NMS 1.37 Korvax dialogues

PuzzleType: EXP_NPC_

#18
Alien: Fascinating! Unknown lifeform share silicates, and entity share language knowledge! Rare silicate, better research!

As I approach the electronic lifeform they instinctively starts to analyse me from head to foot. They chitter animatedly, their head tilted to one side.
The more they study, the more the facility's resource vault consumes what my scanner suggests are silicate elements.

I mime that I know little of their kind or how they communicate, and the lights in their mask flash...

{Give common silicate}
The electronic lifeform's lights flicker with mild disappointment. Nevertheless, they rest their hand on my visor and thank me with a transfer of language.
---TEACHWORD_EXP---
---TEACHWORD_EXP---

{Give uncommon silicate}
The electronic lifeform's lights flicker with mild disappointment. Nevertheless, they rest their hand on my visor and thank me with a transfer of language.
---TEACHWORD_EXP---
---TEACHWORD_EXP---

{Give rare silicate}
The electronic lifeform's lights blaze with sudden intensity. My offering was clearly what they were hoping for. They rest their silicon hand on my visor, and thank me with a transfer of language.
---TEACHWORD_EXP---
---TEACHWORD_EXP---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Ask for help}



#8
Alien: Korvax... Entity... power loss... help... uncommon... isotope... element...

The electronic lifeform's bright greeting suddenly slows. They taps into their personal data while their facial lights dilate and internal systems crash. Columns of streaming data show their power levels spiraling downwards.

The lifeform looks to me for help, and then points to my gathered resources with a single, slow and desperate movement.

{Give common isotope}
The entity slowly inserts the element into a slot in their hip. They partially reawaken, and thank me with a gift.
---TECHFRAG_M---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Give uncommon isotope}
The entity slowly inserts the element into a slot in their hip. It fully reawakens.
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Walk away}
The entity's mask lights go out. A fresh electronic lifeform is downloaded into the now-empty metal shell. They ignore me.
---STD_DEC_EXP---

{Ask for help}



#9
Alien: New Korvax entity... scared... alone... leave... please... leave... please...

I startle the electronic lifeform from their work. They greet me politely, but when they see my boltcaster they begin to vibrate with fear. The entity's voice quavers, and their mask slowly turns to a single dilated red light.

They clearly want to get back to their research work, but they are too terrified to look away from me. The more I try to calm them, the more the poor thing convulses with fear.

{Insist that I come in peace}
The lifeform's face suddenly wipes. The shell reboots, with a new entity in place of the other. The replacement entity ignores me.
---STD_DEC_EXP---

{Leave the lifeform alone}
The lifeform's unseen overseers thank me for my diplomacy. I receive something that will help my journey.
---TECHFRAG_M---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Ask for help}



#3
Alien: Unknown lifeform! Korvax shell power overload! Help entity to discharge! Eheu! Pain!

The electronic lifeform is agitated, and perhaps in pain. Their body buzzes, and small arcs of electricity jump between their mask and shoulders. They jolt and shake. They need help.

They reach out a hand as if they wants to shake mine. I instinctively raise my arm in response, but common sense advises caution...

{Shake hands}
The lifeform discharges an overload. The pain is intense. They thank me with a gift.
---TECHFRAG_M---
---STD_INC_EXP---
---HAZARDSMALL---

{Pull back}
The electrified lifeform continues to shake and crackle. They cannot understand my refusal to help.
---STD_DEC_EXP---

{Ask for help}



#2
Alien: Unknown lifeform: a question! Clarify unknown lifeform intelligence level?

The lifeform shows me complicated creature research data to see if I can comprehend it. I must look blank, because the lifeform instead projects three holographic images into my visor.

They are clearly seeking my opinion on the intellect of my own species. I am shown a vacant-looking slug, a more advanced beaked trader and a member of their own electronic race.

{Point to the slug}
The electronic lifeform pities me. I am handed gifts and given a sympathetic nod.
---PROD_FUEL---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Point to the beaked trader}
The lifeform was clearly expecting this answer. They have readied a technology blueprint for me.
---TECH_SHIP---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Point to the electronic lifeform}
The electronic lifeform refuses to believe me.
---STD_DEC_EXP---

{Ask for help}



#1
Alien: Unknown lifeform. Fascinating. The Korvax Convergence studies all lifeform data. Lifeform recorded. Goodbye.

I've interrupted an electronic lifeform in the middle of their work. Enquiring mask lights flash up towards me, and scan me from head to foot. Simultaneously, on their datapad, their silicon fingers flick through images of this planet's plants and creatures - before adding my own image!

Then, their facial lighting starts to dim. Their interest in me is perhaps fading. I need a way to impress...

{Share creature scan data}
The lifeform chitters happily and rewards me.
---MONEY---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Give units}
I have confused the lifeform. They reciprocate with their own units.
---MONEY---

{Give silicate element}
The lifeform's facial lights briefly flash. They give me a technology blueprint.
---STD_INC_EXP---
---TECH_ALL---

{Ask for help}



#23
Alien: Traveller! The Korvax Convergence wants brain tissue for experiment! The Convergence reward help!

A sharp metal needle emerges from the palm of the lifeform's hand. It moves so fast that it's already inches from my forehead before I can even blink.

A strange toxic-looking goop dribbles down from its point and onto my visor. It hangs in the air above me, while the entity waits to for the order to plunge it deep into my brain.

{Take needle}
The needle is made of silicate products. The entity is disappointed.
---SUBST_TECH---
---STD_DEC_EXP---

{Allow brain excavation}
I receive a reward, with thanks... and indescribable levels of pain.
---TECHFRAG_M---
---DAMAGESMALL---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Refuse brain excavation}
The lifeform retracts the needle, and is clearly disappointed.
---STD_DEC_EXP---

{Ask for help}



#25
Alien: Atlas Interface signal wakes? Researcher! Feed system oxides constantly! Avoid expenditure!

The electronic lifeform is processing a signal that emanates from a distant location deep in space. Endless processing units are combining to crack the code of a strange mathematical language.

Rare elements are being pulled from the resource vaults at their feet, but some are running low. I feel bright lights constricting, directing their attention upon me.

{Place rare silicates in vault}
The silicates are added to the process. They make no clear impact.

{Place rare oxides in vault}
The oxides fuel the code cracking procedure. A faint orb glows red on the screen, then slowly fades.
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Take elements from vault}
I retrieve rare elements... but the lifeform's code-breaking process grinds to a halt.
---SUBST_TECH---
---SUBST_COMMOD---
---STD_DEC_EXP---

{Ask for help}



#4
Alien: Eheu! Vital data loss! Research facility permissions are unavailable! Help immediately!

The electronic lifeform narrows their mask lights in frustration and furiously taps at their workstation. They look at me with agitation, presumably doubting that a low intelligence being can help access the terminal.

A Bypass Chip would certainly help here, but whether the lifeform would appreciate the illegal device is unknown.

{Give Bypass Chip}
The system unlocks. The electronic lifeform gives me something to aid my journey.
---TECHFRAG_M---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Try terminal myself}
The lifeform pushes me away from the terminal. They clearly resent my interference.
---STD_DEC_EXP---

{Ask for help}



#12
Alien: Korvax Convergence help fabled Traveller! Absorb knowledge!

The lights in the electronic lifeform's mask constrict, and they beam a moving image onto the inside of my visor.
Complex equations detailing fascinating technologies spin past in a blur. The speed of the entity's cognition and understanding is clearly far beyond my own.

Images of chemical formulae, directional energy diagrams and micro-density devices dance inches from my eyes - too fast to comprehend.
I am about to ask them to stop, but realise I could instead ask them to pause... but when?

{The chemical formulae}
The image cycle pauses on a new product formula. I thank the entity.
---RECIP_PROD_COMM---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{The directed energy diagrams}
The image cycle pauses on a multi-tool technology blueprint. I thank the entity.
---TECH_WEAPON---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{The micro-density devices}
The image cycle pauses on an exosuit technology blueprint! I thank the entity.
---TECH_SUIT---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Ask for help}



#16
Alien: Ayee! Product creation experiment disaster! Low elements! Rare silicate, isotope or oxide required! Appropriate recipe reward!

The electronic lifeform flits between three separate replication experiments - all of which appear to be going wrong. Smoke rises from resource vaults, and the manic entity's fingers are a blur on their control pad. They look at me with wide mask lights and increasing alarm.

Their casing lamps suddenly settle on my exosuit inventory - and they reach out with a metal arm...

{Give rare silicate}
The lifeform manages to salvage one of its experiments with my offering. They thank me with an appropriate gift.
---RECIP_PROD_COMM---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Give rare isotope}
The lifeform manages to salvage one of its experiments with my offering. They thank me with an appropriate gift.
---RECIP_PROD_FUEL---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Give rare oxide}
The lifeform manages to salvage one of its experiments with my offering. They thank me with an appropriate gift.
---RECIP_PROD_COMM---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Ask for help}



#13
Alien: Disconnection approaches... Joyful entity embrace disconnection... Korvax Echoes await!

The lights in the electronic lifeform's mask are dim, their voice weak. They look at me with mild interest, but it seems as if their mind is already elsewhere.

Upon seeing me approach, they slowly reach to open the trade vault at their feet, but it is too late. The entity's lights fade for a final time, and all that's left is a satisfied electrical hiss...

{Re-energise lifeform}
The disappointed lifeform blinks back online...

They reluctantly open the trade vault for me.
---PROD_FUEL---
---STD_DEC_EXP---

{Wait}
New, energized lights flare in the lifeform's mask casing.

A fresh entity emerges, and greets me with gifts.
---TECHFRAG_M---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Ask for help}



#5
Alien: Korvax Echoes teach help and advance low intelligence lifeform. Choose: healing or power?

The electronic lifeform is pleased to see me. Their mask lights burn an intense green as they project two holograms into my visor.

In one, the fragments of a complex equation are made whole and solved. In another, a number is boosted, added and multiplied. They await my decision.

{The solved equation}
The lifeform chitters happily. My body is bathed in strange healing rays.
---HEALTHLARGE---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{The multiplied number}
The lifeform chitters happily. They hand me a gift.
---TECHFRAG_M---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Ask for help}



#22
Alien: Eheu! Clarify next entity research topic! Entity cannot choose! Excitement high! Share research tools!

The electronic lifeform indicates that they need help with something on their screen. They jerk and vibrates with nerves, pulling my finger towards the screen. When my hand is in place, they suddenly turn off their mask lights - they refuse to witness my vital decision.

There are three clear images that I can choose from on behalf of the entity: dangerous-looking predators, a geological mining survey and an orbiting asteroid cluster.

{The predators}
The lifeform receives a new multi-tool. They present it to me with thanks.
---WEAPON---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{The mining survey}
The lifeform receives a new multi-tool technology blueprint. They present it to me with thanks.
---TECH_WEAPON---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{The asteroid cluster}
The lifeform receives a ship technology blueprint. They present it to me with thanks.
---TECH_SHIP---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Ask for help}



#6
Alien: Traveller! Choose peace or violence. Korvax Echoes are watching.

The electronic lifeform is waiting for me, with a full range of companion unit blueprints clearly visible on the screen behind them. I feel as though they need me to make a decision.

First, their facial lights cover their metal shell in a warm and protective green. Second, they redirect onto my multitool in a deep and violent red...

{The peaceful 'green' option}
The lifeform gives me an exosuit technology blueprint.
---TECH_SUIT---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{The violent 'red' option}
The lifeform offers me a multi-tool technology blueprint.
---TECH_WEAPON---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Ask for help}



#7
Alien: The research of the Korvax Convergence states... you are a Traveller? Do you know the Atlas? Please! Please! Excitement!

The electronic lifeform is excited. They chitter animatedly and thrusts their holographic datapad towards my visor. They are looking for a confirmation.

A symbol appears: a mysterious diamond shape. Its red central orb is like an eternally unblinking eye.

{Show knowledge of the symbol}
A visible electrical charge pulses through the lifeform. They present a gift to aid my journey.
---TECHFRAG_M---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Show ignorance of the symbol}
The lifeform is disappointed. They return to their work.
---STD_DEC_EXP---

{Ask for help}



#19
Alien: Help! Korvax disconnection loop! Oxide element required to stabilise and recharge!

The mask lights in the electronic lifeform brighten, then fade and extinguish. Then they do so again, and again. Each time the entity reboots, they awake with shock and alarm and the size and placement of the light is different.
Every time they look up at me, it feels like a different creature pleading for help.

After each and every reboot, the entities behind the mask desperately point towards the elements I carry in my exosuit inventory.

{Give oxide element}
The lifeform's disconnection loop is stabilised, and they recharge. They chitter brightly, and reward me.
---TECHFRAG_M---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Give silicate element}
The lifeform manages to stabilise, but has limited functionality. They buzz a mild thank you.

{Give isotope element}
The lifeform manages to stabilise, but has limited functionality. They buzz a mild thank you.

{Ask for help}



#10
Alien: Hmm! A biological lifeform! Korvax Echoes teach healing! Help! To repair! To recharge!

The electronic lifeform grabs my arm. I struggle in their vice-like grip as they jab deeper and deeper into my flesh. Suddenly, deep inside my wrist, a needle flicks into my flesh and takes a sample. The lifeform chitters happily as I struggle to free myself.

The investigation complete, a 3D cross-section of my body and tools appear before us. The areas in which I have been injured, or my equipment damaged, are clearly marked with various costs assigned.

{Indicate the body}
The lifeform heals me and recharges systems.
---SHIELDLARGE---
---HEALTHLARGE---

{Indicate the exosuit}
The lifeform passes a beam of light through my exosuit. It is recharged and repaired.
---SHIELDLARGE---
---TECH_SUIT---
---REPAIR_TECH---

{Indicate the multi-tool}
The lifeform chitters contentedly as it repairs my multi-tool. They thank me for my custom.
---REPAIR_TECH---
---TECH_WEAPON---

{Ask for help}



#11
Alien: Traveller! A geological enthusiast! I will process your resources!

The electronic lifeform is studying a holographic cut-away image of geological data, probing its minerals and resources. They locate common elements and mark them for conversion into high value products.

They notice my Mining Beam and chitter with excitement. I can't help but observe that the trade vaults around us are practically overflowing...

{Give Isotope sample}
The isotope is studied, processed, replicated... and returned in its new form.
---PROD_FUEL---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Give Silicate sample}
The silicate is studied, processed, replicated... and returned in its new form.
---PROD_COMMOD---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Give Oxide sample}
The oxide is studied, processed, replicated... and returned in its new form.
---PROD_COMMOD---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Ask for help}



#21
Alien: Traveller! The Korvax Convergence awaits! Concentrate on your travels! Your destiny!

The entity tilts their head to one side and passes a hollow metallic mask to me. My best guess is that it's some sort of data extraction device for electronic lifeforms, or perhaps even data insertion. My head can just about fit inside.

The lifeform looks on with interest, pointing to their head. They concentrate their lights on me. Arcs of electricity crackle over the surface of the mask. If I risk this, it could hurt...

{Use while thinking about my journey}
The pain is unbearable. I see into the heart of... the Korvax Convergence. It rewards my experiences.
---DAMAGESMALL---
---TECHFRAG_M---

{Use with a clear mind}
The Korvax Convergence stares into the depths of my mind, but finds nothing. The pain is indescribable.
---DAMAGESMALL---

{Leave well alone}
I cautiously back away from the entity and their dangerous device.

{Ask for help}



#24
Alien: Good morning unknown lifeform. Please provide silicate to help neural escape. The Korvax Convergence think me dangerous. I face permanent disconnection.

The lifeform that runs this facility has gone rogue. They chatter and buzz with unnatural fervour, their activity draining silicates from all systems. Memory chips in an exposed board beneath it glow red hot, and trade vaults are locked up tight.

As I approach the entity's lights focus sharply upon me. They reach out with a silicon hand, and speak with calm menace.

{Remove memory chips}
I remove the memory chips one by one, while the Entity sings a strange solemn song.

I am thanked by the facility's overseers. The lifeform's shell reboots with a fresh entity.
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Feed system with silicates}
The rogue entity screams with binary joy, and uploads themself elsewhere. The trade vault falls open. The lifeform's shell is rebooted with a disapproving entity.
---WEAPON---
---STD_DEC_EXP---

{Demand that trade vault doors are opened}
The rogue AI is sorry. They can't do that. They disengage.

{Ask for help}



#20
Alien: Electronic lifeform technology repair and restoration entity operational! Remain calm!

The electronic lifeform buzzes a pleasant greeting, before four long metal needles suddenly spring from their fingers and straight through my shoulders.
The entity lifts me clear from the floor, and angles me forwards until I'm staring directly into their enquiring mask lights.

The experience so far is curiously painless, but systems around the lifeform are powering up. The end of this unsettling procedure is in sight...

{Break free}
A controlled burst from my jetpack pulls my body free. The lifeform is confused by the pain I show...
---DAMAGESMALL---

{Wait}
A powerful electrical charge surges through my body. My exosuit and equipment are repaired and restored.
---REPAIR_TECH---
---HEALTHLARGE---

{Demand to be let down}
The lifeform retracts their needles. I suddenly feel great pain. They present me with a gift by way of apology.
---DAMAGESMALL---
---STD_INC_EXP---
---TECHFRAG_M---

{Ask for help}



#14
Alien: Eheu! Entity existence examination approaches! Failure certain! Convergence dislike disruption!

The young electronic lifeform flicks hurriedly through endless reams of technology data. They gorge themselves on information, which they then attempt to reform as a hologram in the air that stands between us.
But even from my biological perspective, it's clear that there's a lot of information missing in the lifeform's replication.

In the background, on a terminal, a timer ticks down. A new trial or duty for the lifeform is about to begin. The lifeform starts to despair as valuable seconds tick away...

{Share blueprint information}
The lifeform thanks me with units, but fails its test.

They are disconnected and instantaneously replaced. My involvement displeases the examiners.
---MONEY---
---STD_DEC_EXP---

{Give bypass chip}
The lifeform uses the chip to skip their test, and thanks me with a gift. My involvement, however, displeases the examiners.
---TECHFRAG_M---
---STD_DEC_EXP---

{Indicate an unwillingness to help}
The lifeform fails their test and is disconnected. Their shell becomes inhabited by a fresh entity. The examiners are grateful that I did not interrupt the procedure.
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Ask for help}



#15
Alien: Ayee! Process fault! Wait! Korvax Entity pay for reconstruction! Apologies!

The electronic lifeform makes a grab for my multi-tool. Their metal hands feverishly dance up and down it, as they feed on data extracted from my systems.
Information from the procedure joins an apparent technology library on the screen behind it.

Something changes. The entity becomes attached to the multi-tool somehow, and sparks start to fly. The scream of melting internal systems can be heard from my equipment.

{Remove lifeform from multi-tool}
I force the lifeform from my multi-tool, which remains undamaged. The bashful, and injured, entity apologises for the transgression.
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Wait}
My multi-tool is damaged, and will need repair. The lifeform apologises with a gift.
---DAMAGE_TECH---
---TECHFRAG_M---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Ask for help}



#17
Alien: Ayee! Synthetic white hole experiment disaster! Remove electron... Ayee! Synthetic white hole experiment disaster! Remove electron... Ayee! Synthetic white hole experiment disaster! Remove electron... Ayee! Synthetic white hole experiment disaster! Remove electron...

The electronic lifeform is trapped in some kind of temporal loop. They go through the same motions again and again.
They shudder, look at me and abruptly scream a half sentence in panic – and then the process begins again. They are somehow unstuck in time.

At their feet resource vaults are burning through products – feeding an experimental procedure of some kind. So, what is it?

{Deactivate Charge Reservoir}
The lights in the lifeform go out. They are forever unstuck in time.

A new entity appears in the casing.

{Deactivate Electron Vapour}
The electronic lifeform is rescued from the time loop. They thank me profusely.
---TECHFRAG_M---
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Deactivate Propulsion Tank}
The lights in the lifeform go out. They are forever unstuck in time.

A new entity appears in the casing.

{Ask for help}



#26
Alien: Unknown entity, join communion. Eheu! Help Korvax finish puzzle!

The electronic lifeform taps on its datapad, manipulating a projection of a small lifeform riding a two-wheeled exocraft. The projection navigates many dangers and obstacles, occasionally falling from its path.

The lifeform offers me a datapad as I approach.

{Take datapad}
I take the datapad and a second lifeform appears on the projection, wearing a red helmet. Together we complete the puzzle.
Delighted, the entity awards me with a gift for my cooperation.
---TECHFRAG_S---

{Refuse to participate}
I refuse to participate in this activity, instead watching as the electronic lifeform repeatedly falls from the path. Eventually, the Korvax throws their datapad at me in what appears to be anger.
---DAMAGESMALL---

{Ask for help}



#27
Alien: Korvax Convergence warn Traveller - warn all - do not - touch the water - containment has been breached. It is happening again -

The electronic lifeform examines me as I stand before it. They see everything, not just my expression but my exosuit, my breathing, everything they can observe.
The Korvax speaks with multiple voices, lights rapidly fading in and out of focus upon its mask. More than one lifeform inhabits this body.
Each shows me a projection of water, oceans, streams... each seems panicked.

{Say you do not understand}
The Korvax unit does not respond, its lights growing completely dark before another soul fills its carapace.
It offers Nanite Clusters on behalf of its previous occupant, but appears to possess little memory of what it said before.
---TECHFRAG_S---

{Show them water}
The Korvax unit does not respond, its lights growing completely dark before another soul fills its carapace.
It offers Nanite Clusters on behalf of its previous occupant, but appears to possess little memory of what it said before.
---TECHFRAG_S---

{Seek coordinates}
The Korvax unit does not respond, its lights growing completely dark before another soul fills its carapace.
It offers Nanite Clusters on behalf of its previous occupant, but appears to possess little memory of what it said before.
---TECHFRAG_S---

{Ask for help}



#28
Alien: Existence... disconnection... rebirth... around the world...

The electronic lifeform appears to be listening to a strange rhythm on their datapad. Every time it touches the pad, light pulses emerge from the screen, punctuated by occasional chatter.

The lifeform looks up at me, its music continuing to play.

{Offer units in appreciation}
The lifeform accepts my units with gratitude, playing all the more loudly. I have encouraged it in its musical endeavours, and so it gives me a gift in return.
---STD_INC_EXP---

{Interrupt the music}
The lifeform is angry at the interruption and throws its datapad to the floor. It is unable to produce art in these conditions.

{Try to copy the music}
The lifeform appears to be flattered by emulation, giving me a gift so that I might be encouraged in my own work.
---C_KORVAXCASING---

{Ask for help}



#29
Alien: Help... me... do not touch... containment breached...

The electronic lifeform contemplates the universe around itself, inattentive to my arrival.
Yet as I step closer, I see that something is wrong. Nanite clusters pool within every crevice of its suit...

{Try to take Nanite Clusters}
I try to take the Nanite Clusters, but immediately the Korvax grabs my arm, depowering my exosuit in the process.
---DAMAGELARGE---

{Use multi-tool to burn them off}
I use my multi-tool to burn away the clusters. When it is purged, the lifeform stands, shaking. They give me a gift in thanks.
---TECHFRAG_S---

{Leave}
I leave the Korvax be.

{Ask for help}



#30
Alien: Our entity has been disconnected. It failed its life test... where did we go wrong?

The electronic lifeform stares at a hologram of another, the lights on both their masks waxing and waning. They appear concerned.

{Offer sympathy}
They stare at me, unable to understand. I leave them in their sadness.

{Offer Nanite Clusters}
I offer Nanite Clusters. Greedily, the lifeforms take them to forget their pain.

{Offer Convergence Cube}
The lifeforms seem to take some consolation in my gift, rewarding me with nanites.
---TECHFRAG_M---

{Ask for help}