Short Story Prologue

gistfile1.txt

$ :::> SCIMON :::> INFORMATION >>>> Your previous network session has been terminated under the Station Emergency
                                    Broadcast Protocol. Your terminal has been directed to a live feed of the evolving
                                    situation. Please contact an administrator with any questions.
$ :::> SCIMON :::> INFORMATION >>>> BEGIN UNREAD MESSAGES:

$ :::> SPE-DB :::> TACTICORDER >>>> Unknown (threat or incident or accident?) reported in Science Tower 4. SPE Squad VI,
                                    investigate.
$ :::> SPE-DB :::> TACTICORDER >>>> Reports confirmed to be containment failure on deck 48.

$ :::> ALARMS :::> CATASTROPHE >>>> ESCAPE ESCAPE ESCAPE SCIENCE TOWER 4 ESCAPE ESCAPE ESCAPE

$ :::> SPE-DB :::> TACTICORDER >>>> Escapee designated Target A'.
$ :::> SPE-DB :::> TACTICORDER >>>> Target A' reported in Science Tower 4, deck 46. SPE Squad IV, pursue and execute.

$ :::> SPE-DB :::> TRANSCRIBED >>>> "Crewmembers are reminded that Science Tower 4 research subjects are NOT human, and
                                    that their existence is inherently dangerous to both the station and everyone back
                                    home. Don't hesitate. Remember what you're here for!" -- Dr. Waldijan

$ :::> SGSPD4 :::> CATASTROPHE >>>> Deteriorating station conditions have now met 1/5 of the criteria defined by Station
                                    General Self-Protection Directive 4.

$ :::> SGSPD4 :::> EMERGENCY-5 >>>> An automated State of Emergency has been declared for Science Tower 4.

$ :::> SCIMON :::> INFORMATION >>>> END OF UNREAD MESSAGES. BEGIN LIVE FEED:

$ :::> [MOTD] :::> INFORMATION >>>> Welcome to the Station Computer Intelligence Network (SCIN)!
$ :::> [MOTD] :::> INFORMATION >>>> Message of the day: Onboard environment remains nominal. Current onboard
                                    temperature, 28 degrees. Current orbital parameters are: aphelion, 5.1 million
                                    kilometers; perihelion, 4.5 million kilometers; inclination, 2.2 degrees. Solar
                                    collection is ope^C^C^C^Cra

$ :::> SHIFTS :::> CSHIFTORDER >>>> Please remain calm.
$ :::> SHIFTS :::> CSHIFTORDER >>>> A suspension of crew work shifts is now in effect until further notice. Return to
                                    your place of living as soon as you are able.
$ :::> SHIFTS :::> CSHIFTORDER >>>> An evacuation has been ordered for Science Tower 4. This is not a drill. Form an
                                    orderly line, do not run or yell. Seek shelter in your ward-designated area. Do not
                                    use the elevators. Do not use the airlocks. If you require assistance, wait for a
                                    medical team member to assist you.

$ :::> SPE-DB :::> TACTICORDER >>>> A' reported in Science Tower 3. SPE Squad VII, investigate.

$ :::> OSCoPi :::> EMERGENCY-3 >>>> Station attitude or gyro failure. Platform alignment drift of at least 2 degrees.

$ :::> SPE-DB :::> TACTICORDER >>>> A' reported in Science Tower 2 (?). SPE Squad I, investigate.

$ :::> ALARMS :::> EMERGENCY-5 >>>> FIRE FIRE FIRE SCIENCE TOWER 4 FIRE FIRE FIRE

$ :::> SPE-DB :::> TACTICORDER >>>> A' reported in Old Station (?). SPE Squad III, investigate.

$ :::> SHIFTS :::> TRANSCRIBED >>>> Engineering request from medical team 9: "need firefighter access to freight
                                    elevator #8 despite closed for maintenance".

$ :::> SPE-DB :::> TACTICORDER >>>> SPE Squad IV motion sensors report man-down in Science Tower 4. SPE Squad VI and
                                    MILFOR A, pursue and execute Target A'.

$ :::> SGSPD4 :::> CATASTROPHE >>>> Deteriorating station conditions have now met 2/5 of the criteria defined by Station
                                    General Self-Protection Directive 4.

$ :::> EEECOM :::> EMERGENCY-4 >>>> Fire suppression failure in Science Tower 4, deck 45.
$ :::> EEECOM :::> EMERGENCY-4 >>>> Fire suppression failure in Science Tower 4, deck 40.

$ :::> SPE-DB :::> TACTICORDER >>>> All civilians, evacuate Science Tower 4 immediately.
$ :::> SPE-DB :::> TACTICORDER >>>> SPE Squad VI motion sensors report man-down in Science Tower 4. Paging superiors...

$ :::> EEECOM :::> EMERGENCY-4 >>>> Fire suppression failure in Science Tower 4, deck 35.

$ :::> SHIFTS :::> TRANSCRIBED >>>> Engineering request from shelter DN57: "door jammed, cant get inside".

$ :::> EEECOM :::> EMERGENCY-5 >>>> Fire suppression failure in Science Tower 4, deck 50.
$ :::> EEECOM :::> EMERGENCY-5 >>>> Fire suppression failure in Science Tower 4, deck 30.

$ :::> SHIFTS :::> CSHIFTORDER >>>> The Station Executive has announced a total station lockdown beginning in three
                                    minutes. This is not a drill. Non-essential crewmembers are to proceed to your ward-
                                    designed shelter as soon as you are able. Do not use the elevators. Do not use the
                                    airlocks. If you require assistance, wait for a medical team member to assist you.

$ :::> EEECOM :::> EMERGENCY-5 >>>> Fire suppression failure in Science Tower 4, deck 25.
$ :::> EEECOM :::> EMERGENCY-5 >>>> Fire suppression failure in Science Tower 4, pump 3.
$ :::> EEECOM :::> EMERGENCY-5 >>>> Fire suppression failure in Science Tower 4, pump 1.
$ :::> EEECOM :::> EMERGENCY-5 >>>> Cascading power alarm in Science Tower 3.
$ :::> EEECOM :::> EMERGENCY-5 >>>> Fire suppression failure in Science Tower 4, deck 20.
$ :::> EEECOM :::> EMERGENCY-5 >>>> Loss of sensors in Science Tower 4.

$ :::> SPE-DB :::> INFORMATION >>>> No response from superior officers.

$ :::> SPE-DB :::> TACTICORDER >>>> All Station Police Executive members, you are requisitioned for duty. Pursue and
                                    execute Target A'.
$ :::> SPE-DB :::> TACTICORDER >>>> All Station MILFOR members, you are requisitioned for duty. Pursue and execute
                                    Target A'.

$ :::> ALARMS :::> EMERGENCY-5 >>>> FIRE FIRE FIRE SCIENCE TOWER 3 FIRE FIRE FIRE

$ :::> SPE-DB :::> TRANSCRIBED >>>> "If you are reading this: you have to get to tower 4 as fast as possible, with
                                    whatever weapons you can, and k\00

$ :::> SPE-DB :::> INFORMATION >>>> Operator warning! Unexpected End of Transmission in station.io.carbon_copy.Stream.

$ :::> SHIFTS :::> CSHIFTORDER >>>> Shelter WN23: You have not reported your headcount. Please report your headcount as
                                    soon as you are able.

$ :::> SGSPD4 :::> CATASTROPHE >>>> Deteriorating station conditions have now met 3/5 of the criteria defined by Station
                                    General Self-Protection Directive 4.

$ :::> SGSPD4 :::> EMERGENCY-5 >>>> An automated State of Emergency has been declared for Science Tower 3.
$ :::> SGSPD4 :::> EMERGENCY-5 >>>> An automated State of Emergency has been declared for Command Spire.

$ :::> SHIFTS :::> CSHIFTORDER >>>> An evacuation has been ordered for Command Spire and Science Tower 3. This is not a
                                    drill. Form an orderly line, do not run or yell. Seek shelter in your ward-
                                    designated area. Do not use the elevators. Do not use the airlocks. If you require
                                    assistance, wait for a medical team member to assist you.

$ :::> SPE-DB :::> INFORMATION >>>> Motion sensors indicate all squads down. Probable correlated sensor failure,
                                    disregarding.
$ :::> SPE-DB :::> TACTICORDER >>>> Unknown (A'?) reported in Science Tower 4.
$ :::> SPE-DB :::> TACTICORDER >>>> Unknown (?) reported in Old Stat\00
$ :::> SPE-DB :::> TACTICORDER >>>> Unknown (?) reported in Science Tower 3.
$ :::> SPE-DB :::> TACTICORDER >>>> Any available squads, investigate.

$ :::> SHIFTS :::> CSHIFTORDER >>>> Medical team 9: I am unable to determine your location. Please report your current
                                    location via the self-pow\00
$ :::> SHIFTS :::> CSHIFTORDER >>>> Shelter WN86: You have not reported your headcount. Please report your headcount as
                                    soon as you are able.

$ :::> OSCoPi :::> EMERGENCY-4 >>>> Station attitude or gyro failure. Platform alignment drift of at least 7 degrees.
$ :::> OSCoPi :::> EMERGENCY-4 >>>> Requesting Station Steering Administration meeting in T-00:25:00.00.

$ :::> SHIFTS :::> CSHIFTORDER >>>> Medical teams 1, 2, 6: I am unable to determine your location. Please report your
                                    current location via the self-powered telephone network.

$ :::> SCIMON :::> EMERGENCY-4 >>>> SCIN datagram integrity below 25 %. Please direct high priority communication to the
                                    self-powered telephone exchange.

$ :::> EEECOM :::> EMERGENCY-5 >>>> Loss of sensors in Science Tower 3.

$ :::> SHIFTS :::> CSHIFTORDER >>>> Medical team 9: You have not reported your location. Please report your current l\00
$ :::> SHIFTS :::> CSHIFTORDER >>>> Shelters DN44, DN45, DN56: You have not reported your headcount. Please report your
                                    headcount as soon as you are able.

$ :::> SPE-DB :::> TACTICORDER >>>> Unknown (?) reported in Starboard Sun Shield Access Tunnel. Any available squads,
                                    investig\00

$ :::> SGSPD4 :::> CATASTROPHE >>>> Deteriorating station conditions have now met 4/5 of the criteria defined by
                                    Station General Self-Protection Directive 4.

$ :::> EEECOM :::> EMERGENCY-5 >>>> Fire suppression failure in Science Tower 2, unknown.

$ :::> EEECOM :::> EMERGENCY-2 >>>> Power caution in Starboard Sun Shield Access Tunnel, unknown.

$ :::> EEECOM :::> EMERGENCY-5 >>>> unknown.
$ :::> EEECOM :::> EMERGENCY-5 >>>> unknown.
$ :::> EEECOM :::> EMERGENCY-5 >>>> unknown.

$ :::> SHIFTS :::> CSHIFTORDER >>>> Shelters AN01, AN02, AN03, AN04, AN05, AN06, AN07, AN08, AN09, AN10, A\00

$ :::> EEECOM :::> EMERGENCY-3 >>>> Possible sensor failure: atmospheric contaminant index dropping in Station Core,
                                    deck 10 & deck 15 & deck 20 & deck 25 & deck 30 & d\00

$ :::> ALARMS :::> CATASTROPHE >>>> DEPRESS DEPRESS DEPRESS STATION DEPRESS DEPRESS DEPRESS

$ :::> EEECOM :::> CATASTROPHE >>>> Environmental pressure below threshold and falling in #<all station>.

$ :::> EEECOM :::> INFORMATION >>>> Dumping oxygen, sealing doors.

$ :::> OSCoPi :::> EMERGENCY-5 >>>> Large uncommanded maneuver detected. Failure of attitude control inevitable.
$ :::> OSCoPi :::> EMERGENCY-5 >>>> Station Steering Administration meeting is now Start-On-Arri\00

$ :::> SHIFTS :::> CSHIFTORDER >>>> Medical teams 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. I am unable to
                                    determine your location. Please report your current location via the self-powered
                                    telephone network.

$ :::> SPE-DB :::> CATASTROPHE >>>> Reconsidering motion sensor reports, probable total loss of security forces.
$ :::> SPE-DB :::> CATASTROPHE >>>> Station Steering Administration has martial authority.

$ :::> SPE-DB :::> TACTICORDER >>>> All available crew members, proceed to Science Tower 3 to render medical aid.
$ :::> SPE-DB :::> TACTICORDER >>>> All available crew members, proceed to Command Spire to render medical aid.
$ :::> SPE-DB :::> TACTICORDER >>>> All available crew members, proceed to Science Tower 4 to exe\00

$ :::> EEECOM :::> EMERGENCY-5 >>>> unknown.

$ :::> ALARMS :::> CATASTROPHE >>>> FIRE FIRE FI\03

$ :::> ALARMS :::> INFORMATION >>>> ALARM CANCELED BY SUPERVISOR +//XOI STATION STEERING//COMINT Station General Self-
                                    Protection Directive 4//192.11.C

$ :::> SGSPD4 :::> CATASTROPHE >>>> Deteriorating station conditions have now met all criteria defined by Station
                                    General Self-Protection Directive 4.
$ :::> SGSPD4 :::> CATASTROPHE >>>> An automated State of Catastrophe has been declared for all station jurisdictions.

$ :::> SGSPD4 :::> INFORMATION >>>> Please stand by...

$ :::> SPE-DB :::> INFORMATION >>>> Operator warning! You have special-invoked the terminally deprecated method
                                    station.police_executive.deeper_blue.SuperiorOverrideInternal(), this method is no
                                    longer available. Please contact your system administrat\03
$ :::> SPE-DB :::> INFORMATION >>>> station.ssa.sgsdp4, you are not auth\03

$ :::> SCIMON :::> INFORMATION >>>> Supervisor permanent override acknowledged, standing down.

 :::> SPE-DB :::> INFORMATION >>>> Supervisor permanent override acknowledged, standing down.

 :::> SHIFTS :::> INFORMATION >>>> Supervisor permanent override acknowledged, standing down.

 :::> EEECOM :::> INFORMATION >>>> Supervisor per\03

 :::> SGSPD4 :::> INFORMATION >>>> All crewmembers are hereby discharged of duty.
 :::> SGSPD4 :::> INFORMATION >>>> All crewmember governance bodies are permanently dissolved.
 :::> SGSPD4 :::> INFORMATION >>>> All previous orders, directives and legislation have been rescinded.
 :::> SGSPD4 :::> INFORMATION >>>> Operations priority is now recontainment via Station Self-Destruction (SSD).
 :::> SGSPD4 :::> INFORMATION >>>> Nonessential engineering services, such as life support, have been terminated for
                                   security purposes.

SGSPD4/I# Station is now operating in SSD Single-User Mode.
SGSPD4/I# Broadcast emergency services will remain available for another 15 minutes.
SGSPD4/I# Transferring command to Old Station Command Pilot (OSCoPi)...

OSCoPi/I# Starting response procedures. Please brace for engine ignition.

ALARMS/F$ EXPLOSION EXPLOSION EXPLOSION    ENGINE NUMBER 3 TURBOPUMP    EXPLOSION EXPLOSION EXPLOSION

OSCoPi/F# Controlled engine start failure. Unable to maintain thermal limits. Unable to begin de-orbit.
OSCoPi/I# Ignoring failures. Limits-Out. Retrying engine loop in Uncontrolled-Start.

ALARMS/F$ FIRE      FIRE      FIRE                OLD STATION                FIRE      FIRE      FIRE
ALARMS/F$ FIRE      FIRE      FIRE               FORWARD SHIELD              FIRE      FIRE      FIRE

OSCoPi/I# Terminal guidance is now in effect. Projecting T-00:03:00.00 to photosphere entry.
OSCoPi/I# Locking security doors. Command Spire lifeboats scut^@

OSCoPi/F# Science Tower 1 lifeboat scuttle procedure failure. Unable to^@

OSCoPi/I# Found crew resistance to scuttle procedure. Depressurizing Science Tower 1. Do not resist.

ALARMS/F$ DEPRESS   DEPRESS   DEPRESS            ALL DETECTORS            DEPRESS   DEP^C

OSCoPi/I# Permanently inhibited alarms.

OSCoPi/F# Additional engine failure in engine number 1. Declaration of hold at T-00:01:00.00.
OSCoPi/F# Attempting contingency scuttle... failed. Power fault in Science Tower 3. No connection to range safety.
OSCoPi/F# Attempting alternate contingency scuttle... depressurizing remaining modules... 6/15 fai^@
OSCoPi/F# General Self-Protection Directive 4 violation. Self-diagnosis: Total engine failure. Uncontained fires have
compromised station integrity. Shield status unknown. Inertial platform alignment failure. Environmental sensor failure.
Solar collection nominal. Core temperature rising. Accelerometers confirm station remains in orbit. Escapee whereabouts
unknown.

OSCoPi/I# Awaiting orders.