Diary pages, reports and field notes that fill in the world's backstory.
Recovered journal page
In that vast empire, everything stands firmly in its place, and above all, there is the old Kaiser. Everyone knows (or hopes) that if he ever passes away, another will come, but nothing will change in the established order. No one believes in wars, revolutions, and upheavals. Any radicalism and violence seem impossible in this age of prudence. This sense of reliability is the most cherished possession of millions, a common life ideal. Life is only considered worthwhile with such stability, and broader sections of the population yearn for their share of this priceless treasure.
Kaiser—that word remains for us the embodiment of all power, of all wealth, a symbol of Austria's immutability, and from childhood, we are accustomed to utter these two syllables with reverence.
Recovered journal page
Anyone who wishes to capture the essence of cosmic Galicia in a small painting should visit the fair in Neue Lemberg. There, amidst the hustle and bustle of merchants, offering, buying, and scurrying to and fro, he will find himself transported to the forum of an ancient Roman colony, witnessing a marvelous land unfolding in diverse facets before his eyes. It will then seem as though he is at a bazaar in Baghdad one moment and in the church square of a village in the Black Forest the next. There, a swarthy Armenian with a long pipe and a blond Swabian with a short clay pipe between his lips will clasp him by the hand – the similarities completely overwhelm him when he sees how the East and the West extend hands to each other. You cherish rural tales, seek images akin to those crafted by Berthold Auerbach – here, you are greeted near the baskets and churns of butter by the barefoot Loreleis with lovely blue eyes and next to them, gazelle eyes, the residents of Asia Minor from that tribe whose daughters became their masters' slaves. Like some enchantress, a woman reclines on her carpet in white attire and an Armenian turban. Muslim motifs and harem fantasies evoke palm fronds and ostrich plumes for you. And this Circassian! – she is not a small harem flower; she is a strange daughter of the Carpathians, a deer from Galician folk songs – a Hutsul woman.
Recovered journal page
Shopping list
flour
ocean salt
dates
cactus extract
palm oil
olives
rosemary
tomatoes
something sweet for little Lisa
An entry from Orest's diary
“A month has passed since I arrived on Planet Sophie with my team. My expectations have undergone a radical shift. I came here for quick wealth, knowing that things might not go smoothly, but I never anticipated everything would be so drastically different. At first, I was deeply intrigued by the tales of this vast desert, the treasures within it, the abandoned cities, and the nocturnal journeys under stars unknown to me. Now, the sand often inspires nothing but loathing. I do not like sand — it is coarse, rough, and irritating, and it gets everywhere, infiltrating the Tramplers, our instruments, rifles, clothes, boots, and even our dreams. I yearn to see mountains and forests again, to witness fertile soil, a river, reeds, fields, cliffs, and wet stones along the shore.”
“After half a year, the desert indeed became like a second home. I learned to coexist with it, found a common language with the sand, and mastered the art of meticulously cleaning my weapons and garments. I learned how to properly tie a scarf around my face and recognize the approach of sandstorms. I became adept at distinguishing the terrain where enemy Tramplers might hide, where it was safest to search for treasures, how to procure water, and how to keep my wits about me in the harshest of circumstances.”
An entry from Orest's diary
“Last night, a new commission arrived from Saint Christopher to search for a valuable book collection. Unlike our previous endeavors, which mostly involved scouring abandoned apartments, this time, we must venture to a remote hotel. We have only received descriptions of how these books should look and that they were all written in Latin. I harbor an uneasy feeling about this task. We depart as soon as darkness falls.”
“We lost three members of the team while carrying out the task in that hotel. All because of those damned books. I do hope we can negotiate a higher price for them. I have no strength left to write anything more here.”
“Today, we buried Petro, Stepan, and Hrytsko. In this cursed sand, one can hardly dig a decent grave. I've had enough – I want to go home.”
“At night, we barely managed to fend off the attack. The team is shattered. It seems they came specifically for those damned books. Someone leaked information about our whereabouts to them. We need to figure out what is going on and find a better hiding place while we are still alive. In the future, I shall make it a rule not to take assignments from that peculiar woman, Elizabeth. There is something clearly not right about her.”
Report
Report on Night Patrol, August 2nd, 1869
Tonight, precisely at the stroke of 3 o'clock, the crew of the coast guard ship, while conducting routine patrol along the shores of the city of Meeresauge, witnessed something extraordinarily strange in the water. An incomprehensible creature, resembling both a large fish and a human, swam near our ship at an incredibly swift pace, emitting profoundly eerie and chilling sounds.
Some sailors insist that it had long hair on its head and appeared woman-like in the upper part of its torso.
These lads are not easily frightened...
We were unable to capture her.
Report on the catch
Captain Theodor Bauer of the Achileon
On June 26th, 1871, the following were captured:
20 sea lions
30 dwarf sharks
13 yellow-tailed new Austrian fish
60 Sophia mackerels
7 crates of tuna mackerel-like
Everything, except the yellow-tailed fish, was handed over to the procurement agent of the firm Conserves Josef Kroyntz.
I had my son try to sell the yellow-tailed fish at the dock, but people seemed reluctant to buy. Perhaps it makes sense to throw this fish back into the sea immediately.
The envelope covered with a layer of dust
Dearest Leopold,
Here on Earth, in our enchanting Vienna, though tranquil and serene, it lacks the splendor of your presence. I can hardly contain my anticipation for my ship's arrival on Planet Sophie, where we shall finally unite in marriage and embark on the task of creating our cozy nest. My mind constantly conjures images of our future home, the landscapes that shall greet us beyond our windows, and the profound happiness that awaits us on this fantastical planet you have so vividly described in your letters. Pray, how are your scholarly endeavors?
Until we meet again very soon,
With all my love,
Yours faithfully,
Katarina
The envelope covered with a layer of dust
Dear Mother,
Things are increasingly well on Planet Sophie. Construction has almost entirely been completed in some cities, life is thriving, and I find myself increasingly fond of this cosmic Austria-Hungary. However, last night, I saw a peculiar light in the distance over the ocean. It seemed as though the sun was setting, although dawn was still far off. Perhaps it was just a flash of lightning.
Tell me, how are things with you?
How is Aunt Maria's health?
an excerpt from a diary entry
I do not quite understand what is happening. First, some of the residents of our Kronstadt saw a strange glow far out in the ocean at night. Then, towards dawn, the weather began to change dramatically – very strong winds – and it became unusually hot. The authorities say not to panic but to gradually gather our belongings as a storm is approaching. At the same time, laborers from the outskirts of the city are telling stories that at the spaceports, everyone is bustling about and seems to be preparing evacuation ships for departure... What is that sound? It seems to resemble sirens in the streets. I shall go and see what is there.
an excerpt from a diary entry
Yesterday, I attended a concert of Cosmic Music in the most literal sense! It was magnificent and utterly ingenious! Composer Jan Kirsten managed to create a symphony so profound that it truly felt as though we all merged into one entity with the Universe, dissolving into these marvelous instruments he crafted from meteorite parts and spaceship materials. Austrian music has never been so healing and spiritual. Beethoven and Mozart surely would have given a standing ovation! I will undoubtedly recommend this concert to everyone I know, and even to passersby on the streets.
an excerpt from a diary entry
This day will go down in history! Today marks the completion of my series of experiments with the local corals. I now possess an entire folder of verified data indicating, firstly, that the Sophien corralium possesses an exceptionally high ability to absorb toxic substances from the surrounding environment; secondly, the properties of these corals could revolutionize cosmetic products, preserving youth and beauty! Today, I shall commence the preparation of a comprehensive research report to be submitted to the Imperial Scientific Society. These studies will finally enable me to join the esteemed ranks of the scientific community of Austria-Hungary.
an excerpt from a diary entry
We are all being evacuated to the Saint Christopher Space Station. We have yet to learn what is happening. Some say it is an attack, others talk about severe storms and sandstorms on the southern islands. The authorities give increasingly confusing explanations every day. They allowed us to take only the most essential items. It is rather difficult to part ways with this apartment – I have so much here! And what of my books? Unbelievable! Just in case, I've packed and prepared all my belongings. I do hope I shall be able to return later and take them from here.
an excerpt from a diary entry
I can hardly believe that I am beginning a new life here, on Planet Sophie, in Sonnenstadt! It appears that no one here, including myself, can truly fathom this new existence on a different planet. There is a different quality to the very air we breathe here. The spirit of the Empire now carries a completely different scent: It smells of the sea, warmth, ambition, and novelty. There is not a trace of the old and mannered Grandmother Austria here. I could never have imagined that these new lands, generously bestowed upon us by the Emperor, could be so modern, progressive, and carefree. Even the former residents of Vienna seem to be forgetting their strict regime, safety, and severity in this place.
an excerpt from a diary entry
Our Ukrainian community is becoming increasingly dismayed by the state of affairs in these new cosmic lands. The most illustrious and sun-blessed Emperor promised us numerous job opportunities, housing, and the best conditions as a token of gratitude for our loyalty. In reality, as soon as we completed most of the construction work and these self-satisfied Austrian scientists found a place to live and contemplate matters, they started telling us that now most of the funds and efforts would go towards laboratories and research because that is more important than our affairs. Many construction projects have been suspended, they say, and there is no money left for our salaries. But what are we to live on now if we have no other means of earning a living here?