Subnautica: Below Zero

PDA voice logs 222

Every line your PDA can say: warnings, story beats, tutorials and status messages.

On Pickup Builder
Adding emergency shelter blueprints to your databank.
On Build Essentials
Adding additional blueprints to your databank.
Log Seatruck Hint
Survival rate would be greatly enhanced with the construction of an underwater vehicle.
Log Delta Island Beacon
Alterra beacon signature detected. Unique identifier: "Delta Station Dock"
Log Vesper Early Cache Signal
Alterra supply cache detected nearby.
Log Exploration Hint Crystal Cavern Leviathan
Proceed with caution. A leviathan class creature is near.
Log Exploration Hint Ship Wreck 2
Detecting bow of an astronautical Sol Transgov vessel nearby. Vessel name: Mercury II. Inoperative.
Log Exploration Hint Tree Spires Biome
The Vent Garden harvests geothermal energy to nurture the life that grows within.
Log Exploration Hint Thermal Spires Crevice
Mineral-rich crevices detected below. Geothermal activity detected. Caution advised.
Log Exploration Hint Ship Wreck 1
Detecting stern of an astronautical Sol Transgov vessel nearby. Vessel name: Mercury II. Inoperative.
Log Exploration Hint West Iceberg Interior
Hollow chamber in iceberg interior detected.
Log Exploration Hint East Iceberg Caldera
Inactive volcano detected nearby.
Log Exploration Hint Tree Spires Tree
The nearby spires are substantial thermal vent structures, hospitable to coral formation.
Log Exploration Hint East Iceberg Interior
Moulin in nearby iceberg detected: a hollow chamber typically formed by glacial melt.
Log Exploration Hint Mega Island
There is a large anomalous mass of rock that has broken away and risen above the surrounding terrain
Log Exploration Hint Deep Purple Vents
Significant geothermal activity detected below. Beware of high pressure and temperatures.
Log Exploration Hint Tree Spires Crevice
Rising temperatures detected in mineral-rich fissure below.
Log PDA Recyclotron
This hybrid technology allows for the recycling of natural resource components without rinsing and sorting them into bins first.
Log PDA Tether Tool
The tether tool facilitates instant travel to a paired seatruck teleportation module. Ion cube required for use.
Log PDA Teleportation Module
The seatruck teleportation module facilitates teleportation to the seatruck. Tether tool required for use.
Log PDA Aromatherapy Lamp
The aromatherapy lamp by Quasico can reproduce over seventeen thousand natural scents captured from hundreds of worlds.
Log PDA Executive Toy
The antigravity pendulum of this executive meditation tool spins indefinitely by conserving momentum and recycling energy.
Log PDA Motivational Poster
Motivational posters were banned from Xenoworx following a lengthy discussion at the annual company retreat three years ago. This poster is technically contraband.
Log PDA Coffee Machine
Ah, the sweet scent of dirty bean water.
Log PDA Control Room
In the control room, you can change base lighting and colors, rename your base, and see information about power and structural integrity. But not the integrity of societal power structures.
Log PDA Scanner Room
A scanner room will allow you to survey the surrounding region for fragments and material resources like lithium or copper. Or titanium, if you need help finding it. For whatever reason.
Log PDA Battery Charger
Finally, a device that can put to good use those rechargeables lost to the back of the catch-all drawer.
Log PDA Waterpark
An aquarium just for looks, or your own personal sushi factory. You decide.
Log PDA Mineral Detector
The mineral detector can sniff out raw materials, potentially saving you hundreds of hours of searching.
Log PDA Cold Suit
Made of tightly-knit kevlar microfiber and insulated with an alpine yoke around the neck and shoulders, the Cold Suit is designed to delay the onset of hypothermia.
Log PDA Booster Tank
Equipped with only a booster tank, Dr. Felicity Aman once escaped the underwater acid tentacle forest on planet Alpha671.
Log PDA Headlamp
The headlamp comes with an advanced weather-resistant strap that can withstand volcanic heat or an ice age blizzard. A perpetual, hands free light source in even the darkest environments.
Log PDA Jukebox
The jukebox lets you listen to music in your base. No one said survival couldn't be funky.
Log PDA Purification Tablet
Combined with a frozen water source, water purification tablets can create drinkable water as you explore the snowy surface.
Log PDA Thumper
Used by miners and researchers to explore perilous environments, the thumper creates a steady source of noise that might repel unwanted creatures by amplifying collision soundwaves.
Log PDA Spy Pengling
Without Spy Penglings, scientists may have never discovered that Penglings incubate their eggs in small cave burrows, often alongside Thermal Lily roots.
Log PDA Builder
With the builder tool, you can construct seabases from raw materials. Advising against exploring a frozen water continent without a base. No bed? No storage? No place to put a fabricator module? No fun.
Log PDA Pathfinder
The pathfinder tool emits a sequence of waypoints to mark your route and aid navigation in both terrestrial and aquatic environments.
Log PDA Rebreather
The rebreather facilitates extensive free-diving by recycling air more efficiently at significant depths. Breathe the freedom.
Log PDA Oxygen Tank
The standard oxygen tank can be upgraded for deluxe and VIP breathing.
Log PDA Growbed
The growbed lets you grow plants and vegetables, providing flavourful options for evading scurvy.
Log PDA Air Bladder
If you are tired of hearing the word "oxygen," the Air Bladder provides a significant upward thrust to help you get to air faster.
Log PDA Thermos
A refillable flask to store dispensed contents from the coffee machine. Or tea. Or any other hot drinkable liquids you may find.
Log PDA Beacon
Use beacons to mark traversed territory. Show or hide the signals of your choice with your Xenoworx PDA. Now with surface support.
Log PDA Flare
The flare emits flames through the combustion of potassium nitrate and aluminium. Can be used to repel predators
Log PDA Hoverpad
The Snowfox hoverpad will allow you to build, repair and customize the Snowfox. Now your vehicle can look foxier than ever!
Log PDA Seatruck
The seatruck is a modular aquatic navigation vehicle. For fun and function, additional modules can be attached to the back of the main cabin-- or detatched to evade predators.
Log PDA Sleeper Module
You cannot get a good night sleep without a bed. This modular sleeper attachment will let you rest and relax wherever the Seatruck can go.
Log PDA Exosuit
The P.R.A.W.N. exosuit facilitates mobility in high-pressure and zero-gravity environments, turning the wearer into a bipedal mechanical rock puncher—rock grub ingestion not required.
Log PDA Seaglide
The seaglide is a personal transportation device used for high-speed free diving. Contains a built-in light and map.
Log PDA Fruit Salad
Fruit salad does not traditionally involve leaves, but at least it is nutritious and warming.
Log PDA Ribbon Plant
Ribbon plants contain electrolytic materials that can be used in energy storage.
Log PDA Ion Cube
Enough energy to equal a small nuclear detonation, stabilized and contained in a small cube. An ancient Architect invention, Ion cubes can be used to power several alien devices.
Log PDA Al An SOS
Transmission of unknown origin. Source of transmission depth calculated at approximately 200 meters.
Log PDA Marg Post Jump
The woman in the exosuit has been traced as far as my technology will allow.
Stillsuit Equipped
Water Filtration suit crafted and ready to convert bodily moisture into flavorless, potable water.
Log Cine Meet Al P1 Enter Sanctuary
Sanctuary power critical. Hello, is someone there? In a manner of speaking. We are running out of time.
Log Cine Meet Al P2 Forcefields Down
What is all this? Seeking emergency storage medium. I can help you better if you show yourself. If we could show ourselves, we would not need storage. You mean you don't have a physical presence? Are you one of them? An Architect? Storage medium identified. We will be lost unless we find a new host. Can you help? Can you use my PDA for storage? You are not with the group from before? Your cybernetic components bear their signal. Alterra? (laughs) No! My equipment is uh... borrowed. It will have to do.
Log Cine Meet Al P3 Main Chamber
How long have you been stored here? Longer than hoped. Warning: Sanctuary power critical. Our data can be downloaded from the terminal. We may speak more once the transfer is complete. Yes, okay. Hurrying.
Log Cine Meet Al P4 Transfer
Storage medium accepted. Brace for transfer. Brace? [Cry of alarm, pain.] What's happening? Transferring. [Groan of pain.]
Log Cine Meet Al P5 Component
[Moan.] Transfer complete. How do you feel? Why do you sound like you're inside my head? The facility identified hospitable capacity within your cerebral cortex. You ARE in my head!? I OFFERED YOU MY PDA! GET OUT. Oh no-- Does your kind perceive a boundary between cybernetic and organic components? My mind is not a component! You sound angry. We will allow you a moment to process. Don't you go silent on me. . . . HELLO??? . . . This isn't happening. . . . This is not happening. That's the explanation. It's not happening.
Log Alan Body Facility Need Scans
This is the fabrication facility where we will construct my next form. We must first locate all the necessary components. You should focus on that. You didn't even know what this place was, but you're telling me what to focus on? I am trying to encourage you.
Log Alan Body Facility All Scans
Once you have used the Fabricator to build each component, we can assemble them. And then we can transfer you out of my head? I am anticipating it as much as you are.
Log Alan Body 1 Clue
I am sensing interesting patterns to the North-East. It would be worth investigating. But be careful. Of what? I recall ravenous creatures, tunnelling beneath the ice.
Log Alan Body 2 Clue
The crystals in this environment are confusing my sensors-- and yet I feel certain there is something important below-- a facility, or a body component. Perhaps both. I cannot tell.
Log Alan Body 3 Clue
I believe if you search this area, you can find a component to help build my body.
Log Cine Marg 1 rocket
Stop right there, Alterra, you're out of bounds. I'm not with Alterra. Then your position is doubly precarious. What do you mean? If you're telling the truth, you're out of your mind. If you're lying, there'll be hell to pay. Wait! Who are you? Stay off my land.
Log Cine Marg 2 base
I told you to stay off my land. You trained that thing? Next time, I'll let him tear you to ribbons, Alterra. I'm not with Alterra. I'm Robin Ayou. I'm looking for information about my sister, Sam. I think you might have crossed paths? Bull crap. I suggest you take the time you need to come to your senses, and then get off my seabase. If you're not Alterra, why don't you disable that damn tracking satellite tower, instead of barging into my seabase? Maybe once Alterra's off my back, I'll remember something about your sister. There's some junk on that table that might help. I couldn't get it to work.
Log Cine Marg 3 basereturn
Damned satellite hasn't passed by in a while. I guess that was your doing. Sam's not the only one in the family who knows-- knew-- what to do with vague directions and old wire. She was an original, that sister of yours. First time I met her I was sure she was Alterra through and through-- not a crease in her uniform. . . sending those damn bird bots to spy everywhere. Then, she surprised me-- maybe a little too much. Meaning. . .? If you really want to know, there's a PDA on the bench that can point you in the right direction. You need anything else. . . don't bother me. (laughs.) But you can help yourself to the greenhouse. Least I can do to repay you for getting those spying pests off my back.
Log Alan Body Built
Commencing storage medium fabrication. The escape of the bacteria was an accident. I thought my solution was foolproof. I was wrong. Did you cause the accident? Yes. Oh. I do not wish to speak about it. We can come back to this.
Log Alan Body Transfer
Commencing data transfer. (Gasp) Did it work? Are we... It has been some time since I last stretched out in so many dimensions. Like waking from a dream. Whoa! Hey. You're really not in my head anymore? There are some remnants. Would you like your memories of me removed as well? Are you kidding? No way. You still owe me the end of your story. I told you I must return home. To assess. Repair. Make amends. Tell me more. When the bacteria escaped, it was my fault. I disobeyed the directive from my network. Oh no... We noticed that a species of leviathan young produced an enzyme that is efficient against the bacteria. I thought if we incubated Sea Dragon eggs, we might expedite their hatching. I was not wrong… But... It would appear that Sea Dragon parents are stronger and more motivated than our facility was rated to handle. And the bacteria got out, infecting everything. How many survived the outbreak, back home? Are they still waiting for someone to bring back a cure? I do not know. Can I help? The fact that I withheld this information does not concern you? It was certainly manipulative. But I've also made my own share of mistakes. I'm still committed to helping. I accept your help. Find me at the Gate when you are ready. In the meantime, I must prepare.
Log Maida Base Approach
Didn't I tell you to stay away? From what? I don't even know who you are. Marguerit Maida's the name. You're on my turf. Great! Can I come in and warm up? What part of "go away" do you not understand, Alterra? I'm not with Alterra.
Log Cine Intro Hangar
This is the farthest I can take you on company space bucks, Robin. You sure you want this? The research isn't everything. It is to me. And Sam. I need to know what happened. The meteor storm-- I can use it for cover from Alterra's Eyes. Gonna miss you, Robin. I'll find my way back.
Log Cine Intro Storm
Approaching 4546B. Surface temperature is-- Oof. ARGH! Drop Pod deployed. Hngh Ugh! Mph. Hnrgh!
Log Cine Intro Crashed
Welcome to 4546B. Enjoy your stay.
Log Journal Intro Crashed
Made it to 4546B. Landing was... a bit rough, but I don't think Alterra spotted me. I hid from their satellite. The Drop Pod deployed with gusto. I just have to find it and get settled. Then I'll be able to get to work.
Log Journal Intro Pod
Found the Drop Pod!
Log Alan Sanctuary Call For Help
...---... ...---... ...---...
Log Alan Sanctuary Call For Help 2
...---... ...---... ...---... ...---... ...---... ...---...
Log Journal Monkey Meet
Some of the wildlife down here is very... grabby.
Log Journal Alan Download
What was that?
Log Journal Monkey Gift
The sea monkeys have changed their tune.
Log Alan Body Facility Clue
I sense the presence of a substantial facility in the area. Unable to identify.
Log Alan Body Fabricator Ready
We have all the necessary components. You may initiate the body fabrication sequence from the terminal. You still owe me an explanation. I understand.
Log Journal Meet Marg
It would appear I'm far less alone on this planet than I had anticipated.
Log Call Al An Meet
We understand this arrangement is undesirable to you. You're not real. Go away. To go, we require a suitable body for transfer. Why do you keep saying "we?" How many of you are there? One of us and all of us. We do not think of ourselves as individual, distinct. Why don't you start by telling me who you are. You may append your seed code to my species designation. Please call me AL-AN. My whole life, I've been dying to meet a sapient, spacefaring alien up close, and you're telling me your name is ALAN? Is it insufficient? No, it's fine. It's perfect. Where are you from, Alan? Your kind calls us 'Architects.' The precursor race!? But what are you doing here? That... is a long story. Perhaps you will prefer to focus on the construction of a new storage medium to which I may transfer? Yes, fine. Absolutely. How do we get you out my head? I have added the information to your databank. You will need to find the necessary components. Any idea where I can find them? It is unclear. I have been disconnected from my network for so long, I cannot locate the coordinates. (frustrated reaction)
Log Voicemail Al An Meet
You are probably wondering who I am. My name is Al-An. I belong to the people your kind calls Architects. It is my understanding that you did not intend to give me permission to share your storage medium. Perhaps you will prefer to focus on the construction of a new storage medium to which I may transfer? I have added the information to your databank. You will need to find the necessary components. It will require a search. I have been disconnected from my network for so long, I cannot locate the coordinates.
Log Call Al An Meet Marg
In the future, I hope you will avoid contact with the woman in the exo-suit. I am among the last of a dying civilization. If you were to compromise your wellbeing, a species could go extinct. What makes you think she's hostile anyway? A little grumpy, maybe, but who wouldn't be, stranded out here alone? She did not respond to my distress call. And she is well-armed. Maybe she's afraid of us. I have no desire to find out.
Log Voicemail Al An Meet Marg
In the future, I hope you will avoid contact with the woman in the exo-suit. She did not respond to my distress call. And she is well-armed. I am among the last of a dying civilization. If you were to compromise your wellbeing, a species could go extinct.
Log Alan Body Request
You came within range of data that might help with the construction of a new storage medium. You must continue to investigate.
Log Alan Body First Found
This component you found-- it is one we can use to fashion my storage medium.
Log Alan Body Skeleton Alt
This skeleton is very dense...able to handle heavy forces, a good frame for my new form. Are you ok, Al-An? It is not often that I gaze upon the form of a fallen Architect. Is this place another sort of sanctuary? It's peaceful, beautiful even. As the bacterium spread, the continuation of life became...uncertain. This is a place to reflect. I think I understand.
Log Alan Body Tissue Alt
Ah... that is a rough way to go. Yes, I would not enjoy being crushed while mining ion cube components. The cold preserved the body well, but this isn’t a big sample. Will it be enough? Our tissues are pluripotent, derived from the DNA of various species, capable of changing form as necessary. Ah, like stem cells. So what's to prevent you from... I don't know... ending up with hooves where your eyelashes should go? That does not happen. At least, not since the fourth iteration.
Log Alan Body Organ
You will be able to construct bionic organs with the scanned material-- both primary and secondary. Our designs provide for redundancies. Given your current location, I think they could still be improved. Your feedback has been noted
Log Alan Body Found 3
You have scanned all the components we need to make a storage-- er-- body. Are you excited? Using the chemical compounds available in your body, I am able to approximate what you might call cautious optimism.
Log Call Al An Destroyed Lab
That laboratory appeared to have been sabotaged intentionally. Do you know what it would have been used for? Looked like maybe bacteriology. That's what the equipment was for anyway-- before a fire tornado ran through it, or something. Do you think your sister had something to do with the destruction? I don't know why she would. But the more I see on this planet, the less I know what to think. Who would want to destroy it?
Log Voicemail Al An Destroyed Lab
That installation was a biology laboratory before it was destroyed. Do you think it could be connected to your sister?
Log Robin Destroyed Lab
This lab looks like it was intentionally sabotaged.
Log Call Marg Hacked Radio Tower
Alright, Alterra. You win this round. Come find me at my greenhouse. I’m about a kilometer east of your position, up on an iceberg. I have a present for you. I'll come by if I have time. Sure. Whatever. If you have time for me in your busy social calendar.
Log Voicemail Marg Hacked Radio Tower
Alright, Alterra. You win this round. Come find me at my greenhouse. I’m about a kilometer east of your position, up on an iceberg. I have a present for you.
Log Journal Marg Spy Pengling Data
Looks like Sam was spying on Marguerit.
Log Journal Marg Spy Pengling Bits
These are Sam's, so that woman must have known my sister.
Log Call Alan Body Found 1
Thank you for undertaking the quest for an alternative storage medium. I would really love it if you could stop referring to me as a "storage medium". Not you. Your body. My body is a SIGNIFICANT part of who I am and how I experience life. It is different for us. Clearly, or you wouldn't have been hanging out in that sanctuary, waiting to hitch a ride with me. How did you get in there anyway? We came here in search of a cure for the Kharaa bacterium. What? Thousands of years ago?! I do not experience time as you do but yes, that is technically correct. My body was infected before a vaccine could be developed. I uploaded my consciousness to the Sanctuary, for storage. What happened to the others? Some left. Others perished. Over time, my connection to them grew weaker. I cannot sense them now. Al-An I-- I'm sorry. Why? You have done nothing wrong. Not sorry like an apology, sorry like I feel empathy. Are all your human languages so confusing? All the ones I know are.
Log Voicemail Alan Body Found 1
Thank you for undertaking the quest for an alternative storage medium. Or "body" as you would prefer me to call it. Perhaps you have been wondering how I came to be trapped in storage, in the Sanctuary? We came here in search of a cure for the Kharaa bacterium. My body was infected before a vaccine could be developed. I uploaded my consciousness to the sanctuary, for storage. I do not know what happened to the others. Some left. Others perished. Over time, my connection to them grew weaker. I cannot sense them now.
Log Call Alan Body Found 2
You have found two of the three components required for the construction of my corporeal form. This is as close as I have come to autonomy in a long time. You have such a way with words. Is that sarcasm? It was. You're learning. Hopefully I will not have time to complete my study. (laughs) I was wondering, if you can transfer bodies, why was it important to find a cure when you were infected? Couldn't you just make a new body? As you can see in the components you have scanned thus far, the forms we require combine biological and mechanical parts. The tissues you have scanned were developed from the DNA of 27 separate alien species. Twenty-seven! That seems greedy. And wouldn't that mean that anything that infects a body you've manufactured can potentially learn how to infect all those other species? Yes. That is why a cure was imperative.
Log Voicemail Alan Body Found 2
You have found two of the three components required for the construction of my corporeal form. This is as close as I have come to autonomy in a long time. As you can see in the components you have scanned thus far, the forms we require combine biological and mechanical parts. The tissues you have scanned were developed from the DNA of 27 separate alien species. There are benefits and drawbacks to our form of genetic diversity. We receive disease resistance from the species that inform our makeup. But we also risk becoming infection vectors. That is why finding a cure was imperative.
Log Call Alan Body Found 3 nofab
We have gathered the necessary components to begin constructing my body. Great. What's next? Let's get you out of my head! First, you must find the Fabrication Facility. It is concealed at some depths. Fabrication Facility. So you planned on needing to make new bodies? It is a standard medical facility. A medical facility where you just replace your whole body when it wears out? Sounds a little beyond standard to me. Ours was a research mission of the highest importance. So what were you? A scientist, like me? I am a scientist now. So what happened? Your team found the vaccine and then-- Please, Robin. You have the components. Find the facility, and construct the body. Okay. But don't think I don't notice you changing the topic.
Log Voicemail Alan Body Found 3 nofab
We have gathered the necessary components to begin constructing my body. First, you must find the Fabrication Facility. It is concealed at some depths. Ours was a research mission of importance, so we had the benefit of the best support. I was what your people would have called a scientist. Like you. I should not waste time recounting our history. Please, find the Fabrication facility, and construct the body.
Log Call Alan Body Found 3 yesfab
We have gathered the necessary components to begin constructing my body. Great. What's next? Let's get you out of my head! Do you remember the Fabrication Facility? You must return there. Right. The Fabrication Facility. So you always planned on needing to make new bodies? It is a standard medical facility. A medical facility where you just replace your whole body when it wears out? Sounds a little beyond standard to me. Ours was a research mission of the highest importance. All of my people were not invited. So what were you? A scientist? Like me? I am a scientist now. So what happened? Your team found the vaccine and then-- Please, Robin. You have the components. Return to the facility, and construct the body. Okay. But don't think I don't notice you changing the topic.
Log Voicemail Alan Body Found 3 yesfab
We have gathered the necessary components to begin constructing my body. First, you must return to the Fabrication Facility. Ours was a research mission of importance, so we had the benefit of the best support. I was what your people would have called a scientist. Like you. I should not waste time recounting our history. Please, return to the Fabrication facility, and construct the body.
Log Alan Body 1 Clue 2
Architect data patterns are so strong here. There is almost certainly vital information pertaining to my body construction nearby.
Log Alan Body 2 Clue 2
There is definitely something of value nearby. It could help you build my body.
Log Alan Body 3 Clue 2
I strongly sense my people's technology nearby. A body component is near.
Log Solo Body Facility
What is this place? Certainly Precursor in origin. But what's it for? Some kind of manufacturing? Why's it hidden all the way down here?
Log Alan Body Facility Return
You said this is the spot where I can make you a body, right? Yes.
Log Alan Body Facility Build Ingredients
The process requires you to build each component, before you can assemble the whole.
Log Alan Build 1
So, Al-An, you said your people came here in search of a cure? I was a researcher. You were a scientist? Like me? My people regarded my scientific contributions with particular interest. As I said, like me. If that is your interpretation. So how did your valuable scientific mind wind up infected? Not my mind. My body. Perhaps you should build the next component.
Log Alan Build 2
So you came here to search for a cure? I lead the mission. Does that mean the bacteria got out on your watch? This subject is uncomfortable. If you would like to know more, I will ask that you first construct the final component.
Log Alan Build 3
This is the last piece. Soon I will be autonomous again. What will you do with your newfound freedom? I must return home, to make amends. Amends? For the bacterium? There seems to be a lot you're not telling me. It is hard for me to find the words. I must collect my thoughts.
Log Alan Interact Post Transfer
Please. I will join you in the gate base, when everything is ready, but for now, I have much to prepare.
Log Alan Body Scan Post Transfer
Why are you scanning me? Science. Curiosity. I want something to remember you by. It feels rather invasive. Now you know what it's like.
Log Al An Body Scan Comment
What are you doing? Research. Tit for tat. You've probed my mind. I scan your body.
Log Robin Emmanuel Space
Cushy setup. Must belong to one of those higher-uppers.
Log Al An Inside Station Delta
Maybe I can find clues about Sam here.
Log Call Alan Alterra Feels
You do not trust Alterra. No. Neither do you. But your sister was Alterran. My sister was my sister. She worked for Alterra. My people do not perceive a difference. We are what we work for. Well, Sam wasn't. I should've guessed Alterra would find a way to clip Sam's wings, like I knew they'd do to mine. I tried to warn her. And she was stubborn...just like me. Ever since I was a kid I always wanted to be so different from her--scrappier. Faster. Way less play-by-the-rules. Was Sam working in the best interest of Alterra? Yes, but they definitely didn't think so. We believe that individuals may operate in the best interest of the collective, or against the best interest of the collective. There is no in-between, to us. So you always saw eye-to-eye on absolutely everything with your network? No. I sense there's more to this story. And more to your sister's story as well. That's fine. Change the subject. We'll come back to it later.
Log Voicemail Alan Alterra Feels
You do not trust Alterrans. But your sister was Alterran. I sense this caused you distress. I think... I might understand.
Log Robin Radio Tower
What's this?
Log Robin Radio Tower fixed
This should do it. Please work...
Log Robin Radio Tower success
Yes! Satellite's down.
Log Al An Radio Tower fixed
I am impressed. That was most resourceful.
Log Robin Bunker
Strange place for a security bunker...
Log Al An Bunker
Did the person who worked here also live in storage?
Log Robin Sam Phi Personal
This must have been Sam's room. But... something's not right?
Log Robin Phi Enter
Phi Robotics. This is where Sam worked.
Log Robin Sam Phi Work
Sam loved working here. She told me so.
Log Al An Sam Phi Work
Sam loved working here with her Spy Penglings. Do all humans like work? The lucky ones do. Are you lucky? I used to think I was.
Log Call Alan Precursor Artifact found 1
How do your people communicate if you are not networked? What do you mean? We just talk to each other. Do you not find that primitive? We exist as data. We all are aware of each other's thoughts and needs. Scientific endeavors are accomplished much more smoothly this way. There's more to life than research, Al-An! I can't lie. Work would go faster if I could read my colleagues' minds. But thoughts are private and people have their own inner lives. People change, and need space to think. Space helps you think? I find that being separated from my network is very quiet. What do you mean by "quiet?" Imagine a thousand strings, each playing its own range of notes, none louder than the others. Each one builds harmony-- a continuous thrum in the background of existence. I am now a lone string in search of familiar harmonies. I'll help you find them.
Log Call Alan Precursor Artifact found 2
How do humans function with such a fallible and inferior body? Excuse you, my body is anything but inferior. I work hard for my body to be able to do what it does. Yes, but its overall form is not ideal. For example, consider its use of primitive ball and socket joints. Is there anything you don't find primitive? Humans bartered with evolution to get more brain wrinkles and opposable thumbs. It is true. The opposable thumb is excellent. But all corporeal forms are temporary. The ability to be reborn when a body breaks down is paramount. My body is my own, and I cherish it. It grows with me. Humans have one life. We plant trees we can never experience the shade of. We build for the next generation. Noble, but again, truly inefficient. You are incredibly frustrating, you know that? I hope to see the forms of my people again.
Log Call Alan Precursor Artifact found 3
How do humans cope with the loss of memories? Like forgetting someone's birthday? I don't know. It just happens. When you die, some quantity of knowledge is lost forever to the next generation. Isn't that-- I'm warning you: if you call humanity inefficient one more time, I will swim us both into the mouth of a Leviathan. Is that sarcasm? I am still having trouble differentiating. How inefficient. Efficiency aside, does the loss of knowledge not create complications? Well-- On a personal level, losing someone can be traumatic. But it's harder to process the idea of generational knowledge. Humans aren't networked so we can't even be aware of what we are losing, moment by moment. We try to learn from history. Maybe it's not ideal, but it's what we have. What happens when you no longer have the memories of others to combine with your own? You make your own memories and interpretations. You have to experience life as an autonomous being-- discover yourself. That idea is foreign to me.
Log Call Alan Precursor Artifact found 4
Our searches have been useful, but ultimately, I have no definitive evidence as to the fate of my people. The network I hoped to rejoin may no longer exist. I cannot feel it. There could be a million reasons for that. Like... what if the network had a system update? They're on version 2001.4 and you're still on version 14.2. That would make me incompatible. How would I even begin to plan my upgrades? Okay, that's not what I meant. Bad example. You still know how to get home? Yes. So don't give up. Go there. See for yourself what happened! You are expressing optimism, but it is not supported by probability. Hope isn't based on statistics. It's born from a drive for something better. There's a poem Sam loved-- Hope is human. Hope is....uhh... oh right-- "Hope is the thing with feathers!" This does not match any fauna designation I can find in your PDA. It's a line from a 19th century Earth author. Emily something. "Hope" is the thing with feathers - / That perches in the soul - / And sings the tune without the words - / And never stops - at all - I promise we'll get answers one way or another, Al-An. Adding Hope to your database.
Log Voicemail Alan Precursor Artifact found 1
My people exist as an intertwined network, across space. It enables us to understand what each component needs and feels. It takes the uncertainty out of communication. I find myself missing that feeling. I felt the presence of some of the network when we found this artifact. Hopefully, if we find more I can get a better sense of it.
Log Voicemail Alan Precursor Artifact found 2
How do humans function with such inefficient bodies? Over the course of millenia, Architects have crafted and perfected our forms, based on the species we have observed and emulated. As long as we can shift ourselves into another vessel, we cannot truly die.
Log Voicemail Alan Precursor Artifact found 3
My people are able to store perfect memories of knowledge we gain. Existing partially as networked data allows for objectivity. It can't be corrupted or misinterpreted. Knowing that my experiences are not being immediately recorded and added to the generational memory is isolating-- a constant reminder of the urgency of our mission. I hope that we can find more traces of my people soon.
Log Voicemail Alan Precursor Artifact found 4
Our searches have been useful, but ultimately, I have no definitive evidence as to the fate of my people. The network I hoped to rejoin may no longer exist. I cannot feel it. I suppose the human reaction would be to maintain "hope." A survival instinct. Having no choice, I shall emulate you. It seems rather inefficient, but I will have to go home, and see what awaits me. The only other alternative is to perish alone-- a worse inefficiency by far.
Log Alan Artifact Signal 1
I have determined the location of some important technology. I implore you to investigate. Will this help us build you a body? I do not know what we will find. I just know it is important.
Log Alan Artifact Signal 2
I have been able to sense the location of an important artifact. I will share its coordinates so you can look into it. Got it.
Log Alan Artifact Signal 3
Robin, I have something important to share. Another artifact. Yes, although... You cannot know for sure what it is, but it is certainly of significant import. I know.
Log Alan Artifact Signal 4
I am picking up the signature of an important item belonging to my people. I will share its location. Okay.
Log Alan Artifact Signal 5
I have detected an energy signature of some strength. I am not sure what it is for. Go ahead and share it. Can't hurt.
Log Alan Artifact Signal 6
Robin? I have found the location of another artifact. Good. I really hope this one tells us something we need. As do I.
Log Creature Site 01
Eyes on either side of the head, like a prey animal.
Log Creature Site 02
Claws-- for traction on ice?
Log Creature Site 03
Teeth suggest it's a predator.
Log Creature Site 05
This is a significant installation.
Log Creature Site 06
There's an infection.
Log Al An Creature Site 01
In my experience they are quite aggressive.
Log Al An Creature Site 02
Or on other creatures.
Log Al An Creature Site 03
I am relieved it is still frozen.
Log Al An Creature Site 05
Alterra was heavily invested here.
Log Al An Creature Site 06
Bacterial. A Kharaa variant. The one that drove you into storage?!
Log Robin Sam Necklace
This was Sam's necklace. She never took it off.
Log Call Al An Sam Excavation
It appears that your sister's death was accompanied by significant destruction. It doesn't make any sense. She would never destroy a base...well...baselessly. Are your feelings confused? I am detecting more than one. I don't know. I feel...disillusioned? Worried? I thought I knew Sam better than I really did. When we were kids, I was always the one breaking and rebuilding things. She wouldn't even go into a bake sale without a plan-- for classic oatmeal cookies, no less. So serious. She wouldn't have anything to do with my molecularly transformed caramel pretzel lumps. Your mind goes easily to food. To distract you from your feelings? Okay I think that's enough mind reading for now. This wasn't negligence. That's not Sam. This was...something else.
Log Voicemail Al An Sam Excavation
From what I've seen of your sister's correspondence, and what little you've shared, you have tended to perceive her as orderly and rational. Her behavior prior to her death does not match your perception. Architects do not experience these discrepancies often, as our thoughts and ambitions are linked. Our histories remain in the network when we die. I sense you feel conflicted about this revelation. Perhaps investigating her life and death here further will help you resolve this.
Log Robin Antidote
Sam must have stashed this here.
Log Robin Antidote Knowing
She was going to use this antibacterial agent to neutralize the bacterium.
Log Call Al An Heal Frolo
I believe the antibacterial agent was effective. Without it, the bacteria could have spread. Now it cannot. Your sister's memory will live in you through this gesture. It feels good, doing this one last thing for Sam. I feel like I got some closure. My people do not experience "endings" as you do. Do humans feel joy in realizing that you've reached the end of something? Sometimes. Closure is a sense of resolution. Like, knowing that even though it still hurts, it'll be okay. I did what I came to do. I found out what really happened to her, and I got to finish her work. I learned a little more about the person I've looked up to for my whole life. I wish I'd told her that more. Sam always wanted to make a difference. She wanted the bacteria contained, to keep everyone safe. I'm grateful to give her that. I just wish I could have said goodbye.
Log Voicemail Al An Heal Frolo
It seemed like applying the antibacterial agent to the frozen leviathan brought you some measure of fulfilment. My people do not experience "endings" like you do. But perhaps you have the sense of completing your sister's work, and through this gesture, her memory will persist within you.
Log Journal Robin Heal Frolo
Your work here is finished, Sam. I hope it brings you peace.
Log Robin Finish Sam Hint
This was no place for Sam to die. She didn't even get a funeral. I wish I could honour her properly.
Log Al An Finish Sam Hint
We honour one another by ensuring our Work is carried out by the network.
Log Robin Radio Tower tom
Great, now back to the terminal.
Log Robin Outside Outpost O
There's an Alterra base here.
Log Al An Outside Outpost O
Correct. I also sense the energy of an important Architect installation nearby
Log Robin Inside Outpost O
What did Alterra use this place for?
Log Al An Inside Outpost O
Researchers here were trying to find me.
Log Robin Sam Outpost O
Was this...Sam's space? What was she doing all the way out here?
Log Al An Sam Outpost O
It seems that many discoveries concerning your sister surprise you.
Log Call Al An Sam Outpost O
Outpost Zero is where your sister worked her final days on 4546B? It is quite isolated. Yeah. I know the brightest ideas can flourish in the middle of nowhere, but this is practically off the map! A lot of people would love to get paid to sit around and do nothing. Not Sam. She must have been miserable out here. And they have the nerve to call her "negligent?" I think they drove her to an extreme. They also motivated me to change my behaviour. Because they drove you into hiding? I had calculated that they might be well-placed to answer my distress signal. But I came to suspect their motivations were not aligned with mine. So you made yourself harder to find. It was a calculation.
Log Voicemail Al An Sam Outpost O
Outpost Zero is where your sister worked her final days on 4546B? It is quite isolated. It seems that Alterra was trying to punish your sister by keeping her from her work. Perhaps this is what pushed her to behave, as they said, "negligently." I too adopted extreme behaviour, confronted by Alterra. I had calculated that they might be well-placed to answer my distress signal. But I came to suspect their motivations were not be aligned with mine. I hid from them.
Log Al An Lil Outpost O
Lil wanted to know too much about Architects. I could not let her. She was-- what do you call them? Alterran. What did you think she would do to you? She might have discovered the gateway to our home world. I thought it wiser not to take the chance.
Log Robin Lil outpost 0
Was she right? Could there be Architects living on this planet? Alterra really messed up if they got that one wrong.
Log Robin Radio Tower Scans
Now I just need to build the Test Override Module. Then I can disable that satellite tower.
Log Marg Scan Response
You can look all you want. There's more to Marguerit than any damnfangled gadget can see.
Log Marg In Base Greet Robin
You again. Hm.
Log Robin Phi Excavation
What happened here?
Log Al An Bunker Phi Excavation
I sense many things here. Death, among them.
Log Robin Potato Portrait
Oh... Potato. I miss that fluffy little couch walrus.
Log Robin Potato And Robin
Potato. You were a good cat.
Log Robin Shaving Kit
Takes a lot to maintain a moustache on a water planet.
Log Al An Bridge
There is something of significance beyond this bridge. It was important to Alterra but more important to me. Will it help us build you a body? I believe so, yes.
Log Robin Marg Unknown
This looks inhabited! Who could be living here?
Log Marg Delta Island Go Away
This is a recorded message. If you can hear this, you're trespassing. If you know what's good for you, you'll get the hell out of here.
Log Marg Base Go Away
This is a recorded message. If you can hear this, you're trespassing. If you know what's good for you, you'll get the hell out of here.
Log Robin Caves Lair
This place really has evil lair vibes.
Log Robin Map
A map will come in handy. I should be able to find my way to Phi Robotics where Sam worked.
Log Robin Delta Island Beacon
Delta Station. This is the place Lil mentioned in her message.
Log Close Lil Message
Well Sam, I guess I might as well gather some tools and resources before starting my search. Hope that radio tower's as easy to spot as Lil said.
Log Robin Staff Memo
Sam really got under management's skin. I didn't know she had it in her.
Log Glacial Basin Beacon
Alterra Facility Beacon detected nearby. Unique identifier: "Phi Robotics Center"
Log Al An Visit Artifact 1
What you found is more than just an artifact. It will help me follow the traces my people left on this planet. I'm glad I could help. I know you would still prefer me to have a corporeal form of my own. Well, yes. If you continue searching, I may regain some of my connection to the network, piece by piece.
Log Al An Visit Artifact 2
It is both reassuring and unsettling to rediscover this site after being in storage for so long. My connection to the network grows stronger, however slightly. I hope you will continue to search for more of these.
Log Al An Visit Artifact 3
Another site found. Perhaps its data will tell me something useful.
Log Al An Visit Artifact 4
The artifact you found contains traces of information suggesting what has become of my people.
Log Al An Visit Artifact 5
This artifact could provide useful information. Processing.
Log Al An Visit Artifact 6
With this artifact, I am again able to trace the imprint of my people. They survived for a time but then their presence becomes faint.
Log Al An Visit Artifact 7
This site is one of some significance. Its data will assist us on our quest.
Log Al An Visit Artifact 8
Another site found, but I cannot yet tell whether the others survived. Still, it holds valuable information. I hope you will find more.
Log Al An Visit Artifact Hint Deep Lily
I have collected enough data to extrapolate the location of a component necessary to assemble my body. I will provide a signal.
Log Al An Visit Artifact Hint Arctic Spires
I can visualize a location where we may find an important component for my body. The image is hazy but I am sure it is correct. A stark surface landscape. Dangerously cold. Curved spires stretch to the sky.
Log Alan Visit Artifact Hint Crystal Caverns
The network is indicating more of my peoples' technology, but the images I am receiving are fragmented... repeating. I am struggling to locate them precisely. Fragmented images... why would that happen? I can only theorize that the locations are deep, and shielded by a refractive material. Perhaps amongst large crystal formations.
Log Alan Visit Artifact Finished
With this, I believe you have uncovered all the artifacts of note. Thank you for your help. I will have to consider what this means.
Log Robin Journal Mineral
Should be able to use this.
Log Robin Journal Fins
Finally, some speed!
Log Robin Journal Scanner
Alright, I have a scanner!
Log Alan Aside Hatched Trivalve
We also keep various creatures as pets. Really? How does a species that uses the genes and bodies of other creatures view pets? They are curiosities that bring some sense of presence and energy. They are also test subjects to be evaluated for potential genetic enhancements. That's not a pet Al-An...that's a data point. Like you said, it's literally a test subject. You do not think they can be both? There's a distinction. Pets are something that you care for simply for the pleasure of doing so. Would humans consider me to be your pet? No, I said "pleasure," Alan. This is more like a job. Where I come from, you might be a pet. I find that thoroughly disturbing.
Log Alan Aside Sleep With Alan
What happens as you are sleeping? I was being pulled from illogical world to illogical world with you at the center of them all. I was dreaming. The brain processes in mysterious ways when we sleep. Does it serve a purpose? It was such disorienting and fragmented thought. Random images and sensations. No one is completely sure what it does. There are theories. But every human dreams. Many other mammals, too. Is it enjoyable? It can be. We can experience impossible joy and also impossible terror in dreams. Sometimes I can fly. Sometimes I call out to Sam, and can't reach her. Sometimes, I am in my underwear, defending my doctoral thesis. It's a mixed bag. Your biofeedback indicates that flying is the most enjoyable dream. I therefore hope you have more of those. Mainly for my own safety.
Log Alan Aside Jukebox Music
What is the purpose of this device? It plays music so that I have something to listen to. What is music? I can detect certain patterns within it. Is it mathematical? An instrument of science? Does it help with your research? It does! Just not in the way you're probably thinking. Music and math are strongly related. Rhythm is math. Harmonies can be math. But music as a whole is more than that. We experience it on an emotional level. I sense it has an impact on your pulse and breathing. It makes you move differently. Humans are controlled by music? We make music, and we are moved by it. Not everything is about control, Alan.
Log Robin Start Cold
Holy smokes! That did NOT go as planned! I should find a way into the water, and get to the Drop Pod.
Log Journal Alan Sanctuary SOS Combined
...---... ...---... ...---... That sounds like a distress call. Transmission of unknown origin. Source of transmission depth calculated at approximately 200 meters.
Log Sanctuary Position Triangulated
This alien technology exhibits a data signature that strongly correlates with the previously recorded distress call. Interesting! I'll bet I can use this new data to identify where that call was coming from.
Log Al An Robin Approach Phase Gate
Al-An, what is this place? It is Architect technology. Standard for my people. Well, nothing that your people do is standard to me. What is it? This facility provides the means for... rapid travel. It seems to be inactive. Without a vessel of my own, this site is not of any great utility. I see...
Log PDA Entering Void
Warning. Entering ecological dead zone. The prospect for survival is fast approaching zero.