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====The Golconda====
====The Golconda====
The Golconda was discovered following the interception of a distress call by an [[Interstellar Association for Agriculture]] survey vessel on November 5, 3305.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5dc19748debc8239fe2e7be4 GalNet: Rockforth Corporation Releases Apology]</ref> It is located in Upaniklis, orbiting planet Upaniklis B 3.
The Golconda was discovered following the interception of a distress call by an [[Interstellar Association for Agriculture]] survey vessel on November 5, 3305.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5dc19748debc8239fe2e7be4 GalNet: Rockforth Corporation Releases Apology]</ref> It is located in [[Upaniklis]], orbiting planet Upaniklis B 3.


Unlike previous documented Generation Ships, The Golconda was found both functional and with a living crew and colonists. Centuries ago, The Golconda safely arrived at its intended destination, but the passengers elected to remain aboard and continue journeying through space indefinitely due to concerns about living outside the vessel. As time went on, the colonists developed a unique culture and religion centered on a reverence for The Golconda as a kind of benevolent caretaker. They also maintained a policy of strict isolationism for their own protection. Although the colonists managed to live sustainably and preserve social order, by the 34th century, as the vessel passed through the Upaniklis system, they found their supplies running low and were struck by an outbreak of nasopharyngitis. Captain Jonathon Forester reluctantly decided to break The Golconda's radio silence and issue a distress call in the hopes that the human civilisation they had been separated from for over a thousand years would lend them aid.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR0fTrTGeM8 YouTube: Golconda New surviving Generation Ship voice logs 1-5 Elite Dangerous]</ref> The discovery of The Golconda prompted the organisation of an [[Interstellar Initiative]] of the [[The Golconda|same name]] that would have profound consequences for the vessel's population.
Unlike previous documented Generation Ships, The Golconda was found both functional and with a living crew and colonists. Centuries ago, The Golconda safely arrived at its intended destination, but the passengers elected to remain aboard and continue journeying through space indefinitely due to concerns about living outside the vessel. As time went on, the colonists developed a unique culture and religion centered on a reverence for The Golconda as a kind of benevolent caretaker. They also maintained a policy of strict isolationism for their own protection. Although the colonists managed to live sustainably and preserve social order, by the 34th century, as the vessel passed through the Upaniklis system, they found their supplies running low and were struck by an outbreak of nasopharyngitis. Captain Jonathon Forester reluctantly decided to break The Golconda's radio silence and issue a distress call in the hopes that the human civilisation they had been separated from for over a thousand years would lend them aid.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR0fTrTGeM8 YouTube: Golconda New surviving Generation Ship voice logs 1-5 Elite Dangerous]</ref> The discovery of The Golconda prompted the organisation of an [[Interstellar Initiative]] of the [[The Golconda|same name]] that would have profound consequences for the vessel's population.
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==Timeline==
==Timeline==
22 NOV 3305
22 NOV 3305
*The inhabitants of the generation ship [[The Golconda|Golconda]] have offered a token of gratitude to authorities in the Upaniklis system for their recent help. The gift was a case of an alcoholic spirit labelled [[Apa Vietii]], distilled only aboard the Golconda for many centuries. An accompanying note explained that the production technique has remained largely unchanged since the 22nd century. Analysis of the beverage confirmed it was safe for consumption, although nothing is known of the raw ingredients or distillation process. As yet very few people have sampled Apa Vietii, but the celebrated gourmet and critic Giles Cappelleo was invited to appraise the spirit: "Well, what a delight this is – to experience a previously unheard-of libation! Apa Vietii is refreshing on the palate with a smooth, crisp flavour, but delivers a vigorous thump to the senses once swallowed. If it ever becomes widely available, connoisseurs everywhere would surely adore it. The Golconda crew is sitting atop a potential goldmine!" Professor [[Elizabeth Perez]] of the Orion Independent University provided an anthropologist's take: "This is a significant gesture from a society that has been highly reluctant to interact with outsiders. Although their isolationist stance remains prevalent, offering Apa Vietii could be interpreted as the start of a cultural exchange programme prior to rejoining civilisation."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5dd7bb5b632a961c00177cb4 GalNet: A Gift from the Golconda]</ref>
*The inhabitants of the generation ship [[The Golconda|Golconda]] have offered a token of gratitude to authorities in the [[Upaniklis]] system for their recent help. The gift was a case of an alcoholic spirit labelled [[Apa Vietii]], distilled only aboard the Golconda for many centuries. An accompanying note explained that the production technique has remained largely unchanged since the 22nd century. Analysis of the beverage confirmed it was safe for consumption, although nothing is known of the raw ingredients or distillation process. As yet very few people have sampled Apa Vietii, but the celebrated gourmet and critic Giles Cappelleo was invited to appraise the spirit: "Well, what a delight this is – to experience a previously unheard-of libation! Apa Vietii is refreshing on the palate with a smooth, crisp flavour, but delivers a vigorous thump to the senses once swallowed. If it ever becomes widely available, connoisseurs everywhere would surely adore it. The Golconda crew is sitting atop a potential goldmine!" Professor [[Elizabeth Perez]] of the Orion Independent University provided an anthropologist's take: "This is a significant gesture from a society that has been highly reluctant to interact with outsiders. Although their isolationist stance remains prevalent, offering Apa Vietii could be interpreted as the start of a cultural exchange programme prior to rejoining civilisation."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5dd7bb5b632a961c00177cb4 GalNet: A Gift from the Golconda]</ref>
18 NOV 3305
18 NOV 3305
*The [[Empire]] and the [[Federation]] have announced rival initiatives to provide a new home for the crew of the generation ship [[The Golconda|Golconda]]. During the aid appeal by Upaniklis Vision Incorporated, engineering experts confirmed that the ancient vessel can no longer meet the colony's needs. While the Golconda was designed for long-term habitation, it lacks adequate facilities for the current population levels. After lengthy discussion, the Golconda's leaders have reluctantly decided to abandon the vessel. But the ship's captain, Jonathon Forester, has insisted that its population remain together in one location. The Empire has vowed to help the colonists complete the ship's original mission by establishing a [[Surface Port|planetside home]]. [[Senator]] [[Ava Cornelius]] summarised the campaign: "After generations in an artificial environment, we want to reward these travellers with a world to call their own, fulfilling their destiny after a millennium of adventure. Contemporary agricultural techniques will enable them to become a self-sustaining colony with full Imperial support." The Federation has taken a different approach, offering to create an [[outpost]] where the Golconda's spacefaring traditions can continue. This was outlined by [[Congressman]] [[Harlan Turk]]: "These people have the inalienable right to continue their current way of life. A modern outpost will offer vastly superior amenities while allowing their culture to remain intact, with facilities for new trade relationships within Federal market guidelines." Both superpowers have asked the galactic community to support their campaigns. Pilots can deliver polymers, CMM composites, titanium, beryllium and thallium to either of the [[megaship]]s in the Upaniklis system: The Lucent Embrace for the Empire or Keller's Resolve for the Federation. The initiative is scheduled to run from the 18th to the 26th of November 3305. If the final targets are met earlier than planned, the campaign will end immediately.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5dd2c015e22baf768a15bbb3 GalNet: Superpowers Compete over Golconda's Future]</ref>
*The [[Empire]] and the [[Federation]] have announced rival initiatives to provide a new home for the crew of the generation ship [[The Golconda|Golconda]]. During the aid appeal by Upaniklis Vision Incorporated, engineering experts confirmed that the ancient vessel can no longer meet the colony's needs. While the Golconda was designed for long-term habitation, it lacks adequate facilities for the current population levels. After lengthy discussion, the Golconda's leaders have reluctantly decided to abandon the vessel. But the ship's captain, Jonathon Forester, has insisted that its population remain together in one location. The Empire has vowed to help the colonists complete the ship's original mission by establishing a [[Surface Port|planetside home]]. [[Senator]] [[Ava Cornelius]] summarised the campaign: "After generations in an artificial environment, we want to reward these travellers with a world to call their own, fulfilling their destiny after a millennium of adventure. Contemporary agricultural techniques will enable them to become a self-sustaining colony with full Imperial support." The Federation has taken a different approach, offering to create an [[outpost]] where the Golconda's spacefaring traditions can continue. This was outlined by [[Congressman]] [[Harlan Turk]]: "These people have the inalienable right to continue their current way of life. A modern outpost will offer vastly superior amenities while allowing their culture to remain intact, with facilities for new trade relationships within Federal market guidelines." Both superpowers have asked the galactic community to support their campaigns. Pilots can deliver polymers, CMM composites, titanium, beryllium and thallium to either of the [[megaship]]s in the [[Upaniklis]] system: The Lucent Embrace for the Empire or Keller's Resolve for the Federation. The initiative is scheduled to run from the 18th to the 26th of November 3305. If the final targets are met earlier than planned, the campaign will end immediately.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5dd2c015e22baf768a15bbb3 GalNet: Superpowers Compete over Golconda's Future]</ref>
15 NOV 3305
15 NOV 3305
*The discovery of an inhabited generation ship has attracted attention from both the [[Empire]] and the [[Federation]]. A recent trade appeal in the Upaniklis system provided [[the Golconda]] with emergency aid. Each of the superpowers has since deployed a [[megaship]] to the area, along with proposals for integrating the Golconda's crew into the galactic community. [[Senator|Imperial senator]] [[Ava Cornelius]] released this statement: "This remarkable thousand-year mission exemplifies humanity's indomitable spirit. We stand ready to help these colonists complete that mission by constructing a new [[Surface Port|planetary settlement]] exclusively for their use. There, they will finally be able to enjoy solid ground and open skies, in a colony that thrives under Imperial protection." [[Congressman|Federal Congressman]] [[Harlan Turk]] outlined an alternative approach: "As the descendants of a generation ship launched from [[Sol]], we view these courageous travellers as honorary Federal citizens. We therefore hold that they are entitled to remain a spacefaring commune as their ancestors wished, and intend to honour their traditional way of life with an [[Outpost|orbital outpost]] to call their own." There has been minimal communication with the Golconda, and only a select few representatives of Upaniklis Vision Incorporated have interacted with the colonists. Assuming that the freshly donated supplies can fortify this micro-civilisation, vital decisions will need to be made regarding the Golconda's future.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5dcd3397d56201391d473b2b GalNet: Golconda Attracts Superpower Interest]</ref>
*The discovery of an inhabited generation ship has attracted attention from both the [[Empire]] and the [[Federation]]. A recent trade appeal in the [[Upaniklis]] system provided [[the Golconda]] with emergency aid. Each of the superpowers has since deployed a [[megaship]] to the area, along with proposals for integrating the Golconda's crew into the galactic community. [[Senator|Imperial senator]] [[Ava Cornelius]] released this statement: "This remarkable thousand-year mission exemplifies humanity's indomitable spirit. We stand ready to help these colonists complete that mission by constructing a new [[Surface Port|planetary settlement]] exclusively for their use. There, they will finally be able to enjoy solid ground and open skies, in a colony that thrives under Imperial protection." [[Congressman|Federal Congressman]] [[Harlan Turk]] outlined an alternative approach: "As the descendants of a generation ship launched from [[Sol]], we view these courageous travellers as honorary Federal citizens. We therefore hold that they are entitled to remain a spacefaring commune as their ancestors wished, and intend to honour their traditional way of life with an [[Outpost|orbital outpost]] to call their own." There has been minimal communication with the Golconda, and only a select few representatives of Upaniklis Vision Incorporated have interacted with the colonists. Assuming that the freshly donated supplies can fortify this micro-civilisation, vital decisions will need to be made regarding the Golconda's future.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5dcd3397d56201391d473b2b GalNet: Golconda Attracts Superpower Interest]</ref>
14 NOV 3305
14 NOV 3305
*The initiative in the Upaniklis system to provide the generation ship [[The Golconda|Golconda]] with essential supplies has concluded successfully. A statement was provided by Itsuko Harada of Upaniklis Vision Incorporated: "Sincere thanks to all traders who delivered medicines and emergency supplies, and also to the brave pilots who protected these shipments against pirate raids. Transfer of the goods to the Golconda has concluded, and I understand they were accepted gratefully." The medical supplies were accompanied by representatives of the [[Interstellar Health Organisation]], who advised the colonists on their use. Team leader Dr Ivan Johansen commented: "Our antiviral agents are far more advanced than those on the Golconda, and early indications suggest patients are responding well to treatment. Hopefully we have halted the outbreak of what the colony calls 'the wasting kiss'." Reports from Upaniklis government insiders indicate that communication with the Golconda has become more frequent, particularly in regards to technological advancements. Local media coverage has fuelled public speculation that the colonists should abandon their ancient vessel and establish a new home in the system. Pilots who took part in the campaign can now obtain their rewards from Fozard Port in the Upaniklis system.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5dcd3226e0872106b667654f GalNet: Golconda Receives Vital Aid]</ref>
*The initiative in the [[Upaniklis]] system to provide the generation ship [[The Golconda|Golconda]] with essential supplies has concluded successfully. A statement was provided by Itsuko Harada of Upaniklis Vision Incorporated: "Sincere thanks to all traders who delivered medicines and emergency supplies, and also to the brave pilots who protected these shipments against pirate raids. Transfer of the goods to the Golconda has concluded, and I understand they were accepted gratefully." The medical supplies were accompanied by representatives of the [[Interstellar Health Organisation]], who advised the colonists on their use. Team leader Dr Ivan Johansen commented: "Our antiviral agents are far more advanced than those on the Golconda, and early indications suggest patients are responding well to treatment. Hopefully we have halted the outbreak of what the colony calls 'the wasting kiss'." Reports from Upaniklis government insiders indicate that communication with the Golconda has become more frequent, particularly in regards to technological advancements. Local media coverage has fuelled public speculation that the colonists should abandon their ancient vessel and establish a new home in the system. Pilots who took part in the campaign can now obtain their rewards from Fozard Port in the Upaniklis system.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5dcd3226e0872106b667654f GalNet: Golconda Receives Vital Aid]</ref>
11 NOV 3305
11 NOV 3305
*The culture of the generation ship [[The Golconda|Golconda]] has been examined by Professor [[Elizabeth Perez]], head of anthropology at Orion Independent University. "Little is known about the Golconda's origins. There are no intact records of its launch, and the lack of archived blueprints suggests a privately funded colonisation attempt. But there's no doubt this microcosm of 22nd Century society will have diverged over the past thousand years. The inhabitants' language is entirely comprehensible, however, and their social structure is recognisable. Rigid security measures are in evidence, as one would expect from an isolationist culture. We also know there is a custodian tasked with ensuring the community's wellbeing, and a chaplain who provides spiritual guidance. All signs point to contentment with – maybe even an addiction to – their spacefaring existence." While audio messages recorded by the Golconda crew are available to the galactic community, only a select handful of individuals representing Upaniklis Vision Incorporated have been permitted to dock with the Golconda. Professor Perez travelled to Upaniklis to speak with them as part of her study. "Interviews with those who delivered supplies were fascinating. As one pilot put it: 'The loading procedures were done at top speed, hardly any comms chatter at all. Nobody on the Golconda entered the cargo bays before we left. I got the impression they were scared stiff of us.' History shows that isolated cultures can be irrevocably damaged by contact with outsiders. We must ensure that efforts to support the Golconda community do not destroy this unique bubble-colony."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5dc971359671a109c921ea2d GalNet: The Golconda Generation]</ref>
*The culture of the generation ship [[The Golconda|Golconda]] has been examined by Professor [[Elizabeth Perez]], head of anthropology at Orion Independent University. "Little is known about the Golconda's origins. There are no intact records of its launch, and the lack of archived blueprints suggests a privately funded colonisation attempt. But there's no doubt this microcosm of 22nd Century society will have diverged over the past thousand years. The inhabitants' language is entirely comprehensible, however, and their social structure is recognisable. Rigid security measures are in evidence, as one would expect from an isolationist culture. We also know there is a custodian tasked with ensuring the community's wellbeing, and a chaplain who provides spiritual guidance. All signs point to contentment with – maybe even an addiction to – their spacefaring existence." While audio messages recorded by the Golconda crew are available to the galactic community, only a select handful of individuals representing Upaniklis Vision Incorporated have been permitted to dock with the Golconda. Professor Perez travelled to Upaniklis to speak with them as part of her study. "Interviews with those who delivered supplies were fascinating. As one pilot put it: 'The loading procedures were done at top speed, hardly any comms chatter at all. Nobody on the Golconda entered the cargo bays before we left. I got the impression they were scared stiff of us.' History shows that isolated cultures can be irrevocably damaged by contact with outsiders. We must ensure that efforts to support the Golconda community do not destroy this unique bubble-colony."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5dc971359671a109c921ea2d GalNet: The Golconda Generation]</ref>
08 NOV 3305
08 NOV 3305
*A generation ship with a living population has been [[The Golconda|discovered]] in the Upaniklis system. The ship's distress signal was initially picked up by a [[listening post]]. Investigating pilots were surprised to find that the ancient vessel - identified as the Golconda - had drifted into the uninhabited region around Upaniklis B. Generation ships are huge, self-sufficient craft from the pre-[[hyperdrive]] era, designed to deliver their original crews' descendants to uninhabited systems. Launched in the 22nd century, the Golconda has survived for more than a millennium as the home of a self-reliant society. But it is believed the vessel's outdated facilities are struggling to meet the needs of its crew. The inhabitants have reported a lack of maintenance materials and medical supplies, the latter made more pertinent by a virus sweeping through the ship. Itsuko Harada of Upaniklis Vision Incorporated gave the following statement: "These visitors have crossed incredible distances, entirely disconnected from the rest of humanity until now. Sheer desperation has forced these proud people to call for help – a disease referred to as 'the wasting kiss' is running rampant, and in a closed environment its effects may prove catastrophic. Understandably, the Golconda's people are reluctant to leave their home or interact with the rest of the galaxy, at least at present. They have gratefully accepted our offer of medical supplies and other materials, however." Traders are asked to deliver basic medicines, advanced medicines, aluminium, ceramic composites and semiconductors to Fozard Port in the Upaniklis system. Upaniklis Vision Incorporated is also offering bounty vouchers on wanted ships to deter pirate activity in the area. The initiative is scheduled to run from the 8th to the 14th of November 3305. If the final targets are met earlier than planned, the campaign will end immediately.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5dc583285c6f2e59a851f5d0 GalNet: Inhabited Generation Ship Discovered]</ref>
*A generation ship with a living population has been [[The Golconda|discovered]] in the [[Upaniklis]] system. The ship's distress signal was initially picked up by a [[listening post]]. Investigating pilots were surprised to find that the ancient vessel - identified as the Golconda - had drifted into the uninhabited region around Upaniklis B. Generation ships are huge, self-sufficient craft from the pre-[[hyperdrive]] era, designed to deliver their original crews' descendants to uninhabited systems. Launched in the 22nd century, the Golconda has survived for more than a millennium as the home of a self-reliant society. But it is believed the vessel's outdated facilities are struggling to meet the needs of its crew. The inhabitants have reported a lack of maintenance materials and medical supplies, the latter made more pertinent by a virus sweeping through the ship. Itsuko Harada of Upaniklis Vision Incorporated gave the following statement: "These visitors have crossed incredible distances, entirely disconnected from the rest of humanity until now. Sheer desperation has forced these proud people to call for help – a disease referred to as 'the wasting kiss' is running rampant, and in a closed environment its effects may prove catastrophic. Understandably, the Golconda's people are reluctant to leave their home or interact with the rest of the galaxy, at least at present. They have gratefully accepted our offer of medical supplies and other materials, however." Traders are asked to deliver basic medicines, advanced medicines, aluminium, ceramic composites and semiconductors to Fozard Port in the Upaniklis system. Upaniklis Vision Incorporated is also offering bounty vouchers on wanted ships to deter pirate activity in the area. The initiative is scheduled to run from the 8th to the 14th of November 3305. If the final targets are met earlier than planned, the campaign will end immediately.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5dc583285c6f2e59a851f5d0 GalNet: Inhabited Generation Ship Discovered]</ref>
29 APR 3303
29 APR 3303
*Before the development of faster-than-light travel, colonising distant star systems depended on vast interstellar arks known as generation ships. There are believed to be more than 70,000 of these ships in the galaxy, the location of many of which is not known. But now one of these "lost" ships has been found. A transmission recovered from a listening post in the LHS 1047 system led a pair of independent pilots to the Alaunus system, where the generation ship "Lycaon" was discovered. Tragically, it appears that the ship's crew was killed by an unidentified pathogen, no doubt many centuries ago. This was confirmed by remotely accessing the ship's medical logs. System authorities have urged pilots not to interfere with the vessel, which is still protected by the legislature instated at the time of its launch.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5903489c34cf5157f83c8f0f Galactic News: Generation Ship Found]</ref>
*Before the development of faster-than-light travel, colonising distant star systems depended on vast interstellar arks known as generation ships. There are believed to be more than 70,000 of these ships in the galaxy, the location of many of which is not known. But now one of these "lost" ships has been found. A transmission recovered from a listening post in the LHS 1047 system led a pair of independent pilots to the Alaunus system, where the generation ship "Lycaon" was discovered. Tragically, it appears that the ship's crew was killed by an unidentified pathogen, no doubt many centuries ago. This was confirmed by remotely accessing the ship's medical logs. System authorities have urged pilots not to interfere with the vessel, which is still protected by the legislature instated at the time of its launch.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5903489c34cf5157f83c8f0f Galactic News: Generation Ship Found]</ref>