I follow into bright, and falling white. Blinking, the Id EIS ocular field resolves red sunlight, filtered by swirling falling snowflakes, shining down upon a white-sparkling snow-blanketed courtyard which The Master is already striding across, its black robe slightly billowing from the motion, heading towards the center...8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzv8zvjwzA 維尼
Endless.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡJT2Xdm7QoO 維尼
(Go.)8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAJaoL5Qmt 維尼
I hurry after it.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡPq0wBspGJa 維尼
"We will spend more time together," The Master promises me distractedly, its exhalations puffing white.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BAIXnVmlr 維尼
Joy. "If it please you!"8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6TI5FKj2y 維尼
While we approach the empty center, marble-like steps slowly fade into view. They end abruptly, mid-air.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOPK635UL6 維尼
Conveyence?8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0w0Aeuqbxb 維尼
The Master climbs halfway, then glances back.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRV5mRFCmo 維尼
I follow, halting beside it as the marble-like staircase begins a flowing ascent upwards through the swirling falling snowflakes, bringing us towards further Levels coming visible above...8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgeftQl5Qy 維尼
"This is one of my residence quadrants," The Master states. "You will know them."8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIxDSnFlMn 維尼
"Yes, Master Gabriel." Dutifully turning from it, I stare up at a vast second Level nearing: square like the shape of the Tower, this sprawling Level is separated, by darkly opaque partitions acting as walls, into four huge biome squares bound by the distant clear outerwalls of the Tower showing through to a bloated red sun hanging in the blue afternoon sky...8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOJUS9Bwnn 維尼
Hm. It seems reasonably sized.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHovS1Pz41 維尼
When we reach the edge of this second Level, the rising marble-like stairs now smoothly transition into a flowing flat walkway bringing us alongside for a closer look at one huge square biome filled with white-lumped shapes as snowflakes keep falling everywhere. A darkly opaque partition obscures sight, then another similar square comes into view. I am memorizing every detail of it before we hit the corner of the Level and the conveyer smoothly transitions back into marble-like stairs bringing us upwards through the snow towards a vast, sprawling third Level...8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnGlOT5f8y 維尼
Done.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡxr5rmBB2Lk 維尼
Passing a certain threshold –8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dRzwCUe6H 維尼
– rain patters upon us instead of snowflakes, endless droplets falling down in sheets. While still ascending, I look down towards a point in space where each raindrop silently explodes into white snowflakes which continue swirling downwards...8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43keIG8J5c 維尼
Hm. The technology is not impossible, but I wonder at its purpose in service.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5snnrRPyPJ 維尼
... before we reach the edge of the third Level, the rising stairs transitioning back into a smooth conveyer bringing us alongside the edge past four more similarly partitioned biome squares.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNd3Bnbk5K 維尼
Much better visibility here.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mGW0mLDFg 維尼
The first biome features a bright liquid pool rippling under the rain. A darkly opaque partition obscures sight, then the second biome can be seen to hold a rainy forest glade enfolding a lone cabin. A darkly opaque partition obscures sight again, then we hit the corner of the third Level and the conveyer transitions into rising marble-like stairs once more, bringing us up through the falling rain towards the fourth Level...8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTVKJAnj8U 維尼
(Soon...)8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWMGtKZ7HB 維尼
I stare upwards towards grey, gently roiling clouds, drawing close. Passing a certain point –8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5efJNK9Lf 維尼
– we pass into the grey. It is cold, damp and gently coiling as we reach the edge of what likely is the vast, sprawling fourth Level of this residence quadrant of the Master.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡjX73pYw0e2 維尼
Hm. If I cannot see at all...8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ajf3QWMB1 維尼
The conveyer slows, then gently stops.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcdI9WlhAA 維尼
"Id."8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hRz51nwyH 維尼
I turn.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOz53aqG16 維尼
The Master is wreathed in grey fog, almost seeming a part of it. "Research at the processor until you finish, then take the winding stair."8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoT1vOcdiF 維尼
"Yes, Master Gabriel." I turn, immediately walking off into the obscuring grey. The Id EIS footsteps are muted. Gradually, the outline of a chair, desk, and a large screen sitting upon it become visible. Obviously the processor, I smoothly sit at the chair, waiting patiently for it to scan and activate...8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡLv02YqihRc 維尼
But the large screen remains dark.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDavtC7g1q 維尼
Oh?8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcRrTN4wYL 維尼
Frowning, I press the power button underneath and the screen finally warms, brightening to a directory.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LbQoQ3uve 維尼
Hm, this is older tech. For nostalgia? Or to keep this information off of the main system?8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxdWR8B7aW 維尼
I scan, then open the first filetree: it is an incomplete biosynth codemap labeled Second. A basic biosynthetic Attendant template is included and the behavioral traits are listed, but no detailed maps for neural systems or attached psych evaluations are included.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4YtEJDv7H 維尼
Curious.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡnc9yJOWLp7 維尼
Reading through the service record, I find it similarly incomplete. Second was often punished brutally, while frequent post-maturation tweaks to the Second EIS were made by The Master. Permanently decommisioned after six months, no Projects are listed.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HBD7PiTvJ 維尼
"Hmm." I sit back in the chair, reflecting...8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡttyQkld7QW 維尼
Second was a failure. It would be helpful to know more particulars of this cautionary tale, but... I cannot be too worried, having already completed several successful Projects for The Master without noted punishment.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡphooj1H8TI 維尼
I move on, opening up the next filetree: a biosynth codemap labeled Third. A heavily altered biosynthetic Attendant template, the service record shows competent service, with noted assistance on certain of The Master's projects. But nothing stands out, and service was ended after two years.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HekyF1NfF 維尼
Generic.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWD2oHSE4l 維尼
I move on, opening up the next filetree: a biosynth codemap labeled Fourth. The biosynthetic Attendant template was moderately altered, and Fourth is listed as having produced many original Projects and serving for nearly a century. When examining listed Projects, I am impressed to discover that Fourth invented Smartmatter 2.0, the first C-Shield, Evolution Trigger 2.0 and a wide range of other foundational technologies.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡkB52fWfx2C 維尼
Yes, there is much to live up to... although Fourth did NOT possess intelligence beyond Base 1, as I do. It was also tailored to introspective meekness, conversations with The Master appearing to have been few and far between. Another interesting fact is that Fourth was only punished twice: once on the first day of service, and again shortly before The Master ordered termination.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVWrKBGBuP 維尼
The Id EIS lips curve up into a smile.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08fbJuyj8W 維尼
I can exceed this.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5qwrueAbC 維尼
I move on, opening up the next filetree: a biosynth codemap labelled Fifth. Basic template and basic service record.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMPLa6p41B 維尼
Generic.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsunSbPtMl 維尼
I move on, opening up the next filetree: a biosynth codemap labelled Sixth. A social aide but a scientific failure. Long-lived.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡNj9hWTFVtR 維尼
Mixed success.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTO7WO0EGr 維尼
I move on, opening up the next filetree: a biosynth codemap labelled Seventh. Served unremarkably well for 10 years.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡML2Dm9JcqE 維尼
Underwhelming.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwMl82gExG 維尼
I move on, opening up the next filetree: a biosynth codemap labelled Eighth. Moderately altered template. Stern, brilliant, mercurial and long-lived, the end of the service record is redacted.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBbr6olQvW 維尼
Curious. Hm.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0rK8TCFHA 維尼
I move on, opening up the next filetree: a biosynth codemap labelled Ninth. A tireless worker, intelligence at base level 1.2, it chiefly maintained the Tower grounds and wider Domain, travelling beyond the Border as well, although those details are mostly redacted.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0EaEV7yOL 維尼
Another interesting mystery.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OU2TGmB8g 維尼
I move on, opening up the third to last filetree: a biosynth codemap labelled Tenth. Intelligence was base level 2.0, but service was erratic. Numerous Projects are listed, a great number in the middle partially redacted. Tenth served 40 years, although it was intermittently held in stasis for years at a time.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Cl8eir1vs 維尼
Mhmmm. Peak mystery.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQw5v07QPs 維尼
I move on, opening up the second to last filetree: a biosyth codemap labelled Eleventh. Little is listed besides a few Projects concerning theoretical physics. Eleventh served five years, attended a Meeting of The Twelve and was promptly decommissioned at the end.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡZO943EzATc 維尼
Some kind of presentation failure, I assume.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNxiG32d6O 維尼
When I move on to the last filetree, the Id EIS eyes narrow. Three folders await me: the Genesis Project, Lost Eden and the Interrupting Event.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaDQCRAjNd 維尼
Hm. (Well now...)8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5Tqcjp9Yk 維尼
While reading, I find that it is all old, pivotal history, but detailed much more fully here than in public Tower systems, including every single step from the Iconoclast Period to The Twelve. By the end I have run the gamut from intrigued, to enthralled, to beaming pride for those forever superior8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtE5G2bBtg 維尼
The death and rebirth of humanity. Wow. What an incredible genesis. (Yes. The Master is a great one...)8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3bqVscHn3 維尼
Now finished, I shut the processor off and walk back out across the fourth Level, through swirling grey mist. I eventually return to the now empty marble-like walkway and step on, after which it begins passing alongside the edge again before transitioning back up into rising stairs which curve towards the center of the interior, ambient light fading quickly until all becomes darkness.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3g2bjqxoB 維尼
(Stillness.)8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmEPHhHCAt 維尼
I am still.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhjCnoyrYx 維尼
Suddenly: a spotlight shines down now, illuminating a solitary, red-sheeted bed waiting in the center of this new dark place.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MWb4QNnSX 維尼
Is –?8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EFmYWII5V 維尼
A heavy hand falls upon the Id EIS shoulder.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Njlhe4BcB 維尼
Oh! It's touching me! I...8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡa92wY2wlmu 維尼
"You are to be favored," The Master whispers behind me in a strange, husky tone never used before.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6JWk0TTgp 維尼
I smile tremulously, sensitively aware of the constant Id EIS body nudity the first time now...8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcClv5Eu2n 維尼
Its grey fingers slide from the Id EIS collarbone on down, trailing warmth Never before experienced. Across the Id EIS chest, then building down towards the Id EIS stomach-muscles growing taut at the contact, moving towards –8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ln951cRbX 維尼
I gasp.8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QTHvxYBLF 維尼
Hot breath against the Id EIS ear. "It is time to share new things."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPajHorwCP
8964 copyright protection347ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UYTZvxtFT 維尼
