Azimuth Biotech: Difference between revisions

Thus far, Taurus Mining Ventures has materially supported Salvation on four occasions. Between April 10 and May 21, 3307, it rewarded pilots who brought copies of the logs of the [[Hesperus]] to Hind Mine for Salvation to analyse. Between June 24 and July 1, 3307, it oversaw a [[Guardian]] artefact collection campaign in PMD2009 48 that competed with Aegis to acquire exclusive rights to the [[Proteus]] wreck and xenological sites in Trapezium Sector YU-X c1-2, which had been found thanks to information supplied by Salvation. On September 17, 3307, it transported advanced technical components falsely registered as [[Basic Medicines]] to Pegasi Sector ON-S b4-8 and sold them to pilots so they could be smuggled into the Thargoid-besieged Cornsar system, where Salvation used them to build a prototype anti-xeno superweapon. On December 9, 3307, the company moved three of its megaships to the [[Pleiades Nebula]] and allowed pilots to transport [[Classified Experimental Equipment]] to them to build three more anti-xeno superweapons as part of "Operation Tri-hammer".

*The last in a series that reviews the events of the past year, by noted historian [[Sima Kalhana]].<br/>"October brought further controversy for the [[Federation]], when a diplomatic conference in the [[Delta Pavonis]] system was revealed to be a honey trap designed to capture [[Yuri Grom]]. Only a rush of support for [[EG Pilots|EG Union]] allowed their ruler to escape, causing political embarrassment for [[Zachary Hudson|President Hudson]]. There was more corporate drama when [[Zemina Torval]] relinquished her long-held majority sharehold of [[Mastopolos Mining]], fuelling rumours of a family rift with her cousins. [[Torval Mining Ltd]] became a fully independent corporation run by her daughter [[Constantia Torval|Constantia]]. The [[Colonia Bridge]] project officially started the first of two phases this year which would see the construction of 56 megaships between the Alcor and [[Colonia]] systems. [[Brewer Corporation]] enjoyed great public support for improving this travel corridor along the 22,000 light year journey, and revealed plans to enhance it further in the new year. [[Hadrian Augustus Duval|Hadrian Duval]], his wife [[Astrid Minerva-Duval|Lady Astrid]] and their unborn child were the specific targets of another starport bombing by the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA]]. It proved unsuccessful, but did result in the [[Imperial Senate]] offering them protection in order to secure the [[Imperial Family|Duval bloodline]]. It also led to a manhunt for [[John Tyburn|Theta Seven]], the galaxy's most wanted terrorist. In November, [[Orion University]] claimed that the [[dredger]] occupied by [[The Scriveners Clan Dredger|the Scriveners Clan]] was legally their property, but the [[Dredger Clans|nomadic descendants]] of its original crew refused to give up their home. The stand-off caught the public attention, with some supporting the clan's right to independence and others keen to discover what their Knowledge Core contained. Ultimately the Scriveners retained their freedom, sailing off into the void with their secrets intact. Many were shocked when [[Aden Tanner|Admiral Tanner]], [[Aegis]]'s military chief, went rogue and tried to force access to a starport controlled by [[Salvation]]'s allies. His conviction that the anti-xeno superweapons were responsible for provoking the [[Thargoid]]s was, however, not enough to win the day. The NMLA threw everything they had at the Mudhrid system in an attempt to rescue Theta Seven, who was hiding among the [[Far God cult]] to avoid capture. But the terrorists were crushed by [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|ACT]] and a coalition of ships, with Theta Seven martyring himself by destroying the hijacked megaship [[Sacrosanct]]. A happier event in December was the birth of [[Hector Mordanticus Duval|Hector Duval]], son and heir of Hadrian and Lady Astrid. There were celebrations across the [[Empire]], but also questions asked about the future of the Duval dynasty and if the child might one day inherit the Imperial throne. The year ended as it had begun, with Thargoid vessels swarming into nebula systems. But with incursions steadily increasing over recent months, there were fears that this time they might prove unstoppable. Salvation's superweapons were once again deployed to halt the aliens' progress, but will they be enough to prevent the Thargoids from threatening humanity in 3308?"<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61bc62d8c603c657161a1dbf GalNet: A Retrospective of 3307 (Part Four)]</ref>

*[[Salvation]] has confirmed that his anti-xeno superweapons successfully routed [[Thargoid]]s from the [[Delphi]], [[Maia]] and [[Merope]] systems. The following message was submitted to all [[newsfeed]]s: "The Thargoid spearhead into [[human]] space has been severely blunted. [[Morag Halloran|Commodore Halloran]] coordinated the operation with military precision, and many loyal pilots acted swiftly to provide [[Classified Experimental Equipment|components]] for my unique technology. At present, I am not able to deploy these weapons in other systems suffering alien infestation. Next year, we will deliver a decisive blow in the [[Second Thargoid War|war against the Thargoids]]. I urge the peoples of the galaxy to unite behind my crusade. [[Aegis]] is finished. I am the only remaining defence for humanity. I am Salvation." Independent pilots and anti-xeno squadrons have been asked to continue combating the remaining Thargoid vessels in the [[Coalsack Nebula|Coalsack]], [[Pleiades Nebula|Pleiades]] and [[Witch Head Nebula]] regions. Repair efforts are also still required in the Delphi, Maia and Merope systems.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61b2302a2019bc2f30220488 GalNet: The Triumph of Salvation]</ref>

*<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pilots' Federation ALERT*<br/>[[Salvation]]'s anti-xeno superweapons have cleared most [[Thargoid]] vessels from the [[Delphi]], [[Maia]] and [[Merope]] systems. Pilots were asked to transport [[Classified Experimental Equipment|classified experimental equipment]] from the Heart of Taurus in the Qarato system to three other [[megaship]]s owned by Taurus Mining Ventures. These components were used to prepare the large-scale weapons developed by Salvation to affect Thargoid technology. [[Vox Galactica]] published an intercepted message from Commodore [[Morag Halloran]], commanding officer of the Musashi, to the [[Bright Sentinel]] and Glorious Prospect megaships: "This is Halloran. Operation Tri-hammer has concluded with a code white-three-alpha. Estimated target destruction in Delphi is at 27%, with full dispersal of 98% of remaining hostiles. Scans underway for non-combatant disruption or casualties. Maia and Merope data to be submitted immediately to central analytics." Independent observers have reported that the majority of all Thargoid ships in the three systems have abruptly departed, with some [[Crashed Thargoid Ship|wreckages]] found on planetary surfaces. This closely matches the event in the Cornsar system in September, when the anti-xeno superweapon was first deployed. Pilots are requested to help with repair and rescue efforts for starports damaged by the Thargoids: Donar's Oak and The Oracle in the Delphi system, [[Obsidian Orbital]] in the Maia system, and Reed's Rest in the Merope system.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61b22de57f20dc7b365da05a GalNet: Thargoids Repulsed from Three Systems]</ref>

*<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pilots' Federation ALERT*<br/>[[Salvation]] requires vital materials to deploy anti-xeno superweapons in the [[Delphi]], [[Maia]] and [[Merope]] systems. A message was transmitted from the Musashi [[megaship]] by its new commanding officer, Commodore [[Morag Halloran]]: "The [[Thargoid]]s have invaded three key systems, as Salvation anticipated. Preparations have been made to halt their advance, but there is an urgent requirement to collect [[Classified Experimental Equipment|classified experimental equipment]] from the Heart of Taurus in the Qarato system. Pilots must then deliver these shipments to three other megaships: the Musashi in the Delphi system, the [[Bright Sentinel]] in the Maia system, and the Glorious Prospect in the Merope system. It is crucial that all deliveries are made by early on Tuesday the 14th of December. Without these components, Salvation's superweapons will not be able to affect enough Thargoid vessels to turn the tide." Commodore Halloran was formerly a member of the [[Alliance Defence Force]], and was in charge of protecting the first expedition to the [[Coalsack Nebula]] in 3306. She is one of hundreds of naval officers and crew from all three superpowers who have resigned their commissions to offer their services to Salvation, believing that only he can defeat the Thargoids.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61b2004bb01f6418d158f6f9 GalNet: Support Salvation's Counterstrike Against the Thargoids]</ref>

*Admiral [[Aden Tanner]] and the crew of the Musashi [[megaship]] will be placed on trial for attacking [[Salvation]]'s allies. The admiral disobeyed orders by attempting to gain access to Hind Mine [[starport]], the headquarters of Taurus Mining Ventures. After failing to achieve this, most of the Musashi's crewmembers were detained and repatriated to their respective home systems to face civil or military charges. The [[Federal Navy]] has published this official notice: "Admiral Tanner is formally accused of mutiny and unlawful military action while in command of the Musashi. He will stand trial in a general court-martial. If found guilty, he will be dishonourably discharged and imprisoned for life." Dr [[Paul Baumann]], chair of the independent board of inquiry into [[Aegis]], commented: "Recent events in the T Tauri system clearly fall within the scope of our investigation. For Aegis's chief military liaison to launch an unauthorised attack, at the cost of many lives, will weigh heavily against the organisation." Admiral Tanner claims that the anti-xeno superweapon deployed by [[Salvation]] in the Cornsar system has triggered an increase in [[Thargoid]] attacks. Although there is no direct evidence of this, the Thargoids have performed coordinated strikes against several systems in the weeks since that event.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61a4ca3a7b7c062a03402c47 GalNet: Aegis Renegades Face Criminal Charges]</ref>

*<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pilots' Federation ALERT*<br/>Taurus Mining Ventures has defeated a rogue Aegis Defense force and gained control of the [[megaship]] Musashi. The conflict was initiated by Admiral [[Aden Tanner]], chief military liaison with [[Aegis]]. He was attempting to gain access to Hind Mine [[Asteroid Base|asteroid base]], in search of evidence that [[Salvation]]'s anti-xeno weapon was deliberately designed to provoke the [[Thargoid]]s. [[Patience Middleton]], a spokesperson for Taurus Mining Ventures, made this announcement: "This was an illegal and unnecessary conflict, brought about by Admiral Tanner's misguided obsession. We will continue working with Salvation to eliminate the Thargoid threat. Our defence was only possible thanks to our courageous supporters, for whom rewards are available at Hind Mine. We will also honour agreements that the Aegis Defense force made with independent pilots, who can collect their promised payments from the Musashi." Taurus Mining Ventures later confirmed that all members of the Musashi's original crew will be allowed to leave the megaship unharmed. Admiral Tanner and other key personnel are in temporary custody. Aegis has arranged for them to be transferred to its internal security teams.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6196501885d0747b7c681739 GalNet: Salvation's Allies Triumph in T Tauri System]</ref>

*<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pilots' Federation ALERT*<br/>A rogue [[Aegis|Aegis Defense]] force has initiated conflict with Taurus Mining Ventures in the T Tauri system. The [[megaship]] Musashi is commanded by Aegis's chief military liaison Admiral [[Aden Tanner]], who made this announcement: "The Hind Mine [[Asteroid Base|asteroid base]] contains proof that [[Salvation]]'s unlicensed anti-xeno weapon is intentionally designed to provoke the [[Thargoid]]s, and therefore endangers us all. As Taurus Mining Ventures refuses to cooperate, we have no choice but to obtain the evidence by force. This may be our only opportunity to discover Salvation's true ambitions. I urge all independent pilots who have fought alongside Aegis to help us complete this vital mission." [[Patience Middleton]], a spokesperson for Taurus Mining Ventures, responded: "This is an illegal attack that jeopardises the important work we are undertaking on behalf of Salvation. It is in the galactic community's interests to defend our corporate headquarters." Aegis officially stated that Admiral Tanner is acting on his own authority, and that the Musashi's presence in the T Tauri system is in direct violation of orders. Despite this, there are reports that Tanner has tacit support from many members of Aegis, who disagree with the public inquiry that has suspended its operations.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/618d13fa79f0245b464f12dd GalNet: Aegis Renegades Attack Salvation's Allies]</ref>

*Admiral [[Aden Tanner]] has called for [[Aegis]] to reject the public inquiry's shutdown and take direct action against [[Salvation]]. The Musashi, an Aegis Defense [[megaship]] under his command, has entered the T Tauri system to challenge Taurus Mining Ventures. The corporation has performed activities on Salvation's behalf, including preparation for the anti-xeno weapon used to eliminate all [[Thargoid]]s from the Cornsar system. Admiral Tanner transmitted this message to media outlets: "Salvation's unlicensed weapons technology is deliberately designed to provoke the Thargoids, risking millions of lives. My sources tell me that Hind Mine [[Asteroid Base|asteroid base]] contains evidence of this. I therefore demand that Taurus Mining Ventures allows us access so we can determine the truth." [[Patience Middleton]] of Taurus Mining Ventures responded: "We are a legitimate business under contract to a private citizen, whose activities are protected by confidentiality agreements. These threats have no legal standing and are not welcome." Admiral Tanner is a highly decorated [[Federal Navy]] officer and Aegis's chief military liaison, having coordinated many combat efforts against the Thargoids. The Musashi's relocation has been condemned by Aegis leadership, and Tanner has been ordered to depart the T Tauri system.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61840798afc9de16453ca51e GalNet: Aegis Leader Opposes Salvation]</ref>

*<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pilots Federation ALERT*<br/> Several inhabited systems in the [[Pleiades Nebula|Pleiades]] and [[Witch Head Nebula]]s have come under attack by large numbers of [[Thargoid]] ships. An emergency has been declared by the authorities in multiple systems including Asterope, [[Shenve]] and Onoros. Thargoid vessels have again targeted [[starport]]s, with casualties estimated in the many thousands. Increased Thargoid activity has also been reported in the [[California Nebula|California]] and [[Coalsack Nebula]]s. Independent pilots and anti-xeno squadrons are moving to defend the invaded systems and evacuate survivors from damaged starports. [[Aegis]] is not currently able to assist, as the operational shutdown enforced by the public inquiry has led to many ships and pilots being withdrawn from service. Admiral [[Aden Tanner]], chief military liaison to Aegis, commented: "Many of us in Aegis are frustrated that the [[Paul Baumann|Baumann Report]] has tied our hands. I am also convinced that these Thargoids are reacting aggressively to the weapon of mass destruction that [[Salvation]] deployed in the Cornsar system. Not only should we be fighting the alien threat, but Salvation must be prevented from escalating the war." The Taurus Mining Ventures [[megaship]] [[Bright Sentinel]] has moved to the [[Merope]] system at Salvation's request. Reports indicate that [[Technology Broker|tech brokers]] on board are offering a [[Guardian Plasma Charger|Guardian-hybrid plasma charger]] as well as material cost discounts to support the anti-xeno effort.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/617a92af979938635b475461 GalNet: Thargoid Fleets Invade Nebula Systems]</ref>

*The anonymous [[Salvation]] commands much support in the galactic community, but a resistance movement has emerged to sabotage his efforts. [[Vox Galactica]] featured a special report from freelance journalist [[Alexei Keel]]: "In his self-proclaimed war against the [[Thargoid]]s, Salvation recently scored a major victory by eliminating their forces from the Cornsar system. But the ongoing mystery around the identity of this 'man of science', as well as his controversial methods, have led to a backlash. To deliver vital components for his mysterious anti-xeno weapon, Salvation once again recruited independent pilots, directly messaging those who had performed tasks for him before. However, this time a counter-initiative was formed by those who did not trust his motivations. It was also supported by believers in non-aggression against the Thargoids, and others who feared that the weapon might endanger Cornsar's population. Their actions involved acquiring the components, which were disguised as [[Basic Medicines|basic medicines]], but destroying rather than delivering them. Whether or not this partial blockade impacted the weapon's effectiveness remains unknown, but it acted as a substantial opposition to Salvation's scheme. [[Aegis]] is investigating the Cornsar incident, but with faith in that organisation at an all-time low, individual [[Commander]]s are now taking matters into their own hands. Time will tell if Salvation's ambition to replace Aegis is a noble goal, or if we are replacing the devil we know with a darker demon."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6151b37e8395d050bb7eae36 GalNet: Salvation: Friend or Foe?]</ref>

*The anonymous 'man of science' [[Salvation]] has claimed responsibility for the [[Thargoid]]s' unexplained departure from the Cornsar system. Salvation had predicted their attack, but his claim was discounted by [[Aegis]] and [[Noah Sharrow|other authorities]]. After a few days the Thargoid vessels fled abruptly, leaving behind [[Crashed Thargoid Ship|wreckages]] across the system. The following message was transmitted on public channels: "This is Salvation. The Thargoid invasion of Cornsar has now been repulsed, thanks to prototype anti-xeno weaponry that I have been developing for some time. I have achieved what Aegis could not – an effective deterrent against the alien threat. Refinement of this weapon is at a critical stage, so I cannot reveal any details. I only regret that my warning was not heeded in time to save everyone on the two [[starport]]s. This triumph was only possible thanks to those loyal pilots who answered my call. Rewards will shortly be available from the [[Bright Sentinel]] [[megaship]] in the [[Mbooni]] system." Salvation's identity and capabilities remain unknown, but he has established a reputation as a rival to Aegis. He is also knowledgeable about [[Azimuth Biochemicals]], a research company connected to the earliest recorded encounters with [[Guardian]] and Thargoid artefacts.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/614b1b42ee27c94b1b195046 GalNet: Salvation Takes Credit for Repelling Thargoids]</ref>