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2021-08-07T01:02:33Z

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{{CharacterInfobox
| status = Alive
| born =
| died =
| gender = Male
| homesystem = Rana
| allegiance = Federation
| occupation = Exotheologian
| relations =
}}
'''Dr. Alfred Ulyanov''' is a leading scientific expert on exotheology. In June 3304, he published an academic article exploring the beliefs and lifestyle of a sect of [[Thargoid]] worshipers known as the [[Far God cult]]. Dr. Ulyanov and his family were arrested by the [[Federal Intelligence Agency]] in August 3304 as part of an investigation into the Far God cult's possible ties to the Thargoids, and were released only after investigative journalist [[Gethin Okonkwo]] stepped forward with evidence confirming that the cult was innocuous. Later that year, Ulyanov collaborated with Okonkwo in writing a book about the Far God cult.
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==Timeline==
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06 AUG 3307
*Three [[megaship]]s are being populated by the [[Far God cult]], part of their latest effort to recruit members and find their alien deity. The first vessel, the [[Testament]], will serve as a missionary ship and journey throughout the core systems, attempting to convert new followers to the [[Thargoid]]-worshipping sect. While the mystical cult is typically secretive in nature, [[Vox Galactica]] obtained a quote from a member named the Second Witness of the Seventieth Chapter: "The masses are deaf to the voice of the Far God. What you see as alien monsters, we view as messengers from a very real multi-dimensional being. The Testament will help us carry the word of Its imminent arrival." Two other megaships have been outfitted for long-range journeys. The [[Perdition]] and the [[Sacrosanct]] will carry many thousands of cultists on what they view as a pilgrimage to the Far God. Dr Alfred Ulyanov, a leading exotheologian and expert on the religion, commented: "This fringe creed, which has survived endless abuse and attacks, has now reached a surprising level of organisation. Most of us associate the Thargoids with death and destruction, making it all the more remarkable that these people see only divinity."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/610d242dfdc64465f07c4f85 GalNet: Thargoid Cultists Prepare for Religious Voyages]</ref>
19 DEC 3304
*Disgraced politician [[Juanita Bishop]] has called for a forthcoming book about the [[Far God cult|Far God sect]] to be banned: "The authors, Ulyanov and [[Gethin Okonkwo|Okonkwo]], are known alien sympathisers. One was arrested as a suspected traitor and the other has admitted to being a Far God cultist! What they're writing is nothing more than pro-[[Thargoid]] propaganda. It is an insult to all the brave souls who died trying to keep us safe. The authorities need to prevent this book from contaminating innocent people with its repulsive ideas." Journalist Gethin Okonkwo, who spent months undercover in the Far God sect, responded: "The book includes first-hand accounts of worshippers being attacked by Bishop's followers. Her desperation to halt its publication is nothing more than an attempt to prevent a criminal investigation into her activities."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5c1a5cb557b92a4913274745 GalNet: Call to Ban Far God Book]</ref>
08 DEC 3304
*Journalist [[Gethin Okonkwo]] has discussed the abandoned [[Far God cult]] outposts in the Etain system: "During my months undercover as a Far God worshipper, I heard only whispered rumours about secret outposts. So the existence of two such settlements, on [[The Sanctum|Etain 4a]] and [[The Prophet|4c]], proves that much remained hidden from me. The personal logs recovered from the outposts illustrate how the faith attracted people from varied backgrounds. I was astonished to hear the voice of a man with whom I once eagerly discussed the Far God's arrival, never realising that he was a [[Federal Intelligence Agency|Federal agent]] whose devotion was as fake as my own. The book I am co-writing with Dr Alfred Ulyanov will reveal much about the Far God religion, but it's clear that many of its mysteries are yet to be uncovered."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5c05434935b45a7dbf00ab32 GalNet: Mysteries of the Far God]</ref>
28 NOV 3304
*Exotheologian Dr Alfred Ulyanov has commented on the abandoned Far God outposts recently discovered in the Etain system: "This fascinating discovery implies that the missing chapters of the [[Far God cult|Far God sect]] were not arrested or killed, but instead fled to secret outposts to avoid persecution. According to personal logs recovered from the sites, the sect's members planned to wait in suspended animation for the coming of the Far God. The logs also reveal surprising details about what motivated these individuals to devote themselves to the faith. Evidence suggests that the settlements on [[The Sanctum|Etain 4a]] and [[The Prophet|4c]] both came under attack, but whether by [[Thargoid]]s or human forces is unclear. Mysteriously, no trace remains of the inhabitants. I am indebted to the explorers who discovered these sites. This information will significantly contribute to the book I am co-writing with [[Gethin Okonkwo]] about the Far God religion."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5bfe75215c9edc159958e7dc GalNet: Ulyanov Discusses Far God Outposts]</ref>
10 OCT 3304
*Independent journalist [[Gethin Okonkwo]] has shared more details about his time with the [[Far God cult]]: "After three months of living as a Far God worshipper, I'm now acclimatising to life as an ordinary citizen. There, I was known only as Third Witness of the Tenth Chapter, although that was more of a title than a name. Identical in our robes, we were all nameless servants of the commune. That may sound despotic, but there was a strangely seductive aspect to surrendering one's identity. At times I almost experienced the tranquillity that true adherents seemed to feel. I'm relieved to see Far God believers returning to their hive-chapels, having survived weeks of persecution. This has been a baptism of fire for the sect, with hundreds dead and several chapters still missing. Many other doomsayer cults have since faded away or, like the [[Church of the Eternal Void|Church of Eternal Void]], been outlawed. But it seems that the Far God faith will endure, perhaps even beyond our [[Second Thargoid War|conflict]] with the [[Thargoid]]s. I have been contacted by the exotheologian Dr Alfred Ulyanov with a view to combining our research. Together we hope to produce the definitive account of this tenacious religion."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5bbdd6427efaeb22b65b17fe GalNet: Survivors of the Far God]</ref>
29 SEP 3304
*The [[Federal Intelligence Agency]] has terminated its investigation into the [[Far God cult]]. Senior Agent [[Micah Whitefield]] informed the media: "The information provided by [[Gethin Okonkwo]] on the inner workings of the Far God sect has been verified as genuine. In the absence of any evidence regarding communication with the [[Thargoid]]s, our investigation is concluded. All worshippers who were detained have now been released. We are indebted to Mr Okonkwo for his highly detailed report. We had hoped to gain similar insights via our own undercover agent, who infiltrated the sect, but we are still awaiting his report." The exotheologian Dr Alfred Ulyanov, who was arrested due to his research into the religion, commented: "I offer the highest praise to Gethin Okonkwo, whose dedication has confirmed the innocuous nature of the Far God faith. Sadly, this experience illustrates that intolerance and fear of the 'other' remain deeply embedded in human nature, no matter how advanced our species becomes."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5bae3c27d0ca185dd716530a GalNet: Far God Cult Investigation Ends]</ref>
21 SEP 3304
*Independent reporter [[Gethin Okonkwo]], who was previously thought missing, has revealed that he has been living undercover within the [[Far God cult]] for the past three months. In an op-ed piece, Mr Okonkwo shared his experiences: "I was fascinated by Dr Ulyanov's research and I desperately wanted to understand this doomsayer cult further, so I decided to covertly study the Far God sect by posing as an adherent. During this time, I visited hive-chapels in several different systems, narrowly escaping death when one was attacked by the [[Church of the Eternal Void|Church of Eternal Void]]. On many occasions, I was physically and verbally abused by members of the public, including [[Juanita Bishop]]'s campaign followers. At no point did I see evidence of actual contact with the [[Thargoid]]s, bar the occasional use of alien material as holy artefacts. Most worshippers are essentially fatalists, attracted to the idea of an apocalypse. Some are convinced that they alone will survive the Far God's manifestation. It is a strange and often contradictory faith, but no less so than other religions. I recorded my experiences within the sect using concealed micro-cameras. I am voluntarily sharing this data with the [[Federal Intelligence Agency]] to prove that the Far God sect is not dangerous, and with the hope of ending its persecution."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5ba49ce2faf85007e0123362 GalNet: Inside the Far God Cult]</ref>
07 SEP 3304
*The [[Federal Intelligence Agency]] has increased arrests of potential [[Thargoid]] sympathisers, as it continues to investigate the [[Far God cult]]. Independent reporter [[Gethin Okonkwo]], who first raised awareness of doomsayer cults in the [[Core Systems|core systems]], has been reported missing and is assumed to have been arrested. Many others who were researching the Far God sect remain in custody, including leading exotheologian Dr Alfred Ulyanov. The FIA has also shut down the [[Galactic Interfaith Commune]] and apprehended its spokesperson, Dr [[Jameelah Griffin]]. Several similar organisations, including the Spiritual Freedom Movement, have been closed down. [[Independent]] observers have confirmed that the FIA has discovered further empty Far God hive-chapels. The whereabouts of hundreds of adherents remains unknown. In an effort to uncover clues, arrests of associates and family members of Far God worshippers has intensified. Senior Agent [[Micah Whitefield]] gave a brief statement: "We will leave no stone unturned in our mission to identify Thargoid influences. The disappearance of Far God chapters is clearly a coordinated operation of either human or alien design. We warn anyone who may be harbouring cult members that they are impeding a [[Federation|Federal]] investigation, and will face criminal charges."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5b8fc05a5294596073197d1c GalNet: Thargoid-Sympathiser Arrests Increase]</ref>
17 AUG 3304
*Dr Alfred Ulyanov, a leading exotheologian and an authority on the [[Far God cult]], has been apprehended as a suspected [[Thargoid]] sympathiser. The arrest took place at Dr Ulyanov's home in the Rana system, where he and his family were taken into custody by the [[Federal Intelligence Agency]]. Research materials and computer systems were also removed from the property, according to witnesses. Professor Siobhan Vogel of the Interstellar Association of Universities registered a formal complaint: "For Dr Ulyanov's academic studies to be viewed as evidence that he is some kind of Thargoid agent is utterly ridiculous. This violation of his rights sets a dangerous precedent." Federal Intelligence Agency Senior Agent [[Micah Whitefield]] gave the following statement: "When it comes to possible Thargoid allies, we cannot afford to overlook anything. Dr Ulyanov's involvement with the Far God cult makes him a valid person of interest. We are also investigating the [[Galactic Interfaith Commune]], the Spiritual Freedom Movement and other organisations that have supported Thargoid worshippers." [[Juanita Bishop]], whose campaign against the Far God sect has continued to attract popular support, commented: "This proves that there are Thargoid collaborators among us, in all walks of life. We must root them out before they start murdering innocent people."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5b742b15f059cf715d082f11 GalNet: Ulyanov Arrested]</ref>
11 JUL 3304
*The [[Church of the Eternal Void|Church of Eternal Void]] has denounced the so-called [[Far God cult]], which worships the [[Thargoid]]s. A spokesperson identified as Cardinal [[Hieronymous]] made this statement: "As disciples of the [[Guardian]]s, we hereby declare war on those who have sold their souls to the Thargoid demons. We vow to expunge their poisonous creed and purge them from the galaxy." Since this statement was made, the Church has seen a dramatic upswing in support from local communities. [[Juanita Bishop]], who has been campaigning against the Far God sect, commented: "It's about time somebody did something! The public need to get behind the Church and help them get these alien-lovers off our streets." Security forces in many systems have issued reminders that the Far God sect is legally recognised as a religion, and that any hostility against its members will be considered a criminal act. Dr Alfred Ulyanov, a leading exotheologian, discussed the situation on the [[Rewired]] [[News Feed|news feed]]: "A number of doomsayer cults have emerged recently, including Homo Terminus, [[Nova Imperium]] and the Order of Extinction. But of all those I've studied, the Church of Eternal Void differs in one key respect – it offers hope. They claim that veneration of the Guardians will prevent Thargoid Armageddon, which is probably why they're the most popular, being based on a classic binary theology of good versus evil. It's apparent that the Church is taking advantage of animosity towards the Far God sect to promote itself. The idea of Thargoid spies in human form, although baseless, has caused much anxiety. By declaring the Cult a holy adversary, the Church validates its own existence."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5b45cb098c932974af7b1815 GalNet: Fringe Religion Condemns Far God Cult]</ref>
05 JUL 3304
*Amid growing public mistrust of a [[Far God cult|fringe sect]] that worships the [[Thargoid]]s, a report suggests that the group's members may be undercover Thargoid agents. [[Independent]] journalist [[Flint Lafosse|Flint 'Firemaker' Lafosse]] shared his theories via the [[Rewired]] news feed: "I'm sure you're all just as creeped out as I am by those hooded monks and their stinking hive-chapels. Granted, being creepy isn't a crime, and I'm as live-and-let-live as the next man. But isn't it strange that this cult is rising just as the Thargoids return in force? The idea of humans working on behalf of aliens might sound crazy, but think about it. All those escape pods captured by Thargoid ships...what did they want them for? After a bit of brainwashing, they'd make perfect spies, sent back to infiltrate humanity using this religion as a cover. What scares me is that these freaks don't communicate. They just lurk in the dark, waiting. Why are they so mysterious? What's going on in those chapels? For all we know, they're seeding our planets with [[Thargoid Barnacle|barnacles]] and eggs, right under our noses." Leading exotheologian Dr Alfred Ulyanov responded with this comment: "I can categorically answer one point: the reason the Far God worshippers are not interested in communicating is that, from their point of view, we will all be dead soon. As for the rest of this speculation, nothing in my studies has caused me to suspect this group to be a threat, despite its unsettling beliefs."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5b3dfd1321ffd9343218451a GalNet: A Thargoid Fifth Column?]</ref>
16 JUN 3304
*A fringe religion that worships the [[Thargoid]]s has come under the spotlight in a new academic article. The author, Dr Alfred Ulyanov, is a leading expert in exotheology. He summarised his work for the media: "A recent report by [[Gethin Okonkwo]] highlighted the emergence of doomsayer cults in response to the return of the Thargoids. But few are as strange as my current object of study – an organisation that considers the Thargoids to be not merely alien, but divine. This [[Far God cult|mysterious sect]] doesn't have a formal name. The central tenet of its faith is that the Thargoids we have encountered so far are messengers – dark angels sent to prepare us for the true sacred presence, which will soon enter our plane of existence from another universe. They refer to this as the Far God. As with many monotheistic belief structures, this cult considers the Far God to be unknowable and omnipotent, but also apocalyptic. Only true believers such as themselves will survive its manifestation. Visiting one of the cult's hive-chapels is an unsettling experience. Aside from a few pulsing green lights they are very dark, and most surfaces are covered in a black coral-like substance. The congregation's prayers are directed toward an altar resembling the starfish shape of [[Thargoid Interceptor|Thargoid vessels]], almost like an octagonal crucifix. It's impossible to ignore that the entire place reeks of ammonia. Cult members tend to wear simple hooded robes with no markings. They are intense and resolute, but many look unhealthy. It seems that this lifestyle attracts those on the very edge of society, whose low self-esteem leaves them vulnerable to beliefs that erode their identity. As an exotheologian, I am of course fascinated by the sociological impact of non-human influences. But even for a scientist, it is difficult not to feel pity, and perhaps a little revulsion, for those who identify more with a hostile species than with their own people."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5b23bc10e7c3870a79317183 GalNet: Worshipping the Thargoids]</ref>
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==References==
<references/>

[[ru:Альфред Ульянов]]

Alfred Ulyanov - Revision history

Fandom>Clockpuncher: /* Timeline */