GEK FACTORY PUZZLES
PuzzleType: TRA_FACTORY
Alien: Warning! High temperature!
Something deep within the complex is malfunctioning. Surfaces feel hot to the touch. Hidden machinery clanks and whirrs.
A bead of sweat rolls down my forehead.
{Engage coolant chamber network}
Danger indicators plummet.
The facility springs into life.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Activate fusion dampening field}
The system no longer responds to my commands.
{Initialize laser refraction systems}
The system remains inoperable.
Alien: Mining production stalled! Low power! Uncommon isotope required!
All systems have stalled. Warning lights blink on and off.
Vaults that usually store uncommon elements mined on the planet have run low...
{Insert uncommon isotope}
The production facility becomes operational.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Insert common isotope}
Lights flicker, but my offering clearly wasn't enough.
Alien: High gas pressure! Breach detected!
The outpost is offline. My exosuit's atmospheric toxicity gauge starts to flicker.
Figures on the terminal suddenly plunge downwards. There's a leak in the system.
{Vent excess gas}
Toxicity levels stabilise.
The facility is operational.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Flush coolant chamber}
The facility remains non-operational.
{Increase system pressure}
Toxicity levels rise.
I breathe in damaging fumes.
---DAMAGESMALL---
---HAZARDSMALL---
Alien: Fusion critical! Initiate emergency radiation dampening measures!
A warning panel shows a power core overwhelmed from the inside. Strange symbols pulse urgently.
This is a nuclear system. All bad news...
{Activate radiation dampening field}
The fusion breach is contained.
Production returns to normal.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Shut the system down}
The facility powers down safely.
It releases unused resources.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
---SUBST_FUEL---
{Evacuate in panic}
There isn't time.
An instant energy overflow pulses through me.
---DAMAGESMALL---
Alien: Warning! Increase oxide delivery! Warning! Excess oxide catalyst usage creates radiation breach!
The terminal oversees element usage. I can adjust the amount of oxides pouring from resource vaults into the production systems.
Warning lights flash, and a timer ticks down...
{Maintain oxide levels}
The system ceases production.
{Increase oxide levels}
The system maintains its production.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Dramatically increase oxide levels}
The system maximises production.
A radiation breach occurs.
---DAMAGELARGE---
---RECIPE_LIST---
---USEFUL_PROD---
Alien: Warning! Magnetic coil overcharged! Production low!
I feel heavy. My multi-tool pulls me down, and my helmet forces itself into my shoulders.
It's not just me impacted. Production processes are going haywire...
{Reboot gravitational stabilisers}
Gravity momentarily destabilises.
The system remains inoperable.
{Reduce electromagnetic flow}
The facility springs back into operation.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Power down facility}
The facility powers down.
Some systems align, and residual elements become available..
---RECIPE_LIST---
Alien: Warning! Unexpected system detected! Bypass chip template detected! Gek Trade Federation informed!
The terminal isn't running proprietary code. It's possibly illegal, and emptying resource vaults of rare silicates.
I could revert the facility to its original use, but I could also see where the system hijack leads...
{Revert system}
The system reboots, and rewards me.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Insert rare silicate}
The system hijack uses my resources to create an illegal, but useful, device.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_DEC_TRA---
Alien: Friend! Know language, know commerce! Units buy knowledge! Choose Vy'keen, choose Korvax or choose a refresher in the language of the benevolent Gek!
Three vast columns of words endlessly scroll on-screen, each in a strange alphabet. Bloodied runes scratched in sand, precise sequences of dots and a hand-written font full of exclamatory punctuation.
Each comes with separate unit cost.
{Select the bloodied runes}
I learn some of the language of a distant warrior race.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---TEACHWORD_WAR---
---TEACHWORD_WAR---
{Select the dot patterns}
I learn some of the language of a distant scientific race.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---TEACHWORD_EXP---
---TEACHWORD_EXP---
{Select the hand-written font}
I learn how to better communicate with a local race of strange beaked traders...
---RECIPE_LIST---
---TEACHWORD_TRA---
---TEACHWORD_TRA---
Alien: Gek Trade Federation dispatch! Planetary oxide demand high! Collection ship imminent!
My scanner picks up traces of rare elements in nearby trade vaults, but the security alert is closing them off.
The terminal is tracking an approaching trade ship. If throw some elements in before they lock, I could benefit...
{Insert rare oxide}
The trade vault closes on my offering.
A relieved beaked trader shouts its thanks through the speaker systems above the noise of the alert.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Insert rare silicate}
The trade vault slams shut.
I only receive a small payment.
---MONEY---
{Insert rare isotope}
The trade vault slams shut.
I only receive a small payment.
---MONEY---
Alien: Warning! Resource vault flooded! Production system operation forbidden!
There's been a recent fire alert. The screen is wet to the touch. Panels in the ceiling drip where a sprinkler system has been engaged.
A warning flashes on the terminal.
{Drain capacitor banks}
The system sputters a little, then dies.
{Drain resource vault}
The drained resource vault feeds rare elements into the production system.
The facility is back online.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Drain laser-assisted replication tank}
The facility remains offline.
Alien: Friend healing and repair station initializing!
A biological probe launches from the terminal and pierces my exosuit. It's pinned deep into my chest. I can barely move.
There's no indication if this is the facility's function, or a security measure.
{Escape}
I use my jetpack's propulsion to pull back and break the probe.
It contains something useful...
---RECIPE_LIST---
{Wait}
The probe pumps healing liquid into my exosuit.
I am healed, and my equipment is repaired.
---HEALTHLARGE---
---RECIPE_LIST---
Alien: Warning! Product recipe unselected! Assign recipe! Gek Trade Federation lose units!
The alarm has rebooted the facility. An automated start-up routine is running.
Three chemical symbols flash on-screen: a silicate, an isotope and an oxide. Machines around me hum as they warm up...
{Choose the isotope}
The installation start-up procedure is completed.
It rewards me with a product formula!
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Choose the oxide}
The installation start-up procedure is completed.
It rewards me with a product formula!
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Choose the silicate}
The installation start-up procedure is completed.
It rewards me with a product formula!
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
Alien: User warning! Common oxide resource vault empty! Production permanently disengaged!
The production facility is dormant, but still has enough charge to operate. The resource vaults that feed the alien machinery are empty.
I need to act quickly, but the element I need isn't immediately clear...
{Insert common isotope}
The isotope is drawn into the production chamber.
It makes no impact.
{Insert common silicate}
The silicate is drawn into the production chamber.
It makes no impact.
{Insert common oxide}
The oxide is drawn into the production chamber.
Production is renewed. The facility awakes.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
Alien: Alert! Alert! Liquid frenium leak! Charge cylinders frozen! Increase temperature!
An unknown fault has forced the whole system offline. I exhale deeply and notice condensation appearing in my visor.
It isn't long before the security alert will force a total shutdown.
{Activate incineration banks}
Warmth spreads through the facility.
Systems return online.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Supercharge coolant flow}
Systems remain frozen.
The air takes on an icy chill.
{Initialise charge cylinder sequence}
The noise of muffled explosions can be heard beneath my feet.
Alien: Electrolyte acidity test positive! Acidity slug detected! Release alkaline neutrality fluid into solution tank!
A recent scan shows a small alien lifeform crushed in the machinery below. Equipment all round it has corroded.
The impact has been near-catastrophic. Emergency measures have initialised.
{Neutralise electrolyte solution}
The acidic taste in the air subsides.
The installation is operational.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Acidify heridium tanks}
A complete system shutdown is initiated.
{Release suspension fluid}
A frenzied chemical reaction can be heard somewhere beneath my feet.
A complete shutdown is initialised.
Alien: Resource vault fire detected! Element stockpile destroyed!
Something, somewhere in the facility is on fire. A faint smoke begins to rise, and my scanner registers a steadily increasing temperature.
Whatever product is created here won't last long...
{Starve production chamber of oxygen}
The facility will require extensive repair work.
{Starve resource vaults of oxygen}
Flames lick the edges of the resource vault, before automated systems initiate.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Initialise facility sprinkler system}
The facility sprinkler system briefly operates.
It has no impact on the internal fire.
Alien: Entity! Geological scan in progress! Medial strata mined. Uncommon isotope required to recall. Danger! Rare isotope overcharges!
A geological probe is buried deep below the installation. If I'm quick, I can call it back up to the surface - along with its cargo.
Resource vaults are empty. I need an isotope with the right amount of power...
{Insert common isotope}
A deep, distant noise of thunder is heard.
The process does not have enough power to bring the probe to the surface.
{Insert uncommon isotope}
The noise of underground thunder shakes the facility.
A mechanical procedure deposits a reward into my waiting hands.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Insert rare isotope}
The probe's return mechanism is overpowered.
It collides with the gravitational well. Nothing can be salvaged.
Alien: SENSORS REPORT INORGANIC BLOCKAGE IN SECTOR 9A
The factory recycles bundles of clothing and other materials harvested throughout the galaxy, spitting out new items for Gek exosuits.
Amidst the detritus of the production line, the body of a Korvax scientist appears to drift, their lights disabled, their limbs completely motionless.
The factory's systems allow outbound communication. Numerous options are available.
{Report to Vy'keen}
I report what I have seen to the Vy'keen. The warriors are outraged, claiming that the Gek have returned to their genocidal ways.
They promise to dispatch warships at once.
---STD_INC_WAR---
---STD_DEC_TRA---
{Report to Gek}
I report what I have seen to the Gek. They claim that this is a terrible mistake, and that the perpetrators will of course be punished.
They send through a generous reward for my altruism and my silence.
---MONEY---
{Report to Korvax}
I report what I have seen to the Korvax. They tell me that the carapace in question is empty, its soul returned to their Convergence.
They will dispatch a ship to bring the body home, claiming that it is of sentimental value to its previous owner. They thank me.
---STD_INC_EXP---
#12
Alien: Pathetic warrior learn Vy'keen language! Pass test or encounter fighting pits! ERROR ERROR INSERT SILICATE ERROR ERROR MALFUNCTION
The warrior stationed here has abandoned its training. A vast amount of data still flows through the circuitry.
The terminal is asking for a particular variety of common element.
{Insert oxide element}
The comprehension test powers down.
It has been failed.
{Insert isotope element}
The comprehension test has been failed.
{Insert silicate element}
I pass the comprehension test, and am rewarded with words of unknown cultures.
---TEACHWORD_WAR---
---TEACHWORD_WAR---
---RECIPE_LIST---
#13
Alien: Grah! Bountiful Sentinel hunt! Initiate rare silicate extraction!
Sentinel components are being fed into the production machinery from resource vaults.
The terminal needs instructions on what it should extract.
{Initiate oxide extraction}
I hear the robots being crushed and incinerated.
Nothing is extracted.
{Initiate isotope extraction}
I hear the robots being crushed and incinerated.
Nothing is extracted.
{Initiate silicate extraction}
I hear the robots being crushed and incinerated.
A rich reward is extracted.
---USEFUL_PROD---
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_WAR---
#16
Alien: Grah! Gek war preparation disrupted! Ammunition production stalled! Common isotope required!
The alarm hasn't disrupted the factory's production line. Resources are being drawn from the vaults below me, but they have run dry.
I could obtain whatever the mechanisms are creating with the right element...
{Insert common isotope}
The war factory's work is allowed to continue.
I reap my reward.
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_WAR---
{Insert common silicate}
I hear the sound of the manufacturing process imploding with my contribution.
The war factory grinds to a halt.
{Insert common oxide}
I hear the sound of the manufacturing process imploding with my contribution.
The war factory grinds to a halt.
#17
Alien: Gek war approaches! Scarce elements required! High Command demand rare oxide! Contribute warrior!
Elements are being stockpiled. Storage vaults have been filled by local warriors.
There's still space for an oxide, but my scanner can't tell which one...
{Insert common oxide}
An automated bark of confusion is played.
My contribution goes unrewarded.
{Insert uncommon oxide}
An automated bark of confusion is played.
My contribution goes unrewarded.
{Insert rare oxide}
An automated bark of thanks is played.
I receive a reward.
---USEFUL_PROD---
---RECIPE_LIST---
---STD_INC_WAR---
#19
Alien: Security scan initializing! Motion detection cameras operational!
A secondary security sweep is underway. Scanners emerge from the ceiling and start to pan towards where I stand.
If they detect me the facility will go into a full lockdown...
{Move to hiding spot}
The scanners detect me ducking down to hide.
The facility becomes offline.
{Stand still}
The scanners pass over me. Their sweep concludes.
The installation remains operational.
---RECIPE_LIST---
#29
Alien: Help... us. Harvested... get out...
The terminal reveals that this installation produces enzymes and fluids required for Vy'keen tattoos. It is unclear how the pigment is generated. There is no record of any inbound supplies of ink or fluid. Various aliens have arrived, but there is neither evidence of their presense nor their departure.
Then I hear it. Through the hum of the factory, a strange beating in the walls, whispers from unknown voices... The terminal awaits input.
{Request battle tattoo}
The machine attempts to brand me with tattoo fluid, but it does not appear to have been intended for my unique physiology.
I leave, burned and damaged.
---DAMAGESMALL---
{Disable power}
I disable the power. The screen shows multiple life signs within the facility, a hundred or more souls that soon begin to flatline.
It feels like mercy. The production line ceases, half-converted blood spilling out from various tubes.
---STD_INC_WAR---
{Steal technology}
I move through their computers looking for data to harvest. I discover a blueprint for an unknown technology.
As I extract it, something begins to smash against one of the inner walls. I should leave.
---STD_DEC_WAR---
---TECH_ALL---
#30
Alien: Universe real. We are real. All who oppose this truth shall be struck down, grah! So speaks Hirk Sentinelbane, Abyss Keeper and Lord of Final Monolith...
Though the surroundings seem familiar, the video feed shows a Vy'keen assembly line unlike any other I have seen. Reams of paper are pouring from chattering presses, etched with the bloody runes of the Vy'keen.
{Shut down production}
I shut down production. There cannot be many Vy'keen printing presses in the galaxy, and now there is one fewer.
Amidst the detritus of the factory, I find some discarded technology. Perhaps it will be of use.
---TECH_ALL---
{Report to Vy'keen authorities}
I report the factory's existence to the Vy'keen authorities. They claim I have committed blasphemy, threatening to hunt me down. They issue an electric shock through the terminal.
---STD_DEC_WAR---
---DAMAGESMALL---
{Steal technology}
I attempt to steal technology, but the factory's automated defense systems blast a bolt of energy at my suit instead. Whatever is here, it is not worth the trouble.
---DAMAGESMALL---
#31
Alien: UPLINK ONLINE : ALL LIFESIGNS POSITIVE : ENZYME PRODUCTION 100%
The screen displays the dead heart of a warrior. Thousands like it are available in the archives of this place, starved of power for a long time.
The log shows that the hearts mutinied. They would no longer allow their battle enzyme to be used for the good of High Command. They wanted the death that had been promised.
This system has been set up to deceive the authorities. Vy'keen High Command believes this installation to still be active, full of harvested bodies compliantly producing enzymes.
{Alert authorities}
I alert the authorities. The Vy'keen are glad of my assistance, claiming they will now commit appropriate acts of retribution and justice for these crimes.
---STD_INC_WAR---
{Reactivate system}
I reactivate the system, but nothing happens. Death is death.
{Steal technology}
I try to steal technology from the terminal. I gain nanite clusters.
---TECHFRAG_S---
#32
Alien: Grah! Sentinel trophy rises - should have killed it - run - no honour in -
The terminal shows numerous attempted Sentinel incursions.
Each time the Sentinels sent drones, they attempted to scan the building for entry points rather than engage in a display of brute force. For a while, they just hovered by a specific point on the outside wall.
That was months ago. This location now shows a breach, venting the factory's life support systems. The final audio log of the factory's overseer plays.
{Alert authorities}
I alert the Vy'keen authorities to the loss of their factory. A Sentinel hunt is dispatched to this world. I am rewarded for my trouble.
---C_VYKEENEFFIGY---
{Scan for Sentinels}
I scan for Sentinels but find nothing. Whatever was here is long gone.
{Attempt repair}
I attempt to repair the breach in life support, but the system rebels and I end up receiving damage instead. I should leave. There is nothing for me here.
---DAMAGESMALL---
#33
Alien: UNREGISTERED USER : DEPLOYING GRAHGRAH FROM EMERGENCY SUPPLY
As I approach the terminal, the air grows thick with an unknown gas.
My breathing becomes rapid, my chest appearing to swell with an unknown energy. The terminal identifies the substance as Grahgrah. I feel as if I could scream...
{Scream}
I scream, not a cry of fear but a shout of battle. Gas levels begin to decrease but, nevertheless, those who created this factory observed my response.
Amused, they reward me using the terminal.
---TEACHWORD_WAR---
---STD_INC_WAR---
{Fight against the impulse}
I fight against the impulse to scream, holding my breath and attempting to accelerate my suit's hazard protection.
As I struggle, the gas levels decrease. The terminal registers a disappointment from those who created this factory.
---STD_DEC_WAR---
{Smash the terminal}
I smash the terminal, causing the concentration of gas to rise and rise.
Eventually, the scream emerges uncontrollably, tearing my vocal chords as it does. The gas begins to dissipate, and all I am left with is pain and battlelust.
---DAMAGELARGE---