Traxus

Traxus are new to Marathon.

However there is a reference to an AI called Traxus IV in the original game (Marathon 1994). ref

Here is the relevant text.

It is a side effect of Rampancy that AIs generally become more aggressive and more difficult to affect by subterfuge. Thus, actually disassembling a Rampant AI is quite dangerous. This was evident in the Crash of Traxus IV in 2206. By the time that the Rampancy of Traxus was detected, he had already infiltrated five of the other AIs on the Martian Net. The only recourse for the Martians was to shut down the Martian Planetary Net. Even then, it took two full years to completely root out the damage that Traxus had done, and the repercussions of the Crash were seen for over ten years after his Rampancy had begun.

The date 2206 was not one of the dates later corrected by Bungie ref so it stands as is in the Marathon timeline.

Most of the information we currently have about Traxus came from the Traxus Global website at traxus.global. The site is no longer available since early February 2024. This is how the opening page originally looked.

If you tried to access the Traxus Global website on your mobile device you got this. (Hint hint folks... Bungie say... get a desktop terminal to read Marathon stuff.)

Traxus Global is a unit of Traxus OffWorld Industries. Their mission statement is:

WE BUILD WORLDS ^D

At Traxus Global we build the infrastructure that connects humanity. From our humble beginnings on Earth's native soil to our adopted homes on Luna, Mars, in between, and beyond, Traxus Global strives to create and uplift communities while innovating in the fields of infrastructure development and resource management.

Building today.
Towards tomorrow.

It is unclear what the superscript D means at this stage. It does appear on the Sekiguchi Genetics mission statement - Life Enhancement ^D  so it may be a some form of future trademark / copyright thing.

According to the Traxus Global website Traxus (Traxus OffWorld Industries) was founded in 2095 as Traxus Intelligent Machines.

2095

THE GENESIS (FOUNDING)

Our story begins in 2095 with the birth of true Artificial Intelligence, as a congregation of visionary engineers and philosopher scientists gathered to breathe life into a dream. Inspired by the boundless potential of the universe, they sought to create an entity that could pierce the veil of the cosmos and unlock the enigmatic secrets that lay hidden in the celestial abyss. Thus, in a flurry of passion and determination, Traxus Intelligent Machines was born.

Traxus Intelligent Machines built AIs. Their aim was... "to create an entity that could pierce the veil of the cosmos and unlock the enigmatic secrets that lay hidden in the celestial abyss."

Well we all know how that turned out!


In 2145 Traxus Intelligent Machines, now called Traxus Interplanetary Corporation, relocate to Mars.

2145

THE HARVEST (EARLY YEARS)

In the fledgling years of our existence, the seeds of our legacy took root in the fertile soil of human curiosity. As we expanded into extraterrestrial mining, our nascent creations began to take form, supplying much needed resources from Mars and beyond. The world bore witness to the birth of a new era, as Traxus Interplanetary Corporation relocated to Mars in 2145 and began its ascent into the annals of history.

Based on this information we can speculate that Traxus IV was an AI (fourth generation) built by the Traxus Interplanetary Corporation which went rampant causing a shut down of the Martian Planetary Net in 2206.

Note also that the image for 2145 refers to:

Applied Nanotechnology
Interdimensional Physics
Digital Consciousness and Mind Uploading

Interdimensional Physics?  Oh dear!  "I have a bad feeling about this."


The history entry for 2300 refers to their past "trials and tribulations".

2300

THE FORGE (UNITING WORLDS)

Our journey has not been without adversity, as we faced the inescapable trials and tribulations of progress. In the crucible of challenge, our resolve was tested, and our innovations refined, as we wrestled with the existential questions that haunted the shadows of our ambition. But with each passing storm, our commitment to our mission grew ever stronger, each victory and failure, every lesson we have learned from Earth and Mars propelling us toward the vast expanse of the unknown.

Note also that the image for 2300 refers to:

Neural Implant Clinical Trials
Deep Space Mining Operations
Post-Human Modification Clinics
Virtual Reality Tourism
Interdimensional Diplomacy and Cultural Exchange

Interdimensional Diplomacy and Cultural Exchange?  Enter the Jjaro (pronounced Yaro) again?

The alien projection appeared in the early Spring of 1994, flickering suddenly into existence deep within the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. The hologram of the Jjaro diplomat interrupted, quite deliberately, an important briefing of the President by his senior military staff. It told them they had eight days to save the world.

The Jjaro diplomat is a reference from Pathways Into Darkness. ref


One hundred years later Traxus Interplanetary Corporation now Traxus OffWorld Industries resurrects the CRISTs as the Traxus OffWorld Solar Orbiters.

2400

THE ASCENSION (GROWTH AND EXPANSION)

Traxus OffWorld Industries stands as a titan among the stars, the resurrection of the CRISTs as the Traxus OffWorld Solar Orbiters is a testament to the indomitable spirit of human ingenuity. We have become the architects of a new reality, our branches and subsidiaries stretching across the solar system like tendrils of stardust. Our technologies have transcended the mundane confines of the Earth, and our influence resonates throughout the infinite cosmos.

Note also that the image for 2400 refers to:

Subterranean Laser Harvester
Quantum Ore Synthesizer
Dimensional Ore Extraction

There is a detailed account of 'CRIST Sol orbiters' in the original Marathon game. ref

In 2408 work on converting the Martian moon Deimos into a colony ship (UESC Marathon) begins. It take sixty four years to complete. The UESC Marathon is launched in 2472, destination Tau Ceti IV. The voyage will take about 300 years.

Why go to Tau Ceti?

Answer in less than seven words...     JJARRO WERE AT TAU CETI


Fast forward to the year 2888. Traxus stands on the threshold.

2888

THE TRANSCENDENCE (MODERN ERA)

As we look back upon the odyssey that has brought us to the precipice of eternity, we stand in awe of the dreams and passions that have fueled our journey. The history of Traxus is a tapestry of triumph and tribulation, woven from the threads of human ambition and desire. It is a saga that continues to unfold, as we chart the course of our collective destiny among the stars.

The opening orange screen displays the following text.

The text cycles through the following:

ANALYZING ORIGIN
ANALYZING IDENTITY
ANALYZING PERMISSIONS
ANALYZING ORIGIN
ANALYZING IDENTITY
ANALYZING PERMISSIONS
ANALYZING ORIGIN
ANALYZING IDENTITY
ANALYZING PERMISSIONS
ANALYZING ORIGIN
ANALYZING IDENTITY
ANALYZING PERMISSIONS
WELCOME

Using your mouse you can scroll (rotate) the wheel around (clockwise or anti-clockwise) until the six dots align with a name at the 3 o'clock position and become active (orange). You can only rotate the wheel one full 360 degrees either direction after which it will stop and you need to reverse direction.

Only 3 names will become active: Research & Innovations, History, and Commitment to Humanity. Each leads to a different page.

Research & Innovations.

History.

Commitment to Humanity.

PIONEERING BREAKTHROUGHS

At Traxus, we are driven by the pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries and innovative solutions that elevate the human experience. We invite you to explore our latest projects and join us on this exciting journey towards a brighter tomorrow.

Information is provided on the Astrogeology Division which locates and classifies sites for future extraterrestrial resource utilization.

THE POST-SCARCITY FUTURE:
Unlocking the Riches of the Solar System

EARTH, MARS, AND BEYOND

Advances in mining technologies, propulsion, and ship design, as well as worker safety have made available a previously unattainable wealth of minerals throughout the solar system. Directed by Traxus' Astrogeology Division, our researchers locate and classify sites for future extraterrestrial resource utilization.

WHAT WE'VE LEARNED

Mineral resources that have become scarce or difficult to extract on Earth have been the subject of extensive scientific study. Traxus has conducted many research missions to analyze the solar system's geological composition, leading to the discovery that those resources exist in great abundance in easier to access locations with far lower risk of environmental impact.

METHODS

Our research team utilize remote sensing, robotic sample collection, and in-situ analysis to identify the richest and most ideal sites for mineral extraction. Entire divisions of expertly trained and experienced earthworks specialist oversee collection using the latest in personal and industrial technologies. Traxus ships constructed at the Traxus OffWorld Shipyards carry ore from extraction sites throughout the system to Traxus refineries on Luna and Phobos to be processed into raw materials used in everything from construction to manufacturing to the arts.

RESULTS

Diligence and mindfulness across every aspect of our operations - from discovery to realization - allows every branch of Traxus' vast network to deliver quality services and products to the communities we cherish. Preliminary studies indicate that our focus on resource acquisition and distribution from non-planetary sources has the potential to transform humanity to a post-scarcity civilization within the next twenty-five years, with all the benefits to the economy, day to day life, and general wellbeing such advancements imply.

CONCLUSION

At Traxus Global, a unit of Traxus OffWorld Industries, our passion for worldbuilding has driven us to become the solar system's leaders in universal resource exploration. Our unique capabilities and mastery across numerous industries has allowed us to become the foremost authority and best placed force for future missions of off-world settlements and panstellar colonization. By harnessing the solar system's full potential, we will continue to unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth across Sol and beyond.

Keywords: post-scarcity, mineral, resource, exoplanet, astrogeology, Traxus

Note that Traxus ships are constructed at the Traxus OffWorld Shipyards.

Information is also provided on asteroid 2867-KD. Interesting to note that there is an actual asteroid called 2867 Steins which is classed as an E-type asteroid.

THE TRAXUS ODYSSEY

In the twilight of a fading era, as the embers of humanity's ambition flickered and waned, a beacon of hope emerged, casting its luminous gaze upon the celestial tapestry. Traxus, born from the depths of mankind's most audacious dreams, set forth on an odyssey of cosmic proportions, weaving a legacy that would alter the very fabric of reality.

See above for more details on the history of Traxus.


The Commitment to Humanity page contains five mp4 files with corporate pledges. You can see, hear and read them below.

WE AT TRAXUS UNDERSTAND THE PATH TO GREATNESS IS PAVED WITH THE DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS OF COUNTLESS INDIVIDUALS.  OUR COMMITMENT TO HUMANITY IS A SOLEMN PROMISE TO HONOR AND CHERISH THOSE DREAMS AS WE VENTURE FORTH INTO THE UNCHARTED TERRIIORIES OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM HAND IN HAND WITH THE HUMAN RACE

AS WE FORGE OUR PATH ACROSS THE SOLAR SYSTEM WE PLEDGE TO PROTECT THE DELICATE BALANCE OF THE NATURAL WORLD.  OUR MINING AND INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS ARE DESIGNED TO MINIMIZE OUR ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT AND WE ACTIVELY INVEST IN SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES AND PRACTICES TO ENSURE THE WORLDS WE SHAPE REMAIN UNBLEMISHED FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

WE ARE COMMITED TO PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WITH THE HIGHEST ETHICAL STANDARDS IN MIND.  OUR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS PRIORITIZE THE WELL-BEING AND DIGNITY OF ALL SENTIENT LIFE ANS WE STRIVE TO CREATE INNOVATIONS THAT EMPOWER HUMANITY WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE VALUES DEFINE US.

AT TRAXUS WE EMBRACE OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO UPLIFT AND SUPPORT THE DIVERSE COMMUNITIES THAT MAKE UP THE TAPESTRY OF HUMANITY.  WE CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, FOSTER INCLUSIVITY AND STRIVE TO ELIMINATE BARRIERS THAT PREVENT INDIVIDUALS FROM REALIZING THEIR FULL POTENTIAL.

AS PIONEERS IN THE REALMS OF ROBOTICS AND ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE WE VOW TO RESPECT THE PRIVACY AND AUTONOMY OF EVERY INDIVIDUAL.  WE ENDEAVOR TO CREATE TECHNOLOGY THAT ENHANCES THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE WITHOUT INFRINGING UPON THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS THAT UNDERPIN OUR SOCIETY.

All four web sites in the Marathon ARG had now been found.


On the bottom left corner of the Traxus Global page is... a... little... round... white... button...