SIGNAL

SIGNAL RECEIVED // ORIGIN: UNKNOWN

interplanetary.quest

FREQ: 1420.405 MHz DIST: 4.243 LY BEARING: 217.3°
STATUS: RECEIVING
DECODING TRANSMISSION... BLOCK 1 OF 4
TX-0001 2287.114.03:22:17 UTC

First contact protocols initiated. The signal carries patterns that resemble no known language, yet repeat with mathematical precision. Distance estimated at 4.2 light-years. Hydrogen line frequency detected -- an intentional beacon.

TX-0002 2287.114.03:24:51 UTC

Fragments of navigational data embedded in the carrier wave. Coordinates point to a system with three terrestrial bodies orbiting a K-type main-sequence star. Atmospheric analysis of the second body shows oxygen and water vapor signatures.

TX-0003 2287.114.03:27:09 UTC

Signal modulation shifts to a new pattern. Embedded within the data stream: what appears to be coordinate sequences forming a trajectory. The path leads inward, toward the second planet. A landing vector. Or a trap.

TX-0004 2287.114.03:29:44 UTC

The final decoded block is heavily fragmented. Recurring patterns suggest a message -- possibly a greeting, possibly a warning. The distinction is lost in the noise between stars. What remains is unmistakable intent.

WARNING: SIGNAL DEGRADING
> Carrier wave amplitude dropping. Noise floor rising.
> Attempting frequency hop... failed. Primary channel corrupted.
> Backup receiver online. Signal reconstruction at 22%.
> ERR: Synchronization lost. Bit error rate exceeding threshold.
> Final fragments... coordinates... 11h 05m 19.7s... -64° 14′ 32″...
> ...
ERROR ERROR ERR_SYNC FAULT
0%

SIGNAL LOST

TRANSMISSION TERMINATED // NO FURTHER DATA

interplanetary.quest