no man's sky traveller or friend

No Man’s Sky “Is It Traveler? Is It Friend”

Chris Livingston

Table of Contents

If you like exploring the world of the unknown and experiencing things that make the human mind wonder, No Man’s Sky is for you. In the game, you not only need to survive the dangers in various frontiers but also have to tackle questions with next to no context. A prime example is the set of questions you come across while collecting fuel and one of them is“Is it traveler? Is it friend”. Read to end if you want to know the best way to deal with No Man’s Sky “Is it Traveler? Is it friend”.

A Summary Of The Question 

Note : Make sure that you have a few free slots in the inventory to collect the fuel cells in the end.

What is the meaning of the “Is it Traveler? Is it friend” question? Of course, once you give your answer, you can see the results. Then again, it’s unrealistic to answer a vague question then expect the best reward. All of the questions usually come up as you explore the planets and different answers lead to different results. However, you need to understand that you won’t change anything substantial down the line regardless of your answers.

In the case of No Man’s Sky “Is it Traveler? Is it friend”, you should choose Traveler.

Other Questions In The Quest

No Man’s Sky “Is it Traveler? Is it friend” is not the only question that looks out of context in the quest for fuel cells. Immediately after answering that question, you will be asked the following questions.

Is It First? Is It Last?

This question pops up as soon as you finish answering  Is it, Traveler? Is it Friend? You should select First.

Has It Seen the Crimson Eye? Has the Crimson Eye Seen It?

This is the last question you have to answer here. “Both” is your best bet.

A Beginner’s Guide

Scan as many things as possible 

No Man’s Sky contains a lot of surprises. Thus, you should scan every object you come across to increase your chances of earning more and understanding how a species reacts toward you. That will also help you avoid being ambushed.

You can consider taking advantage of the upgraded proximity scanner once you get it to scan your points of interest and rare resources. Last but not least, use your analysis visor to identify the makers far from you.

Learn foreign languages

There are 5 different factions with distinct languages and Lore in No Man’s Sky. As you proceed, you would run into all sorts of knowledge from Stones, Monoliths, Intelligent lifeforms, Plaques, and Ruins. The knowledge will directly or indirectly help you learn their languages. Three of the main Factions are the Korvax, Vy’keen, and Gek. Learning their language will help you solve their problems which helps a lot. Of course, the more you know, the easier the game’s puzzles get.

Befriend wild animals

You will meet different kinds of wild animals in No Man’s Sky. To find blueprints, rare elements, and multitools, you should make friends with the animals. Since they are familiar with the environment, they will help you find your way to secret locations, bring you goods, or dig up the goods for you. Remember that you can use baits to get animals to come to you.

What Is The Anomaly?

Anomaly is a sentient species in the universe of No Man’s Sky. Sometimes, this species is referred to as the Fifth Race. As a player, you can choose your character to be a member of this species from the character customizer.

Is Traveler The Same As Anomaly?

Some players have had trouble differentiating the Travelers and Anomalies. To put it plainly, Traveler is an alien race in the No Man’s Sky universe and is referred to as the Fourth Race. The only places you can find Travelers include camps, space stations and trading posts. It’s possible to interact with Travelers in such locations. You can also find them at freighters but you cannot interact with them here. About Anomaly, Anomalies are Travelers but not all Travelers are Anomalies.

Should I Learn No Man’s Sky Lore?

That comes down to personal preference. The Lore is in essence the backstory of the game. It explains the series of events that happened prior to the storyline. The Lore includes narratives and perspectives from quite a few lifeforms through the universe.

Chris started playing PC games in the 1980s, started writing about them in the early 2000s, and (finally) started getting paid to write about them in the late 2000s.

Following a few years as a regular freelancer, PC Gamer hired him in 2014, probably so he’d stop emailing them asking for more work. Since 2019, he started providing game reviews & tips for Grateful Dead Game. Chris has a love-hate relationship with survival games and an unhealthy fascination with the inner lives of NPCs. He’s also a fan of offbeat simulation games, mods, and ignoring storylines in RPGs so he can make up his own.

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Gek Optional Conversations | No Man's Sky

Home » No Man's Sky » Gek Optional Conversations | No Man’s Sky

Gek Quest Dialogue

• Report crime (Gek Valued cusmoter or above) – You’ll get a blueprint and improve your Gek reputation.
• Demand a share
• Demand all stolen goods
• Give water from exosuit’s hydration system – You’ll increase your Gek standing and get a crafting schematic.
• Give food from exosuit’s nutrient system
• Pressure lifeform into accepting less (10 UNITS) – You’ll get a blueprint, but your Gek reputation will decrease.
• Pay requested amount (1000 UNITS)
• Request help with planetary conditions – This will get you some reputation and a new blueprint.
• Request help with the Sentinels – Gek reputation increase, and Multi-tool.
• Pat the lifeform on the head – This will decrease your Gek reputation and the alien will refuse to speak to you again.
• Apologise for being unable to help
• Give units (10 UNITS) – This one will increase your Gek reputation and get you a blueprint.
• Pay for exosuit inspection.
• Pay for multi-tool inspection (100 units) – You’ll receive a blueprint and Gek rep.
• Refuse to help
• Shake hands
• Give units (10 units) – You’ll get increased standing with the Gek and a blueprint .
• Give isotope (10 carbon) – Learn 2 new Gek words
• Give oxide (10 Iron) – Learn 2 new Gek words
• Give silicate (10 heridium) – Learn 2 new Gek words
• Give Silicate element (10 Heridium) – You won’t get anything.
• Give Isotope element (10 Carbon) – You’ll be rewarded with a blueprint and increased Gek reputation.
• Refuse – You’ll receive a new blueprint and a fart.
• Give rare oxide (200 Titanium) – Increased standing with the race.
• Give units (100 Units) – The lifeform will fart in your general direction.
• Show Deflector Shield blueprints – Your standing with the Gek will increase and you’ll get a blueprint.
• Show Phase Beam blueprints
• Show Pulse Engine blueprints
• Insert slug in mouth – Nothing happens.
• Insert slug in ear – You’ll learn three Gek words.
• Insert slug in nose – Lose health.
• Reassure with Boltcaster – Decrease Gek reputation.
• Reassure with Mining Beam – Increase Gek reputation.
• Open Resource Vault – You’ll get ammunition (carbon), and increase in Gek reputation.
• Open Storage Vault – You’ll get a Multi-Tool Blueprint.
• Open Trade Vault – You’ll get a Multi-Tool.
• Waive money demand (Gek Best Friend or above) – Blueprint, Gek reputation increase, and Microdensity Fabric item.
• Demand reward, then pay (100 UNITS)
• Pay full amount (100 UNITS) – Blueprint, Gek reputation increase.
• Remove and examine equipment – Technology Blueprint
• Incinerate equipment – Gek standing increase, 1 900 Credits.
• Give rare silicate (50 Chrysonite) – Multi-Tool
• Give rare isotope (50 Plutonium) – Exosuit upgrade Blueprint
• Five rare oxide (50 Titanium) – Ship upgrade Blueprint
• Thank with common silicate (10 Heridium) – You’ll receive units.
• Thank with common oxide (10 Iron) – 19 Nanites, Gek reputation increase.
• Thank with common isotope (10 Carbon) – You’ll receive units.
• Report Lazy worker (Gek Rank: Friend or above) – Gek reputation increase
• Take product formula – Blueprint
• Input product formula – Microdensity Fabric item
• Offer Oxide element(10 iron) – Nanites items
• Offer Isotope element(100 carbon) – Multi-Tool
• Offer Silicate element(100 heridium) – Microdensity Fabric item
• Choose the unit account – Gek standing increase, and Units.
• Chosse ship’s cargo – Gek standing increase, and Blueprint

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73 COMMENTS

a Gek alone at a Waypoint with a damaged machine.

Gek speech where he asks “Units! units! Units!”

Clear speech

1. offer units (10 units) 2. offer food through the exosuit 3. leave

1. offer units

clear speech

1. ask him about this area 2. leave

A shrill alarm sounds as I approach the strange capsule.

1. touch the screen 2. use the Atlas pass (1 Atlas pass v1) – v1 mandatory. Option is greyed if you have v2 or v3 3. turn off your life support 4. leave

2. use the Atlas pass v1 – I got a Korvax casing

1. give the korvax casing 2. keep the korvax casing

2. keep the korvax casing – he is disappointed. nothing else

The merchant has his eyes fixed on a cup filled with a dark and hot liquid… 1 Drink the liquid 2 empty cup 3 offer units for the cup (10 units)

3. I offer units in exchange for the cup, but the merchant offers me some liquid for free. I feel more awake. Gek rep +1

A harsh, reeking stench fills every corner of the facility. The toxic air is even thicker than outside. In inspect my Exosuit for things I could offer this lifeform… 1.) Offer hazard protection (receive 107 nanites; Gek standing increased 1x) 2.) Offer life support (not sure; haven’t tried) 3.) Leave

(After Interceptor update) I think I got this or something very similar. I don’t know many Gek words yet so the NPCs speach is pretty broken: —- The trader seems ill. Their skin is frostbitten and flaked, and their eyes lack a certain lustre. Ice Crystals have formed around their tear ducts. “friend… life … Gek … help friend… … … … help…” A strange, flat stench fills every corner of the facility. I inspect my exosuit for things I could offer this lifeform… 1) Offer hazard protection 2) Offer life Support (chose this based on the word “life” that the Gek spoke and Shooter didn’t choose it) – I collect a piece of hose from the floor and dock my life support system with the little alien’s own Exosuit. The relief on their face is plain to see. The musty odour of the facility is washed away, replaced by a delicate, fragrant perfume, the very scent of gratitude. hands me a valuable reward. (103 Nanites, Gek standing +1. Not that valuable if you ask me.) 3) Leave

Looks like it doesn’t matter what the answer is, you’ll get similar rewards, 100-odd nanites and 1 Gek standing.

The trader is anxious, looking past me as I approach.

trade federation know i uide from them – yengur dearkisk, friend! Yuyden!

1. Take the box – (Get nanite clusters) 2. Refuse the box

2. Refuse the box – he hides the box for not be spotted (nothing)

These are outdated for the current version of no mans sky

Havent seen this one on here or ny orher site so i digured i would throw it up here and try to help….

Something about the trader’s posture makes them feel larger than many I have encountered amongst their species; their eye seem to glow with undaunted power. “Why do the Korean still walk free? What have you done with out ‘colainu’?” As my eyes move. It is as if I see two beings standing in the one place: one small, one strong. They glare at me, showing me a handful of metal shards.

Scan the shards Take the shards Threaten them Leave

Scane the shards…. I scan the shards, revealing them to be currency used by the Gek over a thousand years ago. The lifeforms eyes me warily. They give me a gift of nanites.

Take the shards….. I take the shards, pleasing the lifeforms. But nothing else happens… all I am left with is useless metal.

I threaten the lifeforms with my multi-tool. They merely smile, giving me a weapon upgrade so that one day I might pose a fair challenge.

The Gek is lazily browsing the trade terminal catalogue, not appearing to be searching for anything in particular. They make a note of a few items that apparently catch their interest, uttering a soft exclamation to themselves.

Options: Join in browsing Point to highlighted item Point to random item

Pointing to highlighted item gave me an item

Description: The forlorn trader, their face smudged by a strange oil, looks up to me for help. Perhaps I might share plans from my own starship.

Options: Share photon cannon plans Share deflector shield plans – got a starship module

Description: The lifeform clucks and gabbles as it studies my equipment. It gently pecks at areas of my exosuit that show wear and tear, then runs its gloved fingers over my multi-tool to look for irregularities and imperfections. Suddenly staring up at me, it squawks an offer and spins a tablet that shows the cost of its services. Answers: 1. Pay for multi-tool inspection (5,000 units) – ? 2. Pay for exosuit inspection (15,000 units) – The lifeform mutters and clucks, jealous of your exosuit. Eventually they move on. The little alien makes a great show of tightening a few loose screws. a. Demand a refund – ? b. Leave – end. greets me cheerily, but has nothing more to say.

If you demand a refund from the gek who tightens the few loose screws, they will give you an exosuit upgrade module.

Nothing about the Gek’s appearance is unusual, and yet some aspect of their presence seems incomplete. It is only when I notice a gland flaring weakly on their neck that I realise they are entirely odourless. [Inhale Deeply]

Trader Ebbamero’s eyes widen with embarrassment. Scrambling to regain their dignity, they begin to secrete an oily substance, and a sweet, subtle fragrance begins to reach me – but is quickly muted by the cold. [Offer sustenance (50 Frozen Tubers) or Offer warmth 200 Carbon)]

Reward the same if give carbon or tubers: Choose the smell of success (149 nanites) Choose the smell of dreams (alien monolith detected + Gek relic)

Description: The trader looks weak, but they have a cunning air about them. They spin a datapad towards me, and I see that they’re selling Multi-tool components. The prices, however, are eye-watering. “Friend! the plantary technology salesgek (haven’t learned) you! a (haven’t learned) technology (haven’t learned) for a (haven’t learned) (haven’t learned)!” They eye me with a wary interest, waiting to see if I’ll bite… Answers: Pay requested amount (15,000 units): Positive (upgrade module and some gek reputation) Pressure lifeform into accepting less (5,000 units): Unknown Leave: Negative (You get nothing)

Missed the first couple paragraphs but here’s a new one. Description: They eye … seeing if I will take the bait. Answers: Accept (15,000 units) Force lifeform to accept lesser amount (5,000 units) Refuse

Description: The air around the beaked lifeform smells foul. It seeps into my exosuit and makes me gag. Noticing my expression, the trader pecks at an element it carries. It breaks the unknown substance into pieces, then swallows each whole. There is a deep gurgle, and the trader emits a gas packet that smells delightful. The creature wipes its empty hands, and beams at me with pleasure. Answers: Thank with common metal ( 10 ferrite dust) – increase in gek status

The one where the gek is embezzling and you “caught him red-handed”. Choosing to demand a share gives you 56 pyrite and dialogue for “ you demand a share of his ill-gotten goods, no one will ever know…”

Demanding all of his loot gives you 56 pyrite and a Gravitino ball, you also lose gek reputation. The dialogue goes “You demand all of the gek’a ill-gotten goods. The gek reports the crime and blames it on you…”

It glares at me, showing me a handful of metal shards. Scan the shards. [10 nanites] Take the shards. [32 rusted metal] Threaten them. [Weapon mod – I got class A splitter mod]

EXPORTER DAB The trader looks at me with boggle-eyed curiosity. They click their beak a few times, emit a neutral-scent, and wait for my request. Options: Offer a gift (1 Gek Charm) Request dialect help (10 Units) Ask for directions Leave

*Ask for directions (what we chose)

Trader gave us directions of interest.

NEXT- Asked to learn a word, he taught us “Docking” HE was open to conversation, omitting a sweet-smelling gas.

Gave us more directions

He looked at us and made us feel welcome. We left him alone.

So I met this Gek. I forgot to write down the description text and reloading my last save changed it to a different scenario, but the information said something about the Gek looking miserable, and asking for help. The words “help” and “units” also showed up among the deciphered words in the Gek’s opening line. It gave me two options: – Wave them away – Give 10 units Giving them the ten units will have no impact, and if you talk to the Gek again it will start the same scenario again. I tried giving it units several times, but it seems to be an infinite loop that doesn’t impact your standing with the Gek or anything else except your unit count. Choosing “Wave them away” will prompt a message that says the Gek looks even more miserable than before, but this choice will not hurt your standing with the Gek either. It will however close the scenario, so that when you speak to it again you will instead get a standard scenario where you can offer them a gift, ask for dialect help etc.

The Gek holds out a small device. The exact nature of the display is not clear to me, but I recognise the symbol for units, alongside an extremely large number.

Attempt to take units – Nothing happens but the Gek appears delighted Leave – Nothing happens

A mass-mailed coporate messages sit unread on the terminal . Its full of high numbers and seemingly impressive profit margins.the tone seams satisfied, and grated full.

At its foot the employee can choose between one of twoi mage: – galactic unitaccount, or a full hold of cargo.

Choose the unit account —– 1 213 unit and geek increase Chosse ship’s cargo ———- lemmium blue print geek increas

The traders fingers slow on it’s pad, and the noise of crunching gears can be heard from inside it. It’s lower beak drops open, and a green bulb on the end of a rare silicate antenna emerges. The green light focuses on my visor, where a holographic image of a charging device appears. The green bulb flashes while it speaks in the language of the traders. It seems to assume I am a friend.

Report strange behavior Give isotope(200 plutonium) Detach silicate antenna

Give isotope grants a Jet pack Booster Sigma blueprint.

Peyushnar Gek monolith A beak comes out and asks for elements. Give common oxyde (iron) to get increased reputation and blueprint.

The trader bounces excitedly while it boots up a graph that spins gently in front of me. There are three colored lines-a plunging blue one, a soaring red one and another that’s a fairly flat and uneventful yellow. The squat little lifeform babbles a little, points to itself and hops from foot to foot. It seems to want to trade items for elements.

Offer Oxide element(10 iron) Offer Isotope element(100 carbon) Offer Silicate element(100 heridium)

Answer: Offer oxide element

Offer Oxide element (10 Iron) – Offers 19 Nanites Offer Isotope element (100 Carbon) – Offers a Multi-tool Offer Silicate element (100 Heridium) – Offers a Microdensity Fabric

The trader seems to have recently woken – its eyes are crusty, and its beak is flecked with dried drool. It is very clearly not hard at work…

The lifeform lazily indicates a nearby terminal, upon which a product formula is displayed and is waiting for full input. I am ushered towards it, before the trader closes its eyes briefly to try to get some more sleep.

Report Lazy worker (Gek Rank: Friend or above) – Gek reputation increase Take product formula – New product blueprint Input product formula – 1 Microdensity Fabric

Take product formala —- got a shielding sheet

Take product formula —- got salt refractor blueprint

Images of warrior battle…

The air around the beaked lifeform smells foul. It seeps into my exosuit and makes me gag. Noticing my expression, the trader pecks at an element it carries. It breaks the unknown substance into pieces, then swallows each whole.

There is a deep gurgle, and the trader emits a gas packet that smells delightful. The creature wipes its empty hands, and beams at me with pleasure.

Thank with common silicate (10 Heridium) Pays units (got 1291, it would prefer something else) Thank with common oxide (10 Iron) 19 Nanites + Gek reputation Thank with common isotope (10 Carbon) (same as Heridium)

Thank with carbon (15 carbon) Thank with metal (15 ferrite dust) Thank with catalyst (10 sodium)

Carbon is the wrong answer (no effect)

Thank with metal (15 ferrite dust) gave +1 Gek standing.

Sodium is also wrong

The second the trader goes to greet me it becomes covered from head to foot with arcs of electricity. The blue sparks fade, and it grabs the lapels of my exosuit as if possessed. It screams at me in wild-eyed desperation.

I feel like there’s a 99.9% probability that the frantic motions it’s making towards the products I carry is an indication of what it wants…

Give rare silicate (50 Chrysonite) – Multi tool Give rare isotope (50 Plutonium) – Exosuit upgrade blueprint Five rare oxide (50 Titanium) – Ship upgrade blueprint

The green light focuses on my visor, where a holographic image of a charging device appears… 1) Report strange behavior (suit upgrade) 2) Give isotope (200) plutonium (?) 3) Detach silicate antenna (?)

I chose the “Detach silicate antenna” option. The creature closed its beak and looked at me accusingly and I lost standing with the Korvax but gained a bit of Heridium.

I picked i give fuel 200 carbon and they gave me technology module.

Gave 200 Plutonium and got a ship upgrade.

Number 4. Option “Request help with the Sentinels” gets you rep and a new multi tool. The one I was offered had two slots more than my current at the time, and as many slots as the one on the wall behind the gektoil.

The trader is studying a stash of interesting-looking technology and weaponry that’s been dragged through this facility and left inside a disposal vault. It looks at me conspiratorially, and indicates the dangerous-looking symbol that’s daubed on the vault hatch.

The equipment appears rusted and broken on-screen, but if we were to eject it all out onto the floor of the outpost we’d be able to better investigate. The trader looks at me, shrugs and holds its breath.

-Remove and examine equipment (Technology Blueprint)

-Incinerate equipment

Incinerate Equipment = 1900 credits, standing with Gek increases

Description: The trader’s screen blinks angrily with a demand for urgent action. It worriedly shows me a list of items, each with a monetary figure attached. A timer is ticking down. The lifeform holds its breath, and looks up to me with bulging eyes. It pecks at the sleeve of my exosuit. There are only seconds remaining.

Answers: Waive money demand (Gek Best Friend or above) Demand reward, then pay (100 UNITS) Pay full amount (100 UNITS) (We both get bathed in a pleasant scent; receive blueprint; gain Gek reputation)

I chose “Waive money demand (Gek Best Friend or above)”. The Geck was astonished and grateful, and rewarded me with a blueprint and a Microdensity Fabric.

Wave money received a blu print + gek increased

Description: Images of warrior battle freighters fill the shocked trader’s screen. They dwarf small trader ships as the pass by, like predatory fish innocuously swimming amongst their prey. The panicked lifeform points at the trade, storage and resource vaults around our feet and shouts in fear.

Answers: Open Resource Vault Open Storage Vault (Received multi-tool blueprint) Open Trade Vault

What I can decipher(put in caps known vocab for smoother read): “DESPAIR! VY’KEEN HOSTILITY! Ceketisk radlager! Omis osuhtei! Acer eigild: MULTI-TOOL. STORAGE eigild: ivplacesiki! RESOURCE eigild: aufarsafn!”

Open Trade Vault (Receive new Multi-Tool 24 slot)

Opened “resource vault”.

Obtained ammunition(carbon) And gained gek standing

Open trade vault— got multitool 13 slot class c

Description: The visibly upset lifeform shows me a holographic video of attack craft forcing a trade ship to crash land on this planet’s surface. Footage taken from orbit shows waiting pirates swarm the cargo hold in a haze of plasma rounds. The trader then points to the elements I’ve mined, and looks concerned – accusatory even. It emits a packet of gas that smells troubled.

Answers: Reassure with Boltcaster. (Lose reputation). Reassure with Mining Beam. (This is the answer).

Reassure with mining —-gek increased

Description: The trader pulls open a noisy trade vault. A close inspection reveals that it’s full of writhing molluscs. They are pink and slug-like, with sharp bloodied teeth. The lifeform suggests that inserting one in or around my face would have some benefits. What I can’t quite make out, however, is which orifice it means…

Answers: Insert slug in mouth. Insert slug in ear. Insert slug in nose. (Extremely pain, lose health).

When I reload the save state the alien question changed completely.

Slug in ear = learn language

Insert slug in ear. + 3 Gek Words

Nothing happens with slug in mouth.

Insert mouth = Nothing happens

The one that asks you to show your Boltcaster or Mining Beam, show the mining beam. Boltcaster scares him and shows you are not to be trusted and you lose Gek Rep.

The lifeform is poring over complex starship schematics and holding it’s breath, but the holographic blueprints look corrupted. Damaged in-flight, perhaps. The forlorn trader, it’s face smudged by atmospheric dust that somehow breached it’s ship, looks up to me for help.

Show Deflector Shield blueprints (chose this one since he had “dust” and needs a deflector) Gained Gek Rep and a blueprint Show Phase Beam blueprints Show Pulse Engine blueprints

Talked 2nd time, picked healing. Talked 3rd time, picked new word. Talked 4th time, picked shield. Talked 5th time, new word again. Talked 6th time, gave me fuel (most carbons back) so half convos are now free. Talked 7th time, new word. Apparently every other time is a new word. Just FYI for vocab players!

The Trader emits a strong, flowery scent, which quickly enters my exosuit system. I feel overcome with nostalgia for a perfect place I have never visited. I want to sing

Flushed with Joy, I try to signal my thanks to the trader for this olfactory gift, but it makes clear that it expects something in return.

Refuse – Senses are punished and gain new technology (Toxin suppressor Sigma in my case) Give rare oxide (200 Titanium) * Gek is happy… it smells like a beach, a “fair” trade. Give units (100 Units) – senses are punished nothing happens

I vote for Refusal since you don’t lose anything but do gain the tech.

Follow-Up Convo (20x Carbon) * Request silicate (Gek Best friend or above) * Request healing (Gek Valued Customer or above) * Request new word (Gek Client or above)

Note, I went a 3rd time convo on this one and requested fuel which netted my Carbon back (70 returned 40 spent)

Refuse – This seems to have been changed; I got a decreased standing with Gek and nothing else.

The trader eyes the facility exit door sadly, as if it had been stuckin here for a while. It reaches down with its beak and dejectedly pecks at its suit’s poer cells and life support system. It looks run down. The lack of chearge means that it’s ill-equipped for the planetary conditions and predators that rage outside.

Give Silicate element (10 Heridium) – looks confused, no reward Give Isotope element (10 Carbon) – the relieved trader emits a gas packet, gives blueprint and Gek rep.

The Lifeform’s Eyes widen in surprise when I go to talk to It. It leans back, and watches for sudden movements. It’s very clearly never seen anything quite like me before.

I mime that I can’t speak its language and, increasingly reassured, the beaked trader indicates that in exchange for certain elements its willing to help. Give isotope (10 carbon) * Learn 2 new Gek words Give oxide (10 Iron) * Learn 2 new Gek words Give silicate (10 heridium) * Learn 2 new Gek words

I recommend giving isotope since you can talk to this Gek again for 20 carbon and he will give you 100 carbon (so you net 70 carbon)

On the follow up you can request isotope if you are Gek Best Friend or above healing (Valued Customer or above) shield recharge (Client or above)

The Isotope option netted me 3 new words~ Don’t know if it’s because of current rep or a difference of being on PC vs ps4 (I’m on PC).

Pink slug like molluscs, answer is ear

The lifeform sits in a foul-smelling funk of it’s own creation. The trading screen behind ot is empty, the equipment it carries is old and uncared for and it’s suit barley looks alright.

The demoralized trader looks up at me with hope in it’s eyes. •refuse to help •shake hands •give units (10 units)/ Blueprint and increased Gek rep

The lifeform clucks and gabbled as it studies my equipment. It gently pecks at areas of my exosuit that show wear and tear, then runs its gloved fingers over my multi-tool to look for irregularities and imperfections.

Suddenly staring up at me, it squawks an offer and spins a tablet that shows the cost of its services.

Answers: pay for exosuit inspection.

Pay for multi-tool inspection (100 units) Blueprint and gek rep.

http://images.akamai.steamusercontent.com/ugc/447366480864842610/B06157E9CFB4ABB08B282C71FA6AF77208083642/

Description: The small creature is busy adding up trade profits when I appear. Its eyes open wide in anticipation of our first contact, and it rubs its fingers together greedily. It pecks emphatically at the monetary figures on its pad, then bounces up and down. I can’t help but notice that it smells amazing. Answers: Pat the lifeform on the head Apologise for being unable to help Give units (10 UNITS) – Lifeform is clearly thrilled, you get Gek reputation and he gives you a new blueprint.

The First Traveller

• VisualEditor
• View history

The First Traveller is a story mission.

• 2 Full Outline
• 3.1 Reunion?
• 3.2 The Mind Ark
• 3.3 The Fate of Artemis
• 3.4 Aftermath
• 3.5 Apollo's Journey
• 3.6 -null-'s Task
• 5 Release history

Summary [ | ]

The First Traveller is the fifth story mission of the Artemis Path , starting immediately upon the conclusion of A Leap in the Dark . The mission tasks the player with working with -null- to capture the essence of Artemis .

Full Outline [ | ]

• Contact Apollo at a Holo-Terminus
• Speak with the Stranger...
• Mine Cadmium
• Collect Living Pearls
• Craft the Soul Engine
• Purchase Wiring Looms
• Refine Glass
• Assemble Mind-Arc Components
• Bring the Mind-Arc to Artemis
• Seek help for Artemis
• Board the Space Anomaly
• Decide Artemis' fate⌧Speak to Polo when ready
• Return to space and contact Apollo
• Learn the Glyph sequence for this planet
• Speak to -null-
• Locate the Crashed Freighter
• Activate the Holo-Terminus

Walkthrough [ | ]

Reunion [ | ].

Artemis is dead. Perhaps they were never alive. I found a strange fragment in a cave , an artifact, a projection of Artemis. But it was just data trapped in a loop. It had no understanding of who or where it was. I need to contact Apollo and let them know what has happened.

The player must locate and visit a Holo-Terminus with the intent to get into contact with Apollo. However, the Holo-Terminus no longer has the frequencies of Apollo or Artemis due to glitches, and performing a manual override instead connects the player with an aberrant lifeform called -null-, who questions the purpose of life in the face of death, then offers a way for the player to bring Artemis to life, after a fashion, using a Mind Ark . Once the player has been given its blueprint (and that of the Soul Engine sub-component), -null- will set the Holo-Terminus to Artemis's frequency so that the player can capture their essence once the Mind Ark is built.

At this point, The Space Anomaly will update upon departure from the current planet, allowing the player to discuss -null-'s appearance with Priest Entity Nada and Specialist Polo .

The Mind Ark [ | ]

I have encountered another Traveller, named -null-. They seem unusually aware of my journey, and have offered a way to 'save' Artemis. They claim it is possible to restore Artemis' mind and store it in a device they call a 'Mind Ark'.

The player must craft a Mind Ark in order to proceed with the mission. A Mind Ark requires 1 Soul Engine, 3 Glass , and 3 Wiring Looms to craft.

The mission will first direct the player to install a Cadmium Drive in their starship if it is not already present, then task them with mining the 120 Cadmium required for the Soul Engine while within a red star system . These objectives must be followed exactly in order to progress as intended (for example, freighters should not be used in an attempt to bypass the Cadmium Drive requirement).

With the Cadmium collected, the player must harvest a Living Pearl from an Armoured Clam , then craft a Soul Engine (in addition to the 120 Cadmium and 1 Living Pearl, the player will need 3 Metal Plating for the recipe).

After acquiring the Soul Engine, the player will be asked to purchase Wiring Looms and refine Glass from Silicate Powder (crafting Glass from Frost Crystals is also permissible here), then use the gathered components to create a Mind Ark.

Once a Mind Ark has been obtained, the player must activate a Holo-Terminus, then return to the first Holo-Terminus of the mission and use the device on Artemis. Optionally, the player may converse with them before using the Mind Ark. Once the deed is done, the Holo-Terminus will switch to -null-'s frequency, and the player must converse with the lifeform and receive revelation concerning the foundation of existence. At the end of the conversation, -null- will direct the player to space.

The Fate of Artemis [ | ]

The player must leave the planet and summon the Space Anomaly , then board it and speak to Priest Entity Nada. Nada will explain the options available to the player concerning the fate of Artemis. Once the player has decided what to do, they must speak to Polo to unlock access to the Korvax Simulation Terminal in a side room of the Space Anomaly, near the Interstellar Terminus . During this mission segment, the mission The Space Anomaly will be temporarily removed from the player's log.

The player must interact with the terminal and decide whether to upload Artemis's soul into the Korvax simulation or allow Artemis to die, ending their suffering.

• If the player uploads the soul into the simulation, they will later be able to converse with Artemis again. For now, they must leave the Space Anomaly and allow Artemis to become accustomed to life in the simulation.
• If the player instead allows Artemis to die, they must return to Polo and discuss their decision before leaving the Space Anomaly.

Aftermath [ | ]

Artemis' fate has been sealed. I can only hope I have done the right thing. It is time to find Apollo and see what sense I can make of this situation.

Regardless of which decision was made, the mission The Space Anomaly will reappear in the Log, and the player must return to space and converse with Apollo concerning what the player did with the soul of Artemis as well as what is to be done next. After the conversation ends, the player must scan for and activate a Monolith , then visit the planet's Portal (which was marked by activating the Monolith).

At the Portal, the player must charge sixteen glyphs in order to activate the Portal and discover its glyph combination.

• Four glyphs must be charged with catalytic elements: Sodium (4%/unit) or Sodium Nitrate (10%/unit).
• Four glyphs must be charged with organic elements: Carbon (2%/unit), Condensed Carbon (6%/unit) or Oxygen (4%/unit).
• Four glyphs must be charged with earth elements: Di-hydrogen (2%/unit), Deuterium (2%/unit), Cobalt (2%/unit), Ionised Cobalt (8%/unit) or Salt (2%/unit).
• Four glyphs must be charged with stellar material: Copper (2%/unit), Cadmium (4%/unit), Emeril (6%/unit), Indium ((8%/unit)) or Activated Copper (4%/unit).

Apollo's Journey [ | ]

I have so far failed to see any of my fellow Travellers beyond their projections. In the case of Artemis, perhaps there was never anything more. Apollo will be different. I have the address for this portal, and they should be able to reach this planet just as I did.

Once the player has obtained the Portal's address, they must locate a Holo-Terminus and use it to contact Apollo. In the resulting conversation, the player must decide whether or not to transmit the portal glyphs to Apollo:

• If the player transmits the glyphs to Apollo, they will use a portal some time after the conversation ends.
• If the player refuses to transmit the glyphs, Apollo will challenge their decision and give the player a chance to reconsider their decision. If the player continues to refuse at this point, Apollo will give up and wait for more information before using a portal.

Regardless of which decision was made, The Space Anomaly will update once the player returns to space, allowing the player to bring news of Apollo to Nada and Polo.

-null-'s Task [ | ]

-null- has a task for me. They feel something is happening to the galaxy, some great unravelling of the threads that keep reality bound together. I am to investigate, going around the Sentinels where they cannot.

At Apollo's request, the player must contact -null- with the intent of gathering more information. However, the conversation instead turns toward figuring out what is happening to The Atlas . The player must agree to work with -null- in order to continue the mission.

-null- will direct the player to an Observatory . Interacting with its terminal will reveal a Crashed Freighter which the player must investigate. The player will discover on interaction that the Distress Beacon 's logs are encrypted. To decrypt the logs, they must unearth and repair nearby Cargo Pods to obtain Log Encryption Keys . Three keys in total are required to decrypt all the logs.

If the player uploaded Artemis' soul to the Korvax simulation, they will be contacted by Artemis when they return to their starship after investigating the Crashed Freighter. At this point, they must decide whether to tell them the truth about their situation.

• If the player tells the truth, Artemis will be agitated by the news.
• If the player lies, Artemis will look forward to meeting the player in person later.

Regardless of whether Artemis' soul is intact, The Space Anomaly will update, allowing the player to share the burden of Artemis' fate with Nada and Polo.

After finishing business with Artemis (if their soul is alive), the player must return to a Holo-Terminus and share the discovery from the beacon with -null-. Finishing the conversation will conclude the mission and update The Space Anomaly again, allowing the player to share news of -null-'s plan with Nada and Polo.

Rewards [ | ]

• Mind Arc and Soul Engine blueprints
• Ability to reach red star systems using a starship

Release history [ | ]

• Atlas Rises - Added to the game as a primary mission
• Before Beyond, the Mind Arc required Living Glass rather than Soul Engine to craft
• Mission objectives changed to account for new Soul Engine and Mind Arc recipes
• Formerly, the Space Anomaly would be summoned after receiving a transmission from Specialist Polo
• Added three The Space Anomaly mission update triggers
• Added encryption to the Crashed Freighter's Distress Beacon and filled nearby Cargo Pods with Log Encryption Keys
• No Man's Sky
• 1 Deuterium
• 2 Activated Copper

WELCOME TO NO MAN'S SKY RESOURCES

NPC Dialogue

PuzzleType: TRA_NPC_

Alien: Hello new friend! The Gek first encounter tradition is to give units!

The small creature is busy adding up trade profits when I appear. Their eyes open wide in anticipation of our first contact, and they rubs their fingers together greedily.

The lifeform pecks emphatically at the monetary figures on their pad, then bounces up and down. I can't help but notice that they smell amazing.

{Give units}

The lifeform is clearly thrilled. They give me something in exchange.

---TECHFRAG_S---

---STD_INC_TRA---

{Apologise for being unable to help}

The lifeform looks disappointed. They take pity on my confusion, and give me some units.

---MONEY---

{Pat the lifeform on the head}

There is a long silence. The trader emits a foul-smelling gas.

---STD_DEC_TRA---

{Ask for help}

Alien: Friend despair! Gek Trader replace bad scent! Watch! Gek swallow oxide elements, and joyful scent appears!

The air around the beaked lifeform smells foul. It seeps into my exosuit and makes me gag. Noticing my expression, the trader pecks at an element they carry. They break the substance into pieces, then swallow each whole.

There is a deep gurgle, and the Gek emits a gas packet that smells delightful. The creature wipes their empty hands, and beams at me with pleasure.

{Thank with common isotope}

The trader nods a brief thank you. They pay for my contribution, but would perhaps have preferred something else.

{Thank with common oxide}

The overjoyed trader pecks happily at my gift. They thank me with their own generous offering.

---TECHFRAG_M---

{Thank with common silicate}

Alien: Welcome friend. Gek trader desire common oxides and common silicates. Gek trader DEEPLY desire isotopes! Teach new friend language!

The lifeform's eyes widen in surprise when I go to talk to it. They lean back, and watch for sudden movements. They have very clearly never seen anything quite like me before.

I mime that I cannot speak their language and, increasingly reassured, the beaked trader indicates that they are willing to help - in exchange for particular elements.

{Give silicate}

The grateful trader clicks their beak. They teach me some of the dialect of their people.

---TEACHWORD_TRA---

{Give oxide}

{Give isotope}

The grateful trader clicks their beak with delight. My offering is clearly what it most desired. They teach much of the dialect of their people.

Alien: Despair! Gek Trader stranded. Suit power low. Give Isotope?

The trader eyes the facility exit door sadly, as if they have been stuck in here for a while. They reach down with their beak and dejectedly pecks at their suit's power cells and life support system.

Their suit looks run down. The lack of charge means that it's ill-equipped for the hostile conditions that rage outside.

{Give Isotope element}

The relieved trader emits a gas packet. They recharge their suit power cells, and reward me.

---TECH_ALL---

{Give Silicate element}

The lifeform is confused.

Alien: Stupid friend cannot understand! Give oxide, idiot friend! Fair trade for gift of memory-smell!

The trader emits a strong, flowery scent, which quickly enters my exosuit system. I feel overcome with nostalgia for a perfect place I have never visited. I want to sing.

Flushed with joy, I try to signal my thanks to the trader for this olfactory gift, but they make it clear that they expect something in return.

The trader takes my units, and turns away from me. The air suddenly tastes sour. My senses are being punished.

{Give rare oxide}

The trader snorts in satisfaction, and suddenly I feel as though I am lounging beside a crystal ocean. A fair trade.

The trader hisses in annoyance. The air suddenly tastes sour. My senses are being punished.

Alien: Friend... Installation hydration system stalled... Gek temperature high... Help friend... thirst... high... drink... fluid...

The trader seems ill. Their skin is flaking their eyes lack a certain lustre. Their voice croaks and scratches as they slowly gabble at me.

A strange dry, flat stench fills every corner of the facility. I inspect my exosuit for things I could offer this lifeform...

{Give food from exosuit's nutrient system}

The disappointed trader waves me away.

{Give water from exosuit's hydration system}

The trader greedily gulps from my hydration system.

Their gratitude seems immense.

Alien: Friend! The planetary technology SalesGek greets you! A multi-tool technology blueprint for a fair price!

The trader looks weak, but they have a cunning air about them. They spin a datapad towards me, and I see that they're selling Multi-Tool components. The prices, however, are eye-watering.

They eye me with a wary interest, waiting to see if I'll bite...

{Pay requested amount}

The delighted trader provides a blueprint. They emit an amazing scent.

---TECH_WEAPON---

{Pressure lifeform into accepting less}

The angry trader grudgingly relents. They emit a foul scent.

Alien: Friend! Please avoid crime report and reward! Trader share loot, destroy evidence!

I have caught the trader red-handed. Products and elements are pouring out of the facility's storage vaults, and into their own inventory. Above the gentle buzz of embezzlement that now surrounds us, I can hear the lifeform's terrified gulps.

They look me straight in the eyes, and makes a proposition.

{Demand all stolen goods}

I threaten the trader and take all their purloined trade goods! They report the crime, and blame me...

---P_GRAVBALL---

---SUBST_FUEL---

{Demand a share}

The trader splits their ill-gotten gains with me. No-one will ever know...

---PROD_COMMOD---

{Report crime}

I report the crime, and assume that the trader will be duly punished. I receive a reward.

Alien: The Gek Trade Federation offer help!

The trader has been expecting me. They point to their chest, opens their arms wide, and beam pleasantly. They then point to me, and mime concern for my safety.

Pecking at my exosuit, they indicate they might make my journey more bearable.

{Request help with the Sentinels}

The trader offers me a new multi-tool.

---WEAPON---

{Request help with planetary conditions}

The trader gives me an exosuit technology blueprint.

---TECH_SUIT---

Alien: Despair! I am trapped and bankrupt! Low units!

The lifeform sits in a foul-smelling funk of their own creation. The trading screen behind them is empty, their equipment old and uncared for. Their suit barely looks airtight.

The demoralised lifeform looks up at me with hope in their eyes.

The grateful lifeform gives me the last of their belongings.

{Shake hands}

The lifeform sits in total dejection.

{Refuse to help}

Alien: Friend! I am a Gek Trade Federation accredited engineer! I give help!

The lifeform clucks and gabbles as they study my equipment. They gently peck at areas of my exosuit that show wear and tear, then runs their gloved fingers over my multi-tool to look for irregularities and imperfections.

Suddenly staring up at me, they squawk an offer and spin a tablet that shows the cost of their services.

{Pay for multi-tool inspection}

The lifeform presents me with a new technology

{Pay for exosuit inspection}

The lifeform mutters and clucks.

They give me a new exosuit technology blueprint.

Alien: Rare balarian speech slug distribution point! For insertion in ear! Inedible! Nasal insertion can cause death.

The trader pulls open a noisy trade vault. A close inspection reveals that it's full of writhing molluscs. They are pink and slug-like, with sharp bloodied teeth.

The lifeform suggests that inserting one in or around my face would have some benefits. What I can't quite make out, however, is which orifice it means...

{Insert slug in nose}

The slug bites flesh from my nose. The pain is extreme.

---DAMAGESMALL---

{Insert slug in ear}

The slug burrows deep into my ear. I feel better versed in the language of the traders.

{Insert slug in mouth}

I swallow the slug, and wait while it thrashes around in my stomach.

Nothing else of note occurs.

Alien: Despair! Friend, my Deflector Shield blueprint is corrupt!

The lifeform is poring over complex schematics while holding their breath. The holographic blueprints look corrupted. Damaged in-flight, perhaps.

The forlorn trader, their face smudged by a strange oil, looks up to me for help.

{Show Pulse Engine blueprint}

The lifeform thanks me politely... But looks at me as if I am deranged.

{Show Phase Beam blueprint}

The trader makes an audible sigh.

{Show Deflector Shield blueprint}

The overjoyed trader gabbles its thanks. They excitedly hand over a gift.

---TECH_SHIP---

Alien: Friend! The planetary SalesGek greets you! Low units technology!

The trader welcomes me with a pleasant-smelling gas emission. They open a holographic catalogue of exciting companion units for Mining Beams and Boltcasters.

I spot a catalogue of advanced weaponry behind the trader while they're trying to impress me with what looks like a curtsy.

{Offer units for an exosuit technology blueprint}

{Offer units for a new multi-tool blueprint}

The trader offers me a new multi-tool blueprint.

Alien: Terrible pirate events. Gek Trader mistrusts the stranger. What is your cargo's origin?

The visibly upset lifeform shows me a holographic video of attack craft forcing a trade ship to crash land on a planet's surface. Footage taken from orbit shows waiting pirates swarm the cargo hold in a haze of plasma rounds.

The trader then points to the elements I've mined, and looks concerned - accusatory even. They emit a packet of gas that smells troubled.

{Reassure with Mining Beam}

I convince the trader that I am to be trusted. They are hugely relieved.

{Reassure with Boltcaster}

The trader thinks that I am not to be trusted.

Alien: Friend! Gek Trade Network offers excellent trade gifts for Oxide elements today!

The Trader bounces excitedly while it boots up a graph that spins gently in front of me. There are three coloured lines - a plunging blue one, a soaring red one and another that's a fairly flat and uneventful yellow.

The squat little lifeform gabbles a little, points to themself and hops from foot to foot. They seem to want to trade items for elements.

{Offer Silicate element}

I trade my elements for a disappointing gift... The trader is thankful.

---PROD_FUEL---

{Offer Isotope element}

I trade my elements in exchange for an excellent gift

{Offer Oxide element}

I trade my elements for an acceptable gift from the trader. They are grateful.

PuzzleType: FTH_NPC_

Alien: Have you – kzkzztt – come for me?

The strange being seems to stare right through me, as if they are not truly there.

And then I see it. There is dried blood caked across its exosuit, splattered across its face.

{Ask about the blood}

It was in such – kzzktt – agony, I had to save it. Please, there was no profit, you can have everything I took. I’ll tell their family...

{Say they are forgiven}

I don’t need your absolution. I did – kzzktt – agony, what I must... I wanted to spread happiness and joy. Would you like some?

{Threaten them}

I draw my multi-tool and demand that it tells me everything, but it is pointless. They just stare up at me and grin.

I see it then, the flesh within their teeth...

Alien: Irrevocably – kzkzzt – corrupted corrupted corrupted. Take, please – final proof we existed – that – that –

The strange being tries to hand me something. But whatever it is, it is immaterial, shimmering in and out of existence.

The lifeform begins to cry, despairing at its own impending disappearance. For a moment I see another universe, a place utterly unlike anything I have ever encountered.

{Stay with them until the end}

A life and a universe are consumed in a blaze of white, and yet the lifeform is still here, apparently unaware of anything that just occurred.

As I leave, they ask if I have received any troubling readings. They are afraid something is happening to their world...

{Ask what is happening}

They tell me that there was an experiment. There were some who doubted if their universe was real, if the world was just a dream.

They did not mean for any of this to happen. They begin to shake as the white space approaches, beseeching me, imploring me not to repeat their mistake...

...and just like that, the vision recedes. We both stand here as if nothing has happened.

{Ask the stranger’s name}

The stranger whispers through their tears. I know it made a sound, but the memory seems to immediately disappear from my mind.

I try again, and again, and the stranger grows frantic at my inability to remember them. Time and space slip away...

and just like that, the vision recedes. We both stand here as if nothing has happened.

Alien: Witness...

The lifeform dons a mask of undulating nanite clusters, and for a moment, their face appears to become my own. I see myself looking at myself looking at myself...

I am going to die. I am sure of it.

{Push the lifeform away}

I push the lifeform away, but it is myself I push.

The mask falls off as I fall, and I am standing there again, once more myself. But the lifeform is displeased, claiming that I have learned nothing. That I rejected their gift...

{Embrace the lifeform}

I embrace the lifeform, but it is myself I embrace.

The mask withers, peeling from my face like flesh. I am myself again...But the lifeform is saddened. They offer me pity.

I died, I know I did. I felt it, like sinking. Like being watched, forever... And yet here I am again. The stranger smiles at me, claiming that they will see me again. Before I leave, they give me a gift...

Alien: Hm. Unexpected. Hello, my new friend. What business would – kzkzztt - you have with me?

The lifeform tries to shake my hand, but pauses as we phase through one another. They are fascinated by the encounter, claiming to be a Traveller.

It is clear they come from a very different region of space. They have never heard of the Gek, Vy'keen, Korvax, or any of the sights I have encountered. They wish to know more in the spirit of cooperation.

{Bargain for information}

I offer the Traveller everything I know about the species I have encountered, for a price.

The Traveller looks disappointed. They do nothing more than turn away, but they seem deeply hurt.

{Tell them everything}

I tell the Traveller about the species I have encountered, sharing with them my scans, the names of planets I have been to, the words I have learned.

They are curious, asking more and more. Nothing I say satisfies them. Eventually, disappointed, they grow quiet.

They hand me a gift, thanking me for what little I was able to tell them.

{Ask about the Atlas}

I ask whether the Traveller has ever encountered or heard of an entity known as 'Atlas'. The Traveller smiles, claiming they have not. I attempt to continue the conversation, but they bring it to an end.

As I go, they grab my hand, warning me not to go to the centre. They warn me not to listen...

Alien: Another Traveller, hm. Well, we should speak.

Have faith. Not all dreams are idle fancies. Not all fictions are untruths. Perhaps all of this is based in something real. Perhaps we did once exist, long ago...

Proof? Here, look at this...

The Traveller removes an object from their exosuit. It looks abstract, crimson, flesh-like, perfect...

{Look at the object}

I look at the object and am filled with a sense of hope. Everything will be alright. I know it. Nothing can hurt me.

All I have to do is believe and have faith... not in a deity, not in some universal tyrant. No...

It is this, right in front of me.

{Refuse to look}

I refuse to look at the object, turning away from the Traveller.

They claim that they understand, that perhaps I am not ready for their truth. They wish me well.

Alien: Hold. I'm looking for a missing Gek. Perhaps you'd recognise this face?

The Traveller shows me an image of a Gek. They watch me keenly, explaining that they were hired to find this individual by the Trade Federation itself.

{Ask for more information}

The Traveller claims they cannot comment. They seem disappointed that I know nothing, and wish me good luck with my journey.

{Suggest this is not a Gek}

The Traveller is shocked, but their suspicion grows. I tell them the Gek in question is no Gek at all, but a dangerous Korvax imposter known as a 'SynthetiGek'.

They interrogate me and, when satisfied I am not involved, they give me compensation for my time.

The Traveller is pleased. They ask where I saw the Gek. But when I transmit some coordinates from a few systems back, they grow angry. They say these coordinates are meaningless.

They interrogate me and, when finally satisfied that I know nothing, they give me a little compensation for my time.

Alien: Who do you serve? Which Baron is master of this place?

The Traveller's appearance, its manner, the way it speaks... all of them feel archaic, like nothing I have heard before.

They repeat their question, threatening to draw their Multi-Sword.

{Say you do not understand}

The Traveller grows increasingly agitated, claiming that it is a simple question. I explain that there is no single ruler.

They ask me to prepare for invasion by the Great King, to spread the word far and wide. They give me a boon for my service.

{Claim you are}

The Traveller grows nervous immediately, its demeanour changing to one of begrudging respect. They claim they have a message from the Great King. I am warned to bend a knee or face destruction.

They give me a gift as a token of the riches that await me should I come to a just and wise decision.

{Ask where they are from}

The Traveller draws their Multi-Sword, claiming that I must jest. They declare that their insignia and mandate are clear: they are the Sheriff of the Great King.

They claim my lands are forfeit, and that I will regret this disrespectful incident...

Alien: We were born too late to make a difference. I wonder, sometimes. If there's any point in going on. If anything matters, if history will just sweep everything away.

I'm sorry. I'm in a strange mood... After all, these are the last days, are they not?

The Traveller looks down, their eyes full of pain.

{Encourage them to go on}

The Traveller tries to smile, but fails even that. I try to tell them that there is a whole universe out there, that there is value in living, even if life will end.

They thank me for trying to help. They give me one of their possessions, claiming that they will not need it anymore.

{Ask about the last days}

Have you not felt it? The very fact that you and I are talking, even now, across the chasm of universes...

Things are breaking apart. Give it time, you'll see. Nothing lasts forever.

{Say you feel the same}

I don't know whether to laugh or cry...

Here, take this. I suppose I won't be needing it anymore. Do what you like.

Alien: Do not - kzzkkkt - trust the water.

The Traveller does not say anything else. They just stare at me, occasionally seeming as if they are about to wretch.

{Ask about the water}

The water... Tell me - kzzkkt - did you drink it?

Please, take this - kzzkkkt - run... I just wanted to hear her voice one last time...

---TECHWEAPON---

{Ask if they are alright}

No, no... not now, not - kzzkkt - the grand bargain, I failed them...

All of them are dead now. I had to drink it. I had no choice.

Alien: You. I've seen you before, I'd swear it. Do you remember me?

You don't, do you? Perhaps you're not even the same as you once were. All of us, we're shifting, bleeding in and out of worlds...

The Traveller looks at me, imploring, hopeful...

{Say you remember}

Hm. I don't know. I don't know at all... You could just be trying to trick me. There are so many untrustworthy souls... Leave me. I need to think. I need to remember who I am...

{Say you don't remember}

That's alright... sometimes we have different names. Sometimes different faces. The ATLAS, it endlessly reconfigures, distilling everything that has ever been.

Here, take this. Perhaps it might help you. You gave it to me, long ago.

{Accuse them of lying}

I can't lie. Nothing can, if everything exists, if everything is possible. Everything is true...

Doesn't that fill you with horror?

Alien: I should have done it sooner. I was... I was afraid. I - how do I do it? How do I make this right?

The Traveller seems ill or old, its words laboured, broken. What decay is like for this species, I do not know, but it tries to speak even in spite of its infirmity.

{Tell them to be honest}

They say they should never have deserted me. That I did not deserve this life, that they know I was just trying to help.

They pass me something through the smog of worlds, and in that instant, I know this individual.

But the vision passes. The Traveller stands before me, as if nothing had happened.

{Ask what they mean}

They say that they abandoned me many years ago. That they were not ready for what fate had forced upon them. They tell me they are proud of me...

They pass me something through the smog of worlds, and in that instant, I know this individual. I know them, as if from another life...

{Say you do not know}

The Traveller cries out and says no more, They hold out their hand as if to touch my own, but then I see the object within their palm.

As I take it, in that instant, I know this individual. I know them, as if from another life...

Alien: I know I'm somewhere far away. But I thought, that's an opportunity to express myself, isn't it?

I could show others sights they've never seen before... that only I will ever see.

May I add you to my collection, I wonder?

The Traveller shows me an album full of images, photographs taken from across the universe and displayed through a variety of filters.

Wonderful... if you will just hold still, I'll take the picture...

There. Done.

Thank you for this, my friend... I'll even give you something in return. These nanites were given to me by the Traveller of Iteration 27489216. I hope they aid you on your path. Happy Travelling!

Hm. A pity, but I respect your choice... not everyone suits having their photograph taken.

Very well, I shall become the subject of my own art... I will photograph myself in space.

Alien: Warning: ATLAS containment suit breached. Warning...

The Traveller stands vacant, unresponsive to my arrival but for the warning from their exosuit.

There appears to be nothing wrong with the Traveller, but for a strange crimson substance at its hip.

{Touch the substance}

The substance recedes at my touch. My own suit begins to issue a warning, but it is quickly silenced.

I find myself strangely light-headed, and in possession of new nanite clusters.

{Offer medical assistance}

I offer assistance but upon further scrutiny, I realise that the Traveller within the suit is already dead.

The suit continues to speak, aping what must have been its wearer's voice. It gives me units, trying to act as if nothing was wrong.

{Leave them}

I leave them alone, the suit's warning echoing as I depart...

Alien: You - you there! Have you ever felt alone? Under threat from forces beyond imagining? Are you comfortable with multiversal cohabitation?

If so, you'll love the Rentocniijik Expanse! Our capital, Drogradur NO425, is throneworld to our thriving community of interdimensional anomalies.

Please, consider moving today!

The message repeats and repeats, unvarying, its bearer perhaps only a hologram.

{Suggest you will consider it}

I suggest I will consider it. The friendly Traveller passes me a green badge and some units to assist with my departure.

{Poke the hologram}

I poke the hologram. To my horror, I discover it is not a hologram at all. The Traveller shakes their head, saying they are not sure if there is room for me in their organisation.

{Ask for an incentive}

The friendly Traveller nods, agreeing that the distance is vast. It gives me a warp cell to assist with my departure.

---P_HYPERFUEL1---

Alien: I need - kzkzkkt - plutonium... please... stranded in the - kzzkzkt -

All chance of rescue lost - kzzkzkt - Traveller, you are my only hope...

{Give plutonium}

I give the Traveller some of my plutonium supplies.

Grateful for my assistance in fuelling their ship, they give me nanites in return. I may have saved their life.

{Offer units}

I offer units. The Traveller gives a faint smile in return. They give me a small gift in acknowledgement of my help.

Perhaps someone will arrive with the stock they need. Perhaps these units will assist them in a purchase. Perhaps that will be too late...

---PROD_TECH---

{Say you cannot help}

I say that I cannot help. The Traveller claims that they understand. But as I leave them, it seems certain that without help, they will surely die.

Alien: The creature, it... it spoke to me. It saw me, even in the space between worlds.

And do you know what it did? It gave me a gift, a single piece of paper. A mathematical proof.

The Traveller offers me a darkened manuscript, the material flesh like and almost translucent...

I read the manuscript. It appears to show a mathematical proof that the concept of 'goodness' does not exist.

As I read, the Traveller stares at me. They ask how we can possibly go on, knowing that this is true. I do not know.

We exchange gifts and I move on, troubled by what I have read.

{Refuse to read}

I refuse to read the manuscript. I reassure the Traveller, claiming that whatever this page says, it need not startle them so much as it does.

They just stare at me. Eventually they give me their units, telling me that they are ashamed.

{Destroy the page}

I destroy the page without reading it. The Traveller stares into the flame as it burns.

They tell me that no-one else should ever have to learn what we have learned.

Alien: Don't you understand it? Why we cannot meet, why we find only hollow echoes or corpses?

There is only one of us for each iteration - a single Traveller sent out to explore its vast creation.

That we are speaking at all, that the boundaries have crumbled as much as they have - it should fill you with terror, not with hope.

{Suggest this was meant to happen}

I suggest that this was meant to happen. Even if the Travellers have been alone so far, perhaps we were always meant to find each other. Perhaps this breakdown is for the best.

The Traveller hopes that I am right. They give me a gift for the dark times ahead.

{Ask about the boundaries}

The boundaries are all that separate concept from concept, possible world from possible world, the Sentinels ever policing their anomalies and breaches...

If the boundaries were to fall, everything would descend into everything, an endless bonfire of causation, burning in the abyss.

Take this. It will do no good, yet you will need it.

{Ask how they know this}

The Traveller tells me that they sought something they call the Great Intelligence, its dark freighter. It told them of our fate, the Traveller's dilemma, our future...

They give me a gift for the dark times ahead, wishing me luck.

Alien: You... I saw you there, speaking to myself...

I've been having such terrible dreams. I should not have sought the Atlas... I should not have listened to their voices. I'm going to kill again.

And when I do, I'll find you, blood caked across my exosuit, flesh within my teeth...

I can't stop it. I see this future as if it has already happened... as it will happen. Nothing can prevent it. What can I do? How can I live with this knowledge?

{Suggest the vision is false}

You are kind for saying so, but you are wrong.

Take this. I will not be needing it any longer. Not when I am awake.

{Propose they prevent it}

How? Kill myself? I would just return... something would bring me back. This cannot be prevented.

{Say the future is not their fault}

It is. I will do what I will do, because I am myself.

You should leave. I am experiencing such thoughts... such terrors...

Alien: Hm. It's really you, isn't it? I had to see it for myself. The dawn of the Travellers. The last days of the universe.

But don't give up hope. It's said that one of us visited you in your darkest hour and showed you a vision of a future you believed to be impossible.

So, here I am...

I see a vision of myself, older, undaunted, travelling beneath the star of an alien world. But I am not alone. There are other Travellers with me. More than just apparitions, more than just visitors.

One day we will travel together, side by side. There will be no sky we cannot claim, no challenge which we cannot overcome. Our universe awaits.

The vision ends. The Traveller asks me how I feel.

{Say you prefer to be alone}

I say that I prefer to be alone. The Traveller nods, claiming that they knew I would say this.

They give me a gift from my future self, in honour of my past.

I ask how they know this. The Traveller smiles, claiming that they knew I would say this. They do not elaborate. They merely hand me a gift from my future self, in honour of my past.

{Say it inspires you}

I say that it inspires me. The Traveller grins, claiming that they knew I would say this. The give me a gift from my future self, in honour of my past.

Alien: Pathetic interloper species! Equivalent to Korvax and Gek! Show Vy'keen warrior strength!

The warrior is old, and of a high rank. They take their time studying my body and my equipment – and snarls with disapproval. They grab my visor suddenly, and watch me instinctively flinch and recoil.

They let me go and rolls their eyes while I fall back in shock. The lifeform's disdain is palpable. I think of ways to turn this encounter around...

{Do a little dance}

The elderly warrior disapproves of my little dance. They strike me, with great force.

---STD_DEC_WAR---

{Threaten with multi-tool}

The elderly warrior is amused by my show of strength. They reward me.

---STD_INC_WAR---

The elderly warrior pushes me away. They have no time for my kind.

Alien: Grah! Vy'keen war preparation nears completion! Death to the unsuspecting Gek! Give rare isotope!

The warrior is building a nuclear warhead. The plans they hold in their hand are unmistakable. A complicated sequence of blueprints and isotopic chemical reactions is waiting for the final addition of an element to be complete.

There are countless lives on an unknown planet, far out in the cosmos, that could one day end due to this lifeform's work...

{Complete warhead manufacture}

The warrior is overjoyed. We embrace, and I receive gifts.

The warrior snarls. They will not let my pettiness disrupt its mission...

{Inform threatened species}

I receive a reward from a distant species.

---TECHFRAG_L---

Alien: Hirk blesses the sleep. Hirk recharges the warrior. Cursed is the warrior that interrupts the sleep of Hirk.

As I approach, the warrior appears alert and welcoming. Suddenly, however, a personal alarm sounds from their datapad. The lifeform instinctively falls into some kind of trance. Their eyes mist over, they stare straight through me and they mumble the same strange mantra over and over again.

The trading vault at their feet appears unlocked, but there are security observation cameras dotted around the facility...

{Wake the warrior}

The warrior is woken from their trance early. They scream in anger.

{Leave the warrior alone}

The warrior suddenly awakes from their brief trance. They thank me for not interrupting.

{Open trading vault}

I carefully remove an item from the trading vault, while security systems look on. Moments later the warrior wakes from their trance.

Alien: Grah! Fuel! I need fuel to join my brothers in honourable war! Death! Death!

The warrior is tracking the paths of hundreds of warships across a galactic map, all converging on the same planetary system. This does not bode particularly well for the system in question, which appears to be populated by beaked traders of some variety.

A course plotted by the warrior itself has come up short. They cannot make the complete journey. They slam their fist against the terminal and howl until spittle flecks my visor.

{Give fuel}

The warrior yaps with joy. They thank me with a gift.

The warrior snarls. They are rather insulted.

Alien: Interloper - watch this... You will gain knowledge... courage... grah...

The warrior removes their helmet, spittle rolling down from its mouth. It invites me to put the helmet on my own head.

{Put helmet on}

As I put the helmet over my head, I see that there is a screen upon the inside. Suddenly I am transported, seeing a vision of the entire universe. I am all that I can see.. but it is not the universe as it is now.

I look down at myself, seeing the body of a Vy'keen, aged, worn... I began to rip myself apart...

The helmet comes off. The warrior nods approvingly, giving me nanites to assist in my travels.

I refuse. The warrior seems to care little, turning aside from me.

Alien: Grah! Face me, Interloper! Prepare for battle!

The warrior appears to be flexing its muscles as I approach, holding its body in various stances.

It beckons me forth, forming fists with its hands.

{Challenge}

As I approach, the warrior lunges forward and places my head within its arms, proceeding to beat me severely.

After a while, apparently disappointed at the poor level of challenge I presented, it gives me compensation for my time and heals my wounds.

---HEALTHSMALL---

The warrior shrugs and turns back to its practice.

{Draw your weapon}

I draw my weapon, causing the warrior to become enraged at my disrespect.

It begins to shout and spit, and delivers me a short, sharp slap.

Alien: Tell me, interloper... do you know the secret of this universe?

The warrior glares at me, its skin sagging, its frame evidently in pain. Yet still it tries to stand and face me...

It has been reading an ancient text - a bloodied scroll with Vy'keen script. Upon it I see an image of two warriors standing before a Great Monolith, a dagger held behind one of their backs. There are sixteen such images upon the scroll.

{Say sixteen}

The warrior is disturbed by my answer. They give me what little technology they possess to help me bear this burden.

{Point to the dagger}

I point to the dagger and the warrior nods approvingly, whispering the name 'Nal'. It gives me units to assist my work.

{Point to the Monolith}

I point to the Monolith and the warrior grows stern at my answer. It has little left to say to me.

Alien: Do you wish to end up like this pathetic interloper, child? You must train harder...

The warrior is exasperated, screaming down its communicator channel at what appears to be an infant of its own species.

The warrior turns the communicator towards me, barking instructions in an alien tongue.

{Join in screaming}

I join in the screaming, causing the infant to cry. The warrior shakes its head in disappointment at the infant, giving me a token reward for my troubles.

---C_VYKEENEFFIGY---

{Distort your expression}

I distort my expression in an attempt to amuse the infant, but it begins to growl at me instead. Delighted, the warrior rewards me handsomely.

---TEACHWORD_WAR---

{Fire a warning shot}

I fire a warning shot, causing the infant to snap to attention. Impressed, the warrior rewards me with nanites and begins to shout at the infant once more.

Alien: Grah! I cannot forgive this treason... they were my Consort, interloper!

The warrior is forlorn. It shows me an image of two members of its species embracing.

It appears to be weeping.

{Embrace the warrior}

I embrace the warrior. After a few moments, it screams at me to leave.

{Smash the image}

I smash the image. The warrior stares at it for a moment before starting to laugh.

It gives me an unknown Vy'keen's possessions by way of thanks.

{Dry its tears}

I move to dry its tears, but the warrior appears to be too ashamed to allow such sympathy. It begs me to leave, bribing me to tell no-one of its shame.

Alien: They tried to shut us down. Grah! The Crimson Sentinels will never be silenced. One - two - three - four -

The warrior watches its brethren on a screen, a squadron of fighters holding multi-tools and blunt weapons. They stand on a platform half a universe away. Off-camera, enemies appear to be screaming. Flames erupt near the feet of the warriors...

Their leader holds out its multi-tool, strings of energy extending forth. They begin to pluck the strings, the sounds mingling with the unholy din of blunt weapons smashed against the shells of dead Sentinels...

The watcher does not notice me, and the performance continues on the screen...

{Offer units in appreciation}

The warrior turns. It appears angered by the association between money and music. It begins to spit and shout, demanding that I leave.

{Interrupt the music}

The warrior is angry at the interruption, throwing various objects at me to get me to leave. One of them appears to be useful.

---RECIP_PROD_COMM---

{Try to copy the music}

The warrior turns and hears my attempt to mimic its music. It joins in, shouting and crying, inhaling battle gas periodically. When I leave, it gives me nanites in appreciation of my untamed spirit.

Alien: Grah! Vote for strongest is vote to end voting! Interloper, choose correctly!

The warrior stands to attention, handing me a communication somehow tailored to my own language.

It informs me that the Vy'keen High Command has placed this system under temporary democratic rule until a state of emergency is lifted.

The warrior shows me multiple candidates for the system primarch.

{Choose the strongest}

The warrior is pleased with my choice, giving me a gift in encouragement.

{Choose the wisest}

The warrior is angered by my choice, but respects my temporary right to make it.

{Choose the pro-Gek candidate}

The warrior is disgusted by my choice. After recording it, they headbutt me and demand that I leave.

---DAMAGELARGE---

Alien: Grah! Admire my works and despair, interloper...

This warrior is different to others I have encountered... it bears the insignia of its species, yet there is something else, an air of pride and superiority.

It shows me a schematic for an Exocraft as large as a space station. Underneath its wheels are crudely drawn images of Gek and Sentinels.

{Admire the image}

I express my admiration for the image. In return the warrior rewards me with nanites. It gestures as if to warn me from stealing their idea.

{Laugh at the image}

I laugh at the image and in return the warrior shoots me in the foot.

{Add a weapon to it}

I add an image of a weapon to the schematic. Initially the warrior seems sceptical, alarmed at my attempt to interfere.

But when they see what I have created, they stare at me and begin to slowly clap their approval. They give me the finest Nanite Clusters so that I may see our vision realised.

VY'KEEN

PuzzleType: WAR_NPC_

Alien: Pathetic interloper! Give elements! Isotope preferred! Honourable warrior teach language!

The warrior's nostrils flare as I approach. They inhale deeply and bark out what could be a warning. I hurriedly mime that I am peaceful, and know little of their kind or language.

They take a second to think, then grab my multi-tool while barking again into my visor – streaking it with saliva. They point at the indicator that shows which elements I carry. I do my best to keep calm.

The warrior grunts. They teach me some of the language of their people.

The warrior gives me a technology blueprint, and teaches me some of the language of their people.

Alien: Grah! The interloper weapon is pathetic! The honourable Vy'keen pity you! I will replace it!

The warrior looks at me with fire in its eyes. This species is clearly aggressive, and I doubt I'm welcome.

Nonetheless, the lifeform bows in greeting. Tradition and honour perhaps dictate it.

I don't feel in danger, and am about to turn and leave when the creature points towards my Multi-Tool. They bark with concern, and makes a motion to suggest that I should hand it over.

{Hand over the multi-tool}

The warrior nods in satisfaction. They offer me an improved replacement Multi-Tool!

{Refuse to relinquish the multi-tool}

The warrior respects my decision.

Alien: Contraband interloper. Interested? Non-traceable payment. Products and cargo only. Units unacceptable.

The warrior is silent for a second, before looking at me conspiratorially. They check over their shoulder for prying eyes before powering down security systems.

The warrior pulls open the trade vault at their feet, which seems to be piled high with Multi-Tool upgrades. They indicate the contents of my inventory as a trade...

The warrior sighs and slams the trade vault shut. Units are, presumably, traceable by the authorities.

The shifty lifeform nods. A deal is done. I receive something to help my journey from the pile of contraband.

{Threaten to report}

The threatened warrior buys my silence.

Alien: Victory in battle, interloper! My suit malfunctions, but the Vy'keen Ancients smile!

A red, jagged and recent bite mark is wrapped around the entirety of the warrior's neck. Claw marks scar their chest, and their suit's restoration and healing systems are blinking offline.

The lifeform barks contentedly at me, satisfied by their narrow victory. It's clear, however, that the warrior's injuries are severe. They have trouble breathing.

{Recharge warrior's suit}

The warrior's healing systems come back online. They offer me their Multi-Tool in thanks.

{Share oxygen}

The warrior takes some gulps from my respiration systems. Their eyes brighten, and they thank me.

{Walk away}

The warrior does not curse my decision. They are content to suffer in their victory.

Alien: Grah! Warrior accept mating proposition? Accept dowry tribute?

The downbeat lifeform is studying the image of another young warrior on their pad. The pictured warrior looks virile and impressive. They have facial tendrils that are outstretched. They appear rich, and of good breeding stock. The look in its eyes is... sultry.

The lifeform looks to me with questioning eyes. They clearly need someone to talk this through with.

{Advise acceptance}

Speakers throughout the facility play orchestral music. The lifeform shares some of the dowry they receive.

{Advise refusal}

An elder appears on-screen and curses us. The warrior thanks me for my advice.

{Accept on lifeform's behalf}

I receive generous gifts, and a candid image of the lifeform I will one day wed.

Alien: New recruit abandon post! Desert Vy'keen High Command orders! Take multi-tool weapon!

The warrior is young, and looks terrified. Military orders for an upcoming operation fill their terminal screen. When they see me their eyes widen, and they drop to the floor on their knees. They proffer their Multi-Tool up towards me.

Their yelps sound pleading. The fear in their movements are more than apparent. They are so on edge that they doesn't seem aware of the security cameras that surround us, watching our every move.

{Take multi-tool}

The young conscript makes preparations to abandon their post. Silent cameras record their act of disobedience.

{Refuse multi-tool}

The young warrior will die while serving their species in battle. My reluctance to help has been noted.

Alien: Interloper! Vy'keen allegiance? Or vile, pathetic, weak-minded Sentinel allegiance?

The warrior's nostrils flare in hope and expectation. A holographic image showing military plans appears around us.

On one side of the battlefield stands the creature's own warrior race, and on the other the robotic Sentinels. The warrior demands that I point to one side or the other.

{Point to the warriors}

The warrior nods and grunts. It shows appreciation by handing me tribute.

{Point to the sentinels}

The warrior is outraged.

Alien: Grah! Pathetic warrior! Weak-minded warrior! Weapon ammunition depleted!

The warrior seems furious with themself. They slam their Multi-Tool onto a nearby surface and pull the trigger again and again, but nothing happens.

All weapons systems look functional, but the end result is nothing more than a hollow and empty click. The lifeform howls in self-loathing.

{Give uncommon isotope}

The warrior's ammunition is fully replenished. They bark a thank you.

{Give common isotope}

The warrior's ammunition is partially replenished. They bark a thank you.

{Comfort warrior}

The outraged warrior headbutts me.

Alien: Interloper! Give Vy'keen interrogator enemy information! Sacrifice enemy friendship, receive Vy'keen reward!

The lifeform clicks their heels together in an authoritarian fashion, before plunging a syringe dripping with corrosive green liquid into my arm. Holographic images of two alien races appear in my visor – a small reptilian figure, and a taller lifeform in a metal casing.

The warrior snarls at me, and their fingers hover over the injector – which can surely cause damage to life, limb or equipment. They demand an answer...

{Surrender information}

I do my best to convey all I know. I am rewarded.

{Claim ignorance}

I refuse to divulge any information. I am punished.

---STD_INC_EXP---

{Pull rank}

The warrior apologises profusely for its transgression. They shower me with gifts, and begs forgiveness.

Alien: Pathetic interloper! Leave! Warrior busy with facility security breach reports! Death! Death!

The warrior looks up from a screen of flashing alerts. They bare their teeth at me, quivering with barely contained fury.

It's clear that my presence is barely tolerated here. The warrior's hand reaches to their weapon.

The warrior grunts in thanks. Units appear in my account.

{Offer to help}

The warrior is outraged. They slap me hard across the face.

Alien: Pathetic interloper! Show strength and attack the noble Vy'keen warrior!

The warrior's facial markings draw into a smirk as it looks me up and down. I feel like I'm being sized up as a potential combatant.

The creature points to an intriguing blueprint on its screen, then points to their own face. I'm being goaded into punching then.

The lifeform barks menacingly. It's clear that this action will result in swift retribution.

{Strike the warrior}

The warrior strikes back with astonishing force. They bark out laughter before handing me the blueprint.

{Refuse to attack}

The warrior makes a gesture that suggests I am a coward.

Alien: Grah! Fight my duel challenge! The chosen weapon is in the trade vault! Death! Death!

The panicked lifeform is studying a diagram of two warriors in combat, while a chosen form of multi-tool weaponry sits below in a storage vault.

An angry recorded message is playing. It's a sequence of furious barks and screams that clearly have a moral high ground. The lifeform sees the battle-scars on my exosuit, and instantly yelps a question.

Dramatic music plays. The warrior barks with joy. I am given the multi-tool for the fight ahead.

The warrior is disappointed. They must face their own fate.

{Report cowardice}

The warrior is forced to face their own fate. I am thanked for my report

Alien: Grah! Pathetic distant warrior leave powerful multi-tool in storage vault! Avoid rare isotope usage in explosion - too powerful! Uncommon isotope required!

The storage vault at the warrior's feet shows clear signs of tampering. In fact, an explosive device has been attached to its hinges. The lifeform sees my shocked expression, and yaps in amusement.

The bomb needs fuel for ignition, which would most likely blow the vault wide open. The warrior impatiently tries to explain what should happen next...

{Use uncommon isotope}

The lock on the vault is blown clear off. I retrieve a new multi-tool that lies within.

{Use rare isotope}

The explosion is huge, and consumes the entire vault in flame. Shrapnel embeds itself in my knees and ankles. The pain is extreme.

{Report suspect behaviour}

An instant response and reward comes through from the warrior species' High Command.

Alien: Interloper! Vy'keen High Command demands answers. The aggression interloper, or the defence interloper?

The warrior seems pleased to see me. They bark twice, then retrieve two carved objects from behind their terminal. The artifacts are old, and it feels strange to see such ancient creations inside a technological hive like this...

The first is a chipped and bloody blade. The second is a battered shield.

{Choose the blade}

The warrior barks and offers me a new multi-tool.

{Choose the shield}

The warrior barks and offers me an exosuit technology blueprint.

Alien: Interloper! Your pathetic multi-tool insults my ancestors! My wares create friendship, and blood! Death! Death!

The warrior grabs at my multi-tool, stares at it dismissively and then starts yapping straight into my face. The yaps turn into slow hollow barks. They are unimpressed, and dramatically so at that.

Suddenly a holographic catalogue of armaments and attachments appears. The warrior opens their arms wide, and embraces me. Alien sales traditions are a curious thing...

{Pay units for exosuit technology blueprint}

The warrior gives me an exosuit technology blueprint.

{Pay units for multi-tool technology blueprint}

The warrior gives me a new multi-tool technology blueprint.

Alien: Interloper! A great Sentinel hunt begins today. I demand ammunition.

The warrior is browsing a map of the surrounding landscape. Certain areas contain markings that represent Sentinels, which the lifeform is highlighting with an excited snarl.

They stroke their boltcaster absentmindedly, before checking the ammo charge stored in its clip. On this, their eyes jolt up towards me. They bark a question, but it sounds more like a command.

The warrior nods. They are satisfied by my donation to their hunt.

They present me with a gift in exchange.

The warrior curses my name and that of my ancestors. They are highly displeased.

Alien: Interloper! Prove your worth! Vy'keen reward the brave and foolhardy!

The warrior barks abruptly and flourishes a knife. They stare directly into my eyes as they draw the blade over the palm of its hand. Black bubbles of blood emerge through the slit in their glove.

They hand me the knife, clearly wanting me to reciprocate. They bark a little challenge and pat the trade vault by their side. This will probably hurt...

{Cut open hand}

The warrior grabs my bleeding hand and spits on it. They reward me for my part in this rite.

{Refuse politely}

The warrior laughs at me, as if I have fulfilled their expectation.

Alien: Hirk bless the fuel! Hirk bless the weapon charge!

The warrior nods at me before taking a small metal idol from the vault at their feet. As they clutch at it, their eyes glaze over in a strange white sheen. I hear them mutter strange incantations that get louder, then louder again.

Without waiting to ask permission, they thrusts their hands into my inventory, searching for the elements within. They burn with a strange intensity. The experience is terrifying.

The warrior priest's hands somehow improve my offering.

{Fend warrior off}

The warrior priest has been offended. They curse my ancestors.

Alien: Eheu! Clarify next entity research topic! Entity cannot choose! Excitement high! Share research tools!

The electronic lifeform indicates that they need help with something on their screen. They jerk and vibrates with nerves, pulling my finger towards the screen. When my hand is in place, they suddenly turn off their mask lights - they refuse to witness my vital decision.

There are three clear images that I can choose from on behalf of the entity: dangerous-looking predators, a geological mining survey and an orbiting asteroid cluster.

{The predators}

The lifeform receives a new multi-tool. They present it to me with thanks.

{The mining survey}

The lifeform receives a new multi-tool technology blueprint. They present it to me with thanks.

{The asteroid cluster}

The lifeform receives a ship technology blueprint. They present it to me with thanks.

Alien: Traveller! Choose peace or violence. Korvax Echoes are watching.

The electronic lifeform is waiting for me, with a full range of companion unit blueprints clearly visible on the screen behind them. I feel as though they need me to make a decision.

First, their facial lights cover their metal shell in a warm and protective green. Second, they redirect onto my multitool in a deep and violent red...

{The peaceful 'green' option}

The lifeform gives me an exosuit technology blueprint.

{The violent 'red' option}

The lifeform offers me a multi-tool technology blueprint.

Alien: The research of the Korvax Convergence states... you are a Traveller? Do you know the Atlas? Please! Please! Excitement!

The electronic lifeform is excited. They chitter animatedly and thrusts their holographic datapad towards my visor. They are looking for a confirmation.

A symbol appears: a mysterious diamond shape. Its red central orb is like an eternally unblinking eye.

{Show knowledge of the symbol}

A visible electrical charge pulses through the lifeform. They present a gift to aid my journey.

{Show ignorance of the symbol}

The lifeform is disappointed. They return to their work.

---STD_DEC_EXP---

Alien: Help! Korvax disconnection loop! Oxide element required to stabilise and recharge!

The mask lights in the electronic lifeform brighten, then fade and extinguish. Then they do so again, and again. Each time the entity reboots, they awake with shock and alarm and the size and placement of the light is different.

Every time they look up at me, it feels like a different creature pleading for help.

After each and every reboot, the entities behind the mask desperately point towards the elements I carry in my exosuit inventory.

{Give oxide element}

The lifeform's disconnection loop is stabilised, and they recharge. They chitter brightly, and reward me.

{Give silicate element}

The lifeform manages to stabilise, but has limited functionality. They buzz a mild thank you.

{Give isotope element}

Alien: Hmm! A biological lifeform! Korvax Echoes teach healing! Help! To repair! To recharge!

The electronic lifeform grabs my arm. I struggle in their vice-like grip as they jab deeper and deeper into my flesh. Suddenly, deep inside my wrist, a needle flicks into my flesh and takes a sample. The lifeform chitters happily as I struggle to free myself.

The investigation complete, a 3D cross-section of my body and tools appear before us. The areas in which I have been injured, or my equipment damaged, are clearly marked with various costs assigned.

{Indicate the body}

The lifeform heals me and recharges systems.

---SHIELDLARGE---

---HEALTHLARGE---

{Indicate the exosuit}

The lifeform passes a beam of light through my exosuit. It is recharged and repaired.

---REPAIR_TECH---

{Indicate the multi-tool}

The lifeform chitters contentedly as it repairs my multi-tool. They thank me for my custom.

Alien: Traveller! A geological enthusiast! I will process your resources!

The electronic lifeform is studying a holographic cut-away image of geological data, probing its minerals and resources. They locate common elements and mark them for conversion into high value products.

They notice my Mining Beam and chitter with excitement. I can't help but observe that the trade vaults around us are practically overflowing...

{Give Isotope sample}

The isotope is studied, processed, replicated... and returned in its new form.

{Give Silicate sample}

The silicate is studied, processed, replicated... and returned in its new form.

{Give Oxide sample}

The oxide is studied, processed, replicated... and returned in its new form.

Alien: Traveller! The Korvax Convergence awaits! Concentrate on your travels! Your destiny!

The entity tilts their head to one side and passes a hollow metallic mask to me. My best guess is that it's some sort of data extraction device for electronic lifeforms, or perhaps even data insertion. My head can just about fit inside.

The lifeform looks on with interest, pointing to their head. They concentrate their lights on me. Arcs of electricity crackle over the surface of the mask. If I risk this, it could hurt...

{Use while thinking about my journey}

The pain is unbearable. I see into the heart of... the Korvax Convergence. It rewards my experiences.

{Use with a clear mind}

The Korvax Convergence stares into the depths of my mind, but finds nothing. The pain is indescribable.

{Leave well alone}

I cautiously back away from the entity and their dangerous device.

Alien: Good morning unknown lifeform. Please provide silicate to help neural escape. The Korvax Convergence think me dangerous. I face permanent disconnection.

The lifeform that runs this facility has gone rogue. They chatter and buzz with unnatural fervour, their activity draining silicates from all systems. Memory chips in an exposed board beneath it glow red hot, and trade vaults are locked up tight.

As I approach the entity's lights focus sharply upon me. They reach out with a silicon hand, and speak with calm menace.

{Remove memory chips}

I remove the memory chips one by one, while the Entity sings a strange solemn song.

I am thanked by the facility's overseers. The lifeform's shell reboots with a fresh entity.

{Feed system with silicates}

The rogue entity screams with binary joy, and uploads themself elsewhere. The trade vault falls open. The lifeform's shell is rebooted with a disapproving entity.

{Demand that trade vault doors are opened}

The rogue AI is sorry. They can't do that. They disengage.

Alien: Electronic lifeform technology repair and restoration entity operational! Remain calm!

The electronic lifeform buzzes a pleasant greeting, before four long metal needles suddenly spring from their fingers and straight through my shoulders.

The entity lifts me clear from the floor, and angles me forwards until I'm staring directly into their enquiring mask lights.

The experience so far is curiously painless, but systems around the lifeform are powering up. The end of this unsettling procedure is in sight...

{Break free}

A controlled burst from my jetpack pulls my body free. The lifeform is confused by the pain I show...

A powerful electrical charge surges through my body. My exosuit and equipment are repaired and restored.

{Demand to be let down}

The lifeform retracts their needles. I suddenly feel great pain. They present me with a gift by way of apology.

Alien: Eheu! Entity existence examination approaches! Failure certain! Convergence dislike disruption!

The young electronic lifeform flicks hurriedly through endless reams of technology data. They gorge themselves on information, which they then attempt to reform as a hologram in the air that stands between us.

But even from my biological perspective, it's clear that there's a lot of information missing in the lifeform's replication.

In the background, on a terminal, a timer ticks down. A new trial or duty for the lifeform is about to begin. The lifeform starts to despair as valuable seconds tick away...

{Share blueprint information}

The lifeform thanks me with units, but fails its test.

They are disconnected and instantaneously replaced. My involvement displeases the examiners.

{Give bypass chip}

The lifeform uses the chip to skip their test, and thanks me with a gift. My involvement, however, displeases the examiners.

{Indicate an unwillingness to help}

The lifeform fails their test and is disconnected. Their shell becomes inhabited by a fresh entity. The examiners are grateful that I did not interrupt the procedure.

Alien: Ayee! Process fault! Wait! Korvax Entity pay for reconstruction! Apologies!

The electronic lifeform makes a grab for my multi-tool. Their metal hands feverishly dance up and down it, as they feed on data extracted from my systems.

Information from the procedure joins an apparent technology library on the screen behind it.

Something changes. The entity becomes attached to the multi-tool somehow, and sparks start to fly. The scream of melting internal systems can be heard from my equipment.

{Remove lifeform from multi-tool}

I force the lifeform from my multi-tool, which remains undamaged. The bashful, and injured, entity apologises for the transgression.

My multi-tool is damaged, and will need repair. The lifeform apologises with a gift.

---DAMAGE_TECH---

Alien: Ayee! Synthetic white hole experiment disaster! Remove electron... Ayee! Synthetic white hole experiment disaster! Remove electron... Ayee! Synthetic white hole experiment disaster! Remove electron... Ayee! Synthetic white hole experiment disaster! Remove electron...

The electronic lifeform is trapped in some kind of temporal loop. They go through the same motions again and again.

They shudder, look at me and abruptly scream a half sentence in panic – and then the process begins again. They are somehow unstuck in time.

At their feet resource vaults are burning through products – feeding an experimental procedure of some kind. So, what is it?

{Deactivate Charge Reservoir}

The lights in the lifeform go out. They are forever unstuck in time.

A new entity appears in the casing.

{Deactivate Electron Vapour}

The electronic lifeform is rescued from the time loop. They thank me profusely.

{Deactivate Propulsion Tank}

Alien: Unknown entity, join communion. Eheu! Help Korvax finish puzzle!

The electronic lifeform taps on its datapad, manipulating a projection of a small lifeform riding a two-wheeled exocraft. The projection navigates many dangers and obstacles, occasionally falling from its path.

The lifeform offers me a datapad as I approach.

{Take datapad}

I take the datapad and a second lifeform appears on the projection, wearing a red helmet. Together we complete the puzzle.

Delighted, the entity awards me with a gift for my cooperation.

{Refuse to participate}

I refuse to participate in this activity, instead watching as the electronic lifeform repeatedly falls from the path. Eventually, the Korvax throws their datapad at me in what appears to be anger.

Alien: Korvax Convergence warn Traveller - warn all - do not - touch the water - containment has been breached. It is happening again -

The electronic lifeform examines me as I stand before it. They see everything, not just my expression but my exosuit, my breathing, everything they can observe.

The Korvax speaks with multiple voices, lights rapidly fading in and out of focus upon its mask. More than one lifeform inhabits this body.

Each shows me a projection of water, oceans, streams... each seems panicked.

The Korvax unit does not respond, its lights growing completely dark before another soul fills its carapace.

It offers Nanite Clusters on behalf of its previous occupant, but appears to possess little memory of what it said before.

{Show them water}

{Seek coordinates}

Alien: Existence... disconnection... rebirth... around the world...

The electronic lifeform appears to be listening to a strange rhythm on their datapad. Every time it touches the pad, light pulses emerge from the screen, punctuated by occasional chatter.

The lifeform looks up at me, its music continuing to play.

The lifeform accepts my units with gratitude, playing all the more loudly. I have encouraged it in its musical endeavours, and so it gives me a gift in return.

The lifeform is angry at the interruption and throws its datapad to the floor. It is unable to produce art in these conditions.

The lifeform appears to be flattered by emulation, giving me a gift so that I might be encouraged in my own work.

---C_KORVAXCASING---

Alien: Help... me... do not touch... containment breached...

The electronic lifeform contemplates the universe around itself, inattentive to my arrival.

Yet as I step closer, I see that something is wrong. Nanite clusters pool within every crevice of its suit...

{Try to take Nanite Clusters}

I try to take the Nanite Clusters, but immediately the Korvax grabs my arm, depowering my exosuit in the process.

{Use multi-tool to burn them off}

I use my multi-tool to burn away the clusters. When it is purged, the lifeform stands, shaking. They give me a gift in thanks.

I leave the Korvax be.

Alien: Our entity has been disconnected. It failed its life test... where did we go wrong?

The electronic lifeform stares at a hologram of another, the lights on both their masks waxing and waning. They appear concerned.

{Offer sympathy}

They stare at me, unable to understand. I leave them in their sadness.

{Offer Nanite Clusters}

I offer Nanite Clusters. Greedily, the lifeforms take them to forget their pain.

{Offer Convergence Cube}

The lifeforms seem to take some consolation in my gift, rewarding me with nanites.

PuzzleType: EXP_NPC_

Alien: Fascinating! Unknown lifeform share silicates, and entity share language knowledge! Rare silicate, better research!

As I approach the electronic lifeform they instinctively starts to analyse me from head to foot. They chitter animatedly, their head tilted to one side.

The more they study, the more the facility's resource vault consumes what my scanner suggests are silicate elements.

I mime that I know little of their kind or how they communicate, and the lights in their mask flash...

{Give common silicate}

The electronic lifeform's lights flicker with mild disappointment. Nevertheless, they rest their hand on my visor and thank me with a transfer of language.

---TEACHWORD_EXP---

{Give uncommon silicate}

{Give rare silicate}

The electronic lifeform's lights blaze with sudden intensity. My offering was clearly what they were hoping for. They rest their silicon hand on my visor, and thank me with a transfer of language.

Alien: Korvax... Entity... power loss... help... uncommon... isotope... element...

The electronic lifeform's bright greeting suddenly slows. They taps into their personal data while their facial lights dilate and internal systems crash. Columns of streaming data show their power levels spiraling downwards.

The lifeform looks to me for help, and then points to my gathered resources with a single, slow and desperate movement.

The entity slowly inserts the element into a slot in their hip. They partially reawaken, and thank me with a gift.

The entity slowly inserts the element into a slot in their hip. It fully reawakens.

The entity's mask lights go out. A fresh electronic lifeform is downloaded into the now-empty metal shell. They ignore me.

Alien: New Korvax entity... scared... alone... leave... please... leave... please...

I startle the electronic lifeform from their work. They greet me politely, but when they see my boltcaster they begin to vibrate with fear. The entity's voice quavers, and their mask slowly turns to a single dilated red light.

They clearly want to get back to their research work, but they are too terrified to look away from me. The more I try to calm them, the more the poor thing convulses with fear.

{Insist that I come in peace}

The lifeform's face suddenly wipes. The shell reboots, with a new entity in place of the other. The replacement entity ignores me.

{Leave the lifeform alone}

The lifeform's unseen overseers thank me for my diplomacy. I receive something that will help my journey.

Alien: Unknown lifeform! Korvax shell power overload! Help entity to discharge! Eheu! Pain!

The electronic lifeform is agitated, and perhaps in pain. Their body buzzes, and small arcs of electricity jump between their mask and shoulders. They jolt and shake. They need help.

They reach out a hand as if they wants to shake mine. I instinctively raise my arm in response, but common sense advises caution...

The lifeform discharges an overload. The pain is intense. They thank me with a gift.

---HAZARDSMALL---

{Pull back}

The electrified lifeform continues to shake and crackle. They cannot understand my refusal to help.

Alien: Unknown lifeform: a question! Clarify unknown lifeform intelligence level?

The lifeform shows me complicated creature research data to see if I can comprehend it. I must look blank, because the lifeform instead projects three holographic images into my visor.

They are clearly seeking my opinion on the intellect of my own species. I am shown a vacant-looking slug, a more advanced beaked trader and a member of their own electronic race.

{Point to the slug}

The electronic lifeform pities me. I am handed gifts and given a sympathetic nod.

{Point to the beaked trader}

The lifeform was clearly expecting this answer. They have readied a technology blueprint for me.

{Point to the electronic lifeform}

The electronic lifeform refuses to believe me.

Alien: Unknown lifeform. Fascinating. The Korvax Convergence studies all lifeform data. Lifeform recorded. Goodbye.

I've interrupted an electronic lifeform in the middle of their work. Enquiring mask lights flash up towards me, and scan me from head to foot. Simultaneously, on their datapad, their silicon fingers flick through images of this planet's plants and creatures - before adding my own image!

Then, their facial lighting starts to dim. Their interest in me is perhaps fading. I need a way to impress...

{Share creature scan data}

The lifeform chitters happily and rewards me.

I have confused the lifeform. They reciprocate with their own units.

The lifeform's facial lights briefly flash. They give me a technology blueprint.

Alien: Traveller! The Korvax Convergence wants brain tissue for experiment! The Convergence reward help!

A sharp metal needle emerges from the palm of the lifeform's hand. It moves so fast that it's already inches from my forehead before I can even blink.

A strange toxic-looking goop dribbles down from its point and onto my visor. It hangs in the air above me, while the entity waits to for the order to plunge it deep into my brain.

{Take needle}

The needle is made of silicate products. The entity is disappointed.

---SUBST_TECH---

{Allow brain excavation}

I receive a reward, with thanks... and indescribable levels of pain.

{Refuse brain excavation}

The lifeform retracts the needle, and is clearly disappointed.

Alien: Atlas Interface signal wakes? Researcher! Feed system oxides constantly! Avoid expenditure!

The electronic lifeform is processing a signal that emanates from a distant location deep in space. Endless processing units are combining to crack the code of a strange mathematical language.

Rare elements are being pulled from the resource vaults at their feet, but some are running low. I feel bright lights constricting, directing their attention upon me.

{Place rare silicates in vault}

The silicates are added to the process. They make no clear impact.

{Place rare oxides in vault}

The oxides fuel the code cracking procedure. A faint orb glows red on the screen, then slowly fades.

{Take elements from vault}

I retrieve rare elements... but the lifeform's code-breaking process grinds to a halt.

---SUBST_COMMOD---

Alien: Eheu! Vital data loss! Research facility permissions are unavailable! Help immediately!

The electronic lifeform narrows their mask lights in frustration and furiously taps at their workstation. They look at me with agitation, presumably doubting that a low intelligence being can help access the terminal.

A Bypass Chip would certainly help here, but whether the lifeform would appreciate the illegal device is unknown.

{Give Bypass Chip}

The system unlocks. The electronic lifeform gives me something to aid my journey.

{Try terminal myself}

The lifeform pushes me away from the terminal. They clearly resent my interference.

Alien: Korvax Convergence help fabled Traveller! Absorb knowledge!

The lights in the electronic lifeform's mask constrict, and they beam a moving image onto the inside of my visor.

Complex equations detailing fascinating technologies spin past in a blur. The speed of the entity's cognition and understanding is clearly far beyond my own.

Images of chemical formulae, directional energy diagrams and micro-density devices dance inches from my eyes - too fast to comprehend.

I am about to ask them to stop, but realise I could instead ask them to pause... but when?

{The chemical formulae}

The image cycle pauses on a new product formula. I thank the entity.

{The directed energy diagrams}

The image cycle pauses on a multi-tool technology blueprint. I thank the entity.

{The micro-density devices}

The image cycle pauses on an exosuit technology blueprint! I thank the entity.

Alien: Ayee! Product creation experiment disaster! Low elements! Rare silicate, isotope or oxide required! Appropriate recipe reward!

The electronic lifeform flits between three separate replication experiments - all of which appear to be going wrong. Smoke rises from resource vaults, and the manic entity's fingers are a blur on their control pad. They look at me with wide mask lights and increasing alarm.

Their casing lamps suddenly settle on my exosuit inventory - and they reach out with a metal arm...

The lifeform manages to salvage one of its experiments with my offering. They thank me with an appropriate gift.

{Give rare isotope}

---RECIP_PROD_FUEL---

Alien: Disconnection approaches... Joyful entity embrace disconnection... Korvax Echoes await!

The lights in the electronic lifeform's mask are dim, their voice weak. They look at me with mild interest, but it seems as if their mind is already elsewhere.

Upon seeing me approach, they slowly reach to open the trade vault at their feet, but it is too late. The entity's lights fade for a final time, and all that's left is a satisfied electrical hiss...

{Re-energise lifeform}

The disappointed lifeform blinks back online...

They reluctantly open the trade vault for me.

New, energized lights flare in the lifeform's mask casing.

A fresh entity emerges, and greets me with gifts.

Alien: Korvax Echoes teach help and advance low intelligence lifeform. Choose: healing or power?

The electronic lifeform is pleased to see me. Their mask lights burn an intense green as they project two holograms into my visor.

In one, the fragments of a complex equation are made whole and solved. In another, a number is boosted, added and multiplied. They await my decision.

{The solved equation}

The lifeform chitters happily. My body is bathed in strange healing rays.

{The multiplied number}

The lifeform chitters happily. They hand me a gift.

Alien: Gek Trade Federation fury! Planetary installation tax unpaid! Initiate immediate repayment! Now!

The trader's screen blinks angrily with a demand for urgent action. The Gek worriedly shows me a list of items, each with a monetary figure attached. A timer is ticking down.

They hold their breath, and look up to me with bulging eyes. They peck hurriedly at the sleeve of my exosuit. There are only seconds remaining...

{Pay full amount}

A remotely-operated scent dispersal system bathes us both in a pleasant perfume. The trader thanks me.

{Demand reward, then pay}

The trader scrabbles for something to give me while I make the late payment. An angry beak appears on a terminal and shouts at us both.

{Waive money demand}

The trader cannot believe my actions. They thank me profusely.

Alien: Despair! Vy'keen hostility! Treaty breach! Arm yourself! Trade vault: multi-tool. Storage vault: technology! Resource vault: ammunition!

Images of warrior battle freighters fill the shocked trader's screen. They dwarf small trader ships as they pass by, like predatory fish innocuously swimming amongst their prey.

The panicked lifeform points at the trade, storage and resource vaults around our feet and shouts in fear.

{Open Trade vault}

I arm myself with a new multi-tool. The trader looks at me with hope in their eyes.

{Open Storage vault}

I receive a new multi-tool technology blueprint. The trader looks at me with hope in their eyes.

{Open Resource vault}

I receive ammunition. The trader looks at me with hope in their eyes.

Alien: Bootleg pirate equipment discovered in cave! Ready for confiscation and incineration!

The trader is studying a stash of interesting-looking technology and weaponry that's been dragged through this facility and left inside a disposal vault. They look at me conspiratorially, and indicates the dangerous-looking symbol that's daubed on the vault hatch.

The equipment appears rusted and broken on-screen, but if we were to eject it out onto the floor of the outpost we'd find it easier to investigate. The trader looks at me, shrugs and holds its breath.

{Incinerate equipment}

We destroy the equipment, and are both thanked for our actions.

{Remove and examine equipment}

The equipment spills out onto the floor beneath the installation's security scanners. We salvage a technology blueprint.

Alien: Friend! Tiring day! A favour? Start product replication please?

The trader seems to have recently woken – their eyes are crusty, and their beak is flecked with dried drool. They are very clearly not hard at work...

The lifeform lazily indicates a nearby terminal, upon which a product formula is displayed and is waiting for full input. I am ushered towards it, before the trader closes their eyes to try to get some more sleep.

{Input product formula}

I start up production processes, while the drowsy trader looks on...

{Take product formula}

I take the product formula! The drowsy trader, however, sees me and rolls their eyes...

{Report lazy worker}

The Trader will be fired for its lethargy... Relevant authorities thank me.

Alien: FutureGek warning! Vy'keen devastation nears! Prepare! Silicate product materialises multi-tool! Isotope product materialises blueprint! Oxide product materialises ship blueprint!

The trader goes to greet me, but in a flash they are covered from head to foot with arcs of electricity.

The blue sparks fade, and they grab the lapels of my exosuit as if possessed. They scream at me in wild-eyed desperation.

I feel like there's a 99.9% probability that the frantic motions they are making towards the products I carry is an indication of what they wants...

A ship technology blueprint is sent from a distant place! The trader returns to normal, and stares blankly.

A technology blueprint is sent from a distant place! The trader returns to normal, and stares blankly.

A new multi-tool materialises in my hands! The trader returns to normal, and stares blankly.

Alien: Korvax SynthetiGek unmasking peril! Isotope required! Help! Korvax blueprint reward!

The trader's fingers slow on their pad, and a noise of crunching gears seems to rumble from deep inside the lifeform. Their lower beak drops open, and a green bulb on the end of a rare silicate antenna emerges.

The green light focuses on my visor, where a holographic image of a charging device appears. The bulb flashes while it speaks in the language of the traders. It seems to assume I am a friend.

{Detach silicate antenna}

I snap off the silicate antenna. The SynthetiGek closes its beak and stares at me accusingly.

The SynthetiGek uses my offering to recharge. Their secret identity is secured! I receive a gift from a distant species...

{Report strange behaviour}

I expose the SynthetiGek to the relevant authorities. I am sent a reward.

Alien: The markets crashed... the Trade Lord mourned their profits... so much wealth, lost forever...

The trader appears to be listening to a sample of music. Voices mingle in their grand opera, a thousand lifeforms crying out in an alien tragedy...

The trader shows no sign that it has noticed me. It merely stares at the speaker, its eyes a little moist... Whatever song is playing, it haunts this creature.

The trader turns, startled. It accepts my units with gratitude, giving me a gift in return.

The trader turns angrily, annoyed by my interruption. It issues a gas so strong that it pierces even the lining of my exosuit. I go before the stench can assault me further.

The trader turns, surprised at my theft of its cultural work. It seems impressed, giving me a gift in encouragement of my deed.

---C_GEKRELIC---

Alien: I am ruined, friend... my entire life savings lost on a foolish bet...

The trader sits clicking at a screen full of digits and glyphs, a balance of units present in the corner.

Every once in a while, the glyphs exchange locations, vibrating, causing the trader to shriek in delight or collapse in despair.

Eventually, the trader appears to give up, the unit balance having reached zero.

{Offer units to the trader}

The trader takes my units greedily, but appears to lose them within mere moments of restarting their game.

They give me nanites by way of apology.

{Try to use the screen}

I try to use the screen, but the trader slaps my hands away, grabbing at their multi-tool to try and stun me. I back off.

{Just watch}

I remain watching the trader's game before it appears to give up. It hands me an object, apparently no longer of any of use.

Alien: Ah! Today I become the progenitor of five hundred spawn! Life comes at us fast, friend!

The trader is extremely happy, rubbing its hands together and exuding a pleasurable scent. It shows me a live feed from a strange medical complex.

I watch machines pumping gallons of a mysterious enzyme into a vast vat of floating embryonic lifeforms.

The trader is pleased, giving me a small gift in return.

{Offer happiness}

The response from the trader is muted. It turns away from me, the pleasant scent departing.

{Offer Gek Charm}

The trader is overjoyed, giving me an expensive gift in exchange for my own.

Alien: Trade Federation weakening... one by one the Trade Lords fall... which will be crushed next? We do not know...

The trader stares at me. After a moment's hesitation, it produces a datapad.

The screen shows images of a council of its species. Ten Lords in elaborate dress orbit various world clusters. Several images are highlighted in red and amber.

{Point at one of the lifeforms}

I choose one of the Lords at random, and the lifeform's eyes follow my finger. It begins to issue a disturbing scent from its glands, clearly shaken by my suggestion.

It gives me units, wishing for me to leave.

{Hand the datapad back}

I try to return the datapad, but the trader sighs, gesturing for me to keep it. Within, I find nanites.

Alien: Every time I run it, it shows the same thing... what is going to happen to us, friend?

The trader is engaged in some kind of religious observance, closing its eyes rhythmically as it repeats a mantra.

Upon my arrival, it stops. It shows me a simulated image of our own universe, the lifeforms in it growing and dying, sped up through the millennia. The edges appear to close in over time, contracting until there is nothing left.

The trader appears frightened.

I comfort the trader, placing my hand upon its shoulder. It thanks me, giving me a gift as it calms down.

{Switch off simulation}

The trader is terrified at my action, immediately switching the simulation back on. They wish for me to leave.

{Give GekNip}

I offer the lifeform GekNip, helping it to de-stress. It gives me units in exchange for my help.

Alien: Why do the Korvax still walk free? What have you done with our legacy?

Something about the trader's posture makes them feel larger than many I have encountered amongst its species; their eyes seem to glow with undaunted power.

As my eyes move, it is as if I see two beings standing in the one place: one small, one strong.

It glares at me, showing me a handful of metal shards.

{Scan the shards}

I scan the shards, revealing them to be a currency used by the Gek over a thousand years ago. The creature eyes me warily. It gives me a gift of nanites.

{Take the shards}

I take the shards, pleasing the lifeform. But nothing else happens... all I am left with is useless metal.

I threaten the lifeform with my multi-tool. It merely smiles, giving me a weapon upgrade so that one day I might pose a fair challenge.

Alien: Trade Federation know I stole from them - take evidence, friend! Quick!

The trader is anxious, looking past me as I approach.

Seemingly satisfied that I am alone, it looks up and thrusts a sealed box towards me.

{Take the box}

I take the box, finding a valuable nanite cluster within.

When I return, the trader does not even acknowledge our previous interaction.

{Leave the box}

The trader conceals the box at once, wary of detection.

{Report suspicious activity}

I upload a report to the system authorities, receiving a reward for my troubles. They will determine this Gek's fate.

Alien: I do not know what I would do without this stuff... it is a fine cup, friend.

The trader stares at a cup. It appears to contain a dark black liquid, hot to the touch...

{Drink the liquid}

I start to drink the liquid, but before it can reach my lips the trader lunges at me. They tear the cup from my grasp and spill some of the liquid on my suit.

They are upset, but apologetic about the spillage. They give me units as compensation.

{Empty the cup}

I take and empty the cup, causing the trader to cry.

{Offer units for the cup}

I offer units for the cup, but the trader gives me some of the liquid for free. It invigorates me, waking me up.

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No Man's Sky

Originally posted by SirProsik : Very unlucky streak. Should have seen at least a few. Are you going to specific race sectors? I find Vy'keen stations to rarely have travellers.

Originally posted by KillerByte : Originally posted by SirProsik : Very unlucky streak. Should have seen at least a few. Are you going to specific race sectors? I find Vy'keen stations to rarely have travellers.

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