Welcome to Gaia! ::

Welcome, Sciencers! Now if you'll just sign these simple and very standard disclaimer forms, we can begin our tour. Did you know before today that we have an island outpost just off the coast, not too far from the Isle de Gambino? Now that you're here with me, we can trek through the jungles and marshes-- hopefully bypassing the rather dangerous inhabitants-- to reach our island center. Gorgeous, isn't it? This is where we scientists of the EI Labs study ecology, volcanology, seafloor topography, and can-we-bring-dinosaurs-back-to-life-ology. We're moderately successful in some of those studies, too! Anyways, the real gem of our island lab is our hydrothermic stimulation pond. It's great for submerging Evolving Items in a nutrient-rich environment to help them develop, and works wonders on sore muscles, too! Would you care to see the results of our latest experiment in all things spa-like and sciency? Let's observe:

Zodiacal: Equinox: This month, the Astrolabe has turned towards the constellation Aries! Independent, optimistic, bold, and courageous, the Aries person isn't afraid to lead the pack. They're a bit short tempered, but ultimately heroic in nature. An Aries is sure to bring a touch of spirit and brightness to any setting or ensemble!

Recon Pariah: --he looks so fragile, you think again; a sack of skin and blood held together with a laughably archaic calcified framework.

How strange we they are. Still, it's unfortunate. He is, technically, an innocent. But needs must.

< grey. grey-- >

< blue? got a major glitch out here. can't see you at all, entire sim went dark. the vultures-- >

You flex your hands against your knees, and the panels slide open beneath the gloves. The ripper's work thrums within your ribs, straining against the shielding that's hidden it, thus far, from the routine scans that had you breaking out into a cold sweat every week. The ripper had done well, even if she'd worked with hands covered in motor oil.

Unresolvable error.

"I'm sorry," you say, and you mean it the way you'd apologize to a mouse you had to trap.

"For what?" he it says.

"She makes," you whisper, "a very persuasive case."

The transport jostles along the road. They're soundproof and dark-windowed and self-propelled because the corporations have secrets to keep.

They didn't expect that you'd have them too. They've always underestimated you. They've always held you back, constrained you to an arbitrary ratio of flesh to metal, branded you as property. They trained you to treat this like a game, and they taught you how to win, and then they tried to take your toys away.

The transport trundles to a hissing stop at the rendezvous, and when it opens 482's body tumbles out, shoved by the toe of a
mechanical leg.

Ooh, a chilling installment! Our data suggests that there will be another similar development occurring approximately one week from today, so please check back then, Sciencers! If you'd like to get a little more field time with this stunning specimen, simply pick up your own from my friends at La Victoire. Do be wary of any slight changes in mood, sleeping patterns, or ability to whistle once this latest Evolving Item is in your possession. Have fun, Scienteers!