[Dreamer128]

The endless sensor-data on the various displays seemed to have an almost hypnotic effect Jacks weary mind. Text and images danced through each other until finally, there were only colors.
,,By feigning ignorance of the truth that is all around us, we condemn ourselves. How can we not see?'', whispered a soft voice in the back of his head. Jack realised he was holding a book. And as he browsed through the pages, he found that all but the last one were blank. 'Thus the offender is punished because he employs "free will," that is to say, because he acted without a reason where he ought to have acted in accordance with reasons. Why did he do this? But it is precisely this question that can no longer even be asked: it was a deed without a "for that reason," without motive, without origin, something purposeless and non-rational', the author concluded. Jack knew it was all wrong. They were being punished for the choices they didn't know they had made. The blissfull ignorance that had served as a shield for so long had turned out to be a death-trap. A moment later, the inkt began to run and the book fell from his hands, through the floor, into the black.

The buzz of his comm-unit tore Jack from his slumber. It was a priority message from Research. ,,Yeah?'', he groaned. ,,Sir, we've decoded a part of the first signal. It appears to be an S.O.S. of some kind, but a complex one. As if we're missing part of the information. Definately not your regular military signal. Possibly Copernicus Directorate.'' The scientist sighed. ,,You know, this would actually be easy if the signal wasn't corrupted to its core'', he said. Not feeling particulary social, Jack signed out and forwarded the message to the acting captain. He needed sleep and a strong drink. And preferably not in that specific order.