Sun Device

The Sun Device, also known as the Solar Manipulator, was apparently built by the Precursors to function as an artificial radiation source for cold planets. Containing an amazingly powerful exotic energy generator, the Sun Device is a relatively small apparatus that can produce 0.01 percent or so of the Sun's total radiation; this object can be placed in low orbit around a planet, meaning almost half of the radiated energy will be absorbed by the planet. This is a huge amount of energy to add to a planet at once, equivalent to giving the planet a new, artificial sun.

This unique artifact was safeguarded by the Mycon for a very long time (most recently at Beta Brahe); whether it was intended for their use originally or merely found and used by them is unclear, but it was a very important tool in the Mycon's expansion, allowing them to augment the temperature of planets that would otherwise simply be too far from their stars to provide the heat in which the Mycon thrive. The Mycon thus treat the Sun Device as a holy object, calling it the "pod of Juffo-Wup," and guard it zealously. By working with the Syreen to lure most of the Mycon fleet into a trap, The Captain is able to overpower the guards at the Sun Device's world and steal it, knowing that it is the only object capable of accelerating the Process of hybridization between the Chenjesu and Mmrnmhrm.

Gameplay notes

Sources of information

Both Tanaka and the Yehat offer information about the location of the Sun Device. Tanaka also provides a brief description of the device's capability.

The proto-Chmmr state that The Process is driven by radiant energy (light). Although they do admit that larger amounts of light might speed up the process, they warn that it could be dangerous.

Acquisition

In order to be able to land on the planet to retrieve the device, the Mycon fleet must be either greatly diminished or wiped out entirely. The former can be done by sending the bulk of the Mycon fleet into the Syreen ambush at Organon. Alternatively, the latter can be accomplished by waiting for the Ur-Quan Kohr-Ah to exterminate the Mycon, leaving the planet and the Sun Device completely unguarded. This strategy does not require an alliance with the Syreen, but it does become a race against the clock to destroy the Sa-Matra before the Kohr-Ah fleet attacks Earth.

Uses

Using the Device while in orbit of Procyon II causes the Chmmr to emerge, immediately initiating a conversation with the new race.

Relevance to the plot

The Sun Device is essential to completing the game. Once free from the slave shield, the Chmmr are able to provide Avatars to the New Alliance as well as modify the Utwig Bomb (and The Flagship) for the final assault on the Sa-Matra.