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...copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN6rwMrARj
Endless.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkpSs5tEq3
(Go.)copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWNJhJ6SJv
I hurry after it.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Tj6kQSMqK
"We will spend more time together," The Master promises me distractedly, its exhalations puffing white.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5X4vPxBjb1
Joy. "If it please you!"copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8YaSfUY7D
While we approach the empty center, marble-like steps slowly fade into view. They end abruptly, mid-air.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7xNeSD7F4
Conveyence?copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡSK2WgSuRbF
The Master climbs halfway, then glances back.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxORIG6CEd
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...copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8lNWAGzHl
"This is one of my residence quadrants," The Master states. "You will know them."copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡEA5Gxmz1dK
"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...copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6ivX0b4CP
Hm. It seems reasonably sized.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSXDGTemtW
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...copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8wNP39o4n
Done.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ltrgrrrv4
Passing a certain threshold –copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNXfrD9F0D
– 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...copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIL8vAcFZg
Hm. The technology is not impossible, but I wonder at its purpose in service.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡ272wyjY0Lt
... 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.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42h1iIFroF
Much better visibility here.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40oP8Uqkzp
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...copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCxE86X66I
(Soon...)copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbLRc4ASvY
I stare upwards towards grey, gently roiling clouds, drawing close. Passing a certain point –copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAZWp7QQsq
– 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.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡg42NIaUFh0
Hm. If I cannot see at all...copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡoScaJpekhK
The conveyer slows, then gently stops.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPkhMKpDAS
"Id."copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QW5EFgyly
I turn.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJqMUab9us
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."copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNid45XuIy
"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...copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLpjR3Y8Cj
But the large screen remains dark.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡGc37YXha7L
Oh?copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0zVdE0b8J
Frowning, I press the power button underneath and the screen finally warms, brightening to a directory.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvv8PmcNvP
Hm, this is older tech. For nostalgia? Or to keep this information off of the main system?copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7b2aj18Abf
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.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOgVJuzKFI
Curious.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡupeZy3mLQR
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.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡAX3D8mEgWQ
"Hmm." I sit back in the chair, reflecting...copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjEMeogO9W
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.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDlLCTOZFF
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.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfDTTLfx2c
Generic.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyv2lKrCyA
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.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5eURRNFQs
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.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGIXzCJPaL
The Id EIS lips curve up into a smile.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ykwBGh2iP
I can exceed this.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQVRKNIysy
I move on, opening up the next filetree: a biosynth codemap labelled Fifth. Basic template and basic service record.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NeKLOmuDw
Generic.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡgF5AcGgtIy
I move on, opening up the next filetree: a biosynth codemap labelled Sixth. A social aide but a scientific failure. Long-lived.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlpfca2UJu
Mixed success.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKiIv3wSxa
I move on, opening up the next filetree: a biosynth codemap labelled Seventh. Served unremarkably well for 10 years.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNPto2aFvS
Underwhelming.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOeD3rN5mw
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.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPhSxMW3Eu
Curious. Hm.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3i4xG6HlB
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.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzqPdug1AC
Another interesting mystery.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbrP3YC02h
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.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhlMlSsrAO
Mhmmm. Peak mystery.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bou0BZgCz
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.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaKk0OjCOl
Some kind of presentation failure, I assume.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiDe5Y7xqI
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.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuTKYUmXaY
Hm. (Well now...)copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡx39hn96GLV
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 superiorcopyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FeFUjE1R4
The death and rebirth of humanity. Wow. What an incredible genesis. (Yes. The Master is a great one...)copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeyDYxxluI
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.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2Ltk8DqPp
(Stillness.)copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR4AxYUb0L
I am still.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡfK0OoYlWkQ
Suddenly: a spotlight shines down now, illuminating a solitary, red-sheeted bed waiting in the center of this new dark place.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡEESq8czLDo
Is –?copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZgfANeuYe
A heavy hand falls upon the Id EIS shoulder.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeZg2ofokA
Oh! It's touching me! I...copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZe7pmkY8X
"You are to be favored," The Master whispers behind me in a strange, husky tone never used before.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡniXDxyrL3p
I smile tremulously, sensitively aware of the constant Id EIS body nudity the first time now...copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kE0AHoQ5J
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 –copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkIFr82L6a
I gasp.copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡJutH70fyMi
Hot breath against the Id EIS ear. "It is time to share new things."106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvJEbaMdWT
copyright protection102ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNDDNdkc4p
