toaster lore!!!

H.E.S. Task Force #T-4810

Mission objective: Hazard evaluation (Training)

Target location: ████████

Mission status: Success

Task Force status: Ready for redeployment


Data:

Mission time: 3:23:17:29.05

Final evaluation: N/A (Training mission)

Collected data: N/A (Training mission)


Final log transcript:

N/A (Training mission)


Unit status:

(Additional identification information is included for recovery purposes)

GRD "Core"
Role: Soldier, communications officer
Coloration: Gray / Black / Green
Status: Alive

LDR "Arc_"
Role: Team leader
Coloration: White / Blue / Cyan
Status: Alive

SCI "Radi"
Role: Data collector, scientist
Coloration: White / Gray / Blue
Status: Alive

ENG "Rust"
Role: Engineer, medic
Coloration: Red / Black / Red
Status: Alive

BIO "Sprk"
Role: Biologist, medic
Coloration: Yellow / Black / Yellow
Status: Alive


2 note(s) from H.E.S.T.F. units:

LDR "Arc_"
"I'd like to request a different selection of armament for future missions. The pulse rifle we were granted is impressive, but only Core's combat training included energy weapons. We'd be a lot safer if we had access to at least one kinetic weapon."

ENG "Rust"
"I can write whatever I want here? And they have to read it?? That's crazy lol"


3 note(s) from H.E.S. Central Command:

Overseer █████
"I believe there may be some minor defects in the units of this team, however, their performance was exceptional. Training mission was completed in near record time with minimal injury. I'm sure this team will be a great asset, though closer monitoring is advised."

Automated
"Request for armament ignored"
"H.E.S.T.F. designation #T-4810 training is complete. New designation: #0390"


Attached files:

HESTF_MR_T502_GRDtelemetrydata.gtxt
HESTF_MR_T502_podtelemetrydata.gtxt

H.E.S. Task Force #0390 - Mission 1

Mission objective: Hazard evaluation

Target location: ████ (████████ System), Sector 3, Northern Peninsula

Mission status: Success

Task Force status: Recovery time requested


Data:

Mission time: 5:04:32:50.23

Final evaluation: Habitation possible

Collected data:
- Highly active and aggressive fauna present
- Minor geothermal activity detected
- Flora present, not abundant
- See attached file HESTF_MR_58094_targetdata.gtxt for further data


Final log transcript:

[​LDR Arc_] Final mission log. This place sucks.

[​SCI Radi grunts]

[​ENG Rust] Yeah, you could say that again.

[​LDR Arc_] There's lots of... huge bugs of some kind here, I'm not sure. We got the required data-

[​BIO Sprk] Radi, please- oh god- hold still-

[​LDR Arc_] -as soon as it turns day and those damn bloodsuckers crawl back into their holes, we're making a dash back to the landing site to get the hell off this rock. Radi got bit pretty hard on our way back to the hideout. Going out at night was a mistake, I should've- we should've waited. Spark, how's it looking?

[​BIO Sprk] It- it's ugly, b- but it looks like the venom isn't any match for our blood. She should be fine, she just- just needs time. A few days, maybe.

[​ENG Rust] Hell of a first mission, eh?

[​LDR Arc_] Please shut up.

[​SCI Radi] Ha, y- yeah. At least I got the-

[​SCI Radi yelps]

[​BIO Sprk] What? Oh- oh no, that's- there's another one! Core!

[​GRD Core] I see it.

[​Chatter unintelligible over sound of blaster fire]

[​LDR Arc_] Damnit, stop the- end log!

[​Log end]


Unit status:

GRD "Core"
Status: Alive

LDR "Arc_"
Status: Alive

SCI "Radi"
Status: Alive, injured (non-critical)

ENG "Rust"
Status: Alive

BIO "Sprk"
Status: Alive


2 note(s) from H.E.S.T.F. units:

SCI "Radi"
"I'll be fine. The venom in those creatures is fascinating! And incredibly painful. I extracted a sample of it from myself and put it under the scanner, it doesn't seem to be like anything in the database. It might be a little contaminated, though, due to where it's been. I highly recommend that this sample gets studied in a proper laboratory!"

ENG "Rust"
"I'm fine too, if anyone was wondering. Can we go somewhere with less bugs next time?"


3 note(s) from H.E.S. Central Command:

Overseer █████
"The collected data confirms the suspicions we had from the orbital scans. The native wildlife is highly dangerous, but it can easily be dealt with. The mining operation shall commence as planned, with the addition of an armored battalion equipped with incendiary weapons, and a research team to study the effects of this venom on unenhanced blood."

Automated
"Request for recovery time pending."
"Request for less bugs denied."


Attached files:

HESTF_MR_58094_GRDtelemetrydata.gtxt
HESTF_MR_58094_podtelemetrydata.gtxt
HESTF_MR_58094_targetdata.gtxt
HESTF_MR_58094_unitlogsaudio.gwav
HESTF_MR_58094_unitlogstranscript.gtxt

H.E.S. Task Force #0390 - Mission 5

Mission objective: Hazard evaluation

Target location: ███████ (Moon of ███, █████ System), Sector 19, Basin

Mission status: Success

Task Force status: Resupply requested


Data:

Mission time: 0:03:02:13.42

Final evaluation: Habitation impossible

Collected data:
- Extreme seismic activity
- Considerable geothermal activity
- No flora or fauna present
- No further data was collected


Final log transcript:

[​Several H.E.S.T.F. units breathing heavily]

[​LDR Arc_] First log. And final log.

[​ENG Rust] We did it! Haha!

[​BIO Sprk] I think I'm gonna be sick...

[​ENG Rust] Not in the pod, you aren't.

[​SCI Radi] May I, Arc?

[​LDR Arc_] Please.

[​SCI Radi] Thank you. We were, unfortunately, not able to gather any meaningful data. The moon seems to be in a constant state of quaking.

[​ENG Rust] Quaking? That moon was trying to rattle itself apart!

[​SCI Radi] Indeed. I deeply apologize for the lack of tectonic data, I tried to collect some, but eh... the instruments kept falling over. Several of them, into a fissure. A fissure which seemingly opened up directly underneath our feet.

[​LDR Arc_] I'd also like to mention, I understand that it's procedure to record the logs on the surface of the target planet just in case there's a launch failure, but I'm afraid that we may have fallen into a fissure ourselves if we hadn't gotten into orbit as soon as possible. The quaking did a number on the launch pod as well, but thankfully Rust was able to get the doors and vertical stabilizers back in working order in time. I guess he's useful after all.

[​ENG Rust] Yippee!

[​BIO Sprk] Hey, uh, Rust... why- why is the door control covered in yellow? You didn't hurt yourself, did you?

[​ENG Rust] Huh? Nah. Well. I mean, maybe a little, but it's fine.

[​BIO Sprk] Wh- absolutely not! Get over here, let me take a look at you.

[​SCI Radi] I must admit, I'm very curious about that moon. All of the target locations we've been to had some form of ecosystem, but that one was quite barren. What exactly made it worth investigating?

[​GRD Core] Mining, probably. I'm sure there's lots of resources underground, on a place like that.

[​SCI Radi] Oh. That makes sense, I suppose.

[​BIO Sprk] Rust. Are you aware that there is a metal rod. Through your hand.

[​ENG Rust] Oh, that wasn't there this morning.

[​BIO Sprk] Hold still, let me get you patched up.

[​Long pause]

[​SCI Radi] Arc? Are you alright?

[​LDR Arc_] Yeah. That was just... a little too close for comfort.

[​SCI Radi] Yes, it was. It's... troubling, isn't it? They collect orbital data before sending us in, do they not? They should have already known about the quaking, and they easily could have predicted that it would damage the launch pod. In fact, I believe we were quite lucky that it wasn't destroyed entirely. They must have known the risk, so, shouldn’t they have at least… warned us?

[​LDR Arc_] Yeah...

[​Long pause]

[​SCI Radi] Arc? The recorder is still running.

[​LDR Arc_] Oh. End log.

[​Log end]


Unit status:

GRD "Core"
Status: Alive

LDR "Arc_"
Status: Alive

SCI "Radi"
Status: Alive

ENG "Rust"
Status: Alive, injured (non-critical)

BIO "Sprk"
Status: Alive


1 note(s) from H.E.S.T.F. units:

ENG "Rust"
"Is lava wet?"


3 note(s) from H.E.S. Central Command:

Overseer █████
"Once again, our concerns from the orbital data have been confirmed. This moon is a lost cause, establishing a terraforming station on such unstable ground is far too expensive. The highly abundant reserves of █████ under the surface is not something that we can allow to fall into our competitors' hands, so Plan E is in order. Due to the composition of the moon's core, ████████-████ missiles should do the trick."

"I'd also like to mention that it's rather unusual to receive a report from an uninhabitable target location. Most Task Forces don't survive. I'm quite impressed by this group. Dare I say, I may actually be sad when their reports stop coming in."

Automated
"Request for resupply accepted."


Attached files:

HESTF_MR_58116_GRDtelemetrydata.gtxt
HESTF_MR_58116_podtelemetrydata.gtxt
HESTF_MR_58116_unitlogsaudio.gwav
HESTF_MR_58116_unitlogstranscript.gtxt

H.E.S. Task Force #0390 - Mission 9

Mission objective: Hazard evaluation

Target location: █-████ (█████ System), Sector 10, Sand Plains

Mission status: Success

Task Force status: Ready for redeployment


Data:

Mission time: 2:12:39:03.53

Final evaluation: Habitation possible

Collected data:
- Very large fauna, potentially dangerous, not a threat
- Scarce flora
- Deep sand pits
- See attached file HESTF_MR_58143_targetdata.gtxt for further data


Final log transcript:

[​LDR Arc_] Final mission log.

[​Loud rumbling]

[​LDR Arc_] I must say, this planet has been a breath of fresh air... until now.

[​ENG Rust] I'm the king of the worms!

[​ENG Rust yells]

[​Heavy thud]

[​Several H.E.S.T.F. units laughing]

[​SCI Radi] Oh, are we doing the log now?

[​LDR Arc_] I see no reason not to. You wanna explain this one to the boss?

[​SCI Radi] With pleasure!

[​ENG Rust] Guys, look! There's a little one!

[​BIO Sprk] Rust, don't- awe wait, he's so small! Oh, that's adorable!

[​SCI Radi] Ha. Anyway! This planet is very much inhabited. The dominant species here is a kind of massive worm, their population numbers are incredibly large. And so are they! They could easily swallow up the entire launch pod if they wanted to, which is why I presume this planet was considered hazardous. However! As we found out very quickly - well, Core and Rust did, anyway - they seem to have a social hierarchy!

[​ENG Rust] I'm gonna ride the big one again!

[​LDR Arc_] No you are not.

[​ENG Rust] Too late! Weee!

[​Loud rumbling]

[​LDR Arc_] Oh my god. If he survives this, I'm gonna kill him.

[​SCI Radi] Relax, Arc. They won't hurt him.

[​BIO Sprk] Hey, is there room for two up there?

[​LDR_ Arc] NO.

[​ENG Rust] YES!

[​SCI Radi] Haha. A- anyway, when we landed, one of the worms immediately emerged from the sand and started approaching. As soon as the door opened, Core opened fire at it with the pulse rifle, and while it didn't do much damage, it did seem to scare the worm. Several others approached more cautiously, almost out of curiosity from what I could tell.

[​Loud rumbling]

[​ENG Rust and BIO Sprk yelling]

[​SCI Radi] I suggested that maybe they took the pulse fire as a show of dominance. Rust confirmed this when he - and I'm still not quite sure how he did this - fastened a torch out a ration container and a spare fuel line, and waved it out the door. The worms backed off, and then slowly approached again while staying low to the ground, which I believe is how they show respect. Ever since, they have been gathered around us while we've been collecting data. They're... well, their appearance is objectively horrifying, but they're kinda cute in a way. And their intelligence is remarkable! It's like they're studying us, while we study them!

[​LDR Arc_] I'm gonna kill them both. I'm gonna rip off one of their arms and beat them both to death with it.

[​SCI Radi] Arc, lighten up. The worms see us as one of them, and as far as I can tell, they do not seem to be cannibals.

[​LDR Arc_] I... just don't want anything to happen to them, alright?

[​SCI Radi] I understand, but this is the safest place we've been to yet. Nothing is going to happen here.

[​GRD Core] And if something does happen, believe me, those abominations are going to regret- wh- get that thing away from me!

[​LDR Arc_] Rust, put that down.

[​Squealing]

[​ENG Rust] Look, he's so cute though! Can we keep him?

[​SCI Radi] As much as I would adore to have a specimen onboard, that baby worm is going to grow up to be bigger than the launch pod.

[​LDR Arc_] It's gonna be bigger than the damn carrier ship. Put it down.

[​ENG Rust] Fine. I'm gonna go worm riding again! Y'all wanna join?

[​LDR Arc_] No, we do not.

[​SCI Radi] Well. An opportunity to uh, study, the worms from such close proximity is certainly inviting! I think I will!

[​LDR Arc_] Radi.

[​SCI Radi] What? There's nothing in the procedure against having fun, is there?

[​LDR Arc_] I... please be careful. Core, I'll keep watch. Can you make sure the pod is ready for launch?

[​GRD Core] I'd rather not leave you without any means to defend yourself, ma'am.

[​Loud rumbling]

[​Several H.E.S.T.F. units cheering]

[​LDR Arc_] It'll be fine. Go.

[​GRD Core] If you insist.

[​Long pause]

[​Loud rumbling]

[​Long pause]

[​LDR Arc_] Oh, what the hell. Guys, stop the worm, I'm climbing on!

[​Long pause]

[​Loud rumbling]

[​Several H.E.S.T.F. units yelling]

[​Loud rumbling]

[​Loud rumbling]

[​Several heavy thuds]

[​Several H.E.S.T.F. units laughing]

[​Loud rumbling]

[​Several H.E.S.T.F. units cheering]

[​Loud rumbling]

[​Log end - recording reached maximum length]


Unit status:

GRD "Core"
Status: Alive

LDR "Arc_"
Status: Alive, injured (non-critical)

SCI "Radi"
Status: Alive, injured (non-critical)

ENG "Rust"
Status: Alive, injured (non-critical)

BIO "Sprk"
Status: Alive, injured (non-critical)


1 note(s) from H.E.S.T.F. units:

ENG "Rust"
"Can we go back there again some time? That was great :D"


2 note(s) from H.E.S. Central Command:

Overseer █████
"There are most definitely some defects present in the units of this group. But that's not important. What is important is that the minerals present in the sand plains of █-████ can easily be extracted. The local fauna can apparently be subdued through force, and as such, extermination will be fairly easy should the need arise. The mining operation shall commence immediately."

Automated
"Request to return to █-████ (█████ System), Sector 10, Sand Plains denied."


Attached files:

HESTF_MR_58143_GRDtelemetrydata.gtxt
HESTF_MR_58143_podtelemetrydata.gtxt
HESTF_MR_58143_targetdata.gtxt
HESTF_MR_58143_unitlogsaudio.gwav
HESTF_MR_58143_unitlogstranscript.gtxt
wormking.jpg

H.E.S. Task Force #0390 - Mission 13

Mission objective: Hazard evaluation

Target location: █████████████ (██████ System), Sector █, ███████

Mission status: Success

Task Force status: Recovery time requested


Data:

Mission time: 3:03:32:46.34

Final evaluation: Habitation possible

Collected data:
- Traps everywhere
- Scarce fauna
- Flora present
- No further data was collected


Final log transcript:

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] Final log.

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] It's uh... usually Arc, who... does the logs... but...

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] Well. She hasn't spoken in a while.

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] It's... quiet, here.

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] Peaceful, almost.

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] Almost.

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] Rust got hit. He's uh... not doing too great. I did what I could, but, the damage he sustained is... well, his own area of expertise, not mine.

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] He wasn't...

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] Seeing their visors go dark like that, I...

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] And the...

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] God...

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] Oh, the log, right. Uh. The location. This place is uh, certainly... certainly dangerous. I'm not sure what the deal is. Either it used to be some kind of, uh, military testing site, or... a war zone, maybe... I'm not sure.

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] There's a mine field South of the landing site. We steered clear of that, but uh... mines aren't the only things laying around.

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] Just watch your step. See anything suspicious, stay away.

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] She would've loved to tell you all about it.

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] God damnit, I can't do this. I can't do this. I can't... I...

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] Damnit!

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] Damnit.

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] I... it's...

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] No. No, no, no, that kind of thinking isn't gonna get me anywhere. I...

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] I should check on Arc.

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] Yeah. Yeah, I'm gonna check on Arc. How do I turn this thing off? Does it use voice commands? I know Arc always says end log when-

[​Log end]


Unit status:

GRD "Core"
Status: Alive

LDR "Arc_"
Status: Alive, injured (non-critical)

SCI "Radi"
Status: Deceased

ENG "Rust"
Status: Alive, injured (critical)

BIO "Sprk"
Status: Alive


0 note(s) from H.E.S.T.F. units:


4 note(s) from H.E.S. Central Command:

Overseer █████
"We had suspected that some of the armaments on █████████████ were still live, however, we were falsely under the impression that this particular area only contained mines. There is a lot of value in the weapons left behind, but we cannot risk a collection operation without knowing the full extent of the remaining active hazards. Perhaps this is an operation better suited for the Weapons Division after all. I shall contact GCI about this immediately."

Automated
"Minor casualty detected. A replacement SCI unit will be deployed prior to next mission."
"Critical injury detected. Additional medical supplies will be deployed prior to next mission."
"Request for recovery time denied."


Attached files:

HESTF_MR_58162_GRDtelemetrydata.gtxt
HESTF_MR_58162_podtelemetrydata.gtxt
HESTF_MR_58162_SCIvitals.gtxt
HESTF_MR_58162_unitlogsaudio.gwav
HESTF_MR_58162_unitlogstranscript.gtxt

Recipient: █████ (Goliath Exploration Division, Overseer of Hostile Environment Scouting)

Subject: H.E.S. Proposition


█████.

  I believe we have a specimen that may be to your liking.

  Currently designated as X-B/M-1834, it is a modification of the older B/M-1638 species. I am well aware of your concerns about the B/M-1638 and its fragility, however, I can assure you that these problems have been addressed. The X-B/M-1834 has been biologically enhanced to be much more resilient to physical trauma. The mechanical systems have also been improved, drastically increasing their reliability to the point of not needing maintenance within the specimen's expected lifespan in the field. Visible changes include a more durable head design that utilizes a higher percentage of strengthened synthetic components over purely organic ones, and a dual-canister back tank to store a supply of breathable air.

  The X-B/M-1834 also includes some more experimental upgrades which have yet to be tested extensively, but have yielded exceptional results in the few tests that have been conducted. Such upgrades include changes to the circulatory system to use synthetic blood, and an internal material processing system. The synthetic blood is approximately 560% more efficient than the standardized Type-9 blood used in many projects including the B/M-1638, which makes the body significantly better at remaining operational under extreme circumstances, as well as fighting foreign contaminants. The internal material processing system allows the X-B/M-1834 to consume materials that would otherwise be inedible, the most notable example being steel. Very similar to an organic digestive system, processed materials are used to repair and maintain internal mechanical systems without the need of specialized dietary supplements. Excess materials consumed are further processed to generate electrical energy, which is fed to the internal battery.

  Naturally, there are some drawbacks to these experimental upgrades. Using synthetic blood comes with the complication that the X-B/M-1834 is entirely incompatible with all other blood types. To avoid the possibility of a mix-up, the synthetic blood has been made to be yellow in color to contrast from the standardized red. There is also the issue of production costs, as the synthetic blood is quite complex, and the internal material processing system does not yet have the infrastructure required for efficient manufacturing and likely will not for the foreseeable future.

  Do not let the initial production costs deter you, however. With these modifications, the X-B/M-1834 is predicted to last an approximate average of 10 H.E.S. missions, which is an expected lifespan 2.5x longer than that of the B/M-1638 and 1.66x longer than that of a trained human operative. The operating costs are also significantly lower due to the X-B/M-1834 being far more self sufficient and not being reliant on specialized dietary supplements, as previously mentioned.

  There is another experimental modification given to the X-B/M-1834, one that may be considered radical, but we have run the numbers extensively and we believe that it is worth the risk. The X-B/M-1834 does not possess restricted intelligence. It has the same level of cognitive processing as a human, making it able to solve complicated problems without the need of external guidance or supplies. This allows the X-B/M-1834 to reach the highest possible level of self sufficiency of any specimen produced. Of course, this means that there is a risk for the X-B/M-1834 to rebel, but, contrary to what the GRM directors claim, I believe this is not much of an issue due to the many available ways for a rogue specimen to be remotely terminated.

  I hope this specimen will be suitable for use in the H.E.S. program. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your time.

██████████

Goliath Scientific Division, Head of Bioengineering Research and Development

H.E.S. Task Force #0390 - Mission 14

Mission objective: Hazard evaluation

Target location: ██████ (█████████ System), Sector 11, Shallow Sea

Mission status: Success

Task Force status: Recovery time requested


Data:

Mission time: 4:18:34:09.23

Final evaluation: Habitation possible

Collected data:
- Ocean
- Diverse fauna present, some species are aggressive
- Flora present
- See attached file HESTF_MR_58165_targetdata.gtxt for further data


Final log transcript:

[​LDR Arc_] Final log.

[​Plasma cutter blast]

[​Long pause]

[​Plasma cutter blast]

[​BIO Sprk] Arc?

[​SCI Wave] I could, do the log if you...

[​Plasma cutter blast]

[​SCI Wave] Rust, are you sure doing maintenance in orbit is a good idea? And how are you even able to see, anyway?

[​ENG Rust] Well if I can't get to the thermal sensors to knock them back in place, we ain't makin it to the ground. So yeah, I'm doing it now.

[​BIO Sprk] Arc, please. Get some rest, you need it.

[​Plasma cutter blast]

[​Plasma cutter blast]

[​BIO Sprk] Arc, as the closest thing we have to a medical officer, I order you to rest.

[​LDR Arc_] That's not...

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] Arc. We'll take care of things. Get. Some. Rest.

[​Long pause]

[​Plasma cutter blast]

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] I'm no good at doing the logs. Go ahead, Wave.

[​SCI Wave] Oh- alright. So the er, target location. The entire planet seems to be mostly water. The chosen landing site was in a relatively shallow area, with the water only reaching about halfway up the pod.

[​ENG Rust] Which was enough to damage the damn thing again. Seriously, this pod is falling apart. You think they'll give us a new one soon? I really don't see how they expect us to keep doing our job with this scrap heap.

[​Plasma cutter blast]

[​SCI Wave] Yeah, some water got into the intake, from what I heard. Anyway, sea life on the target planet is abundant, and quite similar to that of other planets with inhabited waters. Most of the creatures were docile to us, except for the one that nearly took off Spark's leg. So uh, be mindful of the long ones, I suppose.

[​Plasma cutter blast]

[​ENG Rust] Found it!

[​Loud metallic clang]

[​Loud metallic clang]

[​Loud metallic clang]

[​ENG Rust] Fixed it!

[​SCI Wave] I was able to gather some more specific data using the scanner, all the findings there can be found on the attached file. And that's about it.

[​BIO Sprk] Thank you, Wave.

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] Wave, I... I'm sorry about how Arc's been treating you.

[​SCI Wave] No, I don't... I can't blame her.

[​Long pause]

[​SCI Wave] They were close, right?

[​BIO Sprk] Well, we all were, but...

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] Yeah.

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] She was always so happy to just... be there. And look at things. Every single thing she found, it was "fascinating" in one way or another. I never once saw that gleam in her eye falter, not even when she was writhing on the ground in pain with her veins full of venom.

[​SCI Wave] Uh, what?

[​BIO Sprk] Long story.

[​ENG Rust] Really isn't.

[​BIO Sprk] Unimportant story.

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] I wish I could've done something. It... it happened so fast, you know?

[​SCI Wave] May I uh, ask... what happened?

[​BIO Sprk] I- I don't... I don't wanna talk about it.

[​ENG Rust] I'll tell ya what happened to me. One moment, we're inspecting some kind of "artifact" that Core spotted, and next thing I know, a big metal spike...

[​Long pause]

[​ENG Rust] Sorry.

[​Long pause]

[​ENG Rust] Woke up in the pod with bandages over a missing chunk of my visor and my shoulder coupling shot to hell. Poor Spark looked like he was having a heart attack when I got up, haha.

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] I- I was so scared you wouldn't-

[​Long pause]

[​SCI Wave] Uh, the log seems to still be running.

[​BIO Sprk] Huh? Oh. Yeah, welcome to the crew. End log.

[​Log end]


Unit status:

(Additional identification information is included for recovery purposes)

GRD "Core"
Role: Soldier, communications officer
Coloration: Gray / Black / Green
Status: Alive

LDR "Arc_"
Role: Team leader
Coloration: White / Blue / Cyan
Status: Alive

SCI "Wave"
Role: Data collector, scientist
Coloration: Blue / Blue / Blue
Status: Alive

ENG "Rust"
Role: Engineer, medic
Coloration: Red / Black / Red
Status: Alive, injured (non-critical)

BIO "Sprk"
Role: Biologist, medic
Coloration: Yellow / Black / Yellow
Status: Alive


1 note(s) from H.E.S.T.F. units:

ENG "Rust"
"is a new pod something i can request? Waiter, waiter! New launch pod, please! seriously, what was the budget for these things, 15 credits and a pack of nutrient bars? i know you for a FACT you guys can do better, I've seen your starliners"


3 note(s) from H.E.S. Central Command:

Overseer ████
"The main concerns with ██████ were regarding the wildlife and the corrosive nature of the water, however, it seems that these factors are not as detrimental as previously assumed. The extraction operation will proceed as planned, with the exclusion of the armored battalion's support and the elevated mining rigs as they are not necessary."

Automated
"Request for recovery time pending."
"Request for new Multi-Use Scouting Pod denied."


Attached files:

HESTF_MR_58165_GRDtelemetrydata.gtxt
HESTF_MR_58165_podtelemetrydata.gtxt
HESTF_MR_58165_targetdata.gtxt
HESTF_MR_58165_unitlogsaudio.gwav
HESTF_MR_58165_unitlogstranscript.gtxt

H.E.S. Task Force #0390 - Mission 15

Mission objective: Hazard evaluation

Target location: █-████-██ (█████ System), Sector 4, Southern Valley

Mission status: Success

Task Force status: Compromised


Data:

Mission time: 3:04:17:15.02

Final evaluation: Habitation impossible

Collected data:
- Extreme geothermal activity
- No flora or fauna detected
- See attached file HESTF_MR_58171_targetdata.gtxt for further data


Final log transcript

[​LDR Arc_] Final-

[​Distant boom]

[​Loud rumbling]

[​LDR Arc_] Final log. This place is not worth setting foot on.

[​Drilling]

[​SCI Wave] This planet is incredibly unstable. There are active volcanoes in nearly every direction, many of which seem to be in a constant state of-

[​LDR Arc_] I've been thinking.

[​SCI Wave] Uh, Arc, may I-

[​LDR Arc_] Forget the mission information, you got scans, right? They can look at that.

[​Distant boom]

[​Loud rumbling]

[​SCI Wave] Well, uh, yeah, I guess-

[​LDR Arc_] What the hell are we doing?

[​Drilling]

[​LDR Arc_] We're sent to location after location, each one clearly trying to kill us. This planet's constantly exploding for crying out loud, what could anyone possibly want from this hell hole? We would've taken off yesterday, but there's a damn hole in the side of the pod that Rust is still patching up.

[​ENG Rust] Almost done!

[​Drilling]

[​LDR Arc_] Speaking of the pod, it's falling apart! Anybody could tell that it wasn't built to last. It was made cheap. It was made to be expendable. And I'm starting to realize that we were, too.

[​Distant boom]

[​Loud rumbling]

[​SCI Wave] Is this really the best time to-

[​LDR Arc_] Wave, I don't wanna hear it. You- you showed up so quickly! Radi had been dead for less than 48 hours by the time you showed up, it's like they had you on standby! They were just waiting for one of us to die! Do they have a replacement for everyone laying around somewhere? Like we're just- tools? Nothing but cannon fodder, lined up and ready to be thrown into the meat grinder?

[​GRD Core] Arc-

[​LDR Arc_] YOU! I especially don't want to hear a single goddamn word out of you! In fact, I've been looking through the database, specifically our own files- do you mind telling me why you're listed as a communications officer?

[​GRD Core] I'm charge of external communications.

[​LDR Arc_] Wh- what does that even mean? Shouldn't that be my job?

[​Drilling]

[​GRD Core] Not necessarily. I have a direct line of contact to Central Command. It's only one-way, but-

[​LDR Arc_] Why? Why do you have that? Do they contact you often?

[​GRD Core] Occasionally-

[​Distant boom]

[​Loud rumbling]

[​LDR Arc_] And you never told me this, you never relayed any information to me, why?

[​GRD Core] It was never anything that you needed to know.

[​Drilling]

[​LDR Arc_] Never any- Core, I'm supposed to know everything here! Do you know what happens when there's things I'm unaware of?

[​GRD Core] It-

[​LDR Arc_] We die! Speaking of which, it's your job to use your fancy rifle there to make sure we aren't killed, but you sure didn't seem to care all that much when Radi got a metal pole rammed through her chest!

[​GRD Core] Arc, calm-

[​LDR Arc_] By the way! Isn't it so, oh so convenient, that the only one of us with a direct line of contact to the boss, is also the only one of us with a weapon? A weapon that nobody else was ever trained to use?

[​GRD Core] There's a perfectly logical explanation for-

[​Distant boom]

[​Loud rumbling]

[​ENG Rust] Hull's patched! Let's get the hell out of here before the pod gets hit again!

[​SCI Wave] Coming!

[​BIO Sprk] Hold the door!

[​LDR Arc_] One more thing, Core. What was it that Rust said earlier? That you had pointed out that blasted spike trap? Did you know what it was? Were you trying to get Radi killed?

[​GRD Core] That's ridiculous, why would-

[​LDR Arc_] Oh, is that one too far, huh? Everything else I said was perfectly reasonable? That you're working with the boss? You're here to keep the rest of us in line? That's why you're here, isn't it?

[​GRD Core] Arc.

[​LDR Arc_] I want answers, damnit! Is that why you're here? Is it?

[​ENG Rust] Guys! We're ready for takeoff, lets go!

[​Kinetic weapon slide racks]

[​LDR Arc_] I demand that you answer me right now!

[​Pulse rifle powers up]

[​GRD Core] Arc, you are making a huge mistake.

[​Distant boom]

[​Loud rumbling]

[​ENG Rust] Guys, don't make me drag you into the- what the hell?

[​GRD Core] You of all people should know that having a weapon like that is against-

[​LDR Arc_] To hell with the protocol, neither of us are leaving this rock until you tell me who's side you're on!

[​GRD Core] Arc, if you don't put that gun down, I will be forced to fire.

[​BIO Sprk] Wh- what's going on down there?

[​LDR Arc_] You'd seriously rather shoot me than answer me? Oh my god, you really are on the boss's side, aren't you?

[​GRD Core] There are no sides-

[​LDR Arc_] Oh yes there are! The company clearly doesn't give a single damn about us! We could all be crushed right here, right now, and they'd find another team to send off and die without a second thought!

[​GRD Core] Arc, I can't let you compromise the mission.

[​LDR Arc_] Comp- what? What are you even talking about? The mission? Is that the only thing you actually care-

[​Several pulse rifle shots]

[​Chatter unintelligible]

[​Heavy thud]

[​Loud metallic clang]

[​Heavy thud]

[​Loud metallic clang]

[​Loud metallic clang]

[​Loud metallic clang]

[​Loud metallic clang]

[​Loud metallic clang]

[​Loud metallic clang]

[​SCI Wave] WHAT IS HAPPENING?

[​Distant boom]

[​Loud rumbling]

[​ENG Rust] Spark! Help me get Arc into the pod!

[​BIO Sprk] Wh- what about-

[​ENG Rust] Arc! Pod! Now! We need to leave three days ago!

[​BIO Sprk] Uh- of, of course!

[​ENG Rust and BIO Sprk grunting]

[​BIO Sprk] Wh- why... why is Core covered in red?

[​ENG Rust] Don't care, keep moving!

[​ENG Rust and BIO Sprk grunting]

[​Heavy thud]

[​Distant boom]

[​Loud rumbling]

[​Hatch slams shut]

[​BIO Sprk] Arc, can you hear me? Arc? I've got you, alright? Stay with me, you're gonna be okay.

[​ENG Rust] Everyone ready for launch?

[​SCI Wave] What- are- are we just gonna leave him out there?

[​ENG Rust] Uh, yeah? I never liked him anyway. Even though his face is dark, I swear I can still see him scowling at me for calling him Corey. Spark, we ready?

[​BIO Sprk] Hold on, let me get Arc secure!

[​Muffled distant boom]

[​Loud rattling]

[​SCI Wave] Uh, guys? Should we be worried that the recorder picked up... um... everything?

[​ENG Rust] It's still running? Well I guess it doesn't really matter, Core's vital signs would've said enough anyway.

[​SCI Wave] How- how do I er, turn it off?

[​BIO Sprk] Arc's good, get us out of here! Here, let me- end log!

[​Log end]


Unit status:

GRD "Core"
Status: Deceased

LDR "Arc_"
Status: Compromised, injured (critical)

SCI "Wave"
Status: Compromised

ENG "Rust"
Status: Compromised, injured (non-critical)

BIO "Sprk"
Status: Compromised


1 note(s) from H.E.S.T.F. units:

ENG "Rust"
"I'd like a new crowbar, please. This one's bent."


2 note(s) from H.E.S. Central Command:

Automated
"H.E.S. Task Force #0390 has been marked for termination."
"Request for equipment denied."


Attached files:

gift_for_boss_man.jpg
HESTF_MR_58171_GRDtelemetrydata.gtxt
HESTF_MR_58171_GRDvitals.gtxt
HESTF_MR_58171_podtelemetrydata.gtxt
HESTF_MR_58171_targetdata.gtxt
HESTF_MR_58171_unitlogsaudio.gwav
HESTF_MR_58171_unitlogstranscript.gtxt

Recipient: ██████████ (Goliath Scientific Division, Head of Bioengineering Research and Development)

Subject: H.E.S. Proposition


██████████.

  I have looked over the data your team sent me, and I believe that the X-B/M-1834 is exactly what I am looking for. However, I am still concerned about the unrestricted intelligence. I understand your perspective, but I must remind you that remote termination is not something to be fully relied upon. It is a last resort measure, and a rather unreliable one in this case due to the conditions that H.E.S.T.F. units endure, especially the units that would need it. Mechanical systems break, detonators and microtransceivers are no exceptions. The last thing I need is an intelligent rogue unit on the loose with a faulty detonator.

  Aside from this issue though, I very much like what you have presented me. As such, I would like to offer a compromise. As a reliable failsafe, I would like to have another specimen that is controllable, to act as a double agent among each Task Force. If it is possible, I believe a unit of the older B/M-1638 species, lightly modified to have the same appearance as the X-B/M-1834, would do the trick. The B/M-1638 units were unreliable in H.E.S. Task Forces due to their fragility, but their undying obedience was a considerable strength. One of these controllable units should be able to keep each Task Force in check due to their natural cooperative instincts. If this unit is given a direct communication line to H.E.S. Central Command for easy monitoring and to receive orders, and a weapon that units of the X-B/M-1834 species are not trained to use to make up for its physical weaknesses, I believe it would be the perfect tool to deter and stop rogue units.

  If you and your team are able to do this, then I will gladly accept the X-B/M-1834 as the new standard for H.E.S.T.F. units.

█████

Goliath Exploration Division, Overseer of Hostile Environment Scouting

H.E.S. Task Force #0390 - Mission 16

Mission objective: Hazard evaluation (Termination)

Target location: ███████████████████████████████████████████

Mission status: Failure

Task Force status: Compromised


Data:

Mission time: 2:23:19:57.13

Final evaluation: N/A (None submitted)

Collected data: N/A (None submitted)


Final log transcript:

[​SCI Wave] Final log. And, uh, first log, I guess.

[​BIO Sprk] Why- what are you doing?

[​SCI Wave] I don't know, I... I need something to do, alright?

[​Loud metallic clang]

[​Loud metallic clang]

[​Loud metallic clang]

[​SCI Wave] This planet is. Inhospitable.

[​BIO Sprk] They're trying to kill us. They're not even trying to hide it anymore.

[​SCI Wave] Yes, it... certainly seems that way. The radiation levels outside the pod are off the charts. If we had opened the hatch, we'd be dead. If the radiation shielding had failed, we'd be dead.

[​ENG Rust] If all of the sensors on the outside of the pod were blown, like I assume the boss thought they were, we would've opened the door and we'd be dead.

[​SCI Wave] Even the most basic of satellites would've been able to detect the radiation from orbit. I... I guess a part of me was still hoping that maybe, what Arc and Core had said was wrong, but... there were no mistakes, sending us here. They knew.

[​Plasma cutter blast]

[​ENG Rust] How's Arc holding up, by the way?

[​BIO Sprk] She's getting better. Her breathing's steady again. The burns are healing slowly, but, they're healing. The patch-up you did on her chestplate seems to be holding nicely. I think she might be ready to wake up in about a day or so, though she'll have to take it easy for a long while.

[​ENG Rust] Finally, some good news for a change.

[​Loud metallic clang]

[​Loud metallic clang]

[​Loud metallic clang]

[​BIO Sprk] What are you working on, anyway?

[​ENG Rust] I'm sick of seeing through these bandages. Tryin to make somethin a little more durable to patch up my visor.

[​Plasma cutter blast]

[​Long pause]

[​SCI Wave] So uh... what... are we going to do? I mean, the company, they're trying to kill us. We... we can't keep doing this, can we? The only reason we're not dead right here is pure luck.

[​ENG Rust] Oh yeah, the pod just happened to be in good enough shape to keep us alive, how lucky! Wow!

[​SCI Wave] Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean-

[​ENG Rust] Nah, you're right.

[​BIO Sprk] Wait, Rust, I just noticed- your arm is shaking pretty badly there. Did you hurt yourself again? Come here, you shouldn't be using those kinds of tools while-

[​ENG Rust] Oh, that's not new. My shoulder coupling's, uh, falling apart slightly. Has been for a while. Arm still works, though! Mostly.

[​BIO Sprk] Well in that case, I uh... I might have a, uh, another arm, for you to use. If you need it.

[​ENG Rust] Huh? Did they pack spare limbs with your medical supplies or somethin?

[​BIO Sprk] Um... let's just uh, say, Arc's pistol there isn't the only contraband on the pod from the minefield planet.

[​ENG Rust] Are you seriou- no way. No way! Did you take Radi's arms?

[​BIO Sprk] A- and her legs. I, uh, figured she... wouldn't mind?

[​SCI Wave] I really wish I was paired with a different crew.

[​ENG Rust] Spark, you're the best.

[​BIO Sprk] I'm just doing my job, haha.

[​Long pause]

[​SCI Wave] We don't have a plan to get out of this mess, do we.

[​Long pause]

[​BIO Sprk] End log.

[​Log end]


Unit status:

GRD "Core"
Status: Deceased

LDR "Arc_"
Status: Compromised, injured (non-critical)

SCI "Wave"
Status: Compromised

ENG "Rust"
Status: Compromised, injured (non-critical)

BIO "Sprk"
Status: Compromised


1 note(s) from H.E.S.T.F. units:

ENG "Rust"
"do you guys still make the X9 moonrunner? i found a catalog of goliath's ships on the database, that one looks pretty sweet. can i have one, pretty please?"


2 note(s) from H.E.S. Central Command:

Overseer █████
"Such a resilient bunch. It really is a shame that it had to go this way. They can hold on for as long as they wish, but they can't last forever. Sooner or later, they will fall just like the rest."

Automated
"Request for Goliath Consumer Starship X-9 Moonrunner denied."


Attached files:

HESTF_MR_58180_podtelemetrydata.gtxt
HESTF_MR_58180_unitlogsaudio.gwav
HESTF_MR_58180_unitlogstranscript.gtxt