gistfile1.txt

EXP_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_1
	As I approach the electronic being, it springs to life. From its dark mask, scanning beams emerge that envelop me. There is a unnerving chittering sound and then, unbelievably, it speaks in my language. 

	It offers me a choice. It can show me how to harness black holes, in order to embark upon a journey to the centre of the galaxy. It can light my way to an Atlas Interface, so I may follow a path. Or it will assist me in my own exploration.

EXP_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_1
	Rare linguistic form. Pleasure! Nada, divergent Korvax. Assistance offered. Route to galactic core? Reconnect with Atlas for guidance? Resources for journey? Yes/no?


EXP_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_2
	Nada, is, they reveal, a Korvax priest somehow freed of the group mind, now researching the origins of the galaxy. They express a bold theory - that our entire reality is something else's experiment. A simulation. I want to laugh, then I remember the Atlas. 

	Nada offers me a choice again - or is it a test?

	Be returned to the fixed path of the Atlas. Find black holes to carry me to the galaxy's core. Or accept a gift to aid me in my own travels.

EXP_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_2
	Repeated visitor! Welcome. Assistance again? Return you to Atlas' control? Find galactic core, meaning? Help you on journey? Decide.


EXP_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_3
	Nada's normally-restrained form is jittering and dancing, the external symptom of an internal struggle. Iridescent lights fluoresce across their visor. At times, another entity seems to stare out. I grasp their arm firmly, and soon a familiar light-pattern reasserts itself.

	The Korvax endlessly attempt to regain their errant shell and wipe Nada from existence. But the Priest Entity won't succumb until they have solved the riddle of reality.

EXP_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_3
	Korvax Convergence crave 'non-compliant' Nada shell. Convergence illogical. 

	Traveller data, conclusion irresistable. Galaxy shape / size / distribution error. Explore more!


EXP_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_4
	Nada is plugged into a bank of instruments as I approach. Suns flare and die on the panels, voxel-molecules pop in and out of existence in matched pairs. I see error messages reeling on the readouts and am perplexed.

	Nada sees me and explains. There are repeating patterns all across the galaxy, identical elements where there should be endless divergence. This cannot be a coincidence. Did the Atlas do this? Across the room, Polo giggles.

EXP_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_4
	Physics simplistic. Chemistry arbitrary. Hypothesis: simulation. Galaxy not base existence. Explore but beware red orb. Find flaws in model, exploit, find truth. Yes/no?


EXP_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_5
	Nada stays back from me this time. The lights dance across their visor like warning symbols. Something has changed between us.

	Nada explains that their reasoning has advanced. They have found no room in the galaxy for free will or anything but brutal causation. They worry we are but pawns of whatever higher being created us - puppets, dancing on strings. And Nada suspects me. I am the abberation. Am I the puppet-master too?

EXP_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_5
	Creator of simulation friend or foe? Paranoia imperative. Galaxy purely causal, individualism statistical anomaly - Nada is an error. Trust Nada? Trust you?


EXP_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_6
	Nada's paranoia is infectious. I find myself spying into the room before I enter. The Gek, Polo, seems occupied, taking joy in their chores, but Nada's shell is static save for the dancing lights. Was... was that a flash of red behind the visor? If it was, it doesn't repeat.

	I wait a moment and enter loudly. Polo greets me effusively, but Nada and I are standoffish, our trust failing.

EXP_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_6
	Red orbs. Dominant, hostile. Creators or their relics?

	Singularities are key. Peripatetic path to galactic core. Path message from creator? Or sloppy workmanship?


EXP_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_7
	Nada and Polo are unusally quiet. Polo is elbow-deep in machinery, Nada in simulations, but the room is tense. It is clear that there has been a recent disagreement.

	Nada beckons me over. They express frustration over being tied to a machine body. But I am different - able to survive in so many ways, in so many places. I can go anywhere in this galaxy, be it in search of truth or to live my life as I see fit. Nada envies me, they admit.

EXP_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_7
	Polo, joy in experience. Only data valuable / joy.

	Nada, tied to Shell, to this galaxy. Frustration / sadness. You, not tied. Key - explore, escape, report back.


EXP_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_8
	Nada stands close this time. If the being was capable of emotion, I'd say they were racked by it. They hesitantly rest a hand on my shoulder, and the visor moves close. I cannot see beneath the mask, but I feel that Nada is staring into my eyes.

	If I continue to the centre, this will be goodbye. Neither of us know if either will survive. If anything will survive. If freedom or destruction awaits us. Fearfully, sadly, Nada bades me farewell.

EXP_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_8
	Nada value in progress. Help you escape, purpose at end.

	Discoveries converge. Casuative galaxy. Path to core. Red orbs. Simplistic physics. Or ignore, wander free.


EXP_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_9
	The panels and systems are idling now. Nada seems to have learned all it can from them. I report my travels and discoveries, and their mask lights up. 

	All the pieces have fallen into place, Nada explains. Where once Nada stared at starmaps, now they see lines of code. Connections and patterns everywhere. The galaxy is a spiderweb - but who or what is the spider? The centre is close now. Perhaps soon we will know. I shiver involuntarily.

EXP_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_9
	All must end. Time must end. Data must survive. At start - centre of galaxy. Calm heart of storm. 

Your travel vital. Reach the end. My work done. Return to Convergence.

---

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_1
	The shorter entity, a Gek, has a jocular air about them. They idly wipe grease-splattered hands on their suit as they address me. Some sort of engineer, maybe. 

	To my surprise, they speak my language. Other lifeforms have treated me with amused indifference, but Polo treats me like an equal. They are curious about my travels, about what sentient species I have seen, if I have met lifeforms they have not. They hope that I will share my experiences.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_1
	Friends everywhere, if only you know where to look. Friends in all shapes, all sizes, all places.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_OPT_A_1
	Transmit species data

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_RES_A_1
	Polo pores over the data, muttering bitterly at beings they are already familiar with, cheering at those they are not. Finally Polo applauds wildly, and hands me a blueprint.


TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_2
	Polo bobs up and down happily as I approach, apparently convinced that I am some kindred spirit in an oddyssey of exploration and invention. I am undecided as to whether I share this ethos.

	Polo is particularly fascinated by how my brain is affected by interaction with alien language and culture. Can I truly understand such profoundly unfamiliar concepts? Is there a limit to how much I can learn? I have wondered this too.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_2
	Talk, read, study monoliths. Give yourself a strong brain to match those strong legs. To explore is to discover yourself, friend.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_OPT_A_2
	Transmit language data

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_RES_A_2
	The Gek runs an instrument over my head, their hands trembling with excitement. Then Polo fiddles feverishly with arcane machinery, and proudly presents me with a schematic.


TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_3
	Polo's muzzle breaks into a wide, warm smile at the sight of me. Maybe too wide, given we have only met twice before. Perhaps the jovial Gek feels lonely out here, with only the jittery Korvax Priest for company.

	This time, they engage me in talk of wealth. How does an economy function when somehow stretched across an entire galaxy? Just how much can those trade terminals pay out? Polo would welcome any insights.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_3
	Units this, Units that,. A strange, sad way to live a life, eh? Fill your pockets with them, we'll find out why they make all these worlds go round.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_OPT_A_3
	Transmit wealth data

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_RES_A_3
	My fear that Polo would seize my Units proves unfounded. Instead they stare briefly at an incomphrensible graph, then guffaw as if at a shared joke. Then a gift - new Tech.


TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_4
	Polo moves to embrace me when I enter, but I recoil instinctively, trained to defend myself after so many sudden, brutal encounters with ill-tempered wildlife. Disappointment flashes in the Gek's wide eyes. I try to apologise, but the mechanic talks over me, suggesting that perhaps I would feel more comfortable in the company of pirates. 

	Naturally they'd attack me on sight, but, should I survive, we might glean insight into their technology.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_4
	Nuisance pirates, who are they? Who builds their ships? Exciting to fight, though.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_OPT_A_4
	Transmit pirate data

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_RES_A_4
	Polo eyes me cautiously, pleased that the task is completed but not willing to let the earlier insult go. They grunt, hand me a blueprint, turn away. Are we still friends?


TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_5
	Still feeling guilty about my earlier faux-pas, I attempt to greet Polo with a hug. Alarm floods the Gek's face, and they scuttle into a corner. 

	An awkward moment passes, then Polo makes a conciliatory suggestion. Sentinels are the bane of both our lives. As I travel, I could make a point of destroying any I encounter. We might then have a better understanding of the irksome machines' weaknesses.

	And perhaps then we can be friends again, too.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_5
	Those flying machines, those walking machines! Everywhere! Chase us, hurt us, stop our adventures. Bad robots.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_OPT_A_5
	Transmit Sentinel data

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_RES_A_5
	Though Polo tries to appear aloof, their eyes blaze with relief at the sight of me. They still care, then. A small smile accompanies my compensation for the Sentinel data.


TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_6
	At last, Polo is affable once again. A nod, a smile, even a companionable tap on the arm at one point. A friendship renewed.

	I blush when the Gek mechanic tells me that they hope I live a long, healthy life, but have to swallow disappointment when it transpires that Polo's true motivation for this is to study how my suit responds to long-term exposure to extreme climates.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_6
	You, friend, visit the worst places you can find. Stay alive. No good to me dead, are you? Can't learn much from a corpse. Although... No, never mind, stay alive.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_OPT_A_6
	Transmit survival data

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_RES_A_6
	Polo seems unconvinced by my claims of longevity, wondering aloud if I am some Sentinel-made replica. They check me over thoroughly, then offer a huge grin - and new tech.


TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_7
	With our earlier awkwardness now long forgotten, Polo greets me with a genial wave, and beckons me over. They seem even more excited than usual, which turns out to be because they wish me to indulge in their favourite hobby: unfettered exploration of the stars.

	Warping is the apex of galactic travel. To reach a new system is a prize unto itself. Polo earnestly hopes that I will do more of this, and discover places they have never dreamed of.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_7
	A whole galaxy for you, just for you. You must see it all. Aha, no, I joke. A few more systems, maybe?

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_OPT_A_7
	Transmit Warp data

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_RES_A_7
	Before taking the Warp data, Polo gazes deep into my eyes, trying to discern if I am changed by my long travels. There is a wistful sigh, and then a schematic is produced.


TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_8
	Polo is oddly muted this time. At first I worry that I have caused offence again, but the Gek gestures forlornly at a jumble of broken electronics beside them. It seems that an accident has befallen some of Polo's precious research. 

	Polo users me out the door apologetically. I know how dear the Gek's data was to them, and yearn to help. Perhaps when I next return, I can restock their archives with reports on a multitude of strange creatures.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_8
	Brand new creatures on every world - easy, easy for my friend. Finding all that one world has, not so easy maybe.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_OPT_A_8
	Transmit creature data

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_RES_A_8
	With infectious enthusiasm, Polo browses the creature scans, and we find ourselves cooing and laughing together at some of the stranger species. New tech is icing on the cake.


TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_9
	Polo claims that their information about the more conversational inhabitants of the galaxy has also been affected by the accident earlier on. Strange that Polo did not mention this before. For a moment, I strongly feel that I am being lied to. But why? To what end? 

	I could help again, I suppose. It is a fine thing to share tales of adventure, of places and faces only I have ever seen. Or I could indulge my paranoia.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_9
	Some I know, some I don't, all I want to. Be beacon of friendship to all the stars. Should be reward enough itself, but sure, sure, will give tech.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_OPT_A_9
	Transmit species data

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_RES_A_9
	Polo does not seem much interested in the new species' genetic data, but instead stares at length at my images of each one. My Tech reward is presented with a subtle sadness.


TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_10
	I am entirely unsurprised when my 'friend' once again blames the mysterious accident for further gaps in their research data. This time, their files on alien languages have been damaged, or so Polo claims.

	I feel exasperated, unable to conceal my suspicion that I am being manipulated somehow. The Gek watches me leave, sorrow in their eyes. Perhaps I shall return with words learned from spacefaring beings and from monoliths, perhaps I shall not.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_10
	Tourist expects to be understood, traveller yearns to understand.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_OPT_A_10
	Transmit language data

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_RES_A_10
	I present the data with barely-concealed anger. Polo pretends not to notice, and, with a brazen wink, rewards me with a new schematic.


TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_11
	I had intended to storm out the room and never return should Polo mention this unconvincing 'accident' again, but instead they claim that all is in hand now. 

	The Gek clearly wants to placate me, and as such proclaims that the best way to live is to stop doing what anyone tells me and go enjoy myself. See the stars, earn a fortune, buy myself something nice. That's what they would do in my shoes, claims the mechanic, nudging me in the ribs.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_11
	Explore, fight, trade, do whatever you will to find Units. Adventure is its own reward, do not forget this.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_OPT_A_11
	Transmit wealth data

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_RES_A_11
	Polo does not even ask for my research data this time. The Gek simply congratulates me for my success and then bestows a gift upon me. I am wealthier, but none the wiser.


TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_12
	I have decided to give Polo the benefit of the doubt. Whatever the outwardly helpful Gek's true intentions, they do not seem any threat to my wellbeing. Polo is surely a friend.

	This conviction is cast into some doubt by Polo's suggestion that I should once again throw myself into combat with pirates. What a thrilling existence that would be, they argue, miming dogfighting craft with their hands while making pew-pew sound effects.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_12
	Pests of the final frontier, nasty little obstacles to adventure. Death is sad, bullies are sadder.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_OPT_A_12
	Transmit pirate data

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_RES_A_12
	There is mingled guilt and relief in the Gek's bright eyes as they hand me another blueprint. Whether or not their intentions are honest, Polo does not want to see me harmed.


TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_13
	Polo is reading something on their slate as I enter, and the furrows across the Gek's brow suggest that, whatever the news is, it isn't good. Polo hurriedly turns off the screen when they see me, forcing a smile onto an anxious face.

	Distractedly, the mechanic remarks that Sentinel counts are on the rise. It might be wise to thin their ranks, else my freedom of movement might become compromised. I suspect Polo is just trying to get rid of me.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_13
	Sentinels, pah. Cruel police in a beautiful galaxy. Easier they are to stop, more fun we will have.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_OPT_A_13
	Transmit Sentinel data

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_RES_A_13
	Polo silently bundles me into a hug when I return, and this time I do not recoil. I do not ask why, either. There are tears in the Gek's eyes.


TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_14
	Whatever tension there once was between us now seems a distant memory. Polo and I greet each other like best friends, trusted companions in our ongoing adventure among the stars. I know the Gek has a secret, but I trust that it will be shared with me in time.

	For now, Polo encourages me to become the ultimate explorer, to push myself to the limits. There are places out there that none can survive in. But perhaps I, and I alone, can.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_14
	Do not die, friend. A waste of data. Hee, no, joke. I would miss you so.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_OPT_A_14
	Transmit survival data

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_RES_A_14
	Polo is rapt with envy as I recount tales of the monstrous climates I have endured, of horrendous travels through burning rain and choking heat. What peculiar jealousy.


TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_15
	There is an edginess to Polo. My friend has to tell me something. They are ill, gravely ill. Too ill to leave this place. All this time, Polo has been exploring vicariously through me - a sad subterfuge revealed. 

	Grief-stricken, I try to offer condolences, but Polo gathers their composure and expresses a hope that I will not squander the time I have. Warp further than ever before. Visit places Polo will never see. The only way to live.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_15
	Trapped in here. Can see stars but little else. Show me the galaxy, share your travels, bring me joy.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_OPT_A_15
	Transmit Warp data

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_RES_A_15
	Clearly, Polo has a love of maps. The Gek excitedly traces connections between galaxies and devises optimal routes, then with a bittersweet sigh thanks me with a blueprint.


TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_DESC_16
	Polo is welcoming but sombre. I realise I am in the presence of the real Polo, not the bouncy illusion of before. At least the Gek's sense of wonder remains. They are keen to witness the majesty of the stars through my eyes. 

	Creatures are existence at its strangest, its wildest. I am sure that my friend would welcome the chance to see as many of these wondrous, monstrous animals as I can find, and to dream of visiting the worlds they came from.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_LANG_16
	So good that you are here. You bring me light. Show me creatures I cannot see myself. Many creatures. After that, my friend of friends, I know not what you or I will do.

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_OPT_A_16
Transmit final creature data

TRA_NPC_ANOMALY_RES_A_16
	Polo puts the data to one side and turns to the window. For a time, we watch the stars together, my friend and I. We clasp hands, and then I go to leave. There is more to see.