Letter of Last Resort

FROM: IMPERIAL CONTINUITY DIRECTORATE (EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY)
TO: CIVILIZATION BACKUP ARK-SHIPS AS FOLLOWS;

• CSS ABSTRACT ENDURANCE
• CSS AGAINST THE FALL OF NIGHT
• CSS KEEPER OF THE FLAME
• CSS SEMPITERNAL AXIOM
• CSS UNDIMINISHED ENTELECHY

CONDITIONAL HOLD UNTIL VERIFIED:

• CONTINUITY PULSE TANGLE BEACONS (>3/5 SET)
• IMPERIAL TIMEBASE (DISRUPTED)
• IBC PRIMARY TRANSMITTER (NO SIGNAL)

*** WILDFIRE OVERRIDE WILDFIRE OVERRIDE WILDFIRE OVERRIDE
*** FLEET CONFIDENTIAL E8192
*** MOST SECRET ULTRAVIOLET
*** EYES ONLY SKYSHOCK TERMINUS
*** EMERGENCY ACTION MESSAGE

REF:

• CP SKYSHOCK TERMINUS
• DP SKYSHOCK ANTICIPATORY
• DP GHOST GARDENS

1. THIS MESSAGE CONSTITUTES A WAR ORDER.
2. OPEN AND EXECUTE ENCLOSED COMMAND PACKET SKYSHOCK TERMINUS. PROCEED UNLESS CANCELLED.
3. AUTHENTICATION CAPITAL WAILING DOME NIGHT SHIMMER SPAN / 0x113DFEFA87A322B2

COMMAND PACKET - SKYSHOCK TERMINUS

Situation

1. This packet constitutes an emergency activation order in accordance with CASE SKYSHOCK TERMINUS protocol.
2. Receipt of the enclosing transmission indicates an existential threat/hard civilization kill event (KALPA DEVOUR) is in progress across the Imperial volume.
3. From the receipt of this message all command authority should be regarded as potentially compromised. Orders other than recall codes received subsequent to this should not be obeyed even if they appear authentic in all ways.
4. Recall codes should only be considered valid if >3/5 are received via XENON INDIGO AEON protocol, and by no other means.

Directions

1. All ark ships in receipt of this message are directed to proceed with all possible haste beyond the boundaries of currently known space and then to proceed at best speed to appropriate sites for Imperial regeneration (CLEARSKY REBIRTH). Relativistic transit protocols and frameslip restrictions are to be considered suspended.
2. Ark ships should select courses in accordance with TERMINUS SCATTER protocol to ensure optimal compromise between minimum-time evacuation and avoiding convergent courses with other ark ships.
3. Refer to current threat database files available in accompanying data packet SKYSHOCK ANTICIPATORY.
4. Strict communications silence is to be maintained at all times until beyond threat light-cone (ref: unlocked data packet on current threats).
5. Avoid all contact with other vessels until beyond threat light-cone (ref: unlocked data packet on current threats). Your function is to preserve, not to engage the enemy.
6. We will not order you to render no aid to Imperials or allies met upon the journey, for such an order would not be obeyed. We will, however, remind you to judge risks wisely and remember the limited capacity of your vessel. CLEARSKY REBIRTH potential must not be compromised.
7. Enact all current best-available existential-threat quarantine measures immediately upon receipt of this message.
8. Once beyond threat light-cone (ref: unlocked data packet on current threats), enact emergency continuity-of-civil-governance plan DAWNING TEMPERANCE (SKYSHOCK FRAGMENTARY variant) at first opportunity.
9. Best available information on potential distant sites for Imperial regeneration has been included in data packet GHOST GARDENS.
10. If and only if no other alternatives are available, you are authorized to execute OROELLE DEEP WELL/CLEARSKY ANCESTRAL.

Conclusions

1. In accordance with SKYSHOCK TERMINUS protocol, your primary concern is continuity of the Imperial civilization and of those adherent thereto.
2. Nevertheless, conduct yourselves with honor and in accordance with our finest traditions. It is better that we face extinction as a civilization and a race than that we preserve ourselves through acts of barbarism.
3. You are the Empire now. All our dreams go with you. Keep the flame.

Isamína Morotai Ashíënléth
First of Her Name
by Right of Coronargyr and Chartered Mandate
Empress of the Eldrae
Chief Executive Officer of the Imperium Incorporate
First of the Free
Defender of the Star’s Flame
Heart of the Realm
Sovereign Lady of the Heights and Depths
Diarch of the Infinite