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Following the"In Their Footsteps"quest, theUnearthed questtakes you on a journey to themoon and Old Earthin search of anartifactin theStarfielduniverse. During the quest, you learn aboutNASA’s ambitions of reaching the farthest planetsand their experiments with aGrav Drive prototype.
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During the quest, you also learn about thelink between the artifact and the end of life on Earth. Towards the end of the quest, you get to choose on whether you want toalign with either The Emissary or the Hunter, and thepotential consequencesof your decision.
Starting The Quest
To start the quest, you’re required to go to theNova Galactic Research Station, located on themoon of the old Earth. You canfast travelfrom the missions menuto theSol star systemand then toLuna.
Land your spaceshipat the Nova Galactic Research Station and follow the quest marker toinvestigate the facility. Interact with thecomputer terminalinside the research station to learn aboutNASA’s Prism Project.
After interacting with the computer terminal,head outside the research stationand go to its roof. There’s arecordingon the roof of the research station, playing which reveals more details about the Prism Project. You’ll learn that the Prism Project was NASA’s endeavor to reach Jupiter’s orbit.
Go To NASA
To better understand NASA’s objectives, your next steps involve traveling to theold Earthand landing at theNASA Launch Tower site. Follow the quest marker guiding you to the tower andparkour your way upuntil you locate an elevator. Ride the elevator to access anoffice roomand interact with theNASA research computer. Sift through the files on the computer to gain insights intoNASA’s research on a Martian sample. On a side note, while you’re still on Earth, you may want to explore the planets insearch of landmarksandeaster eggs.
Continue your exploration of the research facility, navigating through the rubble. Keep following the objective marker, which will lead you to anaudio recording by Doctor Judith Titienne. Play the recording to discover that Judith was grappling with difficulties in comprehending the nature of the Martian sample. The recording also discloses that she was collaborating onprototype collidersand facing pressure from her colleague,Doctor Victor Aiza, to injecthelium-3into the collider.
While navigating the launch tower, you’ll encounter severallocked security doorsthat require power for unlocking. Near these doors, you’ll find afuse boxand anemergency power cell. Collect the power cell and insert it into the fuse box to open the security door. Upon entering a spacious, laboratory-like area, you’ll be attacked bysecurity robotsand a fewturrets. They aren’t very difficult to deal with.
Once you’ve neutralized the security robots and turrets, follow the objective marker to locate yet anotherNASA research computer. Interact with it to uncover information about theGrav Drive prototypethat Doctor Victor and Judith had been working on, along with theside effectscaused by this prototype.
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Learning The Side Effects Of Grav Drives
With the quest objective now updated, follow the quest marker leading to acontrol roomwhere you can access anothercomputer terminal. Go through the files on the computer to uncover the link between theGrav Drivesand the impending end of life on Earth.
You’ll also gain information revealing that theMartian anomaly (the artifact)led to an event involvingDoctor Victor. He lost a staggering12 days of Earth timewhen he encountered analternate version of himself from a different reality. This alternate self gave him theGrav Drive equations. Additionally, theexperiments conducted on the moon resulted in the Earth’s atmosphere sputtering away, but there was hope for humanity on another planet orbiting a distant star.
Take The Artifact
While you’re still in the control room,search for the staircase leading to an upper level. Once there, make your way to thecolliderand acquire theartifact. With that, you’ll be contacted by theEmissary and the Hunter, who will alert you of otherStarborns who are now pursuing you.
With the artifact in your possession, your next task is toleave the NASA launch tower. However, be prepared to confront a fewStarborns along the way. Starborns arechallenging opponents, so ensure you take them on usingpowerful weapons.
After exiting the launch tower, you’ll encounter theEmissary and the Hunterwaiting to speak with you.
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Choosing The Emissary Or The Hunter
With your newfound knowledge regarding the connection between the artifact and Earth’s demise, theEmissarywill engage you in a critical conversation. He will present you with achoicein thequest to reach theUnity. You have the option to align yourself with either of the twoStarborns, and this choice will ultimately allow you tobecome a Starborntowards the culmination of theConstellation factionquest line.
It’s also important to note thataligning with one of the two Starbornswill set the stage for afuture confrontation against the other. Defeating a Starborn at a later point in the game will grant you access to aunique weapon.
There is also athird alternativeavailable: you’re able to optnot to align with either the Emissary or the Hunterand embark on the journey to the Unity entirely on your own terms.
