Core Story / Artemis Quest #6 - NMS_UPDATE3_ENGLISH
Act 2 - Step 8-14
Act 2 - Step 8-14
| ID | Value (text) |
|---|---|
| Step 8 | |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP8_DESC |
-null- has a task for me. They feel something is happening to the galaxy, some great unravelling of the threads that keep reality bound together. I am to investigate, going around the Sentinels where they cannot. |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP8_OBJ1 |
Visit the Observatory |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP8_OBJ1_TIP |
Locate the <SPECIAL>Observatory<> marked by -null-. |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP8_OBJ2 |
Locate the Crashed Freighter |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP8_OBJ2_TIP |
The observatory had logged the location of a crashed freighter. The Gek who ran the observatory visited the wreck and never returned… |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP8_MSGA |
Contact Apollo at a Holo-Terminus Broadcast the glyph address for this planet Use <IMG>SCAN<> to scan your surroundings |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP8_MSGB |
Contact Apollo at a Holo-Terminus Broadcast the glyph address for this planet |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP8_MSG1 |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP8_OBJ1  Visit the Observatory |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP8_MSG2 |
Locate the log of the crashed freighter |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP8_MARKER |
Crashed Freighter |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP8_OSD1 |
FREIGHTER CRASHSITE LOCATED |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP8_OSD2 |
UI_CORE_ACT1_STEP2_OSD COORDINATES RECEIVED |
| Anomaly Terminal | |
TERMINAL_CORE_ACT2_8_LANG |
PRIEST–ENTITY AUTHORISATION DETECTED: SECONDARY SIMULATION [5] ACTIVATED. |
TERMINAL_CORE_ACT2_8_DESC_WAIT |
The machine is ancient and powerful, a relic of a world long since destroyed. |
TERMINAL_CORE_ACT2_8_DESC |
The machine is ancient and powerful, a relic of a world long since destroyed. As I stand before it, Nada tells me of its origin, how a thousand entities died rescuing it from the obliteration of Korvax Prime. It is a simulation of a solar system, a prayer offered to the Atlas. Nada will not explain how a simulation would act as a prayer. But this machine, this single false solar system… it will act as a home for Artemis, should I wish it. |
TERMINAL_CORE_ACT2_8_OPT_A |
Upload Artemis |
TERMINAL_CORE_ACT2_8_OPT_B |
Allow Artemis to die |
TERMINAL_CORE_ACT2_8_LANGA |
I upload Artemis to the simulation, a spark of blue light blazing through the air before me. It fades after a moment, disappearing into the depths of the machine. |
TERMINAL_CORE_ACT2_8_RESA |
Nada tells me that it is done. For my sake, they will permit transmissions to and from this simulation, at least while their station passes through safe systems. They wish me luck in my journey, telling me that Artemis will need some time to grow adjusted to their new life. |
TERMINAL_CORE_ACT2_8_LANGB |
I tell Nada of my choice. They take the <TECHNOLOGY>Mind Arc<> and begin to manipulate the device with their silicon fingers, the lights on their visor dancing as they move…Soon, the Priest–Entity is ready. They whisper a prayer as they twist the mid–point of the Arc, releasing the Traveller soul within. I witness a spark of blue light blaze within the air before me. It fades after a moment, and with it the last remnant of Artemis within this world. |
TERMINAL_CORE_ACT2_8_RESB |
Nada tells me that it is done. Artemis is at peace, now. They wish me luck in my journey, telling me not to dwell on these moments. They tell me that I did the right thing. |
| Nada | |
NADA_CORE_ACT2_8_LANG_LOOP |
Artemis–Echo will live on. Traveller took them from corruption and restored them to a life of exploration, to see a solar system that none but Korvax have ever witnessed. You have done well, Traveller! |
NADA_CORE_ACT2_8_OPT_A_LOOP |
NPC_CORE_ACT1_2_OPT_B Leave |
NADA_CORE_ACT2_8_LANG_LOOP_VAR |
Artemis–Echo has been disconnected, freed from a cruel life. You have done well, Traveller. Your guilt, it is a sacrifice for the one you called friend. Go on without regrets… |
NADA_CORE_ACT2_8_OPT_A_LOOP_VAR |
NPC_CORE_ACT1_2_OPT_B Leave |
| Polo | |
POLO_CORE_ACT2_8_LANG |
Nada told me what you need to do. Just know, friend, that we support you, no matter the choice! |
POLO_CORE_ACT2_8_LANG_ALT |
Nada told me what you need to do. Just know, new friend, that we support you, no matter the choice! |
POLO_CORE_ACT2_8_DESC |
The anomaly has many secrets. One of these is opened to me, a dormant machine now activated… |
POLO_CORE_ACT2_8_LANG_LOOP |
Don’t worry, friend! We will take good care of Artemis–Simulation! The souls of your allies are safe with us! |
POLO_CORE_ACT2_8_OPT_A_LOOP |
NPC_CORE_ACT1_2_OPT_B Leave |
POLO_CORE_ACT2_8_LANG_LOOP_VAR |
You did what you had to do, friend! Traveller–Artemis is free of pain now. Few can say the same. |
POLO_CORE_ACT2_8_OPT_A_LOOP_VAR |
NPC_CORE_ACT1_2_OPT_B Leave |
| Step 9 | |
| NPC | |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9_LANG |
– kzkzkt – are you – kzkkztk – receiving – The HoloTerminus is showing – kzkzkkt – available again, your signal was – kzkkt – thought you were gone – |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9_DESC |
It is a relief to hear Apollo again. It feels like we have not spoken in a long time. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9_OPT_A |
Explain |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9_RES_A |
I try to recount the experience to Apollo as best I can. The gateway, the strange planet, a vast machine, the crimson orb. As I talk, I realise the memories themselves are unstable, that I cannot form them in my mind. It is just a dull, aching red. I tell Apollo that I think I saw the Atlas itself. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9A_LANG |
You… you saw it? You met the Atlas? These species – the Gek, the Korvax – they worship it as a god. I never thought it was real, never thought… Are you alright? I can’t imagine what you’ve gone through. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9A_OPT_A |
Say it was terrifying |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9A_OPT_B |
Say it was just a machine |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9A_OPT_C |
Say it was not a god |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9A_RES |
I tell Apollo of the things the Atlas said, how it spoke of ‘Travellers’ and ‘Sentinels’ as if we were protocols, not living things. The way it views us, the way it looked at me… I felt as if life and death were just fragile dreams, not real concepts at all. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9B_LANG |
At least it didn’t harm you… and I think, I think there’s something in what you’ve just said. The Korvax pay homage to the Sentinels precisely because they believe them to be servants of this ‘Atlas’. We should investigate further. This machine will lead us to the Sentinel nest. We’ll be rich before we know it. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9B_OPT_A |
NPC_CORE_ACT1_8G_OPT_A Agree |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9B_OPT_B |
Say talk of money is absurd |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9B_OPT_C |
Say there are more important things |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9B_RES_A |
I tell Apollo I agree. Perhaps the Sentinels and the Atlas are linked. Perhaps this is the path we need to take. But there are other factors now in play. I tell Apollo of Artemis’ grave, and my encounter with the mysterious Traveller –null–. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9B_RES_B |
I suggest talk of financial reward is absurd at a time like this. The Atlas felt hostile, inexplicable in its motives and purpose… not to mention all that has happened since. I tell Apollo of Artemis’ grave, and my encounter with the mysterious Traveller –null–. I suggest there is more going on here than an opportunity to earn units. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9B_RES_C |
I suggest we have bigger things to worry about. The Atlas felt hostile, inexplicable in its motives and purpose… not to mention all that has happened since. I tell Apollo of Artemis’ grave, and my encounter with the mysterious Traveller –null–. I suggest there is more going on here than an opportunity to earn units. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9B_CHUNK |
I tell Apollo of Artemis’ grave, and my encounter with the mysterious Traveller –null–. I suggest there is more going on here than an opportunity to earn units. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9C_LANG |
Artemis is dead? I… I don’t – How? Who would – kzkzkt –… I know I made fun of them, but that was easy. They cared, they believed, and I – kzkzzkt – What’s happened to them? Where have you buried Artemis? I want to say goodbye, if I can. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9C_OPT_A |
Tell them of your choice |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9C_OPT_B |
Lie |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9C_RES_B |
I lie, claiming that the procedure would not work. Artemis could not be saved, no matter what I chose to do. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9D_DESC_CHUNK |
I tell Apollo that -null- gave me a way of saving Artemis, to restore them to a form of life. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9D_DESC_VAR1 |
Apollo is initially excited at the prospect of going to meet Artemis. But I explain the nature of what I did. I tell them that Artemis’ soul lives on only within a simulation, unable to go beyond. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9D_DESC_VAR2 |
Apollo is initially excited at the prospect of going to meet Artemis. But I explain that I could not do it. It would not have been life, just an empty existence within the simulation. I had to allow Artemis to find peace in death. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9C_CHUNK2 |
It is a long time before Apollo speaks again. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9D_LANG |
Will they be happy? |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9D_OPT_A |
Say you hope so |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9D_OPT_B |
NPC_CORE_ACT1_8D_OPT_C Say you do not know |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9D_OPT_C |
Ask if this was right |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9E_LANG |
An impossible choice. I don’t know what I would have done. We weren’t made for lives like these. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9E_LANG_VAR |
You did the right thing. You tried. Whatever you might be feeling right now, know that you are a good friend |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9E_LANG_CHUNK |
I have to go through the portal and join you, that much is clear. We just need to figure out the right glyphs, the right address, for that world of yours. Find a <SPECIAL>monolith<>. Search for patterns in the data. These things are machines, and we simply need to understand their code. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_9E_OPT_A |
NPC_CORE_ACT1_3C_OPT_A End Communication |
| Step 10 | |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP10_DESC |
-null- seeks to understand more about how the universe came to be in this strange state, how the anomalies we see became so widespread. -null- feels the Vy’keen may know more. I should investigate the Mercenaries Guild and find a helpful contact. |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP10_OBJ1 |
Perform missions for the Mercenaries Guild |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP10_MARKER |
Mercenaries Guild Representative |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP10_MSG1 |
Speak to the Mercenaries Guild Representative |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP10_MSG2 |
Complete contracts for the Mercenaries Guild: %CURRENT%/%AMOUNT%Access the Guide ( <IMG>OPTIONS<>) to learn about the Mission Board |
| Null | |
NOONE_CORE_ACT2_10_LANG_WAIT |
What are you waiting for? Does Apollo not wish to walk through the gateway? I’d advise caution, though I know you will not listen. They never do… |
NOONE_CORE_ACT2_10_OPT_A_WAIT |
NPC_CORE_ACT1_2_OPT_B Leave |
| **NPC | |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_10_LANG |
Have you found the glyphs for your world? I’m almost ready… my suit is upgraded, my stomach is full, and I’ve hired a Gek to look after my farm while I’m away. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_10_OPT_A |
Ask about the farm |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_10_OPT_B |
Say you have found them |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_10_RES_A |
Yes, I have a farm. What of it? It’s not much, mostly fruit I’ve found in my travels, but I’m hoping to expand… Anyway, this is no concern of yours. We have a portal to attend to, do we not? |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_10A_DESC |
As I look at Apollo, I think of all that I saw within the portal, of what happened to Artemis when they walked that same path. I think of the face of the Atlas, of the way Nada warned me not to return to those tunnels. I do not know if the portals are safe. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_10A_OPT_A |
Give Apollo the glyphs |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_10A_OPT_B |
NPC_CORE_ACT1_8F_OPT_B Refuse |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_10A_RES_A |
I give Apollo the glyphs, asking them to take care, to remember what happened to Artemis. They assure me that they will, promising to see me soon. Before I go, they advise me to find out what I can from this so–called ‘-null-’. They warn me to be careful too. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_10A_RES_B |
I refuse to give Apollo the glyphs, claiming that the portal network is not safe. I remind them what happened to myself and to Artemis. We need to know more before we take such a risky step. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_10B_LANG |
Traveller! You can’t refuse me now! You survived, did you not? |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_10B_RES_B |
Reluctantly, Apollo agrees. They advise me to find out what I can from this so–called ‘-null-’. They warn me to be careful, promising to do some research of their own in the interim. |
| Step 11 | |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP11_DESC |
-null- seeks to understand more about how the universe came to be in this strange state, how the anomalies we see became so widespread. The Vy’keen told me of the crimes of the Gek, and of their long crusade against the Sentinels. They do not worship the Atlas as the other races do, distrustful of anything with such power. The Korvax may know more. I should investigate the Explorer’s Guild and find a helpful contact. |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP11_OBJ1 |
Perform missions for the Explorers Guild |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP11_MARKER |
Explorers Guild Representative |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP11_MSG1 |
Speak to the Explorers Guild Representative |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP11_MSG2 |
Complete contracts for the Explorers Guild: %CURRENT%/%AMOUNT%Access the Guide ( <IMG>OPTIONS<>) to learn about the Mission Board |
| NPC | |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_11_LANG |
Two Travellers… one who cared too much, and one who cared too little. The universe is not what you thought it would be, is it? What you felt was promised? Don’t feel bad… every sentient being that has ever lived has felt this way at some point. I know I did, once upon a time. I was angry, confused at my own solitude. Imagine my surprise when you woke me. Oh, I know you didn’t mean to… I know you were just playing around with portals. But whatever you did, I am here now, and I need your help. The ATLAS… it is not what you think it is. Something is happening to the universe… something I need your help to figure out. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_11_DESC_RET |
Are you willing to help me discover what is happening to the universe? I need your help, Traveller… |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_11_OPT_A |
Ask why they need your help |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_11_OPT_B |
NPC_CORE_ACT1_8H_OPT_A Accept |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_11_OPT_C |
NPC_CORE_ACT1_8F_OPT_B Refuse |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_11_RES_A |
The Sentinels do not just keep the peace across the universe… their motives run deeper than that, seeking out anomalies in the multiversal structure and eliminating them from existence. Have you looked at me? What do you think a Sentinel would do if they came across my form? No, it has to be you, Traveller… |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_11_RES_C |
Why do you play at adventure if you aren’t willing to proceed? Return when you have changed your mind, Traveller. Return when you see sense. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_11B_LANG |
There is an observatory nearby. It will lead you to the location of a crashed freighter of great interest to our investigation. There… there we will find the first secret, I am sure of it. Know that the Atlas is neither enemy nor friend to us, no more than the air or the wind might be called such names. But it is terrified… it is in pain… and we have a responsibility to help its suffering, no matter the cost. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_11B_OPT_A |
NPC_CORE_ACT1_2_OPT_B Leave |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_11B_RES_A_VAR |
As I move to leave, I see that Artemis’ frequency has become available once more on the network. I should speak to them before I find -null-'s observatory. |
| Step 12 | |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP12_DESC |
-null- seeks to understand more about how the universe came to be in this strange state, how the anomalies we see became so widespread. The Korvax told me of their past as slaves to the Gek, of the violence that drove them to the Atlas. They seek to transcend their worldly existence, to live on the same plane as the Atlas. The Gek may know more. I should investigate the Merchants Guild and find a helpful contact. |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP12_OBJ1 |
Complete contracts for the Merchants Guild |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP12_MARKER |
Merchants Guild Representative |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP12_MSG1 |
Speak to the Merchants Guild Representative |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP12_MSG2 |
Complete contracts for the Merchants Guild: %CURRENT%/%AMOUNT%Access the Guide ( <IMG>OPTIONS<>) to learn about the Mission Board |
| NPC | |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_12_LANG |
I – kzzkt – I escaped, Traveller, I escaped! One moment I was running from them, the stars shifting, terrible smiles within the dark… And the next I was here – well, wherever here is. This new world has a sun, has life! It’s beautiful, but I think anything would be beautiful after the months spent in that awful place. I’m ready to get going now, though. We’ll do what we did before, except there will be no shifting stars to stop us this time. If you bring this star chart to a nearby station, I’m sure we’ll find each other soon! |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_12_DESC |
Artemis is unaware of everything. They do not know that they died, that I made a choice to bind their soul within a simulated solar system. They believe that it is still possible to fulfil their dream of meeting another Traveller. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_12_OPT_A |
Tell Artemis the truth |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_12_OPT_B |
Continue the deception |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_12_RES_B |
I tell Artemis I will help, though much has happened since we last spoke. I tell them I am performing an urgent mission for a newly discovered Traveller by the name of -null-. I will assist Artemis with their star chart when I can, but it may be some time. They should attempt to find another pathway off their world if they can. Artemis’ response is muted, but they do not disagree. They wish me luck and terminate the communication. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_12A_DESC |
But how do I tell them their world is not real? Even if I saved them from death, I took their dreams away from them. They are limited to a single system, and will never meet a kindred soul. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_12A_OPT_A |
Be direct |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_12A_OPT_B |
Present positives |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_12A_OPT_C |
Say you are sorry |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_12A_RES_A |
I tell Artemis everything, from the cave I discovered with their grave, to the final upload of their soul to a simulated solar system. Artemis thinks I am joking at first. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_12A_RES_B |
I tell Artemis everything, from the cave I discovered with their grave to the final upload of Artemis’ soul to a simulated solar system. Artemis thinks I am joking at first. But as I try to tell them the positives, that this simulation is a Korvax relic that no explorer has ever seen before, they just stare at me. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_12B_DESC |
I will never forget how their smile falters. After a few more questions, they tell me they need some time to think about what I have said. |
| Step 13 | |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP13_DESC |
The Gek revealed, perhaps unintentionally, of their horrific past, of their crimes against the other races that dominate this galaxy. Their very essence was changed by the Korvax. Does that make these Gek artificial? Can they help being anything but what they are? I should return to -null- and tell them what I have learned. |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP13_MSG |
Speak to Apollo |
| NPC | |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_13_DESC |
The observatory appears to have functioned as a salvage station, manned by a Gek specialist. The Gek, a translator, was accused of questioning things that should not be questioned, of sowing the seeds of dissent… This posting was meant as a punishment. But from the logs, it appears that this posting was the making of them. They found strange things in the wrecks… aberrations, data that spoke of worlds that do not exist and events that did not happen. That Gek, Specialist Polo, went out to investigate one such craft, the life signature of a Korvax still on board. They never returned. Is this how Nada and Polo met? Is this how my friends found each other? There is a signal on the console, a warning on repeat – sixteen short bursts of data in a loop. |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_13_OPT_A |
Extract coordinates |
NPC_CORE_ACT2_13_RES_A |
I extract coordinates for the distress signal. A crashed vessel awaits me on another world… |
| Step 14 | |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP14_DESC |
-null- knows more about this situation than they are letting on. They believe the Atlas is in trouble, that it is dying. That the life in this universe is part of its design, part of some message to a being unknown. It communicates via the stories told by the lifeforms that live in this galaxy. There is nothing for it. I must find another portal and face the Atlas once more. |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP14_OBJ1 |
Find the source of the signal |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP14_OBJ1_TIP |
A familiar signal is broadcasting on a distress channel… |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP14_MSG |
UI_CORE_ACT2_STEP14_OBJ1 Find the source of the signal |
| Freighter | |
FREIGHTER_CORE_ACT2_14_DESC |
I do not know who will read this message. I do not know if anything will survive. But I must die as I lived – I will record it all, even in the face of oblivion… The swarm came to every world. The drones acted erratically… not attacking, just watching. Time passed and the Sentinels did not seem so much of a threat anymore. They were peaceful now, we thought. We had been forgiven. We were wrong. |
FREIGHTER_CORE_ACT2_14_DESC_A |
They struck as one, an attack somehow coordinated across unfathomable distances. With a fury exceeding all prior skirmishes, the Sentinels annihilated all biological life within the universe in a span of 54.2 standard minutes. Only I remained… the Korvax stood with me in the end, to their credit. They concealed me within their flotilla as they headed towards the centre. |
FREIGHTER_CORE_ACT2_14_DESC_B |
They are coming, now. The screams of my friends resonate in every hall, every corner. The Sentinels have found me. I told Nada to leave. I told them what we already know, all of us, in our hearts… we are not alone. Even if I die, even if all that is left of me are these words, Nada will find me again in another universe. Ten just like me, a thousand, a million Travellers… We are not alone, for every soul is many. Even in the face of sixteen, we must declare that we lived. We existed, no matter the horror of the end. They are at my door. I – |