Terminus Intel

For other uses, see Terminus.

Terminus has 30 pieces of intel. They are split into Audio Logs, Documents and Artifacts.

Audio Logs

• Code Words
• Pleasing Results
• Working Theory
• Ship Manifest Destiny
• Food For Thought
• Tougher Than She Looks
• The Hard Way
• Surveyor Says
• Red Tape
• Noble Purpose
• Listen...
• Numbers And Faces
• Doctor's Orders
• Damning Evidence
• I Hope You're Watching
• Onboarding

"After his latest round of inoculations, Owen Guthrie's memory has been going downhill."

— Description

Owen Guthrie: I'd give this recording a proper number but it's gotten so bad, I've lost track. Ever since that last round of Aetherium exposure inoculations my memory has been going shit. One of the doctors told me I should document my days, see if it gets better or worse. Considering I can't recall basic protocol I put in place, I'd say it's not getting better. I've always had a steel trap memory. Now something falls out of my head every day like it was never there. It's fucking scary. Most recently, the damn lock code on Nathan's containment unit has been slipping my mind. Poor fucking kid. - Fuck this place. And fuck her. I've got a reminder system for all three digits. I see them everyday on my normal rounds so it shouldn't raise suspicion. We got tons of dangerous shit in here and if I crack up, I'm done. Worse, people are gonna get hurt. I can't sleep. I'm scared I'm gonna wake up and not know who the hell I am. I need my transfer request approved now. Being here is like putting my brain in a paper shredder.

"Dr. Modi recounts how Strauss lost his mind and she gained the secret to creating the AMP Devices."

— Description

Revati Modi: Doctor R. Modi, Terminus Island personal log. Our site is now running entirely on an Aetherium-Powered reactor. I must give credit to Duffer for his interrogation prowess. For three years he worked on Strauss. Combined with constant surveillance, we finally cracked him. He revealed the benefit of growing crystalline organisms to harness their bio-galvanic energy. Once we had that, R&D was able to move very fast. The maturation pods practically built themselves. Naturally, Edward is over the moon with the prototypes I sent. Not to mention he no longer has to pay our power bill. This secures our status as Janus's premier research facility. Granted, that was never in question. There're murmurs I might transfer to the Director's site. Obviously working alongside Edward would be... ideal. More budget and resources. Most certainly better food. The dimwits plaguing my payroll who believe it's haunted would love for me to go and never return. However, Edward casts a long shadow. Here, I rule. There, I would serve. I'm willing to maintain the status quo for now. Perhaps with a new chef.

"Anya Tonovsky talks about her theories on what is accomplished on Terminus."

— Description

Anya Tonovsky: As of today, I've been at Janus for four months. I'm amazed I know what day it is. It's work to keep yourself together around here. Everything is so hush-hush. Almost all of us are afraid to talk about what we're doing. So we end up not talking at all. That's how she wants it. Modi's brilliant but her chokehold on this island is suffocating. My current theory is our end result will be renewable energy via organic material. Which is exciting. That would be worth all of this... isolation. However, I was walking by the shipment bay today and bumped into one of the crates. It fell and cracked open. Body bags spilled out. Lots of them. I don't think we have that many people on the island. Of course, I don't have full access so who knows. I guess I shouldn't pry considering the volatile state of my little side project. Wouldn't want higher ups sticking their noses in that. And yes, I still don't know who I work for. My paystubs tell me nothing. Could be CDC, DOD, a bored billionaire. No idea. Honestly just thinking about it has my mind running in circles. It's a distraction. Enough dwelling. I need to focus on the resources that brought me here.

"Station Chief Maxwell has been hearing strange rumors from the other facilities."

— Description

Althea Maxwell: February, 5th, 1991. Yet another glamourous day in the life of Station Chief Althea Maxwell... If only Mom could see me now. Richtofen's inability to keep his favorite pet, Modi, in check - has become an unending aggravation. She gets anything she wants - our budget has skyrocketed, and guess who's problem that is? And the protocols she gives me? Utterly condescending. This isn't my first rodeo, and she seems to feel the need to micromanage everything I do. "Don't label anything. Use only serial numbers. Careless talk costs lives", blah, blah, blah... Seriously, just shoot me now. Thankfully, the cheap-ass firewalls Project Janus have in place are easy to bypass. So the Station Chiefs all stay in contact... I swear, it's the only thing keeping us from going insane. And every one of them has assured me multiple times they never have to put up with shit like this. I know Richtofen values results over anything else, but what is she working on, and why is it so important to him? Honestly, does he even know? It's been months since he showed up for inspections. Rumor has it, people are disappearing from inside the Mansion facility. I assumed our dear Director might have been one of them, but their S.C. said she's seen him around - so I guess he's still kicking. I asked Dr. Modi if she planned on transferring there - she told me Terminus was her home, built for her by "Richtofen himself". The way she said it made my skin crawl.

"Private Jack Fletcher shoots his mouth off about being transferred, but the Cook knows the truth."

— Description

Jack Fletcher: You hear the news? I'm getting off this rock.
Cook: That so?
Fletcher: Yeah - transfer's been approved. Took it's sweet time. I put in my request ages ago - but that's just how it is.
Cook: Clearly.
Fletcher: This place was holding me back. I got big plans, you know? Way bigger than this stupid island.
Cook: Course you do.
Fletcher: Damn straight. While you're stuck slinging slop on this backwater dunny, I'll be off seeking my fortune.
Cook: Maybe I'll request a transfer too. Everybody's gotta eat, right?
Fletcher: Not with the way you cook.
Cook: Right. I'm officially bored of your little charade.
Fletcher: Charade? What you mean?
Cook: I already heard all about your "transfer" - so don't act like it was your idea, ‘cuz I know it wasn't. James and Larson - they've been telling me for months about what a shithead you are. You steal stuff from their lockers, cheat at cards, and when it's time for janitorial duty - you vanish. Maxwell said if she didn't get you out of here, it was just a matter of time until one of them murdered your punk kiwi ass. Now, if it were me, I'd would've gladly helped those two find a place to stash your corpse. But Althea's always had a hard-on for due process. So maybe shut the fuck up and play nice until you're gone for good, understand?
Fletcher: Copy.

"Ernst Duffer expresses his contempt for Dr. Elizabeth Grey."

— Description

Ernst Duffer: FAO: The Director. Progress report. 11/08/1990. Contrary to what some may believe, I do not necessarily take pride in my work. But I am exceptionally good at it. It is common for interrogation subjects to show resistance before ultimately breaking, and succumbing to my... "demands". Normally, I would offer them some small chance of hope - A semblance of light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. Likewise, fear is usually a great motivator. But its apparent absence in this case makes it difficult - impossible - to achieve any kind of breakthrough. Even psychological torture - and the administration of physical pain - has proven utterly fruitless. So...Having reviewed psychiatric evaluations from her early years of incarceration, I am at a loss to explain just where such remarkable resilience has come from. However good I may be at my work, I am forced to conclude that this individual may be of no further use to our program. Were it up to me, I would recommend that Ms. Grey be terminated, or at the very least marked for biological experimentation. Regrettably... it is not up to me.

"Station Chief Maxwell recounts how an interrogation resulted in the death of a subject."

— Description

Althea Maxwell: October, 16th, 1989. Station Chief Althea Maxwell personal log. Inmate fatalities are not uncommon - Especially during prolonged periods of interrogation - but this one... Stands out. I guess it's natural for subjects to attempt to "comfort" each other. Seriously... Cry me fucking river. This one was in the last batch supplied by Franco, so who knows what the hell they went through before we got our hands on them. Cause of death? Cardiac arrest. Surprising... because there weren't any pre-existing conditions that we knew of. Personally, I have a feeling that this subject's death was actually a direct result of simply hearing mention of a name. Dr. Modi. I think it'd be wise to keep a close eye - ear? - on exactly what information these subjects have been sharing since their arrival.

"Surveyor Gary Parkhurst records his initial assessment of Terminus Island."

— Description

Gary Parkhurst: Okay. Gary Parkhurst, Surveyor. July 12 1984, preliminary site assessment and analysis for Terminus Island. Hard copy will be in the 18:00 telex. Location, location, location. Far enough from heavily travelled shipping lines to manage visitors, close enough to blend in. Ideal location. The place is unique-- not gonna be a destination resort, or bustling deep-water commercial port, that's for sure. So, how do we get it up and running? Here's the punch list... The main structure is a fortress-- reinforced concrete poured in 1942, and an average thickness of 3 1/2 feet throughout. That's the good. The bad is that it's covered in a festering mold-like moss that smells like a cadaver's ass. Given the history of the place-- neither of those details should be surprising. The Security Control Room is well positioned in the structure, but will need to be gutted and retrofitted with the latest electronics. Locks, cameras and lighting on the long-term holding cells, interrogation rooms, living quarters - mineshafts - more on those, will all need to be replaced with updated technology. The docks, sea tunnels and marine infrastructure are sound, but will need dredging and of course updated tech. Look - I know that central has the contract for the build-out, and I'm not supposed to know shit, but this place will be in need of the whole nine yards. We're talking heavy equipment, manpower, real power - okay, 'nuff said, it'll be in the report. The helipad, while adequate in size, will need to be retrofitted to handle the gross weight of next-gen rotary wing aircraft. Okay, there are numerous tunnels - sea, land and the mineshafts, throughout Terminus. While they provide freedom of movement to any area of the island, there is one concern. They scare the shit out of me. Back in '32 there was a mining accident that killed dozens of workers in those tunnels. Definitely some weirdness going on down there that I can't fucking explain. Suggest armed units clear those tunnels before any work begins. Finally, the buried lead: Power. The coal from the mines has been gutted long ago. For the kind of draw needed in the specs, you're looking at either a hydro-electric, or nuclear system. Anything else, would be insufficient. Look-look-- it's all in the report. I-I-I'm getting the fuck off this putrid rock. Out.

"No longer bound by red tape, Dr. Modi talks about the possibilities ahead."

— Description

Revati Modi: With so much red tape cut down, I may have become a victim of my own success. We've gone through so many test subjects already. Franco is about to be a very wealthy man given our demand. It's clear now that humans don't tolerate Aetherium exposure without certain variables. There's more than genetic markers at play. It's something in the psyche we have yet to pin down. I'm not sure if even Strauss knows. I trust Duffer to determine that soon. The projects with the most progress are the physical mutations. The transformations are unsightly, but subjects exhibit superhuman strength and become more tolerant to Aetherium. These primitive forms have even begun to show signs of advanced sentience. If we can get them to follow orders we're in business. I have no doubt we can synthesize a refined humanoid to protect humanity from any existential threat. And when I get us there, I'll never see red tape again.

"Dr. Modi talks about how pleased Richtofen is with the advances being made."

— Description

Revati Modi: My reverence for Richtofen continues to grow. Before even setting foot on this island he understood my needs. The oversight committee wanted to constrain my work to animal models. Idiots. Who were they to obstruct my vision? Human in-vivo trial was the next logical step. Luckily, Edward believed in the merit of my work. He authorized the procurement of my subjects himself, from channels that no one in the world will miss. The island location is a ideal for this work. The waters offer a steady flow of forgettable faces. He circumvented any "moral" concerns by reminding them what we would be denying the world by not doing so - it was masterful. And if anything, I'll give these people a chance to do something noble with their lives. Not that they're owed anything. I'll show my gratitude by delivering what I promised. I can make the advances I know are possible in record time now.

"Anya Tonovsky swears she hears voices coming from the Aether Reactor."

— Description

Anya Tonovsky: Some people like throwing around the phrase "Curiosity killed the cat". I wonder if they're the same people who think cats have nine lives? Doesn't matter. I'm not the superstitious type, but I am curious. I like to get my eyes on everything - and anything - I can. Yesterday, I took another look at the Aether Reactor. Everyone says it could be a source of near limitless energy. I don't know if that's true, but I can't deny that seeing it up and running is frankly... awe inspiring. I would call it a miracle of modern science, but I think such a phrase is... insufficient. So many things don't quite add up. No matter how many people I talk to, I still can't figure out what our real goal is here. The term "supernatural" keeps getting thrown around, but sometimes, I think I hear voices coming from within the reactor itself. Many sound like people in pain - crying out - Lost in despair. Others - like the Russian man - sound angry. And there is also a woman, but sometimes she sounds more like... a girl? She might be German, but I can't quite focus on what she is saying. I said I'm not superstitious, but I am starting to believe that some kind of life exists inside the Dark Aether. And I find this possibility... extremely troubling.

"Unable to sleep, Owen Guthrie talks about why he wants a transfer."

— Description

Owen Guthrie: July, 27th, 1990. Inventoried more subjects today... The job never used to be this hard. It's not like I took pride in my work. I just...didn't think about it. Dr. Modi scheduled Psych-evals for the whole Tech-ops team. She says she wants everyone at their best. I think she's trying to flush out the non-believers. Whenever one pops up, she makes sure they're dealt with - out in public, where everyone can see. Honestly, if you're bent on maintaining order, fear tactics ain't a bad way to go. Maybe I can get reassigned - take a break from receiving. At first, the subjects were just serial numbers with faces to me. I never thought about them. Now I lay awake at night - driving myself crazy over it. Thinking about who they might've been before they were kidnapped or sold like livestock. By the time they reach us, they all have the same expression - it's almost like relief. 'Cuz none of them can think of anything worse than whatever nightmare they've just lived through. Idiots.

"Owen Guthrie's kept his head down, if only Nathan Aguinaldo could do the same."

— Description

Owen Guthrie: September, 10th, 1990. I saw Nathan in subject holding today. I like him a lot, but walking by his cell always ruins my day. I mean, the kid's been a smuggler most of his life, he probably thought he knew the worst of what humanity could offer. Then he ends up here and realizes he didn't know shit. So, I'm protecting him the best I can, but Modi's been sniffin' around. Someone must've told her he was a troublemaker. The problem is, they aren't wrong. He fights back on everything - he won't take his meds, he won't sleep, he won't eat. Why can't he get that that kind of shit puts everyone at risk? If he ain't careful, Modi'll transfer him to the Amalgam Program... and that'll be the end of it. I've played it safe until now, kept my head down. If I can't convince Nathan to do the same... Dammit. This is why I don't have friends.

"With Nathan transferred to the Amalgam program, Owen Guthrie has decided to take matters into his own hands."

— Description

Owen Guthrie: October, 23rd, 1990. Nathan got transferred to the Amalgam Program... just like I said he would. Didn't find out until after he'd been moved. Even if I'd been there when it happened... it's not like I would've done anything to stop it. I haven't slept since - regret's been too busy gnawing at me. So, I started spending my nights searching for evidence. But the things... the things I've found... dear god... wha-what's being done here... I'm pretty fucking sure if you checked my entry ticket to hell, you'd find "guilt by association" stamped all over it. Whatever. Damage done. The important thing is my transfer's been approved. And I sure as shit won't be leaving empty handed. Soon as I'm out of here, I am gonna make sure Modi lands her ass in prison and this glorified meat processing plant is shut down. Then maybe I can finally sleep.

"Dr. Modi talks about the events leading to the creation of Project 13."

— Description

Revati Modi: It certainly has been a whirlwind of events. Tying up the loose ends Guthrie left behind was a waste of time and resources. I'll admit, I was surprised how much evidence he'd gathered before he was discovered. It's my own fault for becoming so lax. Yet another reminder to always remain vigilant. Thankfully, his colleagues knew of his transfer request... When I told them it had been approved, they were sad he hadn't said goodbye. Funny - despite his best efforts to destroy my work, his very existence now supports the need for it. If he continues to endure, he might end up being the longest surviving subject in the program! I would no doubt come under some fire if anyone found out that one of our own was now being kept in a tank and fed table scraps. So, I've redacted any mention of his employment here. I'm currently determining how sentient he is... Guthrie- Patient 13 -hasn't spoken since the early phases of his transformation. I have him on display in a high traffic area, so he can watch his colleagues go about their day. It would be a shame if he was unaware of their presence.

"Richtofen gives Dr. Modi a personal tour of her new facility."

— Description

Edward "Eddie" Richtofen: And to conclude our island tour, we have your atrium lab. So, what do you think?
Revati Modi: It's an ideal space. Very spartan at the moment. I assume the regulatory parties have not made their pass yet.
Modi: Once they've made their structural safety recommendations I will-
Richtofen: -Dr. Modi, I would never waste your valuable time with such trivial matters. This is your island. I trust you to make it your own. Now, energy and weapons will pacify the backers, but I chose this with your biological experiments in mind.
Modi: That part of my portfolio is considered... controversial. Many have called it "torture".
Richtofen: We are a rare breed, my dear doctor. You and I both know the price of true progress. It is that work which brought you to me. I will not allow you to be shackled by idealistic bureaucrats. In return, I expect you to deliver, by any means necessary.
Modi: That won't be a problem.
Richtofen: Ah, good... then we understand each other. Welcome to your new home.

Documents

• On The Horizon
• What Have You Done?
• Subject File # 398
• Subject File # 511
• Subject File # 272
• Subject File # 704
• Uniquely Qualified
• Last Minute Transfer
• Innovative Technology

"Station Chief Maxwell writes a journal entry about the enticing nature of the cannon on Terminus."

— Description

01/09/91

It's masterful how well we've interwoven Aetherium powered technology into the old WWII cannon. There's a large vessel on the horizon, just a dot. I could vaporize it with a mere pull of a trigger. Not that I would... but I could.

"Wanting answers about missing refugees, Maya sends a note to Franco."

— Description

I've been calling, you miserable grub. People are missing. The other refugees say you moved a bunch of them to another boat in the middle of the night. What the fuck have you done?! Call me back now or I will fucking end you Franco!

Maya left this for you at the bar.

"Ernst Duffer's progress brief on Gregori Weaver."

— Description

INTERROGATION PROGRESS BRIEF

Subject: Weaver, Grigori

Interrogator: Ernst Duffer

Initial Intake Status:

• Blames himself for the incarceration of Requiem. Brainstorm ways to exploit this.
• Acts as an anchor point for the rest of his team. Keeping him separated from Grey and Strauss may give us an advantage.
• The Director wants this one to suffer.

Current Status:

• Without a clear purpose, Weaver has become a broken, bitter man.
• Physical labor will continue to take place before our sessions - it makes him more malleable.

"Ernst Duffer's progress brief on Dr. Elizabeth Grey."

— Description

INTERROGATION PROGRESS BRIEF

Subject: Grey, Elizabeth

Interrogator: Ernst Duffer

Initial Intake Status:

• Impudent and willful in session but footage from holding cell suggests she is putting on a brave face.
• Repeatedly stated during intake that someone would come looking for her and other members of Requiem.

Current Status:

• Acts ambivalent in regard to her own safety, no longer responds to threats of physical harm.
• Has stated she no longer believes anyone is coming for her.

"Ernst Duffer's progress brief on MacKenzie Carver."

— Description

INTERROGATION PROGRESS BRIEF

Subject: Carver, MacKenzie

Interrogator: Ernst Duffer

Initial Intake Status:

• Trained to counteract interrogation tactics. Time to get creative.
• He boosts morale for the group. Break him, break them all.

Current Status:

• Has resorted to shutting down via dissociation during interrogation.
• Careful to conserve his energy in my presence.
• Running physical training sessions with his companions has kept him stable. Considering isolation.

"Ernst Duffer's progress brief on Dr. Oskar Strauss."

— Description

INTERROGATION PROGRESS BRIEF

Subject: Strauss, Oskar

Interrogator: Ernst Duffer

Initial Intake Status:

• Clings to stringent moral standards.
• Pragmatic core will take time to crack.
• Is aware his knowledge is integral to our objective.

Current Status:

• Welfare of teammates and curiosity keeps him on task.
• Grip on reality has loosened considerably.
• Has become very adept at misdirection. Exercise caution.

"A letter of hire from Project Janus Admin informing Station Chief Maxwell that Ernst Duffer is to server as Terminus' Interrogator."

— Description

09/17/1987

To: Station Chief Maxwell

We are writing to inform you that Ernst Duffer has been assigned to server as Interrogator for the foreseeable future. Mr. Duffer previously served in a similar position at a facility in Hohenschönhausen, Germany. While we cannot disclose his professional history at this time, please understand that we believe he will uphold the standard of quality we have come to expect from Terminus Island.

Sincerely,

Project Janus Administration

"A response from Project Janus Admin, in regard to Station Chief Maxwell's request to dismiss Private Jack Fletcher."

— Description

02/11/1991

To Station Chief Maxwell

We are denying your request for the dismissal of Private Fletcher on grounds that he is an "overly ambitious, mouthy little shit." Instead, we will transfer Private Fletcher to a mainland facility effective 02-17-1991.

Sincerely,
Project Janus Administration

"Dr. Modi provides feedback on the proposed development outline for the Aether Reactor."

— Description

Aether Reactor Development Outline
**CLASSIFIED - INTERNAL USE ONLY**

Projected timeline for completion: 2yrs
Budget: 175 million
Estimated manpower: 144

Recruitment from departments within Terminus Island is preferable. If necessary, staff transfer from mansion site has been authorized. However, I would rather not have those Temporal Flux bastards get involved in the research being carried out by either DA Energies, or Biotech. They're already at a funding advantage, even without scalping our results.

Teams of 6 will operate in 4 week cycles. Restricted communication should be enforced.

[Do not disclose budget! Frugality encourages innovation!]

Artifacts

• Hard Drive
• Keycard
• DRI-11 Beamsmasher
• Limb Regrowth Specimen
• Talisman

"A hard drive used to locate Nathan."

— Description

Hard Drive

"Owen Guthrie's keycard."

— Description

Keycard

"Invented by Anya Tonovsky, this Wonder Weapon harnesses sonic and luminous energies to rapidly degrade organic matter into dust-like particles."

— Description

DRI-11 Beamsmasher

"One of many specimens of its kind, grown by the Terminus Bio-Engineering Department."

— Description

Limb Regrowth Specimen

"The treasure at the end of the storm."

— Description

Talisman