What remains of Luca Rekivek ?

Cover
Adventure summary:
The discovery of the Stargazer’s wreck reopens an old compensation claim, filed in 3303 by Joci Rekivek, widow of the missing pilot. As you re-examine the case, you uncover truths that some believed to be long buried.

The recap

Ship:

Exploration

Vaisseau

Scarab or Scorpion

VRS

Surface scanner

Surface Scanner

Difficulty: Competent

Duration

2h

Max distance

60 LY


What remains of Luca Rekivek ?



This adventure explores an aspect of On the trail of the Stargazer. If you've done it before, you'll visit places you've already been, but with a new perspective that enriches the original story.
 

The Galactic Insurance Company surveys can be carried out independently.


Previously...

During your last investigation - cf. The Ariane's Pride disaster - you left a notification pending, preferring to go and relax. The notification signaled a critical message from your employer: a massive hack of GIC's servers.


Communications intended for agents were intercepted, modified, and redirected with the aim of concealing sensitive information related to ongoing investigations. Worse still, a phishing scam was circulated indicating a false change of email address for sending final reports.


Those in the know spotted the scam. Others, less wary, passed on their findings directly to a malicious third party. Reports were falsified. Undue compensation was paid. Ariane Key was one of those who profited from this manipulation.


Be more vigilant next time, Commander.



Rekivek files



Planetary Port GIC offices Casa Bonita, system 14 Tauri.


No sooner have you set down your coffee mug than a woman in her forties enters without knocking, a rigid folder pressed tightly against her. She sweeps the room with her eyes.

- I'd like to speak to Agent Marven Hale. He handled my husband's case in 3303.


You invite her to sit down, pushing aside a few files.

- My name is Joci Rekivek. I've been told that my husband's case may be reopened. His ship, the Stargazer has just been found (see On the trail of the Stargazer).


The name rings a bell. She continues:

- Mr. Hale granted me partial compensation at the time. Now that the wreck is here, I think I'm entitled to the rest.


You tell her that Hale disappeared from the field nearly a year ago. She silently takes the blow.

Despite yourself you are touched, and you promise to reopen the case. She nods and stands up.

- Thank you for your time. It's all in there. Try to find the truth... and my money.


Without another word, she leaves the room.

The record she left behind seems meager.



== Galactic Insurance Company ==
Accident Declaration Form - Request for Subsequent Compensation
Ref. Document: GIC-CLAIM-F53
 

1. Contract holder information

Full name : Luca Rekivek

Pilot ID: LR-328-U4157495.KZ

Insurance policy no.: GIC-DBX-CIV-41574-UT1
 

2. Insured vessel information

Vessel name: Stargazer

Ship type: Diamondback Explorer

Registration: LR-CF5
 

3. Incident details

Estimated time of incident: unknown

Location: Planet HIP 16378 3B
 

4. Claimant's declaration

"I, the undersigned Joci Rekivek, widow of Luca Rekivek, commander of the exploration vessel Stargazer, file the present claim under art. 13 of the GIC Compensation Code, relating to the reopening of the case GIC/FIR-2218-LR on the basis of new tangible evidence.

The Stargazer, registered under the identifier LR-CF5, has been officially found on the planet HIP 16378 3b, confirming suspicions that it disappeared on a mission in 3303. The wreckage, together with data recovered by rescue teams, attests to the identity of the vessel and its occupant.

At the time of the disappearance (June 3303), having been unable to provide material proof, I had accepted, on the recommendation of agent Marven Hale, partial compensation under art. 7, despite the clause reserving full compensation for confirmed losses.

I now request a complete reassessment of the case and payment of the full indemnity provided for in my husband's contract."


5. Signature

I hereby declare, on my honor, that the information provided is accurate and complete. Any falsification may result in prosecution under Articles GIC-212 and 213 of the Galactic Insurance Code.

Electronic Signature : J.Rekivek-[BIO-ID:JR-214-M5412873.LM]


"What mess are you getting me into, Marv'?"

You open the Galactic Inurance Company database and type in the missing husband's full name to obtain the file.


Password:


Connected agent: GIC-08-3745

> Research : Luca Rekivek

 

 

 

 

No entries match your search.

 

 

 

 

> Press [ESC] to return



It's off to a good start... This folder definitely smells bad. So you try a manual search in File Explorer.


Connected agent: GIC-08-3745

> File explorer

📁 GIC_ROOT/
│
├── 📁 ADMIN_LOGS/

├── 📁 USERS/
├── 📁 CIV_DOSSIERS/
├── 📁 MIL_ACCESS/

├── 📁 NIE/
├── 📁 FIR/

│   ├── 📁 0000-0999/
│   ├── 📁 1000-1999/
│   ├── 📁 2000-2999/

│   ├── 📁 3000-3999/

│   ├── 📁 4000-4999/

│   ├── 📁 5000-5999/

│   ├── 📁 6000-6999/

│   ├── 📁 7000-7999/

│   ├── 📁 8000-8999/

│   └── 📁 9000-9999/
└── 📁 ARCHIVES/

 

 

> Press [ESC] to return


What files should you open in the FIR (Final Investigation Reports)?


Password:

Bingo, you find the FIR-2218-LR/ folder.


Connected agent: GIC-08-3745

> File explorer

📁 GIC_ROOT/
│
├── 📁 ADMIN_LOGS/

├── 📁 USERS/
├── 📁 CIV_DOSSIERS/
├── 📁 MIL_ACCESS/

├── 📁 NIE/
├── 📁 FIR/

│   ├── 📁 FIR-0000-0999/
│   ├── 📁 FIR-1000-1999/
│   ├── 📁 FIR-2000-2999/
│   │   ├── FIR-2154-RY/
│   │   ├── FIR-2186-MP/
│   │   ├── FIR-2218-LR/

│   │   │       ├── 🔒 missing_person_report.txt
│   │   │       ├── 🔒 rejected_request_report.txt

│   │   │       ├── 🔒 review_approval_report.txt
│   │   │       ├── 🔒 confidential_note.txt

│   │   │       ├── memo_psswd.txt

│   │   │       └── appendices/

│   │   │               └── empty file

│   │   ├── FIR-2405-WL/

│   │   ├── FIR-2517-JA/

│   │   └── FIR-2789-SE/

│   ├── 📁 FIR-3000-3999/

│   ├── 📁 FIR-4000-4999/

│   ├── 📁 FIR-5000-5999/

│   └── 📁 FIR-6000-6999/
└── 📁 ARCHIVES/

 

 

> Press [ESC] to return


Which file should you open?


Password:

A single unlocked file... You double-click memo_psswd.txt :


That was a long time ago now. Year 3275, I think. We were twenty, you maybe a little older. In the Iliad, I was your Hephaestus and you my Grace. In this station, now your home, somewhere in Arque. In this market hall saturated with strange scents and unusual perfumes, bathed in jovial light, you froze in front of this shop window. It was as if you'd seen a miracle, consumed in the blaze of its own beauty. 

You recognized her immediately. As if her essence was whispering to your ancestors.

I asked you his name. You answered me without hesitation. And me, unable to remember. But you, Shannon, will remember it for eternity. 


"What the hell are you doing to me, Marv', what kind of gibberish is that?"

What is this mysterious password?


If you guess it, skip to the password below. 

Otherwise, you'll have to go looking for Shannon.


Password:

This password unlocks the four files :



Broadcast on Obsidian Orbital, Maia, June 26, 3303


Security forces in Maia and the surrounding systems are seeking the location of a Luca Rekivek after his wife Joci Rekivek report him missing. 
Rekivek is an explorer and prospector who has been working in the Pleiades region for several months. 
According to his wife, he had made a significant discovery at an unknown location and was on his way to Obsidian Orbital to register his claim. She was to meet him here and alerted security forces when he did not arrive. 
The last reported response from the transponder aboard Rekivek’s ship the Stargazer was in the HIP 16378 system, but so far no sign of the ship has been found.



File No. GIC/FIR-2218-LR
Year: 3303
Agent: Hale, Marven (GIC-08-4157)
Object:Request for compensation - Disappearance of Cmdr Luca Rekivek, vessel Stargazer

Situation summary:
The Stargazer, Diamondback Explorer-class exploration vessel, transmitted its last signal in the HIP 16378 system. No further communication has been received. The claim was filed by Ms. Joci Rekivek, registered legal spouse, on June 24, 3303.

Material items examined:

- Last transponder response aboard Rekivek's ship in the HIP 16378 system.

- No wreckage or tangible trace found to date

Officer's conclusion:
In accordance with art. 4 of the GIC compensation code, the absence of formal material evidence (wreckage, damaged transponder or biometric elements) does not allow the award of even partial compensation. The status of 'presumed missing' does not entitle to compensation without proven aggravating circumstances. 

Decision:
Request denied.
Reassessment will be possible if new elements are provided.

Signed: Agent M. Hale, GIC-08-4157



File No. GIC/FIR-2218-LR
Year: 3303
Agent: Hale, Marven (GIC-08-4157)
Object: Request for review - Disappearance of Cmdr Luca Rekivek, vessel Stargazer

Changes and new items considered:

- Detailed testimony from Mrs Joci Rekivek, describing private communications with Cmdr Rekivek before his disappearance, suggesting a high-risk mission (area of xeno-biological activity) - Appendix 1.

- Reinforced presumption of a fatal incident outside any possible assistance - Appendix 2.

- Notable emotional pressure in the widow's statement - Appendix 3.

Justification of decision:
Although material evidence remains insufficient, an exceptional compensation clause (Art. 7 'Risk recognized without formal confirmation') allows the granting of partial compensation up to 200,000 credits.

Decision:
Partial compensation granted under exceptional clause.
Reopening only if direct material evidence found.

Signed: Agent M. Hale, GIC-08-4157



Internal confidential note:
Avoid alerting internal commission of inquiry. File referenced as "exceptional treatment for psychological reasons". - M.H.


" What the hell, Marv'?"

You frown: the review report is surprisingly succinct. And none of the appendices mentioned are attached to the file... Curious for a compensation claim under Article 7... this type of procedure normally requires a solid file, supported by numerous arguments. And this confidential memo seems to be trying to hide something, as if we shouldn't scratch too hard... Strange.


Anyway, now there's only one thing to do, inspect this famous wreck to get to the bottom of it.

Which system do you need to go to?


Password:


Once the step is completed, proceed to the next step 

HIP 16378


You emerge from the jump into the dark silence of HIP 16378. Not a soul to be seen. As you search the external systems panel for the planet where the wreck lies, a signal catches your attention: an active listening relay is still drifting in orbit around the star. 



You go there and take out your scanner to listen to it:



Joci, I’m going to be delayed, I’m currently in the HIP 16378 system and I’ve recieved a distress call in orbit around 3b, out of fuel by the sounds of it.


I’ve got some refuelling limpets on board so I’m going to check it out. After all I’ve had my share of near misses and we always say that if it was one of us out there, we’d hope someone would come to help us.


Comms are a bit sketchy at the moment, getting weird glitches, so I’m not sure if you’ ll get this before reaching Maia. I won’t be long, my darling.


Luca out.


You save the log. Now it's time to go to the planet to examine the wreck of the Stargazer.


Once the step is completed, proceed to the next step 

The wreck


You effortlessly locate the crash site and land nearby. The Stargazer lies there, silent, smashed into the rock like a forgotten steel coffin.



You take your SRV out to examine the stranded vessel. After all these years, the wreck's hull shows severe damage from cosmic radiation and micrometeorites. You take the usual photos for your report and scan the data links :


…Joci…under attack…not responding to hails…distress call was a trap…damn it…I can’ t…fell for it…guys are some military out…someone doesn’t want the…found…message…it’s in HIP 17694…




…know if I’m getting through…comms are being jammed…claim is on Planet B 7 f…trying to lose them…get closer to the planet surface, I might be able…




Data links reveal valuable information.


Now it's time to tackle the device's black box. After connecting your terminal to download the data, you notice that the black box is seriously damaged. 


We're going to need your electromechanical skills to replace 10 fuses. 


ACCES FLIGHT RECORDER 'STARGAZER'

---------------------------------

 

On your terminal, you'll have some indications: each number in the grid indicates the number of defective fuses located in the 8 adjoining boxes. 

 

Left click: reveals a square.

Right-click: replace fuse.

 

> If you reveal a faulty fuse, the black box will go into safety mode to prevent short-circuiting and reset the system. 

> Once the replacement process has started, you have 59 seconds before the black box's system intrusion security resets it.


Timer⏳ 30
Mines10
Flags0
RESET
SUCCESS
Decrypting solution… please wait
0%

Indicate the size in megabytes of the downloaded data:


Password:


The GIC agent playing deminer on the carcass of the Stargazer...



INIT_FLIGHT_LOG_RECONSTRUCTION...

[3303 - 00:00:00:01] SYSTEM ENTRY // HR 1571
NAV COORD: 91.75 / -172.5625 / -440.375

FUEL_LEVEL: 19.4t
HEAT: 48%
JUMP TYPE: Standard FSD

[3303 - 00:00:03:44] SYSTEM ENTRY // HIP 22848
NAV COORD: 85.03125 / -165.8125 / -435.1875

FUEL_LEVEL: 17.6t
HEAT: 51%
JUMP TYPE: Standard FSD

[3303 - 00:00:07:12] SYSTEM ENTRY // STRUVE'S LOST SECTOR DB-N B7-1
NAV COORD: 48.1875 / -158.53125 / -412.78125

FUEL_LEVEL: 16.1t
HEAT: 48%
JUMP TYPE: Standard FSD

[3303 - 00:00:10:53] SYSTEM ENTRY // 73 PI TAURI
NAV COORD: 9.125 / -159.53125 / -384.71875

FUEL_LEVEL: 34.3t
HEAT: 71%
JUMP TYPE: Standard FSD

[3303 - 00:00:14:02] SYSTEM ENTRY // HIP 19284
NAV COORD: -25.40625 / -164.875 / -365.40625

FUEL_LEVEL: 28.7t
HEAT: 53%
JUMP TYPE: Standard FSD

COMMS_LOG: OUTGOING TO JOCI [CORRUPTED]

WARNING HYPERSPACE CONDUIT UNSTABLE
FRAME SHIFT DRIVE MALFUNCTION
SYSTEM DOWN
FRAME SHIFT ONLINE
AUTO STABILISATION

[3303 - 00:00:17:33] SYSTEM ENTRY // PLEIADES SECTOR HW-W C1-10
NAV COORD: -33.625 / -162.75 / -354.375

FUEL_LEVEL: 25.1t
HEAT: 49%
JUMP TYPE: Standard FSD

COMMS_LOG: INCOMING FROM MAIA [CRYPTED] 

[3303 - 00:00:21:08] SYSTEM ENTRY // HIP 17694
NAV COORD: -72.25 / -152.53125 / -338.6875

FUEL_LEVEL: 23.6t
HEAT: 56%
JUMP TYPE: Standard FSD

COMMS_LOG: INCOMING FROM MAIA [CRYPTED] 

COMMS_LOG: INCOMING FROM HIP 17694 [CRYPTED]   
SHIP_SCAN: ID MASKED 

[3303 - 00:00:26:17] SYSTEM ENTRY // HIP 16431
NAV COORD: -109.15625 / -159.5 / -348.21875

FUEL_LEVEL: 19.9t
HEAT: 47%
JUMP TYPE: Standard FSD

[3303 - 00:00:29:59] SYSTEM ENTRY // HIP 16378
NAV COORD: -118.75 / -155.375 / -354.875

FUEL_LEVEL: 17.2t
HEAT: 49%
JUMP TYPE: Standard FSD
COMMS_LOG: OUTGOING TO JOCI [TRANSMISSION DGE-163-A] 
COMMS_LOG: OUTGOING TO JOCI [TRANSMISSION DGE-163-B]

SIGNAL_OUT: [DISTRESS TYPE PING]

SYSTEM STATUS: POWER DOWN

END OF LOG RECONSTRUCTION


As things stand, analysis of the black box data doesn't offer much in the way of clues to the crash... Fortunately, the newspapers are providing the first clues.


GIC - Note Interne d'Enquête

Agent : [Nom confidentiel]

Réf. : GIC/NIE-2218.2-LR
Objet : Inspection site crash – Stargazer


Findings:

- Wreck located on HIP 16378 3B. Diamondback Explorer confirmed.

- Black box: downloaded data.

- Logbook: mention of an ambush by military personnel to cover up the discovery of a mining site on HIP 17694 B7 F.


>>> Next step: Go to HIP 17694 B7 F for site verification.



Once the step is completed, proceed to the next step 

Operating site


From the orbit of HIP 17694 B7 F, you immediately understand what Luca Rekivek had discovered: a Thargoid base. You don't need to descend any further to guess it: the patterns on the ground speak for themselves... A shiver runs down your spine.



You can't go any further. The GIC doesn't cover its agents in the event of a Thargoid attack, and you want to stay alive. You turn back the throttle. It's time to move on:


Luca had mentioned a trap set by a military operation. It remains to be seen which military faction it was.


How many military sites are located in the HIP 17694 system?


Password:

You land on Cho Military Enterprise, somewhat at random. The first door has to be opened.

Once the step is completed, proceed to the next step 

Interrogations



The welcome on Cho Military Enterprise is frosty, the looks wary. Here, we don't like questions. But you insist.


For two days, you tour the twelve military installations. The same old story: introductions, questions, silences, evasive glances.


In the end, you pull nine testimonials out of the pack. Sometimes vague, sometimes too precise. But enough to guess that something has happened. You isolate yourself in your ship and take an aspirin in anticipation:


1. Lieutenant Shana Kove | AXI – Cho Military Enterprise

"Don't be fooled: it's the FNSAD who set this up. They've already taken out pilots who were too curious. One of their facilities is home to a clandestine coordination relay, I'm sure of it."




2. Capitaine Siegfried O'Rigin | FNSAD – Banmeke's Outpost

"Let me be clear: it was the AXI guys who framed Rekivek. The distress call clearly came from a relay under their control."





3. Technicien-chef Alina Drex | FNSAD – Tsybulya Encampment

"Shana Kove is lying. She has too many contacts in AXI's tactical divisions. And for the record, Rekivek refueled here in Tsybulya just before setting course for Obsidian Orbital. I remember he claimed to be receiving threats from a well-known engineer."



4. Surveillant Damaris Ngolo | AXI – Clarke’s Stockade

"Don't believe a word O'Rigin says. He's trying to pin the blame on AXI to cover up for his superiors. Me, I saw a Type-9 come to deliver crates of long-haul weaponry to Banmeke's Outpost three days before the incident."




5. Major Sorin Karott | FNSAD – Lockett Arms Base

"The fake distress message Rekivek received was full of spelling mistakes, it looked amateurish. See for yourself:

Emerrgency call in orbitt arround HIP 16378 3b. Vesssel in criticall emerrgencie, fuel nearli depletted. Need imediatt assisstanse. Positon stable, but slight drifft detectted. Pleaze responce promtly." 


6. Contremaître Yev Malenko | AXI - Nakagawa Arsenal

"Drex takes his dreams for reality. If Rekivek had passed through Tsybulya, I would have seen him in the records. And no Diamondback Scouts were reported at that time."




7. Agent Freya Tallin | FNSAD – Banmeke's Outpost

"Ngolo is losing his mind... Banmeke's Outpost is a small tactical program station, with only medium-sized pads. No Type-9 can land there, unless it wants to leave its landing gear behind. That would be like trying to land a Type-9 on an outpost - it's completely idiotic."



8. Technicienne Nora Hsu | AXI – Priest Munitions Hub

"Tallin? She’s the loyall one, but yu realy need too look into that. She’s the one who send the signalle. He simulate a double-relay orbitt from HIP 16378 3b. The caller ID wasnt even encrypt. And besides, she’s lieing: I saw whit my own eyes Commander Ariane Key land hes Type-9 on an outpost at Gooch Hangar."


9. Retired Captain Elías Quintero | FNSAD - Tsybulya Encampment

"Listen... I've stayed loyal to the flag, but I've seen things. Too many classified missions, too many silences. Shortly before Rekivek's disappearance, I was abruptly ousted, without explanation. That same month, Banmeke's Outpost received an out-of-protocol delivery, escorted by an unregistered squad. I'm not saying that FNSAD did it. I'm just saying they covered something up."


By deduction, identify the apparent culprit. Read carefully: many people accuse each other, but one person indirectly accuses another with evidence.


Next, determine whether the accuser's faction (AXI or FNSAD) is telling the truth or lying.
To do this, check the consistency and veracity of the various testimonies.


> If the accuser belongs to the faction that lie, don't believe him: denounce the accuser.

> If the accuser belongs to the faction that tells the truth, then follow his accusation and denounce the incriminated person.


Indicate the installation of the culprit :


Password:

GIC - Note Interne d'Enquête

Agent : [Nom confidentiel]

Ref: GIC/NIE-2218.2-LR
Object: Interrogation of military installations


Conclusion :

✗ Testimonial #1: AXI = Lie.

✓ Testimonial #2: FNSAD = Truth.


Findings:

✓ Testimonial #3: Luca Rekivek was off to a good start for Obsidian Orbital.

✗ Testimonial #4: Impossible to see a type-9 land on Banmeke's Outpost.

✓ Testimonial #5: The distress message is full of spelling mistakes. 

✗ Testimonial 6: Rekivek piloted a Diamondback Explorer. 

✓ Testimonial 7: Banmeke's Outpost has only an average pad.

✗ Testimony #8: Testimony filled with spelling errors. Guilty.

✗ Testimonial no. 9: Testimonial without evidence and confirmation bias (dismissal).


>>> Next step: Go to Priest Munitions Hub to search for Nora Hsu.


Once the step is completed, proceed to the next step 

Priest Munitions Hub



You access the station's first free terminal to look for a trace of Nora Hsu. But her name does not appear on the public registers. 


You go to the command block to find the chief security officer.


Questioned under the authority of your GIC mandate, the agent finally gives in: "Hsu is out of town. Off-site, for an indeterminate period".
Frustrated at having had to give in under your authority, the agent grumbles to you:"Is that all? I've got a round to make".


Take advantage of the security guard's rounds to disable alarms.



Once the step is completed, proceed to the next step 

Infiltration



Head for the housing block with free access. Locate a personal data port and discreetly, download available files. 


An old archived audio recording of particular interest to you: Com_NH/Pr.P_012.log


- I… I never wanted to get involve with it… so why did it had to go so far?

"I already told you... I didn't want him to die either, but we had no choice..."

- I can feel the eyes on me. They know, I’m shure of it.

"I don't think so."

- What if someone discover the truth? We will be the firsts to be juged… the firsts executted.

"Listen to me, Nora. If Rekivek had succeeded in making public the discoveries of his expedition, including the incident on HIP 19... (audio parasite)... A 2D, he would have reduced years of research to nothing. Do you understand the consequences?"

- Yes… I understan.

"Good. You've done your part. Rekivek has been neutralized, and nothing connects you directly to the operation. Now disappear for a while, until everything settles down." 


You finally have your proof. Luca Rekivek was indeed ambushed by military forces at the Priest Munitions Hub facility. All the evidence you've gathered is now enough to officially close the case.


But one last shadow hangs in the air: who is this sponsor?


In this recording, the mysterious caller mentions a system. But it's unfortunately covered by audio static. How could you deduce which system it is?


Password:

You know it's beyond the scope of your mission. And yet, something pushes you to go further. A doubt. An intuition. Or perhaps simply curiosity.
So, without informing your hierarchy, you set course for HIP 19284 to get to the star given by the recording.


Once the step is completed, proceed to the next step 

Site 94


Site 94 seems to have been abandoned for years. You discover a multitude of inactive extractors. Inspecting the site, you find and listen to Chief Blair's four audio logs.



They tell of the discovery of an underground monument, probably alien, then the sudden attack by an unknown force. The team took refuge underground, cut off from the world. The latest recordings mention disappearances, an invisible presence... and the activation of a signal.


The installations are still there, intact. Something is still emitting a faint pulse, like a call. Be careful Commander, something has been awakened here. And perhaps never went back to sleep. Remain on your guard, you might receive an unwelcome visit.


What links this site to the one we flew over earlier on HIP 17694 B7 F (plural)?


Password:


GIC - Note Interne d'Enquête

Agent : [Nom confidentiel]

Ref: GIC/NIE-2218.2-LR
Object: Discovery of Site 94


Findings:

- Testimonial #3 claims that Luca Rekivek was receiving threats from a renowned engineer.

- The Stargazer's flight recorder reveals several communications dating from 3303 'COMMS_LOG: INCOMING FROM MAIA'.

- Nora Hsu's audio recording is named: Com_NH/Pr.P_012.log

- The two sites Luca Rekivek had discovered are directly linked to the Thargoids and the caller was carrying out research on these sites. 


On the basis of the clues gathered in the course of the investigation, indicate the identity (first name, surname) of the caller.


Password:

Professor Palin seems to have a lot to hide, and has deliberately silenced Luca Rekivek to protect his work... and his mistakes. Site 94 is damning proof of this: his research has already cost many lives. 


What is he really trying to hide? The idea of confronting him crosses your mind. He owes Luca Rekivek's wife some answers. 


As you regain the cockpit, a message pops up in your communication panel notifications. 


Once the step is completed, proceed to the next step 

Palin's hand



A face appears. Cold. Severe. Engineer Palin. Obviously, he was quicker than you...


...Secure transmission...
Priority channel | Origin : Abel Laboratory, Arque
Publisher : Professor Palin



You have [1] new message(s)





Commander,
 

My sensors have detected your presence. Site 94 has been under close surveillance since Rekivek's arrival... I know who you are and what you're after. Nora Hsu told me about your investigations for the GIC. I'm going to give you the answers, so that you stop risking your life for truths that don't concern you.
 

Luca had discovered this site, and another on HIP 17694. He was a brilliant prospector, but over-ambitious. He passed on his discoveries to his wife, Joci. She wanted to monetize them. Ironically, she tried to sell me my own work. When I refused, she threatened to divulge everything.
 

I tried to convince Luca to calm his wife down. He refused to communicate. Then a false distress signal put an end to his wanderings.
 

Do you see the irony? Through greed, his own wife led him to his ruin.
 

And today, you have the last word. What you write in your report will decide the next step in my research. Don't get me wrong: my research goes far beyond the fate of Rekivek, Joci... or yours.
 

Think of his death as a sacrifice for humanity.

Affectionately,
Pr. Palin


You don't belong here anymore. The message is clear. The threat is obvious. There's no point in ignoring it.


You then arrange to meet Joci Rekivek at the Obsidian Orbital station, in Maia, to finalize the subsequent claim.



Once the step is completed, proceed to the next step 

Joci



Joci Rekivek welcomes you to a small office in the resort.



The case is unequivocal: Luca Rekivek committed no pilot error. The Stargazer wreckage, flight data and accumulated evidence confirm his good faith. Legally, Joci is entitled to full payment of the Diamondback Explorer. How much does she still have to collect? 



Don't forget that she has already received part of the compensation.



Password:

You could mention Professor Palin's role, the manipulations, the betrayal, Rekivek's execution by an armed commando. Even Joci's role in precipitating her husband's death out of greed. But nothing requires it, and everything advises against it. There are secrets that are best kept silent. You sign the papers, silently.


As she prepares to sign, she turns to you:

- How about you? How much do you charge?


A pause. You look at her without understanding. She continues:

- Marven Hale took 30%. So that rejected files would fall through the cracks in the system, so that widows like me would get back a minimum. I imagine you did the same to "grant" my compensation. 


The ground seems to give way. You feel the weight of this revelation fall on your shoulders. Everything you thought you knew about Marven Hale, your mentor, cracks. Who was he really?


When you come to your senses, Joci is gone, gone with her bounty. You realize that you may just be a puppet in a well-oiled machine. No sooner have you taken the blow than a message appears on your terminal:


[Encrypted transmission - origin unknown]

"You're doing a great job, agent. As you've no doubt gathered, Marven Hale was just a pawn. Those pulling the strings operate far higher up than you can imagine, and they don't like to see you scratching around.

According to my information... wait... I'll have to cut the transmission... but know this: your next mission may be a trap. Watch your backs, and trust no one."

[Echo-7]


To be continued...


This adventure is dedicated to CMDR Siegfried-Origin,
for giving me immense pleasure in following 

his live adventures from my three previous adventures :)

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