Databank (Below Zero)

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This article is about the Databank. You may be looking for Dialogue or Data Boxes.

The Databank is the encyclopedia of entries that are visible on the encyclopedia of the PDA. Be wary that these logs can be adjusted during the development of the game.

Alien Data

Alien Bio #1

“	<poem>Alien Bio #1</poem>	”

Alien Bio #2

“	<poem>Alien Bio #2</poem>	”

Alien Bio #3

“	<poem>Alien Bio #3</poem>	”

Alien Bio #4

“	<poem>Alien Bio #4</poem>	”

Alien Vessel

“	<poem> My kind navigates spacetime in conjunction with bio-mechanical vessels, altered and evolved over time to serve our needs. In case of disaster we can download our data patterns from the current vessel to a sanctuary site for later retrieval. Storage in this fashion is safe provided consistent power supply, however the unique perspective and traits which arose from the interplay with the original vessel are lost. It is like a factory reset. It is recommended they be restored to a freshly constructed, compatible vessel as soon as possible. Such hollow vessels may be fast-grown from seed at an appropriate facility, using specialized blueprints and materials. Addendum: I believe that you were impolite because I threatened you. </poem>	”

Ency_Precursor_Bounty

“	<poem>EncyDesc_Precursor_Bounty</poem>	”

Precursor Bounty

“	<poem>Gain rewards for Precursor technology</poem>	”

Alterra

Alien Research Site Zero

“	<poem> During their occupation of 4546B, the mysterious race of space-faring aliens we refer to as the Almanac selected a number of sites around the planet at which to build their vast facilites. While the focus of their mission to save their kind from the bacterium was the emperor specimen contained at the primary containment facility, their other installations served a variety of precautionary and support roles. Research Site Zero: Unknown Alien Facility While zero sector contains a number of now-familiar alien sanctuaries, the alien facility in close proximity to the main research station remains one of the few whose purpose we have yet to discover. This will be the focus of our endeavors in zero sector. What We Know: Frozen beneath the ice hundreds of years ago, the facility lays dormant to this day. We have progressed only through the first forcefield, gaining access to the antechamber where a combination lock of a type we don't understand prevents further exploration. Whatever is inside, it is protected more thoroughly than anything else we have encountered.</poem>	”

Architect Psychology

“	<poem> Without direct access to a living specimen we can only make reasoned guesses as to how they experienced life and interacted with the world around them. It is clear their mastery of the physical world far outstrips out own, and that they have emerged from the other side of some great technological and intellectual upheaval. They have not become inanimate parts in a larger consciousness, nor ascended to some non-physical form of existence. In short they have somehow maintained a level of individuality - as evidenced in translated logs - yet they are connected with one another and their world in a way we can only imagine.</poem>	”

Jeffreys' Log

“	<poem> Operation week 12, 4546B. Operation schedule delayed but not compromised by external factors. Gained access to sanctuary, but unknown third party has already removed the target. Vesper is not yet aware. Whoever is in possession is acting for themselves. Heading south out of zero sector to continue investigations.</poem>	”

Outpost Omega Probe Data

“	<poem> Purpose: Constant monitoring of alien power and network infrastructure. Runtime since last data download: 454 hours Anomalous Recordings: - Power rerouted to local sanctuary - Personality data downloaded from sanctuary to mobile core - Core detached and removed from sanctuary - Power returned to normal</poem>	”

Pengling Autopsy Report

“	<poem> Pengling has some really mean stuff done to it. Alterra is not nice to alien life. Also some stuff about penglings.</poem>	”

Profile: Research Station Zero

“	<poem> Welcome to your home away from home on 4546B. This pamphlet will guide you through your new accomodation. Get Your Bearings: Zero sector is comprised of 2 square kilometers of ocean, located near the planet's equator. Unusual environmental conditions leave this area in almost permanent winter, interrupted by extreme weather events. For unknown reasons it was selected by the aliens as a hub for their installations. Life in the area has flourished since the release of enzyme 42 into the larger ecosystem. Research Station Zero: You have been posted to the main sector base, located on a large ice cap in the west, just below the primary alien research site. From here you will conduct research into alien communications and technologies, and conduct away missions to unmanned installations elsewhere in the sector. Facilites: - 3-6 person accomodation - Full science and engineering section - Leisure and exercise facilities - Large growroom and water filtration unit for self-sufficient living - Weather forecasting suite - Prawn bay</poem>	”

Robin Goodall - Alterra Application Interview

“	<poem> INTERVIEWER: Why have you applied for this role? ROBIN: Everyone's talking about 4546B. Who hasn't applied?! Maybe Jeffreys. INTERVIEWER: No, Jeffreys signed on last week. Why THIS assignment? ROBIN: The last time we found sentient alien life was Strader VI. Seventeen years ago. It's been fun, but frankly I'm bored, and you have telepathic squid. INTERVIEWER: I should tell you that rumors about space-faring aliens on the planet ARE rumors. If that's why you're here you'll be disappointed. ROBIN: I'm a xeno-linguist. Space-faring aliens are our holy grail. I want it, but I don't expect to get it. INTERVIEWER: What qualifies you for this position? ROBIN: There are creatures out there you couldn't imagine, let alone understand. Do you know how I talk to them? INTERVIEWER: I think you correlate responses against stimuli and- ROBIN: I do what they do. If they bather in liquid nitrogen and talk with their feet, I put on a coat and I pull a handstand. But this recruitment process? It's most alien of all. So I'm trying to correlate my responses here. I want us to understand each other. Put me on that planet. I'll talk with the fish for you. INTERVIEWER: Thank you, Miss Goodall. Sandra - Sandra?! - Sandra will show you out. Sandra?!</poem>	”

Robin Goodall - Personal Recording

“	<poem> ROBIN: Alterra just offered me the Vesper job. SAM: That's great! ROBIN: You had something to do with this. SAM: No, I- ROBIN: Lying is against the rules. SAM: How could you tell? ROBIN: It's been years. You should be insufferable with joy right now. SAM: I just knew you'd want this job. SAM: I might be if you hadn't thrown the job interview. You're better at talking to people than that. You totally rattled my HR guy. SAM: I can't tell you. You have to trust me. It's a once in a lifetime assignment. ROBIN: What does that mean? [...] You're not serious[...] You can't be[...] I love you. SAM: So I remind myself when I don't see you. ROBIN: I've got to go do things, bye!</poem>	”

Robin Goodall - Research Notes

“	<poem>43789314876 4689432 46303646 4263784</poem>	”

Sam Goodall - Voicelog X

“	<poem> SAM: Sir, I've been running some diagnostics, and I found something strange. Contractor Goodall's GPS has her traveling all over the sector. MAXIM: That's what we pay her for. SAM: But sir, she's not running Alterra operations. And she's been evasive when questioned. You asked me to tell you if I thought she was lying, Sir. MAXIM: You would see your sister incarcerated for the good of the company? Why? SAM: She's foolhardy. She's putting us at risk. I don't like it, but she's left me no choice. MAXIM: Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I want you to give her whatever she needs, and to watch what she does with it. SAM: Sir, why not just bring her in? I don't know what explains it, but perhaps she's ill tired, I don't know, but she could be a harm to herself and others. MAXIM: You WANT me to send the marines after her?! You are aware of these people's reputation? SAM: I believe I could get her to come in peacefully, Sir. MAXIM: Comme ci, comme ca. Do you know what she hopes to achieve? SAM: No, sir. MAXIM: Is she the sort of person to tell? SAM: No, sir. MAXIM: Then we will see what she does. SAM: Yes, sir. MAXIM: Thank you, Vice-President Goodall.</poem>	”

Sam Goodall - Voicelog Y

“	<poem> SAM: There's been an accident in the labs. All the stored enzyme, it's gone. MAXIM: What do I care about this? SAM: Sir, it's a security risk. The enzyme is our only protection against the kharaa bacterium. If there was an outbreak we'd be defenseless. MAXIM: Was it an accident, or sabotage? SAM: The enzyme is unstable, Sir, but they've never seen this before. MAXIM: So have grunts on the planet send us more. SAM: That's already underway, Sir, but the emperor specimens are mostly concentrated away from our outposts. Robin is the only asset we have close by. I thought you'd want personal oversight on this. MAXIM: Brief Contractor Goodall. Don't mention sabotage. We'll see what runs in this family.</poem>	”

Sam Goodall Intercepted Voicelog #1

“	<poem> MAXIM: Goodall! Your sister... she delivered the alien core, yes? SAM: Yes, sir. MAXIM: Can she be trusted? SAM: She's the best at what she does, Sir. MAXIM: Has she lied to you before? SAM: We grew up together. We were children. MAXIM: Would you be able to tell if she lied to you again? SAM: You'd... be the first to know, Sir.</poem>	”

Sam Goodall Voicelog Cappa

“	<poem> MAXIM: Goodall! SAM: Yes, sir! MAXIM: I do not know why I am bothered with this minutia. I understand you requisitioned your sister a Snow Fox hoverbike. SAM: Yes, sir. MAXIM: Your conversations were flagged. I've read the transcripts. You bent the rules. SAM: I did what I judged was most profitable for the company, sir. MAXIM: You're good, Goodall, but not perfect. My vice-presidents are spotless. SAM: I'll clean up, sir. MAXIM: Good!</poem>	”

Task List

“	<poem> - Harvest edibles from growbeds and plant new seed - TODO - Translate symbols on alien artifacts 7 & 10 - IN PROGRESS - Send completed research samples to Vesper via rocket - DONE - Continue investigation of the forcefield mechanisms at research site Zero - IN PROGRESS - Send weekly status report - IN PROGRESS - Varnish prawn suits - TODO - Repair weather station - TODO - Perform monthly patrol of remote installations - TODO - Test whether pengwing flock are comfortable enough to swim with humans - DONE (Yes!) - Induct new support personnel - TODO</poem>	”

Weekly Report: Research Base Zero

“	<poem> Week: 26 Staff: Robin Goodall (Xeno-Linguist); Jo Jeffreys (Technician); TBC (Support) Filed by: Robin Goodall Research samples categorized: 5 Research samples with commercial potential: 0 Performance: D Please rate your operation's performance in your own words: We drilled an ice tunnel to encourage a flock of penglings to surface near the habitat, where we've been recording their behaviour; and accessed a frozen over facility, interpreted the symbols on an alien control panel, and hot-wired it to accept Alterra frequencies. I think we deserve a C+. Please rate your satisfaction with Alterra support: I give it a D. It'd be lower, but my sister's carrying the rest of you. Please describe your planned steps for self-improvement: I'm going to bed.</poem>	”

Codes & Clues

Alien Architect Reconstitution Research

“	<poem> There is no evidence that the alien architects colonized other planets in our galaxy, and we are as yet unable to reach the galaxy from where we believe they arrived. No living member of their species has ever been encountered. We have nonetheless learned a great deal about them from what they left behind. Their architecture suggests they are approximately 50% larger than humans, and non-bipedal. It is unclear whether they interact with their technologies through naturally or artificially developed sensory apparatus, but it is clear they had mastered the complexities of genetic and technological alteration. Of most interest is their use of sanctuary sites dotted around the planet. Our efforts to decipher the data stored there have so far been in vain, but evidence suggests they used as emergency shelters when the kharaa bacterium was first released, the aliens somehow able to download their minds to the databanks for later retrieval. This suggests their relationship with their corporeal bodies is quite different from our own. How many times an individual may transfer between different bodies, and the exact mechanism by which they do, is currently unknown. Nonetheless this suggests it may be possible in the future to build, grow or salvage an appropriate body and 'reawaken' one of these aliens. Whether such an entity would have any independent function is entirely another matter - however even in a vegetative state we imagine such a construct would have wide-reaching ramifications for our ability to interface with the alien technologies, and gain further access to their facilities. We have begun an excavation at [Coordinates corrupted]. We believe some of the necessary materials may be located there. [Clue to precursor body part location here] We will remain in contact with Research Base Gamma as this ice front closes in. If we need to abandon the base their position at [Clue to second abandoned Alterra base here] will be our closest point of refuge.</poem>	”

Being Watched?

“	<poem> I thought I saw movement in the water outside again. Just over by that [Clue to PDA Location here]. It was big, whatever it was, but it had four limbs, moved like a human. I'd take a flashlight and go out there, but I'm too scared.</poem>	”

Briefing - Sector Zero

“	<poem> VESPER MISSION OVERVIEW - Week 26 Personnel on 4546B: 37 Personnel on Vesper: 96 RESEARCH SECTOR ZERO Personnel: 1 Active (R. Goodall); 1 MIA (J. Jeffreys) ACTIVE MISSIONS IN YOUR SECTOR Search & Rescue: J. Jeffreys - Vesper's orbital sensors are scanning for missing crew - Divesuit found abandoned near Cargo Rocket, Zero Sector - GPS analysis indicates a trajectory leading towards deep sea station Cappa (150m depth) - Find your colleague! Leviathan Genetic Research Program - Genetic samples from deceased leviathan research specimen are requested - Due to recent ice flow its position is unknown - Depth 150m Data Retrieval: Research Base Omega - Omega base was abandoned weeks ago due to increased local threat levels - Alien research data at the base may prove vital to our efforts - <100m depth</poem>	”

Sanctuary Zero Location Data

“	<poem> Sanctuary Zero was discovered some months ago, operating on low power. All attempts to access the facility have failed. It is located in the so-called Twisty Bridges, an area dense with macro-flora, reaching 100m-300m in depth. The fast growth of the tubular, organic 'bridges' throughout the area prevents a permanent route to the facility from being established. It can be located at a depth of 200m, and contractors are advised to use visual reference to locate a viable path. The alien architects constructed multiple sanctuary facilities around 4546B. Their purpose was to store and preserve the aliens' mental states for later retrieval in case of emergency. While many individuals fled to these sanctuaries when the kharaa contagion was released, most succumbed before they could reach one. Of those sanctuaries we have gained access to, none have contained a viable alien consciousness, and it is further unclear what sense could be made of the data if they had.</poem>	”

Surface Expedition Report

“	<poem> I was on a standard expedition across the ice surface when the weather closed in. Unable to see, I ran straight into an ice worm. I was lucky to escape underwater through a crack in the ice, but it wrecked my hoverbike. The remains may be salvageable. You can find them by [INSERT LOCATION CLUE HERE].</poem>	”

Degasi Survivors

Marguerit Maida's Final Log

“	<poem> God damn sea monsters. God damn aliens. God damn Alterra. Ain't no way they're gettin' inside that alien base without this tablet.</poem>	”

Marguerit Maida's Log

“	<poem> These Alterra idiots. Putting up a seabase on my patch of seabed? Oh, they're gonna be feelin' it in the mornin'. [Clue to marge PDA / seabase]</poem>	”

Emergency

Arctic Survival Guide

“	<poem> Employees working on the surface in cold-weather climates are advised to take additional precautions for their safety. - High winds can result in rapid onset of hypothermia. Keep and eye out for natural shelter or restorative hot sprints! - You never know how long you'll be away from home base. Remember to pack a lunch; a toasty hot beverage always feels good when working in sub-zero conditions. - Always dress appropriately for the mission. Investing in an Alterra 'Cold Suit' is certain to pay dividends where your survival is concerned. Remember: When in doubt, don't go out!</poem>	”

Start Here

“	<poem> If you are reading this, then you have survived the emergency evacuation of a station equipped with Alterra technology, and your PDA has rebooted in Emergency Mode. This operating system will help you continue to survive by monitoring your temperature and vital signs, and issuing advice. Survival Checklist: 1. Retreat to a safe environment 2. Administer first aid if required 3. Broadcast distress signal 4. Retrieve emergency supplies if available 5. Survey the environment for threats and resources 6. Find or construct a reliable habitat 7. Construct necessary survival equipment using the habitat's fabricator 8. Locate other survivors using line of sight or the radio 9. Maintain physical and psychological health until rescue NB Your personal and work files have been encrypted and my be retrieved at a later date by a licensed engineer.</poem>	”

Personal

Goodall Family, Archived Voicelog Pt.1

“	<poem> *Alien chirping* YOUNG ROBIN: PDA describe, auwellian toadworm hibernation behavior. PDA: Auwellian toadworms are an endangered species which hibernates most of the year in leaf-filled burrows. If disturbed they emit a characteristic chirping sound, and should be returned to a warm, enclosed environment as soon as possible. YOUNG ROBIN: A warm, enclosed environment... *Gasp* *Sound of Robin running off. The chirping goes with her until they are out of earshot.* *Sound of Robin returning* YOUNG SAM: *Screams* *Alien chirping louder this time* YOUNG SAM: What did you do?! YOUNG ROBIN: Nothing! YOUNG SAM: What is that thing?! YOUNG ROBIN: An auwellian toadworm. YOUNG SAM: You put it in my bed! YOUNG ROBIN: I didn't! YOUNG SAM: Why would you- What is this stuff?! It's in my hair! YOUNG ROBIN: Be careful! It needs the slime to hibernate! It's endangered! YOUNG SAM: They can just make more! YOUNG ROBIN: So what?! YOUNG SAM: I'm telling mom! YOUNG ROBIN: Don't!</poem>	”

Goodall Family, Archived Voicelog Pt.2

“	<poem> YOUNG SAM: I'm telling mom! YOUNG ROBIN: Don't! MOM: What happened?! YOUNG SAM: She put a disgusting alien slug in my bed! YOUNG ROBIN: It's a toadworm! It's friendly! MOM: Slow down. Robin, why would there be a toadworm in Samantha's bed? YOUNG ROBIN: Because it's warm and enclosed. YOUNG SAM: Then why MY bed?! YOUNT ROBIN: It was closer! YOUNG SAM: She's lying! MOM: Robin, how do you think it makes Samantha feel to have toadworm gunk in her bed? YOUNG ROBIN: She looks angry. MOM: Why would she be angry? YOUNG ROBIN: Because it smells bad. And her hair looks stupid. YOUNG SAM: Mom! MOM: Girls, listen to me. One day you're going to find yourselves on opposite sides of a bigger fight than this. And people will try to tell you it's deadly important that your side wins. If you let this divide you now what hope is there for tomorrow?</poem>	”

The Rules

“	<poem> Rule One: We're on the same team, no matter what. Rule Two: No lying. Rule Three: Rule One trumps Rule Two.</poem>	”

Public Documents

The Great Barrier

“	<poem> While sentient life has been discovered throughout the galaxy, a spacefaring (or Type II) alien civilization has yet to be encountered by humanity. The discovery of such a civilization - dead or alive - has thus become something of a holy grail amongst the scientific community. Aside from the obvious financial, technological and philosophical value of such a discovery, it may serve one yet more vital purpose: it might save humanity from the great barrier. The great barrier explains why humanity appears to be alone amongst the stars. It is a theoretical obstacle in the path of every civilization, which causes it to self-destruct before it can leave behind a trace. It may be the development of nuclear weapons, genetic modification or artificial intelligence; or something else we can't possibly imagine. Since we have discovered that many simple forms of alien intelligence we can assume that the barrier occurs somewhere inbetween the beginnings of a civilization, and its eventual colonization of its galaxy. In other words, we have no way to know whether we have already passed safely through it, or if our doom still lies ahead. Finding a spacefaring alien civilization would provide us vital clue for determining where we stand in relation to the barrier, and how humanity might eventually pass through or otherwise avoid it.</poem>	”

Work Docs

Alterra Contractor Profile: Robin Goodall

“	<poem> Name: Robin Goodall Age: 37 Job Function: Xeno-Linguist Assignment: Vesper Ground Crew (Zero Sector), 4546B Family: Mother (Deceased); Sibling (Sam Goodall, Alterra Management) Background: Born to a single mother employed by Alterra on City-Station 749. Family relocated to Auwell, and independent planetary research colony, when Goodall was 5 years old. One of just fifteen children in the colony, she was home-schooled from then on. Lacking Alterra's protective infrastructure, Auwell colonists were frequently exposed to local alien life, and Goodall developed an interest. When the colony was shut down following an accident which led to the death of her mother, she took a job on the most alien world available, and has not changed course since. Previous Employment: Mongolian Independent States Xeno Prospecting, Scott III (3 years) Alterra Xeno Research Division, Strader VI (3 years) Gaia Corp Xeno Research Division, Strader VI (13 years) Psych Assessment: - Motivated by the work. Unlikely to respond to financial incentive. Ensure contractor understands their reasons and employer's are in harmony. - Summary: Introverted. Intuitive. Thoughtful. Perceptive.</poem>	”

Alterra Employee Profile: Sam Goodall

“	<poem> Name: Same Goodall Age: 48 Job Function: Human Resources Analyst Assignment: Vesper Station, 4546B Family: Mother (Deceased); Sibling (Robin Goodall, Independent Contractor) Background: Born to a single mother employed by Alterra on City-Station 749. Studied the Alterra school curriculum until age 16, when the family relocated to Auwell, an independent planetary research colony outside Alterra space. Education suffered as a result, but Goodall did not lose her cultural identity, and she returned to Alterra space as soon as possible, to acquire digi-training in advanced management and negotiation strategies. Previous Employment: Alterra Seamoth Marketing Division (3 years) Alterra Personnel Surplus Reduction Division (9 years) Alterra Alms Communications (5 years) Alterra Central Negotiation Strategy (6 years) Vesper Human Resources Analyst (Present) Psych Assessment: - Demonstrates strong reward-based motivation. Well-integrated with Alterra corporate structure. - Summar: Extroverted. Sensitive. Thoughtful. Judgemental.</poem>	”

Blueprint License

“	<poem> Name: Robin Goodall Assignment: Xeno-Linguistics Contractor, Vesper Ground Personnel - Zero Sector, 4546B, Ariadne Arm Blueprint Licenses: - Tools (Basic Only) - Habitats (Basic Only) - Weapons (Survival Knife Only) - Vehicles (None) Costs incurred by the fabrication of unlicensed devices will be reclaimed from payroll.</poem>	”

Vesper Station

“	<poem> The Vesper is a semi-permanent orbital installation, designed to provide a sustainable environment for research personnel stationed far from federation space. Once in geosynchronous orbit of a target stellar body it deploys groundcrew and multiple ground-to-space cargo rockets for energy efficient resource transportation. Location: Planet 4546B, Ariadne Arm Mission Parameters: 1. Forensic examination and recovery of Aurora wreckage 2. Biomedical research 3. Ecological preservation 4. Resource exploration 5. [CLASSIFIED] Details: - Habitation, oxygen generation and water filtration for 57 crewmembers indefinitely - Capacity to store up to 30 ground crew simultaneously - 4 deployable ground-to-air rockets for the return of research samples - Full payload of one-use air-to-ground cargo rockets for ongoing ground support - Full science and engineering suites</poem>	”