I always assumed we originally stole the goons code.
Who in turn stole it from the original source code..
Who in turn was just a crude tech-demo on how to make atmospheric flows in byond...
From what I remember.
Exadv1 makes Cellautomata to test atmospheric simulations.
Some people want him to expand it
He does and just throws in all sorts of features.
Continue for 2-3 years.
Ex makes a beta release of a new version but it's extremely buggy.
Ex loses the source code and is left with only the beta release.
Development stops for a long time.
Goons discover Spacestation 13.
Hobnob learns of the situation and creates a decompiler, and decompiles the last non-superbuggy version.
He gives it to Ex, who doesn't want to work on it anymore.
He adds a power system, then gives it to AZA(with Exadv1's approval to continue developing it), and promises not to redistribute it.
AZA enlists Murrawhip to help him.
AZA suddenly releases the source code in a forum post.
The official forums ban AZA.
They decide to make an official version that anyone can contribute to after submitting changes.
Several people are made official developers, and are to oversee the changes.
Goons make changes and have their own version.
Nickr5/Feodrich/(Someone I'm forgetting) make another version with a ton of guns, rocket launchers, and pilotable military shuttles with chain guns.
Android Data wants to be an official Developer. Forum staff and Devs don't think it's a good idea.
Android Data eventually gets banned.
Data makes his own version.
Not much happens for a year.
Bay12 starts discussion on Space Station 13
Awesomeness happens