enforcing Protocol, which dictates that the atypical and bizarre Systems should be Observed by the senior Curators. As for the evidence that shows there to be two Apex species on 3QU15-1... ...Make sure that there are two, and not more. If there is more than two Apex species, alert me immediately. -Curator Ω Message Response - From Curator ξ to Curator Ω Thank you for allowing me to continue my work on 3QU15 and its solitary planet, Esteemed Curator Ω. I will do everything in my power to discern the true cause behind the juxtaposition of the orbit and whether or not there are more Sapients than the avian-mammals and the 'Ponies.' -Curator ξ
Message #4 - From Curator Ω to Director JidoxMessage {ENCRYPTED} - From Curator Ω to Director Jidox Director Jidox, I send you this message with most troubling news. There have been a total of six (6) different and sapient Apex Species found on the planet 3QU15-1, located in the 3QU15 System, that have been found by the newest Curator, ξ. There have been no accounts of any planets that we have discovered containing any more than two (2) Apex Species at one point in time. Along with the inversed orbital patterns of the star and planet... I fear that this may be the One. Esteemed Director Jidox, what are your orders? -Curator Ω Message Response {ENCRYPTED} - From Director Jidox to Curator Ω Tell no one else about what has been discovered so far. It is bad enough that this new Curator, Xi, happened to chance upon what could very well cause a massive upheaval within the Conclave. Are you positive that there are no other trustworthy Curators within a relatively short travel distance? -Director Jidox Message Response {ENCRYPTED} - From Curator Ω to Director Jidox I consider all of my Curators trustworthy, Director Jidox. The closest Curator to ξ would be Curator Σ, but it would take her more than forty-seven (47) Standard Days to travel to 3QU15, even while travelling through Inversion as often as possible. I believe that we will have to be content with Curator ξ doing the Reports for now. I ask again: What are your orders, Director Jidox? -Curator Ω Message Response {ENCRYPTED} - From Director Jidox to Curator Ω I want as few of us to know of this discovery as possible: allow Xi to continue doing the Reports, but if he steps out of line or asks any questions he shouldn't be asking, I will have to replace him with another Curator. We can only wait and hope that no other signs point to 3QU15-1 being the One. -Director Jidox Message Response {ENCRYPTED} - From Curator Ω to Director Jidox I shall comply with your orders, Jidox. As an added note, please refrain from referring to any and all Curators by name. We gave up Ourselves and use symbols to show our devotion to the Way, something a non-Curator could never understand. -Curator Ω Message Response {ENCRYPTED} - From Director Jidox to Curator Ω If you were anyone besides the Head Curator, Omega, I would strip you of your title and send you to the furthest corner of Known Space to work as a Cleaner for the rest of your Days for being as insolent as you are. I will call whomever I want whatever I want, Omega, and not you or anyone else has the authority to tell me otherwise! -Director Jidox Message Response {ENCRYPTED} - From Curator Ω to Director Jidox My name is Omega no longer, Jidox. I gave that up when I joined the Curators all those Years ago; you would be wise to remember that. You may outrank me, Director, but I hold more power than you ever will. ... The next Report shall be forwarded to you as soon as I receive it from Curator ξ. -Curator Ω
