!!! IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THIS DATABANK IS NOT LOST. USE THE INFORMATION AND SIGNATURES WITHIN TO BRING DOWN THE EMBER SYNDICATE. !!!

: Admiral - Isaiah Adair :

For years, I have studied this group known as 'The Ember Syndicate'. My observations over the past several years have revealed that this organization is incredibly manipulative, hailing from a now-defunct Federal weapons research group. I do not yet understand how deep their corruption runs within the Federation, but the secrecy that has been maintained regarding their existence implies that it is significant, despite the organization being supposedly wanted by the Federation.

It is not exactly clear when the organization came to be, but it is suspected that after their official weapons research was defunded, and the 'MARS Project' cancelled, that several members of the original research team continued the research in secret. This would align with the project's cancellation date in January 3300, however it is more likely that the team reformed later and began their covert ops in 3302.

At that time, their manipulation of Federal assets commenced. While there is no direct evidence supporting this, my observations have allowed me to suspect that by resuming the project, the moral qualms of not only developing a weapon of mass destruction, but by now leeching resources directly from the Federation, resulted in several of the original research team trying to expose the project by running to those they thought they could trust.

That had led them to the same blockade I had run into. The enemy have been willing to manipulate and do whatever was necessary to continue developing the weapon, going to any lengths to ensure it was kept a well-hidden secret. While unclear at the time, their corruption of several links in the Federal High Command chain granted them the ability to suppress the information easily. Anyone openly trying to expose the weapon quietly disappeared in a whisper, disavowed and the weapon's existence denied - as there was no true evidence of it.

At this time, I had attempted to slow the growth of 'EMBER'. It quickly became clear that my efforts were incredibly risky... and so I enlisted the help of an Admiral who had previously been assigned to the 'MARS Project'. I had notified her as to what was happening, but her efforts to report it to FHC fell short. I never saw her again after that, and there was never an official investigation into her 'reassignment' and disappearance, nor into the existence of this illegal superweapon.

However it was obvious that I needed an alternate plan, if I wanted any hope of stopping 'EMBER'. No one should have control over a weapon so powerful and capable of such horrific things, so I turned to a Captain who had previously been under my command - a man by the name of Adrien Marshall. I hoped by including him in my plan, that it would be easier to expand our knowledge and expose this new enemy, but that was not meant to last either.

By some chain of events, the enemy seemed to have learnt about Adrien's involvement, though I am thankful to have evaded detection twice... even if that may be due to my use of these 'proxies'. He was dishonourably discharged from the Navy by some made-up excuse... and then later killed at his homeport by a so-called 'pirate raid' in 3300. That, of course, was not the case. The pirates were very well organized, and system security conveniently arrived too late to save the man. I was left alone once again. My efforts had to slow down, then, to ensure the enemy would not learn of me, and so I had to hide away in the shadows for some time.

Admittedly, I had become hyper-focused on solving this threat, while continuing my duties as an Admiral of the Federation, although I did not believe in the cause anymore. My oldest son and daughter, Joshua and Raya, never became aware of such a thing. I thought twice before involving them - since they believed too strongly in the Federation. I did not believe they had the will to do what was necessary... and I could not trust that they had not been corrupted by EMBER in the same way. I had become paranoid enough that I did not trust my own wife.

However, my youngest - Aurora - she was always quite the rebel, ever since she was little. She had made it quite clear early on that she had no interest in serving the Federation or its navy, that she did not believe in our leaders. Her dreams aspired to something so much more than that. I deeply regret that, at the time, I only saw it as an opportunity to do what I thought was necessary. I neglected the needs of my daughter in order to implement a plan to stop this rising enemy.

In 3302, I had manipulated Aurora into serving the Navy. She had exited a troublesome employment with a private mining company after serving as a security guard, and shamefully, I ignored the signs of the trauma she had sustained, and pushed for her to join the Navy. She agreed, and I began to focus my efforts into pushing her towards something I could control. That was when Aurora was inducted into the 'Red Hunters', a black-ops group of which I closely knew its squad leaders.

I had hoped that, with her growth into the Navy and her team as a whole, that Aurora would be able to help me take down EMBER from within the Federation, once she had the skills and knowledge to do so. But the potential of her and her squad was not only noticed by me, and as such I did not expect the Red Hunters operations to be corrupted by the reach of EMBER. The syndicate - which was still strongly entwined within the Federation - began to utilize the Red Hunters as their personal hit-squad, unbeknownst to the team themselves.

They had unknowingly begun to commit war crimes against the Federation and innocent people, that were disguised as operations to 'protect the Federation from terrorists who had obtained blueprints of a biological weapon'. Without the additional context, it made perfect sense. Special operations are not always so crystal clean... and the Red Hunters knew better than to ask questions. They trusted their command to guide them the right way, to do the thing that was right to protect the Federation and its citizens.

What they witnessed on these missions was not very far from the truth, in their eyes. The Red Hunters had been tasked to cover up any trace of the MARS Project and EMBER that had escaped their grasp - but all they saw was that several networked Federal settlements had began to propagate encrypted data of a secret weapon. Their objectives were to destroy the data, and neutralize all terrorists. The fact that many of these settlements had abandoned the Federal Accord and were hostile to Federal operations only seemed to further this fact.

However, a chain of events - prominently a slip-up made by myself - eventually led them to discover the same fact - that they had been manipulated by proxy, and misled. Upon finding out, and receiving my explanation, the Red Hunters vowed to defect from the Federation, and take down EMBER their own way, however I had begged them to consider the fact that they would be the next on the target list - yet another group to simply silence.

I was unsuccessful in convincing them. It appeared that they believed I was moving too slowly, and not making enough of an effort. That I had not collected enough data, and that I had no strength to do what was needed. And... admittedly, they were not entirely wrong. I did not have enough evidence to implicate the Admirals apart of this project, nor a network of people willing to side with me. There was also no evidence of the weapon, nothing that could showcase its theorized abilities or any circumstance in which it had been deployed.

But my daughter, Aurora, was left broken from what I had done. When the Red Hunters defected and wiped all traces of their identity, Aurora took the opportunity to run... and I hid. I did not see her for three years... too fixated on my task to expose EMBER, to obtain more data, and I had neglected the importance of my own daughter. I believed that, at the time, the death of Adrien Marshall had inadvertently set a new plan rolling.

His son, Quinton, ended up losing both of his parents due to his father's death. His mother died of a terminal illness they could not afford to cure. Using the anguish and bottling it towards the 'pirates' that had taken his family from him, Quinton became a bounty hunter, flying with the Pilots' Federation as a Commander after passing the extensive tests. His 'rise to glory' was creating a squadron by the name of 'TITAN Contractors', and that was when I had learnt of his growth.

My goal to shut down EMBER finally had a new path, so I thought, and so I reached out to Quinton, and began the efforts of including him in the circle of information. But the enemy had grown too significant now, employing significant amounts of private military and indoctrinating its members so extensively that their operations began to soar. Quinton would quickly become a target, and so he did... much like how his father had before. It is not clear to me if they had been watching him, or this squadron, and for how long.

The squadron began to be assailed by all sorts of directions, all manipulated by EMBER. Attacks performed by Hivemind, Paladin Interstellar, and the Crimson Venators, were all simply misdirects and tricks played by the Ember Syndicate. The Crimson Venators - previously the Red Hunters - had become nothing more than a mercenary group that fell right into the hands of the very organization they swore to bring down. I sometimes question if I myself had not fallen into the same trap. That I had been allowed to continue my hopeless efforts to expose them.

That is why this contingency was necessary.

The only entity that stood tall amongst all this was TITAN Contractors... employing a military force that could dominate over the EMBER Syndicate. But with Quinton becoming a target, we had to ensure the longevity of TITAN as the shining light in this moment of darkness. And my daughter... my dear daughter who I had done so much damage to unknowingly... she was capable of this. She was capable of doing it all.

It is not a topic I tend to discuss often, but once upon a time, I was a Commander too. I had earned the rank of Triple Elite, in fact - and at the time was one of the few Admirals to hold simultaneous titles. And my influence in the Pilots' Federation came in handy here, along with Quinton's, who had also grown to become quite distinguished as a Commander. It was only a matter of time before Aurora, knowing her dreams and her goals, would become one too. She had always set her eyes on the stars, that one.

By reaching out to her after those three years of never seeing her, I had managed to convince her to join TCON as a CSF mercenary. The job fitted her well, and despite the lack of catching up, she agreed to join the squadron as a fresh start, away from her past experiences in the navy that we thought had been covered up well. When she was in place in the squadron, and Quinton faked his death, the will left behind was our last effort to ensure the squadron could continue. Aurora Adair, my daughter, became Squadron Commander of TITAN Contractors, and started her career as a Commander.

I can only hope that eventually, we can bring this enemy to justice. They have grown much... and my time of hunting down this new threat is soon to come to an end. I can only hope that the information I leave behind, for the squadron and for Aurora, will be enough to bring down EMBER for good. To expose them to the galaxy. I wish I could have done more... that I had the resources to do this the right way. To not hurt her.

Not a day goes by where I don't regret the things I have done in my pursuit to take down this enemy. There is much I wish I could change or do differently. I do not expect to be forgiven, ever... I can only hope that the galaxy never has to witness the horrors of this weapon. And... while no one should ever have to bear such a burden, I know my beautiful daughter, Aurora, will make this right again - something I could never do.

She has always had the determination, courage and capability to do so. I am proud of the woman she has become.

Finis Vitae Sed Non Amoris.

-Admiral Isaiah Adair

The Ember Syndicate (also known as the 'Syn Group' or simply 'EMBER') is a fatalist terrorist organization responsible for the creation of the PROTOFNEX-02WRD33 'MARS' (simply known as the MARS Device), an extremely powerful superweapon utilizing hybrid human/Thargoid technology - a device that is currently one of its kind. Although the group originates from a defunct Federal weapons research group primarily composed of researchers and technicians, this organization's newfound strength and power is not to be trifled with, despite its comparatively small size.

While an exact date for the formation of The Ember Syndicate is unknown, it is presumed to have formed around 3302, two years after the official cancellation of Prototype FNEX-02WRD33. The ethical concerns of the project is believed to have complicated its growth somewhat, even after departing the Federation. Many personnel and admirals did not agree with such a weapon being prototyped, and as such the MARS Device was defunded in 3300 and expected to be cancelled.

However, many of the original research personnel were brought back into the project illegally by a 'cabal' of Federal Admirals who believed the weapon would grant the Federation a superior advantage over their enemies. To name just a few of these admirals: Admiral Zamaya Ambrose, Rear Admiral Gideon Serrano and Rear Admiral Reuben Darien Keaton are all effectively responsible for the start of The Ember Syndicate and continued research and production of the MARS Device, covertly leeching resources from the Federation. Zamaya's status likely eased this process, raising less suspicion as the knowledge of the project remained a consistent secret.

However, at some point, the moral qualms began to rise once more, creating 'infighting' of sorts within the group. Some of the original researchers split, fleeing into Federal space and attempting to expose the project before it went too far. However, the majority of the research team remained behind, and The Ember Syndicate began to use their growing shadow-influence within the Federation to manipulate assets into maintaining their secret.

One major occurrence was the 'covert enlistment' of a black-ops squad known as the Red Hunters. Although the group later figured out what they were being tricked into doing, the Red Hunters were unwillingly responsible for covering up Ember, and prevented the organization and their prototype weapon from being exposed early. When the Red Hunters defected and became the Crimson Venators, their goal was to expose the Ember Syndicate once and for all, without need of the Federation.

This goal failed, as the Venators were once again corrupted by the very enemy they swore to eliminate, and barely anyone who remembered their original goal remained - such as individuals known as Venator 1-1 (Cpt. S. Hunt), Dawn (Lt. K. Vance), Osiris (Lt. J. Sawyer), and Trojan (Spc. L. Otto). The remainder were either extensively blackmailed or tricked into working against TITAN Contractors, later stealing a contingency databank containing some information pertinent to my investigation.

Regardless of what happens, one fact is clear - the Ember Syndicate have had plenty of time to prepare, and have obtained an extensive influence within the Federation. Groups like the Far God cell 'Hivemind' and independent PMC corporation 'Paladin Interstellar' were merely manipulated into fighting the squadron, however it is believed that The Ember Syndicate relied on Paladin for much of its military might.

Although Paladin was later eliminated by TCON's own military, Centurion SF, a large amount of operatives still remained, converted into Ember's ranks directly. These soldiers either directly believed in the cause, in revenge, or were once more blackmailed. Ember has shown no qualms with promptly executing anyone who dares to oppose their operations.

As a result - not including research or command personnel - the ORBAT (Order of Battle) map above suggests that Ember has 241 combat-capable soldiers actively serving its operations. Although not labelled or fully clear, there are several theories regarding the meaning of the symbols, based off intercepted communications and some observations:

• Rings represent installations, likely communication posts, bases or vice versa. All symbols branch out of a central base on the left, likely the enemy fleet carrier HQ.

• The amount of sides on each shape represents the composition and size of that element.

• The two 16-point stars represent an elite guard of sorts, tasked with ultimate command and defence of Ember's carrier and assets. I have not been able to identify or confirm the appearance or existence of these two elements, but the chevrons stand to reason that these elements are extremely well-trained and equipped.

• The 18 octagons suggest combat squads, likely frontline infantry and mercenaries judging by their larger size compared to any other elements on this map.

• Diamonds likely represent strike fireteams - small recon elements or specialized teams meant to undertake covert ops with little to no support. They may also operate as smaller command teams, under command of the elite guard.

• Triangles may represent engineering/support teams, or disposable forward teams, pilots or other type of support.

The list does not appear to include any vehicular assets directly, but rather just personnel. With the enemy predominantly operating out of an unregistered Drake-class fleet carrier, their mobility remains high while potentially fielding numerous vessels and offering a wider range of tactical options.

It is unclear at what point the enemy obtained a fleet carrier, or why it was consciously named and tagged with their notorious organization so openly, but it is likely a taunt of sorts. Although the Federation claims that The Ember Syndicate is a highly dangerous, wanted terrorist organization, there is little public announcement regarding them, or attempts to try bring the group to justice - potentially because their activity benefits the Federation in some way.

Thus, it can be assumed that the organization's significant influence has granted them this opportunity to grow and continue, posing a significant threat to the galaxy if they were allowed to grow further, or mass-produce the MARS Device. It is my hope that this databank will give the keys to understanding and countering the enemy weapon, while exposing information so critical that the Federation simply cannot ignore it any longer.

Prototype FNEX-02WRD33 - 'MARS' (known as the MARS Device or MARS Project for short) is an experimental electromagnetic superweapon created by Federal Weapons Research Division "Ophidian 33" (now effectively serving as part of The Ember Syndicate). Although predominantly based off of existing human technology, the device incorporates a comparatively significant level of Thargoid technology. High-tech containment fields withstand the infrasonic and electromagnetic effects of the alien components, while large advanced emitter coils channel these emissions to be controlled by an extremely advanced radar assembly and central processor core.

Based off observations, recovered information and the known mechanisms, the device features several functions:

• 'Low-strength' signals capable of travelling up to 150ly uninterrupted. This is presumably the standard mode of the device, minimizing detection while enabling precise electromagnetic strikes of low strength.

• 'High-strength' signals capable of 25ly travel uninterrupted - but the range can be extended by specialized ship-board relays mounted to large vessels. These signals are capable of delivering the full strength of the weapon, but requires proximity to the target, or the utilization of the aforementioned relays.

• Infrasonic and electromagnetic radiation can be manipulated to induce a psychological effect on human targets. The understanding of how this exactly occurs is poorly understood as the effects originate from the Thargoid technology within the device. Signal encoding may be used to directly 'deliver' messages or images interpretable by the target's brain (artificial nightmares). Advanced stages include suppressing hormones and other cerebral functions, inducing hallucinations and causing severe psychosis in the event of overexposure. Advanced containment shieldings and failsafes prevents the effects of the weapon from reaching the exterior in an uncontrolled manner.

• A massive central computer core integrated directly into the device is responsible for the command and control of the device, based off remote human operator input. Advanced processors likely grant the weapon an extraordinary ability to rapidly interpret and calculate efficient strike vectors and signal strengths for a large number of possible targets. Conventional digital viruses or electromagnetic jamming is enabled by this system, coupled with a powerful sensor plate array.

• Although potentially serving as a disadvantage, the hybrid power behind the weapon allows it to inflict severe damage across an incredible variety of vessels, machinery and installations. Although not demonstrated or tested so far, the device's capabilities could allow it to attack and disable capital-class vessels or starports with sufficient power.

However, there were several disadvantages and concerns mentioned in the early prototypes, while the MARS Device was under the jurisdiction of Federal research.

• The incorporation of Thargoid technology is unpredictable, and any reactions it may have with the human components that make up the majority of the device is unknown if the device's containment equipment is compromised.

• Although the device's idle signature is much harder to identify from a range, it - along with its relays - can be easily detected upon activation.

• The infrasonic and psychological effects have been documented to not affect all individuals the same way. Animal testing indicated that hallucinations and artificial nightmares were consistent throughout 90% of the test subjects, however only approximately 38% suffered severe psychosis and subsequently violent, unpredictable behaviour.

• The device may exhibit vulnerabilities in its 'relay system' to extend the range of the weapon using shipborne relays. It may also be easily deflected by counter-jamming - although even military-grade electronic warfare suites have displayed difficulty in countering the device, often suffering total communications and telemetry blackouts during counter-jam attempts.

• Six large coolant pipelines integrate directly into the device's fusion core, and emergency heatsinks line the emitter coils. This suggests that the device's heat output or power requirements are extreme enough to limit the functionality of the device. Upscaling the device any further in an attempt to mitigate these issues may have diminishing returns. It appears as if EMBER has reached the 'perfect size' for the device - as the technology would suffer in capability if downscaled as well.

• Containment field cages, presumably integrating meta-alloys and Faraday shielding, prevent the alien technology from interacting with the rest of the device uncontrollably. However the overall external protection of the device is minimal, only encased by a hard metal hull containing a flexible metal lattice within. If the containment field was compromised, the device may suffer catastrophic internal damage caused by the corrosive Thargoid components.

• The size of the device may make it possible to mount to a large ship for transport - however a capital-class vessel is likely required to allow it to function and remain mobile. On top of the extensive coolant systems required, the device must also be additionally powered by its own fusion power plant, taking up significant space, power and assembly time - making it unfeasible for usage on conventional ships.

• While the device can remain safely in the depths of a capital-class vessel, external communication nodes and arrays may be required to project the weapon's signals outside of the vessel. These nodes - if identified - could be subject to exterior damage.

• The device appears to lack manual, physical interfaces except for maintenance override accesses which do not allow full, direct control, and instead the device relies purely on remote signals received by the computer core and sensor array. This potentially exposes the remote control systems and any remote carrier signal to electromagnetic signal jamming - although the remote operator could still remain in close proximity to the device within its shielded area to minimize this risk.

• The complexity of the device makes it inherently expensive to produce and difficult to maintain. The rarity of Thargoid technology and the dangers in obtaining it limit any needed repairs.

These disadvantages may provide several ways of countering the enemy weapon, however with the weapon present aboard their carrier, known as 'The Black Edge T4J-64F', getting to the device physically may prove difficult. Thus, identifying the signature of the enemy's weapon and anticipating any attacks in order to deflect them is vital.