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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1o4aAONcB5 維尼
Endless.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPnh40kU0s 維尼
(Go.)8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bY5y4J9J4 維尼
I hurry after it.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96nKPOsj45 維尼
"We will spend more time together," The Master promises me distractedly, its exhalations puffing white.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMNXvGnLT0 維尼
Joy. "If it please you!"8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡoG8kCiy9cf 維尼
While we approach the empty center, marble-like steps slowly fade into view. They end abruptly, mid-air.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzFaz7ZPnD 維尼
Conveyence?8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4LdklGDn0 維尼
The Master climbs halfway, then glances back.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgVK1B75iI 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcAMJZ4iR4 維尼
"This is one of my residence quadrants," The Master states. "You will know them."8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMHTOmmN3i 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSlJUT8A2d 維尼
Hm. It seems reasonably sized.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡosahhOsQdF 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡT39XY87wHD 維尼
Done.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKItRbKzKK 維尼
Passing a certain threshold –8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNOrPaBRo8 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvZaTfgHbm 維尼
Hm. The technology is not impossible, but I wonder at its purpose in service.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59znCL6G0Q 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TJBZ5RKv1 維尼
Much better visibility here.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3tT9GgTKg 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGWtCIxo6s 維尼
(Soon...)8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡrENByQnXLO 維尼
I stare upwards towards grey, gently roiling clouds, drawing close. Passing a certain point –8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0o4SC6jb3J 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaFXP5PJee 維尼
Hm. If I cannot see at all...8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡElGcnEkBmJ 維尼
The conveyer slows, then gently stops.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpYUqMlyML 維尼
"Id."8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡT891tx054q 維尼
I turn.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UBr3TmLi6 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvpFiY2HiK 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sqL3uMWGY 維尼
But the large screen remains dark.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXshgMjx4N 維尼
Oh?8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gOtBhm07Y 維尼
Frowning, I press the power button underneath and the screen finally warms, brightening to a directory.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ13OUP3Qt5 維尼
Hm, this is older tech. For nostalgia? Or to keep this information off of the main system?8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtxSF80rMk 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqjhfudZOi 維尼
Curious.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2c6NBuHoo 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡrT4bx22wof 維尼
"Hmm." I sit back in the chair, reflecting...8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡMK8JeBw5gd 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4vo1BFxkq 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlYkhpsEHl 維尼
Generic.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIZ5J0mdhj 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEOpfm4T6k 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2atPzMmuaJ 維尼
The Id EIS lips curve up into a smile.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡspDzqF4IvL 維尼
I can exceed this.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNZtfP38Oz 維尼
I move on, opening up the next filetree: a biosynth codemap labelled Fifth. Basic template and basic service record.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTwlKkZoCp 維尼
Generic.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvm9lADeMF 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyly86rbat 維尼
Mixed success.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jhWq5t8w1 維尼
I move on, opening up the next filetree: a biosynth codemap labelled Seventh. Served unremarkably well for 10 years.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4h3A5eBRP 維尼
Underwhelming.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cM4Jp3fZt 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4f95jwlFb0 維尼
Curious. Hm.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡX678MGx4vN 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sNOVNRe99 維尼
Another interesting mystery.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoGOpo4gHz 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGOQ7L7tUt 維尼
Mhmmm. Peak mystery.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkY8OPTW5N 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡDikedhZUth 維尼
Some kind of presentation failure, I assume.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxY1Dvg2qJ 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVKxOAKbYz 維尼
Hm. (Well now...)8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡnP8WTaH0vJ 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAT4AdDzjT 維尼
The death and rebirth of humanity. Wow. What an incredible genesis. (Yes. The Master is a great one...)8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDbRHPiUVG 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡmT6eqqhTaW 維尼
(Stillness.)8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡak7cXokbw0 維尼
I am still.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7YJx4h4lc 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89kD8i8hJb 維尼
Is –?8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2f2r5npuO 維尼
A heavy hand falls upon the Id EIS shoulder.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFGnZlE2dM 維尼
Oh! It's touching me! I...8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡSq6AltZDvo 維尼
"You are to be favored," The Master whispers behind me in a strange, husky tone never used before.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡFV3PfebM9q 維尼
I smile tremulously, sensitively aware of the constant Id EIS body nudity the first time now...8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡ618NnZAWo1 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 protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1BCxmVDcm 維尼
I gasp.8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4fx4BuKaE 維尼
Hot breath against the Id EIS ear. "It is time to share new things."271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMffwTM4s9C
8964 copyright protection267ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28qvB1sIDq 維尼
