The Empty Man

Groundbreaker: Grab a Mardet ID Cartridge from crates on the west side of the docks. Proceed through the security checkpoint and into the security station. Head south to a restricted area, enter, turn west, then south down a hallway to a locked door. Pick the lock (Lockpick 35) and interact with the terminal inside to Eject Docking Records Data Cartridge.

Fallbrook: Travel to Stellar Bay and exit through the southeastern gate, following the road south to Fallbrook. Enter the fourth house on the right and find a datapad in the fridge. Follow the road through town until it ends, then turn northeast to find a river. Follow the river northwest to the southern bank to find Reginald Chaney. Talk to him with Max present. After their conversation, Chaney will reveal that a hermit on Scylla might be able to translate Max's book. You can choose to kill Chaney (negative Reputation with SubLight) or spare him.

Return to Max: After dealing with Chaney, return to the Unreliable and speak with Max. He will apologize for his deception and thank you if you spared Chaney.

Scylla: Travel to Scylla. Exit the Unreliable and head south to an elevator. Ride down, continue south to a road, and follow it northeast to a building on a hill. Be prepared for outlaws, primals, and automechanicals (around level 20). Follow the road uphill northeast until it ends at a concrete platform. Turn east and move around pallets to find the Hermit's Lodge.

The Hermit's Lodge: Enter the lodge and speak with the Hermit. She will suggest using hallucinogens to help Max. Agree to participate and enter the side room to interact with the “sacramental incense”.

Max's Epiphany: During Max's “spirit journey,” you will experience hallucinations. Your actions during this phase do not significantly alter the outcome. After the journey, you will receive 2,375 Bits and an Incense Vessel. Max will gain the Tuned In perk, increasing drug effect duration by +50%.