Erebos 01 Plasma Trawling Station

Board

HEART OF DARKNESS

WHAT’S THE STORY, MOTHER? You’re an international science team, handpicked by Wayland-Yutani to investigate a new form of life. It’s a survey, sample, and assay job but one where you were offered book deals, benefits, university tenure, and lots of money to accept. You were hastily contracted and transported past the Outer Rim aboard an understaffed plasma trawler called Cetorhina. After a three month cryosleep trip, you’ve arrived at your destination. The view port shields in the galley slide open. A swirling whirlpool of pitch black greets you, set against a starry backdrop. The ravenous mass gulps torrents of plasma from two unraveling orange globes that were once dwarf stars. This is 26 Draconis a restricted system that’s home to the Ablassen Black Hole. The powerful singularity is consuming both the planets in its path and the system’s two remaining stars. Whatever life they found is out there, in all that. You’re headed for Erebos an orbiting Wayland-Yutani plasma-trawling platform and recharge station. You assemble on the observation deck for hot coffee (the only good thing on the ship) and the breathtaking view. The ship’s Bishop-type android Grey quietly places an activated Modular Computing Device on the deck. “From the company, I’m told,” he whispers. The module sputters to life, projecting a holographic antique desk before the view port. A familiar looking gentleman peers out from behind the monolithic furniture he resembles the ship’s android, Grey, only a bit older and a bit more tired. The man looks right through you and smiles. “You look confused probably wondering why a synthetic is sitting behind a mahogany desk. Understandable. I’m not a Bishop android I created them. I’m Michael Bishop, company director of special projects. I’m recording this August 7th, the year of our lord, 2185 the morning of your departure from Gateway Station.” Mr. Bishop’s hologram stands before the view port, gesturing towards the black hole. “Magnificent, isn’t it? Living in that swirling plasma soup is a Xeno-extremophile they’re calling the Hessdalen Lights. The lights fit all the criteria for life, and they may even be intelligent. Erebos observed them swarming around a significant meteoric mass in the plasma field, so we gave the green light to anchor the meteor to the station for study. Erebos’s science officer ah, name is Clerke will brief you more on that when you arrive. Now, a couple of safety concerns First, Erebos is a Wayland-Yutani prison work site 99 conscripted convicts. Warden Douglas Stykes and his android officers maintain order just don’t wander off alone. Second, that black hole puts out electromagnetic energies that can scramble your brain like staying awake during FTL, but much worse. If you feel depressed or paranoid, talk to Dr. Lark. If you start feeling anything extreme, report to the station’s medical officer Webb he’s got meds to help. Now about these lights how smart are they? Is there a pattern to their flashes are they trying to communicate? What exploitable properties do they exhibit?” Bishop shakes his head and laughs. “Think of all we can learn from them! I only wish I could be there with you. Good luck!” I used maps made by Arthur Dallas on deviant art as a guide. hope you enjoy. If you see you work and I forgot to mention you, I apologize please message me and I will fix it. post haste

parts of boards I used