Captain Steins' eyes scanned the cramped laboratory, his mind racing with questions. Suddenly, his gaze landed on a worn leather journal, tucked away on a shelf.
He retrieved the journal, blowing off the dust.
"Dr. Richard Vex, Chief Research Scientist," Steins read aloud.
Thompson looked up from his console. "Sir, that's the lead scientist on the Erebus project."
Steins' curiosity piqued, he opened the journal.
Entry 1 – 2030-01-10
I can barely believe what we've been tasked with. Our team has been instructed to research a mysterious object, codenamed "Erebus." The briefing was cryptic, but one thing is clear: this object is unlike anything we've ever seen.
I'm concerned about the origin of this object. Where did it come from? How did it get here? The higher-ups seem reluctant to share information, citing "national security" and "need-to-know" protocols.
As a scientist, I find this lack of transparency unsettling. How can we conduct meaningful research without understanding the context?
I've tried to press our project manager, Dr. Claire, for more information, but she's tight-lipped. I sense she's as frustrated as I am.
I've decided to discreetly investigate further. I need to know what we're dealing with.
I've scheduled a meeting with Dr. Vex, our department head, to discuss my concerns. Hopefully, she'll provide some clarity.
Signing off,
Dr. Richard
Steins' eyes scanned the journal entry, his expression growing increasingly grim.
"What have they gotten themselves into?" Steins whispered.
He rubbed his temples, trying to process the implications.
"Secrecy, unknown origins, and potential risks... This smells of a disaster waiting to happen."
Steins' mind racing with a lot of questions.
_What exactly is Erebus?, Who authorized this research What's the true purpose of studying Erebus, What are the consequences of ignoring safety protocols?_
Steins concerns for his Team safety
Steins knew he had to act quickly.
"Thompson, Rodriguez, we need to review the entire journal. See if we can find any clues about what happened here."
Thompson nodded. "Sir, I'll start scanning the remaining entries."
Rodriguez's voice was laced with concern. "Sir, what if this thing is still active?"
Steins' expression turned resolute.
"We'll find out. And we'll contain it, no matter what."
Steins said as he continues with the journal hoping to find more clues and get the answers to the questions racing on his mind.
Entry 2 – 2030-01-15
I met with Dr. Claire today, hoping to get some answers about Erebus. But instead, I was met with stonewalling and evasion.
"Need-to-know basis," she kept repeating.
I pressed her for details, explaining my concerns about safety protocols and ethical considerations. But she just smiled condescendingly and told me to "focus on the science."
Focus on the science? That's exactly what I'm trying to do! But without context, we're operating in the dark.
Every time I ask questions, I'm ignored or redirected. It's infuriating.
"Keep experimenting, Richard. We'll worry about the bigger picture."
Experimenting? With what? We're tampering with forces beyond our control!
I've tried to discuss this with the team, but they seem hesitant to speak up. Are they intimidated or just as frustrated as I am?
_Conversation with Dr. Claire:_
Me: "Dr. Claire, what's the origin of Erebus?"
Dr. Claire: "Classified, Richard. Just focus on the research."
Me: "But what about safety protocols?"
Dr. Claire: "We have experts handling that. Your job is to collect data."
Me: "And what about ethics?"
Dr. Claire: "....."
It's as if they're hiding something.
I won't be silenced.
Signing off,
Dr. Richard
Steins worries increased as new questions began to surface in his mind, one thing for sure is that it is the higher ups ordering this experiment....but...why? , Who authorized this research? What's the true purpose of studying Erebus? And why are the they ignoring the safety protocols?
Steins continue to browse through in the book hoping to find more answers
Entry 3 – 2030-02-02
I'm struggling to reconcile my scientific curiosity with the growing sense of unease. Despite my initial reservations, I've become increasingly invested in unravelling the secrets of Erebus.
Today's analysis focused on the metal's composition. The results are baffling.
Initial Analysis:
- Atomic number: Unknown (doesn't match any known element)
- Atomic mass: Variable (fluctuates between 50-70 amu)
- Electron configuration: Non-standard (doesn't conform to predicted electron shell structure)
It's as if this metal operates outside the fundamental laws of physics.
I made further research and I realised that every effort to replicate the metal has failed. It's as if the metal resists duplication and it was inexplicable.
I also ask consultations from my colleagues but no one in the scientific community has encountered a similar phenomenon.
When I didn't get the answers from my colleagues, I also attempted to create theoretical models to explain the metal's behaviour, but none have been successful.
I couldn't help but ask, What exactly is origin of this metal?, How does it defy the periodic table?. Are we dealing with an EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL material?
It is then I realised that,
This metal doesn't just break the rules; it rewrites them. Our understanding of the periodic table, atomic structure, and fundamental physics is being challenged.
I later follow up with the next steps to take , I will first Continue analysing the metal's properties.
And then Investigate potential connections to other anomalous phenomena. I will also Consider alternative explanations (e.g., unknown chemical compounds, unconventional materials).
Signing off,
Dr. Richard
Captain Steins worries as he reads Dr. Richard's journal entry mentioning the word "extra-terrestrial":
"Extra-terrestrial?... Oh God, what have they unleashed?"
Steins' mind racing:
_ Are we dealing with technology from another world? What are the implications of extra-terrestrial life? Have we disturbed something we shouldn't have? What kind of danger does this pose to humanity?_
Steins mind began racing as different thoughts began rushing into his mind
_ What exactly is Erebus? How did it get here? What's its purpose? Can we contain it? _
Fear creeping in:
"What if this is just the beginning? What if we're facing an existential threat?"
Steins' grip on the journal tightened.
"I need to get to the bottom of this. We can't afford to make mistakes."
Journal Entry 4 – 2030-02-20
I confronted Dr. Claire again today. I had to know the truth.
"Dr. Claire, I've found something," I said, my voice firm. "Something that suggests Erebus may not be from this world."
Her expression remained calm, but I noticed a subtle change in her eyes. A flicker of... something.
"Extra-terrestrial?" I pressed on. "Is that what we're dealing with?"
The room fell silent.
Dr. Claire's voice was measured. "Richard, we've discussed this. Erebus is a classified project. I can neither confirm nor deny—"
"I was a psychologist, Claire," I interrupted. "I know body language. I know micro-expressions. And I saw it. You're hiding something."
Dr. Claire's gaze faltered for a fraction of a second.
"You're right," she whispered. "Erebus... it's not from here."
My heart racing:
"What is it?" I demanded.
Dr. Claire hesitated.
"We don't know. Not fully. But... it's a technology. A device. From another world."
The room spun.
"An extra-terrestrial device?" I repeated.
Dr. Claire nodded.
"Yes. And we're not sure what it does."
My mind reeled.
" Extra-terrestrial life exists"
My mind spun
_what's the device's purpose?_
Dr. Claire's voice brought me back.
"Richard, we need to be careful. We can't let this information get out."
I nodded.
"I understand. But I have to ask... What else are you hiding?"
Dr. Claire's expression turned grave.
"More than you can imagine, Richard. More than you can imagine."
Signing off,
Dr. Richard
"Steins' eyes widened as he finished reading Dr. Richard's journal entry.
"Extra-terrestrial... They're not just playing with fire, they're dancing with the devil himself."
Steins' mind racing:
_ What does this mean for humanity's place in the universe How many more secrets are being kept? What if is just the tip of the iceberg?_
"Erebus"