Heart of the Rogue Drone

Level	2 Storyline
Type	Courier
Objective	Deliver 32 x Crate of Unidentified Fibrous Compound (320 m3)
Ship suggestion	Frigate

ExpandMission briefing

Yes, I think I have some work for you. One of our research outposts in Molden Heath came under attack by rogue drones last week. This is highly unusual, since drones are rarely seen beyond Etherium Reach. The outpost's defense systems managed to keep our scientists safe, and the downed drones were retrieved for examination. They found unusual mineral deposits replacing the drones' original microboard networks, which appear to work far more efficiently. Of course we don't want anyone else getting ahold of the samples before we can replicate them. The samples have been in transit via a series of drops in order to keep them safe. Take them on to the labs at <location>.

Drones On Their Own

Once part of a Gallente scientist's experiments in self-controlled drone technology, rogue drones can now be found throughout the cluster, having escaped and begun to replicate themselves. In certain undeveloped parts of null-security space they thrive and expand their numbers from hives hidden deep within deadspace pockets and asteroid fields. These regions are called ‘drone regions', and the only people brave enough and confident enough to attempt to build out there are the capsuleers.

Level	4 Storyline
Type	Courier
Objective	Deliver 80 x Large Crate of Unidentified Fibrous Compound (8000  m3)
Ship suggestion	Frigate

ExpandMission briefing

Yes, I think I have some work for you. One of our research outposts in Molden Heath came under attack by rogue drones last week. This is highly unusual, since drones are rarely seen beyond Etherium Reach. The outpost's defense systems managed to keep our scientists safe, and the downed drones were retrieved for examination. They found unusual mineral deposits replacing the drones' original microboard networks, which appear to work far more efficiently. Of course we don't want anyone else getting ahold of the samples before we can replicate them. The samples have been in transit via a series of drops in order to keep them safe. Take them on to the labs at <location>.

The Forbidden Science

Rogue drones began innocently enough, as part of a Gallente scientist's research into drones that could learn and operate independently. The artificial intelligence he created was in itself fairly primitive and non-threatening, but in its self-perpetuation it developed beyond the scope of the scientist's work, and the drones began to truly think for themselves. Using the justification that the results had produced extreme and life-threatening risk to human life, CONCORD declared all research into artificial intelligence illegal unless performed in a controlled and isolated environment under the watchful eye of DED experts. Proposals for engaging in such research are vetted carefully and the scientists presenting the proposals are subject to extreme background scrutiny.