Phase A — Remote, non-contact survey (mandatory)
Full spectral mapping (multi-band EM, neutrino flux, gravimetric tomography, particle scattering).
High-resolution LIDAR & interferometric imaging to resolve structure down to sub-centimeter scale remotely.
Passive sampling: collect ambient plasma/particle signatures in the immediate vicinity without touching the structure.
Ethograming: log the entity's field patterns and responses over extended periods to verify it is truly inert. Goal: everything we can learn without touching.
Phase B — Targeted soft-touch sampling (if Phase A shows no signs of reanimation)
Deploy micro-probes (needle-sized, tethered, sterilized) to sample already detached material (bone fragments or flakes lying free in the debris field), not embedded core tissue. Probes should:
Use micro-lasers and cold-grabbers to remove <1 mg samples.
Autopsy the sample inside sealed analysis cells on the ship (no open manipulation in the field).
In-situ non-destructive analysis: Raman, mass spectrometry, cryo-electron diffraction on extracted micro-samples.
Quarantine & replicate: data + vitrified physical sample stored in the Vault; create digital clones for distribution to Assembly labs. Goal: minimize physical removal; only take material already separated from the main corpse.
Phase C — Higher-impact sampling (only by unanimous consent)
If Phase B yields critical, time-sensitive data that cannot be obtained otherwise (e.g., active biochemistry that could affect other life), call for full mission consensus (captain + SERA + scientific council).
If approved, micro-core extraction using a single guided ultrasonically damped drill — with ritual observance and an offering Anchor placed adjacent. Goal: last resort; documented justification required.