Sphere of Influence

The Lutuma Chronicles Chapter Five

Scanners eventually discover the potential location of the Oruas Eye: an impenetrable sphere of considerable size and mass. Engineers are gathering data to determine any weaknesses to the structure, in an effort to gain access to the interior.

Daily Mission Briefing

In one of the systems we routinely survey, we picked up a tiny sub-tachyonic 'echo' amongst the surrounding quantum noise. After heavy sensor sweeps of the area, we located a heavily cloaked moon-sized spherical structure of unknown composition.

The object was not picked up in our prior scans, but given its cloaking properties, it's unclear if it existed in that location before.
Any signs of the Oruas Eye ?

Yes. We placed a detector on the surface. Although the readings are still processing, it looks like the Eye may be inside, as there are some patterns that match the data. Nothing conclusive, however.
So it wasn't a planet that they saw in the vision ...

But I can see how it could be mistaken for one.
How do we retrieve it ?

Therein lies the problem.
Clarify.

We've yet to find a way to actually penetrate the sphere.
Well, it's only a matter of time before the rest of the Lutuma discover this.

We aren't authorized to blockade this area. Our 'interaction' with their ships earlier has sparked a great deal of controversy, as well.
So, we need to find a way to open the sphere before they get here.

I doubt their drills will have any success either. They are designed for typical planetary surfaces. This object is completely different. We've never seen anything like it.
The Lutuma contact kept mentioning their Great Elders. I wonder if they are involved in some way.

It's possible. The technology we've seen is beyond any culture that we know of.
What about the Prejor ?

The Prejor would have no motive to gift such technology to a culture they may plan on enslaving. It also doesn't fit their tech profile.
What about the Chuhn ?

In a previous visit, they did mention that they had technology that kept them safe... but they would never trade or sell such devices. I highly doubt they were involved.
We'll have to ask them about the Lutuma when they return.

Yes... we certainly will.
So, any ideas regarding who could it be ?

No, but this is a massive galaxy, with countless historical discoveries yet to be made. I'm hopeful that we'll find out.
Have we spoken with our Lutuma contacts about the sphere ?

Yes, we have. They are neither familiar with it, nor know of a method to open it.
And none of our weapons have worked ?

Not yet. We'll need to run further tests against many types of hull compositions. We can then compare the results against our tests on the sphere.
I can only guess what you are asking ...

Yes. Our enemies should provide a decent sample size. It's time to warm up your cannons.
That doesn't seem very scientific.

We're low on time. That means we have to be... creative in our approach.
No time to waste then.

End Transmission

• Mission Image

• Risks: You must use your new 'Hull Test Sample' ability on enemy players.

• NOTE: you must have at least 50 PvP kills before this mission becomes available.
  

• NOTE: you must click the red Mission Briefing button once every 40 hours in order to get the 'Hull Test Sample' ability.
  

Hull Test Sample image
Performs a Hull Test on an enemy ship. Can only use if you have disabled this target in the last 5 minutes, but no more than 4 times in the last 24 hours. Cost: 50 energy. Ability Cooldown: 2 minutes.

"You perform a hull analysis on the ship after disabling it, and gain Hull Test Data"
"You acquire a Hull Test Data Artifact"

"Hull Tested : Tested +1 (4 mins left)"

Hull Test Data image
Data gathered after performing tests on an enemy hull. Scrap value: 5000 - 20,000 credits.

Requirements: 400 Energy, 1 Hull Test Data (50 energy)
Rewards: 400 XP
XP Return Ratio: 1.00

Requirements: 8,000 Energy, 20 Hull Test Data (1000 energy)
Rewards: 8,000 XP, 1 Hull-Adaptive Ray

Requirements: 88,000 Energy, 220 Hull Test Data (11,000 energy)
Rewards: 88,000 XP, 1 Hull-Adaptive Ray (fully upgraded)

• Hull-Adaptive Ray image
  

[Weapon - Size:22, Attack:70, Hull:90 ]
If this ray is already installed, this will instead upgrade its stats by 30% up to 300%. When fully upgraded, it provides a 2% attack bonus against enemy players. Scrap Value: 7-13 CTP

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