Messages from Beyond
On each map, near Epistemics, is the mysterious Oracle. This being of questionable origin exists as a statue and will make demands of random items of seemingly random importance. This can run all the way from the RCD, the Rapid Construction Device that the Chief Engineer starts with all the way to a single cartridge of a random caliber from Security.
The list of requested items is truly random, but there are a few limitations. It won't ask for anything that can't be reproduced. It will never ask, for instance, for a Nuclear Authentication Disk nor will it ask for the Head of Security's hat. It may ask for rare and valuable circuit boards, however, or items that you have no way to request with your current technology level.
The Oracle, once provided with the requested item, will destroy the item and will fill its reservoir with one of a few liquids and produce a varying amount of Bluespace Crystals and a Technology Point Disk.
The various liquids that can be produced are:
Wine - Exactly what it says on the tin. It's wine. This is very useful to make Holy Water.
Ichor - A mystical healing substance that can treat all manner of wounds.
Lotophagi Oil - A mysterious liquid that while make the imbiber quite high and have a chance to give the imbiber psionic powers.
The Oracle and You
Epistemics can use the bluespace crystals provided by the Oracle to make more Probers. Alternatively, Cargo can sell them for a hefty profit. The technology disks provide a nice alternative to Anomaly generation and artifact research in a way that is 100% safe, if of varying utility.
Of course, people with traitorous goals may also use the Oracle to go about their deeds. The bluespace can be used by a traitor to build a rogue Prober to drive the Glimmer up for an objective, or, alternatively, the Lotophagi oil can be used to attempt to give a traitor psionic powers.