The Sun Disk

DESIGNATION: Crucis (EN/EH/TL) [THEORIZED] CONTAINMENT PROTOCOL: Unconfirmed

The first reports of IS-0101 surfaced in late 1987, after an object of extraordinary brightness appeared briefly in High Earth Orbit. Although no GATE staff member has direct experience with this artefact, its dimensions appear to precisely match the 1977 Voyager space probe's Golden Record - prompting Dr. A. Cahn to theorize that it is an extra-terrestrial response to humanity's attempt at outreach. The brief readings attained at the time of its appearance indicate it may be crafted from raw stellar matter. Little is known for sure about the artifact's fate, which disappeared less than 24 hours after being identified. Subsequent reports point strongly to it being in possession of the Order, although how they retrieved it so rapidly, or contained it effectively, remains the subject of speculation. Whether they have extracted coherent information from IS-0101, or have even attempted this, is likewise uncertain.

While the contents of the Sun Disk's message remain obscure, it is clear that contact with the artefact alleviates some of the more instantly lethal effects of extreme conditions. This suggests the device may, amongst other things, be intended to encourage communication - or even contact - between beings habituated to drastically different surviveable temperatures.