Notes EC-001-A

Ellis Croix, PPCC (DECEASED)
Tierjiev Dream, Nautilus-class Frigate
Arnon System
RE: Sleeper Observations, Protocol Dark (Project Silent Dream)

[SECTION REDACTED]

...Clearly there is more here.  What I can deduce from the Mirror, and the previous evidence stated by Nikilaiki, is that it is possible that the Mirrors act as the name implies; database mirrors.  Expanding on that, it's possible that the Sleeper drones themselves construct the sites, expand them, and from the availability of raw materials, a function for the site is determined.  Then, all that is needed is downloaded from the Mirror.

This would be consistent with the "emergent" design of the Sleeper drones themselves.  It allows for flexibility and explains the need for the Mirror sites.

Nikilaiki's observations on the Ani constellation rings has me thinking though.  Is it possible that these were used as primitive stargates?  The Seyllin incident puts into focus a possible reason for the wormhole openings, but not necessarily in the way you think, [REDACTED].  Think about it: I've seen it here in [LOCATION WITHHELD].  A drone similar to the Sleeper drones, using a spatial anomaly for transit.  Just like the Rogue Drones Nikilaiki observed in Fed space, just like the ones you reported seeing in Nullsec.

The Ani constellation though, I think that's the kicker.  The automated drones there, the... I can't remember their ID and I don't have my notes with me, but if they are of Sleeper origin then I would guess that there is a connection here.  Perhaps these drones are the prototypes for the Sleeper drones we see in wormhole systems, perhaps these are something unrelated that was used as the basis for them.  The connections between Sleepers and Rogue Drones are becoming more apparent, boss.  I'm not saying that one is based on the other.  What I'm saying is that there's a possibility that the technology behind them is shared.  That could either be from similar lines of research, or being based on an even older set of technologies.

[SECTION REDACTED]

Protocol Dark Research Log 003 NR-065-B [2 of 5]

Note - The following is a transcript, undated, of an interview conducted by [REDACTED] with Nikilaiki Ruutarhara.

"So she was a neural interface specialist before the accident?"

"No. She was a pod interface specialist."

"Ah, I see."

"No you don't."

"Don't worry, I'll figure it out. I always do."

"No you won't."

"Just full of optimism today aren't we?"

"No we're not."

***

[Recording is paused as subject is brought into interview room]

***

"Miss Ruutarhara, how are we today?"

"We are fine; you seem flustered."

"Pardon?"

"Frustration. Voice fluctuations and pulse rate, erratic breathing. Lack of eye contact and..."

"Enough."

"Yes, enough."

"You told the guards you had something new."

"Yes, we require access to all information in regards to the Jovians."

"Oh. Nothing new, just a new theory."

"No, this is something new. We need corroborating evidence before we can finish our hypothesis."

"Perhaps you'd like to share?"

"Of course, professor."

"Well then, at your leisure."

"Certainly. Our current analysis of the information points to the Jovians not being what they appear to be."

"That certainly goes without saying, doesn't it?"

"No, it doesn't."

"Alright then, explain."

"That is what we were doing, was it not? I believe they do not develop their own technology but that they leach off of other cultures."

"That's hard to believe, Miss Ruutarhara. They're more advanced than anything..."

"...yes, and if you will allow me to continue I can properly phrase my theory."

"Of course, continue."

"If you had seen the technology the Sleepers possess first hand, and had the mind to see, you would be able to understand it."

"Assume for a moment I did not understand what you just meant. Explain."

"The technology the sleepers possess is nothing the Jovians don't have."

"A simple explanation."

"Yes. The Jovians had access to Sleeper, Talocan, Takmahl... all the technology they would need, long before we could."

"Debatable, but go on."

"Not debatable. They had access to technology we never did."

"Where is this going Miss Ruutarhara?"

"The Jovians are scavengers."

"I see."

"No, you don't. Scavengers. Their culture has 'fallen' a few times as well."

"How does that..."

"I am getting to it. They had their own technology to build upon, but also access to the advanced technology of other cultures."

"I..."

"...if you say 'I see' one more time I will rip your eyes out. Good. Now listen. They gave us capsule technology. They deal with us for other technology. They want us to share technology freely."

"That's..."

"Do shut up. I am trying to show you what I mean. They wish for us to develop that which they can't. You see, they do not think like we do. Or at least a majority do not."

"Interesting."

"Not really. They are stagnated; they have reached the limit of their existence, the limit of their capabilities."

"What is your theory, Miss Ruutarhara?"

"My theory is that there are potentially three distinct factions of the Jovians. The first, those who simply wish to nurture us and allow us to grow naturally. A second, who wish to use us to develop something they cannot. The third, those who would manipulate us into being their 'salvation', their escape from their imminent fate."

"But that is a theory, isn't it?"

"Of course; it is a theory grounded in reasonable inference. What we seek is a provable hypothesis."

"I... understand. You want to be able to prove something in regards to their intent."

"Smart boy, you learn quickly."

"What exactly do you need?"

"As I said, everything you and your organization has on the Jovians."

"That will take some time."

"We are patient."

Note - Reposted with permission of the author.

Protocol Dark Research Log NR-002-X

The Deltole Cipher

I know; your first response will be "Deltole? There's nothing there related to the Sleepers."

You would, however, be very wrong.

Deltole is the ancient home of a race known as the Yan Jung. The Yan Jung, as many scholars know, used a "perpetual power source". Though this power source is as yet unknown (at least to most), there may be some hints, in the most unlikely of places.

Threaded Waypoint Map

Ancient Coordinates Database

Sleeper Data Library

Yes, there it is. A piece of the puzzle perhaps? The only real question is, how is this linked to the Sleepers?

Rogue Drones, Pirates and Sleepers: Oh my!

Now, this next part may be hard to swallow.

What do these pieces tell you? Study those terms and phrases carefully. There is something there that might explain the Serpentis and their knowledge of Gas Harvester technology.

What about these pieces? We know that the Jove seem to have the same technology as the Sleepers in many respects. Many suspect that the Angel Cartel stumbled onto some Second Empire Jove ruins...

Finally, these pieces? An old acquaintance has had some interesting theories, possibly pointing to similarities between the Talocan and the Thukker. This is, admittedly, the weakest link; but it does have some potential to explain further revelations.

To me, they speak to a very specific set of attributes, and technological capability.

Now, there is a final piece, and that is where Sansha's Nation comes in.

Read this very, very carefully. Do you see something that might be useful for Nation? Perhaps a vital piece of what they are?

Taken individually, these pieces are rather vague and no real connections can be drawn. Taken as a whole, and put in context of the applications said pieces can be used for, a pattern begins to appear.

This leads to the Rogue Drones, and specifically, their link to the Sleepers.

Code Aria

I leave it to the reader to dig through this, with an eye to what I have mentioned above. There are hints. I will continue to collect my data, and soon, very soon, I may reveal what I know. I don't know if you're ready for what I have to show you.

Note - Reposted with permission of author.  These comments represent the opinion of the author, not those of Protocol Dark or associated entities.

Protocol Dark Research Log NR-001-A

PPCC Nikilaiki Ruutarhara

Maranatha, Anathema-class Covert Operations Frigate

Location Withheld

Research Log Entry One

Completed first survey of salvage worthy ruins today. Many broken and worn components, all handed over to Stillwater Corporation. Salvaged components from defensive drones split with other members of expedition.

Research of combat capabilities of the Sleeper drones continues. Combat capabilities remind me of old Sansha vessels. I wonder if there is a connection or simply parallel lines of research.

Initial indications that these are "ancient" drones may be partially incorrect. My belief is that these drones are actually reconfigured from the Sleeper structures found.

Deep scans of the structures show formations quite similar to the "front" end of many sleeper ships. Analysis of wreckage confirms the use of nano technology, most notably in the form of heuristic self-assemblers. These devices are able to reconfigure, as far as I can tell, the armor plating of Sleeper ships in order to enhance their defenses.

This may be the first clue to what I am seeing in these scans. If these vessels are indeed simply reconfigured hull sections, then this could explain the "new" look of the Sleeper vessels. It could also explain the huge amounts of data stored within these vessels.

More intriguing is information from a Thukker Mercenary recently employed by [REDACTED]. [REDACTED], a young pilot recently graduated from a [REDACTED] capsuleer academy, recently ran across what appears to have been a Sleeper drone in the Arnon system.

These ships are not what I first thought they were, by any stretch of the imagination. I first assumed these to simply be remnants of the Sleepers, which they could very well be. Upon closer examination, they seem to be far more complex an enigma than I originally thought. This research is definitely a new priority for me, as one large question still remains; who were the Sleepers as a culture, and what can we learn from these remnants of their ancient civilization can shed light on them?

Note - Reposted with permission of author.