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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHfkjB5GHO 維尼
Endless.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡEK4sN4l5eP 維尼
(Go.)8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1CHUxPFng 維尼
I hurry after it.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡpk3QbtL7Mp 維尼
"We will spend more time together," The Master promises me distractedly, its exhalations puffing white.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡBavkHLMUzN 維尼
Joy. "If it please you!"8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwu9kl5AKp 維尼
While we approach the empty center, marble-like steps slowly fade into view. They end abruptly, mid-air.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGG9QlXVLt 維尼
Conveyence?8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMa8xu1fz1 維尼
The Master climbs halfway, then glances back.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuNlBwf8AR 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJqklQ4MHB 維尼
"This is one of my residence quadrants," The Master states. "You will know them."8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrlLMr09vc 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡurcoGPXnd3 維尼
Hm. It seems reasonably sized.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hUSEQuPFC 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEnnVgeDos 維尼
Done.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TAGVSgv9E 維尼
Passing a certain threshold –8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡhl6JIgG6uF 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaVma6QASk 維尼
Hm. The technology is not impossible, but I wonder at its purpose in service.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03AXzv8zIA 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡAerXJkMDR5 維尼
Much better visibility here.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFJICFCHe5 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxINIEqC5C 維尼
(Soon...)8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTPvnxVhEW 維尼
I stare upwards towards grey, gently roiling clouds, drawing close. Passing a certain point –8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1BRA6j4RC 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SiUTDFo4G 維尼
Hm. If I cannot see at all...8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyYCMYIXIs 維尼
The conveyer slows, then gently stops.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWgii4psSH 維尼
"Id."8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZumRYrlai 維尼
I turn.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡwK8FdksKXf 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡLofRkikmvQ 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCr6MzguA6 維尼
But the large screen remains dark.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpItyNdOvi 維尼
Oh?8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoQoAhIYst 維尼
Frowning, I press the power button underneath and the screen finally warms, brightening to a directory.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7UvLHsbo1 維尼
Hm, this is older tech. For nostalgia? Or to keep this information off of the main system?8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4r3xZh08L 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡdF8QrT7Kf0 維尼
Curious.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3UURl0gka 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡHe6l9iVmar 維尼
"Hmm." I sit back in the chair, reflecting...8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhFqNF0kpn 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡSywyYjw1tp 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡurIINGrzIA 維尼
Generic.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6FGGeroXp 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3QIViCKMh 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKn2wEkks1 維尼
The Id EIS lips curve up into a smile.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡvd7wEGeufa 維尼
I can exceed this.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJrhiUbsD3 維尼
I move on, opening up the next filetree: a biosynth codemap labelled Fifth. Basic template and basic service record.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiGxovdXMo 維尼
Generic.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2JHD4xZcK 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7x6HmDUJ8e 維尼
Mixed success.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnQEpWzfD5 維尼
I move on, opening up the next filetree: a biosynth codemap labelled Seventh. Served unremarkably well for 10 years.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNDNLqhjMl 維尼
Underwhelming.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡZagwBKYkrW 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡuO4fFVumyt 維尼
Curious. Hm.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18tcaRZjVH 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjB9oemHxe 維尼
Another interesting mystery.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NswwaJmTe 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jsXNxQ0Hs 維尼
Mhmmm. Peak mystery.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPOK7e2OYm 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXA7DTyxoU 維尼
Some kind of presentation failure, I assume.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJc1aLlj9W 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7c6w6vv5qx 維尼
Hm. (Well now...)8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLrt7qnA9f 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡTn1mnThUIv 維尼
The death and rebirth of humanity. Wow. What an incredible genesis. (Yes. The Master is a great one...)8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhWNTtlVId 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0LJxiMUyN 維尼
(Stillness.)8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYePaJ9nF3 維尼
I am still.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQME5GlCmy 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Axqg3bkrP 維尼
Is –?8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzkgQCySlk 維尼
A heavy hand falls upon the Id EIS shoulder.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡf77HCCrApX 維尼
Oh! It's touching me! I...8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtdypk1e3n 維尼
"You are to be favored," The Master whispers behind me in a strange, husky tone never used before.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpmtZOO1Nv 維尼
I smile tremulously, sensitively aware of the constant Id EIS body nudity the first time now...8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxTuZ0QoGR 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 protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvO2fbSxfF 維尼
I gasp.8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡGujLeUxupk 維尼
Hot breath against the Id EIS ear. "It is time to share new things."359Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbn4N6v1LX
8964 copyright protection355ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDRutIslGd 維尼
