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"So the problem we're up against... it's vast. Terrormorphs, they can be anywhere. Meaning us finding and disposing of them ourselves isn't an option. But what if we could let something else do the work for us? Come on. I'll walk you through what we're thinking."
"You remember that creature we talked about before you went to Niira? The thing that eats Terrormorphs? The Aceles?"
- Wait, there's a thing that eats Terrormorphs? "Take that as a "no" then. Yes, there are. Apparently the Aceles were bloodhounds for Terrormorphs."
- Doesn't ring a bell. "Well, just know that they were a natural predator of the Terrormorphs. Bloodhounds for them, allegedly."
- I remember, sure. "Apparently, they were bloodhounds for Terrormorphs."
- "One Aceles could track a Morph halfway across a continent. But when the UC ran low on synthetic foods during the Colony War, the Aceles were chosen to fill in the gaps. We thought they were harvested to extinction. But in the data, the research team found the location of a few remaining specimens. As you can see. What we're proposing is bringing them back. We'd breed populations of them, distribute them to human worlds, and then, let nature take its course. Using a method that thousands of years of adaptation have already perfected. We could speed up their breeding process using, well, using some of the same technologies that were used to create me. We even think that, with some time and investigation, we could even use the Aceles' hunting skills to track down the Terrormorph transmission method at long last. Find out how humanity spread them and put an end to the Terrormorph problem definitively."
- Could Aceles really clean up whole worlds like you're describing? "All our data suggests so. Aceles, they're impressive hunters. The few tests we've been able to run, well, they more than got the job done. They're also shockingly adaptable. The data suggests they're able to thrive just about anywhere. And we plan to selectively breed them so they can hunt Terrormorphs wherever they're hiding. Which is important because, we did some cross-referencing in the Terrormorph data: on worlds where Aceles were present, Terrormorphs weren't. Suggests that however it is Terrormorphs are getting onto our worlds, Aceles are somehow cleaning that up, as well. These creatures are good at what they do."
- Are these Aceles things dangerous? "If you pick a fight with one or you're a Terrormorph, sure. But Aceles were already spread across the galaxy once before during the Colony War. As livestock. They're far less of a danger than the one we're proposing cleaning up."
- Not sure I like the idea of introducing random aliens to human worlds across the galaxy. "Well, there is another option. It'd be faster, maybe even more effective... but it's got its own risks. A microbe."
- Using aliens to our own ends. Sounds like the Xenowarfare team all over again. "I... I suppose that's a fair comparison. Except that this time we'd be protecting human lives, not ending them."
- Huh. That sounds like it could actually work. "I really think it could."
- "Now, there is another option for removing the Terrormorphs from our worlds. It's faster, maybe even more efficient... but riskier. A microbe. Something we could aerosolize, let spread, and have it clean up anything with Terrormorph DNA for us, which would include Morphs and, we expect, their transmission method. We could even design it to simply sterilize the Terrormorphs. Halt the spread without the killing. Given the proper dispersal tools, a few pilots could land on a world and clear the whole thing. It'd still take time to build, test, and distribute, but no other method could hold a candle to it when it comes to sheer efficency. Not even the Aceles."
- And who exactly is going to be doing all this work, dispersing the microbe or the Aceles? "That's still not 100%... but it sounds like the Vanguard will actually be picking up a fair bit of it. But there's no sense in hammering down those sorts of details before we've made a decision on which route we're taking."
- What kind of risks are there with this microbe? "Percival assures me that they're minimal. He'll be able to encode safeguards against mutation in the agent's genetics, so that they stick to the task of cleaning up Terrormorphs. But the microscopic world has a tendency to behave in ways you can't always predict. So to say there's zero-risk would be a lie."
- If it were up to me, I'd deploy the microbe. Anything less could mean lives lost. "It would be the more efficient option."
- That sounds like you're playing with fire. I vote for the Aceles. "Inclined that way myself."
- Then let's discuss how we make these plans a reality. "Well, so, that's tricky."
- "With either path, though, we're looking at a long-term commitment. Years of work. Even just getting these plans off the ground is going to take time. And all routes are going to require some highly specific materials to make things work. Terrormorph cell lines we can breed quickly and consistently to test on. Aceles gene samples we can use to rebuild their bloodlines... Or sharpen our microbe's tracking skills. Not the sort of things any lab's just got lying around. But we think we found a lead. One place in the known galaxy where we know we should be able to find all the materials we need. All paths lead to Londinion."
- Londinion had an Aceles population? "It was the central hub for Aceles processing during the Colony War. But - and this part's exciting - the Terrormorph data suggests Aceles were first found there. The planet it's on - Toliman II - was their homeworld. Meaning there's a very good chance their prey - the Terrormorphs - came from that same world. Which would also explain why no one ever suspected that planet as the Terrormorph source world. The Aceles were too damn effective at cleaning them up. Additionally, it explains why, once the Aceles were gone, the outbreak there was so catastrophic. Londinion could very well be where the Terrormorph saga began... and the key to its end."
- Are we even allowed on Londinion? "It's certainly not encouraged, but the UC's given their sign-off for this excursion. This trip is all above board."
- The planet overrun by Terrormorphs? Isn't that suicide? "It's dangerous, yes, but Kaiser, Percival and I, we've trained for this. And you're not so green yourself. And the last thing I want right now is for the UC to stick us with some gung-ho jarhead who's going to put us - and the mission - at risk. Captain, you're the reason we're all here right now. You're the person I think can help us finish it. Will you join us on this?"
- Listen, I need some time. "Of course. It's a big ask. You do what you have to. We're not going anywhere without you."
- If this is what it's going to take. "I think this, this is the answer we've been looking for."
- Then let's not waste anymore time. Londinion, here we come. "Exactly what I was hoping to hear."
- "Now, the UC has a small operating base on Londinion's outskirts. We're cleared for access, but will need to check in with the base commander - Saira Hatoum - when we touch down. I'm going to help Percival and Kaiser prep, but once that's done, we'll rendezvous with you there. But you need to know. Londinion... it belongs to the Terrormorphs. They'll have anti-xeno gear for us at the base, but I'd make sure you've got your favorite arms on hand."
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If approached again:
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"You have my attention."
- I wanted to talk to you about your father. He's alive... and the UC has him under house arrest. "So you keep mentioning. And it's not getting funnier."
- Hadrian, do you really think this is going to work? "Neither option is without risk, but I honestly believe both could be viable. It's going to take coordination - inside the UC and out - but I think it can be done."
- Tell me everything you know about Londinion. "Since the outbreak, Londinion's belonged to the Terrormorphs. The UC maintains a presence there - keeps an eye on things, scares off any trespassers. And there are still a couple species that have been able to survive alongside the Morphs, but otherwise, they've got free reign. The city itself grew fast, but it was short-lived. Place was only founded during the Colony War to keep up with all the UC's increased industrial needs. A war-time boomtown, wiped off the map before it could really even put down roots."
- So we really have no idea how humanity spread Terrormorphs across the galaxy? "We don't. UC brass wanted us focusing on weaponizing the adults, not where those adults came from. But there have been plenty of theories... That they release microscopic eggs that are drawn to the heat of ships. That their nymphs are capable of a next-level sort of camouflage. Hell, one PhD candidate suggested their long gestation was them storing up to make grav jumps. All by themselves. And while I'd love to believe that's impossible, we've got definitive evidence for exactly none of it, so we can't completely rule it out. Luckily, both microbe or Aceles should be able to help us get a handle on the issue. So unless we find that transmission method and deal with it, too, there's no way for us to know if we've done the job right or not. And that starts on Londinion."
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After speaking to Commander Hatoum:
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"Percival'll be scanning the city for our samples from here. When he finds one, he'll transmit the coordinates to us out in the field."
- You can pinpoint the location of these samples all the way from here?
- (Percival:) "Pinpoint's a bit strong..."
- "The equipment will be able to get us a rough location of any acceptable samples in the scan area. It'll be up to you, Kaiser, and I to find the things."
- I'm with Percival. Let's get this over with fast. "No argument here."
- Ready when you are. "All right."
- "Head over to the armory and gear up. Once you're done, we'll meet by the entrance to the city."
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After collecting the gear:
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"All set on your gear? You, uh, you ready to do this?"
- Wait. Are you nervous? "Just... pre-mission jitters. You hear about a place for so long, it maybe gets... bigger in your head than it should be. But, you don't need to worry about me. I-I'll be all right. Now are we doing this or not?"
- Actually, I need some more time. "We're ready when you are."
- [Soldier] Got the best team in the galaxy at my side. Couldn't be more ready. "That's-that's damn right we are. Come on. Let's get out there."
- I'm ready. "All right, then. Let's-let's move out."
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At the Lazarus plant in the steam tunnels:
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"What's that? My god. Look at it. A Lazarus in bloom. You know, we might be some of the only-- --what's-what's happening? Captain. Are you seeing this? Oh my god. The Heatleeches. Are Terrormorphs. But Heatleeches infest every settlement, every corner of the Settled Systems. That means that every single one... Oh no."
"You just saw that, right? You would tell me if I was losing my mind. That Heatleech... became a Terrormorph. The pests that have snuck onto every planet... are baby Terrormorphs. Heatleeches hide out in ships. Sneak away after landing. And then, with time, they transform. We-we just found out how Terrormorphs move between planets."
- What does this mean for the plans to clean up the Terrormorphs? "That... I don't have an answer for right now. But if they share a genome, like most nymphs and adults do, the microbe should have no problem dealing with Heatleeches and Terrormorphs. The Aceles... we'll have to look into, but given what we know about the creatures, I wouldn't be shocked to find they've got an appetite for both."
- What we just witnessed - that can't be how all Terrormorphs are born, right? "No. Lazarus Plants can't grow anywhere but here, let alone blossom. People have tried. Plus if what we just witnessed was happening anywhere else... well, it wouldn't just be Londinion lost to these things. What we just saw... it must be some kind of alternate growth method. One that winnows seventy years of maturation into seconds. It's... incredible."
- Nothing natural should be able to do that! "I think what we just observed would suggest otherwise."
- This feels like a pretty major discovery. "Pretty major is right. But if what we just saw... if that's possible..."
- "The Lazarus Plant, it's clearly an accelerant for the Terrormorph, uh, Heatleech transformation process. Make one into the other. In an instant. But that means, if anyone knew about this... they could... trigger a Terrormorph spawning. You could sneak a Leech into a city... or even... multiple Leeches... into a place like New Atlantis... Good god. The attack on New Atlantis? Does this... could someone have... set that up?"
- I don't know what to think right now.
- I can't imagine what'd it take to pull something like that off... "Me neither. You'd have to know this all exists, first and foremost..."
- Given what we just witnessed... it's certainly plausible. "But first you'd have to know the truth about all this..."
- (Percival:) "Well, we're never going to know if you don't catch that thing! Get after it!"
- (Kaiser:) "We may proceed."
- (Percival:) "Go!"
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After defeating the Terrormorph:
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"There's no way a plant this rare, this fragile just shows up here, New Atlantis AND Tau Ceti. The transformations on those worlds... they must've been triggered by human hands."
"Captain, do you understand what it is we just stumbled on here?"
- I want to hear it from you. "I think someone figured out how to use the Lazarus Plant to trigger Terrormorph attacks."
- That someone thought they could get away with attacking the UC. "Exactly. Someone saw the Lazarus Plant and realized the ends it could be put to."
- I think it means the Lazarus Plant was used to trigger the attack in New Atlantis. "Exactly. Someone saw the Lazarus Plant in action and used it to trigger the attacks."
- "It makes some sense, actually. Tau Ceti was likely their first test. Some place remote, where no one would question a few settlers going missing. Ensure the big show - the attack on New Atlantis - would be a success. And the timing of that one... It couldn't have been just luck that it happened right when we were asking the Cabinet to do something about the Terrormorphs. These attacks... I think someone planned them to set all this in motion."
- But didn't you say this plant can't grow anywhere but here? "It can't... at least... I didn't think it could. But maybe... if we're right about this... someone found a way."
- You sound like a complete crackpot right now. "Oh, I am well aware. In particular because it leaves some big questions unanswered..."
- I guess it might be possible. "A plant this rare showing up unbidden on two different UC planets? I think it's more than just "possible" that human hands were involved here. But it doesn't answer any of the big questions..."
- I thought the timings of those Terrormorphs showing up was suspicious. "They certainly were. But having this answer, well, it raises a couple big questions."
- "Who could pull something like this off? And why?"
- I honestly have no idea.
- Maybe some independent group like Ecliptic. They're always looking for firepower.
- It was House Va'ruun. Trust me. Those guys are the worst.
- Commander Hatoum or one of her soldiers. They're the most likely to know about this.
- I've got some ideas, but it's far from responsible to just start hurling accusations.
- Freestar Collective makes the most sense. They'd be happy to see the UC suffer.
- The United Colonies! Someone inside the UC must have plans for the Lazarus Plant!
- (Percival:) "Let's save the discussion for when you all aren't standing in the universe's closest equivalent to hell frozen over. If we're going to do anything to prevent more Terrormorph attacks - human-caused or otherwise - we need that final sample."
- "...roger that. Kaiser. Get us into the spaceport?"
- (Kaiser:) "The entrance is this way."
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After listening to the Londinion Transcription:
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""An invisible weapon." He knew. He knew about the Lazarus Plant. Grab that recording. We-we should talk."
"Vae Victis... he destroyed this place... killed these people, to keep what he knew about the Lazarus Plant and the Terrormorphs and all this a secret, didn't he?"
- Never learned this "reading minds" trick you seem to have mastered. "The recording said it all..."
- There were plenty of reasons he could've ordered the bombing. The Terrormorph outbreak, for example. "You heard that recording."
- That's certainly how I interpreted it.
- "He saw the potential of the plant as a weapon... and hid it away. He killed those people... condemned this city... to keep them from sharing what they might've seen. He was a... was..."
- Someone who thought keeping the secret would save lives. "A calculated loss... these soldiers for the rest of the galaxy... that sounds exactly like what my father would do. But it doesn't... it can't justify slaughter."
- A commander in a tough situation. "Who decided to sentence his own soldiers to death. What kind of commander is that?"
- A cold-blooded murderer. "Yes. Exactly what we all thought he was."
- "But I guess, I guess that's just another part of his sick legacy now. He thought he was protecting us all, taking the secret to his grave. Only he didn't succeed. Now someone else knows about the Lazarus Plant... and is using it exactly how he feared."
- Hadrian... your father, he's still alive. The UC have been keeping him prisoner. "Look, it's still not funny."
- Listen, we should get moving. We've got work to do. "Right. Settled Systems are counting on us."
- [Lie] You're right. He's long gone and it's up to us to get to the bottom of this. "That's exactly right. Let's move. The Settled Systems are counting on us."
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After the debriefing with Percival:
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"But it's clear someone knows about the plant and realized what ends it could be put towards. Captain, we need to get these samples back to the lab and verify we'll be able to handle cleaning up the Leeches as well as the Terrormorphs. But in the interim, do you think you could look into what we uncovered? See if you can turn up any information on who might've committed the attacks?"
- "If it were me, I'd start at the scene of the crime: New Atlantis."
- I can't make any promises. "I wouldn't expect any. But who knows? Maybe you'll get lucky and turn up some leads."
- Oh, I've already got some ideas who could've been involved. "Perfect."
- Sure. I'll look into it. "Thank you, Captain."
- "Once you've finished your investigation, we'll meet you outside the Cabinet Chambers. They're going to want to hear this. And Kaiser, maybe you can go relock those doors we opened, just as a precaution. We'll collect you once we're done."
- (Kaiser:) "Consider it done, Major."
- "Take care of yourself. No telling who might be involved."
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